It would not be stretching it to say that most of the Churches teach their congregations that these verses are symbolic of HELICOPTERS during an invasion!!  Some will not even touch on the subject.  I’ve heard this myself and I used to believe that the ministers “knew” what they were talking about.  I hope to show you who these locusts of war are in a round about way. 

It is all right to believe is symbolism, because that’s what the Bible is all about.  Knowing what the symbols mean, helps us to understand the parables.  We know that these shapes of locusts like unto horses are definitely not locusts or horses, so if it is that easy for you to believe that they are helicopters without proof, then you should accept the truth very readily especially since you will be reading this document through to the end with your Bible in hand.  Get ready to rid yourself of empty baggage; traditions of men!!  I’m guilty too!! 

We all want to know about the seven trumpet plagues.  Are there really a numbering of “SEVEN”?  Just what is a plague anyway?  Are we really supposed to hear a loud trumpet blast?  The answers to these questions also reveal our roll in the kingdom of heaven.  Let us first lay a foundation from the prophets and apostles. 

We will learn that the Ekklesia (churches) i.e. Trumpets i.e. Plagues i.e. Vials = the Kingdom message.  All one in the same, its just that Yahweh is giving us different metaphors of the same revelation.  The bottom line is that we are to “Preach the kingdom of Yahweh.”   Luke 4:43; 9:2.  In order to “recover sight to the blind” as in Luke 4:18, those “blind” in their understanding of scriptures must first be taught about parables, metaphors or symbols.  When you really understand Yahweh’s WORD, the scales are removed from your eyes and you no longer “see through a glass darkly”, but then face to face.”  (I Cor. 13:12) 

Hereafter, I will refer to the TRUE Ekklesia as “LIGHTS.”  You will learn that these Seven parts of Yahweh’s church are not of physical geographical importance but rather this word “seven” is describing conditions, that must be repented of in order to be a part of the body of Yahshua.  He gives us instructions on how to separate ourselves from unrighteousness in order to become perfected Saints in His Kingdom. 

It is proven in the scriptures that people’s names are given to them because of the character they have.  Israel means “he will rule as El” and is the symbolic name of Jacob and also his posterity.   Every name is symbolic.  Even though we can find these seven cities on the maps, the names of these cities are still symbolic of the Israelite people’s character.  Today we can get books of names and what the meaning of those names is.  Many people name their children by what they want them to be like, while others have no clue about names.  Why does Yahweh want to give us “new names” in Rev. 2:17, 3:12?  Did our parents name us wrongly?

Have you ever wondered why the Old First Covenant was written in Hebrew and the New Covenant was written in Greek?  Yahweh could have just as easily had the entire thing written in one language, but I believe that I have a theory about how to use this to our advantage.  This is all based on a principal found in the Bible from the Hebrew text of Genesis 48:14.  Jacob/Israel gives his blessing to Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.  Joseph strategically places the first born, Manasseh so that his father Jacob’s right hand would be placed upon his head.  However, “Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger…guiding his hands wittingly...” Jacob actually crossed his hands in front of himself to place one child above the other for the greater blessing. 

I believe that we can do this criss-crossing of the hands from the Greek to the Hebrew and visa versa when looking up definitions.  I have done this very many times when I am stumped for answers.  If you have read The Greener Pastures Flock article “Trees, Vines and Grass in Symbolism” you know that this principal works and proves that leaves on trees in the scriptures are actually people’s hands.  So this means that trees are people.

I know what you are thinking.  You say, “you can’t do that”, or “that doesn’t prove anything.”  Well, I say “Who says I can’t?”  Yahweh says to prove all things, and if this is the way he showed me to do it, then I think you should try it for yourself and see.  Don’t be a doubting Thomas.  We will be using this same principal occasionally in this article to give some eye opening results.  Please don’t be close-minded. 

You would think that if this principal applies to one specific word in scripture, that it would stand to reason that each and every other reference would have to use the same principal.  No, it does not work that way.  The principal does not apply to all. 

The word “Revelation” is Strong’s #602 apokalupsis; from 601; disclosure: - appearing [I Pet. 1:7], coming [I Cor. 1:7], lighten [Lk. 2:32], manifestation [Rom. 8:19], be revealed [Matt. 10:26; I Pet. 4:13], revelation [mysteries revealed to Paul in Eph. 3:3]. 

#601 apokalupto; from #575 (away, separation, departure) and #2572; to take off the cover, i.e. disclose: - reveal.                  #2572 – to cover up, hide. 

According to Matt. 10:26 there is nothing covered or hid to us that cannot be revealed.  This is called having revelation.  The Spirit of Christ that dwells in us gives it to us. TODAY! 

Is it possible that what the churches teach is not from Yahweh, but rather from the vain imaginations of their own hearts and have been copying from others what has been passed down from wolves in sheep’s clothing?  Yes, in fact, Yahweh tells us that this is indeed the case. 

The Temple

I Corinthians 6:19, “Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of Yahweh, and you are not your own?  For you are bought with a price; therefore glorify (worship, praise) Yahweh and Yahshua [who is] in your body (sozo: - sound, whole), and in your spirit, which are “theos (#2316 gods, godly). 

In John 10:34 the Messiah quoted Ps. 82:6: “You are gods, and all of you children of the most High...” 

II Corinthians 6:16-17, “And what agreement has the temple of theos  (people of righteousness verse 14) with idols (unrighteousness)? For you are the temple of the living God (theos) as he has said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you…” 

Yahshua walks in us and we in him if we will but separate ourselves from unrighteousness.  Paul is not the only one to tell us this.  John writes in Rev. 18:4 “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.”  

First, you must believe that there is a kingdom that we can “get into.”  However, the churches in darkness, have distorted interpretations of the scriptures referring to the Kingdom, so that the people believe it to be of a futuristic unknown time.  Yahshua said that this kingdom of heaven is within us, and “at hand.”  It is within reach today, and from the days that John the Baptist preached even until now, we as believers are crowding ourselves (Matt. 11:12) into this “kingdom of heaven” as we energetically “press” (Luke 16:16) into it.  There is no waiting line into tomorrow.

“Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and they dominion endures throughout all generations.”  Psalm 145:13.  If it existed then, it exists NOW.

 Yashua told the chief priests, the Pharisees, and elders of the people in Matt. 21:43, “The kingdom of God (#2316, theos) shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”  You can’t take something away unless it is already established.  This word “theos” means deities, the godly people or godward.

Being in this kingdom enables the saints with “Power” to do mighty works.  It is the same “Power” given after the Holy Spirit comes upon you (Acts 1:8).  This word “power” is Strong’s #1411 meaning “ability”, this inner strength energy to bring others to Christ.  The “wanabe” churches of today are leading people down a broad path to a “fake Jesus.”  Where are the WARRIORS, the martyrs (witnesses) for Yahshua? 

Anyone who is godly and teaches about the kingdom is speaking from a heavenly position.  Heaven is # 3772, ouranos, from the same as #3735 (mountain, hill) through the idea of elevation; the sky, by extens. heaven; by impl. happiness, power, eternity; spec. The GOSPEL (Christianity): - air, heaven ([ly]), sky.

If we are in Christ and he in us, then we are in a heavenly place.  See Eph. 2:6, “And has raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Yahshua.”

 Ephesians 2:21, We are the citizens of the household of theos, “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahshua the Messiah himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy (#40 saints) temple in the Messiah.  In whom you also are builded together for a habitation (#2732 from #2370 to house permanently) through the Spirit.

This “house permanently” is used in II Peter 3:13, “Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for (expect) new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells (#2730 reside, inhabit) righteousness.”  Yahshua dwells in his temple not made with hands, i.e. the saints.  Therefore, it would stand to reason that we are the new heavens and the new earth and we look for others of like mind to join us. 

This spiritual building has been under construction since the beginning of time, for the specific purpose and end result that Yahweh, Yahshua and their Spirit (their character) might live within this temple, this Holy City.  When the saints become of full age, no longer on milk, but rather grown up in the teachings of the Spirit, they become a part of the “WHOLE” body of Christ, the bride in white robes of righteousness.  We, as living stones make up all aspects of “Complete Oneness” with our Creator, our Builder.  “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”  Rev. 19:8.

This temple (the saints) whose foundation is of the apostles is also described in Rev. 21 as having walls.  According to verse 9, John was to be looking at the BRIDE, the Lamb’s wife.  We know this Bride is the Ekklesia, the called out ones.  He does see the wife, but he sees her as the great city, the holy Jerusalem of verse 2.  She has 12 gates with names of the 12 tribes of Israel.  The wall of the city has 12 foundations, which are the 12 apostles.   Through the writings of the prophets and apostles, and the belief in what Yahweh inspired them to write, we have a firm foundation, a house built upon the ROCK.  Our “salvation” is our “walls”.  See Isaiah 26:1 and 60:18, “Violence shall no more be heard in your land, wasting nor destruction within you borders, but you shall call your walls Salvation (#3468 from #3467 yasha…get victory Rev. 5:2) and your gates Praise.” 

