SOLOMON’S TEMPLE
TYPE OF THE CHURCH IN THE MILLENIAL REIGN
By Fred Creel
SOLOMON'S TEMPLE
A PERMANENT HOUSE IN THE PROMISED LAND
INTRODUCTION
The following is based upon the development of the same premise as the previous writing about the Tabernacle. Briefly stated it is this:
There are FOUR buildings or houses for which God either gave the
pattern or built himself. These four are, each in its day referred to
as the dwelling place of God. The first two, the Tabernacle and the
Temple are material or physical buildings and the third, the Lord’s
Church is a spiritual house. The fourth is the Holy City, the New
Jerusalem and is Spiritual made material.
The first two prefigured the third and the third is to endure forever.
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by
Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
The reader will no doubt notice that in writing about the Temple of
Solomon, I did not refer to the vision of Ezekiel for descriptions or
dimensions. The reason for this is, I do not accept the assumption,
which seems to be common, that God was showing Ezekiel the Temple as it had once been. There are too many obvious differences. Even the
standard of measurement is different. That used by Solomon was the
standard Cubit while Ezekiel’s vision used the ‘Kings Cubit’ which was a span or nine inches longer. In addition to the other differences, Ezekiel also describes a river of water flowing from under the threshold of the temple.
This Temple seems to be connected with the final regathering of Israel and the Coming of the King into His reign. It is a literal temple, which
is yet to be built. Perhaps it can be used as the subject for a later essay.
CHAPTER ONE
THE MOUNTAIN AND THE MEN
The tabernacle had served the Lord and his people well during the
wilderness wanderings. When the people were settled in their land,
King David gave thought to the House of God. He called Nathan, the
prophet and said to him "See now, I dwell in a house of
cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains."
The intentions were good, but the timing was off. Their enemies were
still besetting them in spite of the many great battles won by
David's army. Before a permanent house, a temple, could be built, a
king of peace and glory must be upon the throne. 1 Ki 5:3 Thou
knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the
name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
1 Ki 5:4 But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.
1 Ki 5:5 And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the
LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.
1 Chr 22:8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast
shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build
an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
1 Chr 22:9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of
rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for
his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto
Israel in his days.
1 Chr 22:10 He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my
son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his
kingdom over Israel for ever.
1 Chr 28:2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear
me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to
build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and
for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:
1 Chr. 28:3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.
In the lineage of the promised seed many prefigured Christ in some way. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses were each types of Christ in some of their characteristics. King David, in his strength, pictured the mighty power of Christ to subdue his enemies.
There is coming a time when the enemies will have been put down and
Israel rests safely in her land and Christ and His bride will reign.
The swords will be beaten into plowshares and the spears into pruning
hooks and the people will learn war no more. That portion of the
reign of Solomon that was pleasing to the Lord foreshadowed this time.
While David yet reigned, He received the pattern for the Temple and began to prepare the material from which his son was to build the House of God. 1 Chronicles 22:1-5 "Then David said, This is the house of the Lord God and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel. And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; And he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God. And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight; and cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David. And David said, Solomon, my son is yet young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be EXCEEDING MAGNIFICAL, OF FAME AND OF GLORY THROUGHOUT ALL COUNTRIES; I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death." This Temple was a wonderful type of the Lord’s Church during the millenial reign.
We live in a time of fighting and of preparation. For the fighting, we
have the following instructions; "Thou therefore, endure
hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth
entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please
him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:3,4
and; "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor
of God that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand. Stand therefore having your loins girt about with the
truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet
shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all taking
the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God; Praying always with
all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with
all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Ephesians 6:11-18.
Concerning the preparation for the 'MAGNIFICAL TEMPLE' which the Lord's churches shall become in that time when the king of peace shall reign, we have scriptures such as Ephesians 2:21-22, "...having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the corner cornerstone, in whom the whole building,
BEING fitted together IS growing into a holy temple in the Lord; In
whom you also are BEING BUILT together into a dwelling of God in the
Spirit. (NAS)
A great and glorious truth concerning the Church of the Lord Jesus
Christ now comes into view: As the tabernacle in the wilderness was
the dwelling place of God. So too, the Churches of today are the
houses of God and the pillars and ground of the truth. It is in them
that God has chosen to receive worship, service and to be glorified.
(Ephesians 3:21). Yet the glory of the Lord's churches will be even
greater during the millennial reign. It will NOT be a new or a
different church. It will be the same that is being prepared now. It
will be shown to the world in a way that ALL NATIONS will marvel at
it and honor the Lord through it. The Temple shows forth this type in
a glorious way. Before it was dedicated of the temple it was just a
large expensive building. There had been larger structures built for
false gods. Then came the day when Solomon caused the tabernacle and its furnishings to be brought into it and the Ark of the Covenant to
be set in his place. At that point the glory of the Lord filled the
house as it had the tabernacle! It was no longer just a building, it was God’s House. God has decreed that He will receive glory in the church throughout ALL AGES (Ephesians 3:21) and so he shall! It shall not be another institution or another building in which he shall dwell then. It shall be the spiritual building that the Lord is now building, and has been through the centuries of this dispensation. It has moved from country to country even as the tabernacle moved from place to place in the wanderings of Israel. It will be a glorified Church, but it will be the SAME ONE with every identifying characteristic intact.
If we can get a small glimpse of the glory of the Church then, perhaps we will have more incentive to serve Him faithfully in the same ChurchToday!
There is a fascinating statement made in 2 Chronicles 29:22; "And
they made Solomon, the son of David, King the second time."
David had grown old and was confined to his bed because of his
weakness. His son, Adonijah, who had been born to him by Hagith,
took it upon himself to proclaim himself to be king. Nathan, the
prophet, Zadok, the High Priest and Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon
took steps to head off this usurping of the throne. They reminded
David of his earlier commitment to make Solomon his successor. Upon
being made aware of what was happening, David caused Zadok to anoint Solomon as king. He ordered that Solomon should be made to ride through the city on David's own mule. He ordered the trumpets to
sound and the people shout, "God save King Solomon!" Yet Solomon did not sit upon the throne and begin to rule Israel for David's reign was not yet finished.
Christ too, rode through the streets of Jerusalem on a mount that identified him as the king who was to come. "Rejoice greatly, oh daughter of Zion; Shout, oh daughter of Jerusalem: Behold thy king cometh unto thee; he is just and having salvation; lowly and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9). The people shouted and threw palm leaves before him. Even Pilate recognized the legitimacy of his kingship. He had it written as the superscription to be placed over him at his crucifixion, 'This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews'. When the Jews objected and asked him to change it to read, 'he saith he is the king of the Jews' Pilate refused by saying, "What I have written, I have written." They even crowned him, though in mockery and placed a robe around his shoulders. Yet he could not begin his reign. There were more battles to be won. This King in
the lineage of David must finally lay down his sword and his valiant
men must perform their final feat of valor. Then shall the King of Peace and Glory begin to reign.
Psa 24:7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye
everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Psa 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Psa 24:9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye
everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Psa 24:10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
While it took both David and Solomon to picture Christ as king, He alone is the one who fights and wins today's battles and it is He who shall
someday enter Jerusalem as the King of Glory. He who was led out in
disgrace and ignominy to be crucified will someday return in great
victory after winning single handed, the greatest warfare the world
will ever see: the Battle of Armageddon. With the host of heaven he
shall enter the eastern or the 'Golden Gate' which is now closed and
reserved for the glorious coming of the King of Glory!
Ezek 44:1 Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut.
Ezek 44:2 Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.
Ezek 44:3 It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat
bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
Ezek 43:1 Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:
Ezek 43:2 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Ezek 43:3 And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.
Ezek 43:4 And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. When Christ returns with all his saints after winning the Battle of Armageddon, His feet shall stand upon the Mount of Olives. It will split to the North and to the South and Christ, the victorious King, shall ride into Jerusalem on His white horse. He will enter through that same Eastern Gate which is now closed.
The nation over which Solomon reigned was founded by the decree of God as he called Abraham out of Ur. The land is that which the Lord had
promised to give to Abraham and to his seed after him. The spot upon
which Solomon was to build a temple, and on which sacrifices were to
be accepted is the same spot chosen many years earlier by God
himself. It is Mount Moriah. To Abraham God had said, "Take now thy son, thine only son, Isaac whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah and offer him there upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of" Genesis 22:2.
This was a great lesson on a most important point concerning faith and
obedience, yet many still miss it. There were many mountains in the
vicinity. Some were higher and more imposing than the one chosen.
Some were certainly more convenient. Yet God had specified that it
was to be a mountain of His choosing, not Abraham's. Though Abraham
might have acted with the greatest sincerity, had he chosen any other
spot the end would no doubt have been tragedy rather than victory.
It was upon THIS mountain that God had prepared a ram. It was caught
in a thicket by its horns and was the substitute offering. Here, the
angel waited to stay the hand of Abraham as he raised the knife to
slay his son! How sad it is that some will say today, "I'll
serve God MY way" or, "I'll serve on my own terms and
because I'm so sincere, God will surely accept it." The
scripture declares emphatically that this course is deadly when
applied to the salvation of the soul; "There
is a way that seemeth right unto man but the end thereof are the ways
of death." Proverbs 14:1 and it leads to a loss of rewards
and blessings when applied to service; "And if a man also
strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive
lawfully" 2 Timothy 2:5. When the Lord specified the New
Testament Church as the place in which he would receive glory
(Ephesians 3:21), He ruled out any other place as acceptable.
On the occasion of David’s sin of numbering the people God caused
destruction to come upon Israel as David’s punishment. When the
time for the hand of the Lord to be stayed David was directed to this
spot to meet the angel of the Lord. God instructed. him to build an
altar here and offer a sacrifice. In order to carry out Gods orders
David purchased the threshing floor of Ornan with the wooden
threshing instruments and the oxen. Upon
this site and no other, Solomon was to build the Temple.
2 Chr 3:1 Then Solomon began to build the house of the
LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the
threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
Mount Moriah is one of three mountains associated with Jerusalem. To
the west across the old Tyropoeon Valley is Zion and to the east
across the valley of the Kidron is the Mount of Olives. Of the three, the Mount of Olives is the highest. A person approaching Jerusalem from the east could see neither the Temple Mount, nor the mount of Zion, upon which the king's house stood until he reached the top of the Mount of Olives. No matter that the traveler was anxious to view the glory ahead, he had to wait until he reached this spot. So it is with the glorified church which is typified by the Temple. The thought of it may make us yearn to see its glory and through the pages of the Word we understand a little of its splendor, but something is blocking our clear view! It is still the Mount of Olives! When our Lord returns, his feet will stand upon the Mount of
Olives and it will remove to the north and to the south. Only when this occurs will the way be clear and all will see the Bride, His Church, in all her glory!
By studying the things shown to us in the types in the Temple of Solomon we can have a better understanding of what that time will be like. It will help us also to comprehend that the present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that SHALL be ours! Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
The story of the men connected with the construction of the temple would not be complete without mentioning the 'non-Jewish' aid upon which Solomon relied. Hiram, was king of Tyre, a Phoenician maritime city north of the land of Israel. They had the capabilities of commerce
and industry needed in the undertaking. This was not a new alliance
formed by Solomon however. His father, king David had worked with
Hiram in building his own palace and in acquiring the material from which Solomon was to build the Temple.
2 Chr 2:1 And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
2 Chr 2:2 And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.
2 Chr 2:3 And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build
him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me.
2 Chr 2:4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the
continual showbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening,
on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of
the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.
2 Chr 2:5 And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.
2 Chr 2:6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?
2 Chr 2:7 Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.
2 Chr 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of
Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
2 Chr 2:9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great.
At first this might seem somewhat startling; a Jewish undertaking depending upon non-Jews to accomplish it’s purpose! Yet, is not what our Lord has done concerning His Church? It began as a strictly Jewish institution but soon the major part of the building was assumed by those who were not of Israel. The Glorified Church, which will rule with Christ, shall be of all nations, kindred and tongues. Yet she shall still be obedient to her head, the King of the Jews and she will dwell in the midst of redeemed Israel!
