Matthew 22:11-14- Those who choose Christ by responding to His invitation will enter in (see Matthew 25:21 and 7:13-14 below) to the wedding feast at the end of this age.
11 "But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw there a man not dressed in wedding clothes,
12 and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And he was speechless.
13 "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
14 "For many are called [2822], but few [3641] are chosen [1588]."
(NAS)
2822 kletos (klay-tos')
from the same as 2821; invited, i.e. appointed, or (specifically) a saint:
KJV-- called.
called, invited (to a banquet)
a) invited (by God in the proclamation of the Gospel) to obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom through Christ
b) called to (the discharge of) some office, divinely selected and appointed
1588 eklektos (ek-lek-tos')
from 1586 [see right below]; select; by implication, favorite:
KJV-- chosen, elect.
picked out, chosen, chosen by God,
1) to obtain salvation through Christ; Christians are called "chosen or elect" of God
2) the Messiah is called "elect", as appointed by God to the most exalted office conceivable
3) choice, select, that is, the best of its kind or class, excellence preeminent: applied to certain individual Christians
1586 eklegomai (ek-leg'-om-ahee)
middle voice from 1537 and 3004 (in its primary sense); to select:
KJV-- make choice, choose (out), chosen.
to pick out, to choose, to pick or to choose out for oneself
a) choosing one out of many, that is, Jesus selecting his disciples
b) choosing one for an office
c) used of God choosing whom He judged fit to receive His favors and separated from the rest of mankind to be peculiarly his own and to be attended continually by his gracious oversight, that is, the Israelites
d) used of God the Father choosing Christians, as those whom he set apart from the irreligious multitude as dear unto himself, and whom he has rendered, through faith in Christ, citizens in the Messianic kingdom: (James 2:5), so that the ground of the choice lies in Christ and his merits only.
Matthew 24:22-24,31- The chosen, the elect.
22 "And unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect [1588]those days shall be cut short.
23 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him.
24 "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect [1588].
31 "And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect [1588] from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
(NAS)
Revelation 17:14
14 "These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called [2822] and chosen [1588] and faithful [4103]."
(NAS)
4103 pistos (pis-tos')
from 3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful:
KJV-- believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true.
1) trusty, faithful
a) used of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties
b) one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust
c) that can be relied on
2) easily persuaded
a) believing, confiding, trusting
b) in the New Testament, one who trusts in God's promises
1) one who is convinced that Jesus has been raised from the dead
2) one who has become convinced that Jesus is the Messiah and author of salvation
The Way Of The “Many” And The “Few”
Matthew 7:13-14- This passage defines who the “many” and the “few” are. The “straight” gate (see the Bible study Bent Double) is where the chosen “few” enter into the joy of their Master. The broad way is the manner of life, the course of conduct that “many” find that are called. The following statement is from the Bible study The Womb Of The Dawn;
“All those who overcome the struggle of following Jesus will not walk in the same manner anymore in this world. Their course of conduct, the way they think, feel, and make decisions will be different. As is the case in Luke 13, FEW are those who find it. Paul and Barnabas encouraged the disciples to continue in the faith in Acts 14:22, saying, ‘Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.’ The entrance is through Gethsemane first, and then Calvary. This is the way Jesus walked and, therefore, required by all who would follow after Him. He is the way.” (See the Bible study The Door.)
13 "Enter [1525- the “way” in] by the narrow [4728] gate; for the gate is wide, and the way [3598] is broad that leads to destruction, and many [same word in Matthew 22:14] are those who enter [1525] by it.
14 "For the gate is small [4728- “strait”], and the way [3598] is narrow [2346] that leads to life, and few [3641] are those who find it.
(NAS)
4728 stenos (sten-os')
probably from the base of 2476; narrow (from obstacles standing close about):
KJV-- strait.
narrow, strait
3598 hodos (hod-os')
apparently a primary word; a road; by implication a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means:
KJV-- journey, (high-) way.
1) properly:
a) a way, a traveled way, a road
b) a traveler's way, a journey, traveling
2) metaphorically:
a) a course of conduct
b) a way (that is, manner) of thinking, feeling, deciding
2346 thlibo (thlee'-bo)
akin to the base of 5147; to crowd (literally or figuratively):
KJV-- afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble.
1) to press (as grapes), to press hard upon
2) a compressed way, narrow straitened, contracted
3) metaphorically, to trouble, to afflict, to distress
Luke 13:22-28- Jesus describes the “few” that are being saved, and the “many” who will seek to enter, but not be able. See the note below for more.
22 And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem.
23 And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few [3641] who are being saved?" And He said to them,
24 "Strive (75) to enter by the narrow door [see Matthew 7:13-14 above]; for many, I tell you, will seek [“to seek in order to find”] to enter and will not be able.
25 "Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' [This is the same thing He said to the foolish virgins in Matthew 25:10-12; also in Matthew 7:23.]
26 "Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets';
27 and He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers (see the Bible study Evildoers In The House Of God).'
28 "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth there when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being cast out.
(NAS)
75 agonizomai (ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee)
from 73; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something):
KJV-- fight, labor fervently, strive.
