Healing the Breach of Jeroboam, and the Commonwealth of Israel

 

In this video presentation Gian Luca Morotti explores the Breach of Jeroboam. This fracture in Israel occurring after the death of Solomon finally split Israel into two feuding Northern and Southern kingdoms. He goes on to describe the redemption, the reconciliation and reunion, and the restoration  of the fellowship as a combined Commonwealth / Congregation of Israel that will come to fullness in the New Covenant thru the blood of Messiah.

FROM THE HOLY INFANT JESUS 

UNTO MATURE MANHOOD

(Acts 4:30 & 27 – Eph. 4:13)

Ephesians 4:13

Let me be perfectly clear:  This is not a Roman Catholic polemic on behalf of their understanding concerning the “baby Jesus” – this content would, I presume, be found to greatly enhance their enlightenment, and for that matter, at least all our understanding of the “infant Jesus” as used in Acts 4:27 and Acts 4:30 which centers on the word “Servant” as used in most English translations or “Child” in other translations, including the KJV.

 

Frankly, this “child” is neither the Greek words “teknon” (“a child” – Strong’s G#5043) or “teknion” (“a little child” – used always in the plural) nor the traditional word for “servant” or “slave” (doulos – Strong’s G#1401).  The Greek words used here in Acts 4:27, 30 (paida and paidos) according to Strong’s Concordance are derived from "paidion (pahee-dee-on) - Paidion, a diminutive of pais, (1) signifying ‘a little or young child’; (1a) it is used of an infant just born."

 

I was somewhat amazed to hear Peter and John rehearsing the “threating” of the “rulers and elders and scribes . . . [along with] Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the high-priestly family” (Acts 4:5-6) who when Peter and John “came to their own” (believers), when released, they had initially acclaimed the “name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene” before these authorities (Acts 4:10) – then they were admonished by these political and religious authorities “to no longer speak on this name to any men . . . not to speak at all, nor to teach on the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:17-18).  However, again, returning to their fellow disciples they acclaimed His name as “Your holy infant Jesus” and that it was “through Your holy infant Jesus” that “healing and miracles and wonders” were wrought.

 

Those gathered upon the return of Peter and John announced the following account by reciting Psalm 2 as they addressed their prayers to Almighty God:

 

“Why do the nations rage, and the peoples devised foolish things?  The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were assembled on the same day against the Lord, yea, against His Christ (His Anointed)” (Acts 4:25-26).

 

Yes, “against His Christ” – but His Christ is clearly defined as domiciled “through Your holy infant Jesus.”  The assembled spoke in this manner, as well:

 

“And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings, and give to Your servants (NKJV – or “slaves” KJV – Greek word used here is Strong’s G#1401 – doulois) to speak Your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29).  I insert “doulos” in contrast to “pais” to clearly delineate Luke’s account wherein he knew full-well the distinction between “servant-slave” and “infant-child.”

 

Luke had both in “mind and spirit” a most profound truth:  Something was being birthed into the world – a NEWBORN – the INFANT JESUS and both “Jew and Gentile” (Acts 4:27—Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Nations [ethnisi – “ethnicities”) and the peoples of Israel were gathered together against Your holy infant Jesus”); yes, were gathered together against this NEWBORN INFANT!

PETER & JOHN BEFORE RELIGIOPOLITICAL LEADERS

POLITICS & RELIGION . . . A word to the wise . . .

 

The “battle” had begun – the persecution had commenced in earnest – the disciples had been threatened, warned, not to speak further in this Name!  Those assembled who heard Peter and John’s account turned to Psalm 2 and acclaimed that their opposers were gathering against the Lord Himself and against His Anointed One—the HOLY INFANT JESUS!  They knew exactly what they were saying—a NEWBORN was being birthed—it was the beginning of something entirely new . . . it was the BIRTH OF THE INFANT JESUS!  But why were the disciples in this initial outburst using such a term?

 

It is mandatory that we understand Luke’s amalgamation of this religiopolitical cabal set against the Holy Infant Jesus—the Anointed One.  To blame but the Jewish religious leadership for the crucifixion of Jesus, without inculcating the political leadership of Rome, is a prejudicial preference that is historically false.  The political leadership of the Nations were, as well, wholly set against His Anointed. 

 

The concoction of religion and politics is, as was the case with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, a similar admixture exposed by Elijah’s prophetic ministry—this witch’s brew conjured up by Jezebel placed the “sons of Belial” (1 Kings 21:10-KJV – i.e., two “scoundrels”) who accused Naboth (who would NOT sell his inheritance to King Ahab) for being against “God and Country” (i.e., “he [Naboth] has cursed both God and the king” – 1 Kings 21:10).  Just as politics (King Ahab) and religion (Queen Jezebel and her Baal worship) had Naboth, a faithful Israelite, stoned—even so, did politics and religion crucify the Lord of Glory and commence their threatening of the disciples. Today, the “Woman rides the Beast” (Revelation 17) – we as believers should leave well enough alone; yet remain steadfast to our inheritance in Christ!

 

JOHN 16:19-22 – THE UPPER ROOM DISCOURSE

THE UPPER ROOM DISCOURSE - JOHN 13-17

Jesus, prior to His prayer in John 17, and throughout His Upper Room Discourse as recorded in John chapters 13-17, emphasizes “His going is His coming.”  I believe it is here that if we connect the dots, we shall discover the words Jesus used to explain His “going and coming” to His disciples in the language of the NEWBORN:

 

"A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me?  Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being (lit. “a man” – Strong’s G#444 - anthropos) has been born into the world.  Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you" (John 16:19-22--ESV).

 

Yes, “as soon as she has given birth to the child” – this “child” is the same Greek word used by the early Ekklesia in Acts 4:27, 29:  παιδίον (paidion), which clearly in this context refers to an “infant” – i.e., a NEWBORN BABE. 

 

In other words, Jesus was relating to His disciples concerning His soon-coming crucifixion would be a time of great sorrow likened to that of a mother giving birth to her infant; a human being, a MAN-CHILD.  His going to the cross would be a most painful time for His disciples because an INFANT was being birthed into the world—once the babe, the infant, the human being, the man, was birthed, then immediately the mother would no longer remember[s] the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 

 

Now, carefully examine the metaphorical language Jesus was using here.  “You will weep and lament” – so who’s having the baby?  Who is giving birth?  Listen up: “. . . you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.”  Is it Jesus who is sorrowful or is it the disciples?  Careful!  Are the disciples watching the birth or are they participating in the birth?  From the sound of it—they are wholly (somehow) engaged in the birthing process. 

 

Something – a NEW CREATION – a NEWBORN – THE INFANT JESUS – was being birthed and they were to be the full expression of the JOY that was set before Him . . . they would be that JOY.  Yes, this is the object of His JOY set before Him.  I am persuaded that the ambiguity of these antecedents is purposeful and deliberate.  Who is birthing?  What is being birthed?  Both the disciples and Jesus are rejoicing in the expression of this JOY!  Is it the FIRSTBORN among many brethren?  Is it the INFANT JESUS?  Are His disciples witnessing their NEW BIRTH? 

 

Indeed:

 

“. . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). 

