Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Genesis 1:14 (KJV) 14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: The Hebrew word for seasons is "mow'ed" (Strongs Hebrew 4150) and means "properly an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting; also a signal (as appointed beforehand): - appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synagogue, (set) time (appointed). We can see from the above definition of seasons (mow'ed) that it refers to Jehovah's appointed times. The purpose of Jehovah establishing lights in the firmament of heaven was to divide the day from the night to be for signs, seasons (appointed times, festivals) and for days and years. Psalm 104:19 (KJV) 19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Jehovah appointed the moon for seasons - the word "moon" is derived from the Hebrew word "chodesh", referring to the new moon crescent. The word "seasons" as noted above is from the Hebrew word "mow'ed" meaning "festival" or "assembly". The new moon crescent was established to mark the old testament feasts (Genesis 1:14, Exodus 12:2, Leviticus 23:4-44). Genesis 17:21 (KJV) 21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this time set time in the next year. The phrase "set time" comes from the same Hebrew word that seasons comes from which is "Mow'ed" meaning "appointed time". Let's see the establishment of the first feast which is the passover and feast of unleavened bread. Exodus 12 (DNKJB) 12 And Jehovah spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying, 2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: 4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: 6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. 7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. 8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. 9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. 10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. 11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is Jehovah's passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am Jehovah. 13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. 15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you. 17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even. 19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land. 20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread. 21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. 22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. 23 For Jehovah will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, Jehovah will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. 24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. 25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which Jehovah will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. 26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Jehovah's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. 28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as Jehovah had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. 29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the Jehovah smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve Jehovah, as ye have said. 32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. 33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. 34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. 35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: 36 And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. 37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. 38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. Exodus 12:39-51 (KJV) 39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual. 40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of Jehovah went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a night to be much observed unto Jehovah for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of Jehovah to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. 43 And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: 44 But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. 45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to Jehovah, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. 49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. 50 Thus did all the children of Israel; as Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. 51 And it came to pass the selfsame day, that Jehovah did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies. The Passover memorial and feast unleavened bread were to be celebrated in the first month of the year according to the calendar established by Jehovah. The passover meal was to be celebrated with a lamb without blemish typifying Christ who is spotless the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. On the fourteenth day of the month the Congregation would kill the lamb that they each took according to their household. They were then to eat the lamb with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. They took the blood of the Lamb and put it on their door-posts prior to partaking of the meal. The blood of the Lamb typified the blood of Christ shed on the cross. The meal was to be partaken on the fourteenth day of the month at even. The Israelites were to eat the meal in haste with their loins girded and their staff in their hand. Verse 11 says that this memorial meal is "Jehovah's Passover". This is a divine institution of Jehovah. Verse 12, Jehovah passed through the land of Egypt and smote the firstborn, both man and beast. Jehovah executed judgment against the false gods of Egypt. There was also a trinity god among these false gods. History will repeat itself when Jehovah returns at His second advent and smites Babylon along with it's false trinity god. Jehovah passed over the houses of the Israelites that had put te blood of the Lamb without blemish on their door-posts. In the last days before Jehovah returns, we must have the faith of the Lamb of God to be spared when he does return. The Jehovah that destroyed the firstborn of the Egyptians was the Son of God. Remember, there are two Jehovah's, one is the Father and one is the Son (Genesis 19:24). The Father doesn't deal directly with humanity since the fall so this Jehovah was likely the preexistent Messiah. In verse 14, we are told that the passover meal was to be a memorial as a feast to Jehovah throughout the generations. This verse says that we are to keep it as a feast forever. Are we still to celebrate the passover today in the new covenant? Let's go to the very words of the Lamb of God: Luke 22:16-20 (DNKJB) 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of Jehovah. 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of Jehovah shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Verse 16 and 18, Jehoshua will not celebrate the passover meal again until the Kingdom of Jehovah come in the city of New Jerusalem. In verse 19 and verse 20, the Messiah tells His disciples that they are to celebrate the passover in remembrance of Him from henceforth. Clearly we are to still keep the passover meal albeit without a literal lamb as Christ is now our passover lamb. We still eat unleavened bread and drink the unfermented wine (grape juice). Even if we have this memorial meal more than once a year we are still to keep it on the proper memorial day which is the fourteenth day of the first Jewish month. In regards to the wine being fermented or unfermented courtesy of the Restoration Study Bible from Yahweh's Restoration Ministries: The fruit of the vine - The word "fruit" comes from the Greek "gennema" and means "the fruit of the earth," referring to the pure blood of the grape (Deuteronomy 32:14). According to Dake's Annotated Reference Bible, "there is no proof that it was fermented and intoxicating, for it is called 'wine' while in the cluster (Isaiah 65:8)". Numerous verses speak of the winepress even though only grapes were put in it. In addition, the OT prohibits all leavening from the passover memorial (Exodus 12:18, Deuteronomy 16:3), and wine has been fermented by yeast. The shedding of Jehoshua's blood ratified the new covenant. We no longer need to put the blood of a literal lamb on our door-posts as Christ is our passover lamb and shed His blood once for all on the cross of calvary. The unfermented wine represents the blood of our Saviour. The unleavened bread represents His body that was crucified. His blood shed on the cross removed the need for putting blood on our door-posts. 1 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Back to Exodus 12, we are to keep of passover for ever throughout the generations of the Congregation of Israel which is now a Spiritual Congregation of all who accept Jehoshua as the Son of God. We also keep the passover in the Kingdom of Jehovah in New Jerusalem as told by the Messiah Himself in Luke 22. Verse 15, following the memorial meal of passover we are to then celebrate the feasts of unleavened bread for seven days, which are bookended by two Sabbaths. The first day of unleavened bread is on the fifteenth day of the first Jewish month. We are to not eat unleavened bread during this feast. Leaven represents sin. During this feast we are to make an examination of ourselves and remove any false doctrine and sin from our lives. We are to do this daily but the feasts is an especially introspective time in which to do this. Verse 16, the first and seventh days of this feast are High Sabbaths, they are holy convocations. The Hebrew word for "Convocation" is "Mikraw" (Hebrew Strongs 4744) and means "something called out, i.e., a public meeting." We are to gather together with other saints on these holy days. Galatians 5:9 (KJV) 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Even seemingly "small sins" permeate our whole being. Verse 17, Jehovah tells the Israelites that they are to observe the feast of unleavened bread throughout their generations for ever. Being that the Christian Congregation is the Israel of God this then would apply to us today. Galatians 6:16 (KJV) 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. James 1:1 (KJV) 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. As we can see from the above two passages, the Nation of Israel was never discontinued nor was a seperate Church ever established. The Nation of Israel that was in the old covenant has continued into the new covenant with a grafting in of Gentiles into the olive tree of Israel. In order to be part of Israel in the new covenant one must accept Jehoshua as the literal Son of Jehovah God. The Jews who rejected the Son of God were cut off from the Israel of Jehovah. The Jews who accepted the Messiah remained a part of the Nation of Israel. A mass of gentiles were then grafted into the olive tree, the Israel of God. Jehoshua Himself said He came to make twain one new man out of Jew and Gentile and to make one sheep fold out of the two sheep folds. Ephesians 2:15 (KJV) 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; John 10:16 (KJV) 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. As we can see from above, Jesus didn't start a new Church but rather reconciled Jews and Gentiles into one Church that already existed. This one Church goes back to the Nation of Israel in the old covenant. The requirement for the Jews to remain in this Church was that they believed that Jesus was Jehovah's only begotten Son. If they rejected the Messiah, then they were disfellowshipped from the Church so to speak (cast off the olive tree). The Gentiles in order to be grafted into this Church had to confess that Jesus was the Son of Jehovah as well and then they were grafted into this Church. Numbers 9:1-9 (ASV) 9 And Jehovah spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 2 Moreover let the children of Israel keep the passover in its appointed season. 3 In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in its appointed season: according to all the statutes of it, and according to all the ordinances thereof, shall ye keep it. 4 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover. 5 And they kept the passover in the firstmonth, on the fourteenth day of the month, at even, in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel. Appointed season, Mow'ed in the Hebrew (Strongs 4150) "a fixed time or season, specifically a festival. A set time, a feast, assembly, congregation." The Passover is one of Jehovah's appointed feasts. There is a set time for it and it is on the fourteenth day of the first Jewish month. It is to be done at even. Aslo, it is to be done with others as "Mow'ed" also means "assembly and congregation." Numbers 9:6-14 (ASV) 6 And there were certain men, who were unclean by reason of the dead body of a man, so that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day: 7 and those men said unto him, We are unclean by reason of the dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer the oblation of Jehovah in its appointed season among the children of Israel? 