Let me step aside briefly and have you look at this word “praise” It is #8416 a hymn, from #1984 halal, to be clear, shine, give light, sing, etc.  If you will notice #1966, it’s root is also #1984 (in the sense of brightness); the morning star (Job 38:7, sons of Yah, Zeph. 3:14, Rom. 8:14).  This subject is for yet another study, but just how in the world did the translators get the word “Lucifer” (Isa. 14:12) from the Hebrew word “halal” for “give light, praise and singing”?  They used a Latin word “lusferre”, “light bearing” and “to bring”.  Further yet, I can’t believe that I used to believe what I was told, that Lucifer is some kind of “unseen” spirit entity possessing eternal life.  Verse 16 of Isaiah 14 says it is MAN, #376, PEOPLE.   We, the saints are the light bringers, the praisers and the singers.  “He inhabits the praises of Israel.”  (Ps. 22:3).

It is because of Adam’s sin in the garden that the “FALL OF MAN” came about.  It was Adam that walked in the garden as a perfect being before he committed the FIRST sin.  I Cor. 15:21, 22 says that sin brought death.  The first sin was by man which was Adam, “in Adam all die…”  We have been lead to believe that it was an angel that committed the first rebellious act and was thrown out of “somewhere” to earth.  Not true.  Adam was evicted from the garden to toil in the earth.

There will be other side topics along the way that I feel are of importance to you in the construction of this firm foundation, so that by the end everything will be fitly joined together in your mind, because there are issues in the Book of Revelation that must be addressed about Satan.

All these references indicate that we, the believers, are “converted” (#4762, strepho, turned) into the blood covenant with Yahshua, and are indeed the temple.  Only those who have the indwelling Spirit, i.e. Yahshua, can be classified as THE TEMPLE.  Would you agree that this is already a “DONE DEAL” ever since the day of Pentecost 50 days after the resurrection of our Savior?  We have access to the Holy Spirit, through the shed blood of our Savior for the blotting out of our sins. 

Also Acts 7:48 we have to believe that Yahshua already dwells in us. “Howbeit the most High dwells not in temples made with hands…”  With this in mind, that we are the temple, symbolic of Yahshua’s body as “complete, a whole”, we read about this same temple in Revelation 15:8 filled with smoke from the glory (#1391, praise and worship I Peter 4:14) of God (#2316 theos: - godly or godward) and from his power (we have this power through the Spirit).  Consider this, no person is able to enter (draw near, be of one mind) INTO the temple until the plagues “are fulfilled” for in the plagues “is filled up the wrath of theos (the godly?).”  See also Romans 13:4.  These are the true saints of Yahweh who are eager to carry justice out with a violent passion, upon those that do evil.  We can’t sit idly by and do or “say” nothing, about the wickedness of the people, and enter the kingdom. 

So accepting the fact that we are the temple, having been drawn near to become one mind with Yahshua, did we experience plagues? 

I asked the question “Where are the WARRIORS, the Witnesses of Yahshua?  They are behind the scenes and in the balconies “watching”.  They are not in the limelight, but rather they ARE the light, the light bringers, ready to reveal openly the wicked deeds of the ungodly.  “That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of Yahweh, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”  See Philippians 3:15. 

FOUR ELEMENTS TO A KINGDOM

These Witnesses are teaching you about a kingdom here on earth (Rev. 5:10) and the law system that the KING of this kingdom has in place.  We have a KING; his name is Yahshua.  He is the first of the four elements of this kingdom.  The second is the law system that was established since the foundation of the earth, i.e. the Ten Commandments and all of the statutes and judgments.  We obey these LAWS out of LOVE for Him, and that we may have eternal life.  If you change your law, you change your god, for the creator of the law is the god of that system.

Thirdly, the territory is the whole earth and the last element of the four are the “subjects” of that kingdom, i.e. the people who worship the KING and follow only HIS LAWS.  “And has made us [like] unto our God, [theos], kings and priests and we shall reign [#936 be king] on the earth.”

“You are living stones, built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices…” I Peter 2:5.  Again, this is not futuristic but NOW. 

DEFINITIONS 

Below are some definitions of words that are found in the book of Revelation.  Please look at these with me and I pray the reader see the revelation as you learn how to cross-reference the scriptures that contain the same English words whether in Hebrew or Greek.  Certainly, the Apostles knew Hebrew and the Aramaic languages and would want to convey their understanding into their writings in the Greek text.  The word “seven” is of primary importance, so let’s look at it first in both Greek and Hebrew. 

Seven 

Greek #2033, hepta, seven.  #2034 heptakis from #2033; seven times [Mat. 18:22].  All throughout the Greek, we can see only that it is the number “7”, or seven times.  But, when we cross over into the Hebrew for the definition, we uncover the parable within. 

Hebrew #7651, sheba fem., or (masc.) shibah; from #7650; a prim. Cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also (adv.) seven times; by impl. a week; by extens. an indefinite number: - (+by) seven ([-fold], -s, [-teen, -teenth], -th, times). 

Hebrew #7650 shaba; a prim. Root; prop. to be complete, but used only as a donom. from #7651; to seven oneself; i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times): - adjure, charge [see below] (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full [by mistake for #7646,] take an oath, X straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. [See pg. 9] 

“Charge” is found in Numbers 5:19, 21 concerning a woman suspected of adultery.  She is brought before the Priest, charged by an oath to swear that she has not gone aside to another instead of her husband, and the Priest has her drink holy water mixed with dust from the floor.  If she is adulterous, the water becomes BITTER in her and she dies. 

Israel, the church in the wilderness, was committing adultery with false gods.  In Exodus 15:23, before they were given the law, they murmured against Moses because “when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter.”  This word “bitter” is #4751, bitterness, angry.  In actuality, it was the people who were bitter, therefore Yahweh made the water bitter to drink.  In scripture, “waters” are symbolic of people.  You can find this in Rev. 18:15. 

We, as the virgin bride, the Lamb’s wife, the holy city, the New Jerusalem, are also charged with an oath.  Yahshua is the High Priest, the husband.  We “seven times ourselves” to him.  We are “complete”, “whole” in him and blameless.  We are Sacred and Full of the Holy Spirit.  But not so with those who whore after other gods, i.e. people who worship men of high esteem in the church, such as their ministers and deacons who teach that the “Law” has been done away with.

In the 3^rd Trumpet of Revelation 8:11 this bitter water (people) IS the rivers and fountains of water and is called Wormwood (#894 a type of bitterness, i.e. calamity) and those in idolatry/adultery that drink it die.  Jer. 9:13, “And Yahweh said, Because they (Jerusalem) have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein, but have walked after the imagination of their own heart, after Baalim, which their fathers taught them,… I will feed them with wormwood and give them water of gall to drink and I will scatter them among the nations and send a sword after them…”   Today, this sword is “The Sword of Truth” that issues out of our mouths, i.e. the Gospel! 

This “SWORD” is the Word of Yahweh, which is “sharper than any two-edged sword”, penetrating [#1338, piercing] the heart and mind and discerns intents and thoughts.  (Heb. 4:12).  

Remember, in Marah, the people could not drink the bitter water.  By this I mean that they had no access to the Holy Spirit, however, today, we do because Yahshua’s blood was shed abroad, “poured out” for us.  When we realize our rebellious sinful nature, we can ask for forgiveness and a change, a turning takes place.  Our bitterness is gone and we can then drink this water and never die.  Remember #4762 for converted?  The old man “DIES” and the new man is resurrected at baptism.  We are inhabited by Yahshua’s Spirit.  Born again.  We are COMPLETE in Him.  This is what the word SEVEN REFERS TO!  Revelation to the seven churches is instructions to become perfect. 

The 3^rd vial plague of Rev. 16:4-6 has a similar description as Rev. 8:11.  The vial is poured out (#1632) “on the rivers and fountains of water, and they became blood (#129 kindred) and the messenger of the waters says, you are righteous, O Lord…because you have judged thus.  For you have shed the blood of  (#1519, on the) saints and prophets… you have given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.” 

It is always best to prove a point using the very same author or Book of the Bible, in this case John in the Book of Revelation.  He has already stated the above verses, only he worded it different, or he said it another way.  Read Rev. 1:5.  “John to the lights…from Yahshua the faithful witness…unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”  His Blood is poured out on the saints and we become WORTHY to drink His Blood at Passover.