 

You see, the political and religious authorities thought they had gotten rid of this “Jesus” – but, BEHOLD:  He’s alive forevermore!  Now, no matter the sorrow and pain of crucifixion – notwithstanding how the “heathen raged and imagined a vain thing” – notwithstanding how the “kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together” against the Lord’s Anointed – the JOY expressed in His NEWBORN, this BABE, this little INFANT – this HOLY INFANT JESUS – the same one Herod and Pontius Pilate tried to annihilate – has become the FIRSTBORN of many brethren! 

 

“. . . because whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom. 8:29).

 

Could it be that through the Spirit of Promise—“I am coming to you” (“I am going away and I am coming back to you”—John 14:28)—Jesus was birthing Himself in His disciples?  I know that sounds “out there” – perhaps a bit theologically farfetched . . . but was it, is it?

 

It’s nigh impossible to ascertain the antecedents in John 16 – the mother?  The sorrow?  The babe?  The joy?  Go ahead, try to figure out who’s who; who’s doing what.  Is Jesus the mother or are the disciples?  Are the disciples experiencing the pain or is Jesus?  Who’s the NEWBORN, the infant being birthed?  The JOY is more than just an abstract emotion because such joy demands an object, which is the very NEWBORN.  Then, what or Who is the object of this joy? 

 

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.  In that day you will no longer ask me anything.  Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:22-24).

 

The JOY set before Jesus was the same joy to be experienced by His brethren in that they would be living in the reality “in My Name.”  They would pray: “Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy infant Jesus” and it would be done unto them!  Being “in My Name” – in the Name of Your Holy Infant Jesus – yes, therein was the outstretched hand of the Father cherishing His Newborn Babe.

 

I am tempted to delve into the murky waters of Revelation 12 and the identity of the woman and her “male child” (Lit. “a son” --Rev. 12:4-5) . . . but I digress.

 

THE NEW MAN – NEW CREATION – NEW HUMANITY

 

Through the sorrow - then the birth - then the joy!  Who or what was being born?  I believe it was the NEWBORN - the NEW MAN - the EKKLESIA Jesus promised to build - the "revelation of the mystery." 

 

Furthermore, this seems perfectly in keeping with the NEW MAN of Paul's writings to the Colossians . . . when a NEW MAN appears, this New Man is NOT full-grown . . . there is a beginning, growth, and then what happens follows the pattern below:

 

“His purpose was to create in himself one NEW MAN (new humanity—NIV) out of the two [Jew and Gentile], thus making peace, and in ONE BODY to reconcile both of them to God through the cross” (Eph. 2:15-16).

 

"And having put on the NEW MAN, having been renewed in full knowledge according to the image of the One creating him; where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, slave or freeman - but Christ is all things and in all" (Col. 3:10-11). 

 

"And that you put on the NEW MAN which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph. 4:24).

 

“. . . until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to MATURE MANHOOD to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13--ESV).

 

“Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the NEW CREATION . . . Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God (NIV)” or “. . . peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God” (KJV) (Gal. 6:15-16).

 

“So, if anyone is in Christ, that one is a new creation (lit. “in Christ – NEW CREATION”).

 

Allow me to briefly exegete the NEW CREATION found in Galatians 6:16,  comparing it with 2 Corinthians 5:17. It appears rather obvious that Galatians 6:16 – “nothing avails but a New Creation – nothing counts but a New Creation” tends toward the corporate in that “as many as shall walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God” or as the NIV suggests:  “Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God” (in other words THEY who follow such a rule are now “a part” of the Israel of God—meaning, it has a corporate connotation). 

 

Whereas in 2 Corinthians 5:17 it “appears” that an individual who finds himself/herself in Christ is a “new creature” or a “new creation”—and this is how most Bible translators have so translated the text—the translators have “personalized” the meaning of the “new creation.”  However, that is NOT how it reads nor can it be taken in context as the singularity of an individual alone—i.e., that individual is in essence “a part of the new creation” and not the sum and substance of a New Creation.

 

The Greek is most fascinating here.  Both Galatians 6:16 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 use Strong’s G#2537 and G#2937 in succession—in that order.  “A new creation” in BOTH cases, giving, in particular, 2 Corinthians 5:17 an altogether corporate rendering, which is the obvious case in Galatians 6:16—that is, the “NEW CREATION is THE ISRAEL OF GOD” (NIV).  Yes, “all things are new” in the New Creation.  Substantiating the corporate nature of this claim is the context in which it is given in 2 Corinthians 5, to wit:

 

“And all things are of God, who reconciled US to Himself through Jesus Christ, and giving to US the ministry of reconciliation . . . and putting the word of reconciliation in US . . . WE ARE ambassadors, as God is exhorting through US, WE beseech on behalf of Christ . . . we might become the righteousness of God in Him . . . but working TOGETHER, WE also call on you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 5:18-20; 6:1).

 

Attempting to tie in the NEW MAN - the NEW HUMANITY - a NEW CREATION (Gal. 6:15) to this INFANT being birthed is NOT a stretch of the "theological imagination" - indeed, the NEW MAN, the NEWBORN manifesting is the NEW CREATION where neither "circumcision" or "uncircumcision" avails anything but a NEW CREATION - therefore, we can boldly assert, as Paul:  "As many as shall walk by this rule, peace on them, and mercy, and on the Israel of God" (Gal. 6:16).  Yes, a NEW HUMANITY was being birthed . . . the very ISRAEL OF GOD!

 

As we decipher further Paul’s statement in Galatians 6:16, it is imperative that the claim of the INFANT JESUS be recognized as the NEW MAN wrought under both the New Covenant and the New Commandment be “theologically connected.”  The “mature manhood” (Eph. 4:13—ESV) or “full-grown man” (ERV) or “a perfect man” (NKJV) has gone from infancy to maturity.  Indeed:

 

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead speaking the truth in love, we will GROW to become in every respect the MATURE BODY of him who is the head, that is Christ . . . From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Eph. 4:14-16).

 

Yes, from infancy – this INFANT JESUS is growing by the “growth in life” to become the MATURE BODY – “unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).  Can we go so far as to say that this INFANT JESUS has been growing ever since the resurrection brought forth the FIRSTBORN of a NEW HUMANITY, a New Creation?  I think so. 

 

Moreover, maturity in Christ cannot be manipulated by human ingenuity or organizational gifting but solely by the Life of Christ—it is wholly organic, other worldly, without human endeavor but wrought by the Spirit of Promise, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of the Living God working in us all to mature and expand His New Creation.

THE ISRAEL OF GOD - GAL. 6:16

FINALLY . . . THE ISRAEL OF GOD

 

I would be remiss not to inject into this conversation that which yields itself to such maturity are those “whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Gal. 6:8-NIV) – but in vain are those “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?" (Gal. 3:3-NIV) – O FOOLISH GALATIANS!   

 

Consequently, they who vainly would attempt to bifurcate the benediction of Paul's "peace and mercy" by claiming it is given, on the one hand, to the ethnic Galatian believers in Yeshua and then (separately), on the other hand, this same "peace and mercy" is given to those Jews known as the "Israel of God" do horrific exegetical injustice to the Word of God!  NO, NO, NO - the only thing that avails is the NEW CREATION wherein both ethnic Galatians of the nations and Jews (uncircumcised/nations and circumcised/Jews) find themselves – TOGETHER as the New Creation – which IS the Israel of God. 