CHAPTER TWO
something about that which is prefigured. Let me state this point again and emphasize it; The Tabernacle typified the church during her ministry in this present age. While the Temple showed forth the
church, as she will be during the millennium reign as she rules with Christ.
Perhaps, the best way to approach the subject is to compare the materials of the two structures and note the similarities as well as the
differences.
There was no change in this substance or in that which it pictured.
There was however, a large increase in its use.. Gold shows forth
that which is divine and this never changes in Types. We will note
that there was much more of the divine in this building as it
pictured a time when the vagaries of the flesh will no longer plague
us was.
SILVER
This was the same metal as used in the Tabernacle and still
represented redemption. While silver is listed among the things David
had provided for the House of the Lord, there was none to be found in
the courtyards, nor in the Sanctuary, There is no silver used in the entire house itself. There was only one place it was used in connection with the Temple. This will be seen as we view the building, itself in a later chapter.
Judgment, or some aspect of it was still shown in the use of brass.
There was an abundance of it to be found in the courtyard, but as in
the former structure, the only use in the building, itself was to be
found at the entrance. There, it spoke eloquently of the coming of
that time being pictured.
In the Tabernacle the only wood used was a desert growth of acacia
called shittim wood. For the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai,
this was the only wood available and served to typify the makeup of
the Lord's churches today, being a twisted gnarly, knotted wood. They
must be built with available material. We may not be much, but God
has chosen to use us as He used the boards in the tabernacle. 1
Cor 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise
men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1 Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to
confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world
to confound the things which are mighty;
1 Cor 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to
nought things that are:
1 Cor 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. He first made us His, as pictured in the gold covering of each board. 1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1 Cor 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
In the Temple however, the wood was of several kinds and was imported from other places. The Church which reigns with Christ will not be made up of those he finds present in Jerusalem when he returns, but rather, of that material which is even now being prepared and which he will bring with him when he comes to sit upon his throne. The wood used in the Temple came from the far corners of the earth, as will those who make up the Lord's Church in the millennium.
CEDAR
From the slopes of the mountains of Lebanon these strong, pest and
disease resistant trees were hewn, cut to the proper dimensions,
shaped and brought to the site. This wood pictures humanity, even as
did the shittim wood of the Tabernacle. There is something different
however, in that this pleasant smelling, long lasting wood, shows forth the human church member in his redeemed state. There was no shittim [acacia] to be found in this building!
1 Cor 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this
mortal must put on immortality.
1 Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought
to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
This is generally considered to be a kind of cypress. It was used in the floors and doors. These were places where strength and long wear were desired. Here is another view of our new bodies! They will be tough and beautiful just like that of our Lord.
The tree, from whence the oil comes pictures that which is spiritual in the House of God. It was used wherever the human and the spiritual meet.
1 Cor 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Thought to be the Sandalwood, this tree was found on the coast of India south to Arabia and on the East Coast of Africa. Hiram's ships brought it, with gold from Ophir. The problem is, we are not sure where Ophir was found. We know it was a great distance from which to bring merchandise in those days of slow travel. The wood was extremely hard and aromatic. It is still prized for its use in chests, incense and for the oil obtained by boiling and distilling the pulp. In the Temple, its use is an exciting picture of things to come!
PRECIOUS STONES
2 Chr 9:10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones. The use of these stones is exciting but for the present,
we shall only refer to God's message through Malachi; Mal 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written
before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his
name.
Mal 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day
when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his
own son that serveth him.
These were all prepared and brought to the site where they were to be assembled. 1 Ki 5:17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.
1 Ki 5:18 And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them,
and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.
1 Ki 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor ax nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was
in building.
This Stone was, according to Josephus, as well as other ancient
descriptions, of polished white marble. Along with the Gold it gave the Temple an awe-inspiring look as one viewed it from the Mount of Olives.
1 Pet 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1 Pet 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I
lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that
believeth on him shall not be confounded.
FINE LINEN
This is a different word from that used in the Tabernacle. There it is designated 'twined linen' which means 'of twisted straw' or of flax woven and bleached. Here, the word, 'fine linen' comes from a Hebrew word, 'buwts' [boots] and means another cloth [Some think it may mean cotton] bleached to an intense white. Indeed, a rock near Michmash was
called 'Bowtsets' which name derived from buwts and this meant 'shining'.
It is clear that there was two distinct materials under consideration.
From the practical viewpoint it seems reasonable that in the desert
wanderings they most likely did not have the facilities to weave a finer cloth and so the twined or twisted flax would have been practical. It is also likely that, if the material in the Temple was indeed cotton, it was not available to them. This however is only surmising. All we know for sure is that there were two different cloths used. That in the Temple being fine and more intense in whiteness that the other.
The meaning is simple and plain. The white linen in both cases typified
the righteousness of Christ as imputed to God's people and their
righteousness in obedient service to him. In this present dispensation, this righteousness is a marvelous thing to behold. The rough, sin cursed sinner is changed, by the grace of God into a child of God and 'all things become new'. Yet he is still a sinner and as expressed by Paul, he is still plagued by the pull of the flesh. Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would
not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Therefore, the 'twined linen' of the tabernacle fitted the situation perfectly, but for the Temple, another material had to be used. It had to be a finer and whiter material. It was picturing a time when those things
that plagued Paul and each of us shall be no more. Having been raised
in His likeness we will no longer feel the pull of sin but will show forth the righteousness of our Lord in a new and a shining way!
THE DIMENSIONS OF THE HOUSE
As in the Tabernacle, the Lord gave instructions for the building. The
Temple followed the same pattern as the Tabernacle, but was twice as
large.
TWELVE,
is a number used for divine government. There were twelve tribes in
Israel and God was to be their ruler. 1 Sam 8:7 And the LORD said
unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
.
Christ ordained twelve to be apostles in the first church, and He is
the head. These twelve apostles are to sit upon twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel in the millennial reign. Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Holy city, the New Jerusalem, is almost completely made up of
'twelve’s' or multiple of twelve’s. The city itself is a cube measuring twelve thousand furlongs. The wall around the city is one hundred forty-four cubits [12x 12] high. The city has twelve foundations and there are twelve gates in the wall.
TEN
is a number that seems to always be connected, in some way, to the
subject of human government.
There were ten patriarchs before the flood from Adam to Noah. Beginning with Shem, there were ten more ending with Abraham. The image in Nebuchudnezzar's dream is described as having ten toes, representing ten kings. John describes, in the Book of Revelation a beast having ten horns. This has to do with the kings during the last days.
To give Israel a law to govern her, God gave to Moses, the Ten Commandments.
The number repeats itself in magnificent ways in the Temple of Solomon as God pictures the time when Christ shall govern this earth with His
Bride . . . Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
The number, 'ten' is absent from the description of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. Since I plan to cover this whole subject later, it must be sufficient for now to say, 'This is as it should be! '
FIVE
This number is especially meaningful for us. It always is used to picture the Grace of God in some manner. We will find it used repeatedly in the Temple as in the Tabernacle. The grace of God is connected with everything we do in his worship and work. Perhaps this will be more appreciated however if we leave further explanation until we consider the actual building and see just how this wonderful truth is manifested.
This number is used concerning creation or things created. It is a number used in both the Tabernacle and the Temple and in the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. Since He created all things for his glory this is as it should be.
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or
dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by
him, and for him:
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Wherever this number is found it shows that the entire Godhead is
involved.
We will look at these numbers in the dimensions of the building and
its furnishings and also in the numbers of objects.
While the Tabernacle was a marvel in its day, the Temple was even more so. From the Biblical description, one can see the wonders of it. There are ancient reports of those, who were not of Israel and saw it for
the first time. They viewed it with awe and wonder.
Only the finest materials were used. From Israel as well as from
Phoenicia, Solomon had available to him, the best craftsmen. Relics from archeological digs testify to the exquisite work of which these men were capable. Since the work on the Temple had been commissioned
by King Solomon and by his father, David, before him and agreed to by
Hiram, King of Tyre, they were under double duress to do their very best.
A remarkable thing about the construction itself, was that every stone
and every timber was prepared before being brought to the site. 1 Ki 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither
hammer nor ax nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was
in building. What a wonderful reminder to us is this fact. [1Pe
2:5 You, as living stones, are being made into a house of the
spirit, a holy order of priests, making those offerings of the spirit
which are pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.; Basic English
Bible.]
[
1Pe 2:5 yourselves also, as
living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy
priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ. :Darby's Bible]
[1Pe
2:5 And be yourselves also like living stones that are being
built up into a spiritual house, to become a holy priesthood to
offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
[Weymouth's Bible]
The
work is progressing even now. The building material for the Church,
which shall reign with Christ, is NOW being prepared! . Because the
Bible is silent on the subject, we can only surmise what was the fate
of a stone not cut to the proper dimensions or a timber with a flaw.
One thing is certain; these did NOT find a place in the building! It
is sad to see one whose life does not measure up and whose service is
not according to the Scripture, who is yet clinging fondly to the
thought that SOMEHOW he will have a place in the Bride.
1 Cor 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1
Cor 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall
declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall
try every man's work of what sort it is.
1
Cor 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he
shall receive a reward.
1
Cor 3:15 If any man's work shall be
burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so
as by fire.
We
must remember, that as there was no adjusting, or fitting of stones
or timber at the construction site, neither will there be opportunity
at the marriage of the Lamb nor at the judgment seat to go back and
make changes to ones preparation. This is most important for us to
understand, for the scriptural teaching; and
if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place
where the tree falleth, there it shall be. Ecc.11:3, applies not
only to the condition of the soul as to its salvation or loss, but
also to the condition of the life of service or lack of it when the
Lord calls us in either death or the resurrection!
The
stone mason may have been very proud of his handiwork. He may have
cut some fancy shapes and polished to a higher gloss than any other
workman, yet if it was not according to the required pattern it was
rejected
I
DREAMED OF JUDGEMENT DAY
I
was all prepared for judgment-
My
suit was cleaned and pressed.
My
shoes were shined and my hair was combed.
How
impeccably I dressed!
I
had the answers all rehearsed
'till
my logic knew no flaw.
I
could quote, in perfect grammar,
all
requirements of the Law.
My
friends all reassured me
that
the outcome of the trial
would
favor me completely
and
the judge would only smile!
I
stood up in the courtroom;
The
judge read from the Law.
He
fixed his eyes upon me
and
told me what he saw.
He
never mentioned all my knowledge
or
the fashion of my suit!
He
said, instead,"You've fallen short.
You
never brought forth fruit!"
"You
judged yourself by other men
and
now your works must burn.
I've
given you my love and grace.
You've
brought nothing, in return!"
Then,
on my knees, before him
with
pride, at last all gone,
I
could only plead for mercy
on
the merits of His Son!
fcc
Now
for a little side note on the actual erection of the Temple. 1 Ki
6:37 In the fourth year was the foundation of the house
of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:
1
Ki 6:38 And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the
eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts
thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So
was he seven years in building it. If there is any
validity to my entire premise of the Temple being a type of the
Church in the millennial age, I cannot accept this length of time as
meaningless.
While
admitting that there are others who disagree with me on the time of
the rapture, i.e., at the beginning, middle or end of the seven years
of tribulation, this is but one of many indications that I believe
points to the first or beginning of that week of years.
After
the rapture, while chaos reigns on the earth, two major events occur
in the air, where we will be with the Lord. These are, the judgment
seat of Christ at which the saved learn of their acceptance or
rejection as to their fitness to be a part of His millennial
government, [Mat 25:13 Watch
therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son
of man cometh.
Mat
25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far
country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his
goods.
Mat
25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to
another one; to every man according to his several ability; and
straightway took his journey.
Mat
25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded
with the same, and made them other five talents.
Mat
25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other
two.
Mat
25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and
hid his lord's money.
Mat
25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and
reckoneth with them.
Mat
25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought
other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five
talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
Mat
25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful
servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee
ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat
25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord,
thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other
talents beside them.
Mat
25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant;
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler
over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat
25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord,
I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not
sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed:
Mat
25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth:
lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Mat
25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful
servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where
I have not strowed:
Mat
25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the
exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own
with usury.
