Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
My study on the holy vine of David continued
Lets go back to David's last words as He testifies to Jehovah's faithfulness and covenant mercies. 2 Samuel 23:3-5 3The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me: One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God,4He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springeth out of the earth, Through clear shining after rain.5Verily my house is not so with God; Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things, and sure: For it is all my salvation, and all my desire, Although he maketh it not to grow. Verse 5 is a high water mark of David's faith, expressing his understanding that even though his house would fail and falter, the covenant was sure because it would find unconditional fulfillment in the Messiah Jehoshuaz his salvation and all his desire. Verse 4 alludes to the future Messianic King to proceed out of David's loins i.e. Jehoshua. The Son of God is the bright and morning star of Revelation 22:16: "I Jehoshua have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." Verse 4 Jehovah speaking to David calls the future righteous ruler of the house of David "as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds" Jehoshua connects Himself being the offspring of David with being the bright and morning star which echoes what Jehovah told David in 2nd Samuel chapter 23 verse 4. The bright and morning star was the future Messianic Davidic King. Verse 1 of 2nd Samuel reads: "Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse saith, And the man who was raised on high saith, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel" David was raised on high by Jehovah God alluding to his anointing as the king of Israel. The anointing of David is eqauted with him being raised up which should help us understand Acts 13:33: "that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jehoshua; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." The raising up of Jehoshua was a fufillment of prophecy to the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 18:15-21). This raising up is not in reference to the resurrection as that is spoken about in verse 34 of Acts 13. The raising up spoken of in Acts 13:33 is the same as David's raising up which is said to be when he was anointed as king (1 Samuel 16:13). The anointing of David is when he started his ministry even though it would be some time before he was enthroned as king. So the raising up of Jehoshua that fufilled bible prophecy was Him arriving on the scene to preach the gospel of the Kingdom which took place at His baptism. Scripture in the new testament proves this concretely. Concerning Jehoshua being the bright and morning star lets look at what Malachi says: Malachi 4:1-2 (ASV) 1For, 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.2But 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 The Davidic king is called the light of the morning and the sun that riseth (2 Sam 23:4) and the bright and morning star (Rev 22:16). Here in Malachi 4:1-2, we see the the prophecy of the second advent of the Davidic Messianic King who is called the sun of righteousness echoing 2 Samuel 23:4 and Revelation 22:16. Now we can properly understand why Jehoshua refers to Himself as the light of the world: John 8:12 12Again therefore Jehoshua spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life. Jehoshua was/is the light of the world because He is of the holy vine of David and the ultimate fufillment of the Davidic dynasty as the Davidic kingship in 2 Samuel 23 was called the light of the morning, the sun that riseth, a morning without clouds. The Davidic king is also referred to as the sun of righteousness and the bright and morning star elsewhere. In the book of Revelation Jehoshua promises to overcomers eternal fellowship with Him: Revelation 2:26-28 (KJV) 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.28And I will give him the morning star. Jehoshua is the morning star as the radiant Davidic King and was prophesied to be the Star that rose out of Israel: Numbers 24:17 17I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: There shall come forth a Star out of Jacob, And a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite through the corners of Moab, And break down all the sons of tumult. "A Star out of Jacob" a prophecy of Messiah, the seed of Abraham, seed of David and the true Israel. This Star is a refrence to the Davidic kingship dynasty and ultimately finds its full fulfillment in Jehoshua. Isaiah 9:1-8 (ASV) 1But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.3Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.4For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as in the day of Midian.5For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire.6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.8The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel. Verses 1 and 2, both Israel and the Gentile nations were in total darkness when the Messiah arrived on the scene as the light of the world. They were in the shadow of death but the light of the Davidic Messianic King shone upon them. Verse 6, this speaks of the birth of Jehoshua and the government