QnA in the Revelation at the bottom of this playlist.

Notes for chapter 1

• What is meant by the seven spirits?
  • • Please find the information more fully at the RwD site (search Seven Spirits)

• • Rev 1:5, Christ the first begotten of the dead. Was not Moses raised from the dead first
    • Look up the word “[first] begotten” Preeminent
    • Where in the Bible does a younger receive the blessings of the firstborn? Jacob and Esau.

• 1:5 says Jesus died. Was that the second death?
  • • In a word, “no.” Search “second death” in the Bible.
    • Leviticus 1:1-4 – every day of the year
    • Leviticus 16:15, the Lord’s goat, then the scapegoat, 21-22 – once each year
    • The first death was for the sin of the people. The second death was for the sin of the people… the deaths are for SIN, there was the first death for sin, and the second.
    • The land not inhabited is a reference to Revelation 20, the 1000 years where the enemy of souls will be kept until he is destroyed, along with sin, forever.
    • The sinners’ sins are not forgiven, the sin is transferred. The sinner is forgiven!

• 1:8 – Why does Revelation 1:8 call Jesus “Almighty.”
  • • It really doesn’t… it’s the way you read the text: Read 1:8

• Are both the Father and the Son the Alpha and the Omega?
  • • Depending on how it is understood. The alpha of everything is the Father – 1 Cor 1:8
    • The Son is the author of our faith – Hebrews 12:2

• What are the eyes as a flame of fire?
  • • Find the answers here: https://www.revelationwithdaniel.com/eyes-of-the-lord/

Notes for chapter 2-3

• Rev 2:6,15 Who are the Nicolaitans?

Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Revelation 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

“In the Greek there is much similarity between the two readings, ΟΜΙΣΩ and ΟΜΟΙΩΣ. “In like manner” refers to the similarity between those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, and those who hold the doctrine of Balaam. It confirms the view that two sects are meant.” https://biblehub.com/revelation/2-15.htm

Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Searched: Idol* fornication (only in three NT)

Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

• Rev 2:10 Tribulation 10 days what does this mean? Was this fulfilled and going to happen again?

Each church has a specific time and place, they also apply to a certain era, yet each is applicable to all times and places.

“The message to the church in Smyrna is also for our encouragement.” 18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 39

White Stone

• I was wondering about verse 2:17. Why is the manna called “hidden manna”? Also what is the meaning of the white stone?

Where was the manna of the OT hidden?

Heb. 9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

Heb. 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

Also, the word white mainly refers to something from Heaven. (Search white in Revelation 2:7)

Remember the priests…

Ex. 28:15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

Ex. 28:16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.

Ex. 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.

Ex. 28:18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

Ex. 28:19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

Ex. 28:20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

Ex. 28:21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

Revelation Chapter 2b

• What does it mean that Jesus would give the morning star in Revelation 2:28?

When looking up the phrase “morning star” I could only find one other reference and meaning of the phrase:

Rev. 22:16 I Jesus 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.

(Morning used twice in Revelation, both only 1x in Greek)

Consider Galatians 4:4-6.

• What does Revelation 3:9 mean that those of the synagogue of Satan would worship before the feet of the church?

Revelation 20:5, 7-9 and Philippians 2:8-11

• What does it mean in Revelation 3:12 that the overcomer would be made a pillar in the temple of God?

Early Writings says, right after quoting the message to the church of Philadelphia, “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:4, 5.” EW 30.3

Search pillars in 3:12.

• Why does Jesus in 3:12 call His Father “my God?” Isn’t Christ God?

Actually, that verse has Christ calling His Father God 4 times!

John 1:1 also calls Christ God. But! A really good question to consider is, in that verse which God has a God?

Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Heb. 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Heb. 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-21

“The day will come when you will see that it does not pay to trifle with the interests of your soul, allowing it to become diseased, so inefficient that Christ declares, “Ye are neither cold nor hot. So then, because ye are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.” [See Revelation 3:15, 16.] What does this mean? That He will no longer present the name of such a one to His Father.” 19LtMs, Lt 253, 1904, par. 5

“The Laodicean message applies to the people of God who profess to believe present truth. The greater part are lukewarm professors, having a name but no zeal.” 4T 87.1

“The only hope for the Laodiceans is a clear view of their standing before God, a knowledge of the nature of their disease. They are neither cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral position, and at the same time flatter themselves that they are in need of nothing. The True Witness hates this lukewarmness. He loathes the indifference of this class of persons. Said He: “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Like lukewarm water, they are nauseous to His taste. They are neither unconcerned nor selfishly stubborn. They do not engage thoroughly and heartily in the work of God, identifying themselves with its interests; but they hold aloof and are ready to leave their posts when their worldly personal interests demand it. The internal work of grace is wanting in their hearts; of such it is said: “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” 4T 87.2

“They were blind, yet felt that they were well off. The Spirit of God did not illumine their minds, and they did not perceive their sinfulness; therefore they did not feel the necessity of help.” 4T 88.1

“The light grows dim and goes out.”

 

Notes for chapter 4

—Why does the voice in Revelation 4:1 say to John that he would be shown things that would be hereafter if what is described next already happened?

—Inspiration talks about present truth, was there to be a continuing “Present Truth” that changes?

—Rev. 4 Vs 6, The 4 beast full of eyes before and behind. Vs 7, 8 and 9, the 4 beast described.

—Are the twenty four elders angels or men? I had always heard that they were redeemed humans who Jesus took to heaven after His resurrection, but I thought I heard you say recently that they are angels

—Rev 4:4. Elders with crowns? Elders with white robes? Why would the elder wear these items if they were ministering angels? Or are they a remnant of the mini resurrection at Christ’s resurrection?

—Question.. Are they the Adam’s from other worlds.??

“Redeemed us/men/people?” Looking at 30 different translations, most use the words “people” or “men,” and many italicize ‘men’, showing that it is not in the original text. The word “us” is used only 7 times in Revelation. If the word should be “us” instead of “men/people” in this context, would the “us” also include the “four beasts” that are mentioned in verse eight? It seems the best translation would be “men/people.”

They are elders (specially, “an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter”: — elder(-est), old.” — Greek Strong’s). The word “elder” is used 67 times in the New Testament. In Revelation 7:9-17 John sees the great multitude standing before the throne with white robes and palm branches, praising God and the Lamb. An elder then approaches John and says, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?” He then identifies them as those who’ve been redeemed from the earth—coming out of great tribulation—implying that he as an elder was not a part of that group.

In 5:8 they are seen as “having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” These 24 elders are part of the communication network that God has set up to answer our prayers, so referring to them as humans would be a bit of a stretch in my mind.

Also, chapter four is a picture of the throne room of God the Father where He is alone sitting on His throne before the 24 elders and the four living creatures, then chapter five shows Christ, the Son, as a lion or a lamb come in to sit upon the throne next to His Father. If the 24 elders are men, why were they there and honored on their thrones before Christ was honored and placed on His Father’s throne?

If Christ can be known as the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16), then who is Christ a king of? He is the “Lord of sabaoth” (sabaoth meaning armies). He is seen coming in 19:14 with “the armies which were in heaven follow[ing] him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.”

Why do the elders wear victory crowns instead of kingly crowns? (4:4, 10) Victory over what? They have been warring against the temptations and deceptions of the enemy ever since the original fall of Lucifer (see Isaiah 14:12-15). The holy angels “excel in strength” (Psalms 103:20), and “have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:13).

Revelation 5:11-14
The Bible gives a clear description of all the inhabitants of heaven and the earth worshipping two living Beings: God the Father and His Son. There are only two who should be worshipped, God because He is the “only true God” according to His Son (John 17:3), and the Son of God whom God the Father has exalted (Philippians 2:8-11, Hebrews 1:6).

Singing in Revelation 4:10 and a NEW song in 5.