Mat
25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which
hath ten talents.
Mat
25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have
abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that
which he hath.
Mat
25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness:
there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.]
The
other will be the marriage supper of the Lamb. These two
events will be
accomplished in total seclusion as far as this world is concerned.
Christ will take the material prepared beforehand, judge its fitness
for the job and award positions to the faithful.
2
Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I
have kept the faith:
2
Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also
that love his appearing.
After
this, he will fulfill the promise made on the night he was betrayed,
Mat 26:29 ' But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of
this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you
in my Father's kingdom." This occurs at the marriage supper
of the Lamb
At
this point, coinciding with the end of the seven years, he will
return with his saints. He will defeat the armies of the anti-christ
at Armageddon and begin his earthly reign for one thousand years.
CHAPTER
FOUR
A
TOUR OF THE COURTYARD
The
idea of separation of church and state is right and even scriptural
for this age. However, in an effort to exclude God from the education
of children, the atheistic humanists have changed things around. Now
instead of government not favoring one church over another, it makes
laws hindering the work of the Lord. While the Lord has only one kind
of Church and not the many now existing, any law, which restricts
one, can and will eventually be used against all.
A
good example of this is the 'Green River Ordinance .' It was named
for the town that passed it. The community had been plagued with the
group know as 'Jehovah's Witnesses'. In an attempt to regulate them,
they made it illegal to canvass within the city limits without
securing a license. It was hailed by many as a proper use of
governmental power. However it soon became apparent that any law
which regulates one group could be and was used against any other.
Thankfully, it was declared to be unconstitutional
There
are TWO Courtyards. The first is called the Great Court and the
second is the Court of the Priests.
2 Chr 4:9 Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the
great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them
with brass.
There
is a popular idea among those who would like to deny the Lord's
Church her rightful place in Glory. This idea is, that there, 'ALL
will be in the glorified bride.' If this were true, then there would
be no need for TWO COURTS, for all would be equal and have equal
access to the Temple.
There will be those coming to worship at the temple in the millennial
reign who are NOT of the Church or of Israel. They will find that
they will be accepted only as far as the great court. There their
offerings will be taken by the priests into the Court of the Priests,
washed and made acceptable. The Doors of Brass suggest that even
then, they and their offerings must be judged and found to be proper.
It
becomes clear when we enter the court of the Temple, that in the time
symbolized, the government and worship are NOT separated. THEY ARE
THE SAME! As the priest received the offering and as he and the other
priests labored in the Court of the Priests, they symbolized the role
of the Redeemed Nation of Israel in the millennial reign. While the
Church reigns as the Bride of Christ, Israel is His Nation and all
that come to worship must honor the Nation, which the world has so
long detested. Zech.8:21 And
the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go
speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I
will go also.
22
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of
hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
23
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass,
that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations,
even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We
will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
The
first thing we note is the ALTAR. No longer was the small altar of
the Tabernacle in service. This altar was
huge. 2 Chr 4:1 Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty
cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and
ten cubits the height thereof.
We
do not know the precise length of a cubit, nor the other measures but
we do know that a cubit was approximately 1 1/2 feet and a span was
half that or about nine inches.
These
two measures were based on the length of the king's fore arm as the
cubit. The length of his spread out fingers from the tip of the
little finger to the tip of the thumb was a span.
As
in the Tabernacle, this place, where the Burnt Offerings were placed,
was a type of the Cross upon which Christ died as a sacrifice. The
dimension, 20 X 20 X 10 cubits, was a repetitive use of the number
ten. God was telling us that during this time his entire government
will be charged with presenting Christ to those who are yet lost.
YES. There will be lost people present during the millennial reign!
Toward this fact, Isaiah made the following reference; Isa
65:20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old
man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred
years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be
accursed Another proof of the presence of lost people is the fact
that at the end of the thousand years, Satan will be loosed from the
bottomless pit and in a 'little season' can gather an army! It is
impossible that this army will be composed of any but lost souls.
Since
there will be those who need salvation, and God is still not willing
that any should perish, someone must present the Gospel message. God
has decreed that the lost can be saved only after hearing the Gospel.
1 Cor 1:21 For after that in
the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by
the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Only two groups have ever been commissioned by God to preach this
Gospel. These are Israel, as God's chosen nation, and the New
Testament Church as the Bride of Christ. The location of the Altar
signifies that in the millennial age they will carry out God's
intentions for them.
This
Altar, with its sacrifices also pointed to the fact that as long as
there remains a lost person on the face of the earth, the plan of
salvation will remain as it has always been; Acts
10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name
whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Heb
9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and
without shedding of blood is no remission.
The
preaching of the cross will never go out of style with God! Even in
the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, when there are no sinners present,
the saved will glory in the cross and praise the Lamb of God
who died there for us. Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the
sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did
lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
The
brass of the Altar tells us that God's judgment of our sins
was met in Jesus Christ. Keep this thought in mind as we tour the
Temple. We will find that this most important truth illustrated in
the last object to be examined as it is here in the first. Thus God
brings the greatest truth of all eternity is before us; 1 Cor
15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the
scriptures;
1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the
tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by
whose stripes ye were healed.
God
would have us to never forget His love for mankind or his provision
for their salvation. The truths of John 3:16 will be as fresh and
new after a thousand years as they were when we first heard and
marveled at His Love and Amazing Grace!
THE
SEA OF BRASS
Altar was on his right and on his left stood the Sea of Brass.2
Chr 4:10 And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over
against the south. Lest we become confused, we must remember
that the Temple is facing the East. The directions of right and left
are given from the aspect of coming from the temple and not as
approaching it. Because of this one found the Sea of Brass on his
left as he came to the Temple with his sacrifice.
This
Sea Of Brass was so called because of its huge size. 2 Chr 4:2
Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in
compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty
cubits did compass it round about. While it corresponded to the
LAVER of the Tabernacle, there were several notable differences.
There
was no place where the size of the laver or its foot was mentioned,
while the description of this sea of brass was very specific. The
laver was always mentioned in connection with its foot or base. This
foot held the water used by the priest in his constant washing as he
went in and out of the Tabernacle. It was also connected with the
washing of the priest in the ceremonies of purification as be began
his life's work. This typified the place of our cleansing in our
dedication to the work of priests in our ministry in his church.
Eph
5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water
by the word,
Rev
1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to
him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1
Pet 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house,
an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to
God by Jesus Christ.
This
foot was not present in the Sea of Brass of the Temple. The Sea was
for the priests to wash in.2 Chr 4:6 He made also ten lavers, and
put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them:
such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in
them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. It was
approximately fifteen feet across and seven and a half feet deep. The
use of the foot of the laver, in the Tabernacle pictured how, in our
present ministry, all we can hope for, is to keep our hands and feet
free from the contamination of the world. Only through Christ can, we
accomplish this.
have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not
the truth:
1
John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin.
1
John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us.
1
John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
In the Millennial Reign there will not be the partial, daily
cleansing of the hands and feet. Rather, there will be the total
cleansing of those who in their new and glorified bodies serve Him
These will be granted the privilege of walking with him in white
garments. Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed
in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of
life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his
angels.
One
might ask, "Why do the glorified saints need this washing?"
I think it is to let us know that even in those bodies that shall be
fashioned like unto his glorious body, we shall NEVER stand before
him on our own merits. We must then as now and even later, in the
eternal age, stand before God only on the terms of the imputed
righteousness of Christ. The song, 'Amazing Grace' will never be out
of style for His Saints!
This
Sea of Brass rested upon the backs of TWELVE oxen. 2 Chr 4:3 And
under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round
about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of
oxen were cast, when it was cast.
2
Chr 4:4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north,
and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the
south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above
upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.
Twelve
is the number for divine government. It was the number of the tribes
of Israel and the number of Apostles first set in the Church. When
Peter asked, Mat 19:27
Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have
therefore?
Jesus
replied, Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto
you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son
of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon
twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The
Diameter of the Sea is given as TEN Cubits, which is the number for
human government. From the first to the last, we are reminded that
these two are one in this reign of peace.
The
Ox is also an animal that typifies faithful service, strength and
patience. Only those who have exhibited these traits are worthy of
the type. They are the ones upon whom a great deal of responsibility
will rest.
Around
the brim of the Sea were engravings of oxen. These were small for
there were TEN of them in two rows in each cubit around the
circumference. Those who have manifested these traits are also those
who will be allowed to serve in the human side of His government!
In
place of the Foot of the Laver, there were TEN LAVERS of brass on
wheels. 1 Ki 7:38 Then made he
ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: and every laver
was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.
1
Ki 7:39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and
five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right
side of the house eastward over against the south.
Second Chron. 4:6 informs us the ten lavers on their bases were for
the washing, not of the priests, but the offerings brought by the
people. Consider the following;
1.During
this time God will demand and receive worship from
all nations. Zec 14:16 And it shall come to pass, that every
one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem
shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of
hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Zec
14:17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the
families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of
hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
Zec
14:18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have
no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the
heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
2. God has said that the only way to glorify him now and in All ages,
is through a New Testament Church.
3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all
ages, world without end. Amen.
3.
These who bring their offerings are NOT in the Lord's church. How the
can their offerings be made acceptable?
The
Lavers are TEN in number. This suggests that the government of the
land will be involved in making the offerings acceptable. What is
this government?
2
Tim 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him,
he also will deny us:
1
Cor 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if
the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the
smallest matters?
It
seems perfectly clear that God is NOT violating his own edicts. Yet
He is making it possible during this glorious age of the
thousand-year reign for ALL to worship Him. Though they are not a
part of the church, their offerings are made acceptable by presenting
them to Him THROUGH the church.
Five
of these Lavers were placed at each side of the court yard. FIVE is
the number used to indicate the Grace of God. In this, we see the
grace of God extended to all of the subjects of the King of Kings!
Though they are unworthy of the privilege, they are allowed to
worship Him and in fact are ordered to do so.
These
Lavers were set upon bases with wheels. The details of these are
fascinating and revealing.
1
Ki 7:27 And he made ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length
of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits
the height of it.
1
Ki 7:28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had
borders, and the borders were between the ledges:
1
Ki 7:29 And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions,
oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and
beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.
1
Ki 7:30 And every base had four brazen wheels, and plates of brass:
and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were
undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.
1
Ki 7:31 And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above was a
cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the work of the base, a
cubit and an half: and also upon the mouth of it were gravings with
their borders, foursquare, not round.
1
Ki 7:32 And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of
the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a
cubit and half a cubit.
1
Ki 7:33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot
wheel: their axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their
spokes, were all molten.
1
Ki 7:34 And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one
base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself.
1
Ki 7:35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half
a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the
borders thereof were of the same.
1
Ki 7:36 For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders
thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the
proportion of every one, and additions round about.
1
Ki 7:37 After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one
casting, one measure, and one size.
1
Ki 7:38 Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty
baths: and every laver was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten
bases one laver.
1
Ki 7:39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and
five on the left side of the house:
In
this description of the bases, the number FOUR seems to stand
out. Each was four cubits square. ' Four' is the number of creation.
This being a type of the one thousand year reign of Christ, we are
reminded that all creation will then rejoice and praise Him.
Psa
150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in
the firmament of his power.
Psa
150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his
excellent greatness.
Psa
150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the
psaltery and harp.
Psa
150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with
stringed instruments and organs.
Psa
150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high
sounding cymbals.
Psa
150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye
the LORD.
Psa
148:7 Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Psa
148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his
word:
Psa
148:9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Psa
148:10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Psa
148:11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges
of the earth:
Psa
148:12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Psa
148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is
excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
Four
things were to be engraved on these bases; Oxen, lions, cherubim, and
palm trees. These four things not only stand for things created, they
each manifest a wonderful truth.
The
angels are created beings. Heb
1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and
his ministers a flame of fire. They will be present during the
thousand years and not only serve their creator but will also serve
the Bride as she reigns with Him. 1 Cor 6:3 Know ye not that we
shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
. The
Oxen stand, not only for the domesticated creatures that serve man,
they also speak of strength and patience, as we noted earlier.