being upon His shoulder speaks of the prophecy given to Mary that Jehovah God would give her son the throne of his father David and that He would rule as King over Israel forever (Luke 1:32-33). Verse 7, the light is inherently connected to the Davidic throne and it is because Jehoshua is the rightful heir to the eternal Davidic covenant that He is the light of the world. Just as told to Mary, Isaiah prophesies that the Messianic King would rule over the Kingdom forever as the increase of His government and of peace will have no end. While this is a near prophecy about Hezekiah it is completely fulfilled in Jehoshua Messiah. Jehoshua's Davidic Kingdom would be established with justice and judgment and the zeal of Jehovah God His Father would see to it that this would happen. Verse 8, this word from Jehovah about the future Messianic King was a light to Israel. 2 Peter 1:19-21 (ASV) 19And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:20knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.21For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit. What is this sure word of prophecy? In context, it is in relation to the Davidic dynasty and the promise of a future Messianic King of the seed of David that would bring the covenant to its fullness (2 Samuel 7). How do we know that this passage is regarding the Davidic Messiahship? Because verse 17 of 2 Peter 1 mentions the transfiguration and the acknowledgement by Jehovah that Jehoshua is His beloved Son. The Sonship ofJehoshua is tied to the oath made to David by Jehovah God. Also, in verse 19 Peter refers to Jehoshua as the "day star" which is a Davidic Messianic title. Jehoshua said that if we overcome then we will be given the morning star which is Himself. Jehoshua calls Himself the bright and morning star and the offspring of David in Revelation 22:16. The reference to the day dawn is about Jehoshua's second coming which results in His resurrected brethren receiving the "day star" which is Himself. In verse 20, Peter warns that no prophecy is of private interpretation meaning that we cannot come up with doctrine that disagrees with what the Holy Spirit revealed to the prophets before the coming of Messiah. No matter how many Church councils are held, they cannot alter one bit the spirit of prophecy given to men and women of God of old. The Spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah and this testimony is iron clad tied to Him being the seed of David and the ultimate fufillment of the Davidic covenant. The seven ecumenical councils and so called Church fathers came up with private interpretations of scripture that outright contradicted the prophetic Spirit. Peter warned of decievers that would come to do that very thing in verse 16 of this passage: "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." Peter's testimony of the power and coming of Jehoshua was right in line with the men of old time who prophesied of the coming Davidic King. These men were Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, David, Malachi, John the Baptist etc. The common theme that these prophets spoke of concerning the future Messiah that He would be of David's seed (sperm) which indicates His proceeding out of a male descendant of David. The cunningly devised fables would shortly come to the Church after the death of the apostles and were actually already at work during their lifetime. These cunningly devised fables are seen the Church fathers writings and the seven ecumenical Church councils. They are the virgin birth doctrine, the preexistence of the Messiah and ultimately the trinity doctrine. Isaiah 42:1-8 (ASV) 1Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.2He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.3A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth.4He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.5Thus saith God Jehovah, he that created the heavens, and stretched them forth; he that spread abroad the earth and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:6I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;7to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.8I am Jehovah, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise unto graven images. This passage is a prophecy about Jehovah's servant, the coming Messianic King. In verse 1 we read that Jehovah will put His Spirit upon His servant which took place at Jehoshua's baptism. He will bring judgment to the Gentiles. Verses 2-3 highlight how the Messiah will conduct His ministry, it will be characterized by mercy. Verse 4, the isles a reference to the distant shores, the ends of the earth. The Messiah's mission is universal. "Wait for His law" hope in His teaching or instruction. As a King Jehoshua had a right to institute law as He did in the sermon on the mount. Jehoshua magnified and filled up the law of Jehovah. He brought the grace and truth out of it. Verse 5, Jehovah God is the creator of the heavens and earth and the sovereign One which gives life to mankind. Verse 6, Jehovah is the one who sanctions the ministry of the Messiah. He called Jehoshua in righteousness as it is God who selects people for the work of the ministry as no man takes it unto themself (Heb 5:4) Jehovah God is the one