 

These Galatians from the Ethnos/Nations and these Jews constitute not only the NEW CREATION but together they are the very ISRAEL OF GOD!  To suggest otherwise flies in the face of Paul's entire letter to the Galatians - Paul declared the ONE NEW MAN when he withstood Peter to his face when Peter would NOT eat with Gentile believers in Galatia and separated himself to eat only with Jewish believers - Paul said that Peter was NOT LIVING BY THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL (Gal. 2:5, 14) - we are all in the "S"eed - we are all "children of promise" - (Isaac--Gal. 3:29) - and with this Paul asserts the One New Man principal:

 

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all ONE in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Gal. 3:27-29).

 

DISTINCTION YES – SEPARATION NO.  The "inseparable message" contained in Commonwealth Theology was announced by Peter and John upon their return from their initial encounter with these religiopolitical leaders--their "fallback position" was the INFANT JESUS was being birthed through them!  This was the New Man, the New Creation, the Israel of God - this is the TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL and that is the "revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all NATIONS" (Rom. 16:25-26). 

THIS PROFOUND MYSTERY:  CHRIST & HIS EKKLESIA

And, yes, this is the MYSTERY OF CHRIST, even His Ekklesia, to wit:

 

"I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles (ethnon) - if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the MYSTERY (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the MYSTERY OF CHRIST), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Nations, should be fellow heirs, of the SAME BODY, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power" (Eph. 3:1-6).  (Lit. “Joint-heirs – a “Joint-Body” – “Joint-Sharers of the promise of Him”)

 

"This is a GREAT MYSTERY, but I speak concerning Christ and THE EKKLESIA" (Eph. 5:32)

 

The revelation of the mystery is the bringing together of the two distinct peoples (i.e., JOINT) into the ONE NEW MAN (the “One New Humanity”), so making peace through the blood of His cross, both Jew and Greek (Eph. 2:15).  Hidden, yes, but wholly promised through the prophetic Scriptures!  Even so, there is neither "male nor female" but there are "brothers and sisters" - there is neither Jew nor Greek but there are Jews and there are Greeks - but in Christ we are inseparable!  Distinct, yes – inseparable, NO!  This is the EKKLESIA Jesus is building – from start (INFANT) unto the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:13) made for the New Creation – the Mature Man – the One New Man.

REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY – COMPLETE GOSPEL

 I would like to expand upon the COMPLETION GOSPEL found in Romans 15:29:

“But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness (lit. “completion”) of the gospel of Christ.”

The Gospel of the Grace of God unto salvation from Acts 20:24 and the Gospel of Peace unto reconciliation of peoples (Rom. 10:15) is designed by the Almighty to make of the Two (Jew and Gentile) One New Man--so MAKING PEACE. 

True, most folks do not fully understand the Gospel of Salvation to be saved from the Wrath of God (the penalty of sin--Jesus took the "wrap" for us) but they scarcely comprehend the reconciliation of hostile peoples and the cure not only for sin but the cure for division -- not only in the Body of Christ but between the peoples of the world! 

It's the same Gospel but it's the complete Gospel - once, I believe, folks can be persuaded that He not only desires for sinners to be saved from sin's penalty and be granted eternal life in Him but (also) He prayed that they all may be ONE in the fellowship of the Father and the Son - personal peace - corporate peace. 

Most folks can readily grasp the difference and most believers, sadly, hardly hear of the difference, let alone embrace the COMPLETE GOSPEL - but Paul's presentation to the Roman Christians (book of Romans) is simplified wherein Romans 1-8 reconciles the individual believer to God through the blood of Jesus unto personal glorification; while Romans 9-16 reconciles us to one another through the preaching of the Gospel of Peace--which is not just one's personal Peace with God but His Peace He prayed for in John 17:  THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE.

"But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the COMPLETION of the blessing of the gospel of Christ . . . Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen" Romans 15:29, 33.  

The fullness or COMPLETION of the blessing of the gospel of Christ is the manifestation of the Kingdom of God among the elect - both branches of the One Olive Tree (Rom. 11:11-27; Jer. 11:16) - now and into the prophetic future. 

This FULL GOSPEL (sorry, my Pentecostal brethren) is the gospel we preach (or should be preaching) - this should be the dominant theme when the gospel is proclaimed - and, by the way, it is in full accord with Acts 15 at the Jerusalem Council regarding “what to do with the nations entering into the assembly” which was originally considered but a “Jewish sect.”

 The restoration of the Tabernacle of David - the United Kingdom of David – was in view in Acts 15 and has embedded within its message the only place in the book of Romans where the Kingdom of God is mentioned:  "For the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" - smack-dab in the middle of brethren quarreling over their pet doctrines and practices--Romans 14:17 -instead we hear:

"Therefore let us pursue the THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR PEACE and the things by which one may EDIFY ANOTHER."  

In other words, the United Kingdom—aka, Tabernacle of David—found in Acts 15:16-17 is intrinsically connected in matters of unity in diversity with the Kingdom of God in Romans 14 which is full of “divine tolerance” between members of the United Kingdom of David, the Tabernacle of David—which is in point of fact:  The Commonwealth of Israel (Eph. 2:12)—dare I connect the dots?

Our beloved brethren who would twist Acts 15’s Jerusalem Council on this amalgamation of Jews and those elect from the Nations entering into the singularity of the Commonwealth of Israel—i.e., the Tabernacle of David--by projecting its exegesis into the future Second Coming of the Deliverer Who shall roar out of Zion, have not only completely missed the mark of the ultimate, immediate prophetic fulfillment of why the elect from among the nations were beating a path into the assembly of the Firstborn (in the first place) – but have inadvertently/ignorantly or purposefully separated God's Eternal Plan and Purpose for creating in Himself ONE NEW MAN, so making peace (the goal of the cross) - for “nothing else avails but a new creation” which is the very Israel of God--plain and simple (Gal. 6:15). 

Cleverly devising and manipulating the conjunction kai (in Gal. 6:16) to grant peace and mercy to Galatian gentiles - AND that the same goes for Jews who alone bear the enlightenment as the Israel of God - is not only a contortion of the Word of God but the entire thrust of Paul's overall message domiciled in his confrontation with Peter over the TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL (Gal. 2) - Jewish and Antiochian believers should all eat together at Messiah's Table - ENOUGH OF THIS SEPARATION STUFF . . . the CROSS produces the New Creation in the here and now—not in the sweet by-and-by (Gal. 6:12-14).

No, the proper "sense" of Galatians 6:16 is found in, oddly enough, the NIV:

Galatians 6:16, NIV: "Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule--to the Israel of God."

Galatians 6:16, "Peace and mercy will come to rest on all those who conform to this principle. They are the Israel of God."(God's Word Translation)

Even the Phillips translation gets it (if you interpret it properly)!  "But in Christ it is not circumcision or uncircumcision that counts but the power of new birth. To all who live by this principle, to the true Israel of God, may there be peace and mercy!"

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Instead, distortions like this pervade Christendom:

16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and conduct their lives by this principle], and upon the [true] Israel of God (Jewish believers).  (Amplified version--parenthesis in the Amplified V.)

16 Peace and mercy to those who ·follow [walk/live by] this rule—and to ·all of God’s people [L the Israel of God; C either: (1) Jewish Christians or (2) the church as the “new Israel”]. (Expanded Bible) (Notice:  Somehow keeping the two separated!)