There is yet another witness in Rev. 7:13-15.  The worshipers and praisers [the saints] are giving honor to Yahweh.  “What are these which are arrayed in white [#3022, light] robes? …These are they which came out of great tribulation (#2347 persecution, Acts 11:19), and have washed [#4150, flow, plunge] their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb… and he shall dwell among them.”  

Still think it is for a yet future time?  Read I Cor. 6:11 concerning believers.  “but you are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of Yahshua, by the Spirit of Yahweh.  We have our Three Witnesses. 

“Poured out”, #1632 ekchuno; from #1537 and cheo (to pour); to pour forth, fig. to bestow: - gush (pour) out, run greedily (out), shed (abroad, forth), spill. 

Shed abroad is found in Rom. 5:5 and Titus 3:6.  Both of these references refer to the giving in love of the Holy Spirit into our hearts through baptism, and to the restored Kingdom on earth. 

We have learned that waters are “people” and that which is “shed abroad” refers to the Holy Spirit.  Now look closer at the word “Blood” in Rev. 16:4.  This Greek word refers to the shed blood of the Messiah in many of the Scriptures.  #129 haima, fig. (the juice of grapes [wine]) or spec. (the atoning blood of Christ); by impl. Bloodshed, also kindred: - blood.  His bloodshed enabled us to be joint heirs, KINDRED with Messiah.

Yahshua tells us in Matthew 26:28, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”  Also in John 6:56 He says, “He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him.”  To drink the Passover Cup of “blood” you must be WORTHY as those in Rev. 16:4-6. 

Does this prove that what was in the Passover cup was wine since that is the “juice of grapes?  I think it does.  You can’t keep grape juice for 5 month without it fermenting.  The first miracle that Yahshua performed was at the wedding when he turned water to wine.  With water being people, and wine being blood, consider Revelation 11:6, the Witnesses have “power over waters to turn (#4726 Read Matt. 18:3) them to blood…”  Do you see that this would be the greatest revival of the century?  Oh! If people could just see.

I Corinthians 11:27, “Wherefore whosoever eats this bread, and drinks this cup UNWORTHILY shall be guilty of the body and blood of Yahshua.”  Therefore those who are not guilty are WORTHY, right?   Revelation 3:4 tells us who are worthy.  “There are a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white (#3022 light) for they are WORTHY.    So those who are worthily drinking Yahshua’s blood are those who are ABLE to pouring out their hearts, so to speak, shedding forth the BLOOD to others as they share the good news of the Kingdom of Yahweh.  They are living lights to those who have ears to hear, enabling others to repent and put to death that old man in the watery grave of baptism.  Lights (Churches) are also referred to as CANDLESTICKS in  Revelation 1:20. 

I have not forgotten to tell you about the word “bitter”.  Oh but you say, “John’s belly was bitter” in Revelation 10:9.  This is not the same word, nor was it water that he drank.  He ate a book (#975 biblion), which was sweet. [See Psalm 119:103]  His belly is the heart or womb (#2836), and bitter is #4087 from #4089, to embitter.  #4089 is sharp (pungent), from #4078 through the idea of piercing [see below].  #4078 gives us the final understanding.  It is a verb; to fix (‘peg”), i.e. (spec.) to set up (a tent): - pitch. 

This tent that is “pitched” is found in Hebrews 8:2 in reference to Yahshua being the high priest of the sanctuary, the true tabernacle, the tent of meeting not made with hands.  We are to symbolically “eat” the WORD as our hearts are turned toward Christ.  We “TABERNACLE” with him.  This is the whole meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall for SEVEN days. 

In Revelation 1:7, “pierced” is  #1574 from #2759 kentron from kenteo (to prick); a point (“center”), i.e. a sting (fig. poison) or goad (fig. divine impulse): - prick, sting.  Yahshua said to Saul on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:5.  “I am Yahshua whom you persecute, it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.”  Where was he quoting?  See Ecclesiastes 12:11.  “The words of the wise are as goads (#1861 pricks, stings) and as nails  [#4930 pegs] fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.” 

“Stings” is found in Rev. 9:10, “And they (the locusts) had tails like scorpions [#4651 to pierce (from its sting) root to plagues] and there were stings [#2759, poison goads, root to pierce] in their tails, and their power was to hurt men five [#4000, 5 X 1000] months [#3376 pronounced men in Greek].  See Luke 10:19.  In Hebrew the word “hurt” is #2257 from #2255 and #2254 chabal to bind, specifically by a pledge.   

Looking up the word “five” I see that the Greek is #4002, “pente”, however in this verse it is #4000, pentakischiliou, five times a thousand. The only other time this #4000 is used in connection with “a thousand” is the feeding of the FIVE THOUSAND MEN in Matthew 14:21, Mark 6:44, Luke 9:14 and John 6:10. 

I hope that you can begin to see that the Ekklesia, the “lights” are the horses prepared to battle (Rev. 9:7-10) and through the POWER of the Spirit they are able to “bind by a pledge”, FEED 5,000 people with the Gospel of the Kingdom of Yahweh at one time.

Going back to Numbers 5:28, “And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean (#2889 pure, to be bright, phys. sound); then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.”  The WOMAN BECOMES PREGNANT, to bring forth children.  Read about her in Revelation 12.  You should know who she is by now. 

When looking up the word “sware”, “swear”, “sworn” etc., for the Hebrew #7650 [seven, pg. 6] I see around 200 references in the Hebrew texts.  I will only list one in Isaiah 45:23.  “I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return.  That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear (Phil. 2:10-11).  Surely shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength, even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed (pale, become dry).  In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory (#1984; root to the word lucifer #1966). 

There are 2 groups of people here.  Those who are made “whole” in Yahshua, having fruit, and those who have no fruit, incensed against Him.  See Jude 12.  “Incensed” is #2734; to glow or grow warm, blaze up, burn, be hot; kindle, etc.  We as Saints, having the Word written on our heart, can proclaim truth and “set people on fire”, hurl them into the “lake of fire” where they burn with unquenchable fire.  They become so angry with you.  There is to be no LITERAL lake of fire.  It is a metaphor.  We also afflict our enemies with coals of fire on their heads (again, not literal) by doing good to them as we are instructed in Romans 12:20.  We give them the bread of life to eat, and the living waters to drink.   Please read it. 

Another side note.  There is a false teaching about the words “every knee shall bow…”  The wicked, unrighteous tares are not included in this group.  NEVER!  The word “Every” is Hebrew #3605, kowl; from #3634; the whole…  #3634, kalal, to complete: - (make) perfect.  Eze. 27:4, 11; 28:12. The whole, complete, sound and perfected BODY OF CHRIST, EVERY One of the members that make up that body, will bow their knee to their KING, and confess that HE IS LORD.  Our allegiance is sworn by an oath SEVEN TIMES.  The wicked make no alliance with Yahshua as Lord, and will not bow the knee in repentance according to Revelation 9:21, 2:21, 16:9, 11. 

An example of “kowl” using the word “whole” instead of “every” is Jer. 13:11, “…I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel.”   There is only one house of Israel, so naturally, we cannot use the word “every” here.

Similarly to the Hebrew, the Greek means the same.  “Every” is #3956, pas, all, the whole…

 Earlier we learned about the word “bitter” giving the idea of piercing or to pitch a tent.  These two factions fit together.  Every knee, every tongue, and now we find in Rev. 1:7 that “every eye shall see him, they which pierced him…”  Those knees that bow, those tongues that confess, and now those eyes, which actually SEE Him, are those who are “pitching tent”; i.e. keeping the Feast of Tabernacles with Yahshua and all of the saints for SEVEN days. 

Going back to Numbers: “And the priest shall write these curses (#423 oath, swearing) in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water.”  Num. 5:23.  Compare this with Revelation 3:4-5, Sardis “has a few names which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy.  He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his messengers.”

THE BOOK OF MICAH 

Now that we know that being “Seven” is a condition, a state of being, turn to Micah.  When you read it, you will say in your heart, “Hey, that sounds just like the Book of Revelation.”  Yes it does and Micah tells us the meaning of the “SEVEN LIGHTS”.

 Like every other book of the Bible, this one too is written against the ministers of Christianity who claim to be feeding the flock.  They are of the House of Israel who lie and covet for profit.  They are prophets that make the people err in Micah 3:5.  They cry Peace and there is none.  Yahweh calls it WAR.  Micah 3:6, 7 refers to the sun, moon and stars all being darkened.  I want you to read chapters 4 and 5 for yourselves and use your Strong’s and look up every word if you have to. 