1) to enter a contest: to contend in the gymnastic games
2) to contend with adversaries, to fight
3) metaphorically, to contend, to struggle with difficulties and dangers
4) to endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
Jesus warns His disciples in this passage in regards to the “few” who are being saved, and the “many” who will not be able to enter in. In fact, they, like the man in Matthew 22 who was cast out of the wedding feast for not having the appropriate clothing on, will be cast out of the kingdom of God. This means they were obviously “in” in order to be thrown out which once again disproves the “once saved always saved” doctrine of demons. They partook of Christ, eating and drinking “in His presence.” An unbeliever doesn’t do this.
The Greek for “enter” is “erchomai”. It is defined as “to come from one place to another, to appear.” Metaphorically speaking it’s described as “to come into being, to arise (see the Bible study Bent Double), to come forth, to be established, to become known.” In verse 25-27 the Lord says to the “many” that are trying to enter “I do not know where you are from.” I’ve heard people explain this by saying “See, He never knew them. They were never Christians in the first place.” As I began to break this down word by word, I believe the Spirit revealed something quite contrary.
The Greek is literally aligned as “not, know, you, from where, you are.” Strange sounding, I know, but let’s dig deeper. The Greek for “know” is “eido”. It is defined as “to see, to perceive by any of the senses, to pay attention to, to have regard for.” “From where” is derived from the word “pothen”. When used of a place, it refers to “from where, from what condition.” It’s also used of origin or source, from what author or giver. It’s as if the Lord is saying “I am not associated in any way with the place, or condition you now abide within. It’s outside of Me. You used to abide in My presence but have now drifted away. I have no relation in, or respect for the place you have chosen to reside. It’s not in Me, therefore, you and I no longer have intimacy. I am in no way united with the place you have chosen to be joined together with. It is separate from Me.
Like the definition describes, they are not acknowledged by Christ because of their lack of acknowledgment of Him as their Lord. They lack the intimacy He desires with them. Their lack of paying attention to His ways will cause them to be cast out from their place in Him. Like the unreasonable, immoral mob in Sodom that was struck with blindness (Genesis 19:11; see the Bible study The Door), they will desperately try “to seek in order to find” the door who is Christ, but will be unable to (see the Bible study The Homosexual Spirit).
As I wrote in the bible study The Womb Of The Dawn in regards to Luke 13:22-28;
“The wrestling of Jacob with God and mankind is every Christian’s struggle. When questioned if only a few would be saved, Jesus responded “strive to enter by the narrow door” (see the section The Straight Way in the Bible study Bent Double). The Greek for strive is “agonizomai”. It means “to struggle, to contend with adversaries, to fight.” We are being warned by Jesus not to become lackadaisical in our following of Him. It is a struggle that we must not back off from in order to enter heaven. This theology of Jesus is much different from those today who say because Jesus did it all we don’t have to do anything. They claim the war is over which tells me they have been taken captive to do Satan’s will. Adherence to that kind of careless thinking, with no urgency to guard your heart in the fear of the Lord, will put you in hell.”
Matthew 25:21- Jesus describes the parable of the talents in this passage in which a man (Jesus) “calls” his servants before going on a journey, entrusting His possessions with them.
21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good [“upright, honorable, excellent, distinguished”] and faithful [4103]slave; you were faithful with a few [3641- same as Math. 22:14] things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter [1525- same as Math. 7:13 below] into the joy of your master.'
(NAS)
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells us the parable of the talents which involves a man who “called” his servants before he went on a journey and entrusted his possessions with them. Obviously, Jesus is the master and we are the called servants who have been given the “talents,” each according to our own ability.
By the way, the word we interpret as “ability” is from the Greek word dunamis. It means “force, strength, power, ability.” This is the same word used in Acts 1:8 when Jesus told His disciples “you will receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” This is what the “bent double” woman in Luke 13:10-17 lacked in order to stand upright, to walk in righteousness. This power, this dunamis, comes from God through His Spirit to set us free from the bondage of the enemy, the flesh, and the world (see the Bible study Bent Double).
In describing the very difficult times in the last days, Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:5 that men will be “holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power (dunamis); and avoid such men as these.” To deny the power of God is to reject the ability of His Spirit within to conform you and I to the image of Jesus Christ. This is the spirit of antichrist that resides within the wicked, lazy, worthless servants in Matthew 25 who had their talents taken away from them and were cast out of their master’s kingdom into the outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. We are commanded by God to avoid such people. By definition this means we are “to turn away from” those who have turned away from Christ (see the Bible studies Church Discipline, and Testing The Spirits). Understanding the leavening affect they have on the Body, we need to take this more seriously.
The master said to one of the servants that wisely gained more in verse 21, “Well done, good [which means “upright, honorable, excellent, distinguished”] and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.” The faithful, trustworthy “few” will be the ones with great authority over “many.” Those who choose the way of Christ by responding through submission and obedience to His invitation will be those “chosen” to enter into the wedding feast at the end of this age with unspeakable joy. They are the “choice” sons and daughters of the Father who have chosen to draw near in reverent submission to their Master and will be rewarded accordingly.