• • • Daniel 6 – Darius, Daniel, 2, 120…

• • • “The news of man’s fall spread through heaven. Every harp was hushed. The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. All heaven was in agitation.” EW 148.2
    • “The Son of God prayed in agony. Great drops of blood gathered upon His face and fell to the ground. Angels were hovering over the place, witnessing the scene, but only one was commissioned to go and strengthen the Son of God in His agony. There was no joy in heaven. The angels cast their crowns and harps from them and with the deepest interest silently watched Jesus. They wished to surround the Son of God, but the commanding angels suffered them not, lest, as they should behold His betrayal, they should deliver Him; for the plan had been laid, and it must be fulfilled.” EW 167.1
    • “Then all the heavenly host surrounded their majestic Commander, and with the deepest adoration bowed before Him and cast their glittering crowns at His feet. And then they touched their golden harps, and in sweet, melodious strains filled all heaven with rich music and songs to the Lamb who was slain, yet lives again in majesty and glory.” EW 190.2
    • “When the Lord makes up His jewels, the true, the frank, the honest, will be looked upon with pleasure. Angels are employed in making crowns for such ones, and upon these star-gemmed crowns will be reflected, with splendor, the light which radiates from the throne of God.” CCh 179.1

 

Notes for chapter 5

Questions from my family,

Rev. 5 – Vs 1, the book written within and on backside, sealed w/seven seals? What is the book and the seven seals?

The word book is mentioned eight times in this chapter, whereas throne is mentioned five times.

The seals are opened, specifically mentioned in 6:1, and what happened as a result? Why was John crying? Time would not continue!

• Verse 1 “In the right hand of Him that sat on the throne” – See Deuteronomy 17:18-20

• 9MR 7.2, EGW, “There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God’s providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth’s history to its close.”

• “Written within and on the backside” – See Ezekiel 2:7-3:4

• “Sealed…”
• Making something official, as in the kings signet: (1 Kings 21:8, Nehemiah 9:38, Esther 3:12, 8:8-10, Daniel 6:17, Daniel 12:4, 9, Matthew 27:66), Something close(d) up: (Job 14:17, Song 4:12, Ezekiel 28:12, Daniel 9:24), A stamp signifying a commitment or a transaction: (Song 8:6, Isaiah 8:13-9:7, Jeremiah 32:9-14, John 3:33, 6:27, Romans 4:11) etc.
• See Isa. 29:9-14 (Matthew 15:7-9)

• Revelation 5:2 The book (scroll) was by the side of the king on his throne containing the law of God written by his own hand (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
• Ezekiel 2:7-3:4 speaks of a book written on two sides which contain the Words of the Lord (similar to the book in Revelation 4 and 5).

• The Lamb is the One who breaks/opens the seals in Revelation six. The book/scroll must also contain the deeds of all those who have lived on this earth either in concert or contrast to that law. (The final seal will be broken in chapter 8:1 when there is silence in heaven as Christ comes for His people… the book/ scroll will then be fully unsealed and we will be able to look over the things written therein as judges in Heaven, Revelation 20:4). Paul says in Romans 2:16, “God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel [the things written by the prophets—and how we have reacted to them].”

 

Notes for chapter 6

—Is there a connection between the four horses in Revelation 6 and the four horses in Zechariah 6?

• • • There may be! The messages to the churches are to the angels (2-3), the four beasts are who say “come and see” in the seals (6), and the trumpets are blown by angels (8-11)—so the angels may be referred to as the horses as they are in Zechariah.

—In Revelation 6:6 what is the meaning of the wine?

• • • The series I did in the Revelation playlist on YouTube covers this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRLGA3VD5Ys&list=PLh69clxAQWHYgwiavaEDi0Lsysfsr3Tm8

—Are the four horses in Zechariah symbolic of time periods as well?

• • • I don’t think so, though it could be! Here is a letter from 1900 that includes the horses in Zachariah:

I make an appeal to our brethren to whom this letter may come. Our brethren in Europe are brought into a strait place, but because of this we will not now devote time to criticism and complaints, for criticism and complaints or censure will not bring them through the pressure of the strait place. That which is needed now is genuine sympathy and decided help. We will now individually consider that our brethren are in trouble and must be helped just now in this their time of perplexity and distress. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 1

As there is a decided sympathy between heaven and earth, and as God sees fit to delegate angels to minister unto all who are in need of help, we know that these heavenly representatives of omnipotent power will be commissioned to help in this time of distress. God will impress men to whom He has entrusted capabilities and talents of means to at this time take on the burden of responsibility, and help our Scandinavian brethren, that they may save property which otherwise must be sacrificed. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 2

This is no time to criticize, but every breath should be devoted to speaking words that shall encourage, and every power to actions that shall lift. I will subscribe my name to give three hundred dollars, though this mite I must borrow and pay interest on. If those who can do more than this will do it, it will be returning to the Lord the mercies and blessings which He has given them. All His gifts are entrusted to us, to be disposed of when He requires His own to help brethren, who love the truth and are working for its advancement, to recover their standing. Shall we not make a pull, a firm, strong, united pull, helping not selfishly nor grudgingly, but cheerfully and uncomplainingly? 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 3

One of the employments of the heavenly angels is to visit our world and oversee the work of the Lord which is in the hands of His stewards. They are to minister in every necessity of God’s elect, who are striving to be victorious overcomers, the acknowledged heirs of salvation. These heavenly intelligences are represented as desiring to look into the plan and scheme of redemption, and the angelic host rejoice in the repentance of one soul who is brought to Christ, who by faith takes hold of the personal merits of Christ as his personal Saviour. There is joy in heaven when fallen men are so transformed by the grace of God as to become compassionate, touched with human woe; for in loving their fallen brother as God and Christ love them, they evidence that they are partakers of Christ’s attributes. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 4

Angels are interested in the spiritual welfare of all who are seeking to restore the moral image of God in man, and the human family are to connect with the heavenly family and bind up the wounds and bruises which sin has made. Angelic agencies are connecting their invisible instrumentalities with visible human agencies, forming a relief association with men. Is there not something stimulating and inspiring in this thought that the human instrumentality confers in its actions the blessings of angelic agencies? This work bears the inscription of the divine, for ye are laborers together with God. With what joy and delight all heaven looks upon these blended influences, influences which are acknowledged in the heavenly courts! 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 5

Human agencies are the hands of heavenly instrumentalities. Their acts of unselfish ministry make them partakers in the success which is a result of the relief offered. This is heaven’s way of administering saving power. The knowledge and actions of the heavenly order of workers, united with the knowledge and power which are imparted to human agencies, relieves the situation of the oppressed and distressed. Heavenly angels employ human hands to use their God-given talents in practical ministry. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 6

The very angels who when Satan was seeking the supremacy fought the battle in the heavenly courts, and triumphed on the side of God; the very angels who from their exalted position shouted for joy over the creation of our world, and over the creation of our first parents who were to inhabit the earth; and the angels who witnessed the fall of man through Satan’s deceptions and his expulsion from his Eden home, are most intensely interested to work in union with the fallen, redeemed race in the development of that power which God gives to help every man who will be united with heavenly intelligences to seek and save human beings who are perishing in their sins. If men will become partakers of the divine nature, and separate selfishness from their lives, special talents for helping one another will be granted them. If all will love as Christ has loved, that perishing men may be saved from ruin, O, what a change would come to our world! 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 7

“I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty: he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy, he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” [Zephaniah 3:12-17.] What a representation is this! Can we take it in? 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 8

“I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord.” [Verses 18-20.] Read Haggai chapter one. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 9

It is becoming that all who realize the near coming of the Lord act their faith. We see one of God’s instrumentalities languishing, and let those who are heart and soul in the work manifest their interest. If we will be as mind and heart and hands with the heavenly intelligences, we can be worked by them. When human agencies will unitedly take of the Lord’s own substance to make up a deficiency that has occurred in the Lord’s institutions, that they shall not be left to be extinguished, the Lord will co-operate with them. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 10

“And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes for the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 11

“Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house: his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hands of Zerubbabel with those seven. They are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 12

“Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches, which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” [Zechariah 4:1-14.] 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 13