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There is but one New Covenant -the MYSTERY REVEALED!
The Healing of the Nations

In the strictest sense the New Covenant is the very essence of the COVENANT IN HIS BLOOD that cleanses ALL who call upon the Name of the Lord, for the forgiveness of sin and freedom from its penalty—both Jew and Greek; however, this New Covenant is likewise the very BASIS and ESSENCE of the COVENANT OF PEACE SHALL BE BETWEEN THEM BOTH . . . listen carefully:

"My servant David shall be their prince forever.  Moreover I will MAKE A COVENANT OF PEACE with them (with both Judah and Ephraim - Ref. Ezk. 37:15-23), and it shall be an EVERLASTING COVENANT with them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore.  My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  The nations also will know that I, the LORD, sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forevermore" (Ezk. 37:25-28).  

NOTICE:  The New Covenant - THE COVENANT OF PEACE - was strictly made between these Two Houses (Judah and Ephraim/Joseph) - the MYSTERY revealed was to bring the ethnos/nations into His One New Man, New Creation, to wit (read carefully):

"If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the MYSTERY (as I have briefly written already, by which when you read, you may UNDERSTAND MY KNOWLEDGE in the MYSTERY OF CHRIST), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it HAS NOW BEEN REVEALED by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: [NOW WHAT IS THIS MYSTERY NOW REVEALED, ONCE HIDDEN BUT NOW REVEALED?] . . . that the Nations (aka Gentiles) should be fellow heirs, of the SAME BODY, partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel . . . that I should preach among the Nations the unsearchable riches of Christ . . . to the intent that NOW the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the EKKLESIA to the principalities and powers in heavenly place" (Eph. 3:2-10 excerpts—my emphasis).  

His EKKLESIA He is the building of the INCLUSIVE Commonwealth of Israel!

On the one hand there is nothing new - BUT on the other hand, there is something altogether new:  the ONE NEW MAN!

Brethren, it is this INCLUSION of the nations into the Commonwealth of Israel (viz., the MYSTERY OF CHRIST so revealed), into the singular New Covenant, the Covenant of Peace between them both that is the REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY once hidden but is NOW revealed:  That the nations/ethnos/gentiles should be fellow heirs of the SAME BODY!  Ephraim, swallowed up among the nations, who is no more, is brought back into this Covenant of Peace--EVEN ALL THE NATIONS, EDOM, MANKIND (Acts 15:17).

“After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David (aka, the United Kingdom of David), which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind (lit. Edom—Amos 9:11-12) may seek the LORD, even all the Gentiles (lit. Ethnos/Ethnicities/Nations) who are called by My name, says the LORD who does all these things!” (Acts 15:16-17; Amos 9:11-12).

THERE ARE NOT TWO NEW COVENANTS - nor is the Covenant of Peace separate from the EVERLASTING COVENANT - the nations, the ethnos have been included, brought into, the Commonwealth of Israel - brought into the covenant He made and promised in Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

God's ultimate plan is UNIFIED, SINGULAR, two nations, MADE ONE under King David WITH the inclusion of the Ethos/Nations!  The only thing NEW about the Ekklesia is the following:  ONE NEW MAN, SO MAKING PEACE!  It was always there--IT JUST GOT BIGGER!!  Do we SEE it?

In all above references the unmistakable imprint of the New Covenant is made with Judah and Ephraim (Israel) with the repeated statement:  "I will be their God, and they shall be My people" - thus, the ultimate consummation throughout all time and eternity will be His New Jerusalem inclusive of His chosen, His elect, the full expansion, if you would of His Bride, the GREAT MYSTERY:  Christ and His EKKLESIA (Eph. 5:32) - for:

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people . . . God Himself will be with them and be their God" (Revelation 21:3).

This is the ultimate manifestation of the New Covenant!  What is it about the “leaves of the Tree of Life are for the healing of the nations” we don't understand (Rev. 22:2)? - Thus ends the notion of repopulating the universe with humanoids (sorry - the NATIONS "which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King" at the Feasts of Tabernacles in Zechariah 14:16-19 do so during His Millenarian Reign on the Earth--"from year to year" (vs. 16) but the NATIONS in the "eternal state" of the New Jerusalem are already HEALED, and, I hasten to add, stay healed - no need to repopulate the universe or earth - but who knows, I could be wrong - but I'm not wrong by INCLUDING the Nations/Ethnos into the immediate Commonwealth of Israel, into the One New Man, and ultimately into the New Jerusalem, the Holy City of Rev. 21-22 and Ezekiel 40-48, the Bride of Messiah. 

Let's not theologically tamper with the EKKLESIA He is building - let's enjoy the MYSTERY REVEALED!

 

Doug Krieger -

 

TWO HOLY CITIES? – THE MEASUREMENTS INDICATE OTHERWISE…ESPECIALLY “24”

By Doug Krieger

THE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL HOLY CITY - THE NEW JERUSALEM

It is difficult – being that we find ourselves in this human frame – to contemplate the prospect that the Holy City in Ezekiel 40-48 and John’s vision of the Holy City, New Jerusalem in Revelation 21, are the same Holy City–i.e., it is MULTI-DIMENSIONAL – one virtually must configure this in terms of “string theory” In point of fact, the four-square City is BOTH pyramidal (a mountain) and cubical (cube).

What this reveals to us is the terrestrial (earthly-Ezekiel) and celestial (heavenly Revelation) aspects of this MARVEL…Messiah–the Anointed One–Our Lord Jesus Christ Who used “Jacob’s Ladder” to unveil to Nathaniel His identity (John 1:46-51)–“the angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man” – this, after Nathaniel declared that Jesus is the “Son of God” [heavenly] – the “King of Israel” [earthly].”  In response to Nathaniel’s declarative Jesus presents Himself as the Son of Man in that through the bringing together of the Son of God with the King of Israel there is the ultimate enforcement of the inseparable union of the God-Man—thus, the emphasis in the book of Revelation of the Son of Man in the midst of the seven-golden lampstands (Rev. 1:13—“. . . and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man . . ..”)

This revelation of the fulness of His identity reflects upon BOTH aspects of His Person and Work as the Anointed One–Son of God (celestial–New Jerusalem–John’s Revelation) and King of Israel/His humanity (terrestrial—the Holy City of Ezekiel 40-48). Messiah, the Son of Man UNITES both dimensions–even so, the “New Heaven and New Earth” (i.e., “Renewed”) (2 Peter 3:10-13; Isa. 51:5-6) illustrate this divine linkage . . . “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers . . . All things were created through Him and for Him” (Col. 1:16).

THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL HOLY CITY…THE NUMBERS

The theological implications of these matters can be reflected in the numeric values given to us in both Ezekiel and the Revelation insofar as “18” concerns in that 4,500 cubits X 4 of Ezekiel = 18,000 cubits [perimeter—Ezk. 48:30]; whereas, the 12,000 furlong-edge of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:16) is equal in miles to 1,500 mi. (i.e., 660 ft. [one furlong] X 12,000 furlongs = 7,920,000 ft./5,280 ft. [1 mile] = 1,500 miles X 12 edges of any cube = 18,000 miles or 18 = 18 and when combined (earth/heaven) = 36 is the sum reflecting the fractal or resemblance of the 360 degrees of a circle illustrative of the Eternal God without beginning or ending.

I think, however, that the simplicity of the 4,500 cubits mentioned 4 times is most significant in that 4 X 4,500 = 18,000 cubits X 3 (if it were cubed expressing “volume/capacity”) would be equal to 54,000 cubic (actually linear) cubits. 