(The following passage is from the Bible study Living Creatures And Wicked Beasts)
Saving The Best For Last
John 2:10- The Greek for “best” is not just defining physical taste, but more in regards to personal nature and characteristics (see the Bible study The Distinguishing Mark). It is by definition “beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy, morally good, and noble.” It speaks of an honorable person such as those within 2 Timothy 2:20-21 referred to as “vessels of honor.” They are the sanctified, consecrated, prepared vessels (six stone waterpots in John 2:6) who will pour out of themselves what God has poured into them. They are the “sons of fresh oil” spoken of in Zechariah 4 and Revelation 11 that stand by the Lord.
10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved [5083] the best [2570] till now."
(NIV)
5083 tereo (tay-reh'-o)
from teros (a watch; perhaps akin to 2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from 5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from 2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfill a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried):
KJV-- hold fast, keep (-er), (pre-, re-) serve, watch.
to attend to carefully, to take care of
a) to guard
b) metaphorically, to keep one in the state in which he is
c) to observe
d) to reserve: to undergo something
2570 kalos (kal-os')
of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is properly intrinsic):
KJV-- X better, fair, good (-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.
beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable
a) beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent
b) good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends
1) genuine, approved
2) precious
3) joined to names of men designated by their office, competent, able, such as one ought to be
4) praiseworthy, noble
c) beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy, morally good, noble
d) honorable, conferring honor
e) affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming
According to this passage which describes Jesus first public miracle at a wedding banquet (on the “third day”), Jesus has “saved,” or “kept” the choice wine, the best, for the last days. It will be poured out first into those who have kept themselves pure. They will in turn pour out what has been placed within them to those who respond to the invitation to come to the wedding feast of the Lamb. They are represented by the six stone waterpots that were used for ceremonial cleansing by the Jews. They are God’s consecrated “vessels of honor” (see 2 Timothy 2:20-21) that have in obedience cleansed themselves from wickedness (Rev. 19:7-8). Biblically, six is man’s number. He was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:24-31).
Christ loved the church “and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27). As we will see further down, the splendor of holiness is the prevailing mark upon the Lord’s warriors in Psalm 110:3 (also see 2 Peter 3:10-14, 2 Timothy 2:19).
The word “saved” in John 2:10 comes from the Greek word “tereo” which means “to attend to carefully, to take care of, to guard, to reserve.” Metaphorically it means “to keep one in the state in which he is.” In 1 Samuel 9, Saul, a “choice” man (verse 2) that would become the first king of Israel, was given a choice portion that had been reserved, or “kept” for him “until the appointed time” (see below).
Isaiah 25:6 speaks of a banquet of “aged wine.” The Hebrew for this wine is “shemer” which means “something preserved, i.e. the settlings (plural only) of wine.” It is taken from a word that means “to hedge about, to guard, to protect, attend to, to watch for, to wait for, to keep (within bounds), to restrain.” The best wine, the aged wine, of the Lord has been kept for the last days, in the appointed time, for the chosen vessels of honor at the marriage of the Lamb. The “best” refers to the vessel and its contents. It’s the two together, Christ in His people.
The Choice Portion Of The Choice Man
(For much more detail on this subject go to the section The Pressure Of God And The New Wine, and The Reserved Portion Of Saul in the Bible study Living Creatures And Wicked Beasts.)
1 Samuel 9:13- See the note right below for thoughts on blessing the sacrifice.
13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway [3651- see the Bible study Bent Double] find [4672] him, before he go up [5927- “to go up, to ascend, to climb, to be taken away”] to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come [“Arise shine for your light has come…” this is not the time to hesitate/delay; see Hosea 13:12-13 below], because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden [7121]. Now therefore get you up [5927]; for about this time ye shall find [4672] him.
(KJV)
1 Samuel 9:13- Different version of the same passage.
13 "As soon as you come into the city, you will surely find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time you will find him."
(NKJ)
3651 ken (kane)
from 3559 [see right below]; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and relation; often with other particles):
KJV-- + after that (this, -ward, -wards), as ... as, + [for-] asmuch as yet, + be (for which) cause, + following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), X the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, + there (wherefore)-, this, thus, true, well, X you.
3559 kuwn (koon)
a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous):
KJV-- certain (-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, X very deed.
7121 qara' (kaw-raw')
a primitive root [rather identical with 7122 through the idea of accosting a person met]; to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications):
KJV-- bewray [self], that are bidden, call (for, forthself, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim (-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
The “bidden,” the “invited,” who are the called, those summoned by name like the “bent double” woman, cannot partake of the Lamb until the sacrifice is blessed (see the section Blessing The Sacrifice in the Bible study Living Creatures And Wicked Beasts). Today, the sacrifice is our lives. We are called to be what the Bible calls a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). We could not partake of Christ until the sacrifice of His life was blessed by the Father. He had the witness beforehand of the Father over His life of being His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased (Matthew 17:5). One of the meanings for “pleased” is “to choose.” Jesus is the “choice” Son of the Father. When we walk like Jesus, joining ourselves to Him through submission to His Spirit, we also become the “choice” sons and daughters of the Father.
Revelation 19:9 says “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” The “invited” ones at the marriage supper are the “blessed” ones. Acceptance of the invitation results in the partaking of the blessed sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Like the bent double woman who received the healing touch of the Lord, they will rise up in His strength at the end of this age (John 6:53-57).