This Book also promises us that those that excel in the knowledge of His Word will be teachers and the people will “flow” to them.  Though they are of the poor of the land, they are called Zion, the mountain of Yahweh.  Chapter 5 says they will gather together like locusts and smite those who make war with Yahweh.  This small in number remnant will restore the captives of Israel and “set them free” by the knowledge of His Kingdom. 

In II Kings 25:12, after the fall of Jerusalem, some of the people were allowed to remain in the city.  “But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.”  Husbandman is #1461 taken from #1462, gobe, the LOCUST (from its grubbing as a larve).  And this “REMNANT” who are SET FREE are the locusts of Revelation. 

They will stand and feed the flock (Micah 5:4) ruling with a rod of iron (Rev. 12:5) and bring true peace, and when those of Assyria (that are successful and do prosper) in their deceit come to make war (to teach false doctrine) from their elevated positions (palaces, podiums and pulpits) then we, the excellency of his power shall rise up against them as the Hebrew definition of “SEVEN” (#7650, 7651) described as “full” of the Holy Spirit, “charged” by and oath to keep blood covenant with Yahshua, those married to Him, and eat them up with the SWORD.  (Micah 5:3-6).

Verse 3 describes a woman travailing in birth until she has brought forth the remnant (to excel) in the restored Kingdom.  She’s the same woman as in Revelation 12 who brings forth children (Greek #5043, sons and daughters).

Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Paul to the Roman church in Romans 8:22-24 briefly touch on this subject of giving birth.  All of creation groans, even now, even we who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, who is Yahshua, expecting our fellow brethren to be ransomed in full (be saved) to become a part of the “WHOLE” body of Christ to live in the glorious liberty as children of Yahweh.  With patience, we HOPE for this end (verse 25), for all of our brothers and sisters.

When you become part of the Bride of Christ, you promise to “take his name” and be faithful to him.  You make a blood covenant to “take up the cross and follow Yahshua”, Mark 10:21.  If one does not “follow” the Shepherd, but follows after doctrines of men, then the Third Commandment is broken, which is taking the NAME of Yahshua [as husband] in vain and bringing it to mean nothing.  He will divorce you = cut you off!  You cannot be “one” with Christ if you do not follow his laws. 

Plagues

Greek: #4127 plege, from #4141 a stroke; a wound; fig. a calamity: - plague, stripe, wound (-ed).  [Rev. 13:3, 16:21].

#4141, plesso; another form of #4111 (through the idea of flattening out); to pound, i.e. (fig.)  to inflict with (calamity): - smite  [Rev. 8:12]

#4111 plasso a prim. verb; to mould, i.e. shape or fabricate: - form [I Tim. 2:13].

#4113, plateia; fem. of #4116; a wide “plat” or “place”, i.e. open square: - street [Rev. 11:8]

#4116 platus, from 4111; spread out “flat” (“plot”), i.e. broad: - wide [Matt. 7:13].

#3148 mastix, from the base of #3145 (through the idea of contact); a whip (lit. the Roman flagellum for criminals; fig. a disease): - plague, scourging.  [Matt. 5:29, 34; Mark 3:10; Luke 7:21].

#3145 massaomai, from a prim. “masso” (to handle or squeeze); to chew: - gnaw. [Rev. 16:10]

“Stripes” #4127 is found in Yahshua’s parable of the watchful servants in Luke 12:47-48, “The servant which knows his Lord’s will and does not His Will, shall be beaten with many stripes, but he that knew not his lord’s will, and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few…” 

Acts 16 tells us of the Ekklesia being established in the faith and increasing in number daily.  While at the riverside near the city of Thyatira, there came a damsel (#3814, slave or servant) of masters and magistrates came.  She made money for her masters from her divination (python), her soothsaying (#3132 to rave through inspiration).  After following Paul and the others and hearing them preach, she “proclaimed” them ( not her masters) to be the servants of the Most High God who show (#2605 katangelo from #32 Angel) the way of salvation, Paul enjoined, declared (#3853 same word for commanded) that she should “come out of her” [Babylon], and she did that same hour (verse 18). See also Revelation 18:11, 19. When those masters who owned her as their “possession”, their “slave” realized that she had joined as a convert with Paul and Silas, and no longer bound to them, loosed from bondage, the men were cast into prison. 

Acts 16:23, “And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.”

Just who are these masters and magistrates anyway?  “Masters”, #2962, supreme controller.  “Magistrates”, #4755, chiefs of the Levitical temple; wardens.  The “gain” that was brought to them was from her pain (#4192, toil) and diligence to work as a “teacher” in their synagogues, which are today the false churches who say that the law has been done away.  They teach “another gospel” different from the teachings of the Bible and are “possesses with a spirit” of a python serpent, (verse 16).  They simply do not have the Holy Spirit to discern truth, so they teach error for money and prestige. 

These “masters” see that no one will “buy their merchandise anymore” (Rev. 18:11, 19) since their best teacher has been converted and now teaches something that is against the “laws” of “their” corporate charter at head quarters.  They lay charges against them and say they “are a trouble to our city”, THYATIRA.  Does this parable tell us anything about the “LIGHT” in Thyatira of Rev. 2:18?  YES!   We will visit this “city by a river” later in our study of the “complete ones”. 

Paul was beaten in II Cor. 6:5 and 11:23.  This is the same word as “plagues”, so you see that we along with the Apostles can already have experienced plagues from others.  And don’t you know that when you abandon doctrines of the churches and learn truths from the Bible that are taught to you by the Holy Spirit, that you become as one who has leprosy as “friends” think you have lost your mind.  They cannot understand the changes you have made, or the things you try to show them. 

In the Hebrew “plague” is #5061, nega; from #5060, a blow (fig. infliction); also (by impl.) a spot (concr. A leprous person or dress): - plague, sore [Psalms 38:11], stricken [Isa. 53:4, 8], stripe [II Sam. 7:14; Ps. 89:32], stroke, wound.

#5060, naga; a prim. root; to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphem., to lie with a woman); by impl. To reach (fig. to arrive, acquire); violently, to strike (punish, defeat, destroy, etc): - beat, (X be able to bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch.

This Hebrew word #5060, “naga” is used in Exodus 11:1 for the last plague upon Pharaoh and Egypt, which caused the Israelites to be thrust out of the land.  We know this to be the death of the first born who did not have the blood covenant marking.  There are around 70 references to “naga” being a disease or sickness of the body, clothes, or house such as leprosy. 

#5061, “nega” was translated into the English word “stripes” in II Samuel 7:14 and worth quoting verses 12 through 16.  It is the promise Yahweh made to King David concerning his Son and the Kingdom, i.e. the building of his spiritual temple.  “I will set up your seed after you, which shall proceed out of your bowels, (Yahshua’s mother was of David’s lineage) and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house [temple] for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.  I will be his father and he shall be my son.  If he [his children.  See Ps. 89:30-33] commit iniquity, I will chasten them with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men, and my mercy shall not depart away.  Your house [David’s] and your kingdom and your throne shall be established forever.”  His kingdom was established and is still here today. 

There is another Hebrew definition for plague.  It is #4046 maggephah from #5062; a pestilence; by anal. defeat: - (X be) plague (-d), slaughter, stroke.  I found an interesting verse with the word “stroke”.  Ezekiel 24:16-17 gives a parable to the house of Israel.  “Son of man, behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes with a “stroke”, yet neither shall you mourn nor weep, neither shall your tears run down.  Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire (to gleam, boast: - glory) of your head upon you and put on your shoes upon your feet, and cover not your lips, and eat not the bread of men.” 

This is a prophecy to Israel (Yahweh’s chosen people) about the method of conversion that we must go through to have eternal life.  We are not to desire earthly things.  “If you will be perfect (#5046, complete, grown up), go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me.”  “And Yahweh Shamma (Eze 48:35) shall wipe away all tears from your eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain (#4192 Acts 16:18, grieved) for the former things are passed away. 

“And when the chief Shepherd is made manifest [in your life], you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.” (I Peter 5:4)  According to Revelation 19:8, “the bride is arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”  This Bride is also described as being the 24 elders on thrones clothed in white raiment “and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”  They are the Seven lamps of fire that burn. 

 “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15).  We are to eat the bread of life that came down from heaven.  “Verily, I say to you, except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood you have no life in you.  Whoso eats my flesh and drinks my blood, has eternal life…  he dwells in me, and I in him.” 

The part about “covering not our lips” from Ezekiel 24 is two fold.  The first is like unto that in Psalms 30:12, “To the end that my glory may sing praise to you, and not be silent.  O Lord my Elohim, I will give thanks unto you forever.”  The second is in Luke 17:1-3, and take heed to who it is that does the rebuking; from whom the woes come. “Yahshua said to his disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come, but WOE unto him through whom they come!  It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he be cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.  Take heed to yourselves; if your brother trespass against you, REBUKE him; and if he repent, forgive him. 