Men are required to receive and to impart from the heavenly agencies. Just as soon as God’s institutions close their hearts to the dire necessities of sister institutions, and do not make every effort possible to act their part to relieve them, but selfishly say, Let them suffer, a time will come when they will have to pass through a similar experience of humiliation. But you do not mean to do this, brethren, I know you will not do this. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 14

“And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled and bay horses. Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord? And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 15

“The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grizzled go forth toward the south country. And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro to the earth. Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.” [Zechariah 6:1-8.] The Lord’s eyes are open to the working of the whole cause of God. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 16

When one of God’s instrumentalities, which is engaged in doing His work, shall through some lack of judgment fall into decay, let those institutions which are in a more prosperous condition do to the uttermost of their ability to lift the crippled institution to its feet, that the name of God be not dishonored. We need every facility that is in Europe to stand in a healthy, wholesome condition before an ungodly world. Let not the angels of God who are ministering unto those who bear the responsibilities see the hearts of God’s workers made sad. Already the difficulties have increased by delay, so that it will be a greater expense to cure the bruises and wounds of the institution. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 17

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah; then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest; and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is the BRANCH. And he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: even he shall build the temple of the Lord: and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne: and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 18

“And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen, the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the Lord. And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the Lord, and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.” [Verses 9-15.] 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 19

In the name of the Lord we ask His people who have means to arise and realize that God, who is owner of all property which His believing ones possess, shall prove themselves faithful stewards of God. Repair the condition of God’s working machinery, that the hearts of God’s people shall not be made sad. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 20

“And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, in the fourth day of the ninth month, in Chislen; when they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regem-melech, and their men, to pray before the Lord, and to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years? Then came the word of the Lord of hosts unto me, saying, Speak unto all the people of the Lord, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did ye not eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves? Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain? 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 21

“And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother: and oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in his heart.” [Zechariah 7:1-10.] This is the Word of the Lord. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 22

I cannot think that the closing part of this chapter will be the course that you will pursue. “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his Spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts: but I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.” [Verses 11-14.] 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 23

Talk not words of censure. Lay not the blame upon this one or that one. It is a fact that there is now need of the help which all can bring to heal the breach that has been made. Do it cheerfully. Do it nobly. Come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Redeem at once the institution that is in great peril. This can be done if all will take hold and redeem this heavily debt-burdened institution, and in doing this the blessing of the Lord will be upon you. It can be done, and in the name of the Lord lay hold of it. Let all work with courage and with cheerfulness and with joy, and this very work will prove a great blessing in the experience of all who lay hold upon it and carry it through successfully. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 24

There is a great work to be done in Europe. All heaven takes an interest not only in lands that are nigh and that need our help, but in lands that are afar off. All the inhabitants of heaven are in active service, ministering to a fallen world. They take a deep and fervent interest in the salvation of men, the fallen inhabitants of this world. These heavenly beings are watching and waiting for human agencies to be deeply moved over their fellow workmen who are in perplexity and trial and sorrow and distress. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 25

Human agencies are called to be hand helpers, to work out the knowledge and use the facilities of heavenly angels. By uniting with these powers that are omnipotent, they will be benefited by their higher education and experience. The Lord’s entrusted talents will be efficacious if used to do the work entrusted to God’s instrumentalities, that they may stand again in independence. All heaven is watching those instrumentalities that have been as the hand to work out the purposes of God in the earth, thus doing the will and purpose of God in heaven. Such a co-operation will accomplish a work which will give honor and glory and majesty to God. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 26

There is a work to be done for souls in foreign countries. Let no hand become slack or palsied, when you have the assurance that angels, whose home is in the pavilion of the Eternal, in the presence of God, and who see the glory of God, are your helpers. Will you co-operate with them in building up every institution under the supervision of the angelic ministration? 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 27

Who can understand the value of the human souls for whom their Prince, their King, the Son of the infinite God, gave His spotless life to a shameful death to save all who should believe on Him? If all understood this as they should, what a work would go forth from their hands in most earnest, persevering efforts to go deeper than they have ever gone before, because through the Holy Spirit’s working they may with the influence of their voice and their talent of means lead many souls to escape the chains of darkness and the hellish plottings of Satan, and become washed from their sins in the blood of the Lamb. O! let the work go on deeper and still deeper. Angels in heaven rejoice to see sinners repent and turn to the living God. “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 28

 

Notes for chapter 7

Revelation 7:17. Why are there tears in heaven that need to be wiped away by God?

• •The numbers are literal, many understood symbolically (1260, 42 months, half an hour, 7…)

• •Not all the tribes are there… (Where’s Dan?, Why Manasses?)

• •The chapter is symbolic (four angels, four corners, four winds, earth, sea, tree, angel ascending from the east, seal of the living God)
  • • •So with a symbolic seal to be put symbolically on our foreheads, with the earth, sea, and trees to be kept safe from a symbolic wind, why should we say the number 144,000 is literal? Symbolic or literal, it will be a small number:

• • • • • •Genesis 4:1-15, Abel – 1
        • •Genesis 6-7, Flood – 8
        • •Genesis 18-19, Sodom – 3
        • •Numbers 13-14, Wilderness – 2
        • •Daniel 3, Furnace – 3
        • •Daniel 6, Lions den – 1
        • •Mark 6:14-29, John the Baptist – 1
        • •Acts 1-2, Upper room – 120, etc. [all symbolic of the end]).

• •John never saw – he heard the number, but SAW the great multitude (Rev. 7:4-9)
  • • •Rev. 1:10-12, he heard a voice, saw a candlestick and the Son of Man
    • •Rev. 5:5-6, he heard there was a lion, saw a lamb as it had been slain
    • •Rev. 17:1-3, he heard about a harlot sitting on waters, saw a woman sitting on a red beast
    • •Rev. 21:9-10, he heard about the bride, the Lamb’s wife, saw the holy Jerusalem

• •The great multitude are the ones who came out of the “great tribulation”
  • • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
    • Revelation 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
    • Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

• •Palm branches are in their hands, used during the feast of tabernacles—after the 1,000 years.

• •Revelation 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
  • • Consider: if the building was foursquare, four sides/corners, the top has four sides/corners, and the bottom has four sides/corners = 12 sides/corners. 12,000*12= 144k

Names

Now will I praise the LORD: – Judah – Gen 29:35 (for)

Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction – Reuben – Gen. 29:32 (.)

A troop cometh – Gad – Gen 30:11 (and)

Happy am I – Asher – Gen 30:13 (for)

With great wrestlings have I wrestled – Naphtali – Gen 30:8 (and)

God… hath made me forget all my toil – Manasseh – Gen 41:51 (for)

The LORD hath heard that I was hated – Simeon – Gen 29:33 (.)

Now this time will my husband be joined unto me – Levi – Gen 29:34 (.)

God hath given me my hire – Issachar – Gen 30:18 (and)

God hath endued me with a good dowry – Zebulun – Gen 30:20 (and)

God hath taken away my reproach – Joseph – Gen 30:23-24 (for I will be)

The son of the right hand – Benjamin – Gen 35:18 – margin

 

Jer. 3:12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.

Jer. 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

Jer. 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

“It is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand? This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question.” 1SM 174.3

 

Notes for chapter 8

“Here are my questions about Revelation 8.”

In Revelation 8:1 there is silence in heaven for a half an hour. I have always understood this as not literal, but prophetic time (7.5 days) but in Revelation 10:6 the angel says that there would be time no longer, which I have always understood to mean that there would be no more prophetic time. How do the two work together?

• • • “This message announces the end of the prophetic periods.” 2SM 108.1
    • “This time, which the Angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world’s history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which would precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844.” CTr 344.5

In Revelation 8:3-5, What is the golden censer and the fire of the alter, referring to? Is it referring to the Holy Spirit?

Is the incense which was given to the angel referring to prayers?

Is the lightning referring to the ministering angels?