The last part of this verse is very crucial. The Lord is telling us that NOW is the time to go up, to ascend up the mountain. It is the appointed time of the Lord in which we may find Him. There is a time when we will not be able to find Him. While crying out against Israel’s spiritual harlotry Hosea declared “They will go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, but they will not find Him; He has withdrawn from them” (Hosea 5:6). He stands at the door now offering us His way of salvation. Many are not listening, arrogantly assuming they already have what they need. In the day of God’s wrath they will find themselves among those who will curse Him and die.
The people cannot eat (see John 6:53-57 in the Bible study The Distinguishing Mark), they cannot partake of the Lamb of God, unless we “give them something to eat” as Jesus told the disciples in Luke 9:13 (see the Bible study Breaking Bread). Otherwise, they will perish. They have no life in themselves (John 6:53). We cannot give them something to eat until the Lord blesses the sacrifice of our lives. This is the same thing that happened at the wedding feast in John 2. The servants who knew where the new wine had come from were the ones who served others.
Isaiah 25:6 speaks of a banquet of “aged wine.” The Hebrew for this wine is “shemer” which means “something preserved, i.e. the settlings (plural only) of wine.” It is taken from a word that means “to hedge about, to guard, to protect, attend to, to watch for, to wait for, to keep (within bounds), to restrain.” The best wine, the aged wine of the Lord has been kept for the last days, in the appointed time, for the chosen vessels of honor at the marriage of the Lamb. The “best” refers to the vessel and its contents. It’s the two together, Christ in union with His people (see 1 Samuel 9:26 below and Genesis “22:6-8”).
As referred to in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, “choice” sons and daughters will be distinguished from others by the choice wine (“best” wine) of their Master they possess at the wedding feast. They are chosen vessels of honor that will pour out of themselves that which they have received from Christ. They obediently did what He said at the end of this age (John 2:5), purifying their hearts by faith, resulting in the water being changed into new wine. This will be their distinguishing mark (see the Bible study The Distinguishing Mark).
The Greek for “best” in John 2:10 is not just defining physical taste, but more in regards to personal nature and characteristics. It’s defined as being “beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy, morally good, and noble.” It also refers to an honorable person such as those within 2 Timothy 2:20-21 referred to as “vessels of honor,” as well as the “good and faithful servant” in Matthew 25. They are the sanctified, consecrated, prepared vessels represented by the six stone waterpots in John 2:6 that have responded in obedience to the summon of the Lord. Again, they will pour out of themselves what God has poured into them. They are the “sons of fresh oil” spoken of in Zechariah 4 and Revelation 11 that faithfully stand firm near the Lord (see 1 Samuel 9:27 and the section Sons Of Fresh Oil in the Bible study Living Creatures And Wicked Beasts).
In 1 Samuel 9, Saul and one of his father’s servants went searching for their lost donkeys. When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said, “Come, let's go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”When searching for the stubborn donkeys of the Father that have strayed from Him, we must be careful lest we too lose our way. Ecclesiastes 3 says there is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event under heaven. It goes on to give many of these times, including in verse 6, “A time to search, and a time to give up as lost.” The Holy Spirit will warn us when it’s time to back off from going after those who have become stubborn and need to be left where they are.
The servant knew there was a man of God in this town they could ask in regards to the location of their lost mules. They came to some young women going out to draw water
Receiving The Choice Portion
In 1 Samuel 9:22-27, Saul, a called man, a “choice” man (verse 2) who would become the first king of Israel, was given a choice portion that had been reserved, or “kept” for him “until the appointed time.” The choice servants are now receiving their portions as well from the Lord. It’s the water that has been changed into wine. They faithfully waited upon the Lord for the appointed time of the feast when Christ would come and fill them “to the brim” (see the Bible study The Fullness Of Him).
1 Samuel 9:26- The calling and sending of Saul.
26 And they arose early; and it came about at daybreak that Samuel called to Saul on the roof, saying, "Get up [“to arise, to rise up, to stand up”], that I may send you away [“to send, to let go, to let loose”]." So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street.
(NAS)
This correlates with the Bible study Bent Double. Those who respond in faith to the summons of the Lord to rise up will be let loose from that which binds them. After receiving His message, we’re then sent out with His blessing. Romans 10:13-15 says, “‘Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!’” We must be sent by God or we cannot go.
It’s His blessing, the blessing of brokenness (see the Bible study Breaking Bread), that today’s preachers are missing. Most are sent out by man’s authority, void of any unction from heaven. A degree from seminaries that have become leavened with man’s ways and doctrines of demons means absolutely nothing. God is not amused with the fellowship of hypocrites (Luke 13:15) that tightly holds His children in religious bondage. He will not leave one man-made brick upon another. With an outstretched arm and great judgments everything built without Him will be leveled so that His children can be set free.
At the dawning of a new day (see the Bible study The Womb Of The Dawn), Saul receives the calling to rise up in order to be sent out. Interestingly, it was also at daybreak that Jacob received his blessing after wrestling all night with God. They both represent the sons of dawn that, having gained His glorious light, will go forth at the end of this age in the power and authority of Jesus Christ.