8 And Moses said unto them, Stay ye, that I may hear what Jehovah will command concerning you. 9 And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your generations shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be on a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto Jehovah. 11 In the second month on the fourteenth day at even they shall keep it; they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs: 12 they shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break a bone thereof: according to all the statute of the passover they shall keep it. 13 But the man that is clean, and is not on a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, that soul shall be cut off from his people; because he offered not the oblation of Jehovah in its appointed season, that man shall bear his sin. 14 And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto Jehovah; according to the statute of the passover, and according to the ordinance thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one statute, both for the sojourner, and for him that is born in the land. Verse 6-11, There was a provision for those of Israel who couldn't keep the passover at it's appointed time for the reason of uncleanness due to a dead body and being on a long journey. They were allowed to keep it on the fourteenth day of the second month. This allowance shows us that Jehovah is a merciful God and an understanding one. However, other than these two reasons, all were expected to keep the passover at it's appointed time. Verse 12, "nor break any bone" this was fufilled by Jehoshua the Messiah (John 19:33-36). Those given provision to keep passover on the fourteenth day of the second month still had to follow all the other ordinances of the passover memorial. Verse 14, "one ordinance"- The laws regarding passover wereto be applied eqaully between Israelite and stranger. Both required circumcision (i.e., immersed) into Jehoshua's name. Colossians 2:12 (KJV) 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Operation "energiah" in the greek (Strongs 1753) and means "efficency, (effectual) working." Buried with Him in baptism - the act of baptism or immersion symbolizes a burial. The Greek root for "baptism" is baptizo and means, "to submerge or to overwhelm." The act of baptism means dying to the old, sinful nature and rising as a new creation in Messiah (2nd Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15). In the new covenant, one must be baptized into Jesus Christ in order to partake of His memorial meal. Below is a beautiful passage about Jehovah's mercy and grace. Hezekiah sent a decree for Israel to return unto Jehovah and keep the passover and feast of unleavened bread on the second month. Even though it wasn't the first month and not everyone was clean Jehovah honoured their heart 2 Chronicles 30:1-27 (ASV) 1 And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto Jehovah, the God of Israel. 2 For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the assembly in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month. 3 For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem. 4 And the thing was right in the eyes of the king and of all the assembly. 5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer-sheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem: for they had not kept it in great numbers in such sort as it is written. 6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that he may return to the remnant that are escaped of you out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, who trespassed against Jehovah, the God of their fathers, so that he gave them up to desolation, as ye see. 8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were; but yield yourselves unto Jehovah, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever, and serve Jehovah your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you. 9 For if ye turn again unto Jehovah, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that led them captive, and shall come again into this land: for Jehovah your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him. 10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless certain men of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also upon Judah came the hand of God to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the king and of the princes by the word of Jehovah. 13 And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great assembly. 14 And they arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the [d]altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron. 15 Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought burnt-offerings into the house of Jehovah. 16 And they stood in their place after their order, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood which they received of the hand of the Levites. 17 For there were many in the assembly that had not sanctified themselves: therefore the Levites had the charge of killing the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto Jehovah. 18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, The good Jehovah pardon [e]every one19 that setteth his heart to seek God, Jehovah, the God of his fathers, though he be not cleansedaccording to the purification of the sanctuary.20 And Jehovah hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. 21 And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised Jehovah day by day,singing with loud instruments unto Jehovah. 22 And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that had good understanding in the service of Jehovah. So they did eat throughout the feast for the seven days, offering sacrifices of peace-offerings, and [f]making confession to Jehovah, the God of their fathers. 23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days; and they kept other seven days with gladness. 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the assembly for offerings a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the assembly a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves. 25 And all the assembly of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly that came out of Israel, and the sojourners that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem. 27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy habitation, even unto heaven. Hezekiah sent a decree for Israel to return to the house of Jehovah to keep the passover and feast of unleavened bread. This passage goes to show that it is our hearts that Jehovah has always. Even though many at this time were not clean and couldn't keep the passover as it was written, Jehovah healed the people as Hezekiah interceded for them as they did eat the passover other than it was written. The power of intercession is seen here as well as the mercy and kindness of the Father. In verse 6 of this passage, we see that the posts (runner, footman) brought the decree from King Hezekiah and the princes saying: "Ye children of Israel, turn again unto Jehovah God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against Jehovah God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see." Notice, that part of returning to Jehovah was keeping His passover memorial meal and the feast of unleavened bread. These were not just times of offering meat, drink and burnt offerings but also divine appointments to worship our Creator and to fellowship with each other. The sacrifical offerings were part of the worship on these appointed feasts but they didn't encompass all the worship that was offered during these holy convocations. In verse 6, in the decree from Hezekiah, he tells Israel that if they return unto Jehovah, then He (The Father) will return to the remnant of them that escaped of the land of the Assyrians. Remember, this decree sent forth from Hezekiah was a call to return to Jehovah God by means of keeping the appointed feasts. Could it be that Jehovah is calling the remnant today to return unto Him by way of keeping His appointed feasts days? Isn't there a prophecy in Malachi 4 about the last days message of Elijah being a call for the children to turn to the fathers and vice versa? Malachi 4:1-4 (ASV) 1 For, behold, the day cometh, it burneth as a furnace; and all the proud, and all that work wickedness, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Jehovah of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall.3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make, saith Jehovah of hosts. 4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances. 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come. 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers; lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. In connection with the great and terrible day of Jehovah (second advent of Christ), we are told to REMEMBER THE LAW OF MOSES with statutes and judgments. The Hebrew word for statutes is "choq" (Strongs Hebrew 2706) and means "an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage): - appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree (-d), due, law, measure, necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task." The law of Moses is the Torah, the first five books of the bible. As you can see from the definition of "Statutes" above, one definition of statute is described as a "set time, an appointment" which is exactly what the feasts (Mow'ed) are. More and more Christians are keeping the feasts now, this is a fulfillment of the above end time prophecy of Malachi 4. King Hezekiah's decree for the remnant at that time, to return unto Jehovah by way of keeping His appointed feast days, is applicable in these last days for God's remnant people. In verse 6 of Malachi 4, this prophetic statement of returning of the children to their fathers and the fathers to their children has a two fold application of literal restoration of family relationships but also significantly of God's people returning to the teachings of the fathers or patriarchs, which was obedience as taught by Moses and Elijah. The feast days are a part of this restoring of biblical teachings from the patriarchs. John the Baptist was a partial fulfillment of this prophecy and would have been the full fulfillment of it had Israel accepted the Messiah. Jehoshua will not return until a restitution of truth has been made.
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Hebrews 8:1-14 (KJV) 1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. Verse 1, Jesus Christ is our High Priest and he is sitting on the right hand of the Majesty on high who is the Living God Jehovah. Heaven is where Jehovah's throne sits. His throne is in the most holy place where the ark of the covenant is. Jesus is set on the right hand of Jehovah God's throne. Verse 2, The sanctuary blueprints and specifications for the building of it were given to Moses by Jehovah God. They were a copy of the original sanctuary in heaven, which was the pattern for the one Moses had built. Jesus is the minister of heavenly sanctuary. In former times, the High Priest from the tribe of Levi was the minister of the sanctuary that was on earth. Verse 3, every high priest offered something to Jehovah, Jesus offered up his own life to God on behalf of the sins of the people. Verse 4, the exaltation of Christ to heaven qualifies Him for a different priesthood. There are priests that offer gifts according to the law. Christ's priesthood if it had remained on earth, would have been a priesthood that was not sufficiently greater than the Levitical priesthood. Verse 5, the sanctuary service in the earthly tabernacle was a shadow of what was to come which is the sanctuary ministration in heaven. The ceremonial law and Levitical priesthood were shadows pointing to the Melchesidek priesthood of Jesus Christ. The instructions Jehovah gave Moses in the building the sanctuary were according to the true tabernacle in heaven. Verse 6, Those who still hold onto the shadows are missing the point that Jesus is the High Priest of a more excellent ministry. Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant. The greek word for "mediator" is "mesites" and means "go between, i.e. an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor): - mediator." We are in much better hands in this more excellent ministry and better covenant than the Israelites were under the old covenant. We have the Divine Son of God as our intercessor instead of earthly fallible priests. Also, no more need for meat, drink and burnt offerings as Jesus was the once and for all sacrifice. We can no go directly to the Father in heaven in the true tabernacle and ask for forgiveness of sins in the name of His dear Son Jehovah Jesus Christ. The new covenant was established on better promises than the old covenant. There were promises in the old covenant, but Christ brings a new covenant where the promises of the old covenant are given a new form, though the substance remains the same. Verse 7-8, the first covenant was not a mistake and the fault was with Israel. Faith was always the requirement even in the time of the first covenant. The people broke the covenant and the Levitical priesthood was not sufficient to deal with their sin. The new covenant is a renewed covenant not brand new covenant however in it's substance. The New covenant was to be made with the Spiritual house of Israel not a National house. This Spiritual house are those of the seed of Abraham, righteousness by faith. This was always the standard Jehovah wanted his people to live up to. This faith would then be manifested by keeping the commandments of Jehovah. The new covenant was needed in order to reconcile man back to the Father through the spotless Lamb Jesus Christ. Our Saviour bore our sins (transgression of the law) and took the penalty for us. The New covenant is not a lawless covenant as the substance of the first covenant remains. It's the priesthood, sacrificial system, ceremonial law, sanctuary service that have changed. The judicial/politic part of the first covenant was active as long as Israel remained a theocratic nation. The moral law of the first covenant is now written in our mind and heart (verse 10), being internalized as they were always meant to be (Deuteronomy 30:11-4, Jeremiah 31:33). Internalizing the commandments makes them even more binding as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28. Read Psalm 37:31, Isaiah 51:7. With the law in the mind and heart it is lived each day and kept spontaneously through the believer's earnest desire. Verse 9-10, Israel broke the covenant of Jehovah continually even though they were taken by the hand out of Egypt. Christ took on flesh and died on the cross so that we can come out of Egypt (the world). Standard covenantal formula from the old testament applies to the Church of the New testament (Gen. 17:7, Ex. 6:7, Lev. 26:12, Psalm 50:7, Jer.7:23). There is a continuity of substance between the old and new covenants. As we come out of this world into newness of life with Christ we need to avoid the pitfalls of ancient Israel and obey the commandments of Jehovah God. Verse 11, Jehovah has ordained preachers and teachers under the new covenant (Ephesians 4:11). However, the new covenant people of Jehovah have an experiential knowledge of Him by the Holy Spirit’s work through the Word (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3-4, 13, 27). Verse 12, There is no longer be a need for animal sacrifices for sin because Christ was the once and for all sacrifice when he offered himself on the cross. He now is our High Preist and accepts our spiritual sacrifices as there is no longer a need for ceremonial sacrifices. The ministration of Christ in the most holy place blots out our sins once we are born again. The cross atoned for our past sins. Verse 13, now we have a new covenant as the first was waxed old and vanished away. The new covenant supercedes the old covenant. The form of administration of the covenant has changed not the substance. As stated earlier, the law is now written in our mind and heart. Writing or putting in the heart means to obey (Deuteronomy 5:29; 6:6; 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 40:8; Jeremiah 31:33; Luke 6:45; 12:34; Romans 6:17) Psalms 89;18-29 (ASV) 18For our shield belongeth unto Jehovah; And our king to the Holy One of Israel.19Then thou spakest in vision to thy saints, And saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.20I have found David my servant; With my holy oil have I anointed him:21With whom my hand shall be established; Mine arm also shall strengthen him.22The enemy shall not exact from him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.23And I will beat down his adversaries before him, And smite them that hate him.24But my faithfulness and my lovingkindness shall be with him; And in my name shall his horn be exalted.25I will set his hand also on the sea, And his right hand on the rivers.26He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.27I also will make him [my] first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth.28My lovingkindness will I keep for him for evermore; And my covenant shall stand fast with him.29His seed also will I make to endure for ever, And his throne as the days of heaven. This is an important passage in understanding the person of Jehoshua, lets eat of this psalm: Verse 18, Ethan the composer of the Psalm says that the King of Israel belongs to Jehovah God showing the Supremacy of the Father and that the anointed King is in covenant relationship to Him. Ethan states that Jehovah God is the protector (shield) of Israel. Verse 19, Jehovah chose (adopted) David whom He called mighty out of all the people of Israel and laid help upon him (David). This of course prefigures Jehoshua who was chosen (adopted/begotten) by Jehovah God to be the help (hope) of Israel. Jehoshua is called the Mighty God in Isaiah 9:6. Verse 20, the anointing of David is mentioned here (1 Samuel 16:13) in which Psalms 2:7 applies: "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" This prefigures how Jehoshua was begotten by Jehovah God which is by the anointing of the Holy Spirit when He was baptized (Mathew 3:16-17; Luke 3:22). Psalms 2:7 was originally quoted in both baptismal passages. Verse 21, Jehovah's hand (power) is established with the Davidic Kings ultimately fulfilled in Jehoshua Messiah. Verse 22, Jehovah protects and strengthens His anointed King. We see this during the ministry of Jehoshua. Verse 23, this was true during Jehoshua's life (Judas) and also evident by the events of AD 70. This will be completely fufilled at the second advent and even applies somewhat now. Verse 24, Jehovah dwelled in His Son Jehoshua and was with Him throughout His earthly ministry all the way unto death. As Jehoshua proclaimed the name of Jehovah and revealed Him, the Father glorified His Son and gave Him the name above all names. God the Father exalted His only begotten Son anointing Him as King (baptism) and ethroning Him as King upon His ascension. Verse 25, Jehoshua inherited the nations upon His ascension (Daniel 7:13-14) and He will conquer them at His second advent. Verse 26, Just as David cried out to God as his Father and the rock of his salvation, these words also apply to the future Messiah Jehoshua showing us that the Son of God Himself has a God who is His Father. This verse shows us the absolute dependency on the Father that the Messiah has. In Revelation 3:12, Jehoshua says 4 times that He has a God. Verse 27, this verse here shows us that the title "firstborn" has nothing to do with literal birth as Jehovah says "I will make him my firstborn" showing an adoption of the one being made "firstborn". Just as Jehovah adopted David to be his son and king (Psalm 2:7), the composer of this psalm says the future Messiah Jehoshua will be adopted by Jehovah God to be His "firstborn" Son. Closely related is the expression “son” (which you see in 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 2:7-9 [compare Psalm 110:1-3]; Hebrews 1:5-14). I understand the expressions, “Thou art My Son, Today I have begotten Thee” (Hebrews 1:5a) and “I will be a Father to Him, And He shall be a Son to Me” (Hebrews 5b) to be synonymous. This speaks not of the birth of our Lord, but of His installation as King of the earth by His Father at His baptism in which Psalm 2:7 was originally quoted (Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 3:22). Verse 28, Jehovah's loving kindness would be with the Son of God according to the promise made to David (2 Samuel 7). The covenant that was made with David by Jehovah would be honored and fulfilled in Jehoshua Messiah. Verse 29, integral in the covenant that Jehovah compacted with David was the promise that his seed (sperm) would endure forever meaning that David would have someone from his family tree installed as the everlasting King of Israel of a Kingdom that would never end. This was ultimately fulfilled in Hebrews 1:8-9 at Jehoshua's ascension. At His baptism Jehoshua was anointed as King and installed as such but didn't sit on the throne until His ascension. In Hebrews 1:8, the Son of God is told by Jehovah that His (Jehoshua's) throne would endure forever fulfilling the oath made to David in 2 Samuel 7. This leads us to the location of the Davidic throne in regards to the Son of God sitting on it. Let's go to verses 34 - 37 of Psalm 89: 34My covenant will I not break, Nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.35Once have I sworn by my holiness: I will not lie unto David:36His seed shall endure for ever, And his throne as the sun before me.37It shall be established for ever as the moon, And [as] the faithful witness in the sky. Selah Jehovah affirms the eternality of the Davidic covenant and that it can't be broken or changed. Both David's seed (family heritage) and his throne will be everlasting which is fulfilled in Jehoshua ultimately at His resurrection and ascension. Notice that verse 36 says that the throne of David will endure forever as sun before me. This statement hints that the eternal Davidic throne will be a heavenly one before the presence of Jehovah God due to the comparison with the sun which of course is located in the sky in the second heaven and in location is close to Jehovah's heavenly temple. Verse 37 confirms the notion that the eternal Davidic throne will be established in heaven not earth. The sun was used as a comparison in verse 36 and now the moon in verse 37. Both sun and moon are heavenly bodies and witnesses in heaven. They are before Jehovah due to their close proximity to His heavenly sanctuary where He sits on His throne. The Davidic throne is prophesied by the psalmist, speaking on behalf of Jehovah, as being a faithful witness in heaven. Hebrews 1 confirms that indeed the eternal Davidic throne is a heavenly one not an earthly one. Psalm 110:1-7 (ASV) 1Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.2Jehovah will send forth the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.3Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth.4Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.5The Lord at thy right hand Will strike through kings in the day of his wrath.6He will judge among the nations, He will fill [the places] with dead bodies; He will strike through the head in many countries.7He will drink of the brook in the way: Therefore will he lift up the head. This is another Messianic Kingship Psalm showing that the throne of Jehoshua will be located in heaven at the Father's right hand. Psalm 110:1 is quoted many times in the new testament as being fulfilled as a result of Messiah's ascension into heaven. In verse one we have Jehovah speaking to the Lord (King) and telling Him to sit down on His right hand ethroning Him as King of Israel according to the Davidic covenant. Peter confirms that this moment was the fulfillment of the oath made to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) that of his seed God would raise up one to sit upon his throne. Peter spake of the resurrection leading to the fulfillment of this (Acts 2:29-36). Psalm 110:1 is also quoted in Peter's Acts 2 discourse. The question we must ask ourselves, is where did Jehoshua ascend to after His resurrection? Obviously into heaven as Hebrews 8:1-2 says: 1Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,2a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. So if Peter connects the resurrection and ascension of Jehoshua as the fulfillment of the promise made to David that of his seed God would raise up one to sit upon his throne and if the author of Hebrews says that upon His ascension Jehoshua went into the heavens to sit down on the throne, then it is with absolute certainty that the throne of David is now a heavenly throne in the new covenant. In verse 2 of Psalm 110 it says that the Messianic King would rule in the midst of his enemies showing that the Son of God is reigning in His Kingdom even before His enemies are made His footstool. Verse 3 says that the Messiah will have His loyal followers ready to do battle with Him. The dew of youth will be with the