In Revelation 8:3-5, where is Jesus, in the Holy or Most Holy place? I thought He was in the Holy Place because of this quote: “He saw an angel “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Revelation 4:5; 8:3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth.” CIHS 36.1

but some other quotes made me question…

“I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel with a writer’s inkhorn by his side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and the saints were numbered and sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had been ministering before the ark containing the ten commandments, throw down the censer. He raised His hands, and with a loud voice said, ” It is done.” And all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” EW 279.2

“In the first apartment I saw the candlestick with seven lamps, which looked rich and glorious; also the table on which was the shew-bread, and the altar of incense, and the censer. All the furniture of this apartment looked like purest gold, and reflected the image of the one who entered that place. The curtain which separated these two apartments looked glorious. It was of different colors and material, with a beautiful border, with figures of gold wrought upon it, representing angels. The vail was lifted, and I looked into the second apartment. I saw there an ark which had the appearance of being of the finest gold. As a border around the top of the ark, was most beautiful work representing crowns. It was of fine gold. In the ark were the tables of stone containing the ten commandments. On each end of the ark was a lovely cherub with their wings spread out over it. Their wings were raised on high, and touched each other above the head of Jesus, as he stood by the ark. Their faces were turned towards each other, and they looked downwards to the ark, representing all the angelic host looking with interest at the law of God. Between the cherubim was a golden censer. And as the prayers of the saints in faith came up to Jesus, and he offered them to his Father, a sweet fragrance arose from the incense. It looked like smoke of most beautiful colors. Above the place where Jesus stood, before the ark, I saw an exceeding bright glory that I could not look upon. It appeared like a throne where God dwelt. As the incense ascended up to the Father, the excellent glory came from the Father’s throne to Jesus, and from Jesus it was shed upon those whose prayers had come up like sweet incense. Light and glory poured upon Jesus in rich abundance, and overshadowed the mercy-seat, and the train of the glory filled the temple. I could not long look upon the glory. No language can describe it. I was overwhelmed, and turned from the majesty and glory of the scene.” 1SG 158.1

Question again: In Revelation 8:3-5, where is Jesus, in the Holy or Most Holy place?

• • • Lev. 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail.
    • Num. 16:46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.

 

Notes for chapter 9

I have read a couple of interpretations of the hour, day, month and year of Rev 9:15. Literal, prophetic, meaning, time frame? Your thoughts please.

• • • “In the year 1840 another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy excited widespread interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman Empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown “in A.D. 1840, sometime in the month of August;” and only a few days previous to its accomplishment he wrote: “Allowing the first period, 150 years, to have been exactly fulfilled before Deacozes ascended the throne by permission of the Turks, and that the 391 years, fifteen days, commenced at the close of the first period, it will end on the 11th of August, 1840, when the Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the case.”—Josiah Litch, in Signs of the Times, and Expositor of Prophecy, August 1, 1840.

At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. (See Appendix.) When it became known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus was given to the advent movement. Men of learning and position united with Miller, both in preaching and in publishing his views, and from 1840 to 1844 the work rapidly extended.” GC 334.3-GC 335.1

• • • Page 335. Fall of the Ottoman Empire.—The impact of Moslem Turkey upon Europe after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 was as severe as had been the catastrophic conquests of the Moslem Saracens, during the century and a half after the death of Mohammed, upon the Eastern Roman Empire. Throughout the Reformation era, Turkey was a continual threat at the Eastern gates of European Christendom; the writings of the Reformers are full of condemnation of the Ottoman power. Christian writers since have been concerned with the role of Turkey in future world events, and commentators on prophecy have seen Turkish power and its decline forecast in Scripture.

For the latter chapter, under the “hour, day, month, year” prophecy, as part of the sixth trumpet, Josiah Litch worked out an application of the time prophecy, terminating Turkish independence in August, 1840. Litch’s view can be found in full in his The Probability of the Second Coming of Christ about A.D. 1843 (published in June, 1838); An Address to the Clergy (published in the spring of 1840; a second edition, with historical data in support of the accuracy of former calculations of the prophetic period extending to the fall of the Ottoman Empire, was published in 1841); and an article in Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy, August 1, 1840. See also article in The Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy, February 1, 1841; and J. N. Loughborough, The Great Second Advent Movement (1905 ed.), pp. 129-132. The book by Uriah Smith, Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation, rev. ed. off 1944, discusses the prophetic timing of this prophecy on pages 506-517.

For the earlier history of the Ottoman Empire and the decline of the Turkish power, see also William Miller, The Ottoman Empire and Its Successors, 1801-1927 (Cambridge, England: University Press, 1936); George G. S. L. Eversley, The Turkish Empire from 1288 to 1914 (London : T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd., 2d ed., 1923); Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall, Geschichte des Osmannischen Reiches (Pesth: C. A. Hartleben, 2d ed., 1834-36), 4 vols.; Herbert A. Gibbons, Foundation of the Ottoman Empire, 1300-1403 (Oxford: University Press, 1916); Arnold J. Toynbee and Kenneth B. Kirkwood, Turkey (London, 1926). GC 691.1-GC 691.3

Are the trumpets and the bowls at the same time? i.e., are the trumpets in the future?

• • • No, they are not in the future. Here are a few reasons why in the Revelation:
      • • The 7 yearly Jewish festivals are in chronological order in the Revelation:
        • Passover (chapter 1)
        • Unleavened Bread (chapter 1)
        • First fruits (chapter 1)
        • Pentecost (chapter 5)
        • Trumpets (chapter 8-11)
        • Day of Atonement (chapter 11)
        • Tabernacles (chapter 21)
        • The sanctuary furniture is in order from the east to the west:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The door (Christ in chapter 1)
            2. Candlesticks (chapter 1)
            3. Table of shewbread (chapter 4-5)
            4. Altar of incense (chapter 8)
            5. Ark of the testimony (chapter 11)
            6. Glory of the God (chapter 15)

• • • • • The trumpets cover 1/3 of many things, whereas the plagues are global.

Trumpets Similar to the Vials
1st trumpet = earth, 8:7
2nd trumpet = sea, 8:8
3rd trumpet = fountains of waters, 8:10
4th trumpet = sun, 8:12
5th trumpet = darkness, 9:2
6th trumpet = Euphrates, 9:14
7th trumpet = kingdom, voice, quake, 11:15

1st plague = earth, 16:2
2nd plague = sea, 16:3
3rd plague = fountains of waters, 16:4
4th plague = sun, 16:8
5th plague = darkness, 16:10
6th plague = Euphrates, 16:12
7th plague = kingdom, voice, quake, 16:17

Why is the language of Revelation 9:4 so similar to Revelation 7:3? Aren’t they completely different time periods?

• Yes! Have people ever been sealed before us? What about Enoch?

• • • • • “There are Enochs in this our day.” COL 332.1

• • • • • John 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
        • John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
        • Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

• • • • • Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

 

Notes for chapter 10

In Revelation 10:1 what is the meaning of the angel being clothed with a cloud?

• • • Search “cover* cloud” with flex search and you’ll find interesting things covered (or clothed) with clouds.
      • • Mount, tent or tabernacle, mercy seat, God, light, heavens, daughter of Zion, sun, land.

• • • Psa. 104:3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
    • Psa. 68:17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

• • • Ex. 26:31 And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
    • 2Chr. 3:14 And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.

• • • Heb. 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; ²¹ And having an high priest over the house of God; ²² Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

• • • Rom. 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (mercyseat) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
    • Ex. 25:17 And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. ¹⁸ And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. ¹⁹ And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. ²⁰ And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. ²¹ And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. ²² And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Q: I was looking up other references about clouds, and there seems to be a lot of them, but this one puzzled me. Lam. 3:44 “Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.”

• • • Consider the context:
    • Lam. 2:1 How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!
    • Lam. 3:42 We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned. ⁴³ Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied. ⁴⁴ Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through. ⁴⁵ Thou hast made us as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people. ⁴⁶ All our enemies have opened their mouths against us. ⁴⁷ Fear and a snare is come upon us, desolation and destruction.

• • • Prov. 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
    • Prov. 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Q: Also, is there a meaning to the angel’s feet being pillars of fire? Every other reference I found describing the feet of heavenly beings, they were brass.