After answering the call, Samuel tells Saul to remain standing near him so that he may receive the word of the Lord (verse 27). We must also go through the same procedure. This will call for patience among God’s people (see Revelation 1:9, 13:10, 14:12). We will be sent out with His word, not ours; His message, not ours. It is this word spoken through His anointed messengers that will set the captives free, releasing them from the bondage of evil spirits.
Hosea 13:12-13 says, “The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; His sin is stored up (which means “to hide; figuratively, to deny; to treasure or store up”). The pains of childbirth come upon him; He is not a wise son, for it is not the time that he should delay at the opening of the womb (“the place of breaking forth”).” Amazingly, like Lot I find myself hesitating to come to the summons of the Lord. The influence of the Sodomites I dwell among has affected me more than what I knew. My cry is that the Lord would grab me by the hand and lead up His holy mountain. Feeling the birth pains of the Spirit upon my spirit, I do not want to remain in the same place. I want to come forth and enter into His image in its fullness, its completeness. Lets join ourselves together with Him, encouraging and exhorting one another to move forward per His will as we see His day approaching.
The Distinguishing Mark Of The “Choice” Sons And Daughters Of God
(See the Bible study The Distinguishing Mark)
Mishandling The Choice Part Of The Lord
(1 Samuel 2- Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas)
1 Samuel 2:12-17- In an act of absolute contempt, Eli’s sons were taking the choice, best portions from the people’s sacrifices to God for themselves. As with Saul, it would be their downfall, their destruction by God. Verse 17 states that they “despised” the offering of the Lord. The Hebrew for despised is “na’ats”. It’s described as “to scorn, to contemn, to despise, to abhor.” It implies an arrogant disrespect toward God. They are described as “worthless men” that did not know, or have regard for, the Lord (see the Bible study Worthless Men). They knew who God was, but did not acknowledge Him, confess Him, through their actions. A denial of Christ in this manner is the manifestation of a spirit of antichrist (see the Bible study Testing The Spirits).
12 Now the sons of Eli were worthless [1100] men; they did not know the LORD
12 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD. (NIV)
12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the LORD. (NKJ)
12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. (KJV)
13 and the custom of the priests with the people. When any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand.
14 Then he would thrust it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. Thus they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there.
15 Also, before they burned the fat, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give the priest meat for roasting, as he will not take boiled meat from you, only raw."
16 And if the man said to him, "They must surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as you desire," then he would say, "No, but you shall give it to me now; and if not, I will take it by force."
17 Thus the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD, for the men despised [5006] the offering of the LORD.
(NAS)
1100 beliya` al (bel-e-yah'-al);
from 1097 and 3276; without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness (often in connection with 376, 802, 1121, etc.):
a) worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable, a base fellow
b) wicked
c) ruin, destruction (construct)
5006 na'ats (naw-ats')
a primitive root; to scorn; or (Ecclesiastes 12:5) by interchange for 5132, to bloom:
KJV-- abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, X great, provoke.
to spurn, to contemn, to despise, to abhor
a) (Qal) to spurn, to contemn
b) (Piel)
1) to spurn
2) to cause to contemn
c) (Hiphil) to spurn
d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned
1 Samuel 2:29-30- See note below.
29 'Why do you kick at [1163] My sacrifice and at My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons above Me, by making yourselves fat with the choicest [7225] of every offering of My people Israel?'
30 "Therefore the LORD God of Israel declares, 'I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father should walk before Me forever'; but now the LORD declares, 'Far be it from Me-- for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise [959] Me will be lightly esteemed [7043].
(NAS)
1163 ba` at (baw-at']
a primitive root; to trample down, i.e. (figuratively) despise:
KJV-- kick.
to kick, to kick at (Qal)
1) to kick
2) to kick at
3) to desire (figurative)
7225 re'shiyth (ray-sheeth')
from the same as 7218; the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit):
KJV-- beginning, chief (-est), first (-fruits, part, time), principal thing.
the first, the beginning, the best, the chief
a) beginning
b) first
c) chief
d) choice part
959 bazah (baw-zaw')
a primitive root; to disesteem:
KJV-- despise, disdain, contemn (-ptible), + think to scorn, vile person.
to despise, to hold in contempt, to disdain
a) (Qal) to despise, to regard with contempt
b) (Niphal)
1) to be despised
2) to be despicable
3) to be vile, to be worthless
c) (Hiphil) to cause to despise
7043 qalal (kaw-lal')
a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.):
KJV-- abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease (-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light (-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), X slight [-ly], be swift (-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet.
Continuing on with the sin of Eli’s household, verses 22-25 share his rebuke of Hophni and Phinehas (whose name according to Strong’s Concordance means “mouth of a serpent”). The end of verse 25 states “But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the LORD desired to put them to death.” Verse 26 then contrasts the upright life of Samuel with these “worthless” sons of Eli. Verses 27-36 proceed to describe for us God’s message of rebuke to Eli through a man of God. It reveals the hidden intent of Eli in his so-called rebuke of his sons.
The Lord asks through this man “Why do you kick at My sacrifice and at My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons above Me, by making yourselves fat with the choicest of every offering of My people Israel?” In other words, “Why do you show more respect for your sons than Me by not upholding my commands before them?”