The
Lion pictured the wild beasts, which will then serve mankind and
glorify their creator. Isa 11:6
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie
down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling
together; and a little child shall lead them.
Isa
11:7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie
down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
Isa
11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and
the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
It
is also worth noting that the lion is associated with Christ the
King. Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not:
behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath
prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
The
Palm Tree is a wonderful choice to represent the growing things of
the earth as they glorify the King. It was one of the most valuable
and versatile plants found in the region. It grew anywhere there was
enough water and because of its height could be seen from far away.
This announced to the weary traveler where he might find the moisture
so desperately needed. Its’ fruit was excellent food and its’
leaves could be fashioned into shelters to shield one from the heat
of the sun.
The
Palm Tree has long been used as a symbol for royalty and joy. It was
quite common that subjects would greet their kings with palm branches
upon their arrival. The greeting of Jesus in this manner was
according to the custom of subjects so greeting their king. John
12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when
they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
John
12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and
cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name
of the Lord.
Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which
no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and
tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with
white robes, and palms in their hands;
By
using these things on the bases God is giving us a message; He
created man to have the rule over all creation. Gen 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and
let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of
the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every
creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Because
of man's sin, that dominance was lost,
Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly,
but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom
8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the
bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of
God.
Rom
8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in
pain together until now.
At
last, through the work of the second Adam, Jesus Christ, man's
mastery is restored!
APPROACHING THE HOUSE
What
a grand, imposing sight it must have been as one stood in the
courtyard with the Great sea, The Altar and the ten wheeled lavers
and the flaying tables arrayed before the Temple of the Lord. Then as
one looked westward toward the Temple his eyes came to rest on the
two magnificent columns of brass, which stood,
one at each side of the entrance to the temple porch.
15
For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece:
and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.
16
And he made two chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of
the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was five cubits, and the
height of the other chapiter was five cubits:
17
And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the
chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one
chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.
18
And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one
network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with
pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.
19
And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily
work in the porch, four cubits.
20
And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above,
over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates
were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter.
21
And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up
the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up
the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.
22
And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of
the pillars finished.
From
the earliest of times pillars, steles and other monuments have been
built as witnesses to different events. It was thus when Laban and
Jacob erected the monument of stones at the time of Jacob's departure
to return home. Gen.31:52 This heap be witness, and this pillar
be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that
thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.
Earlier, Jacob had set up a pillar to mark the spot of his encounter
with God and his vision of the ladder to heaven. Gen.28:18 And
Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had
put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon
the top of it.
19
And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that
city was called Luz at the first.
20
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep
me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment
to put on,
21
So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the
LORD be my God:
And
this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and
of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto
thee.
Those pillars had been monuments of man's dealings with his
fellow man and to man's promises to God. However, these pillars, were
of God's design and were monuments of His promise to mankind.
One
of the fondest dreams of man has always been for a unified, peaceful,
universal kingdom in which men might find their dreams and
aspirations coming to fruition It was this desire that caused
humanity to begin to build the Tower of Babel. Gen.11:4
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top
may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be
scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
Since
then, it has been the dream of men to establish such a kingdom in
defiance of the God of Heaven. The empires of the Bible, Babylonian,
Medes, Persian, Grecian and Roman, have all had one thing in common.
That is the idea that theirs would be an everlasting kingdom. Each
was presided over by a man upon whom they had bestowed the mantle of
deity. However one after the other, these fell and their god-kings
were powerless to stop it.
In
later history the world has witnessed the Huns, the Ottoman Turks,
the Third Reich of Hitler and the world domination aspirations of
communism. Each prospered for a moment of time and fell. The spread
of the British Empire and the colonial ambitions of many European
nations have withered and come to naught. There is but one man who
shall ever succeed in such an endeavor. His name is Jesus and the
facts of his reign are established in the Word of God. Luke
1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his
kingdom there shall be no end.
Rev.2:27
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a
potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my
Father.
This
is the testimony of the two pillars. These set the tone for all the
types and shadows of the Temple of Solomon. I Kings 7:21 And he
set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the
right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the
left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz. Jachin is a
name that means, 'He shall establish it' while Boaz seems to
carry the idea of strength.
The
Temple was, in the whole, a prophetic symbol of the millenial reign
of Christ. Each part of it signified something of the time when
Christ shall reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. These
witnesses told us that until Christ shall stand again upon the earth,
man will not find the paradise, the Utopia for which he so
desperately seeks. Indeed, men so long for such a time of peace that
when the anti-christ shall come promising it, the population of the
earth will flock after him. They will even be willing to acclaim him
as their god-king. His kingdom will soon fall, however like all other
attempts by men throughout history.
Only
after this time shall Christ come and fulfill the promises of Jachin
and Boaz. He and no other, will set up the millenial kingdom. In it
will be strength enough to set the world agenda and to carry it out.
It will NEVER be overthrown.
The
further lessons to be learned from these two pillars are testimony to
the beauty and strength of the reign of the King of kings. The
material of the pillars being entirely Brass, assures us that they
declare nothing except Judgment. Here it is the judgment of the world
by Jesus Christ as he reigns as King of kings. The statement is a
simple one, "Christ shall rule."
Adornments
of these pillars are also of brass and act as adverbs and adjectives
to that basic statement. They tell us what that reign shall be like.
The
sheer size of them must have been imposing. From the base to the top
of the top chapiter was twenty-three cubits or about thirty-four and
one half feet. The circumference of each was twelve cubits or
about eighteen feet. This is the number that represents divine
government and from this house shall go forth the laws that the whole
world will be bound to follow. The diameter was thus 3.82 cubits or
about 5'8". Jer.52:21 And concerning the pillars, the height
of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did
compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was
hollow. Each pillar was topped by a chapiter of five cubits
high and four cubits wide. Since five is the number for GRACE and
four the number for creation, we are being told that His judgment
over the entire world is to be with GRACE. The POMMELS, being
in the shape of a globe are pictures of the world. The entire earth
shall be under his rule.
brass was upon it; and the height of one chapiter was five cubits,
with network and pomegranates upon the chapiters round about, all of
brass. The second pillar also and the pomegranates were like unto
these.
23
And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; and all the
pomegranates upon the network were an hundred round about. Each
chapiter was composed of three pieces. Immediately above the pillar
was a flat plate of brass one cubit thick and four cubits square. On
this was the pommel. [bowl or globe] II Chron. 4:12 To
wit, the two pillars, and the pommels, and the chapiters which were
on the top of the two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two
pommels of the chapiters which were on the top of the pillars;
13
And four hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths; two rows of
pomegranates on each wreath, to cover the two pommels of the
chapiters which were upon the pillars.
This was then capped by another flat plate of the same dimensions as
the one below the pommel.
Each
of these chapiters had on the four sides, lily work. I
Kng.7:19 And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars
were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.
20
And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above,
over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates
were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter.
21
And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up
the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up
the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.
22
And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of
the pillars finished.
These
open flowers speak to us of the beauty of the reign of Christ There
will be no hidden scandals or deceit there. All will be open to
public view and will be beautiful. [More of this, concerning the
lilies in the following chapter.]
The
wreaths were called in other places nets or chains. Encircling
the pommels, they show His complete and total control of the world.
All things, political, religious, commercial, and even the weather
shall be subject to His command and there shall be no appeal from His
decisions.
Lest
this sound too harsh to be desirable, he shows us one more aspect of
His rule. Upon each wreath or network were placed one hundred brass
pomegranates. Because of its ability to produce under the most
adverse conditions it was used to indicate fruitfulness.The world has
never yet seen such productivity as will be manifested in that day.
Isa.
2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many
people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their
spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Micah
also looked forward to this time. He spoke in similar terms with an
added observation that speaks directly to the hearts of Israel and to
the entire world, as men long for peace. Micah
4:3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations
afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their
spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
4
But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree;
and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts
hath spoken it. There is a special promise of this to the
House of Jacob.Isa.27:6 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to
take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the
world with fruit.
The
very earth will be restored to its Edenic fertility and men shall no
longer suffer physically as now. Isa.35:1
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and
the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
2
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing:
the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel
and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency
of our God.
3
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not:
behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a
recompense; he will come and save you.
5
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf
shall be unstopped.
6
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb
sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in
the desert.
7
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land
springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall
be grass with reeds and rushes.
Of
all this and more, the two pillars of witness testify. Just as the
Jews of the world have often been homesick for the land of Israel,
though many had never laid eyes upon it, so are the hearts of all
God's people longing for this land though we have not yet seen it. We
can, however, rejoice in the promise made to us through
Isaiah.Isaiah33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty:
they shall behold the land that is very far off. It is no great
wonder that John expressed his great longing in the prayer and plea;
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.Rev.22:20
THE ALGUM TREES
The
approach to the house provided an amazing sight. The steps were made
of the wood of the ALGUM [almug] tree. This extremely hard, aromatic
wood is still prized for its hardness and beauty and its pulp is
boiled to obtain its oil for incense. Its rarity makes it prized for
use in chests and small objects. It is sometimes used for the making
of fine furniture. Its use in the construction of the Temple is of
great interest. What a rare thing it was to have seen it used
in such a way. What a pleasing experience it must have been to enter
the Temple with the scent of the steps filling the air! As we shall
soon see, these steps are the approach to the place of the throne of
the King of Kings. Psa 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the
joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy
countenance. Psa 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day:
and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. Psa 89:17 For thou
art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be
exalted.
2
Chr 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of
Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in
Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
Hiram’s ships also brought it from afar. 2 Chr 9:10 And the
servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought
gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.
1
Ki 10:11 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir,
brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious
stones.
This
wood was also used inside the sanctuary for pillars to support the
roof beams, and for the instruments used by the musicians1
Ki 10:12 And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house
of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and
psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen
unto this day.
It
was common then to construct large buildings, in which there were no
partitions to act as bearing walls, using pillars to support the
roof. The importance of these to the structural integrity of the
building is made clear in the final act of the life of Samson. Judg
16:29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the
house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right
hand, and of the other with his left.
Judg
16:30 And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed
himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and
upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at
his death were more than they which he slew in his life.
These
pillars were so important in construction that their use has become a
figure of speech. Of an important person, we hear such things as,
“he’s a pillar in the community.” There are those of
whom we speak as ‘pillars of our churches’. It is not
surprising then, that the Lord would use such explicit comparison to
describe those upon whom a large responsibility shall rest during the
millenial reign. A perfect example of a pillar as a figure of speech
is found in the letter to the Church at Philadelphia. To the faithful
of that church who overcome, this promise is made. “Rev
3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my
God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the
name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new
Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will
write upon him my new name.”
Surely
this is an honor worth standing and fighting for. To be pictured in
the stones of the walls, the wood with which the walls were lined and
the jewels with which they were adorned, is a huge honor. Far
exceeding these in honor, however are the pillars upon which the roof
rests. Their use and function are clearly seen and recognized by all
who enter. The honor is enhanced as one considers the wood from which
they were made. These were not just any old algum trees, they were
specimens which were unique, probably for their size.
there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.
I
am made to think of men like Paul and others who were martyrs or
great men of the faith. However the scripture assures us that the
glory available to a few is there for all who will strive for it. 2
Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and
not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The
wood of the algum or sandalwood tree was either a red or white
according to its variety. We are not told which was used here. Since
white is the color denoting righteousness and these are examples of
the righteous in their strength, I picture them as white. Not only
were they hard and strong, but they also exuded a pleasant odor. Even
today, those who fit the pattern of these pillars are pleasant to be
around. People are drawn to them because of their faith and their
consistently strong stands. How much more beauty, strength and
pleasantness shall be theirs in that day. In spite of their personal
qualities they will still not stand in their own inherent worth but
all will be reminded forever that their glory belongs to God. and
I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of
my God
The
steps and the pillars are made of the same material as that used for
the harps, lyres and other instruments upon which the temple
musicians played. This tells me that the pure praise and worship of
hymns of praise has the same qualities and is pleasing to both God
and man as is a righteous walk and a righteous stand. If only God’s
people would always remember to even now, try to emulate the algum
trees of the Temple. In so doing we will be pleasing in our walk ,
our work and in our worship.