• • • Fire is similar to the color of brass—and the pillar of fire we know to be what led the children of Israel through their desert experience. This speaks of another desert experience…
      • • Ex. 13:21-22 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: ²² He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
    • Heavenly beings have feet like brass, yet I don’t recall the Father being spoken of that way—why?
    • Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Copper is a baser metal while zinc is a finer. Both the finer and the baser together make up the brass.
    • Brass is used in the outer court which represents the work on this earth (whereas gold represents the work done in Heaven). Christ and angelic beings do ministry here on this earth (Genesis 28:11-13), as the Father is in Heaven.

Q: What is the significance of the similarities between the descriptions in Revelation 10 and Daniel 12?

• • • Verse 5-6 – Daniel 12:7 saw a man clothed with linen, standing on water, having both hands up, and he swore by Him that lives forever about time and the finishing of a vision. John in Revelation 10:1-6 saw an Angel clothed with a cloud, a rainbow, a face like the sun, feet as fire. His feet were on the sea and on the earth. He shouted with a loud voice, having one hand up with an open book in the other hand, and swore by Him that lives forever and ever, who created the heaven, the earth, and the sea, about time (of the vision) being no longer (this was a vision of time in greater detail—progressive revelation—than what was seen by Daniel).

Hi Daniel my family and I reviewed Revelation 10 and 11.

Can you break down the time line between both chapters,?

• • • In the RwD series I built a case for the sixth church, seal, and trumpet being near the 1840’s. 11:2 speaks of the 1260 which terminated in 1798.

 

Notes for Chapter 11

Is there a connection between Revelation 11, where John was told to measure the temple, and Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 40-43?

• • • Sure seems to be!
    • Notice the word measur* in those chapters.
    • Notice Ezekiel 41:18-19
      • • Ezek. 41:18 And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces; ¹⁹ So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.
    • See 43:2-3 (Chebar was in 1, 3, 10)
      • • Ezek. 43:2 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. ³ And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.
    • Ezek. 43:10 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern.

Qs for Rev. 11:3 & 4

What is the two witnesses? Is it Daniel and Revelation, or the Old and New testaments?

The two olive trees?

The Two candlesticks?

Vs 10, who are the 2 Prophets?

vs 11,12 is this referring to Christ’s 2nd coming, and the dead in Christ shall be raised?

• • • God’s faithful witnesses, slain by the blasphemous power that “ascendeth out of the bottomless pit,” were not long to remain silent. “After three days and a half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.” Revelation 11:11. It was in 1793 that the decrees which abolished the Christian religion and set aside the Bible passed the French Assembly. Three years and a half later a resolution rescinding these decrees, thus granting toleration to the Scriptures, was adopted by the same body. The world stood aghast at the enormity of guilt which had resulted from a rejection of the Sacred Oracles, and men recognized the necessity of faith in God and His word as the foundation of virtue and morality. Saith the Lord: “Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel,” Isaiah 37:23. “Therefore, behold, I will cause them to know, this once will I cause them to know My hand and My might; and they shall know that My name is Jehovah.” Jeremiah 16:21, A.R.V.

Concerning the two witnesses the prophet declares further: “And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.” Revelation 11:12. Since France made war upon God’s two witnesses, they have been honored as never before. In 1804 the British and Foreign Bible Society was organized. This was followed by similar organizations, with numerous branches, upon the continent of Europe. In 1816 the American Bible Society was founded. When the British Society was formed, the Bible had been printed and circulated in fifty tongues. It has since been translated into many hundreds of languages and dialects.. GC 287.1-GC 287.2

Vs 14, what is the 2nd woe is past and the 3rd woe cometh quickly…

• • • “Chap. 9 presents the first and second woes. And the prophetic period connected with the second woe, terminated with the political power of the Ottoman empire, August 11th, 1840.” The Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12 (1855) 20.1, BY J. N. ANDREWS.

What happened to the 1st woe?

• • • Rev. 9:12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

Vs 15-17 the 7th Angel sounded is this Christ? Is this the time at the throne in Heaven giving thanks to God?

Vs 18, is this referring to after the 1000 years when the judgement and destruction of the wicked?

vs19 is this referring to being in heaven where the heavenly sanctuary most Holy place is open for the Remnant to see the Heavenly sanctuary?

Can you clarify if the sanctuary in heaven, is it a physical structure with all the physical furniture? Or is it symbolic?

• • • “I was then shown what did take place in heaven as the prophetic periods ended in 1844. I saw that as the ministration of Jesus in the Holy place ended, and he closed the door of that apartment, a great darkness settled upon those who had heard, and had rejected the messages of Christ’s coming, and they lost sight of him. Jesus then clothed himself with precious garments. Around the bottom of his robe was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. He had suspended from his shoulders a breastplate of curious work. And as he moved, it glittered like diamonds, magnifying letters which looked like names written, or engraven upon the breastplate. After he was fully attired, with something upon his head which looked like a crown, angels surrounded him, and in a flaming chariot he passed within the second vail. I was then bid to take notice of the two apartments of the heavenly Sanctuary. The curtain, or door, was opened, and I was permitted to enter. In the first apartment I saw the candlestick with seven lamps, which looked rich and glorious; also the table on which was the shew-bread, and the altar of incense, and the censer. All the furniture of this apartment looked like purest gold, and reflected the image of the one who entered that place. The curtain which separated these two apartments looked glorious. It was of different colors and material, with a beautiful border, with figures of gold wrought upon it, representing angels. The vail was lifted, and I looked into the second apartment. I saw there an ark which had the appearance of being of the finest gold. As a border around the top of the ark, was most beautiful work representing crowns. It was of fine gold. In the ark were the tables of stone containing the ten commandments. On each end of the ark was a lovely cherub with their wings spread out over it. Their wings were raised on high, and touched each other above the head of Jesus, as he stood by the ark. Their faces were turned towards each other, and they looked downwards to the ark, representing all the angelic host looking with interest at the law of God. Between the cherubim was a golden censer. And as the prayers of the saints in faith came up to Jesus, and he offered them to his Father, a sweet fragrance arose from the incense. It looked like smoke of most beautiful colors. Above the place where Jesus stood, before the ark, I saw an exceeding bright glory that I could not look upon. It appeared like a throne where God dwelt. As the incense ascended up to the Father, the excellent glory came from the Father’s throne to Jesus, and from Jesus it was shed upon those whose prayers had come up like sweet incense. Light and glory poured upon Jesus in rich abundance, and overshadowed the mercy-seat, and the train of the glory filled the temple. I could not long look upon the glory. No language can describe it. I was overwhelmed, and turned from the majesty and glory of the scene.
      I was shown a Sanctuary upon earth containing two apartments. It resembled the one in heaven. I was told that it was the earthly Sanctuary, a figure of the heavenly. The furniture of the first apartment of the earthly Sanctuary was like that in the first apartment of the heavenly. The vail was lifted, and I looked into the Holy of Holies, and saw that the furniture was the same as in the Most Holy place of the heavenly Sanctuary. The priests ministered in both apartments of the earthly. In the first apartment he ministered every day in the year, and entered the Most Holy but once in a year, to cleanse it from the sins which had been conveyed there. I saw that Jesus ministered in both apartments of the heavenly Sanctuary. He entered into the heavenly Sanctuary by the offering of his own blood. The earthly priests were removed by death, therefore they could not continue long; but Jesus, I saw, was a priest forever. Through the sacrifices and offerings brought to the earthly Sanctuary, the children of Israel were to lay hold of the merits of a Saviour to come. And in the wisdom of God the particulars of this work were given us that we might look back to them, and understand the work of Jesus in the heavenly Sanctuary.” 1SG 158.1-1SG 160.1

 

Notes for chapter 12

I am a little confused about the timing between the dragon wanting to consume the child and then they talk about war in heaven and satan and a third of the angels being cast down to earth. is satan trying to consume Christ at his birth and then they flashback to the war in heaven?