1 Samuel 4:18 says that when Eli heard that the judgment of this man of God occurred with both sons dying on the same day in battle, he fell backwards off his seat and broke his neck. It adds that he was old and fat, obviously taking more than his share as well from the people’s sacrifices to God. The best part, the choice portion that belonged to God was not treated with the respect it deserved. Instead, they took it for their own personal gain. As the spiritual leader, Eli knew better but was unwilling to enforce God’s discipline amongst his sons. This same disrespect is occurring in the majority of American churches today with many in leadership fleecing their flocks. If unrepentant, our “fat” leaders will meet the same fate.
The Hebrew for “kick at” is “ba’at”. It means “to trample down, to kick, to despise.” Addressing the judgment of God’s people who continue sinning AFTER receiving the knowledge of the truth, Hebrews 10:29 says, “How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean [“common, unhallowed”] the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?”
The Greek for “trampled under foot” means “to reject with disdain, to treat with rudeness and insulting neglect (see the section Neglecting God’s Salvation in the Bible study Living Creatures And Wicked Beasts)”. The same disrespect shown towards the spiritual requirements of God in His covenant through the blood of Christ is being committed today throughout Christianity. As with Eli (and the priests in Malachi), it is being met with little to no rebuke from the spiritual “fathers” in our land. This bad seed will soon be cut off from Christ’s body (see the Bible study Wholly Illumined No Dark Parts).
Verse 30 ends with the Lord saying, “Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed.” If we look down upon Him, giving no respect or honor to His name, He will have no respect for us. Those who think they are above the Lord, making light of who He is, will be lightly esteemed by Him. He will have little respect for them as well.
Raising Up A Faithful Priest
1 Samuel 2:35-36- God promises in this passage to “raise up” (like the “bent double” woman~ see the Bible study Bent Double) a faithful priest who will do His will. They’re “doers” of the word of God.
35 'But I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and in My soul; and I will build him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed always.
36 'And it shall come about that everyone who is left in your house shall come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread, and say, "Please assign me to one of the priest's offices so that I may eat a piece of bread."'"
(NAS)
As spoken by the man of God in 1 Samuel 2:35-36, God is going to raise up (see the Bible study Bent Double) for Himself a faithful priest, like David, who will DO according to what is in His heart and soul. He (they) will have an enduring dwelling in Christ, possessing an abundance of His bread of life that others will come begging for in their dreadful time of need. Those who serve God with a heart like Eli will, along with their unfaithful spiritual sons, be destroyed.
Isaiah 22:15-25- In this passage Shebna is replaced with the one whom the Lord would summon, Eliakim. Shebna is called the “shame of your master’s house,” not a good title to be known by God. He represents those in leadership within God’s house who have misused their position for personal gain, trying to “carve out” a name and place for themselves. They will be cast down from their “firm place” (verse 25), having disgraced the name of God through their disobedience and self-exaltation.
Eliakim’s name means “God raises,” or “God sets up.” Again, like the bent-double woman in Luke 13, God will summon to Himself those whom He will raise up. The responsive servants will then walk uprightly, in purity and righteousness. Clothed with the mantle of Christ, great authority will be entrusted to them as they reign with Him on earth. (See the Bible study Urim And Thummim.)
15 Thus says the Lord GOD of hosts, "Come, go to this steward, to Shebna [“vigor, to grow, growth”], who is in charge of the royal household,
16 'What right do you have here, and whom do you have here, that you have hewn a tomb for yourself here, you who hew a tomb on the height, you who carve a resting place for yourself in the rock?
17 'Behold, the LORD is about to hurl you headlong, O man. And He is about to grasp you firmly,
18 And roll you tightly like a ball, to be cast into a vast country; there you will die, and there your splendid chariots will be, you shame of your master's house.'
19 "And I will depose [“to thrust out, to drive out, to cast out”] you from your office [“a fixed spot, a standing-place, a position”], and I will pull you down from your station [“position, function, service”].
20 "Then it will come about in that day, that I will summon My servant Eliakim [471] the son of Hilkiah [2518]
21 And I will clothe him with your tunic, and tie your sash securely about him, I will entrust him with your authority, and he will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.
22 "Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, when he opens no one will shut, when he shuts no one will open.
23 "And I will drive him like a peg in a firm place, and he will become a throne of glory to his father's house.
24 "So they will hang on him all the glory of his father's house, offspring and issue, all the least of vessels, from bowls to all the jars.
25 "In that day," declares the LORD of hosts, "the peg driven in a firm place will give way; it will even break off and fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut off, for the LORD has spoken."
(NAS)
471 'Elyaqiym' (el-yaw-keem')
from 410 and 6965; God of raising; Eljakim, the name of four Israelites
KJV-- Eliakim.