who protected and perserved the Messiah during His earthly ministry and kept Him strong. Jehovah held His hand showing that the Messiah completely relied on God during His ministry work. Jehovah keeping Jehoshua reminds one of Peter's words in 1 Peter l:5 "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." Just as we are kept by the power of God through faith unto the day when salvation is fully revealed (the resurrection), the same was true of Jehoshua. God the Father preserved Jehoshua by His (God's) power as the Son of God had faith in His Father. This is why we are told in Revelation 14:12, that the true Church has the faith of Jehoshua because we are to have the same faith in God that He had. It was by faith that Jehoshua was righteous as He believed in the promises of God which were eternal life by resurrection and to ascend and sit down on His right hand. It was by Jehoshua's faith that God empowered Him and kept Him (caused Him to persevere) until the day He died on the cross. Back to verse 6 of Isaiah 42, Jehovah says He will give His servant as a covenant of the people which is a reference to the new covenant that Jehoshua made in His blood. Jehovah God says that His Messiah will be a light for the Gentiles. The reference to being a light is in relation to the Davidic covenant as stated in the passages previously discussed. God's Davidic King is a light to Israel and also the world. This was true in the old testament when the Davidic kings walked in righteousness, however it finds its full fulfillment in Jehoshua Messiah. All the references to Jehoshua being the light of the world, the day star, the morning star and the bright and morning star are due to Him being the seed of David and the fufillment of the oath made to David by Jehovah God (2 Samuel 7). Verse 7, again the ministry of Jehoshua is characterized by mercy. Verse 8, the Son of God's mission ultimately aims at the glory of Jehovah God. This verse is falsely used to promote the trinity doctrine, however all glory given to the Messiah ultimately glorifes Jehovah God and no one else especially graven images as the context of this passages dictates. Phillipians 2:9-11 9Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;10that in the name of Jehoshua every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,11and that every tongue should confess that Jehoshua Messiah is King, to the glory of God the Father. All glory and worship given to the Messiah as King (not God) is to the glory of God the Father hence God will not share His glory with graven images or false gods but He will give it to His anointed Son who is King not God. Isaiah 49:1-10 (ASV) 1Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye peoples, from far: Jehovah hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name:2and he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me: and he hath made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he kept me close:3and he said unto me, Thou art my servant; Israel, in whom I will be glorified.4But I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought and vanity; yet surely the justice [due] to me is with Jehovah, and my recompense with my God.5And now saith Jehovah that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered unto him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God is become my strength);6yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. 7Thus saith Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Jehovah that is faithful, [even] the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.8Thus saith Jehovah, In an acceptable time have I answered thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages:9saying to them that are bound, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and on all bare heights shall be their pasture.10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them will lead them, even by springs of water will he guide them. This is another prophetic Messianic passage. Verse 1 is another reference to the isles i.e the distant shores, the extremities of the world. The Messianic promise concerns the whole world. Jehovah God predestined Jehoshua to this purpose before He was born (Jeremiah 1:5; Gal 1:15; 1 Peter 1:19). The Holy Spirit overhshadowing Mary was not about incarnation or virgin birth but rather the seperating of Jehoshua from the womb for the work of the Kingdom ministry for which He had predestined before the foundation of the world. This was also true of David: Psalm 22:9-10 (ASV) 9But thou art he that took me out of the womb; Thou didst make me trust [when I was] upon my mother`s breasts.10I was cast upon thee from the womb; Thou art my God since my mother bare me. Just as Jehoshua was set apart from the womb by Jehovah so was His father David. Verse 2 of Isaiah 49, "mouth like a sharp sword" Jehoshua's words are powerful to judge sin (Rev 19:15). Jehoshua is the word of God and with His word He will dash the nations with a rod of iron when He makes His glorious return to earth. "A polished shaft" a sharpened arrow (Rev 6:2) as Jehoshua is the King who conquers with the bow i.e. His gospel truth and righteousness. Verse 3, Jehoshua is the ideal Israel and restores the people so the servant here cannot be