The
Porch and Beautiful Doors
Just
beyond the Pillars, everything changed. While brass was the only
metal used to this point, there was NONE to be found beyond it.
The
length of the porch was the same as the width of the Temple proper,
20 cubits. Its depth was 10 cubits. Both it and the doors were
covered with pure Gold. I
Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty
cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house;
and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
II
Chron.3:4 And the porch that was in the front of the house, the
length of it was according to the breadth of the house, twenty
cubits, and the height was an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it
within with pure gold. Many scholars consider this height to be
the result of a transposition of letters by some scribe. In the
Alexandrian copy of the Septuagint this verse reads 20 cubits.
However, without any scriptural statement to the contrary, I am
inclined to accept the dimension. In what the porch pictures, it is
consistent.
The
action in the court yard pictured the activity of the faithful of
Israel during the millenial reign The activity inside the Temple
illustrated the work of the Bride. Between the two, tying them
together and towering over them is the throne of the King of Kings!
This
porch is referred to on at least two occasions as The Porch of the
Lord. To see its importance one must ascertain its purpose.
Solomon
also built himself a grand house in which to dwell. It too had a
porch. I Kings 7:7 Then he
made a porch for the throne where he might judge, even the porch of
judgment: and it was covered with cedar from one side of the floor to
the other. Since this was called The Porch of the Lord, and
shall be from this house that the whole world will be ruled, it is
clear that in it the Throne of the King of kings will be placed. This
is fitting, for beyond the doors, in the temple is that which
pictures the Glorified Church at work. No one can enter except those
who are a part of that glorified Bride of Christ.
It
is at this point that the true magnificence of the Temple begins to
be manifested. On every side one saw, not the stones of the Temple,
but pure gold. The import of this becomes apparent as we consider the
stones, themselves.
The
boards of the Tabernacle represented the members of a New Testament
Church. They were covered with gold to show that as part of the
structure of God's house, it is not the carnal and temporal flesh
that is to be seen. The GOLD manifests the fact that they are sons of
God. They are not to be seen except to manifest the divinity of Jesus
Christ.
In
the Temple it was the stones that symbolized the members. I
Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house,
an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to
God by Jesus Christ. {Literal trans.; are being built]
Even though we shall then, in our new bodies, be likened to stones
instead of boards, it will never be US who will be in the forefront,
but it will be the Glory of the divine.
The
depth of the Porch was 10 cubits. Ten is the number of human
government. In the anti-type it is from here that the Law will go
forth which shall rule the world. The width of the Porch was the same
as the Temple proper, 20 cubits. Twice ten, and there are two
entities that shall be involved in carrying out His orders. They are,
the Church as his Bride, and Israel, His nation.
Just
beyond the Porch were the Beautiful doors. I
Kings 6:33 So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive
tree, a fourth part of the wall.
34
And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door
were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.
35
And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and
covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.
Since
the width of the Temple was 20 cubits and the posts of this door a
fourth part of it, they were five cubits each. Thus the DOORS are a
total of 10 cubits. Each door being 5 cubits divided into 2 leaves.
Note how often the number TEN [ human government] is used in
connection with FIVE [grace]. The 'Utopia' for which man has so
longed, shall be known when the entire world experiences the
manifestation of the Grace of God in the reign of His Son.
The
door posts provide the support by which the doors are made operative.
The material, Olive Wood, speaks to us of the Holy Spirit, by whom
and through whom Christ offered himself and through whom he now works
and is present in His Church. This use of the olive wood tells us
that the Holy Spirit shall always have an important place in the
service and work of both Christ and His church.
Isa.28:5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of
glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,
6
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and
for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.
The
Doors swung upon hinges of GOLD. I
Kings 7:50 And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the
spoons, and the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both
for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the
doors of the house, to wit, of the temple. Gold denotes that
which is divine. It was used here to illustrate to us that between
the Doors [Christ] and the Door Posts [Holy Spirit] there is a
connection that is totally divine. By this divine connection the
doors are thus made operative. This has been true in all the work of
Christ and of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the entire God-Head is pictured
at the front of the Temple and there is no room for another entity
to be present. Glorified humans shall be present inside as members of
the bride. They were pictured in the stones of the wall, but at the
entrance there was room for none but the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The
doors of the Temple were pictures of Christ as were the curtains and
veils of the Tabernacle. John
10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto
you, I am the door of the sheep.
8
All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep
did not hear them.
9
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pasture.
They
were made of "fir" or, as given in other translations,
juniper or cypress. While we cannot know with certainty the exact
kind, we do know it was a hard, tough conifer. It had to be not only
serviceable for doors but also suitable for carving. As with the wood
used elsewhere in both the Tabernacle and the Temple, this
represented human flesh. Here it was the flesh of the glorified Son.
Each door of five cubits width was divided and hinged in the middle.
This seems to signify, as did the rent veil, the broken body
of Christ making access possible.
Into
this wood typified the body of the glorified Christ. Into it were
carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers. Cherubim were spirit
beings usually described as winged creatures. These were sometimes
winged lions or other animals or the likeness of a man. The first
mention of them is in Genesis 3:24 So
he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden
Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the
way of the tree of life. In the literal translation of this verse
it is said that he placed THE cherubim. This would suggest
that unlike the angels, of which there are myriads, there are but a
limited number of cherubim.
In
the first chapter of Ezekiel there are FOUR living creatures
mentioned in connection with Ezekiels vision of the throne of Glory.
In the tenth chapter, these are called cherubim. Ezek.10:15
And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature
that I saw by the river of Chebar.
Likewise,
there are four 'beasts' mentioned in connection with the glorified
throne of the Lord in Rev. 4:6.
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and
in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four
beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a
calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast
was like a flying eagle.
8
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they
were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to
come. Whenever these creatures are
mentioned they are involved in the protection of the Glory of God or
the lifting up of the creator and King.
Their
number is four and they each are described as having four faces or
likenesses. Four is the number of creation and their job seems to be
to see that all creation gives Glory and Honor to the one who sits
upon the throne. Rev.4:9 And
when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on
the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the
throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their
crowns before the throne, saying,
11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for
thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created.
Obviously
the Pagan world was aware of these creatures from the most ancient
times.. The Sphinx of Egypt, the winged bulls of Assyria, the winged
lions of Ninevah are but a few of the examples. Detractors of the
Bible try to say that Israel merely imitated these. The truth is,
these were but remnants of the knowledge of God once known to these
pagan people. Each of them used their version of these creatures in
ways that depicted the protection of those things that they held to
be divine. Often the image of the creatures themselves became objects
of worship.
There
were four leaves of the doors and four cherubim, one upon each door.
They stand here between the place of the throne and the type of the
glorified church at work. While they protect they also symbolize that
which empowers and aids the Church in her work. Heb
1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right
hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Heb
1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister
for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
There
were also, carved into the wood of the doors, palm trees. As
Jesus rode into Jerusalem the people hailed him as king. Palm
branches were strewn before him. John 12:12 On the next day
much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus
was coming to Jerusalem,
13
Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried,
Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the
Lord.
This
sets the tone for the use of the palm trees in types and symbols. To
these people, palm trees were connected with the king, triumph and
rejoicing. There is a tall, majestic tree we know as the royal palm.
The tree known to Israel was NOT this type. Rather it was the date
palm, which was known so well to them during their wilderness travels
and in their land. It has been said that one tree could supply
sustenance for an entire family. The fresh fruit could be eaten and
then the flesh of the fruit could be preserved in cakes or various
other ways. The fiber from the tree could be woven into cloth and the
fronds were often used in booths to provide shelter from the elements
or even thatch for roof for their homes. Each of the uses speaks
eloquently of the provision made for us by our victorious King in a
dry and barren land.
The
OPEN FLOWERS illustrated the beauty of the king and his kingdom in
all fulness. I Kings 6:35 And
he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and
covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.
Isaiah
said that in his first coming, there was no beauty that we should
desire him. Isa.53;2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender
plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor
comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we
should desire him. The meek, mild, sacrificial lamb pleased the
Father, but was despised by men. Men, with their shallow,
fleshly minds, are still trying to picture Jesus as a starry-eyed
radical who was only a loser. They see only that which Satan and his
crowd desire them to see; which is, that all his dreams died with him
on the cross. The Bible presents an entirely different picture. He
was not a ‘loser’ but was victorious in everything
connected with his earthly ministry.
Isa.33:17
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the
land that is very far off.
The
descriptions of the time of the millenial reign have long caused men
to dream of a better world. Praise God we shall see it! Isa.
35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them;
and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
2
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing:
the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel
and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency
of our God.
3
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not:
behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a
recompense; he will come and save you.
5
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf
shall be unstopped.
6
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb
sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in
the desert.
7
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land
springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall
be grass with reeds and rushes.
Solomon
calls Him the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley. Song of
Sol.2:1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
In
every way, politically, economically and ideally, this will be the
time of the fulfillment of men's dreams. Imagine, if you can, such
peace that all the vibrant economy of the entire earth is turned
toward peaceful goals. Isa.2:4 And he shall judge among the
nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their
swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation
shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war
any more. With the Prince of Peace sitting as King of kings the
defense budgets of the nations will not be needed. There will be no
need for such institutes as Annapolis, West point, or any war college
anywhere in all the world.
The
flowers were open
rather than mere buds. This tells us that what we are seeing is
present then, not promised.
ENTERING
THE SANCTUARY
A
LOOK AT THE STRUCTURE FROM THE INSIDE
Though
the building is of stone, there is no stone visible as one steps
inside. Instead, the gleaming gold and beautiful designs on the walls
greet the eye. Under the gold there are the boards of CEDAR that were
carved so that the gold overlay will present beauty to the eye.
I Kings 6:18 And the cedar of the house within was carved
with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
I
Kngs.6:21 So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and
he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he
overlaid it with gold.
22
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all
the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid
with gold.
The
significance of this becomes clear as we remember the stones were
types of the members of the churches, of which the Temple is a type.
I Peter2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual
house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
As
the boards of the Tabernacle were to be covered with gold to picture
the membership in today's New Testament Church so must the individual
member be subordinated in the Millenial reign,. The purpose of those
who are now, and will then be members of the Body of Christ, is NOT
to magnify self but to be a part of the house of God. It is Christ
who is to be manifested. Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body,
the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead;
that in all things he might have the preeminence.
The
size and purpose of the building required that it be constructed of
stone. Since these were pictures of the members of the Lord's
Glorified church, let us learn their lesson well, for only by
learning and preparing today can we hope to be a part of it in that
day.
A
literal rendering of I Peter 2:5 tells us that these lively [living]
stones are being built up. That is, the preparation of the
material is NOW being done. Stone is a material that will not warp
nor twist or change shape with the passage of time. Some people will
never qualify for the job because they are too changeable; Eph.4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:
From
whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in
the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love.
James
expressed it thus; James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in
all his ways. Such a person is certainly not suitable material
for such a spiritual house.
Let us be mindful of Paul's admonition; I Cor.16:13 Watch ye,
stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
These
stones were covered, on the inside of the building, with boards of
cedar. As the wood of the Tabernacle typified humanity, so did the
cedar. The difference being, this is not the shittim wood of the
desert, which, being full of knots, gnarls and flaws, signified the
frailty and flaws of our present human nature. Instead, these boards
were made from the cedars of Lebanon. Straight, clear grained and
impervious to insects and rot, this pictured the new body which shall
be ours in the resurrection. I Cor.15:42 So also is the
resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in
incorruption:
43
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power:
44
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a
natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Into
these boards were carved KNOPS [semi-globes] and open flowers. These
spoke of the beauty and fruitfulness of those found worthy to become
a part of this glorious building. Malachi 3:16 Then they that
feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened,
and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for
them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I
make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own
son that serveth him. These carvings
also served a practical purpose, as we shall soon see.