Messiah's warriors. Verse 4, Jehovah's oath establishes the Son of God as the King-priest according to the order of Melchizedek and according to the prophecy of Zechariah 6:9-15 that the Branch would be a Priest upon His throne. Jehoshua brings the two offices of King and Priest together in one unlike anyone before in the nation of Israel. Jehoshua was of the tribe of Judah not Levi so His Priesthood is not of the Levitical order but rather the Melchizedek order which is a King-priest office. This Melchizedek order is of the new covenant showing that the old is done away with. Hebrews 7:1 - 8:2 speaks in detail about this. Verses 5-7 describe the King's role in the great and terrible day of Jehovah. Let's now go back to Acts 13: 22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who shall do all My will.23Of this man`s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus;24when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, What suppose ye that I am? I am not [he]. But behold, there cometh one after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.26Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth.27For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled [them] by condemning [him].28And though they found no cause of death [in him], yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain.29And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb.30But God raised him from the dead:31and he was seen for many days of them that came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses unto the people.32And we bring you good tidings of the promise made unto the fathers,33that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.34And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure [blessings] of David. We already went through and discussed verse 22 and how it is connected with the anointing of David as king in respect to him being raised up unto Israel. My purpose is to show the parallel to Jehoshua in how He raised up unto Israel and when this specifically took place and also what was significant in regards to the raising up of Jehoshua. Let's look at verse 23, "Of this man's seed hath God according to the promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jehoshua;" Now Paul leads the discussion into the main subject which is the Messiah Jehoshua and says that God has brought Him as a Saviour unto Israel. Most of Christendom would identify this bringing of Jehoshua unto Israel as Saviour as happening at His virgin birth. However verse 24 gives us the precise time when this happened: "when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel" Paul is connecting the bringing up of Jehoshua unto Israel as Saviour with the baptism ministry of John. Let's continue reading: " 25 And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, What suppose ye that I am? I am not he. But behold, there cometh one after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose" Clearly Paul is ascribing the bringing up of Jehoshua unto Israel as Saviour to His baptism not the virign birth. The bringing up of Jehoshua as Saviour is equivalent to what Paul was saying a few verses earlier re David being raised up unto Israel as their king. Raising up and bringing up are the same thing and used of both David and Jehoshua. Saviour and king are the same thing and both used of David and Jehoshua. David was raised up at the same time He was anointed with oil and the Spirit of Jehovah God. Jehoshua was brought up at the same time as being water baptized and anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah. Both Jehoshua and David were anointed by the Spirit of Jehovah mightily (1 Samuel 16:13, Isaiah 11:1-3). Verse 26 "Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth." This verse above is key understanding the significance of Jehoshua's baptism and also in understanding John 1:14. When was the word of salvation sent forth to Israel? Was it after the virgin birth? No! Clearly the baptism of Jehoshua is in view here as it was only after His baptism that He began to teach the Father's word. Luke 3:21-23 (ASV) 21Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. 23And Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the song of Heli, Luke says that Jehoshua began to teach at about 30 years old after His baptism (verses 21-22). So when verse 26 of Acts 13 says that this word of salvation was sent forth to Israel clearly the word of salvation was sent after the baptism of Jehoshua. This helps us understand John 1:14 clearly as a reference to the baptism of Jehoshua not the virign birth. Jehoshua didn't begin to teach the word of salvation after He was virginally begotten nor even shortly after that once He was old enough to do so. Let's go to Luke 4 for further confirmation of this: Luke 4:1 (ASV) 1And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led in the Spirit in the wilderness For the first time Jehoshua is described as being full of the Holy Spirit. This was right after His baptism (Luke 3:21-22). Luke 4:14-15 (ASV) 14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and a fame went out concerning him through all the region round about.15And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. Jehoshua at about 30 years old begins to teach in the synagogues (Luke 3;23) again this is after His baptism in which He received the Holy Spirit. Again, He did not teach before His baptism. He did not teach the word of salvation i.e. gospel of the Kingdom. The next passage slam dunks the truth that Jehoshua didn't start preaching the message of salvation until after He was baptized showing us that verse 26 of Acts 13 has the baptism of Jehoshua in mind when it says "the word of this salvation sent forth" Luke 4:16-22 (ASV) 16And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read.17And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written,18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised,19To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.20And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.21And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.22And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph`s son? Jehoshua began to teach in the synagogues prior to this particular Sabbath, however it was on this day that His preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom officially kicked off. Jehoshua read from Isaiah 61 and verse 18 of Luke 4 says it all as the Son of God points back to His baptism: "The Spirit of the Jehovah is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised" When was Jehoshua anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah? At His virign birth? Absolutely not as you wont find that in scripture. Here is where you will find that Jehoshua was anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah: Matthew 3:16-17 16And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him;17and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. It was at His baptism that Jehoshua was anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah. 7Hebrews 1:1-14 (ASV)
1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, In the Old Testament times God spoke to Israel through the prophets the means of which could be through dreams, visions and angelic visitations or even a visitation by Jehovah Himself. 2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; The last days began during the first advent of the Messiah and it was through the Son of God that the Father revealed the gospel of the Kingdom. The Son of God was appointed to be heir (inheritor) of all things. This appointment took place before the world began (1 Peter 1:18-20) and the anointing of which took place at His baptism and then confirmed at His resurrection and fully given to Him at His ascension. Everything in this universe is held together by the word of the Jehoshua’s power as He has authority over heaven and earth and all things under the earth. Jehovah God designed the ages (worlds) through His only begotten Son. The current spiritual Kingdom age and the future new heavens and new earth were designed with the Messiah in mind as the ruler of these future ages (Isaiah 9). Even the prior ages before the Messiah’s birth were designed with Him in mind as the coming future Messiah and King of Israel. 3 who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Jehoshua is the express image of the Father’s Shekinah glory as the Father dwells bodily in His Son Jehoshua. The very substance of the Father dwells fully in the Son of God (Colossians 2:9). In the book of Revelation the Son of God is described as looking just like the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9; Rev 1:14). In Revelation 21:23 Jehovah God’s glory is said to be the light of New Jerusalem and His Son is said to be the light thereof showing that the Shekinah glory of God radiates from the Son’s person. 4 having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. Jehoshua became so much better than the angels at His resurrection. When Jehoshua was born He was made a little lower than the angels as the book of Hebrews states later on. The name Jehoshua inherited that is more excellent than the angels can be understood in a couple different ways. In one case He inherited the name “only begotten Son of God”. This Royal title “only begotten Son of God” was predestined for Him before the foundation of the world. At His baptism, in which Jehoshua was anointed to be the King of Israel, He became the “only begotten Son of God” which is a Royal Davidic Kingship title (Psalm 2:7. The Messiahs’ anointing at His baptism mirrors closely that of king David in 1 Samuel 16:13 in which the Spirit of Jehovah rested mightily upon him and was with him henceforth and was the anointed king of Israel from that day on until his death. Jehoshua surpassed David and was resurrected to eternal life and is the eternal King of Israel. Jehoshua also inherited the Father’s name “Jehovah” as it is said in Jeremiah 23:6 that the Branch Messiah would be called “Jehovah our righteousness”. As a true begotten Son (baptism) Jehoshua has every right to the divine name Jehovah. Also, it’s what the name represents that Jehoshua has inherited. “Name” has the meaning of “character and authority” as Jehoshua has both the character (express image) and authority of Jehovah God (the Father’s anointed proxy King). This is why it is said that Jehovah is His throne (Hebrews 1:8-9) which is one understanding of those verses. Basically, the Kings of Israel had Jehovah’s authority backing them hence “Jehovah was their throne”. Of course, Jehoshua far exceeds any of the earthly kings of Israel including Solomon and David who were both magnified exceedingly by Jehovah. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son,This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father,And he shall be to me a Son? The understanding of Psalm 2:7 (quoted here above in verse 5) was explained a bit in the above commentary of verse 4. The phrase “Thou art my Son, this day I have begotten thee” has nothing to do with literal birth but rather is related to Psalm 89:27 where “Jehovah” is quoted as saying “I also will make him my firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth”. This is Royal adoptionist language where Jehovah anoints His chosen one into Kingship and Sonship making the Messiah the firstborn Son of Jehovah God i.e. “only begotten Son” (Monogenes-Greek = only ordained, published, generated (in the case of Jehoshua generated by the Spirit i.e. new birth, begotten from above). Jehoshua was spiritually begotten by the Father via baptism as His only begotten Son which basically means “firstborn Son”. Verse 5 denotes the comparison between angels and Jehoshua and that no angel was ever told by Jehovah that they were His only begotten i.e. firstborn Son. Angels are sons of God but none of them were ever made the preeminent (firstborn, only begotten) Son meaning chief in rank not meaning literal birth. Only David’s seed was predestined and prophesied to be the coming “only begotten Son’. This eliminates the possibility of Jehoshua ever being Michael the archangel or the angel of Jehovah. The phrases “only begotten Son” and “Firstborn Son” prophetically apply to the Davidic dynasty and their right to Royal Kingship. Only David’s seed could qualify for this title not any angel. The title “only begotten Son” describes a spiritual anointing (begetting) of Jehovah’s chosen one and also an adoption into Kingship and Sonship according to the everlasting Davidic covenant. Being the King of Israel (when it is a Davidic descendant) and the Son of God go hand in hand. It’s a Messianic Royal title. In order to enter into Kingship and Sonship one has to be anointed by Jehovah’s Spirit thereby being begotten from above. When David and Solomon were anointed as king of Israel, the Spirit of Jehovah came upon them mightily hence they had a rebirth and entered into a legal Father-Son relationship with Jehovah. This was actually true of all Davidic kings in that they entered into covenant Father-son relationship with Jehovah upon being anointed by His Spirit to be the king. 6 And when he again [g]bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Jehoshua being the firstborn Son by Jehovah God by baptism and then the confirmation of this by resurrection (Romans 1:1-4), was brought into the heavens (world) and was worshipped by the angels. The angels of God worshipped the Son of God upon His ascension (Revelation 5:9-14). When Jehoshua was born He was made a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:9) so the above passage is regarding the Son of God’s resurrection when He was made better than the angels being fully glorified by Jehovah God. There is no scripture in the New Testament that shows that the Son of God was worshipped by the angels at His birth or even earthly life. However, as Revelation 5:9-14 says, the Son of God is clearly worshipped by the angels after His ascension. The bringing in of the Son of God into the world is referring to the world of heaven as the word “world” is not the usual word when used of this earth. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds,And his ministers a flame of fire: The comparison between the angels and the Son of God continues as the angels are described as spirits (wind) and flames of fire, showing the various visual manifestations of God’s angels. 8 but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever;And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 45:6-7 which is a Messianic Kingship coronation psalm showing us clearly what is taking place here. Whereas verse 5 quotes Psalm 2:7 pointing back to the baptism of Jehoshua begetting Him as King of Israel, verse 8 is regarding the Son of God’s enthronement on to the throne of Israel (The Church). Both king David and king Solomon were anointed multiple times before their actual enthronement. One anointing was for the Kingship and then the second anointing was for the actual physical possession of the throne. At Jehoshua’s baptism, He was anointed as Israel’s rightful King being covenanted the throne and the kingdom. Upon Jehoshua’s ascension He was anointed to take physical possession of the throne and the kingdom. Jehoshua is called God by the Father and rightly so as He was prophesied to be the Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6). Being that this is quoted from Psalm 45, which is a coronation passage about an Israelite king, we can safely say that the anointed Israelite kings were called god (elohim) as confirmed by Jehoshua Himself when He referred to the judges of Israel being called gods. Remember that the Judges were forerunners to the office of king of Israel. Both were responsible for communicating and enforcing Jehovah’s word (torah). So when the word “god” was applied to the judges and kings of Israel it was in an honorific way not an ontological way. However, in the above verse the title as it applies to Jehoshua not only denotes an honorific title being given to Him but also a divine one as “Mighty God” in Isaiah 9:6 could also be rendered ‘Divine Warrior”. God as it applies here denotes the Son of God’s divinity being made divine first by baptismal anointing (word being made flesh) and then again in a greater way by resurrection being filled with the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed theeWith the oil of gladness above thy fellows. During the earthly life of Jehoshua He was without sin and kept the Father’s commandments perfectly. Because of this the Father anointed Him with the oil of the Holy Spirit above His companions. As magnificently as men like Sampson, David and Solomon were anointed with the Holy Spirit, the Messiah Jehoshua was given the power of the Holy Spirit at His ascension in a far greater measure. Revelation 5:6 tells us that the Lamb (Jehoshua) had the seven Spirits of God symbolized by horns (power) and eyes (wisdom). Seven is a number of perfection and it also is the number of the attributes that describe the Spirit of Jehovah that the Son of God was given at His baptism (Isaiah 11). Also, in Revelation 5:6 it says that the Spirit that rests upon the Son of God was sent forth into all the earth tying this in to Hebrews 1 and the enthronement of Jehoshua which was when He received the Spirit in its overflowing abundance upon His ascension. This sending forth into all the earth described in Rev 5:6 also ties into the day of Pentecost which Peter connects to Hebrews 1:8-9 (the enthronement of Jehoshua) as stated in Acts 2: 33 Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear. The progression is that Jehoshua ascended up to heaven and sat down on the right hand of God being enthroned on the Davidic throne and then was anointed with the Holy Spirit more abundantly than anyone ever before. The fullness of the Spirit is described in Revelation 5;6 as seven horns (power) and seven eyes (wisdom). Upon reception of the Holy Spirit which the Father had promised to Him, Jehoshua then sent the Holy Spirit into all the earth with the initial phase of this on the day of Pentecost. In Acts 1, Luke writing says that Jehoshua in verse 4 commanded His apostles to wait in Jerusalem until the promise of the Father arrived in which they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit obviously speaking of the day of Pentecost just a chapter later. Jehoshua realized this promise upon His ascension and enthronement (Acts 2:33). The Son of God then poured out the Holy Spirt to His apostles on the day of Pentecost. The day of Pentecost was the inauguration of the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah as it coincides with the enthronement of the King Jehoshua. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth,And the heavens are the works of thy hands: Many people ascribe this passage to the Son of God but the context of Psalm 102 and Hebrews chapters 1 and 2 show us that the Father is in view here. The author of Hebrews is validating the Son of God’s superiority by acknowledging the Sovereignty of the One who is enthroning Him as King and made Him His Firstborn Son. The Father here is being acknowledged as the eternal creator thereby cementing the authority of the decrees that He has made concerning His Son. 11 They shall perish; but thou continuest:And they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up,As a garment, and they shall be changed:But thou art the same,And thy years shall not fail. Verses 11 and 12 are talking about the Day of Jehovah and the dissolving of the elements and the subsequent new creation i.e. the new heavens and the new earth. The author also speaks to the eternality of God the “who is and who was and who is to come” who will still remain despite the end of this system of things. These verses also show that there is only one new heaven and one new earth that the people of God anticipated. There was no interim 1,000 year interim period between the second advent and the new heaven and new earth. The writers of the bible often spoke of the present age and the age to come which followed the great and terrible day of Jehovah. There was only one “age to come” prophesied by the prophets and other writers of the bible. Verse 12 alludes to the new heaven and new earth after the day of Jehovah (verse 11). The day of Jehovah would be followed by the new heaven and new earth with no interim period ever mentioned by any of the bible writers. Peter attests to this very concept of the new heaven and new earth coming right after the day of Jehovah (second advent of Messiah): 2 Peter 3:10-13 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be [f]burned up. 11 Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, 12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. This above passage from Peter proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the next event the saints looked forward to following the second advent, was the new heaven and new earth not a temporal millennial interim period in earthly Jerusalem. With a new heaven and new earth we will have a new Jerusalem. 13 But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand,Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet? A reference to Psalm 110 and the Messiah’s enthronement as King of Israel. The Son of God will sit on His throne until the time appointed Him by the Father. Once the Son of God’s enemies have been made ripe for the harvest, then He will stand up from His throne and execute the wrath of Jehovah His Father upon His descent to the earth. 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation? A further contrast between the Son of God and the angels. The angels are described as spirits by the author who minister to the saints of the Messiah and God. On the other hand, the Son of God is a man (1 Timothy 2:5) and sits on the Fathers throne and is head over all creation (Colossians 1:15). The angels are spirit beings with no human flesh, whereas the Son of God is a man of the seed of David in whom the Godhead of the Father fully dwells (Colossians 2:9). New Jerusalem is the governing center of the universe and will come down to earth after the second advent as promised by the Son of God. Revelation 21:1-3 (ASV) 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more.2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven of God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.3And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God: When we go through scripture we see that the saints of old and also the new testament saints believed that the day of Jehovah i.e the second advent of Jehoshua would usher in the new heaven and new earth (Isaiah 65:17-25; 66:22-23; Isaiah 11:6-9; 2 Peter 3:12-13; Hebrews 12:26-27; Hebrews 11; Hebrews 13:13-14). In verse 3 of Revelation 21, New Jerusalem is called the "tabernacle of God". Earthly Jerusalem was a type of New Jerusalem and pointed to the hope of a glorious city built by God's hands to be the reward of all the saints who have ever lived. As we see from verse 1, New Jerusalem comes down from heaven right after the passing away of the old heaven and earth and the making of the new. Also as scripture elsewhere confirms that the day of Jehovah God ushers in the new heaven and earth, New Jerusalem then comes down to earth after the second advent and not a thousand years later. John 14:1-3 1Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.2In my Father`s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Let's look at John 14:1-3 again, Jehoshua exhorts His disciples to be stout hearted due to the promise of mansions that are in God the Father's house awaiting them. The question is, where is God's house? As Revelation 21:1-3 says it is in heaven i.e. New Jerusalem aka the tabernacle of God. Jehoshua is promising the disciples mansions in New Jerusalem not earthly Jerusalem. After making this heart warming promise to His disciples, Jehoshua then tells them one of the things He will be doing when He is away from them which is to prepare a place for them. If Jehoshua is going away meaning leaving this earth via His death, resurrection and ascension then the place He is going to prepare for His apostles must be in heavenly Jerusalem. Jehoshua is going somewhere His disciples can't go, we know this is not referring to anywhere on earth because the death of Jehoshua and His subsequent glorification is the subject of John 13:31 - 14:3. We know that as a result of His glorification He ascended to heaven at the right hand of God the Father. So we must conclude that the place where Jehoshua is going in order to prepare places for His apostles is in heaven not earth. This is proven also by the mentioning of mansions in the Father's house which scripture says is in New Jerusalem in heaven not earth. Let's now go to the book of Revelation in order to show that New Jerusalem is the destination of the saints after the second advent: Revelation 7:9-17 (ASV) 9After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of [all] tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands;10and they cry with a great voice, saying, Salvation unto our God who sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb.11And all the angels were standing round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,12saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, These that