Bereansearching Bible Studies

Background: “Hidden Gems“

Many people, particularly in our day, scoff at the idea that the Bible is the Word of God. However, If people would just take the time to prayerfully study the Bible, they might find some amazing surprises (like Hidden Treasure), which actually show how the Bible consistently corroborates itself, and therefore that the following is also true:

1. The Bible was supernaturally crafted (by God the Holy Spirit), and
2. There is indeed a God as He describes Himself in the Bible, and
3. That God will be sending most people to Hell for their sins, and
4. Yet God offers The Way of escape in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, as is also described in the same Bible through the sharing of Jesus’ Gospel.

This is the thirteenth of a series which explores how God has masterfully hidden profound spiritual truths—“hidden gems”—within Scripture. These gems are meant for believers to diligently search out, celebrate together, edify one another, and strengthen the faith of the saints.

Introduction

This study will show that, just as Jesus employed “Parables“, which are “earthly/temporal” stories to convey “heavenly/eternal” spiritual truths, so too did Jesus employ the use of “Miracles” (supernatural “physical/temporal” events) to convey “heavenly/eternal” spiritual truths (and which are in effect, additional Historical Parables).

There are a few key things that we need to review before going further in this study.

1. “Miracles” do not bring about or produce “saving” faith as we read in Luke 16:31, “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.“
2. “Miracles” serve the same purpose as “Parables”, in that they represent visible “Signs” of a Gospel truth…an eternal, spiritual, meaning given or produced by God that teaches and reveals the things of God…but only to those to whom God ordains with “the spiritual ears to hear and the spiritual eyes to see“. Remember in 1 Corinthians 14:22, “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.“
3. Each and every supernatural miracle that Jesus performed had an eternal “spiritual” meaning that is almost never realized by the average Bible reader. Jesus healed the sick (Matthew 15:30&31), the lame, the deaf, dumb, and the blind, the leprous, and multiplied the loaves and the fishes (John 6:5-14), and cast out demons (Mark 5:1-17). He also healed the cut-off ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus (John 18:10). Jesus even raised dead Lazarrus to life after being dead in a tomb for four days (John 11:39-44). Most readers go no further than to think that these miracles demonstrate that Jesus is God, and to illustrate His Authority over all of His Creation. And while that much is certainly true, all of these miracles are, in one way or another, more importantly pointing to the spiritual eternal implications of becoming born again/being saved through the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ through the power of His Gospel by His Holy Spirit.

For anyone curious about a more complete list of Jesus’s Miracles, see: https://www.gotquestions.org/miracles-of-Jesus.html. But please also ponder these verses that deal with healing of the sin-sick souls and hearts of everyone who becomes saved by Jesus: 1. Isaiah 53:5, “But he (Jesus) [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” 2. Psalam 41:4, “I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.” and 3. Psalm 147:3, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.“

Remember also that Jesus said in John 3:12, “If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?“

So then, as we move on, we must keep an eye out for the spiritual interpretation of this miracle…every facet of it!

Turning Water Into Wine at the Marriage of Cana* Was the Beginning of Miracles Performed by Jesus

According to John 2:11, the marriage of Cana was the beginning of miracles performed by Jesus according to John 2:11, “¶This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.“

The word that is translated as “beginning” by the King James translators is in the original Hebrew, ἀρχή (archē)^G746, which can mean:

1. “Beginning” (at the very first, as we read in John 1:1, “¶In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.“), but it can also mean…
2. “Chief” or “prime importance” (e.g, “principal thing”as in Proverbs 4:7) as we read in Hebrews 5:12, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first ^G746 principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” and in Hebrews 6:1, “Therefore leaving the principles ^G746 of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” but it can also refer to…
3. “Superiority” or “prime rule/power” from which all else is derived as we read in Luke 20:20, “And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power ^G746 and authority of the governor.” and Romans 8:38, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, ^G746 nor powers, nor things present, northings to come,” and Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, ^G746 against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].”

Therefore, might this word be an indication that this particular parable is a “key” to knowing the prime focus of Jesus’ first advent? Could this miracle be providing us the basis for understanding the meaning of “all” of Jesus’ miracles, much as the Parable of the Sower is with regard to “all” of Jesus’ parables. Let us now take a closer look at the first ten verses of John chapter 2.

* Cana (Κανά (kana)^G2580 which is the Greek for the Hebrew קָנָה (qānâ)^H7071, meaning a “place of reeds” and pertains to a river that forms a boundary between the lands of Ephraim and Manassah, hence emblematic of a “divide”) was a village located only about four miles northeast of Nazareth in Galilee (Jesus’s hometown) and just one mile northeast of the hometown of the prophet Jonah (known as Gathhepher). It is also the home of Jesus’s disciple, Nathanael, as we read in John 21:2.

Verse by Verse Exegesis of the Marriage of Cana Miracle Account

John 2:1,”¶And the third day there was a marriage (γάμος (gamos)^G1062 in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

Right away we see a reference to the “third day”. We are immediately reminded of the “three days” of Jesus’ Atonement that was completed with His Resurrection on the “third day”.