Psalm 141:5, “Let the RIGHTEOUS smite me; it shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…” 

We are to do everything we can to bring salvation to our brothers and sisters.  “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” 

Vials 

Greek, #5357, phiale; of uncert. Affin.; a broad shallow cup (“phial”): - vial.  In the New Testament, this word is only found in the Book of Revelation.  When it is in the Old Testament, it always contains oil. 

Hebrew, #6378, pak, from #6379, a flask from which a liquid may flow: - BOX [II Kings 9:1-3, oil;  Matt. 26:7 precious ointment], vial [I Sam. 10:1 anointing oil].

 #6379, pakah, a prim. Root; to pour: - run out.

When you think about it, the Greek words for “plague” means flattened out, molded, shaped, something wide.  One of the words is “platus” like a plate,  The word “Vials” is a broad shallow cup from which a liquid may flow or “run out”  What a similarity!  Actually they are the same thing.  The Ekklesia LIGHTS which are the Trumpets, Plagues or Vials = the Kingdom message.

Matthew 26:7-13, There came unto him a woman having a box (#211 alabaster) of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat…she has wrought a good work,… she has poured this ointment on my body [the saints]…”

“very precious ointment”, #3464 muron, of foreign origin comp. Heb. #4753, and Greek #4666; “myrrh”, i.e. (by impl.) perfumed oil: - ointment.  This word “myrrh” is also one of the descriptions of the “LIGHTS” in Revelation 2, which will be discussed later.   

Hebrew #4753 “mowr”; from #4843; myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter): - myrrh. 

#4843 “marar”, a prim. Root; prop. to trickle; but used only as a denom. from #4751 to be (causat. make) bitter (lit. or fig.): - be, be in, deal, have, make) bitter (-ly, -ness), be moved with choler, grieve, provoke, vex.

#4751 “marah, from #4843.  They all have the same meaning.

In Matthew 26, the only one who was bitter, provoked or vexed about the precious oil being poured on Yahshua’s head, was the disciple, namely Judas.  He says, “to what purpose is this waste?”  Verse 8 uses this word “waste” #684 meaning perdition.  This word is found in John 17:12 referring to Judas as the “son of perdition” as being lost.  The scene of Matthew 26:6 is even in the house of Simon the leper, who is Judas Iscariot’s father.  You see in verse 14 that he then went to make covenant with the chief priests to kill him.

“and poured it on his head”,  We pour out our “oil” which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.  Remember Psalms 141:5.  It is poured out upon the unrighteous in the hope that they will “be converted” to the blood covenant with Yahshua, i.e. “turned to blood”.  We speak truth from the heart to those in darkness that they may see a great light.  Those in darkness are called “the seat of the beast” in Rev. 16:10.  This “gnawing the tongues for pain” is symbolic for their “toiling to handle”, in their own language, the twisting of the scriptures, and will never repent.

I am by no means implying that the head of Yahshua is the same as the head of the beast that sits in darkness.  We as his “body” had this same symbolic oil poured on our heads after repentance to be anointed for our burial into the watery grave at our baptism.  Yahshua was being anointed for his burial in verse 12.  In Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12, we are “Buried with him in baptism”, and raised to newness of life in Him.  We are now instruments (#3696) of righteousness.

In Romans 13:12 this #3696 is used.  The translators chose the word “armor” and could have used “weapon”.  “Let us put on the armor of light.”   

Verse 13, “Verily I say to you, wheresoever [and to whom ever] this gospel shall be preached (2784 kerusso a public crier) in the “whole” world, also this, that this woman has done, be told for a memorial of her.  What she DID is the same as what we DO now in the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom.  We teach about the SHED BLOOD of Yahshua, and his forgiveness of sins.  We anoint the body with oil for burial of the repentant saints.  We pour out our VIALS onto the waters to turn “convert” them to kindred blood.  We make some others angry and bitter with THE WORD [not our own words], sometimes to the point that they ‘burn with hatred” and want to harm us or put us into prison.  They are made to be “marar”. 

The churches in Asia are named to describe the condition of the LIGHTS and their WORKS.  I personally, do not believe that there was an actual counting of just seven churches in Asia.  Just as today, there are not “7”, but rather different members of the body make up the “whole.”  Can you count the parts of the physical body?  Yahweh is addressing each condition of his Body as a “Whole” and pointing out good and bad areas of our lives, that if we do not get corrected we suffer loss. 

Earlier we reviewed in Luke 17:1-3 about “woe” to those that give offense.  If your brother trespasses against you, REBUKE him.  Now in Matthew 18:6, 9 we have the same wording but we learn what it is that we do with that OFFENDER.  Starting in verse 8, “Wherefore if your hand or your foot offend you, cut them off, and cast them from you; it is better for you to enter into life halt [cripple] or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.  And if your eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you, it is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.”  Read also I Cor. 12:12-27 pertaining to the body.

In other words, if we do not separate ourselves from the wicked tares who are cast into the fire to be burned, then we will go with them into it.  “Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.”  Revelation 18:4. 

This “come out of her” is #1831.  It is the same as found in Acts 16:8 that we studied earlier.  And also in II Corinthians 6:17, Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says Yahweh, and touch not the unclean and I will receive you, and will be a Father to you and you shall be my sons and daughters.”  In some places the translators used come out of “him”, “them”, or “her” in reference to Babylon.  What it boils down to is that “people” are “getting away from” confusion.  Or if they are in some church group and begin speaking of TRUTHS that the members will not accept, then the brother is “cast out”, which of course is Yahweh’s doing.

The “Complete” Lights

To get a quick understanding of the characteristics of Yah’s called out ones, all you have to do is read the book of James written to the converted Israelite peoples that had been sewn throughout the lands.  He tells us how to be and how not to be.  So does the book of Revelation to the Ekklesia, and written for our time and for our learning.  Our text for this is from Revelation Chapters 2 and 3.

There is a requirement that must be met to qualify us as part of the Body.  In order to be “instruments of righteousness”, to be and have “weapons” of warfare, or to put on the “armor” of LIGHT, we must do works of love.  

This section is to bring to light the meaning of these cities’ names.  According to Hitchcock’s Bible Name Dictionary, here are their meanings.  Let us see if any or all are can be proven.  

Ephesus: “desirable”	Smyrna: “myrrh”
Pergamos: “height, elevation”	Thyatira: “a perfume; sacrifice of labor”
Sardis: “prince of joy”	Philadelphia: “love of a brother”
Laodicea: “just People”

Yahweh finds faults with a portion of his “body” which, if not “healed”, will be removed from the body.  These faulty conditions are the characteristics of Babylon, the mother of all harlots and an abomination (idolatry).

In Proverbs 6:16-19, Yahweh says, “These six things do I hate, yes seven are an abomination unto me:

1.  A proud look    
2.  A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood 
4. A heart that devises wicked imaginations
5. Feet that are swift to mischief
6. A false witness speaking lies
7. He that sows discord among brethren

 Let us see if these seven things are found within the body of Christ and must be removed. 

Ephesus #2181.  So just how do I get the meaning of Ephesus when there is no Greek definition?  Simple, you go to the Hebrew, but since the word Ephesus is not found, we begin looking up other words within the context of the chapter.  EPHES or EPHEC is a Hebrew word, #657, Ephec; from #656 (fail); cessation, i.e. an end; often used adv. no further; also the ankles, as being the extremity of the leg or foot.  It is no COINCIDENCE that this word is in Chapter 2 of Revelation.  It is the English word “Nevertheless” in verse 4 and is never used again in Revelation.  From #656 and means to fail.  This is also what “fallen” means in verse 5.  “Remember therefore from where you art fallen, and repent…” 

Many people today just as then, have fallen from their first love.  They are failing to let their light shine abroad. They hide it under a basket.  They fail to feed the hungry and give drink to those that thirst.  These are people who had their seed planted in soil among thorns in Matthew 13 and hears the Word, becomes fruitful (love, joy peace, etc.), but the cares of this world causes them to become unfruitful.  “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love.”  He says that we are to have patience in our work without tiring.  To “overcome” is to have life.  This first love is the Agape love that should be primary in our life.  It is an endless love for the brethren and the Word of Yahweh.

James 1:27, “Pure religion before the Father is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

This group of people are being invited to Eden if they will overcome their Ephesus failing characteristics and LOVE as they once did, so that Yahshua will walk among their golden lights.  According to verse 6, they have a good quality that Yah commends them for.  They are to maintain their hatred for the deeds of the Nicolaitanes which is explained when we get to Pergamos.