the people. Jehoshua is the fufillment of all God desires in His covenant people for His glory. Verse 4, the Servant of Jehovah expresses the apparent frustration and futility of His mission (Isaiah 53:1-3). Jehoshua entrusted Himself to Jehovah and called Him "my God". The explicitly shows that Jehoshua is not God but rather has a God. Jehoshua committed His work to God (1 Peter 2:23). Verse 5 of Isaiah 49, Jehovah formed Jehoshua from the womb to be His servant. Jehovah God set apart Jehoshua at conception in the womb of Mary to be the Messianic King and to bring Israel back to God. This is similar to other great men of God but of course in a much greater way. There is no need of a virgin birth for Jehoshua just as there was no need for the other great men of God formed by Him from the womb to be virginally begotten. This is why Jehoshua can be the Son of God without being ontologicaly God's offspring, because ultimately Jehovah God formed Him whether it was through a virgin birth or through the natural relations between a man and a woman. Jehovah doesnt need to literally beget someone in order to form them from the womb or be their Father. "Though Israel be not gathered, yet I shall be glorious in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God shall be my strength" Though a good portion of Israel rejected their Messiah, Jehoshua was still glorious in the eyes of Jehovah. This shows an absolute distinction between Jehoshua and Jehovah. Also, Jehoshua calls Jehovah His God who is His stength. Again, this proves that Jehoshua Himself is not God and has a God. His God is our God: John 20:17 Jehoshua saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God. The words of Jehoshua are absolutely clear, He has a God and His God is our God. Verse 6 of Isaiah 49: "yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth." The Messianic King was to be a light unto the Gentiles. The Identification of Jehoshua being the light is directly connected to Him being the Davidic King. This is not only true of Jehoshua but the Davidic Kingship in general as many believe Hezekiah is in immediate veiw of this prophecy. Most of the Davidic prophecies have a near and far view. The near view is usually about the present Davidic king or one in the very near future however they all find their final fufillment in Jehoshua Messiah. There are Davidic prophecies that can only be about Jehoshua but most do have the near/far view. Hezekiah was to be a light unto the Gentiles just like all the Davidic kings were supposed to be. Ultimately it was Jehoshua that fulfilled this prophecy in full. We see a perfect example of the Davidic king being a light to the Gentiles in the story of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba: 1 Kings 10:1-9 (ASV) 1And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of Jehovah, she came to prove him with hard questions.2And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.3And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not anything hid from the king which he told her not.4And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,5and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of Jehovah; there was no more spirit in her.6And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom.7Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me; thy wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.8Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, that stand continually before thee, [and] that hear thy wisdom.9Blessed be Jehovah thy God, who delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because Jehovah loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do justice and righteousness. Here we see a perfect example of a Davidic king being a light unto the Gentiles as the Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame. Sheba was located 1,000 miles from Jerusalem. This indicates how extensive Solomon's reputation was. Verses 3 and 4, the king of Israel had the wisdom of God and answered the Queen's questions successfully. This reminds us of the passage that says Jehoshua is the wisdom and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). The Davidic kings had access to this power and wisdom of God depending upon their faith in Him (God). Verses 6-8, the Queen is amazed at Solomon's wisdom, prosperity and acts, even stating that they exceeded her expectations. Verse 9, "Blessed" synonymous with a different Hebrew word translated "happy" designates the ascription of praise when applied to God. The Queen of Sheba acknowledges that it was Jehovah God that set Solomon on the throne of Israel. The throne of Israel is also called the throne of David (Acts 2:29-36; Psalm 89:36-37; Luke 1:32). The throne of David is also called the throne of Jehovah God (1 Chronicles 29:23). "Because Jehovah loved Israel" The Davidic King is Jehovah God's love gift to His people (Isaiah 9:6). The Davidic king was supposed to bring justice, judgment and righteousness to Israel and even the Gentile nations. The Davidic dynasty is the light of the world and Jehoshua Messiah is the fullness of that light i.e. the bright and morning star and the offspring of David (Revelation 22:16).
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