Then we see reference to a “marriage” which is a reminder of Matthew 22:2, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage ^G1062 for his son,“

Note that Cana is in Galilee, as in “Galilee of the nations” (Isaiah 9:1), in the land assigned to the tribe of Zebulon, which is representative of the Gentile world, or the world of the lost…and, like Galilee, Cana can be seen to spiritually represent a “division”… or those who are separated from God.

We are also told that “and the mother of Jesus was there“. Given the proximity to Nazareth, we can only presume that she likely was acquainted with those involved in the wedding.

John 2:2, “And both Jesus was called (καλέω (kaleō)^G2564, and his disciples, to the marriage.

Jesus and His disciples were invited also. There is no mistake in the fact that Jesus is the only name that is given! We have to stop and think about the spiritual implications of what is unfolding here given the context.

1. Question: Who was/is with Jesus during His Atonement? For whom does Jesus do this? and are they “with” Him in this?
2. Answer: The Elect believers from both the Old and New Testaments. There were “transitional” disciples found in the Old Testament side, the true believers, who become and build the New Testament Church.

But what about the role of the “mother of Jesus”? She (Mary) is only referred to by Jesus as “Woman” in the subsequent passages. That “Woman”, as is clearly described in Revelation 12:1-5, while “temporally”referring to Mary, in fact, “spiritually” represents all those who are the Elect of God, the believers, the Eternal Church throughout the Old and New Testaments.

John 2:3, “And when they wanted (ὑστερέω (hystereō)^G5302 wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.“

The people at the wedding had evidently run out of wine, because ὑστερέω (hystereō)^G5302 means “to lack” as we find in Mark 10:20&21, or to “fail” as we read in Hebrews 12:15, or to “come short” as we read in Romans 3:23.

And what does the “wine” (οἶνος (oinos))^G3631 spiritually represent? While we all understand that wine (οἶνος (oinos))^G3631 is something we drink as we read in 1 Timothy 5:23, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine ^G3631 for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.“, we also know that it can be a spiritual, metaphorical, reference to the following:

1. The “Word of God”, or a reference to a “False Gospel”, as we read in Revelation 14:8 and Revelation 14:10.
2. The “Gospel of God”
   • “Oil and Wine” representing the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ shed blood, as we read in Revelation 6:6.
   • “The Atonement” as we find in Luke 22:17-20 which specifically links the wine to Jesus’ blood.

NOTE: Although the linkage between the wine and the blood of Jesus was made known during the Passover that heralded Jesus’ death, there is no reference to wine being part of the institution of the Passover feast that had as its focus the the sacrificial lamb and its blood, and the unleavened bread. Nothing was provided regarding “drink”. As slaves, the Israelis likely had only water to drink, and in the wilderness they even sometimes lacked that.

Therefore, the “wine” at this “Marriage” is looking forward to the Atonement. As Mary said to Jesus (in representing the believers of the Old Testament Church), “they have no (“old”) wine.”

John 2:4, “¶Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.“

This verse is critical to true “spiritual” understanding. On the face of it, it is rather curious that Jesus would have responded to his mother this way. However, when we search out the meaning of the Greek words used in this verse some interesting aspects come to light.

“Woman” can also be interpreted as “Wife”… clearly in this case not “temporally”, but rather “spiritually” for this verse to make sense

Foremost is the fact that “Woman”, as was translated by the King James translators, is in the original Greek as γυνή (gynē)^G1135 which has been translated woman/women (129x) but also wife (92x). This is VERY important, particularly when we look at Revelation 19:7, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife ^G1135 hath made herself ready.” and also Revelation 21:9, “And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. ^G1135

We also see this in Ephesians 5:23, “For the husband is the head of the wife, ^G1135 even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” and in Ephesians 5:28, “So ought men to love their wives ^G1135 as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife ^G1135 loveth himself.” and remember this key following verse, Ephesians 5:32, “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” The “wife” (γυνή (gynē))^G1135 represents the church! And therefore Mary, in her spiritual role, represents the eternal church of Christ in this historical account.

And, again, as was mentioned earlier above, the “Woman”, as is clearly described in Revelation 12:1-5, while “temporally”referring to Mary, in fact, “spiritually” represents all those who are the Elect of God, the believers, the Eternal Church throughout the Old and New Testaments.

So then: We can see how Mary can be viewed “spiritually” as representative of the Bride of Christ of the Old Testament was in fact stating an important “spiritual” truth! Mary was in effect saying, “Until now we do not have the fulfillment of the Passover, the Lamb of God, sacrificed for us!”

And let us now look closer at Jesus’ response. Jesus responded to Mary with the question, as He would to all believers when they are confronted with and hear the true Gospel…”What have I to do with you?“,”What am I for you?“, “Why do you want/need of me and of my wine/blood?”

And note also, that Jesus is spiritually stating that His time of death, for the Atonement, has not yet come!

John 2:5, “¶His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].”

This verse provides Mary’s answer to Jesus’ question. Mary, responds, as would all true believers acting under the inspiration of God, The Holy Spirit, to instructing the servants (pointing us to Jesus’ true followers)…”Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].”