 The word “ankle” is another word in the definition for “Ephec” short for Ephesus.  We find two parables about men’s ankles.  Both were crippled from the womb.  The first is in Acts 3 where Peter and John took him by the right hand and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  In verse 16 they said to those around that because of the man’s faith in Yahshua he was given “perfect soundness” i.e. made whole. 

The second is Acts 14:8 where Paul steadfastly watched the crippled man and perceived that he had faith to be healed.  Paul said with a LOUD voice, Stand upright on your feet and he leaped and walked  (#4043 to walk as proof of ability; figuratively to live).  In Rev. 2 we read that Yahshua “walks” among the “lights”.

Smyrna is #4668, the same as #4666 “smurna”; strengthened from #3464: - myrrh.

#3464 “muron” of Heb. origin #4753 and Greek #4666; “myrrh”, by implication, perfumed oil: - ointment.  See above “very precious ointment” in Matthew 26:7.

Hebrew #4753 “mowr”; from #4843; myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter): - myrrh.

#4843 “marar”, a prim. Root; prop. to trickle; but used only as a denom. from #4751 to be (causat. make) bitter (lit. or fig.): - be, be in, deal, have, make) bitter (-ly, -ness), be moved with choler, grieve, provoke, vex.

#4751 “marah, from #4843.  They all have the same meaning in the Hebrew.  If we go all the way back for the meaning of this word, we will understand that there is bitterness in part of Smyrna.

Revelation 2:9, “I know your works, tribulation and poverty, (but you are rich)…” In James 2:5 he says “hearken, my beloved brethren, Has not Yah chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and possessors of the kingdom which he has promised to them that LOVE Him? 

These people are to maintain their “anointing” through their tests and will receive a crown of life.  James 1:12 instructs us with the same admonition.  “Blessed is the man that endures temptation for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.”  If we can endure and not become “bitter” because of the tests from the adversary, we shall have eternal life. 

James 1:13-14 tells us what these temptations consist of.  “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin, and sin, when it is finished brings forth death.”  We will be “hurt” of the second death. 

James 3:14, “But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”  This is saying the same as Rev. 2:9 about Smyrna.  It is the blasphemy spoken of in Rev. 2:9 of them which say they are worshipers which is the Hebrew for the word “Jew”, but are not.  They are assembled, united with the adversaries.  This is what “synagogue” means.  This is also called being in Babylon or confusion that we are commanded to come out of. 

Pergamos #4010, fortified, from #4444, purgos; appar. a prim. word (“burgh”); a tower or castle: - TOWER.

Rev. 2:13 says that some there have works in the church and they hold fast to authority and the character of Yah.  Maybe some use the name of Yahweh.  They even have faith and believe that Yahshua was slain as a result of the false accusations of the religious rulers, the chief priests and Pharisees, who were his adversaries.  These men sat in authority in Moses seat (Matt. 23:2) to deliver edicts of the Law, but they were afraid that Yahshua was going to lead the people away from them to follow him, so they had to have him killed to fulfill scripture. 

There is a parable about them killing him that Yahshua gave in Matt. 21:33 and Mk 12:1.  It’s the parable of the wicked husbandmen over the vineyard.  There was a TOWER built for them.  They beat, killed and stoned Yahweh’s servants and killed his Son in order to maintain their positions and get the inheritance.  In verse 43 Yahweh told them that the kingdom of the Elohim would be taken from them and given to a nation bringing forth fruits.  The wicked are destroyed from their towers with a swift sword.  Please read all of Matthew 23 about the rulers of Jerusalem.

Here we will look up the word “satan” from Rev. 2:13.  It is #4567, the accuser, the devil, corresp. to #4566 which is of Hebrew origin #7854, an opponent: - adversary, satan, withstand.  It is from #7853, to attack, accuse: - be an adversary.

The anger of Yahweh can even be an adversary; a satan.  He moved or provoked David to number the people.  Compare II Samuel 24:1 with I Chronicles 21:1.  It is the same event. 

The Bible gives us the definition of who a satan is in Matthew  16:23, Mark 8:33.  It is the story of Peter rebuking Yahshua when told about his death.  He turned and said unto Peter, Get you behind me, satan (#4567), you are an offense to me; for you savor not the things that be of Yah, but those that be of men.”  People are satans which is a Hebrew word for adversaries. 

Romans 8:6-7, “For to be carnally minded is death… because the carnal mind is enmity (#2189, 2190 satan) against Yahweh, for it is not subject to the law of Yah, neither can be.” 

The word “devil” is #1228, diabolos, from #1225 (accuse); a traducer; spec. Satan (compare Heb. #7854): - false accuser (II Tim. 3:3, Titus 2:3), devil, slanderer (I Tim 3:11).  These 3 references all refer to wicked people.  Quoting from I Timothy 3:11, Even so wives be grave (honest), not slanderers (DEVILS), sober, faithful in all things.”

John 6:70, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?”  Devil is #1228 in reference to Judas as the false accuser, a slanderer.

  In chapter 4 of I Timothy we are warned about some falling from the faith because of the doctrines of devils.  It is mankind in general, and mostly men who are the ones in the high up towers called pulpits in the church that are anti-christ because they will not teach truth.  They think they are fortified with power from on high, but Yahshua’s sword will cut them asunder.    Anyone who does not teach the Word as it was intended, is misleading the flock and are adversaries, opponents and enemies of Yah, pure and simple. We must study the word of Yah to show ourselves approved in preparation for that day of battle.  If we have the Word within us, i.e. Yahshua dwelling inside us, then we can speak out with that two edged sword to cut the hearts of our enemies.

 Who is Antipas in Rev. 2:13?  We understand that Yahshua was the faithful martyr that was slain by the false accusers, or the so called vineyard keepers, but no where do the scriptures refer to Antipas.  This was not a man as we would think, and it is not another name for Yahshua, but rather “WHAT” he was.  This word is #493 a compound of #473 and a der. of #3962.

 #473 “anti”; opposite, i.e. instead of or because of: - a substitution…

#3962, “pater”, a father.

 Who was Yahshua crucified in place of or a substitution for “in those days of Antipas”???  Barabbas!!  This word is #912; and of Chaldian origin [#1247 and Greek #5]; son of abba.  Greek #5 is abba: - father.  Is there any connection here?    Yahshua was the Son of Yahweh but was rejected.  The people wanted the “son of abba” instead.

  The people of this Pergamos attitude practice the doctrine of Balaam in that they marry and have children by strange women and men not of the “faith” and sometimes not even of the same race.  This is found in Numbers 25:1 and 31:16.

 Isaiah chapter 2 tells us that the proud will be destroyed out of the house of Jacob/Israel and describes Pergamos to a tee.  Please take the time to read verses 1 thru 22 and Chapter 3:1-15.  In verse 5 we read: “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of Yah.  Therefore you have forsaken your people… they are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.  Verse 10: Enter into the rocks and hide yourself in the dust for fear of the Lord... The lofty looks of man shall be humbled…the day of the Lord of armies shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty; every one that is lifted up and he shall be brought low… And upon all the high mountains, all the hills and upon every high TOWER and every fenced wall… And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth for fear of Yahweh (Rev. 6:15-16).

 Chapter 3:5, “And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another and every one by his neighbor.  Verse 15, What mean you that you oppress my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor?  says the Lord of armies.”

 Nicolaitanes is #3531 in Greek, adherent of Nicolaus.  From #3532 Nicolaus; from #3534, Nikos: - victory and #2992, Laos: - people

Nico = conquer, get the victory over

lait = form of laos or laity

Laos = common people 

The majority of Christianity follows the Roman edict of Sunday worship.  This came right out of the Catholic Church.  All of these churches and even some Sabbath keeping assemblies teach that you must be in subjection to their ministers and believe what they teach as doctrine.  Just like the Pope is the “LORD” of  Catholics, other ministers and deacons hold themselves up into elevated positions as well.  They especially look forward to the pagan festival known as Christmas when they teach their children about Saint NICOLAS, who is supposed to know if you are good or bad.  Take the time to read about the Christmas tree in Jeremiah 10.  It is a heathen custom and also symbolic. 

Isaiah 3:14, “Yahshua will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes (the aged man, grown adult, i.e. ministers), for you have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.”  Yes, if you want to live in a beautiful house and drive a very expensive car, become a minister of a local Baptist or Pentecostal church, and convince them that tithing is their way into heaven. 