Eliakim = "God raises" or "God sets up"
1) the son of Hilkiah, master of Hezekiah's household
2) Josiah's son, enthroned by Pharaoh
3) a priest who assisted Nehemiah
2518 Chilqiyah (khil-kee-yaw')
or Chilqiyahuw (khil-kee-yaw'-hoo)' from 2506 and 3050; portion of Jah; (Chilhijah, the name of eight Israelites:
Hilkiah = "my portion is Jehovah (Yahweh)";
1) the father of Eliakim, an officer of Hezekiah
2) a high priest in the reign of Josiah
3) a Merarite Levite, son of Amzi
4) another Merarite Levite, the second son of Hosah
5) one of those who stood on the right side of Ezra when he read the law; probably a Levite and a priest
6) a priest of Anathoth, father of the prophet Jeremiah
7) the father of Gemariah who was one of Zedekiah's envoys to Babylon
2 Peter 1:16-19- Peter is saying in this Scripture that we are to continue being “doers” of the word (“do well”), adhering to and applying God’s word (“paying attention”), until His light and glory comes, raising us up (like Eliakim), causing us to walk uprightly and with great authority. These are the ones driven “like a peg in a firm place” (Isaiah 22:23 above). These faithful servants of Christ will be the “sons of dawn” that all of creation longs for (see the Bible study The Womb Of the Dawn).
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"--
18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention [4337] as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.
(NAS)
4337 prosecho (pros-ekh'-o)
from 4314 and 2192; (figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to:
KJV-- (give) attend (-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to unto); have regard.
1) to bring to, to bring near; to bring a ship to land, and simply to touch at, to put in
2) to turn the mind to, to attend to be attentive; to a person or a thing: of caring for, providing for
3) to attend to oneself, that is, to give heed to oneself; to give attention to, to take heed
4) to apply oneself to, to attach oneself to, to hold or to cleave to a person or a thing
a) to be given or addicted to
b) to devote thought and effort to
Matthew 9:20-22- (also see Luke 8:43-48) See the note below for insights into these verses.
20 And behold, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched [680] the fringe [2899] of His cloak;
21 for she was saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I shall get well."
22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well." And at once the woman was made well.
(NAS)
680 haptomai (hap'-tom-ahee)
reflexive of 681; properly, to attach oneself to, i.e. to touch (in many implied relations):
KJV-- touch.
to fasten oneself to, to adhere to, to cling to
a) to touch
b) used of carnal intercourse with a women or cohabitation
c) used of levitical practice of having no fellowship with heathen practices. Things not to be touched appear to be both women and certain kinds of food. So, celibacy and abstinence of certain kinds of food and drink are recommended.
d) to touch, to assail anyone
2899 kraspedon (kras'-ped-on)
of uncertain derivation; a margin, i.e. (specifically) a fringe or tassel:
KJV-- border, hem.
the extremity or prominent part of a thing, edge, skirt, margin
a) the fringe of a garment
b) in the New Testament a little appendage hanging down from the edge of the mantle or cloak, made of twisted wool
c) a tassel, a tuft: the Jews had such appendages attached to their mantles to remind them of the law
A woman suffering from a hemorrhage for 12 years comes up behind Jesus and reaches out by faith, touching the fringe of His cloak, the hem of His garment, and is instantly healed. The Greek for “touch” is very similar to “paying attention” in 2 Peter 1:19 above. It is defined as “to attach oneself, to adhere to, to cling to, to touch.” The fringe, or hem, is described as “a margin, a tassel, a tuft; the Jews had such appendages attached to their mantles to remind them of the law.”
The last part is taken from God’s requirement for Israel in Numbers 15:37-41. It says, “The LORD also spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, in order that you may remember to do all My commandments, and be holy to your God. I am the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the LORD your God.’” They wore the tassels for a visual reminder to keep their eyes upon the Lord, keeping His commandments. Their blessing, and ours, was acquired through obedience to God.
I see in this passage, and the preceding ones, the way of escape from the conditions in our lives caused by evil spirits that keep us bent over, so to speak, in a state of bondage (again, see the Bible study Bent Double). Hearing the summons of the Lord (Luke 13:12), we are to respond in faith by leaving the place where we currently reside in bondage, and set out to where He beckons us to come join Him in truth (attaching, adhering, touching).
The hem represents the commands of God, His truth that “sets us free,” releasing us from the bonds that keep us bent over, unable to walk an upright, righteous life. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 to some Jews who had believed him, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” To “hold” means “to remain, abide, to continue, to wait for; to stay in a given place, state, relation, or expectancy.” Abiding in Christ, waiting in obedience within the boundary of His commands, He will turn and touch us, setting us free from our bonds through His power. Adherence to truth, paying attention to what He commands by “doing,” gets His attention (see the Bible study Binding And Loosing).
It looked as though Jesus was going to pass this woman by, as if He never even noticed her. This caused her to get up and move out toward Him by faith. Verse 22 says that Jesus turned and said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” As Hebrews 11:6 declares, He is truly a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.
Matthew 14:35-36 says that when Jesus came to Gennesaret and the people recognized Him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People then brought all their sick to him and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, the hem of His garment. All who touched Him were healed.
Speaking in regards to the day of the Lord, Malachi 4:1-2 says, “‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.” The Hebrew for wings is kanaph. It means “a wing, an edge, a border, a corner of a garment.” This sounds like the fringe, the hem of the Lord’s garment. If we will truly seek out His truth, desiring to walk in His way, He will turn bringing healing in His “wings,” His word of truth that sets us free.
Matthew 4:5-7- This passage deals with the temptation of Jesus by the devil.