are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and whence came they?14And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat:17for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. The context of the above passage is clearly after the second advent and resurrection and translation of the saints. We are told by many so called experts on eschatology that the destiny of believers after the second advent is earthly Jerusalem not new Jerusalem however Revelation 7 absolutely refutes this idea. Verse 9 of Revelation says that the great multitude will be standing before the throne of Jehovah God and before the Lamb after they are resurrected. Let's ask this simple question, where is God's throne, is it in earthly Jerusalem or New Jerusalem? Isaiah Chapter 66 1Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? Jehovah does not dwell in man made temples anymore and His throne has always been in heaven. Let's go to Acts 7:48-49 48Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in houses made with hands; as saith the prophet,49The heaven is my throne, And the earth the footstool of my feet: What manner of house will ye build me? saith the Lord: Or what is the place of my rest? Here Stephen qoutes Isaiah 66:1-2 and before that states that Jehovah does not dwell in houses made with human hands. It seems as though the earthly Jerusalem promoters have ignored this passage. Lets go to Acts 17: 24The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Paul echoes the words of Stephen and reiterates that Jehovah does not dwell in temples made with human hands. Jehovah God's dwelling place is the tabernacle in which He pitched which is the true tabernacle. Scripture over and over again shows that Jehovah's throne is in heaven not earth. Hebrews 8:1-2 (ASV) 1Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,2a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. This passage destroys any teaching that Revelation 7:9-15 is tied to an earthly temple in Jerusalem. Jehoshua sits on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the HEAVENS. Did you read that, the Majesty Jehovah God's throne is in heaven not earth and His Son the lamb of God is sitting on His right hand. Jehovah God only has one throne and that is in the heavens according to the author of Hebrews. So if Jehovah's throne is in heaven and the saints after the resurrection are pictured in the midst of the throne of God then we must conclude that we go to New Jerusalem after the resurrection not earthly Jerusalem. In Revelation 7:9 and 17 it says that we stand before the Lamb and that the Lamb is in the midst of the throne. This goes right in step with the abundance of scripture testimony that Jehoshua upon His ascension sat at the right hand of the Father. Revelation 5:6-7 (ASV) 6And I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.7And he came, and he taketh it out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne. In the above passage, John is taken in vision to the heavenly sanctuary where God the Father is sitting on His throne and the Lamb is in the midst of the throne. This is exactly where the resurrected saints are pictured as being in Revelation 7. They are in the temple of Jehovah before His throne and the Lamb is there as well. The location is undoubtedly New Jerusalem as there is no reason to think otherwise being that God, the throne and the Lamb are in both scenes and clearly in Revelation 5 the scene takes place in heaven not earth thereby Revelation 7:9-15 takes place in heaven as well. Revelation 7:15 (ASV) 15Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them. Most Christians acknowledge Revelation 7:9-15 as taking place pretty soon after the resurrection, if that is the case then it is clear that the teaching that we won't see or experience God the Father until after "a thousand year" millennium is utterly false. Right after the resurrection of the saints we are told that we will worship Jehovah God day and night in His temple. How could this be if we are supposed to be in earthly Jerusalem before we even see God the Father and dwell with Him? Speaking of dwelling with God the Father, the above verse says He will spread His tabernacle over us. The KJV says He will dwell with us. Let's now go to Revelation 21 which is after the millennium of Revelation 20. Revelation 21:1-3 (KJV) 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3And 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. In verse 3 we see that the tabernacle of God is going to be with men which takes place after it comes down out of heaven (verse 1). The tabernacle of God is New Jerusalem (verse 2). Remember that chapter 21 of Revelation takes place after the millennium that is described in chapter 20. Verse 3 is the key in understanding that New Jerusalem is indeed the destination of the saints right after the resurrection. Verse 3 says that once New Jerusalem comes down to earth out of heaven that God will dwell with men and He will be their God and they will be His people. This is precisely what is said in Revelation 7:15 KJV " Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." ASV "Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them." In verse 3 of Revelation 21 John says after the millennium that the tabernacle of God will be with men and He will dwell with them. In verse 15 of Revelation 7 it says that God will spread His tabernacle over men (ASV). In the KJV, it says that God will dwell with among men. Remember that Revelation 7 is after the resurrection of the saints which takes place in conjunction with the second advent. This shows us that the millennium precedes the second advent in that Revelation 21 and 7 are describing the same thing and the same event. One description is after the second advent and the other description is after the millennium. If they are both describing the same event which is obvious then we must conclude that the second advent coincides with the conclusion of the millennium. This also proves that the hope of the saints is New Jerusalem not earthly Jerusalem. However New Jerusalem will come down to earth and be the capital of the Kingdom of Jehovah God on earth. This also proves that the teaching of a future 1,000 year minimum is false. The millennial reign of the Son of God is a present reality. There is more in regards to the similarity of Revelation 7 and 21. Let's look: Revelation 7:17 (KJV) 17for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. In verse 15 of Revelation 7 we learned that God will spread His tabernacle over the saints and dwell with them. Here in verse 15 we see that the Lamb will lead us to fountains of living waters and that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. Let's now look at Revelation 21: 3And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God:4and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away. Do you notice the same exact sequence of Revelation 7 (verses 15-17) is depicted in Revelation 21 (verses 3-4) meaning that we are told God will dwell with men and then lead them to fountains of living waters and wipe away all tears from their eyes. Verses 15-17 of Revelation 7 parallel exactly verses 3-4 of Revelation 21 again proving that these two chapters are speaking of the same event not two separate events separated by a thousand years. In Revelation 21 we are told that New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven and God will dwell with man and lead him to fountains of living waters and wipe away all tears from their eyes which mirrors perfectly the events in Revelation 7. Here is the sequence of events: New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven as told to us by John in Revelation 21:2 and promised by the Son of God as the inheritance of those who overcome: Revelation 3:12 (ASV) 12He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. The promise from the Father's only begotten is that those who overcome will inherit New Jerusalem which falls right in step with the teaching of Paul the apostle and the author of Hebrews. The Son of God clearly says that New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven echoing John's later vision in Revelation 21. Notice that Jehoshua doesn't say anything about a future millennium in which the saints will rule with Him in an earthly Jerusalem in an earthly temple. Jehoshua's promise to the saints after their overcoming the world is New Jerusalem. As stated before, New Jerusalem will come down to earth fulfilling the prophesied reign of the saints with Messiah on earth. The Kingdom of Jehovah and His only begotten Son will be on this earth however New Jerusalem not the earthly one will be it's capital. Let's also catch something else stated by the Son of God in Revelation 3:12. Jehoshua said that the overcoming saints will be pillars in the temple of His God. Remember that Revelation 21 says there will be no temple in New Jerusalem after it comes down out of heaven. 22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God the Almighty, and the Lamb, are the temple thereof. So clearly we are told that there will be no literal temple in new Jerusalem but that the Father and Son will be the temple. This fits perfectly with what Jehoshua said in Revelation 3:12 as we the saints will be pillars in the temple of God. Obviously we aren't literal pillars anymore than God and His Son are literal brick and mortar temples. This shows us that the temple in New Jerusalem is a spiritual one not a physical one. To be continued.. In Zechariah 6, verses 9-13, we see the prophecy about Jehoshua being both King and Priest. Jehovah of hosts says that the man who is called the "Branch" will build the temple of Jehovah God. "Branch" is a Messianic title meaning "shoot" or "sprout". "He shall grow up out of his place" literally "he will sprout" i.e. Branch. Jehoshua is the Branch that grows up out of the stem and root of Jesse who was king David's father. In Zechariah 3 and 4 we see that both Joshua the high priest and Zerubabbel the governor, who was a type of king, were instumental in the plans for the rebuilt temple. Jehoshua as both King and Priest is instrumental in building Jehovah's new covenant temple. The new covenant temple of Jehovah is the Church as scripture confirms. In verse 13 of Zechariah 6 it says that Jehoshua will bear the glory of the temple of Jehovah meaning that He will be the banner (the ensign) of the Church, in other words the head and the preeminent one of the Jehovah's new covenant temple. Verse 13 continues in stating that Jehoshua shall sit and rule on His throne and be a priest upon His throne. This is a very crucial verse in terms of understanding Jehoshua's ministry in heaven which encompasses His Kingship and Priesthood. This verse clearly says that the future Messiah would unite the two offices of King and Priest and that unlike the Levitical priests who's ministry was a standing one, Jehoshua 's would be a sitting priesthood. The Branch would operate His priesthood from His throne sitting down thereby indicating "most holy place" ministry. The Levites ministry was a "holy place" ministration where they stood up daily. Scripture says that Jehoshua's throne is on the right hand of Jehovah God which clearly is in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. The Levitical priests were only allowed in the most holy place once a year on the day of atonement. Jehoshua fufilled the day of atonement by His death, resurrection and subsequent ascension into heaven thereby granting Him access to the most holy place sprinkling His blood on the mercyseat. Since the blood of animals could not purge the conscience of sinners it had to be offered over and over again. Jehoshua however, was the spotless lamb of Jehovah God and His blood provided the full atonement for sins and only needed/needs to be offered once for all time. Lets look at Hebrews 9 to see the sufficiency of the blood of the Son of God: 11But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,12nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.13For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh:14how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Verse 12 is a reference to the most holy place and that Jehoshua entered it once at His ascension to give us all access who are saved by His blood. "Eternal redemption" Messiah's sacrifice only needed to be offered once, not continually or daily. Whereas the blood of goats and bulls could cleanse the flesh of those who have been defiled, the blood of the spotless lamb of God cleanses our conscience's from dead works. Because our conscience's are made clean by the blood of the Son of God we can now serve His Father who is the living God. We have