In each blog, I often reference many different topics that I've already covered (or will soon cover), and maybe you've missed. Please review my blogs to read more...
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
_____________________________
Maybe the prince of Tyrus is Satan?
Ezek 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus says the Lord God; You [king of Tyrus] seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Theologians tell us that Ezekiel 28 also records the fall of Satan, a perfect archangel, the perfect cherub, who decided, from his own free-will that he would go astray from Almighty God's perfect plan... read that again.
Seriously?!
Not happening.
_______________________
It is the king of Tyrus and not Satan who is being addressed in this lamentation.
Seriously?!
Not happening.
_______________________
It is the king of Tyrus and not Satan who is being addressed in this lamentation.
The fact that he was called "full of wisdom" and "perfect in beauty" by no means suggests that this is speaking of Satan.
"Perfect" is used in a relative sense when not speaking of deity.
God is merely shoving this in the kings face, as it was Tyrus who earlier attributed to herself this claim of perfect beauty, not God!
"Perfect" is used in a relative sense when not speaking of deity.
God is merely shoving this in the kings face, as it was Tyrus who earlier attributed to herself this claim of perfect beauty, not God!
Ezek 27:2-3 Now, you son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus; And say unto Tyrus, O you [who? Tyrus!] that art situate at the entry of the sea, which are a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus says the Lord God; O Tyrus, YOU [who? Tyrus!] HAVE SAID I [Tyrus] am of perfect beauty.
This is exactly the same situation as our Lord dealt with in the city of Capernaum.
In fact, He says it will be more tolerable for boastful Tyre in the day of judgment than for Capernaum:
In fact, He says it will be more tolerable for boastful Tyre in the day of judgment than for Capernaum:
Luk 10:14-15 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum which are exalted to heaven, shall be thrust down to hell [hades].
Notice in both cases it is not God Who believes Capernaum or Tyrus is perfect and heavenly, but the carnal-minded people of these two city states.
The word "perfect" is used many times in Scripture to mean that there is no outward imperfections (as in a perfect animal for sacrifice, without any outward blemishes).
Inside, however, the one who may appear perfect outwardly, can be totally corrupt.
Inside, however, the one who may appear perfect outwardly, can be totally corrupt.
It certainly does not mean "sinless".
Here is more from Scripture on perfect:
Here is more from Scripture on perfect:
The Scriptures say that Noah was perfect in his generation, (do I need to remind you of a slight imperfect problem he had with drunkenness after the flood?)
And God said that Job was perfect in Job 1:8 (which makes us wonder why Job had to abhor himself and "repent in dust and ashes" Job 42:6).
And David said of himself that he was perfect in Psalm 18:32, (perfect maybe if we forget about his numbering of Israel in rebellion to God, and perfect if we forget that little incident with Bathsheba and her husband Uriah).
_____________________________
Continuing with verse 13:
"Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God... in the day that you were created."
Here we are told is even more proof that this is speaking of Satan. After all, wasn't Satan in the garden of "Eden" and wasn't Satan a "created" being?
The word translated "Eden" in this verse is the same word, or root, translated Eden 20 times in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Sometimes it has reference to the "Garden" that God planted in the area of the country called Eden.
Sometimes it has reference to other lands near the area of Eden, and not "The Garden of Eden".
Sometimes it refers to the "children of Eden" as in 2 Kings 19:12.
And I think everyone is aware of the fact that Adam and Eve had NO CHILDREN in the "Garden of Eden".
Sometimes it has reference to the "Garden" that God planted in the area of the country called Eden.
Sometimes it has reference to other lands near the area of Eden, and not "The Garden of Eden".
Sometimes it refers to the "children of Eden" as in 2 Kings 19:12.
And I think everyone is aware of the fact that Adam and Eve had NO CHILDREN in the "Garden of Eden".
Amos 1:5 speaks of the "house of Eden"— which is the very same Hebrew word translated "eden" in every occurrence of this word in the Hebrew Manuscripts.
Eden is also the name of several persons in Scripture.
Eden is also the name of several persons in Scripture.
__________________________
Back to verse 13 and "Eden the garden of God." Here we see that "Eden" can mean various things, even though Eden is always translated from the same Hebrew word, which is:
Strong's H5731, Eden, ay'-den; the same as H5730, eden, ay'den; from H5727, pleasure. H5727, adan, aw-dan'; to be soft or pleasant... to live voluptuously.
We find that this word does not need to be capitalized. Neither is it capitalized OR translated "eden" in other Scriptures:
Was Abraham's wife Sarah in the Garden of Eden also?
Gen 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure [Hebrew translated "pleasure" here is eden, ay-den'] my lord being old also?