5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and he had Him stand on the pinnacle [4419] of the temple,
6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'He will give His angels charge concerning You'; and 'On their hands they will bear You up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"
7 Jesus said to him, "On the other hand, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test [1598].'"
(NAS)
4419 pterugion (pter-oog'-ee-on)
neuter of a presumed derivative of 4420 [right below]; a winglet, i.e. (figuratively) extremity (top corner):
KJV-- pinnacle.
1) a wing, a little wing
2) any pointed extremity
a) used of fins of fishes
b) used of part of a dress hanging down in the form of a wing
c) used of the top of the temple at Jerusalem
4420 pterux (pter'-oox)
from a derivative of 4072 (meaning a feather); a wing of birds
KJV-- wing.
1598 ekpeirazo (ek-pi-rad'-zo)
from 1537 and 3985; to test thoroughly:
KJV-- tempt.
1) to prove, to test thoroughly
2) to put God's character and power to the proof
Satan is quoting Psalm 91 to Jesus, hoping He would act presumptuously on the goodness of God to catch Him. Through acceptance of Satan’s false teachings that lead to a false sense of security, many have fallen away to their demise. They have justified sin, not looking for the way of escape, believing the Lord will never let them fall. Through arrogant insolence, they have fallen from grace.
A pinnacle is a winglet or any pointed extremity. It’s also described as part of a dress hanging down in the form of a wing. Is standing on the pinnacle of the temple and jumping, therefore, comparable to saying you are standing on God’s truth, presuming He will catch us even though we continue in willful sin? I think so. Jesus responded to Satan’s misuse of Scripture by saying we should not presume on God’s power, testing Him to see if He will keep us while in rebellion.
The writer of Hebrews is in complete agreement. In chapter 10, verses 24-27 he says, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.” Unless our conscience has been seared, this passage should convict all of us who have received the knowledge of the truth. The fear of the Lord is to keep us from sinning (Exodus 20:20).
David prayed in Psalm 19:13, “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright (much like the bent-double woman), and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.” (KJV) The Hebrew for presumptuous is zed. It’s also described as “arrogant, proud, and insolent.” This is the fruit of a compromising heart that loves wickedness more than obeying God.
The Hebrew for upright is tamam which means, “to be complete, to be finished, to be at an end, to be completely crossed over.” The Body of Christ will cross over to our promised destination of perfection in Him when we fully embrace His truth, separating from man’s mixture of falsehood. Those who stubbornly refuse to separate themselves in the end will perish.
This is God’s last call to mankind as we approach the end of this age. Like the bent-double woman, He is calling us to His place, the higher place of full truth without mixture (Babylon) where we will once and for all be brought into completion, just as our Savior has.
Earlier in Psalm 19, verse 7 says “The law of the Lord is perfect.” Perfect is defined as “complete, whole, entire, sound, healthful.” The woman who touched the fringe of Jesus’ garment and was healed is a picture of those who accept and adhere to the law of God. Our final healing prophesied throughout the Scriptures will be fulfilled in those who listen and draw near, cleansing their hearts by faith. That which we have talked about for years has finally come.
Daniel 9:27- The Hebrew for wing is our word “kanaph” discussed earlier. The wing of abominations is revealed as a wing of destruction. When accepted as truth, Satan’s false teachings bring an end to the daily sacrifice of a Christian Paul referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:31. His words of falsehood are meant to destroy God’s children, as he tried to destroy Jesus through deception of God’s word.
We are exhorted by Paul again in Romans 12:1 to offer our bodies as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” When attached to a person, the wings of abominations (falsehood received as truth) make it impossible to rise up and escape the wrath of God that will be poured out upon the earth. Without repentance, the desolate, those who have destroyed God’s temple within them, will be destroyed.
27 "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing [3671] of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."
(NAS)
Daniel 9:27- I like this version better because of the subject of the complete destruction at the end. The Hebrew does not say “on the one who makes,” but rather “on the desolate.” That’s a big difference.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing [3671] of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate."
(NKJ)
3671 kanaph (kaw-nawf');
from 3670 [right below]; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bed-clothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle:
KJV-- + bird, border, corner, end, feather [-ed], X flying, + (one an-) other, overspreading, X quarters, skirt, X sort, uttermost part, wing ([-ed]).
a wing, an extremity, an edge, winged, a border, a corner, a shirt
a) a wing
b) an extremity; a skirt, a corner (of a garment)
3670 kanaph (kaw-naf')
a primitive root; properly, to project laterally, i.e. probably (reflexive) to withdraw:
KJV-- be removed.
to be put or thrust in or into a corner, to be hidden from view, to be cornered, to be thrust aside
Ezekiel 3:10-14- The sound of the “wings” of the living creatures touching one another. Is there any correlation between this and the wings of the cherubim on the mercy seat that also touched?
10 Moreover, He said to me, "Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I shall speak to you, and listen closely.
11 "And go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not, 'Thus says the Lord GOD.'"
12 Then the Spirit lifted me up [5375], and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me, "Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His place."
13 And I heard the sound of the wings [3671] of the living beings touching one another, and the sound of the wheels beside them, even a great rumbling sound.
14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away; and I went embittered in the rage of my spirit, and the hand of the LORD was strong on me.
(NAS)
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