seen via scripture that Jehoshua has a right to operate His priesthood from the most holy place which was prophesied here in Zechariah 6:13. Jehoshua is also a King which should be obvious by what we read in Zechariah 6:13 and this is confirmed in the new testament in Hebrews 1:8-9 which describes the coronation of Jehoshua as King of Israel. Verse 13 of Zechariah continues by stating via Jehovah God that the counsel of peace will be between both of Jehoshua's offices of King and Priest. Jehoshua uniquely brings together the office of King and Priest as no one else has ever done. As King, Jehoshua sovereignly rules over His Church and in the midst of His enemies. As King, Jehoshua expects His commandments to be obeyed and guides His Church into carrying out His Kingdom manifesto. As Priest, Jehoshua sympathizes with His people's infirmities and forgives their sin on behalf of the Father. As Priest, Jehoshua is our mediator and advocate to God the Father. As Priest, Jehoshua is also ready to hear the cries of the petinent sinner who desires to be born anew. "He shall bear the glory" Jehoshua Messiah is the banner "ensign" (flag or standard) of the Temple of Jah In order to gain entrance into the temple (church) of Jehovah God one must go thru the door (gate) of the Temple: John 10 7Jehoshua therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.8All that came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.9I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture. Jehoshua is the door to the Temple i.e the Church. In order to belong to the Church, one must go through the Son of God and acknowledge the glory of the only begotten Son. John 1:14 tells us that Jehoshua bears the glory of the Father: "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth." Jehovah God's glory dwelt fully in His Son after His baptism. The word "dwelt" means to tabernacle which is sanctuary language bringing us back in thought to the time in the wilderness where Jehovah's shekinah glory inhabited the tabernacle. Jehovah's manifested glory would rest above the tabernacle directly above the mercy seat. The mercy seat was symbolic of God's divine throne and presence. This exactly the place that the Branch talked about here in Zechariah 6 would sit as Priest and King. "And shall sit and rule as a Priest upon His throne" This is also how the only begotten Son of God bears the glory of the temple as He sits on the very throne where Jehovah's shekinah presence dwells. Hebrews 1 has a beautiful description of the glorified Son of God: 3who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;4having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. When we read in Zechariah 6 that the Son of God "shall bear the glory" we need to understand the significance and beauty of what that means. Hebrews 1 is describing the risen Messiah and His ascension into heaven. The reference in Hebrews 1:3 to Jehoshua being the effulgence of the Father's glory shows us that the Son of God is divine. He is the exact representation (express image) of the Father in character and in appearance. That appearance is the radiance (shekinah) of the Father that shines through His only begotten Son. Verse 4 of Hebrews 1, the Messiah became so much better than the angels at His resurrection. We know this because at His birth He was made a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:9). Jehoshua has inherited a name more excellent than the angels. What is this name? It is the name Jehovah which is the Father's name. It's not the pronunciation I am talking about but rather the authority and character behind the name. By overcoming the world and be raised from the dead by the Father, Jehoshua inherited the throne of Jehovah's Kingdom. Jehoshua sits on the throne of Jehovah as the Israelite kings of old did. The throne of Israel was also called the throne of Jehovah. Hebrews 1:8-9 tells us why Jehoshua was given God's very throne: 8but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. It is because Jehoshua was faithful to the commandments of His Father unto death that He now sits on the throne of Israel and wields the very authority (name) of Jehovah God. The old Israelite Davidic kings were Jehovah God's representative to Israel and had the authority of Jehovah backing their throne. Revelation 3:21 (ASV) 21He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. The throne represents authority and Jehoshua sits on the Father's throne which shows that He has the same authority as the Father. Matthew 28:18 tells us this: 18And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. In Jeremiah 23:5-6, we see that the future Messiah of Israel would be called "Jehovah our righteousness" signifying that the Son of God is the very embodiment of Jehovah's righteous character and nature. 5Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness. Just as any son carries the name of his Father, Jehoshua has the very name of His Father. Jehoshua can rightly be called Jehovah as by inheritance He has that name being the only begotten Son of the Father. To deny that Jehoshua can be called Jehovah is in contradiction to scripture notably the passage above. It also goes against the fact that a Father's offspring bears the Father's name. This is true in human families and is true in the family of Jehovah: Ephesians 3:14-15 (ASV) 14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father,15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, Many of the old testament Israelites had the name of Jehovah (Jah) within their name. This doesn't mean that they themselves were Jehovah but that they were sons or daughters of Jehovah God. However, Jehoshua the Son of God holds special status as Jehovah's only begotten Son and thereby can rightly be called by the Father's name "Jehovah". This is the name that He inherited (Hebrews 1:4) by way of the resurrection. Whereas we may have the Father's name imbedded within our given name, Jehoshua has birthright to that name as Jehovah's firstborn (preeminent) Son. The virgin birth, the baptism and resurrection progessively all give Jehoshua the right to the divine name but most notably His resurrection as that is what is in view in Hebrews 1:3. In Zechariah 14, the one who lands on the mount of olives is referred to as Jehovah: 3Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.4And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the mount of Olives shall be cleft in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. Is this above passage describing the Father landing on the mount of olives? Lets go to Acts 1: 9And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.10And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;11who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jehoshua, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven.12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day`s journey off. This pasaage in Acts 1 corresponds to Zechariah 14 as the angel tells the disciples that Jehoshua's return will be in reverse order as His ascension which they just witnessed. Ascension = Mount of Olives, cloud, heaven. Second advent = Heaven, cloud, Mount of Olives. Zechariah 14 is describing the same event that the angel prophesies to the disciples of Jehoshua. Zechariah 14 calls this the "day of Jehovah" and clearly is describing the end of this age and the beginning of the new heaven and new earth. As noted in verses 3 and 4 of Zechariah 14, the one who lands on the mount of Olives is referred to as Jehovah and as we read in Acts 1, it is the Son of God who lands on the mount of Olives. Thereby the Jehovah of Zechariah 14 is the Son of God Jehoshua. There is no need to posit a trinity here but rather we need to understand that Jehoshua by way of His resurrection and to a lesser extent His virgin birth inherited the name more excellent than the angels. The name of Jehovah was given to the Son of God and we see Jehoshua referred to as Jehovah our righteousness in Jeremiah 23:6 and Jehovah in Zechariah 14. Lets go to Jeremiah 33 for another reference: 16In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is [the name] whereby she shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.17For thus saith Jehovah: David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; In Jeremiah 23:6, it was the future Davidic King that would be called "Jehovah our righteousness". Here in Jeremiah 33, it is Jerusalem itslef that is referred to as "Jehovah our righteousness" (verse 16). In verse 17, the promise to David by Jehovah is reiterated in that David will not fail to have a man sit on the throne of Israel. This is obviously fulfilled in Jehoshua and the city that He will rule over (New Jerusalem) will be called "Jehovah our righteousness". The city that Jehoshua is king of will also bear His name "Jehovah our righteousness", this signifies ownership. This shows us that Jehoshua will be the sovereign over New Jerusalem, as the name He (Jehoshua) will be known by will be given also to the city He reigns over. Oftentimes cities, states or countries are named after their founder or an important person in the history of that particular parcel or land, so it should be no surprise that the city Jehoshua is King of is also named after Him. King Jehoshua = Jehovah our righteousness New Jerusalem (where throne of Jehoshua is located) = Jehovah our righteousness Lets go to Acts 3 to further the case that Psalm 2:7 refers to the baptism of Jehoshua rather than the virign birth, resurrection or eternal generation of the Son. Acts 3:22-26 (ASV) 22Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me. To him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you.23And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.24Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days.25Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.26Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. inherited the name more excellent than the angels. The name of Jehovah was given to the Son of God and we see Jehoshua referred to as Jehovah our righteousness in Jeremiah 23:6 and Jehovah in Zechariah 14. Lets go to Jeremiah 33 for another reference: 16In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is [the name] whereby she shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.17For thus saith Jehovah: David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; In Jeremiah 23:6, it was the future Davidic King that would be called "Jehovah our righteousness". Here in Jeremiah 33, it is Jerusalem itslef that is referred to as "Jehovah our righteousness" (verse 16). In verse 17, the promise to David by Jehovah is reiterated in that David will not fail to have a man sit on the throne of Israel. This is obviously fulfilled in Jehoshua and the city that He will rule over (New Jerusalem) will be called "Jehovah our righteousness". The city that Jehoshua is king of will also bear His name "Jehovah our righteousness", this signifies ownership. This shows us that Jehoshua will be the sovereign over New Jerusalem, as the name He (Jehoshua) will be known by will be given also to the city He reigns over. Oftentimes cities, states or countries are named after their founder or an important person in the history of that particular parcel or land, so it should be no surprise that the city Jehoshua is King of is also named after Him. King Jehoshua = Jehovah our righteousness New Jerusalem (where throne of Jehoshua is located) = Jehovah our righteousness Lets go to Acts 3 to further the case that Psalm 2:7 refers to the baptism of Jehoshua rather than the virign birth, resurrection or eternal generation of the Son. Acts 3:22-26 (ASV) 22Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me. To him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you.23And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.24Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days.25Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.26Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. This passage in Acts 3 gives us a clue as to when Jehoshua was raised up by God. Verse 22 links the raising up of Jehoshua with Moses prophecy of Him in Deuteronomy 18. The raising up of this prophet would then be followed by Him preaching and teaching His brethren (the Israelites). In verse 26, Peter tells the Israelites that the raising up of Jehoshua coincided with Him being sent to them (the Israelites) to bless them and turn them away from their iniquities. This obviously could only apply post baptism which Mark identifies as the beginning of the Son of God's gospel. Also in Luke 4:18-21, Jehoshua Himself acknowledges the inauguration of His preaching the glad tidings