Psa 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of your house; and you shalt make them drink of the river of your pleasures [Hebrew translated "pleasures" here is eden, ay-den'!]"
So why should it be capitalized in Ezek 28:13?
It shouldn't. Here are a couple of translations that don't [1] Capitalize it, or [2] Translate it "eden".
It shouldn't. Here are a couple of translations that don't [1] Capitalize it, or [2] Translate it "eden".
"Thou wast in the pleasures [Heb. eden, ay-den'] of the paradise [or garden] of God" (Ezek 28:13, The Holy Bible, Douay Confraternity)
"In the luxury [Heb. eden, ay-den'] of the garden of Alueim [God] you come to be" (Ezek 28:13, The Concordant Literal Old Testament).
Although the KJV often italicizes words in a verse that were not in the original manuscript, but that are often needed to make the English read better, they do not always do so.
Here are the actual translated words for which there is a Hebrew equivalent in Ezek 28:13
Here are the actual translated words for which there is a Hebrew equivalent in Ezek 28:13
"In luxury of garden of God you come be."
"In the luxury of the garden of God you come to be."
Now if we retain that word "of" and insert it into the KJV, we would have this:
"Thou hast been in Eden of the garden of God."
If, as the KJV translation suggests, eden IS the "garden of God", then it cannot ALSO BE "OF" that same garden!
Furthermore, don't think that "has been" is necessarily correct either (suggesting that this is speaking of an event long ancient to the lamentation being presently given to Ezekiel).
The Hebrew language, strictly speaking, has no verb forms which express either past or future.
The Hebrew language, strictly speaking, has no verb forms which express either past or future.
But isn't this verse speaking of a "created" being, and therefore couldn't it mean Satan, as opposed to the king of Tyrus who was "born" rather than "created" as was Adam and Satan?
Are babies born or does God create them?
Whether one is born of a woman or created directly out of the dust of the ground, as was Adam, they are both "creations of God."
Here is Scriptural proof that created can be applied to those born of a woman:
Here is Scriptural proof that created can be applied to those born of a woman:
Isa 43:1 But now thus says the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed you, O Israel...
Isa 43:6-7 ...bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by My name: for I have created him; yea, I have made him".
Ezek 21:28 & Ezek 21:30 Thus says the Lord God concerning the Ammonites... I will judge you [Ammonites] in the place where you were created...
Mal 2:10 Have we not all one father? Has not one God created US [ALL mankind]".
Verse 14:
...your pipes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covers; and I have set you so: you were upon the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
This verse clearly proves that this is speaking of Satan and not some human, doesn't it?
No - actually it proves to be a very bad translation. Let's notice a few variations:
No - actually it proves to be a very bad translation. Let's notice a few variations:
"On the day you were created, I placed you beside the kherubs on the sacred hill of God; you walked amid the flashing thunder-stones" (A New Translations by James Moffatt)
"In the day of your creation they established the anointed cherub's booth. And I bestow you in the holy mountain of Alueim [God]" (Concordant Version of the Old Testament)
"With an anointed cherub as guardian I place you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the stones of fire" (The New Revised Standard Version)
"With the Cherub I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God, walking among the fiery stones" (The New American Bible)
Two things should be abundantly clear from these translations: [1] These verses are certainly a challenge to translate, and [2] The prince of Tyrus was NOT the cherub, himself, but rather the cherub was placed as a guardian BESIDE OR WITH the prince of Tyrus.
A further proof that the prince of Tyrus cannot be, himself this cherub, is found in the grammar.
Where the KJV translates, "Thou art the anointed cherub..." the word translated "Thou" is the Hebrew word "ath" which can be either a pronoun or the object of a verb.
Where the KJV translates, "Thou art the anointed cherub..." the word translated "Thou" is the Hebrew word "ath" which can be either a pronoun or the object of a verb.
But in Ezek 28:14, it can't be a pronoun because it is not the same gender as "cherub".
The Hebrew word ath is feminine while the Hebrew word kruwg translated cherub, is masculine.
The Hebrew word ath is feminine while the Hebrew word kruwg translated cherub, is masculine.
What are cherubs?
Cherubs, or cherubims, are spirit creatures of great power with wings.
God placed cherubims at the Garden of Eden to guard the way of the tree of life.
Cherubim were carved and made of gold, then placed on the cover of the ark of the covenant. Their wings were to be outstretched over the ark casting a shadow over it. Their wings were to touch signifying that the divided messengers of God will ultimately be united into one. Also they were to face each other with their eyes looking down at the shadow-cast ark, signifying that they desire to look into these deep spiritual things, but can as yet not comprehend any more than the shadow.
God placed cherubims at the Garden of Eden to guard the way of the tree of life.