• • • Job 1:6-7 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. ⁷ And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

• • • 2 Chronicles 18:18-22 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. ¹⁹ And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. ²⁰ Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? ²¹ And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. ²² Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.
    • See also Zechariah 3, seeing another conversation between Christ and Satan.

Q: Here are my questions about Revelation 12:

In Revelation 12:5 what does it mean that Jesus is to rule the nations with a rod of iron? That is not how I usually think of Him ruling.

• • • Psa. 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
    • Rev. 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
      • • Is there a connection here?

Dan. 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

• • • Rev. 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
    • Rev. 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
      • • The above is God’s response to a physical and spiritual kingdom of this world:

Dan. 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

Dan. 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

• • • Revelation 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

Q: In Revelation 12:11, how do we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony? I’ve always thought that our testimony should be overcoming, but have never really thought of how we overcome by our testimony.

• • • Rev. 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. ¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

• • • Zech. 3:1-7 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him [accuse him, Hebrew]. ² And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? ³ Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. ⁴ And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. ⁵ And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by. ⁶ And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying, ⁷ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

• • • Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. ¹⁴ For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
    • Jeremiah 25:14 For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.
    • Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
    • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
    • Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ¹¹ For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. ¹² So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
    • 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
    • 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. ¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
    • 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
    • Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
    • Revelation 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
    • Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
    • Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

• • • Rev. 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. ¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

 

Notes for chapter 13

In Revelation 13:13, 14 who is doing the miracles? Is it Satan, apostate protestants, or government officials?

• • • Satan is the worker of miracles. Recall the deliverance from Egypt.
    • Ex. 7:8 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, ⁹ When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. ¹⁰ And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. ¹¹ Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. ¹² For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. ¹³ And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. ¹⁴ And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. ¹⁵ Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river’s brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. ¹⁶ And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. ¹⁷ Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. ¹⁸ And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. ¹⁹ And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. ²⁰ And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. ²¹ And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. ²² And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. ²³ And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also. ²⁴ And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. ²⁵ And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river. Ex. 8:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. ² And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: ³ And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: ⁴ And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. ⁵ And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. ⁶ And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. ⁷ And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. ⁸ Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD. ⁹ And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? ¹⁰ And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. ¹¹ And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only. ¹² And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh. ¹³ And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields. ¹⁴ And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank. ¹⁵ But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

• • • Notice, Satan was using humans, just as it will happen at the end of time. They are coworkers!

The Centurion and angels:

• Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, ⁶ And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. ⁷ And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. ⁸ The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. ⁹ For I am a [also – Luke] man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. ¹⁰ When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

 

Notes for chapter 14

In Revelation 14:5 what does it mean that the 144,000 are firstfruits?

• • • 7 yearly festivals in chronological order:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Passover – 1
            2. Unleavened bread – 1
            3. Firstfruits/ wave sheaf – 1
            4. Pentecost – 5
            5. Trumpets – 8
            6. Day of atonement – 11
            7. Tabernacles – 21

• • • Tabernacles is the last one in the year, and also in the Revelation.
    • Ex. 23:16 And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.
    • Ex. 34:22-24 And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year’s end. ²³ Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. ²⁴ For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year.
    • Deut. 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:
    • Deut. 31:10-13 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, ¹¹ When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. ¹² Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: ¹³ And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
    • (Patriarchs and Prophets) “In the seventh month came the Feast of Tabernacles, or of ingathering. This feast acknowledged God’s bounty in the products of the orchard, the olive grove, and the vineyard. It was the crowning festal gathering of the year. The land had yielded its increase, the harvests had been gathered into the granaries, the fruits, the oil, and the wine had been stored, the first fruits had been reserved, and now the people came with their tributes of thanksgiving to God, who had thus richly blessed them.

This feast was to be pre-eminently an occasion of rejoicing. It occurred just after the great Day of Atonement, when the assurance had been given that their iniquity should be remembered no more. At peace with God, they now came before Him to acknowledge His goodness and to praise Him for His mercy. The labors of the harvest being ended, and the toils of the new year not yet begun, the people were free from care, and could give themselves up to the sacred, joyous influences of the hour. Though only the fathers and sons were commanded to appear at the feasts, yet, so far as possible, all the household were to attend them, and to their hospitality the servants, the Levites, the stranger, and the poor were made welcome.

Like the Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles was commemorative. In memory of their pilgrim life in the wilderness the people were now to leave their houses and dwell in booths, or arbors, formed from the green branches “of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook.” Leviticus 23:40, 42, 43.

The first day was a holy convocation, and to the seven days of the feast an eighth day was added, which was observed in like manner.

At these yearly assemblies the hearts of old and young would be encouraged in the service of God, while the association of the people from the different quarters of the land would strengthen the ties that bound them to God and to one another. Well would it be for the people of God at the present time to have a Feast of Tabernacles—a joyous commemoration of the blessings of God to them. As the children of Israel celebrated the deliverance that God had wrought for their fathers, and His miraculous preservation of them during their journeyings from Egypt, so should we gratefully call to mind the various ways He has devised for bringing us out from the world, and from the darkness of error, into the precious light of His grace and truth.

With those who lived at a distance from the tabernacle, more than a month of every year must have been occupied in attendance upon the annual feasts. This example of devotion to God should emphasize the importance of religious worship and the necessity of subordinating our selfish, worldly interests to those that are spiritual and eternal. We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of His word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to be enlightened and aroused by the sanctifying influence, and we decline in spirituality. In our intercourse as Christians we lose much by lack of sympathy with one another. He who shuts himself up to himself is not filling the position that God designed he should. We are all children of one Father, dependent upon one another for happiness. The claims of God and of humanity are upon us. It is the proper cultivation of the social elements of our nature that brings us into sympathy with our brethren and affords us happiness in our efforts to bless others.

The Feast of Tabernacles was not only commemorative but typical. It not only pointed back to the wilderness sojourn, but, as the feast of harvest, it celebrated the ingathering of the fruits of the earth, and pointed forward to the great day of final ingathering, when the Lord of the harvest shall send forth His reapers to gather the tares together in bundles for the fire, and to gather the wheat into His garner. At that time the wicked will all be destroyed. They will become “as though they had not been.” Obadiah 16. And every voice in the whole universe will unite in joyful praise to God. Says the revelator, “Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13.

The people of Israel praised God at the Feast of Tabernacles, as they called to mind His mercy in their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt and His tender care for them during their pilgrim life in the wilderness. They rejoiced also in the consciousness of pardon and acceptance, through the service of the day of atonement, just ended. But when the ransomed of the Lord shall have been safely gathered into the heavenly Canaan, forever delivered from the bondage of the curse, under which “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22), they will rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Christ’s great work of atonement for men will then have been completed, and their sins will have been forever blotted out.” PP 540.2-PP 542.1

Q: In Revelation 14:18 why does this angel come out from the altar instead of the temple? What does it mean that he had power over fire?

• • • In chapter 5:8 we read of angels having incense. Rev. 5:8, “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” It seems that angels work closely with the altar of incense, representing the priests that served in the earthly tabernacle.
      • • Lev. 4:3-7 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering. 4 And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock’s head, and kill the bullock before the LORD. 5 And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock’s blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation: 6 And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary. 7 And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
    • Revelation 14:18-20 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. ¹⁹ And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. ²⁰ And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
    • The city mentioned in this verse is likely old Jerusalem. The judgment God executes on the wicked centers outside the city (Jerusalem), appropriately so, because that’s where Jesus bore God’s wrath for our sins. His cross was located at Golgotha, which was located outside the city Jerusalem (John 19:16-18).
      This passage uses the symbolism of grapes in a winepress to describe the eventual defeat of the wicked in the end times. As grapes are crushed and broken to release wine, God’s enemies will be crushed in a bloody defeat. Taken in literal terms, this verse describes a cascade of blood some five or so feet (just under 2 meters) high and 180-200 miles (290-320 kilometers) long. I would understand this as primarily symbolic.
      Whether entirely or partly poetic, one thing is certain: this judgment creates a gory scene. Revelation 19:13 pictures Jesus as having blood on His robe as He rides into warfare against the wicked. Although some believe this is the blood Jesus shed on the cross, others see this as the blood of His enemies. The interpretation that it is the blood of His enemies is supported by the prophetic picture given in Isaiah 63:2-4.
      Adapted from bibleref.com/Revelation/14/Revelation-14-20.html