of the Kingdom, which includes salvation and blessing, as beginning on that particular Sabbath day which was after His baptism. There is no record of Jehoshua preaching the gospel of the Kingdom before His baptism. Scripture clearly shows that it was only after His baptism when He was full of the Holy Spirit that He began to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. It was after His baptism that Jehoshua was sent to the lost sheep of Israel. The raising up of Jehoshua is likened to Him being brought forth publicly or published meaning to be announced. This was at His baptism as Jehovah God bore witness publicly that Jehoshua was His Messiah and that He was begetting (adopting, anointing) Jehoshua into Sonship, Kingship as well the offices of prophet & priest. Jehovah declared Jehoshua's pedigree as Son, King, Priest, Prophet at His baptism (Psalm 2:7 quoted at Jehoshua's baptism). Acts 13:16-34 (ASV) 16And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken:17The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.18And for about the time of forty years as a nursing-father bare he them in the wilderness.19And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave [them] their land for an inheritance, for about four hundred and fifty years:20and after these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.21And afterward they asked for a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for the space of forty years.22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who shall do all My will.23Of this man`s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus;24when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, What suppose ye that I am? I am not [he]. But behold, there cometh one after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.26Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth.27For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning [him].28And though they found no cause of death in him, yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain.29And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb.30But God raised him from the dead:31and he was seen for many days of them that came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses unto the people.32And we bring you good tidings of the promise made unto the fathers,33that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.34And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David. Here in Acts 13, Paul gives a discourse on the Sabbath concerning the Messiah in the synagogue. The purpose of going through these verses is to connect the quotation of Psalm 2:7 in Acts 13:33 to Jehoshua's baptism. Let's look at verse 22, the word or phrase "raised up" is very key throughout these verses. By understanding how David was raised up we will better be able to determine how Jehoshua was rasied up in verses 33 and 34 of Acts 13. Paul is connecting the raising up of David with Saul being removed as king of Israel. Let's look at 1 Samuel chapter 15 and see exactly when Saul was removed as king of Israel: 23For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, he hath also rejected thee from being king.24And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Jehovah, and thy words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.25Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Jehovah.26And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee; for thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, and Jehovah hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. In this passage, Saul is being rejected by Jehovah God as the king of Israel for His disobedience in not slaughtering completely all that the Amalekites had including their livestock (1 Samuel 15:3). As it turns out Saul spared the life of the king of the Amalekites and the best of their livestock. This was one of the reasons Jehovah God rejected Samuel from being the king of Israel as is stated twice in the above passage, verses 23 and 26. We can safely say that it was on this day that Jehovah removed Samuel from being king. The scripture is crystal clear. Even though Saul remained in the position of king for some time after this, in reality he had already been removed from being the legitimate king of Israel. Only the position itself carried any wait while Saul remained on the throne but Saul himself ceased being Jehovah's anointed king. To further prove lets look at the meaning of the word "rejected" in the Hebrew tongue: The word "rejected" comes from the Hebrew word "ma'ac" (Strongs 3988) and means "to spurn, to disappear: - abhor, condemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathsome, melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, utterly, vile person". It was on this day that Saul became reprobate concerning the faith of Israel and concerning being Jehovah's anointed king. The definition of rejected drives home the fact that Saul was removed from being king long before he actually physically stopped being in the position of king of Israel. In others Saul was a lame duck king. Verses 27 and 28 further establish the point that Saul was removed as king on this day that he was confronted by Samuel the prophet. 27And as Samuel turned about to go away, Saul laid hold upon the skirt of his robe, and it rent.28And Samuel said unto him, Jehovah hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbor of thine, that is better than thou. Samuel made it clear to Saul that the kingdom of Israel was being rent from him THIS DAY. This is not a future removal of Saul as king but a present tense one. Samuel makes it clear that Saul was rejected as king by Jehovah on this day and the Kingdom was taken from him on this day. This day being the day that Samuel rose to meet Saul after the conquering of the Amalekites (verse 12 of 1 Samuel 15). Samuel was clear in telling Saul that on this day the Kingdom was rent (torn) from him (Saul). Let's now go to chapter 16 of 1 Samuel and see how the raising up of David took place: 1 Samuel 16:1-5 (ASV) 1And Jehovah said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from being king over Israel? fill thy horn with oil, and go: I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons.2And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And Jehovah said, Take a heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to Jehovah.3And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.4And Samuel did that which Jehovah spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, Comest thou peaceably?5And he said, Peaceably; I am come to sacrifice unto Jehovah: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. As Samuel is mourning for Saul's loss of the kingship and Kingdom, Jehovah commands him to stop doing so and instead take his horn with oil in order to anoint a new king. We all know that oil is representative of the Holy Spirit and is used to anoint a king into kingship. Remember, Acts 13:22 said that David would be raised up unto Israel as their king once Saul was removed as king. In verse 1 of chapter 16, it is said by Jehovah that he rejects Saul as king. This is the third mention of Jehovah rejecting Saul as king within the last 2 chapters of 1 Samuel, verses 23 and 25 of chapter 15 were the other two times. One other time in chapter 15 it was said that the Kingdom was rent (torn) from Saul. By now, it must be crystal clear that Saul is no longer the anointed king of Israel. 1 Samuel 16:10-15 10And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Jehovah hath not chosen these.11And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he is keeping the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.14Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him.15And Saul`s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. After Jesse's seven sons were not chosen by Jehovah to be king, he was asked by Samuel if he had any more children and Jesse told him that the youngest was out tending sheep. Samuel told Jesse to have his youngest child brought to them. David was a good looking young man and Jehovah commanded Samuel to anoint him as king. David was the chosen one of Jehovah. Samuel then anointed (Messiah) David with the oil out of the horn. Remember oil represents the Holy Spirit. Upon David's anointing with the horn of oil which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, the reality of Jehovah's Holy Spirit came down from heaven anointed Him in a mighty way. This abundant power of the Holy Spirit was with David from this day forward. It was on this day that David became the legitimate King of Israel. We read also that Sampson was poured upon the Spirit of Jehovah mightily: Judges 14:6 (ASV) 6And the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid; and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. The Spirit of Jehovah provided the anointed ones with power, strength and wisdom. Just as Sampson was endowed with Jehovah's Spirit in a powerful way so was David. David's war exploits attest to the fact that Jehovah was with him in a mighty way. It could be said that on this day Jehovah begat David as His Son (Psalm 2:7). The begetting of David was not a literal birth but a spiritual birth via the anointing of Jehovah's Spirit. Remember in John 3:3-6, Jehoshua told Nicodemus that one could not see the Kingdom of God unless they were born (begotten) from above by the Spirit. This was also true in the old testament times. In order to run Jehovah's Kingdom, David would need a heavy dose of the Holy Spirit. David is a type of Jehoshua so let's go to an event in Jehoshua's life that is parallel to the anointing of David: Matthew 3:13-17 13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.14But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?15But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him.16And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him;17and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. The words "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" were the original words spoken at Jehoshua's baptism according to ancient manuscripts and verified by some of the early Church fathers. It is fitting that this is so because Jehoshua's baptism mirrors closely the time that David was anointed by Samuel to be king over Israel. After Jehoshua is baptized, the Spirit of Jehovah descends and enters and rests into/unto Him. This is when He is anointed (Messiah) for the office of prophet, priest and most importantly King. Here is another account from Luke re Jehoshua's baptism: Luke 3:21-23 21Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee23And Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age Again, the words "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" were originally spoken here at Jehoshua's baptism. Let's look at Isaiah 11 and see the full impact of Jehoshua's baptism Isaiah Chapter 11 1And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit.2And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah.3And his delight shall be in the fear of Jehovah; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears;4but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isaiah 11 gives a fuller picture of what took place at Jehoshua's baptism. Just as it was said at David's anointing that the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, here in Isaiah we see that the Son of God would be anointed mightily by Jehovah's Spirit receiving the fulness of Jehovah's character resting upon Him. Some believe that Isaiah 11 is describing the seven Spirits of God talked about in the book of Revelation. Here are the seven attributes of Jehovah that Jehoshua received at His baptism: The Spirit of Jehovah The Spirit of wisdom The Spirit of understanding The Spirit of counsel The Spirit of might The Spirit of knowledge The fear of Jehovah This passage in Isaiah gives us a better understanding of what exactly happened to Jehoshua at His baptism. Many in Christendom today treat Jehoshua's baptism as an afterthought yet this is the lynchpin of His ministry and not only that, it is when He was begotten as Son of God and King of Israel along with His other ministerial roles. Jehoshua is called the only begotten Son and King of Israel only after His baptism. Jehoshua would need God's Spirit in order to perform the ministry that God had appointed Him to. 1 Corinthians 1:24 (ASV) 24but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Paul is speaking post resurrection but of course this also applies to the baptism of the Messiah. It was at Jehoshua's baptism that He became the power and wisdom of God. This proven by the Isaiah 11 account. |
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