James 5, Go to now, you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth eaten…  You have heaped treasure together for the last days.  Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries into the ears of the controller of the Armies.  You have lived in pleasure on the earth and been wanton; you have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.  You have condemned and killed the righteous ones and they do not resist you…  Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest you be condemned…”

 Yahshua says to the messenger of Pergamos, “These things says he which has the sharp (swift) sword with two edges…”  Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of Yah is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

 Overcomers will eat of the hidden manna.  John 6:48-52 tells us what this manna is.  I am that bread of life.  Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.  This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.  I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

I Cor. 11:27-29, “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of Yahshua unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of Yahshua.” 

What does this mean to have a “white stone” with a new name on it that only we know?    “Name” is #3686, authority and character.  We will know in our own selves that we have truly repented.  I John 2:8, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”

 Stone is #5586, psephos; from the same as #5584; a pebble (as worn smooth by handling), i.e. a verdict of acquittal, a ticket of admission;  a vote: - stone, voice [Acts 26:10].

 #5584 pselaphao; from the base of #5567 (make melody, sing psalms); to search for: - feel after, handle [Luke 24:39], touch [Heb. 12:18]. 

Thyatira #2363, thuateira; of uncertain derivative.  This is not much to go on for the definition.  This specific word is not used in the Hebrew either. I can see from verse 19 how Hitchcock could arrive at his definition of “sacrifice of labor”, but the “perfume” part is not located in any of the rest through verse 29 about Thyatira.  The next step is to look up the places in scripture where this word is also used.

 Acts 16:14 is the only other place.  It is a city in Macedonia near Philippi.  Paul and Silas go to Philippi where, outside the city, there is a river, “where prayer is supposed to be made.  They sat down and spoke to women who had assembled there” (v.13).  One was from Thyatira whose name was Lydia a seller of purple [cloth].  As we read the King James Version, we are lead to believe that this “woman” is already a convert when she met Paul, because of the way they translated the Greek.  This is not so!  I contend that verses 13-15 are a “nut shell” or “condensed” version of their “abiding certain days” as verse 12 says. 

Verses 16-39 are an extended version of verses 13 and 14 and then they go to Lydia’s house for the first time in verse 39.  I shall attempt to prove to you that Lydia is the damsel of divination in verse 16, and in Rev. 2:20, the “Jezebel which calls herself a prophetess to teach and seduce Yahshua’s servants (in Thyatira’s assemblies) to commit fornication.” Just how many times did they go to the river to pray during those “certain days”?  Was it just once early Sabbath morning and they were arrested the same day?  The way it reads, you would think two times. 

There is even evidence that the literal translation reads “the Sabbaths” or “the weeks” and could have been the day of Pentecost. 

If you study your Bible and constantly look up words in your Concordance, you should find that the Apostles and prophets wrote the same things over and over and over again, but they used synonyms to state it differently.  Sometimes it would even be in the same verse.  In this case it is verses 13 and 16.

The word “women” in verse 13 is #1135, gune; from the base of #1096; spec. a wife: - wife, woman.  #1096 has a lengthy definition of which I will name a few.  “gonomai” a prol. and mid. form of a prim. verb; to cause to be… to become: - be assembled, continue, follow [in verse 17 “followed” is used, but it is synonym, a different Greek word], be ended…  The one definition that I would like to point out is “come to pass.” 

In verse 16, “it CAME TO PASS (#1096) as we went to prayer, a certain…”  This is the exact same time frame as in verse 13. 

I will now reword verses 13-40 using scriptural references along the way.  On the Sabbath, we went outside Philippi, the city by a riverside, where prayer is supposed to be made and spoke to women there.  One woman in particular was Lydia, a seller of cloth dyed purple from Thyatira.  She was in bondage to the doctrines of the authorities [of the temple] and followed “the laws” and customs observed by the Romans.  Because she “possessed” the ability, which was her spirit’s nature, to utter [soothsay] words with inspiration [divination], those in control [the Babylon religious system] received teaching [much gain #2039] through her diligent work as a teacher. 

As Paul spoke there at the river, her heart was opened (#1272: - because of).  Because of the things which were spoken by Paul her heart was opened and she was baptized there. Verse 18 says the same thing.  Because of Paul’s toiling (#1278) to teach, her spirit was converted [turned].  He enjoined or declared (#3853 - command) in Yahshua’s name [he said in the spirit of Christ] to join them and come out of Babylon.  She did that same hour. [Read Revelation 18:11, 19]  As she accompanied the men, she exclaimed OUT LOUD that Paul and Silas were the true servants of the most high god, and they show to us the way of salvation. 

The men were then arrested in order to preach Christ to the keeper of the prison.  They spent the night at his house.  When they left the next morning, they went to Lydia’s house in verse 40 to be  “invited” in.  This is also in verse 15 when she said “come into my house.”  There is no apparent meaning for the name “Lydia” in the Strong’s. 

How does a seller of purple clothes make her a teacher of false doctrines?  When Yahshua ran out the sellers of sheep and oxen along with the money changers from the temple before Passover in John 2, he said to the sellers of doves, “Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.”  In Rev. 18:11-16, “The merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buys their merchandise any more.”   Purple cloth is among the many things sold by Babylon.  Verse 16 tells us that this false religious system is clothed in fine linen, purple and scarlet and decked with jewels.

In Ezekiel 15, trees are symbolic of the inhabitants of Jerusalem to be cast into the fire.  Going back to Jeremiah 10, it is not only referencing the Christmas tree but the lifting up of men to be of high stature in the church and adorning them with the fineries of life.  In verse 8 the word “stock” is #6086 from #6095, to fasten (or make firm), i.e. to close the eyes: - shut.  They have doctrines of vanities.  Their eyes are closed to correct doctrines, yet in verse 9 we see that they are clothed in blue and PURPLE.  Verse 11, “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, they shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens.” 

The king of Babylon put a purple (scarlet #711) robe on Daniel and gold about his neck and set him as the third ruler of the kingdom, because the king believed him to be a soothsayer. 

Rev. 2:20, the word Jezebel in Greek is #2403 a false teacher, from the Hebrew #348 “iyzebel”.  She was the wife of Ahab the king over Israel.  She served Baal and had Ahab erect an altar to provoke Yahweh to anger because of her sacrifices in I Kings 18 and had many prophets killed.   This Jezebel calls herself a prophetess, but deceives Yah’s servants with lies.  She will be case into a bed of great tribulation and her children will die unless she repent.

Because of this punishment the Ekklesia will know that Yahweh has punished them for their allowing false teachers into their pulpits who feed them doctrines of Babylon.  They tantalize with their fine speaking and grandiose prophecies. 

For those who do not listen to the accusers “as they speak”, or those who oppose their teaching, there will be no further burden put on them.  These overcomers are given power over the nations and they shall rule with a rod of iron.  This is reworded in Rev. 19:15 “And out of their mouths goes a sharp sword, that with it they should smite the nations and they shall rule them with a rod of iron and they tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of the Almighty.”  They are given the morning star, i.e. they are given Yahshua in the form of the Holy Spirit and endowed with power from on high.

 Psalm 2:8-9 confirms this.  “Ask of me, and I shall give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for you possession.  You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”  See also Rev. 12:5; II Sam. 7:14

 Sardis #4554.  #4555, sardinos, from the same as 4556; sardine , i.e. a gem, so called: - sardine.  #4556 sardios, adj. from an uncert. base; sardian, (#3037 implied), i.e. (as noun) the gem so called: - sardius [ It is a ruby red or blood red stone].  This red stone is in the priests breastplate and is listed as first in Exodus 28:17 for Israel’s first born Reuben.  In Rev. 21:19, 20 the sardius is sixth and is different than the sardonyx.

#3037 lithos; a prim. word; a stone (lit. or fig.): - (mill-(Rev. 18:21), stumbling) stone. 

This word is the most difficult of the seven to find a meaning.  Looking in the Hebrew, we can find no such word.  We then have to look at the Greek words after #4554, 4555, sardine (Rev. 4:3) and #4556.  #4557 is “sardonux” which is from the base of #4556 and “onux” (the nail of a finger; hence the onyx stone); a sardonyx gem. 

A sardonyx stone is a form of quartz layered with white chalcedony over red.  It is sometimes semi-translucent. 

An onyx stone is a chalcedonic quartz with a variety of agate where the bands are alternately black/brown and white.  We can find the word “black” as a root word for a word in verse 4 of chapter 3.  “You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy.”  The word “defiled” in verse 4 is #3435, moluno; from #3189; to soil.  #3189 “melas”; a prim. word: - black.  In other words, the overcomer’s garments are ALL white and not soiled like those of Sardis. 