Next,
the entire walls were overlaid with GOLD. Even then, in the
Millenial reign, after all rewards have been issued and all will have
been assigned their places in the kingdom of our Lord, the beauty and
usefulness that his people project, will not be theirs. As gold
pictures the divine, we shall NEVER have any glory but that which is
from and of God!
THE
WINDOWS
When
I first began to study the types found in the Temple of Solomon, the
subject fascinated me. The thoughts came easily and swiftly as I
moved from one part of the subject to another. Suddenly I came upon
something that stumped me. It was a footnote to IKings
6:4. And for the house he made windows of narrow lights. This
note said, 'or broad within and narrow without.' Now, what could be
the significance of such a construction? This is NOT the ordinary way
to make windows in a thick masonry wall. The usual method is just the
opposite, broad without and narrow within. The purpose being to allow
the outer part to gather as much light as possible and reflect it
inward. It was only while reading an article on the subject by a
rabbi that the purpose became clear. This gentleman too, wondered
about it and made the observation that it was as if they wanted to
gather light from the inside and direct it outward.
In
the Tabernacle there were no windows. As the priest ministered in the
sanctuary, he had no light other than that shed by the lamps of the
Golden Candlestick. This was a picture of our present day work in the
Lord's Church. We must conduct all by the light of the Word. There is
no other source of information upon which we may draw. Similarly,
there was no way for that light to be seen from the outside. The
picture being, that while His church is to walk in the light of His
Word, there is no demand that the world should do so. How could they
obey the Word when they can neither see nor understand the spiritual
truths found there? I Cor.2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned.
During
the Millenial reign, however it shall be different. Not only will the
Church walk and serve by the Light of the Word, but also the whole
world will be subject to it. Hab.2:14
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the
LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Isa.11:9
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the
earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover
the sea.
From
where will this light come to the world? It will shine forth from His
Church which shall reign as his bride! The windows were so
constructed that they could collect the light of the lamp-stands
within and direct it outward.
Psalm 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they
shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
16
In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness
shall they be exalted.
17
For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn
shall be exalted.
18
For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
TEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS
Along
the walls on each side were ranged the CANDLESTICKS or lampstands of
pure gold. I Kings 7:49 And
the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on
the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the
tongs of gold, .
Five
were placed against the North wall and five against the South wall.
Keep in mind that the total number of them was TEN. This is the
number for Human Government. Here is another great lesson for us
concerning the thousand-year reign of Christ and his Church. As in
the Tabernacle, the lamps of the candlesticks represent the Word of
the Lord. While there was but one candlestick in the Tabernacle,
there were TEN in the Temple. With the walls and the ceiling
completely covered with gold over the carvings of the cedar boards,
there were thousands of facets of gold to reflect the light from the
70 lamps. This was the practical use of the carvings. What a sight of
beauty this must have been! There being FIVE on each side reminds us
again of the continuing Grace of God upon and through his Church.
The
light from these seventy lamps would have reflected from the ten
Golden Tables of Shewbread, from the Golden Altar, from the facets of
the carvings on the gold covered walls and finally collected by the
broad inner sides of the windows high above and so, reflected
outward. Those who were on the outside would never see the fullness
of the glory within, but they WOULD see the light from the
candlesticks and be required to walk in it! .
As
we labor in this present world we are often frustrated by its
demands. Even trying to find or build a meeting place is often an
exercise in futility. The world makes demands that are sometimes
impossible for us to meet. The situation will be greatly different
then. Our King will 'rule with a Rod of Iron.' His expressed will
shall be done and the Church will have the executive power to see it
is done. Rev.2:26 And he that
overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give
power over the nations:
Rev.3:21
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,
even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his
throne.
22
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches.
THE
TEN TABLES OF SHEWBREAD
.II
Chron 4:8 He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple,
five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred
basins of gold.
In
the Tabernacle there was a single Table of Shewbread. This was as it
should have been for that structure was a type of the Church in the
world today. Since the New Testament knows no other church than the
Local, Autonomous Body, this is what the Tabernacle pictured. The
Temple, however pictures the Bride of Christ as she rules with him.
She will be included in the righteous government for the earth during
the millenial reign. This Bride will be made up of all the faithful
members of all true churches. To picture this completed bride as well
as her role in His reign there are TEN Tables.
For
a comprehensive exegesis of the subject of these tables, refer to the
remarks in the manuscript on the Tabernacle and then see these on a
much grander scale as the prayer, "Thy Kingdom come--" is
brought to fruition.
One
thought is clearly manifested; Even then, in the millenial reign, the
access to the Table of the Lord is restricted to those who are
qualified to serve him in His Temple. The Lord's Table will NEVER be
open to all who wish to partake. In the Tabernacle and then in the
Temple, the present practice of restricted communion is emphatically
presented.
ONE
GOLDEN ALTAR
At
the innermost part of the sanctuary, just before the entrance into
the Holiest of All, stood the Golden Altar. While the other items in
the room had been increased from one to ten, this altar remained
solitary. As in the Tabernacle, it was the place for offering
incense. It is not a type of prayer, but it pictures the PLACE of
prayer. This place of prayer is none other than Jesus Christ,
himself. There is no other way in which man will ever approach the
omnipotent God. John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me. This is true, not only about
salvation but also of prayer. 1 Tim 2:5 For there is one
God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
John
14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John
14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my
name, I will do it.
There
were no directions given as to the size or shape of this altar.
Because of this we can feel sure that it is the same as the Altar of
incense in the Tabernacle. Both pictured Christ in the very same
office. The only difference given is that of the WOOD of which it was
made and over which the GOLD was placed. In the Tabernacle, all wood
used was that of the desert acacia called shittim wood. As noted
earlier, this wood was an accurate depiction of our present human
bodies with all their deficiencies. That wood is nowhere to be found
in the Temple or in any of its furniture. Here, as elsewhere the
wood of the cedar is used. As with those things that picture our own
glorified bodies, so it is with the types of the body of our savior.
Having been purified by the burial after death and the raising to a
new life, it is flesh, but a new kind without the weaknesses to which
it was formerly prone.
resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in
incorruption:
1
Cor 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown
in weakness; it is raised in power:
1
Cor 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.
There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
1
Cor 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living
soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
To
illustrate the connection of this Altar with prayer, we have at least
two New Testament illustrations;
The
father of John the Baptist was ministering at this altar when visited
by the angel and his prayer as well as the praying of the people is
mentioned; Luke 1:8 And it
came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God
in the order of his course,
Luke
1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to
burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
Luke
1:10 And the whole multitude of the people
were praying without at the time of incense.
Luke
1:11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on
the right side of the altar of incense.
Luke
1:12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon
him.
Luke
1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias:
for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a
son, and thou shalt call his name John.
The
second mention is found in the book of the Revelation. Rev
8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden
censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should
offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which
was before the throne.
Rev
8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the
saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
Rev
8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the
altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and
thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
What
will be the need of a place of prayer when Christ is personally
present and we may speak directly with Him?
Two
thoughts come to mind; one, is that of intimate communion with
Christ. This is available INSIDE the church and is denied to those
not qualified to serve there. 2
Chr 26:18 And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It
appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD,
but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn
incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither
shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.
The
second is that while we may commune with Christ, as did the disciples
in his earthly ministry, prayer is directed to the Father. John
16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say
unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he
will give it you. There will never be a time when we can approach
the Father except through Jesus Christ. It is He who is our Lord and
our God and never shall He be bypassed.
Another
thought about the need for this special place of prayer is this. Even
if it were possible for us to approach the throne of God and not
perish in the doing of it, what benefit would there be? Could we,
mere men, even in our glorified bodies, ever hope to converse with
The Father on such a plane, as we would find there?
How
many of us, as laymen, have experienced listening to a group of
doctors discussing our own condition in medical terms and wondering
what it was all about? How much more elevated must be that exchange
in this place!
Rom
8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know
not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Paul
is the only one who ever listened in on the speech of heaven and his
testimony was sure; it was beyond human comprehension. 2 Cor 12:2
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the
body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God
knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
2
Cor 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the
body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2
Cor 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard
unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Obviously
then, as now we will need an intercessor.
THE
HOLY OF HOLIES
Just
beyond the Golden Altar, was the entrance into the Holiest of All. 1
Ki 6:16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both
the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for
it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
1
Ki 6:17 And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty
cubits long.
1
Ki 6:18 And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and
open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
1
Ki 6:19 And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there
the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
1
Ki 6:20 And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length,
and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height
thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar
which was of cedar.
As
in the Tabernacle, this portion of the building occupied one third of
the entire floor space. The height of the Temple was 30 cubits while
this part reached only 20 cubits. The Oracle was thus, a cube shaped
building within the larger structure.
No
one but the High Priest was to be admitted to this part of the
Temple. It is a picture of the very throne room of the most high God
and ordinary man cannot tread here. It is true that we can come
boldly to the throne of grace [Heb
4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.] but
only through Christ, our High Priest. This was pictured in the
engraving in the Onyx stones on the shoulders and in the stones of
the breastplate of the Robes of Beauty and Glory.
It
is true that there are some passages which seem to indicate free
access is now available to the believer, such as, Heb
9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of
all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet
standing: This is a glorious privilege but we must remember that
we are yet limited in access as to the WAY. John 14:6 Jesus saith
unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto
the Father, but by me.
There
was a threefold barrier to the entering of the ORACLE. First here was
a chain or network of pure gold placed before it.1
Ki 6:21 So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he
made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he
overlaid it with gold. This was fashioned like the network that
covered the pommels of the pillars at the entrance of the temple,
with the exception that these were of GOLD instead of brass. 2 Chr
3:16 And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads
of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the
chains.
The
meaning of this seems clear. As the network on the pillars typified
the power of the ruling King over the whole world during the
Millenial reign, these show that one cannot enter here against the
will of God, the Holy, Omnipotent Jehovah!
Then
there was the VEIL. 2 Chr 3:14
And he made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine
linen, and wrought cherubims thereon. This veil was a type of the
flesh of Christ. Heb 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath
consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
There was a notable variance between this hanging and that in the
Tabernacle. This difference between the two shows the contrast
between the body of Christ during his earthly ministry and the
glorified body we shall see when he returns.
John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet
appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we
shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
As
to the FINE LINEN for the veil of the Tabernacle, the word used for
the specified linen was 'sheesh'
. This means a bleached white cloth. This was a true picture of the
one in whom 'no fault could be found. For this linen, however the
word 'butz' is used. This designates a shining white. It was
in this body that the privileged disciples saw him on the mount of
transfiguration and thus shall he appear as he returns in the air. 2
Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall
consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the
brightness of his coming:
While
the doors at the entrance to the Sanctuary were of FIR, hung on door
posts of OLIVE WOOD, those into the ORACLE were made entirely of
the wood of the OLIVE TREE. This signified that the nature of this
place is totally spiritual. The same carvings are found here as on
those at the front entrance and again, all was covered with pure
gold.1 Ki 6:31 And for the
entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and
side posts were a fifth part of the wall.
1
Ki 6:32 The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon
them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and
overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon
the palm trees.
Inside
the ORACLE the sight must have been overwhelming. There was nothing
visible except GOLD. Gold covered the walls, the floors and ceiling.
Gold covered the two mighty figures of the cherubims and the ARK and
the MERCY SEAT. This was the place where GOD met with the High
Priest and from where His will for His people was made known. This
was a holy place and mere man dared not to tread here. Only the
priest with his feet bare and his 'robes of beauty and glory' laid
aside could enter here. He could enter only with the blood of the
sacrificial lamb, sprinkle it according to the Law and retire from
the room. This was the Throne Room of Christ, Jehovah God!
At
first it might have seemed that the room was entirely occupied by the
figures of two huge angelic figures.1
Ki 6:23 And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree,
each ten cubits high.
1
Ki 6:24 And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five
cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the
one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.
1
Ki 6:25 And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were
of one measure and one size.
1
Ki 6:26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it
of the other cherub.
1
Ki 6:27 And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they
stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the
one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched
the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of
the house.