Notwithstanding, Dr. Douglas Hamp, who serves with me on the board of the Commonwealth of Israel Foundation, exegetes Ezekiel 48:30-35 to mean that each “gate” is in and of itself 4,500 cubits or 13.500 cubits on each side with the overall length of each side “undisclosed” so that extrapolation should be multiplied on each side by 4 X 13,500 = 54,000 cubits for the total of the 12-foursquare gate perimeter. 

Interestingly enough, the “18” shows up again by simply adding these 2 sets of 54,000 (the plain of Hamp + the solid of Krieger) by elimination of the zeroes or 54,000 (12 gates @ 4,500 cubits each) + 54,000 cubits (if the Holy City of Ezekiel were cubed or 18,000 X 3—oddly tripling the number of gates) = 108,000 cubits or “18.”  Such a “prospect” is a somewhat artificial attempt to secure another “18” – however, this “plain” expression of geometry vs. a “solid geometric” configuration demonstrating capacity could readily explain the “multi-dimensional” aspects of the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21 which lends itself to a cube object vs. a pyramidal object. 

However, to give exclusive rights to a pyramidal (mountain) object of the New Jerusalem in that the expressions “length, breadth, and height are equal” and that the city is “laid out as a square” does NOT exclusively suggest a pyramidal expression juxtaposed to a cube in that BOTH have volume/capacity/fulness.   By eliminating zero we can readily grasp the capacity of a pyramid using this formula:  V = 1/3Sh or in the New Jerusalem the square base would be 144 (12*12) and its height would be 12 with the following outcome:  576 = 1/3 of 1,728.  If we were to multiple this by 3 we would arrive at 3*576 = 1,728 which in turn gives us the volume of a cubed New Jerusalem in that 12*12*12 = 1,728.  Ironically if we combine 576 + 1728 = 2,304 and use these 2 – 3 – 4 as factors we arrive at:  2*3*4 = 24. 

The “24” is ubiquitous in Scripture and in space-time.  The “Hebrew Scriptures” are allocated by the Jewish people into 24 volumes (39 by Christians – in that Samuel, Kings, Chronicles are broken into 2 volumes each, etc.); there are 24 “courses of the priesthood” (1 Chron. 24:4-19); the 24 elders of the Revelation (Rev. 4:4); the 12 Gates + 12 Foundations = 24 of Revelation’s New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:14); the 24 hours of a day or 24*60 Minutes = 1,440 min. or “144.”   More obscure “24s” are Jesus’ 33 miracles (matching His age at crucifixion/resurrection) of which 24 were “cures.”   

THE DIMENSIONS OF PARADISE USING THE FURLONG OF REVELATION 21:16

The “12 gates” of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:12-13 mirror in number the “12 gates” of the Holy City found in Ezekiel 48:30-35.  The “names of the twelve tribes of Israel” are simply given in Revelation 21 without the specific names; however, in Ezekiel 48 the tribal names are actually given.  The twelve tribes and their names ARE mentioned in Revelation 7:1-8. 

What is of keen interest to this author is the fact that the “24” are seen in the 24 times the “tribes of Israel” are mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures and in the New Testament they are mentioned twice – once in Revelation 7:1-8 without the mentioning of the tribe of Dan in that “apostasy” is judge (Rev. 17); however, the tribe of Dan reappears in Ezekiel 48:32—in the allocations of the lands. 

The astounding revelation of the 12 Tribes mentioned in Revelation 7:1-8  includes the priestly Tribe of Levi, excludes the Tribe of Dan, and omits the Tribe of Ephraim—replacing it instead with Joseph, while including Manasseh.  In Revelation the tribal emphasis is upon, I believe, a “priestly” recognition (“Made us kings and priests to His God”—Rev. 1:6) with Judah (“kingly”) at the helm of the accounting (Rev. 7:5). 

It appears by the naming of the 12 Tribes in Revelation 7 brings their witness to the One True God into focus, linked with the vast multitude that no man could number before the Throne (heavenly) juxtaposed to the sealing of the 12 Tribes upon the earth (Rev. 7:9-17)—so “earthly” and “heavenly” once again.  In other words, there is “distinction” but not “separation” of these designations.  What I find most fascinating is the fact that the precise names of the 12 Tribes of Israel are omitted aside from: 

“Also she (viz., the New Jerusalem) had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:  three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west” (Rev. 21:12-13). 

. . . at the culmination/description of the New Jerusalem’s gates found in Revelation 21—but that said, the Revelation is redundant regarding the mentioning of the NAMES of the 12 Tribes without specifically giving the actual names . . . in a way keeping us “guessing” as to which names are actually there! 

The fact that the “144” of Revelation 11 are comprised of 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes—arriving at 12*12,000 = 144,000 and clearly bespeak of “Israel” – whereas the second mentioning of the 12X12 or 144,000 appears in Revelation 14.  Some expositors are convinced this is the same group of 144,000 seen in Revelation 7—i.e., Israel.  However, these 144,000 are “redeemed from the earth” and appear on the “heavenly Mount Zion” and they “sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders” (Rev. 14:1-5).  Clearly, the 144,000 of Revelation takes place upon the earth for we hear:  “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads” (Rev. 7:3). 

What I am saying here again is the juxtaposition of the “earth” (Rev. 7) to the “heavens” (Rev. 14).  The culmination of the “144” is seen all over the New Jerusalem in that 12,000*12,000 (the squaring of one side of a cube = 144,000,000 sq. furlongs – thus, 6 sets of “144” and then, of course, the 144-cubit wall of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:16-17).  As a "sidebar" - the ubiquity of the "144" found upon the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 is accentuated when one converts the "playing field" of each of her six faces to acres:  660 Feet (1 Furlong) * 12,000 Furlongs = 7,920,000 linear feet X 7,920,000 linear feet (in that it was "as long as it was wide" and "12,000 stadia/furlongs in length, and as wide and high as it is long" - Rev. 21:16) = 62,726,400,000,000 sq. feet ÷ 43,560 sq. ft. (1 acre) = 1,440,000,000 acres per each of the six faces of the "cubed New Jerusalem" * 6 faces = 8,640,000,000 acres constitute the "outward expression" of the New Jerusalem which "864" is the fractal/resemblance of the diameter of earth's sun (864,000 miles) leading us to this conclusion:  

"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp . . . There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light" (Rev. 21:22; 22:5).  

As a contention that the Woman of Revelation is neither simply Israel as understood by Dispensationalism to be but the Jews, nor the exclusivity of New Testament saints (i.e., the Ekklesia of the New Testament—as understood by the Reform/Replacement theologians) but is in point of all-inclusive theological fact:  The General Assembly and Ekklesia of the Firstborn—ALL THE SAINTS from Adam (Eve) to the present—it is the ALL ISRAEL of both Jew and those called out from the nations (aka, Gentiles) as expounded by Paul in Romans 11:26:

“For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.”