Cherubim were carved and made of gold, then placed on the cover of the ark of the covenant. Their wings were to be outstretched over the ark casting a shadow over it. Their wings were to touch signifying that the divided messengers of God will ultimately be united into one. Also they were to face each other with their eyes looking down at the shadow-cast ark, signifying that they desire to look into these deep spiritual things, but can as yet not comprehend any more than the shadow.
Ex 25:20 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.
They desire to know the mysteries of God, but as yet, they do not:
1 Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us thy did minister the things, which are now reported unto you in them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
It is an interesting fact the messengers deliver messages on many occasions in the Scriptures, but they do not teach. That is because it is we that shall teach them and judge them:
1 Co 6:3 Know ye not that WE shall JUDGE ANGELS?
There are now two groups of spiritual messengers. One group is obedient to God and the other is not. One group carries out acts of good while the other carries out acts of deceit and wickedness.
That is why we find in 1 Kings 22:19 that the host (a huge number, a heavenly army of innumerable beings; "cherubim' in Hebrew means, "AS-MANY') of heaven is divided on God's right side (the good) and His left side (the wicked).
Ultimately they will all be ONE.
Ultimately they will all be ONE.
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one ALL THINGS in Christ, both which are in Heaven [the heavenly host which is now divided], and which are on earth [spiritually]; even in Him.
Cherubim are associated with the mercy seat, the decorations of the tabernacle and later the temple, and are associated with the Throne of God in Ezekiel.
The possibility that there is cherubim associated with the throne of world leaders also seem plausible.
Whatever their earthly function, there was a cherub associated with the king of Tyrus. He was with or beside the king, but he was not the king, himself, neither was he Satan.
Whatever their earthly function, there was a cherub associated with the king of Tyrus. He was with or beside the king, but he was not the king, himself, neither was he Satan.
____________________
Next we read a remarkable thing in the KJV in the last part of Ezek 28:16
By the multitude of thy [king of Tyrus] merchandise they have filled the midst of thee [king of Tyrus] with violence, and you [king of Tyrus] have sinned: therefore I will cast you [king of Tyrus] as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee [king of Tyrus], O COVERING CHERUB [??], from the midst of the stones of fire.
Wait just a minute!
God is going to destroy the king of Tyrus, not the SPIRIT CHERUB! Spirits can't be destroyed.
God is going to destroy the king of Tyrus, not the SPIRIT CHERUB! Spirits can't be destroyed.
Why would God destroy His cherub when it is the king of Tyrus that sinned (not the cherub)?
The king wasn't the anointed cherub, neither was Satan the anointed cherub. Satan is nowhere mentioned in these Scriptures. There was iniquity found in the king of Tyrus (Verse 15).
It was the king of Tyrus that got rich by trading merchandise (Verse 16), not the Cherub. Cherubs don't trade merchandise.
God is casting the king of Tyrus out of His mountain (high position of government), not the cherub.
God will destroy the king of Tyrus (Verse 16), not the cherub.
God will bring to "ashes" the king of Tyrus, not the cherub.
Spirit creatures cannot be turned into ashes as human flesh can. And all the people that knew the king of Tyrus will see this happen to him. The people didn't know the cherub.
And finally we read this, "...and never shall you [king of Tyrus] be any more [is Satan any more?]" ( Verse 19).
Think how absurd it would be to say that Satan would "never be any more." Satan is still alive and well on planet Earth.
Satan was ALWAYS Satan. He was never an archangel/cherub/light-bringing/Lucifer/firefly.
Here is what the Scriptures teach:
Here is what the Scriptures teach:
So was Satan the devil really "perfect in his ways until iniquity was found in him?"
NO:
1 Joh 3:8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins FROM THE BEGINNING...
But the Church teaches us that there was a time when Satan the devil was a righteous, perfect, archangel, and would have never thought to murder anyone.
So didn't Satan the devil change into a murderer at some later date?
So didn't Satan the devil change into a murderer at some later date?
NO:
Joh 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer FROM THE BEGINNING...
There is no "Lucifer", and there never was a "Lucifer".
There is no righteous light-bringing Satan, and there never was a righteous light-bringing Satan.
I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven
Now for one of the most amazing symbol identifications found anywhere in the Scriptures.
There is no righteous light-bringing Satan, and there never was a righteous light-bringing Satan.
I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven
Now for one of the most amazing symbol identifications found anywhere in the Scriptures.
What did Jesus mean when He said:
Luk 10:18 I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Did Jesus see Satan fall from the sky?
Did Satan fall from outer space?
Did Satan fall from the throne of God's heaven?
From what "heaven" did Jesus see Satan as lightning FALL FROM?