In Rev. 19:8 we find the explanation of these white garments worn by those who have made themselves ready to be “one” with Yahshua.  They are the bride or wife as in verse 7.  “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” 

Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, says Yahweh: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” 

In Rev. 3:2 the messengers are told to stay awake, vigilant and to strengthen the rest of the brethren who are about to die.  I take this to mean that the rest of the brethren are those who are “almost persuaded” to repent and to put to death the old man in baptism or who are new babes in Christ.  Some of the messengers are falling asleep, causing their garments to become defiled, thus allowing others to become week in the faith and fall away.  They are not overcoming the cares of this world, therefore are not worthy.  Those watching are the same as those in 4:8 and 7:15, they rest not day and night, saying Holy, holy holy, supreme in authority is the creator of all. 

Those few in white (#3022, LIGHT) have perfect works.  The word “garments” is #2440 and is another word for raiment [Rev. 3:5, 18; 4:4], vesture [Rev. 19:13]. 

The saints of the most high are told to “judge righteous judgment” in John 7:24.  Just as Moses had appointed able men to help him with the problems of the people in Exodus 18:21-25, we are given ministers over us in those seats of authority.  Rev. 1:6 and 5:10 tells us that we have been made kings and priests unto Yahweh and he has dominion over us and we are to reign on the earth forever and ever.  The ones sitting on these thrones are described in Rev. 4. 

In verse 3 of chapter 4, the words “to look upon” are #3706 and means to discern clearly.  Jasper is a transparent crystal stone and a sardine has characteristics of clean and pure as the clear glass in 21:18.  The saints are this city made of pure gold that has been tried in the fires, making us rich and clothed with white raiment. 

In verse 3 the word “rainbow” is the Greek #2463, iris, a female messenger [the church ?], from #2046 “ereo” to utter speak, say, tell, command, etc.  This rainbow speaks and their voices are lightnings and thunderings coming from the seven lamps of fire burning in verse 5.  

Philadelphia #5359, the same as #5361 philadelphos; fond of brethren, i.e. Fraternal: - love as brethren (I Peter 3:8).  #5360: - brotherly love (kindness), love of the brethren (I Thess. 4:9, Heb. 13:1, I Pet. 1:22). 

Yahweh can have nothing against us if we have the true Agape love toward the brethren.  When we have this love, we will do all within out power to provide to the needy, teach the gospel of the kingdom, and give of our time with labors.

This characteristic is addressed in Philippians 2 starting in verse 12.  “Wherefore, my beloved (#27 agapetos; from 25, beloved. #25 agapao, to love) as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is Yahweh which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Do all things without murmuring and disputings, that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of Yahweh, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

Rev. 3:7 implies that it is Yahshua that has the “key of David” and that he gives it to us.  The word “David” itself is Hebrew #1732, loving.  From the same as #1730, dowd; from an unused root mean. prop. to boil, i.e. to love; by impl. a love-token, lover, friend; spec. an uncle: - (well-) beloved, father’s brother, love, uncle. 

We as servants of the most high have the ability to receive this “KEY” simply by LOVING Yahweh and others above ourselves.  As we sit on our thrones making righteous judgments in this life, Yah blesses us with more of the knowledge needed to rule as kings and priests. 

In Isa 22:22, Shebna was removed from the rulership of the house of Judah and Jerusalem and Eliakim is granted kingship.  His name means #471 in Hebrew Elyaqiym; from #410 and #6965; God of raising.

#410 “el” is shortened form of #352; strength; as adj. mighty…: - goodly, mighty, power, strong.  #411 is in the plural sense: - these, those.

#352 “ayil”; from same as #193 strength; hence anything strong; spec. a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or other strong tree: - mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree.

#6965 “quwm” a prom. root; to rise…: - abide accomplish, be clearer, confirm, continue, endure, perform, pitch, remain, strengthen, succeed, etc.

Think of the rulership of Jerusalem, not as one individual ruling named Eliakim, but all of those who fit the description of #6965.  They are granted to sit on thrones in Yah’s government and the keys of the house are given to them. The key is LOVE. They are clothed with robes of righteousness white and pure.

We find the word “strength” in Rev. 3:8.  These “loving” people of the kingdom have a small [#3398 least, little] amount of  power (Dunamis).  Their abilities and mighty works are small yet they possess love through the keeping of the WORD of his patience. Consequently, Yah LOVES them back.  He uses this word in verse 9 – Agapao.  Love is the greatest gift of all.  See I Cor. 13:13.  The opposite of “small” is “great”.  There are several scriptures referencing these two types of people.  The word “great” is #3173 megas; big: - great, high, large, loud, mighty… 

Let us study the word “loud”.  It is found 13 times in Revelation in reference to voices.  It is those from the heavenly positions in Yahweh’s kingdom government who give praise, honor and glory to Yahweh, and who sigh and cry with LOUD voices to reveal the abominations that are committed, warning people to repent.   The characteristics of the Philadelphia group indicate that they do not have the loud vices used to carry the good news of the kingdom.  They could be those “little children” in Mathew 18:1-6. 

“At the same time came the disciples unto Yahshua, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  And Yahshua called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say to you, except you be converted (Rev. 11:6 – turn), and become as LITTLE children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me.  But whose shall offend one of these little [#3398] ones which believe in me…woe to that man by whom the offense comes.”  Hosea 11:1,  “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.”

Above at #352 we found the word “pilaster” as a strong support.  In Rev. 3:12 we the overcomers are made a “pillar” (#4769 support) in the temple, i.e. the greatest.  John 14:2, “In my Father’s family are many residences (mansions), I go to prepare a spot, an opportunity (place) for you.”  What does it mean “he shall go no more out?”  We find the answer in Isaiah 30:20 and 33:20. 

Starting in verse 19 of Isaiah 30, the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem [this is a spiritual city]; you shall weep no more…And though “the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not your teachers be removed into a corner any more, but your eyes shall see your teachers.”  33:30, “Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities (#4150 the place of meeting, congregation), your eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes [pillars] thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.  But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers wherein shall go no galley with oars…” 

This broad river has trees planted around it.  We are those trees in Rev. 22 and we drink this living water as described in John 4:14 and 7:38. 

Laodicea #2993 Laodikeia; from a compound of #2992  and 1349.

#2992, laos a people (in gen.; thus differing from #1218, which demotes one’s own populace): - people

#1349, dike; from 1166; right (as self-evident), i.e. justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution): - judgment, punish, vengeance.

#1166 deiknuo; a prol. form ; to show (lit. or fig.): - shew.

After reading Rev. 3:14-22, you see that these people are lukewarm in their desires to understand the gospel and they put up a good Christian front by tithing and warming the pew every Sunday.  Because their ministers tell them that they are blessed of God if they have the riches of this world, they are not aware that they are actually poor, blind and naked in the spiritual sense. 

Yashua tells us that they have received witness of the gospel but are a people of the world and the world loves its own and knows not the Father in heaven which sent his Son.  In John 15:22-23 he speaks of them.  “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin, but now they have no cloak for their sin.  He that hates me hates my Father also.”   He goes on to tell us that they will throw the believers out of their churches and kill them for their belief in the gospel of Christ, because they have not known the Father nor Yahshua. 

From this scripture, we know that the gospel was preached to them and they would not hear, therefore they have sin.  In Hebrews 10:26-30 we see a more vivid description of the poor, blind and miserable people of his judgment.  “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery (#4442) indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses.  Of how much sorer punishment suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of Yah, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  For we know him that has said Vengeance belongs to me, and I will recompense, says the Lord.  And again, the lord (#2962) shall JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”

This word “people” is #2992 (laos) from above, and from the section in Pergamos, we found that is part of the word for the Nicolaitanes.  They are not a part of the Ekklesia or the body.  They are the common or unclean people.  You can read about them also in Rev. 18:3.  They are the inhabitants of Babylon who wax rich through the abundance of her delicacies (#4764 strenuousness, strength, luxury.)  “I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire (#4442), that you may be rich… As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.  Be zealous therefore, and repent.”    Rev. 3:18-19.  You will notice in verse 20, that they do not have that “open door” because they have not love.

In Proverbs 6:16-19 there is a list of seven things that Yahweh says are abominations.  Do any of these fit the churches listed in Revelation?  Some are obvious. 

1. A proud look – this is definitely Laodicea
2. A lying tongue  
3. Hands that shed innocent blood 
4. A heart that devises wicked imaginations
5. Feet that are swift in running to mischief – Pergamos?
6. A false witness speaking lies
7. He that sows discord among brethren  - Sardis 

We as a people must search our hearts and if we find any hint of these wicked characteristics, we must repent in order to receive the blessings written.

• To eat of the tree of life
• To be given hidden manna and a white stone
• To have power over the nations
• To be clothed in white
• To be a pillar in the temple; go no more out; have a new name
• To sit on thrones of judgment

 Presented to the Greener Pastures Flock on April 4, 2006

Email: greenerpasturesflock@yahoo.com