There are then, if the New Jerusalem is a six-sided cube bearing 144,000,000 sq. furlongs on each of its 6 faces + the two sets of 144,000 in Revelation 7 and Revelation 14 + the “144-Cubit Wall” of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:17), a total of 9 sets of “144” or 1,296 (9*144 = 1296).  This 1296 is a fractal of the radius of the Great Precessional of the Equinoxes found atop the Woman’s Head in Revelation 12.  The “12 stars” are actually 12 constellations as a garland of victory atop the Woman’s head with each constellation taking 2,160 years (on average) as the universe “turns” or 2,160 years X 12 = 25,920 years.[1]  We would simply double the radius to arrive at 25,920 (years) or 2 * 1,296 = 2,592 or double the "144" from 9 to 18 * 144 = 2,592.[1]

THE 25, 920 YEARS GREAT PRECESSIONAL OF THE EQUINOXES

THE 12 SONS OF JACOB-ISRAEL & THE “24”

Jacob’s twelve sons are first mentioned in the order of their births (to four different mothers) in the Book of Genesis (29:31–30:24 & 35:16-20). For easier analysis, they are distinguished by colored highlighting in the table below:

• Leah (elder wife): 1) Reuben, 2) Simeon, 3) Levi, 4) Judah; later also 9) Issachar and 10) Zebulun – (shades of red)
• Bilhah (Rachel’s slave): 5) Dan, 6) Naphtali – (light blue)
• Zilpah (Leah’s slave): 7) Gad, 8) Asher – (light green)
• Rachel (younger wife): 11) Joseph, 12) Benjamin – (shades of yellow)
  [Manasseh & Ephraim, sons of Joseph, are often listed separately; in some later texts, the half-tribe of Manasseh is further divided into its eastern and western halves.]

No. 1 – THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL – 24 TIMES MENTIONED IN THE FIRST COVENANT

No. 2 – THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL – 24 TIMES MENTIONED IN THE FIRST COVENANT
Source at:  https://catholic-resources.org/Bible/History-12Tribes.htm
The Twelve Tribes of Israel
by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

---

THE SINGULARITY OF THE HOLY CITY or REFORM/DISPENSATIONALISM vs. COMMONWEALTH THEOLOGY

I realize that this “multi-dimensional” distinction/inseparability seen in the “24” is thinking way outside the box . . . or is it?  May I provide at least one (although there are a multitude of implications regarding this multi-dimensional disclosure) incontrovertible illustration from Scripture which puts a “theological death nil” into the exclusivity of BOTH systematic theological systems.

Reform/Replacement Theology:   The Church/Ekklesia replaces All Israel (i.e., the Jews have no prophetic destiny in the ultimate Plan and Purpose of the Almighty–viz., the “Church inherits all aspects of the New Covenant” and the “Kingdom has been given to another”); whereas Dispensationalism, which purports the superiority of the “heavenly calling” of the Church juxtaposed to the Jews upon the earth exegete the Scriptures by their “rightly dividing the word of truth” positioning Judah/Jews do have their “prophetical portion” but the “spiritual inferiority” of the Jew demands that the Heavenly New Jerusalem has nothing (once you dig into their theology) to do with any amalgamation with “Israel of the Flesh.”  There is no “Ephraim” – there are in essence, no “Lost 10 Tribes” who have been scattered among the nations or even assimilated therein (Hosea 8:5-10).  Ephraim, in essence—according to “dispensationalists in the know” was re-integrated back into the Jews during the Babylonian Captivity of Judah. 

THERE ARE NOT TWO BRIDES FOR THE MESSIAH

Indeed, dispensationalism’s New Jerusalem, during the futurity of the 1,000-Literal Millennium, NEVER descends completely to the earth but is suspended somewhere above the earth for the duration allowing the Jews to have their “Kingdom of David” while the Bride of Christ abides aloft; consequently, their system demands the “Wife of Jehovah” (Old Testament saints) and the “Bride of Christ” (New Testament saints) with the “tribulation saints . . . ruling and reigning” in an ambiguous status somewhere between both.[2] 

We within the conviction of Commonwealth Theology cannot abide either Weltanschauung (worldview); namely, neither the theological implications of subsuming the Jew/Israel (Reform/Rejection Theologies) nor Dispensationalism’s effort to bifurcate the Jew from its own Commonwealth.

Within Reformational Theologies and/or Catholic understanding there is NO DISTINCTION and NO SEPARATION of the Church and Israel–ALL ISRAEL is the Church in toto; whereas in Dispensationalism there is YES DISTINCTION (the Church and Israel) and YES SEPARATION (God has a plan for national Israel and a separate plan/polity for the Church–two separate plans–2 New Covenants – 2 Holy Cities – 2 Betrothals – 2 distinct peoples, etc.

However, in Commonwealth Theology the heavens and the earth are united in Messiah – YES DISTINCTION (24 Elders–12 Tribes of Israel – 12 Apostles of the Lamb – Song of Moses/Song of the Lamb – Commandments of God/Testimony of Jesus – to deny this “distinction” is, if you would, “theologically ludicrous” – BUT there is NO SEPARATION as our beloved dispensational brethren contend . . . nor is their subsumption as the Replacement theologians purport. 

We would be "theologically audacious" by comparing the unity within the "Godhead" with the unity between Judah and Ephraim - between the "Natural Branches" and the "Wild Branches" of the ONE OLIVE TREE.  Say what!  Yes, the unity of the Triune God is seen in the eternal fellowship the Father and the Son enjoy--they are utterly distinct but uniquely inseparable.  We have been called (believers in Messiah) into the fellowship of the Triune God:  

". . . that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me . . . And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me" (John 17:21-23 - NKJV).

We are united in our Joseph, our Anointed One, the Son of David, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah – for “through the blood of the cross He has made of the two (Jew/Gentile) ONE NEW MAN–SO MAKING PEACE” (Eph. 2:14-18).  Our Gospel is one of Salvation through His Atoning Death and Resurrection in Life AND we, as well, preach the GOSPEL OF PEACE between peoples–in particular, Jew and Gentile–TOGETHER THIS “FULL GOSPEL” IS THE UNITED KINGDOM OF DAVID–THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID–THE KINGDOM OF GOD (Acts 15:13-17)!

This is precisely why the attribution uttered by Nathaniel to Jesus as “King of Israel” and “Son of God” was purposefully recorded in the Gospel of John—the oldest of the four gospels.  Notice, Jesus did not decline these attributions but reinforced them all the more by illustrated His purpose and plan as the Son of Man bringing God into Man (through incarnation) and bringing Man into God (through resurrection/ascension)—thereby shattering the dimensional divide between heaven and earth – THIS would be the Ekklesia Jesus would build in which the gates of Hades would not prevail!

IN REVIEW:

Replacement/Rejection Theologies – the “Church” subsumes Israel—she is “All Israel”

Dispensationalism – the “Church” and “Israel” are given separate roles in God’s polity/kingdom.

Commonwealth Theology – Distinction of both Judah-Israel and Ephraim-Israel but no separation within the Commonwealth of Israel—One Ultimate Manifestation of the Holy City

Again:

Replacement:               DISTINCTION NO    –    SEPARATION NO

Dispensationalism:      DISTINCTION YES   –    SEPARATION YES

Commonwealth:           DISTINCTION YES   –    SEPARATION NO

THE “MEASURING ROD” OR “MEASURING REED” BRINGS THE 12 + 12 TOGETHER

EZEKIEL & JOHN MEASURE THE HOLY CITY WITH THE ROD – 12.6 FT.