 

Notes for chapter 15

• Egypt was a nation which had many gods—the greatest being Amun, Mut, and Khonsu—a trinity of sorts. (Egyptian history and Rev. 12-13, 16:13)
• There was a major problem with what we could call abortion (Exo. 1:15-22, rampant in our world today)
• God was preparing a great movement in Moses—His people… (Exo. 2:1-10, Rev. 10)
• While God was preparing His people, there was a plan to hide the son… (Exodus 2:2-3, John 5:18 representing God’s end-time people)
• There was a wilderness experience for God’s people (Exo. 2:11-12, Rev. 10:10-11)
• The Children of Israel (CoI) cried because of slavery bondage (Exo. 2:23-3:9, Eze. 9:1-4)
• God was preparing to “call His people out” of Egypt (Exo. 3:10, Rev. 18:4)
• God’s Spirit was being withdrawn from the earth (Exo. 4:21, Rev. 9:20-21)
• The Sabbath question was agitated by the heathen leadership and God’s people (Exo. 5:5, Rev. 14:7)
• God will use meager and surprising means to do His work (Exo. 6:30, Rev. 14.4-5)
• The Spirit of prophecy will be alive and well (Exo. 7:1, Rev. 12:17)
• Miracles by God and the enemy will be worked through the agents of both (Exo. 7:3-8:19 & Rev. 13:13-14, Luk. 10.19)
• There were plagues (Exo. 7:14-12:30, Rev. 15-16)
• There was darkness for God’s enemies, which was great light for His people (Exo. 10:21-29, Rev. 16:10, 18:1-2)
• There was ‘a lamb’ without spot or blemish (Exo. 12:5-6, Rev. 14:1-5, 17:14)

 

Notes for chapter 16

What does it mean in v19 when it says that “the great city was divided into three parts”? Is there a meaning to the “three”?

• • • “On the death of Constantine, the Roman empire was divided into three parts, between his three sons, Constantius, Constantine II, and Constans.” 1897 UrS, DAR 280.1
    • “The great city is divided into three parts; that is, the three grand divisions of the false and apostate religions of the world (the great city), Paganism, Catholicism, and relapsed Protestantism, seem to be set apart each to receive its appropriate doom.” 1897 UrS, DAR 698.4

Q: What is the battle of Armageddon, and how are the angels involved? “The battle of Armageddon will be fought. And that day must find none of us sleeping. Wide awake we must be, as wise virgins having oil in our vessels with our lamps. The power of the Holy Ghost must be upon us and the Captain of the Lord’s host will stand at the head of the angels of heaven to direct the battle. Solemn events before us are yet to transpire.” 3SM 426.1

• • • “Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict, but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels with their living cargo will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of Satanic agencies, but they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon.”—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:967 (1900).
    • “We need to study the pouring out of the seventh vial [Revelation 16:17-21]. The powers of evil will not yield up the conflict without a struggle. But Providence has a part to act in the battle of Armageddon. When the earth is lighted with the glory of the angel of Revelation eighteen, the religious elements, good and evil, will awake from slumber, and the armies of the living God will take the field.”—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:983 (1899).
    • “The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose vesture is written the name, King of kings and Lord of lords, leads forth the armies of heaven on white horses, clothed in fine linen, clean and white [Revelation 19:11-16].”—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:982 (1899).

Revelation 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Revelation 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

Revelation 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Revelation 16:17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

Qs:

Are the plagues (bowls of wrath) from Rev 16 related to the plagues in Egypt during Moses time?

• • • Yes, in that they are the seven LAST plagues. Also, there are similarities.

Do we know if these plagues will be literal, or are they symbolic of something else?

1. 1. 1. noisome and grievous sore. See Ex. 9:8-11
      2. sea; and it became as the blood. Ex. 7:20-21
      3. rivers and fountains… became blood. See Ex. 7:20-21, 25
      4. sun; and power… to scorch men with fire.
      5. his kingdom was full of darkness; See Ex. 10:21-23
      6. Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up [likely because of the sun in the 4th plague]
      7. poured out his vial into the air;… a great earthquake… city was divided into three parts… great hail out of heaven. Ex. 9:22-26

What does v12 mean when it says that the water of river Euphrates dried up “so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared”?

• • • Consider what is said in “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” by Uriah Smith, 1897. RevelationWithDaniel.com/1897-thoughts-on-daniel-and-the-revelation-by-uriah-smith-scanned-pdf-book/

 

Notes for chapter 17

Q: a. In Revelation 17:8, 10 is this referring to the time when France was in power? (Is that why the Papacy “was and is not”?)

Rev. 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

Rev. 17:9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

Rev. 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

• • • “Rome in Three Phases. – The beast of which the angel here speaks is evidently the scarlet beast. A wild beast, like the one thus introduced, is the symbol of an oppressive and persecuting power; and while the Roman power as a nation had a long, uninterrupted existence, it passed through certain phases during which this symbol would be applicable to it, and during which time, consequently, the beast, in such prophecies as the present, might be said not to be, or not to exist. Thus Rome in its pagan form was a persecuting power in its relation to the people of God, during which time it constituted the beast that was; but the empire was nominally converted to Christianity; there was a transition from paganism to another phase of religion falsely called Christian; and during a brief period, while this transition was going on, it lost its ferocious and persecuting character, and then it could be said of the beast that it was not. Time passed on, and it degenerated into popery, and again assumed its bloodthirsty and oppressive character, and then it constituted the beast that “yet is,” or in John’s day was to be.” 1897 UrS, DAR 704.2
      • • If the persecuting power in John’s day was to be, why was John on the island of Patmos as one persecuted?
        • It seems to make better sense to me to apply the three phases to the time when the beast (Rome) was ridden by a woman (the Papacy, as mentioned in verse 1 of this chapter, 17), to when the beast was not controlled by the woman (during the time of the deadly wound when the civil authority was taken away from the church by France), then the beast would be controlled by a woman again (the deadly wound would be healed under the image of the beast found in Revelation 13:15-18–still yet to come).
        • This understanding agrees with what John N Andrews wrote in 1855: “The proper period of each seems to be this: the dragon before the 1260 years; the beast of Chap. 13, during that period, and the beast of Chap. 17, since the deadly wound and captivity at the close of that period.” TAR 74.1
        • The bottomless pit of verse 8 is where France came from in chapter 11:7, yet, “That the expression “bottomless pit” represents the earth in a state of confusion and darkness is evident from other scriptures.” GC 658.3 So, the beast in 17 doesn’t have to be France, but it comes from the same place as France did in chapter 11 (confusion and darkness).
        • The reason John could be in vision at the time of France is because of how the chapter starts, saying that he “was in the spirit…” in 17:3. There are only four times in the Revelation when that phrase was used, and each time John was ‘taken’ to another time and place:
          • • 1:10 is where Jesus was later shown as being in the midst of the churches—not on the island of Patmos, illustrating the time after the ascension until the second coming.
            • 4:2 was when John was ‘taken’ up to Heaven before Christ ascended through the time He was coronated in chapter 5, therefore starting many years before the time John was on the island of Patmos.
            • 17:3 is another use when Andrews said it is after the time of the healing of the wound. (See TAR 74.1 above)
            • 21:10 is when John was ‘taken’ to when the city of New Jerusalem comes down from God out of Heaven. – after the 1000 years!
    • Q: b. If so (when France was in power) who are the ten kings which haven’t received power yet in verse 12? What does it mean that they receive power as kings one hour with the beast? (Rev. 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. ¹³ These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.)
      • • U. Smith: “This language must refer to the past, when the kingdoms of Europe were unanimous in giving their support to the papacy. It cannot apply to the future; for after the commencement of the time of the end, they were to take away its dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the end (Dan.7:26); and the treatment which these kingdoms are finally to bestow upon the papacy, is expressed in verse 16, where it is said that they shall hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. A Part of this work the nations of Europe have been doing for years. The completion of it, burning her with fire, will be accomplished when Rev.18:8 is fulfilled.” {1897 UrS, DAR 706.2}
        • E. White: “‘These have one mind.’ There will be a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of Satan’s forces. “And shall give their power and strength unto the beast.” Thus is manifested the same arbitrary, oppressive power against religious liberty, freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience, as was manifested by the papacy, when in the past it persecuted those who dared to refuse to conform with the religious rites and ceremonies of Romanists.
          In the warfare to be waged in the last days there will be united, in opposition to God’s people, all the corrupt powers that have apostatized from allegiance to the law of Jehovah. In this warfare the Sabbath of the fourth commandment will be the great point at issue, for in the Sabbath commandment the great Lawgiver identifies Himself as the Creator of the heavens and the earth.” 3SM 392.3-3SM 392.5

 

Notes for chapter 18

Q: What does it mean that the earth was lightened with the glory of the angel in Revelation 18:1? Is it connected with the message that he gives?