These
were made of the wood of the OLIVE TREE. They signified real, solid
flesh, but of a different kind. These were spirit beings. 1 Cor
15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but
the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial
is another. Their purpose, as has been stated in a previous
chapter, was to protect and to proclaim holiness unto the Lord. Here,
they stood as sentinels by the Throne of Him whom they worship and
serve. During the earthly ministry of Christ they performed their
duties and ministered to Him on occasion. A notable occurrence was
after the ordeal of the mount of temptation. Mat 4:11 Then the
devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
However, when He was faced with his greatest affliction, the cross,
they were not allowed to interfere and although Christ COULD have
called on them He did not. Mat 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot
now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than
twelve legions of angels?
Mat
26:54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it
must be? Their hands were tied and
they had to wait until he rose from the tomb to resume their watching
over him. The Temple pictured the millenial reign during which they
will never leave their post of watching over and praising Him.
Each
figure was 10 cubits, or at least 15 feet tall. Their wings were
outstretched and each spanned 10 cubits. Thus they each touched one
of the walls and their wings met in the center. Under these wings was
the place where the Ark of the Covenant was to find permanent rest.
THE
ARK OF THE COVENANT
1
Ki 6:19 And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there
the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
Without
the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle would have been just a fancy
tent. Without it the Temple would have been no more than an
impressive building. The Oracle within the Temple would have had no
purpose at all. This Ark was a type of the personal presence of Jesus
Christ. Without Him the
Church is an empty shell without a purpose. Through Him it becomes
the House of the Living God. Col 1:17 And he is before all
things, and by him all things consist.
Col
1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the
beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might
have the preeminence.
Col
1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
The
Ark, which was to be placed in the Temple, was the same Ark that
blessed the Tabernacle and which the priests carried through the
wilderness journey. It is the same that led them across the Jordan
River. By its power they conquered Jericho and settled the land.
This
Ark is not changed nor is a new one built for the Temple. It is the
Ark of their wanderings that now is blessed them in the promised
Land. Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ
the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Yet there IS
something different about it.
1
Ki 8:6 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the
LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy
place, even under the wings of the cherubims.
1
Ki 8:7 For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place
of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof
above.
1
Ki 8:8 And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves
were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not
seen without: and there they are unto this day.
1
Ki 8:9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone,
which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with
the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
During
the years of their wilderness wanderings the Ark was to be ready to
move on a moment's notice. When the Cloud lifted from the Tabernacle,
it was to be the first thing prepared for the journey. To illustrate
this readiness to go on command the Staves were to never be removed.
These staves were poles of wood, covered with gold and were fitted
into the rings on the Ark. Only as we recall the significance of
this can we rejoice in the meaning of their removal as the Ark was
deposited at last in its permanent resting place. In the wilderness
journeys these staves were a type of the need for the Lord's Church
to be prepared to move out with Christ at the leading of the Holy
Spirit. Constant readiness for mission work and for witnessing is to
be the hallmark of our service. The instructions of the Lord to his
church were to GO. Until He calls us home there is no resting place
provided. My first pastor put it; "Jesus put the light on green
and it hasn't changed yet"
For
the first time since the Ark was first built at the foot of Mt.Sinai,
the staves were removed when it was placed under the wings of the
huge cherubims in the Oracle of the Temple. The message is clear; The
Ark was at home and the days of traveling and mission work is over.
The thousand year Sabbath of the Millenial Reign is pictured. What a
glorious time of rejoicing that will be for those who have served him
well!
During
the wanderings in the wilderness the Ark contained the Tables of
Stone upon which God had written the ten commandments, the rod of
Aaron which had budded, blossomed and bore fruit overnight to prove
his Priesthood, and a golden pot filled with manna.
Heb 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant
overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had
manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
As
noted in the study on the Tabernacle, these served to picture
Christ's provision for us. The Tables of Stone represent His perfect
keeping of the Law and thus His righteousness which is imputed to us.
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made
him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him.
Rom
4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Rom
4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed
to him;
Rom
4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on
him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Rom
4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for
our justification.
Aaron's
Rod was a dry, long dead stick that came to life, picturing the new
life that is to be found only in Christ and showing forth the
resurrection from the dead.
The
Pot of manna illustrated the living bread that is ours through
Christ. As we trek through this present barren wilderness, only in
Him can we find the spiritual sustenance we need.
John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any
man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I
will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
When
the time comes which is pictured in the Temple, not only are our
wanderings over, but the resurrection is past. Thus, the type of it
is no longer needed. Aaron's Rod is no longer in the Ark.
We
no longer need the spiritual food we must have now for we will be in
a new body and will have Christ present in person with us.
The
one thing that will never change is the imputed righteousness of
Christ. He is our righteousness now and will be during the Millenial
reign and in eternity. Never will we stand before God on our own
merit, but always only in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Thus,
the Tables of Stone, God's demand for perfection remains in the Ark.
THE
SIDE CHAMBERS
Along
the North, South and West sides of the Temple, Solomon built chambers
or rooms. Each tier was three floors high. 1 Ki 6:5 And against
the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the
walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle:
and he made chambers round about:
1
Ki 6:6 The nethermost [lower] chamber was five cubits broad, and
the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits
broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests
round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of
the house.
These
are usually pictured as being only on the North and South sides, but
a careful reading of the Scripture seems to show them against the
entire structure. 1 Ki 6:10
And then he built chambers against all
the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with
timber of cedar. The Porch on the East Side would have made them
impossible there. However the construction of the walls on the other
sides was ready made for these rooms. A literal reading of these
passages treats them as though they were a separate structure from
the Temple. They were, and yet were a part of the service and
purpose of it.
The
walls of the Temple were four cubits thick for the first five cubits
high. After this they became three cubits for the next five cubits
high and then, two and one successively. This made the ledges, which
are described as 'narrowed
rests'.
This
arrangement also fixed the height of each tier of rooms at five
cubits. At one and a half feet per cubit this would have made each
seven and a half feet high. The lower floor of rooms was five cubits
or seven and a half feet wide, the middle six cubits or nine feet and
the upper seven cubits or ten and one half feet.
In
all the sanctuary and in the Oracle, there was no mention of the use
of SILVER. Instead, the metal used all the way through was GOLD, Yet
there was silver provided and it was used. 1
Chr 28:14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all
instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments
of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:
1
Chr 28:15 Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for
their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the
lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for
the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use
of every candlestick.
1
Chr 28:16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of showbread,
for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:
1
Chr 28:17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the
cups: and for the golden basins he gave gold by weight for every
basin; and likewise silver by weight for every basin of silver:
Silver
being a type of our redemption is not needed in the sanctuary, which
pictures the Church at work in the service of our King as he rules
over this earth for our redemption, is past. It is no longer
something for which we look forward. Where, then did Solomon use
these articles of SILVER and the silver bullion?
There
being an overabundance of all things, the surplus was kept among the
treasures in the treasury of the house. 1
Ki 7:51 So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the
house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his
father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels,
did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD.
The
walls of these chambers were lined with silver,
1 Chr 29:4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of
Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the
walls of the houses withal: Except for the upper chambers which
were lined with gold. 2 Chr 3:9 And the weight of the nails was
fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.
Silver
was also used for the tables, lamps and basins used by the priests in
their course of service. 1 Chr
28:13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for
all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the
vessels of service in the house of the LORD.
1
Chr 28:14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all
instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments
of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:
1
Chr 28:15 Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for
their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the
lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for
the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use
of every candlestick.
1
Chr 28:16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of showbread,
for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:
1
Chr 28:17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the
cups: and for the golden basins he gave gold by weight for every
basin; and likewise silver by weight for every basin of silver:
The
Levites who were the porters for the temple dwelt in the chambers, 1
Chr 9:26 For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their
set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of
God.
1
Chr 9:27 And they lodged round about the house of God, because the
charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained
to them. as did the singers who were
the choir for the Temple services. 1 Chr 9:33 And these are the
singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the
chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and
night.
It
seems clear then that these chambers had two distinct purposes. The
upper chambers were the treasure house of the Temple. These were
lined with gold for these rooms belong entirely to the Lord. The
other two floors served as dwelling places for the priests and the
Levites during their time of service in the Temple. The Porters and
the singers had them as their permanent residences while the priests
used them as they served in their courses, after which they returned
to their homes and families.
All
this provides a beautiful picture for us. While the Temple
illustrates the glory of the Church as she reigns with Christ, here
are examples of the wonderful provision for us as INDIVIDUALS! The
silver serves to remind us that whatever our position at that time,
or our glory before the world, our private relationship with Him will
always be on the basis of our redemption through his blood. We will
always remember that we are there through His grace and not our own
merits. Rev 1:5 And from Jesus
Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the
dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved
us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Rev
1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to
him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
THE
CHURCH IN ETERNITY
THE
HOLY CITY
THE
NEW JERUSALEM
Eph
3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all
ages, world without end. Amen.
The
Tabernacle gave us a type of the Lord’s church as she serves him
in this present age. The Temple, built by Solomon showed how she will
serve with Him during the one thousand years of his reign on this
earth. Both this present age and the millenial age will come to and
end. Paul speaks of glorifying God in a world without end. God has
been meticulous in providing details in pictures and types for the
present age and for the one thousand years of her reign with Christ.
It is only reasonable to expect that He will give us some idea of
what is in store for the Age of the Ages, eternity.
He
has given us the picture and it is a glorious one. It is not as
detailed as the others are but perhaps the reason for that is that we
can understand no more than the glimpse he gave to us.
Like
the other pictures, this is also a building and what a building it
is! It too is the dwelling place of God in the
midst of His redeemed people.
Rev
21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from
God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev
21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the
tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they
shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their
God.
Let
us get the time of this event fixed in our minds. Our present age
will have ended with the rapture and the resurrection. The judgment
for rewards will have taken place and the Tribulation will finally
have finished the time of punishment for the nation of Israel. The
one thousand -year reign with Christ upon the Throne and His Bride by
his side will be completed. Satan will be confined forever in the
bottomless pit of hell and the earth, moon, sun and stars are no more
having fled from the face of the righteous One at the Great White
Throne Judgment. The wicked dead will have been raised, judged and
cast into the pit where Satan, the Beast and the false prophet are.
The Eternal Age, The Age of the Ages has arrived and the Lord’s
Church is THERE! There is a new heaven and a new earth and the Holy
City, the New Jerusalem is the most prominent feature of it.
Two
questions must be answered:
1.Is
the language describing the Holy City symbolic or does it describe
something real and tangible?
2.
Exactly what does the city represent?
Rev
21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high
mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem,
descending out of heaven from God,
Rev
21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone
most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Rev
21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at
the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the
names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
Rev
21:13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the
south three gates; and on the west three gates.
Rev
21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them
the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Rev
21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the
city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
Rev
21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as
the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand
furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
Rev
21:17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and
four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the
angel.
Rev
21:18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city
was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
Rev
21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished
with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper;
the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an
emerald;
Rev
21:20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh,
chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a
chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Rev
21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate
was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it
were transparent glass.
Rev
21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the
Lamb are the temple of it.
Rev
21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to
shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the
light thereof.
Rev
21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the
light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and
honour into it.
Rev
21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there
shall be no night there.
Rev
21:26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into
it.
Rev
21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that
defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie:
but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Rev
22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as
crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Rev
22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the
river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of
fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree
were for the healing of the nations.
Rev
22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of
the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Rev
22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their
foreheads.
Rev
22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle,
neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and
they shall reign for ever and ever.
As
to the first question, it is both real and symbolic. The Tabernacle
in the wilderness was a real, movable place of worship and it was
symbolic in that it was a type of the New Testament church. The
Temple of Solomon was a very real and tangible building yet it was a
type of the Church in the Millenial reign of Christ. The Holy City,
the New Jerusalem, will be a very real and glorious structure. It
will be the most prominent feature of the new heaven and the new
earth. It too is symbolic of the Church and the redeemed Nation of
Israel in the Age of the Ages, Eternity.
The
passage from the twenty-second chapter of Revelation tells us exactly
what it represents and there can be no justification for altering,
adding to or detracting from God’s Word concerning it. Rev
22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the
prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God
shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev
22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of
this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life,
and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in
this book.