The English “Rod” is distinguished from the measurement of the English “Reed” however, we read: – “. . . a reed like a measuring rod” (Rev. 11:1).  Then we read that the “golden reed” (Rev. 21:15) reveals the “transformation” of the “reed like a measuring rod” found in Revelation 11:1.  It is imperative that we understand the ancient measurements of the Hebrew Sacred Cubit in light of the Imperial British Measuring System in that the “duo-decimal” system of measurement is “sourced” in the Hebrew Sacred Cubit.  Without that understanding we simply cannot ascertain the actual length of this “reed/rod” in terms of the ancient measurement of the “inch.”  It is NOT the length of the “standard cubit” or the Egyptian Cubit be it standard or royal.  Yes, some well-meaning brethren contend that the use of the measurement of the Egyptian Cubit was in point of archaeological-antiquity fact the “cubit” length given in the Torah for such measurements as Noah’s Ark, the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, etc. 

MEASUREMENT OF THE EGYPTIAN ROYAL CUBIT

EGYPTIAN ROYAL CUBIT – 20.64 INCHES

Tim Lovett, who has researched and extensively written about the measurement of the “cubit” used on Noah’s Ark believes that it conforms to the Egyptian Royal Cubit’s measurement between 20.62 and 20.65 inches with a medium of 20.63/4 inches.  What I find somewhat mystifying is his claim that the Egyptian Royal Cubit had to be more accurate in the measurement of Noah’s Ark (“The length of the ark shall be 300 cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits”—Gen. 6:15) of the Ark within the Torah of Moses and that the “cubit” – therefore – reappearing throughout the Torah (e.g., the “tabernacle in the wilderness”) conformed to this measurement. 

His reasoning is that the Egyptian Royal Cubit dated back to nigh the age of the flood (aka "deluge") or thereafter and perhaps the sons of Shem influenced by the Ark’s cubit conformed it to that of the Egyptian Royal Cubit AND the obvious fact that the Persian Royal Cubit Lovett accurately suggests is 25.20 inches.  Noah's Ark's measurements were based on the Hebrew Sacred Cubit's 2.1 ft. or 25.20 inches—bearing 360° X 7 days rotation of the earth per day = 2520° or the resemblance/fractal of the Hebrew Sacred Cubit’s 25.20 inches.

THE PERSIAN ROYAL CUBIT – 25.20 INCHES

NOTE BELOW ON THE METRIC SYSTEM:

I might add that the recent "propaganda" - once again by French researchers - credit the water droplet from the Nile and its 1 mm (0.0393701 inches) diameter as the initial measurement founded by the Ancient Egyptians some 4,500 years ago.  Thus, in order to secure the 20.64-inch Egyptian Royal Cubit (ERC) of 20.64 inches it would take approximately 524 mm or 52.4 cm.  These ambiguities in measurement do not impress.  The 756-ft. edge of the Great Pyramid of Giza established by Sir William Flinders Petrie is equal to 9,072 inches; therefore, the ERC of 20.64 inches would take 439.53488372 such ERCs or rounded up to 440 ERC per base edge X 4 = 1,760 ERC.  I find it rather hilarious that if cubed (*3) that would mean that the 1,760 ERC * 3 = 5,280 ERC which interestingly enough conforms to a fractal/resemblance of the British Imperial Mile of 5,280 linear feet.  The Base-10 system of measurement (aka, the "metric system") is NOT the basis of the Hebrew Sacred Cubit--the HSC stands on its own.  Base-12 (24 hours in a day - 2 sets of 12, etc.) is the "pattern on the mount" from whence is derived the abundant measurements of all sacred objects found in Scripture--not the use of the Egyptian Royal Cubit.  Conforming measurements to the "world of Egypt" is not God's mathematical calculation. I am not going to die on this hill but it would be exceedingly wise in this understanding how it magnifies the importance of Commonwealth Theology and integrates both Testaments in "divine harmony."

THE HEBREW SACRED CUBIT (HSC) – 25.20 INCHES – EZEKIEL 40:5

The research by the famed Assyriologist, Julius Oppert, determined that comparisons between the Latin-English “inch” and utilizing its measurement superimposed upon the length of the Persian and/or Assyrian Standard and Royal Cubits ultimately determined the Royal Cubits of Assyria and Persia to be 25.20 inches in length. 

It is this measurement of the “rod/reed” which appears in Ezekiel 40:5 in that the prophet Ezekiel was altogether familiar with both the Assyrian, Babylonia, and Persian sundry cubits.  Ezekiel’s rod—as we will see from Ezekiel 40:5—was 12.6 feet in length X 2 = 25.20 ft. or a fractal of the 25.20 in. of the HSC.  Likewise, Ezekiel’s rod, again, as we shall see, is a fractal of the 1,260 days found in Revelation 11:3; 12:6.  Moreover, these amazing compatibilities between Hebrew and Christian Scripture are ultimately determinant in making of the “Two” – ONE NEW MAN, so making peace!   

ASSYRIOLOGIST JULIUS OPPERT – THE 3.6-INCH PALM/SPAN/HANDBREADTH

The charts above and below display in inches the sundry cubits of the ancient world with the measurement of the “palm” (or “handbreadth” or a “span”) to be 3.6 inches . . . please carefully observe that the Assyrian (Standard) Cubit is measured as 21.6 inches (this was likewise the measurement of the Persian Standard Cubit shown in Tim Lovett’s chart).  This was mentioned in Ezekiel 40:5 as “each being a cubit” (i.e., 21.6 inches – or the initial Assyrian Cubit); and then carefully observe the additional cubits of 25.20 inches which in point of fact is the Assyrian Royal Cubit.  The Assyrian/Persian Royal Cubit is some 3.6 inches longer than the Assyrian Standard Cubit of 21.6 inches (21.60 + 3.60 = 25.20 inches). 

Therefore, when Ezekiel says that “in the man’s hand was a measuring rod six cubits long” . . . “EACH being a (standard) cubit (21.6 inches) and a handbreadth (3.6” “span” or “palm”) – also see this below – which is equal to 25.20 inches (21.6 in. + 3.6 in. = 25.20 in.).  It is this statement that “a measuring rod six cubits” is, therefore, equal to 6 each X 25.20 inches (Royal Cubits) = 151.2 inches ÷ 12 inches = 12.6 Feet or 12.6 Feet ÷ 2.1 Feet (the measurement of the Hebrew Sacred Cubit) = 6 Hebrew Sacred Cubits or 6 Assyrian/Persian Royal Cubits. 

THE ASSYRIAN ROYAL CUBIT OF 25.20 INCHES

THE WALL OF THE NEW JERUSALEM – 144 CUBITS & 12.6 ROD OF EZEKIEL 40:5

Now, regarding Revelation 21’s 144-Cubit Wall – simply know this that the precise calculation of the “measuring rod” in Rev. 11:1-2 and Rev. 21:16-17 is connected to the measurement of the 12.6-foot measuring rod of Ezekiel 40:5 and Revelation 11:1-2.  In Revelation 11 the Reed/Rod is NOT described as “golden” but in Revelation 21 it “turns into gold.”  One Rod (Rev. 11) is upon the earth measuring the Temple, the Altar, and the Worshipers, and the other Golden Rod/Reed is measuring the heavenly New Jerusalem.