• • • “I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message.

Angels were sent to aid the mighty angel from heaven, and I heard voices which seemed to sound everywhere, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” This message seemed to be an addition to the third message, joining it as the midnight cry joined the second angel’s message in 1844. The glory of God rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon and calling upon God’s people to come out of her that they might escape her fearful doom.

The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere, and those in the churches who had any light, who had not heard and rejected the three messages, obeyed the call and left the fallen churches. Many had come to years of accountability since these messages had been given, and the light shone upon them, and they were privileged to choose life or death. Some chose life and took their stand with those who were looking for their Lord and keeping all His commandments. The third message was to do its work; all were to be tested upon it, and the precious ones were to be called out from the religious bodies. A compelling power moved the honest, while the manifestation of the power of God brought a fear and restraint upon their unbelieving relatives and friends so that they dared not, neither had they the power to, hinder those who felt the work of the Spirit of God upon them. The last call was carried even to the poor slaves, and the pious among them poured forth their songs of rapturous joy at the prospect of their happy deliverance. Their masters could not check them; fear and astonishment kept them silent. Mighty miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and signs and wonders followed the believers. God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, followed the convictions of his own conscience and united with those who were keeping all the commandments of God; and with power they sounded abroad the third message. I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry.

Servants of God, endowed with power from on high with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction. God’s people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation. I heard everywhere a multitude of voices saying, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” EW 277.1-EW 278.2

Q: It sounds like in Revelation 18:9-19 Babylon receives judgment before the kings, merchants, and shipmasters. Is that true? Does the church receive judgment first?

 

Notes for chapter 19

Rev. 19:5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

Revelation 19:7-9 talks about the marriage and marriage supper of the Lamb. What is the marriage of the Lamb and who is the bride? I’ve always thought that the church was the bride, but that doesn’t seem like what these quotations are saying.

“In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,” was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed – one class who looked with joy to the Lord’s appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage.” The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Said the angel to John: “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” “He carried me away in the spirit,” says the prophet, “and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” Revelation 21:9, 10. Clearly, then, the bride represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. Revelation 19:9. If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;” He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to “sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,” at His table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.The proclamation, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,” in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. “They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” They were not to be present in person at the marriage; for it takes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to “wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding.” Luke 12:36. But they are to understand His work, and to follow Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go in to the marriage.” CIHS 104.2 – CIHS 105.1

• • • If one single living group represents the bride, what about all the others that have lived either before or after? Say the people who lived in the 1840s were the bride: what about those in the previous 1800 years, or those since?
    • Is it really the city—transparent gold and precious stones for the foundations and gates—that Christ wants to be His bride? Couldn’t He simply create that for Himself now instead of waiting?
    • 1Pet. 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
    • Eph. 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 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; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
    • 1 Kings 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
    • “As we were traveling along, we met a company who also were gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. As we greeted them, I asked Jesus who they were. He said they were martyrs that had been slain for Him. With them was an innumerable company of little ones; they also had a hem of red on their garments. Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb, or, if they chose, use their little wings and fly, to the top of the mountains and pluck the never-fading flowers. There were all kinds of trees around the temple to beautify the place: the box, the pine, the fir, the oil, the myrtle, the pomegranate, and the fig tree bowed down with the weight of its timely figs—these made the place all over glorious. And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, ‘Only the 144,000 enter this place,’ and we shouted, ‘Alleluia.’” EW 18.2

 

Notes for chapter 20

In Revelation 20:6 what does it mean that we are to be priests?

• • • Deut. 17:9 And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:
    • “The saints will rest in the holy city, and reign as kings and priests one thousand years.” CET 108.3
    • Verse seven says that the 1000 years will expire.

Revelation 20:11 calls the throne a great white throne, how does that connect with Ezekiel 1:26, Daniel 7:9? Why is the throne described so differently?

• • • Rev. 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
    • Ezek. 1:26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
    • Dan. 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
    • Could it be that we have the stages of Christ’s ministry eluded to in the coloration?
    • Heb. 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Blue? Obedience, Num 15:38-39)
    • Matt. 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: (White? Righteousness, Rev 19:8)

 

Notes for chapter 21

Here are my questions about Revelation 21, 22.

Q: Who are the fearful who will have part in the second death? Aren’t there different types of fear? What is the fear that is mentioned in Revelation 21:8?

• • • Gen. 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? ¹⁰ And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
    • Ex. 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
    • Rev. 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come…
      • • [Greek Strong’s]
        • 5399. φοβέω phobeo, fob-eh´-o; from 5401; to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere: — be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.
        • Matt. 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
        • Luke 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Q: What does it mean that the Father and Son are the temple in Revelation 21:22?

• • • “I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. “Now we see through a glass, darkly.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance.” GC 676.
    • Dan. 2:45 Thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands…
    • Rev. 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: ¹³ On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. ¹⁴ And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
    • 1Pet. 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ⁵ Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Q: What does it mean that when Revelation 21:24, 26 say that the kings bring their glory and the glory of the nations into the city? Didn’t it just say in verse 23 that the glory of God would lighten it?

• • • Rev. 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. ²⁴ And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. ²⁵ And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. ²⁶ And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
    • 1 John 1:5 God is light… but we cannot say that about kings! 😎 it must therefore be the glory of God that the kings have.
    • Dan. 2:37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
    • Dan. 5:18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

 

Notes for chapter 22

Q: In Revelation 22:12 Jesus says that His reward is with Him to give every man…but aren’t only the righteous given their reward at the second coming?

• • • The battle of Armageddon begins at the second coming and is completed at the end of the 1,000 years. Between the beginning and the end of that war, God is on trial to see if what He has recorded and rendered is true and accurate: that the living are in Heaven and the dead are on the earth.
    • Rev. 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. ¹⁴ For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. ¹⁵ Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. ¹⁶ And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
    • Rev. 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, ⁸ And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. ⁹ And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. ¹⁰ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. ¹¹ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. ¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
    • Also, the Bible says, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). It doesn’t say that they will inherit Heaven. So after the battle of Armageddon the saints will descend to inherit the earth. Earth will be the scene of the final investigation before the final death knell against sin.

Q: In Revelation 22:14, 17, why is it that we can partake of the water of life now, but we won’t be able to partake of the tree of life until we are in heaven? What are the similarities/ differences between the water of life the tree of life since they both seem to be a means by which life is given?

• • • Rev. 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
    • Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

• • • My only thought is that the tree is in the garden, whereas the river was not only within, but likely extended beyond the borders of the garden into the other parts of the world.

Notice how the Bible uses the phrase “tree of life.”

• • • Gen. 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
    • Gen. 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
    • Gen. 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
    • Prov. 3:13-20 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. ¹⁴ For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. ¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. ¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. ¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ¹⁸ She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. ¹⁹ The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. ²⁰ By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
    • Prov. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
    • Prov. 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
    • Prov. 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

• • • Rev. 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
    • Rev. 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
    • Rev. 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.