There
can be no doubt that this city is the Bride, the Lamb’s wife.
Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had
the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me,
saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Rev
21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high
mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem,
descending out of heaven from God,
Paul’s statements in the Book of Ephesians is definite as to
the identity of the Bride. Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his
own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the
church:
Eph
5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph
5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and
shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Eph
5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the
church. The WALL around the City represents God’s chosen
Nation, Israel. God is giving us a preview of how things will be in
eternity.
Nowhere
in this picture or anywhere else in the Scripture, do we find even a
hint of the commonly pictured concept of winged creatures with halos
strumming on harps. He doesn’t give us a lot of detail as to the
place or our activities. Perhaps the reason is that it is so far
beyond our present capabilities to understand that it would only have
confused us. The things He does tell us may not be appealing to many
who are attached to our present sense of aesthetics. After all, most
of us enjoy seeing a beautiful sunrise or sunset. We find the moon
and the stars pleasant to behold and we all enjoy a trip to the
beach. How often have we stood transfixed as we gazed upon the
ceaseless motion of the ocean? None of these will be present in the
eternal age. Since we will have new bodies with new natures and new
concepts, it will not be missed. Christ will be there and that is all
that will be important to those who shall inhabit eternity.
The
earth will be completely remade to receive this City. The present
earth is not suitable as a site for such a structure. Rom
8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the
bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of
God.
Rom
8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in
pain together until now. Mankind is hard pressed to find a safe
site for much smaller things without earthquake faults or unstable
soil. Where, on the face of this present globe would one safely place
an edifice, which is one thousand five hundred miles in all
directions including height? Like the creatures upon it, this present
earth is plagued with instability caused by sin. The new earth will
be, like our new bodies, free from all imperfections.
Moses
erected the Tabernacle and Solomon built the Temple. Christ built His
Church of which these were types.
Psa 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the
house, they labour in vain that build it: This City is the
eternal House of God and is being built by God. Rev 21:2 And I
John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This
City is not an afterthought with God. Abraham knew of it and looked
forward to someday seeing it. Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he
was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for
an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Heb
11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange
country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with
him of the same promise:
Heb
11:10 For he looked for [forward to]
a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God..
The
size of this City makes it the most conspicuous feature of the New
Earth. It measured 12,000 furlongs, [stadai] in every direction. Rev
21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as
the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand
furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
This is slightly more that one thousand five hundred miles.
The
Tabernacle was the center of all activity in Israel’s wanderings
and the Temple stood out in the History of the nation in her land.
During the millenium the Church and Israel will have porominence as
Christ reigns as King of Kings. The Church will assume her rightful
place as His Bride and Israel as his chosen Nation. The House of God
has, in every age, exceeded the previous age in glory. In the Age of
the Ages both Israel and the Church will be seen in the ultimate
manifestation of their Glory.
And
the city lieth foursquare. The Brazen Altar, the Altar in
Incense and the Breastplate of the High Priest were some of the
previous items, which were to be foursquare. The Holy of Holies, in
both the Tabernacle and the Temple were not only foursquare, but like
this City, the height was the same as the width and length. Whatever
else this might indicate, one thing is sure: However one approaches
each of these items, they were the same. Each seems to say, “This
is the way it is regardless of what men may try to make of it.”
In
the previous structures various numbers were used to indicate
differing truths. In the New Jerusalem, the number twelve is used
almost exclusively. This is the number for Divine Government. In this
eternal Age there is no other power. The time of the fulfillment of
this prophecy will have arrived; 1 Cor 15:28 And when all things
shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject
unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
All things will have been made new and there will be no other power.
The damage done to men, nations and even the earth will have been
corrected and there will be no thoughts for action other than the
will of God.
This
great Truth is shown in the construction of the City also. The
Tabernacle had been made of boards, covered with Gold. The Temple
walls were of Stone covered with Cedar Wood and Gold. This City has
no wood and no stone. It is built of the purest Gold. Even the
streets are paved with it. Nothing is to be found in or around the
City, which is not completely Divine.
The Tabernacle had no windows, signifying that there was to be no
other light enter than that provided by the Lamp Stand. There was to
be no light emitted to the outside, thus showing that the
instructions of the Word are for the Lord’s people and not for
the world at large. Thus it is during this present dispensation. The
Temple on the other hand Had windows designed to project the light
from the Lamp Stands outward. This typified the world walking by the
light of the Word during the Millenial reign. In the Eternal City
there are no windows for there is no need for them. The entire city
acts as a Lamp Stand and Christ is the Light. The whole world will
indeed walk in the light of the Word for the Lamb, the Living Word is
the Light. There will be no need for the sun and there will be no
night.
While
the City is a picture of the Glorified Church in the eternal age,
Israel is here also. God’s chosen Nation is not nor shall she
ever be a part of the Church. Her identity shall always be preserved.
She is pictured here in the Wall, which surrounds the City. During
the thousand-year reign the Capitol City of the world will be
Jerusalem, in the Nation of Israel. Those who will pay homage to the
King will be forced to honor His Nation.
Zec 8:22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the
LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
Zec
8:23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to
pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the
nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew,
saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
This is a grand and glorious illustration of God’s faithfulness
to His promises. Both the Lord’s nation and His church have been
despised by the world and Satan’s crowd has done their best to
destroy them. God has watched over them and shall deliver them to
victory. The Redeemed Church and the Redeemed Nation shall have the
honor for all eternity of being the focal point of attention as the
Lamb dwells in them.
This
City Wall is one hundred and forty four cubits high. This is Israel’s
final and most glorious position in the grand plan of God. Christ and
His Bride will dwell in her midst for all eternity. This nation will
have gone through twelve major changes in her government. They are,
the time of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Then she was in
Egypt for over four hundred years. Next came the Tabernacle as they
were led by Moses and later the Judges. They then demanded and were
given a king. Next came the time of captivity in Babylon, and by the
Medes and the Persians. They were then restored to their land during
the times of Ezra and Nehemiah while still under domination the
Persians, Greeks and Romans. The next major event was being presented
with their Messiah and King and rejecting him with the cry, ‘We
have no King but Caesar!” After this they suffered under the
‘Caesars’ of the world until they became a nation again in
1948. The Tribulation as prophesied by Daniel and their suffering
under the rule of the anti-christ is next on God’s schedule for
them. After this will come the one-thousand year reign as they are
totally restored and finally enjoy all the promises God made to
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob so many generations before. The final phase
is that pictured in the wall of the Holy City. The height being one
hundred and forty four cubits tells us that this is the culmination
of the history of Israel. Twelve is the number, which indicates
heavenly government. When a number is used in multiples it seems to
signify the ultimate or completion of that which is indicated. This
is the final, concluding episode in the history of the nation of
Israel. Never again will they lapse into idolatry nor forsake their
God. Never again will they be dispersed or taken into captivity. They
will have achieved their eternal destiny. What a splendid destiny it
shall be. As the glory of the nations is brought to Christ by their
kings, homage must be paid to the Nation, which the kings of the
earth have so long despised. There will be no entrance into the City
except by passage through the Wall around it. The only openings in
the wall are those honoring the Twelve Tribes of the Nation of
Israel. Granted, this may seem to be a bit contrived to make the
numbers fit. It is only offered for the purpose of accentuating the
fact that twelve is the number which points to divine government and
Israel is the only NATION ever founded directly by God and Governed
by Him. While other nations, such as our own, have been blessed and
have served a purpose in God’s plan, only one has had her
constitution written by the finger of God!
The
Breastplate of the High Priest was decorated with Twelve precious
stones. Upon each stone was engraved the name of one of the Tribes of
Israel. As he entered into the presence of God during his daily
ministering, each person of the nation was represented upon his
breast. The counterpart of these stones upon the breastplate will, in
the eternal age be found in the very foundations of the wall. In
thinking upon what these jewels represent, my mind is continually
drawn back to the promise God made to His Nation; Mal
3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and
the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was
written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought
upon his name.
Mal
3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day
when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his
own son that serveth him.
Mal
3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the
wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Inside
the Tabernacle and the Temple were the places called the Holiest of
All, which was separated from the sanctuary by the veil. In the Holy
City there is no such separation.
Rev
21:22 And I saw no temple [shrine] therein: for the Lord God
Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. It is certainly
noteworthy that even in the eternal age Christ will still be seen as
the Lamb by those who have been redeemed by His Blood. Whatever else
he might be, Avenger, Judge, King, or Bridegroom, this aspect of
Christ will never diminish. He will forever be the one who loved us
and died for our sins.
So
far we have noticed the Lamb, the Bride and the Nation of Israel. We
must ask ourselves, “What about the rest of the redeemed?”
After all not all of the saved join a Scriptural New Testament Church
and not all the redeemed are of Israel. We saw these people
represented in the Millenial age in those who ‘went up to
Jerusalem to worship. They are mentioned in connection with the Holy
City as ‘the nations of them which are saved.’ Rev
21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the
light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and
honour into it. These nations are not of Israel. Israel is
represented in the wall of the City. Neither are they of the Church,
even though the Church is made up of obedient redeemed out of all
nations. The Church is the Bride, the lamb’s Wife and is
represented in the City. There are those who teach that the Bride
will be composed of all the saved. If this were true then who are
these nations of saved who are neither Israel or the Bride.
During
the Law age, those who would serve God acceptably either had to be
Israelites or become proselytes of Israel. He gave no instructions
for acceptable service outside the Law of Moses. For this present
dispensation he gives instruction for service in a New Testament
Church. There are no instructions for service anywhere else. Eph
3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all
ages, world without end. Amen. By designating the place He will
receive glory, He automatically rules out any other place. There are
no rewards promised except for obedient service. In this present
dispensation, obedience is to be found no where else but through one
of the Lord’s Churches. Christ is the foundation stone of His
Church. 1 Cor 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are
God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1
Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a
wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth
thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1
Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,
which is Jesus Christ. For those who
refuse to build upon this foundation or insist upon building with the
wrong material, or in the wrong manner, disappointment awaits. 1
Cor 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1
Cor 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall
declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall
try every man's work of what sort it is.
1
Cor 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he
shall receive a reward.
1
Cor 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:
but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
He will have nothing for which he can be rewarded and thus will enter
into eternity empty handed. He will be saved but will be as one who
escapes from a burning house with nothing but his life. He will
neither be an Israelite nor a member of the Bride. He will be of the
‘nations of them that are saved.’
These
will honor the Lord and glorify Him. Rev
21:26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into
it. In doing this they will honor not only the Lord but also His
nation and His Bride. Yet the individuals of these nations are not
privileged to do the bringing of their honor to the Lord. This is a
privilege that will be reserved for their kings. Rev 21:24 And
the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it:
and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into
it.
Who
are these kings who have this responsibility? They will be those who
have been found worthy because of their faithful stewardship in this
present life to be rewarded with positions of responsibility. Luke
19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having
received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called
unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much
every man had gained by trading.
Luke
19:16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten
pounds.
Luke
19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou
hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten
cities.
Luke
19:18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five
pounds.
Luke
19:19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
Mat
25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful
servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee
ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat
25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord,
thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other
talents beside them.
Mat
25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant;
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler
over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
The
Holy City, the New Jerusalem, seems to represent the corporate body,
the Glorified Bride, while the Kings of the earth are the individuals
who as part of that Bride were found worthy to receive the Lord’s
commendation and the reward of positions of authority. They were
judged to be worthy on the basis of their faithful stewardship and
were not granted honors arbitrarily on any other basis. This is what
the Lord meant when he told the mother of Zebedees children, “Mat
20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and
be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on
my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be
given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.” He
could not give it because it must be earned by faithfulness. Rewards
are often spoken of in the New Testament as ‘crowns’.
Crowns represent honor and authority.
2
Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and
not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
1
Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in
all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an
incorruptible.
1
Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a
crown of glory that fadeth not away.
James
1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is
tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath
promised to them that love him.
Rev
3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no
man take thy crown.
These
crowns are not granted for frivolous service or disobedience. Those
who refuse in this life to serve faithfully will be denied access to
that City. Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any
thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or
maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.