As it turns out, according to Ezk. 40:5 the “measuring rod” in Ezekiel’s hand was “six ROYAL cubits” (1 royal cubit = 1 “standard cubit” + 1 handbreadth or the standard cubit being 21.6 inches + 3.6 inches [handbreadth] = 25.20 inches or 2.1 feet [25.20″/12″ = 2.1 ft]); therefore 6 such Royal Cubits bearing 2.1 ft. each = 12.6 ft.

The drawing below of Ezekiel’s Holy District expands the 12.6-Ft. Rod—specifically, the measurements of the “Sanctuary of the Lord” (Ezk. 41:1). 

“Then he brought me into the sanctuary and measured the doorposts, six cubits wide on one side and six cubits wide on the other side—the width of the tabernacle . . . Now when he had finished measuring the inner temple, he brought me out through the gateway that faces toward the east and measured it all around.  He measured the east side with the measuring rod, five hundred rods by the measuring rod all around.  He measured the north side, five hundred rods by the measuring rod all around.  He measured the south side, five hundred rods by the measuring rod.  He came around to the west side and measured five hundred rods by the measuring rod.  He measured it on the four sides; it had a wall all around, five hundred cubits long and five hundred wide, to separate the holy areas from the common”

(Ezk. 41:1; 42:15-20).

Each 500 “rods” is equal to 500*12.6 ft. = 6,300 ft. or 6,300 ft. ÷ 2.1 ft. (HSC) = 3,000 HSC.  This must be multiplied by 4 (foursquare) X 3,000 HSC = 12,000 HSC or 12,000 HSC X 25.20 inches = 302,400 inches or “3024” which is a fractal/resemblance of the Wall of the New Jerusalem’s 302.4-ft. Cubit Wall (144 HSC X 2.1 ft. = 302.4 ft.).  Allow me to insert, once again, this compatibility of measurement resoundingly validates the cohesiveness of both Testaments and the uniting together of ALL ISRAEL as understood of Judah and those elect from all the nations!  The very entry of the Sanctuary attests to the Commonwealth of Israel:  TWO SETS of 6-cubit wide doorposts or 6 Royal Cubits (the length of the “measuring rod” of Ezk. 40:5) or 12.6 ft. + 12.6 ft. = 25.2 ft. (the expression of the HSC of 25.20 inches) but, what’s more:  25.2 ft. X 12 inches per foot = 302.4 Ft. which is the precise measurement of the Wall of the New Jerusalem or 144 X 2.1 (one HSC) = 302.4 ft.

EZEKIEL’S HOLY DISTRICT – HIS CUBIT & THE “ROD”

This means that the Wall of the New Jerusalem is 144 cubits X 2.1 ft. = 302.4 ft. – furthermore 302.4 ft./12.6 ft. = 24 – herein lies a marvelous truth that the “24” equates to the “24 elders” as well as the 12 gates of the Holy City (the First Covenant Saints) and the 12 foundations of the Apostles of the Lamb (the New Testament Saints) are equal to 24.

What I am saying here is that the measuring of the Holy City/Dimensional Marvel is BOTH the “saints” and its description is the reflection of the “126” which as well, is reflected in the 1,260 (126) days or 3 1/2 years and IS THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS for He ministered on the earth for 42 months or 1,260 prophetic days–these measurements are all “spiritually and materially” connected and, as well, related to the Person and Work of Messiah!  The “measurement of God” is that of Jesus Christ—to be measured (Holy City) by any other measurement would be deficient—HE IS THE STANDARD OF MEASUREMENT!

GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA – “ALTAR UNTO THE LORD AT THE GIZA OF EGYPT”

THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA – THAT ALTAR UNTO THE LORD AT THE GIZA OF EGYPT

What affirms my conviction of the 25.20-inch or 2.1 ft. Hebrew Sacred Cubit (HSC) is its incredible compatible to the Great Pyramid of Giza (GPG) which is alluded to Isaiah 19:19:  “In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border [lit. “Giza”]” (Isa. 19:19).   I have written extensively on this contestation between the Egyptian Royal Cubit’s use as the supreme measurement in the construction of the GPG versus the use of the measurement of the Hebrew Sacred Cubit.[3]  The famed metrologist, Sir William Flinders Petrie, the first Egyptologist of the British Museum, determined in the 1880s that the original base edges of the GPG comport to 756 ft. each with a base perimeter of 4 X 756 ft. = 3,024 ft.   

Therefore, using the uncontested metrology of Sir Petrie, we can readily integrate the measurement of the HSC into the 3,024 ft. ÷ 2.1 ft. = 1,440 HSC or 756 ft. ÷ 2.1 ft. = 360 HSC X 4 = 1,440 HSC.  Immediately, we can see the 360° in a circle and the “144” of the Wall of the New Jerusalem and of the 144,000 of the number sets of the same found in Revelation Chapters 7 and 14.    Even so, what is somewhat spectacular is the fact that by adding 360 + 144 = 504 which when divided by 2 = 252 which is the very fractal of the HSC.  My studies concluded that this readily alludes to the monuments mentioned in Jeremiah 32:20 – (Hebrew “oth” means a sign expressed as a monument), to wit:

You have set signs (monuments) and wonders in the land of Egypt, to this day, and in Israel and among other men; and You have made Yourself a name, as it is this day. (Jer. 32:20)

Moreover, from the drawing below by yours truly “squares the circle” without using trigonometry!  The Free Masons would surely be jealous if they were to discover that the Almighty “beat them to the punch” in squaring the circle so that the base perimeter of the GPG is 3,024 feet and its “Great Circle” (using the extension of the pyramidion extending the height of the GPG to 481 feet with its reflection (below - i.e., 2 radii = 962 ft.) giving us another 481 ft. making its diameter at 962 feet X “Giza Pi” determined by its actual height of 480.9 Ft. ÷ 153 (fish caught at the Sea of Galilee by Jesus in Resurrection) = 3.14313725 (Giza Pi).  Now, the 480.9 Ft. (radius) of this Great Circle of GPG is precisely 480.9 Ft. ÷ 2.1 Ft. (HSC) = 229 HSC with its Great Circle Diameter being 229 X 2 (radii) = 458 HSC. 

THE SQUARING OF THE CIRCLE USING "GIZA PI"

Now, taking the 480.9-ft. height of the GPG X 2 = 962-ft. (approximate) X Giza Pi @ 3.14313725 = 3,023.7 Ft. rounded upward to 3,024 Ft. (utilizing the misc. inches between 480.9 and 481 feet).  This astonishing fete magnifies the supreme reflection of the GPG’s measurements to that of Ezekiel’s Holy City and that of John’s New Jerusalem measurements.

The profound integration of Ezekiel's Holy City and John's New Jerusalem in bringing the "earthly" and "heavenly" orientations together in this multi-dimensional marvel mathematically reinforces the unity of these divine visions in harmony with the "pattern on the Mount" and substantiates the claims made within Commonwealth Theology.  

[1] See Arno Fruchtenbaum’s article entitled:  Wife of Jehovah – Bride of Christ @ https://ariel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/015-Wife-of-Jehova-bride-of-christ.pdf

[2] The precession of the equinoxes refers to the observable phenomena of the rotation of the heavens, a cycle which spans a period of (approximately) 25,920 years, over which time the constellations appear to slowly rotate around the earth, taking turns at rising behind the rising sun on the vernal equinox.

[3] Signs in the Heavens and on the Earth…Man’s Days are Numbered…and he is Measured, by Douglas W. Krieger, 2015, Tribnet Publications, Sacramento, CA.