Did Satan fall from outer space?
Did Satan fall from the throne of God's heaven?
From what "heaven" did Jesus see Satan as lightning FALL FROM?
God's Heaven is higher than man's heaven
Satan is "the god of this world" (2 Co 4:4).
Satan possesses "ALL the kingdoms of the world" (Mat 4:8-9).
Satan appears to the heads of his nations as an "angel of light" (1 Co 11:12).
It was Satan who appealed to the heaven of Eve's mind.
It was Satan that caused the people to build a tower (tower of Babel / Babylon) that would reach MAN'S concept of heaven. The heaven of the minds of those conceiving of such lofty things.
It was Satan who caused the king of Babylon to be lifted up in his own heaven, his own mind. Listen to his own words:
At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, is not this GREAT BABYLON, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of MY power, and for the honour of MY MAJESTY?
The king of Babylon had a dream, and in the dream his kingdom was likened to a tree:
Dan 4:11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached into HEAVEN...
The kingdom of Babylon didn't grow into GOD'S heaven, that's for sure. No, Daniel identifies who the tree represents:
Dan 4:20a & Dan 4:22 The tree that you saw... It is YOU, O king, that are grown and become strong: for your greatness is grown, and reached unto HEAVEN...
The king of Babylon reached the same heaven that the city of Capernaum reached:
Luke 10:15 And thou Capernaum, which art exalted to HEAVEN, shall be thrust down to hell [hades/death/the grave]"
Sinful Capernaum was never exalted to GOD'S heaven, but to their OWN heaven, the heaven of their own minds.
Their city never left the surface of the earth, but in their minds they thought they had reached "heaven."
Their city never left the surface of the earth, but in their minds they thought they had reached "heaven."
______________________________
With this in mind, let's move ahead two verses and see how all these Scriptures tie in and harmonize together.
Verse 17:
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the DEVILS are subject unto us through your name. And he said unto them, [I know] I BEHELD Satan as lightning fall from heaven [when and as it was happening through the commands of His disciples].
Christ's disciples were filled with joy over the power that Jesus had given them so that even spirits were subject to them. Jesus had just said that He would thrust Capernaum down from their heaven, their high place in their own mind.
Next the disciples report back that they were able to cast down spirits (demons) from men's minds, from their own heavens. They were excited to tell Jesus what they had done. They had the power to cast down demons from men's heavens, from out of their minds.
And Jesus answered them back by saying, YES, I KNOW, I BEHELD Satan (prince of the devils and demons), fall from the heaven of men's minds while you were doing it! And then even Jesus "rejoiced" (Verse 21).
God has a heaven. It is a SPIRIT REALM. It is where God lives and has His Being.
Men also have a heaven. It is likewise, the REALM where they live and have their being—they spiritually live in their own minds, their own heavens.
Men also have a heaven. It is likewise, the REALM where they live and have their being—they spiritually live in their own minds, their own heavens.
Prov 23:7 For as he THINKS in his heart, SO IS HE.
The "heart' is the innermost seat of our deepest emotions, but it is accessed through the mind. It is what one thinks that determines what one is. When the king of Babylon thought that he had ascended into heaven in his mind, then that is where HE WAS, "so IS he." But, it was man's heaven and not God's. No "man", no "carnal man" has ever ascended into God's heaven of spirit,
John 3:13 And NO MAN has ascended up to heaven [God's heaven], but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in Heaven [right at the very time He was speaking these words]".
Jesus could live "on earth" and "in heaven" at the same time but carnal men live in the heaven of their minds all the time. Man's heaven is a place of spiritual delusion; whereas God's heaven is a place of spiritual enlightenment.
Rev 20:11 & Rev 21:1 And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the EARTH [of man] and the HEAVEN [of man] fled away; and there was found NO PLACE FOR THEM... And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. And I saw a NEW heaven and a NEW earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
It would be mind-boggling enough to think that the entire UNIVERSE could "flee away," but it would be quite another to then suggest that, "there was found no place for them."
In The Great White Throne Judgment there will be no more a place for the flesh, for the carnal mind, for man's heaven.
_____________________________________
In The Great White Throne Judgment there will be no more a place for the flesh, for the carnal mind, for man's heaven.
_____________________________________
Some of these excerpts are from my personal notes copied from 30+ years of studying... some of these notes are direct copies of various sources - I do not claim to have authored every word of this... it's just a mass collection I've tucked away over the years for my own personal studies... I didn't consider a bibliography at the time I directly copied small excerpts from various authors. Also, any emphasis (underlines, bold text, all CAPS, etc.) noted above was only meant to capture my personal attention as I studied...
No comments:
Post a Comment