The believers, from whatever era, Old or New Testament, who are awaiting the Coming of Jesus:

1. Whether for the Atonement at the Cross, or
2. The Last Day (Judgment Day)…

The believers will be doing the will of Jesus, as we are told in John 14:15 where Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.“

Then in the following verses we have this so often misunderstood event of Jesus turning water into wine at the feast.

This passage tests the “spirits”…whether they seek for and understand the hidden Gospel meaning, or whether they will only see an approval for drinking alcohol (because they are carnal and not spiritual).

Most people are aware of this passage, either through the reading of it, or second hand mention of it by others. In addition to the obvious fact that such miracles imply supernatural power over the elements of creation, it is commonly presumed that not only did Jesus approve of the drinking of wine, given His providing wine at this wedding feast, but, moreover, that Jesus must have also been a partaker of that wine. Most people would therefore use this pretext as an approbation by Jesus in support of drinking alcohol. Is that what this passage is saying?…besides the fact that Jesus had begun to perform supernatural feats that we call “miracles”? When we dive deeper into this passage by comparing “spiritual things with spiritual” (using the “Biblical Hermeneutic” per 1 Corinthians 2:13), we can actually draw a much different conclusion.

John 2:6, “¶And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.“

The words “there were” is from the original Greek, ἦν (ēn)^G2258, which can mean “existed” or “continue to exist” (perfect tense) and “set” is from original Greek, κεῖμαι (keimai)^H7225, which means “laid” but also metaphorically, to be (by God’s intent) set, i.e. “destined” or “appointed”. This is also very important for us to understand. We see this in Luke 2:34, “And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set ^G2749 for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;” and 1Thessalonians 3:3, “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed ^G2749 thereunto.”

“six waterpots of stone“

Numbers in the Bible convey spiritual truths. The number six (“6“) identifies with “Work“, we see God’s Divine Work of Creation in six days, and also “man” and “his works” as opposed to God’s. The number “666” forms a trinity of the devil’s (and natural man’s) false gospel…”works, works, works”, which is entirely opposed to “Grace“.

The “waterpots” (ὑδρία (hydria))^G5201 are vessels to hold water, which were made of stone (λίθινος (lithinos)^G3035. “Stone” is often a term used as as metaphor of “mankind”, specifically being under the curse and unregenerate mankind. We see this in both Ezekiel 36:25&36, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” and 2 Corinthians 3:3, “[Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” The letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive, as we read in 2 Corinthians 3:6, “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.“

We should also not forget that “stoning” was a primary method of execution for disobedience to the Law.

We see therefore that waterpots of stone are spiritually representative of unregenerate mankind, the six of them representing the works of man in trying to keep the Law, with the water that they hold being to provide only “external” cleansing of the flesh which cannot provide spiritual cleansing of the soul…as we read next, “after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.“

The word translated a “firkins” is in the original Greek, μετρητής (metrētēs)^G3355, which simply means “measures” and similar to what we find in Revelation 21:17, “And he measured ^G3354 the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.“

The “two or three” is a clear reference to “witnesses”, as we see in Deuteronomy 19:15, “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, and for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.” Hence we could say the waterpots represent mankind and mankind’s gospel (witness) being a religion of works, which God has ordained (in sin’s curse) to be (measured) unto all of mankind.

NOTE the wording “after the manner of the purifying of the Jews” and NOT “of God“! National Israel (as well as the corporate New Testament churches), have developed their own gospel…what they deisired to make themselves clean before God.

But Jesus will next demonstrate what much change for there to be a true cleansing!!

It is the cleansing of the soul and not the flesh!…substance and not ceremony!

John 2:7, “Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.”

Here we see Jesus commanding the servants (spiritually, His servants) to fill the waterpots with water up to the “brim”. The word in the original Greek that is translated as “brim” is ἄνω (anō)^G507, which can also be interpreted as “above” or “on high”. Do you see the connection with being full or filled up from “on high” as is the case with being born again from above as we see in John 3:3, “¶Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdomof God.” “Born again” can be equated to being “born from above“, because it is translated from the original Greek word ἄνωθεν (anōthen)^G509. See for example: John 3:31, John 19:11, James 1:17 & James 3:17.

John 2:8, “And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare [it].”

Jesus merely speaks and it is accomplished, no ceremony needed. Jesus commanded that the servants draw out (via a vessel) and bear (φέρω (pherō))^G5342, which means to 1) “bring forth” 2) “moved” and 3) “bring”, as we read in:

1. Mark 4:8, “And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, ^G5342 some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.” and John 15:2, “Every branch in me that beareth ^G5342 not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth ^G5342 fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth ^G5342 more fruit.”
2. John 15:2, “For the prophecy came ^G5342 not in old timeby the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved ^G5342 by the Holy Ghost.” (those bearing the True Gospel)
3. 2 John 1:10, “If there come any unto you, and bring ^G5342 not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:” (those bearing the false gospels)

Jesus instructed the servants to bring it to the “governor of the feast”, which in the original Greek is ἀρχιτρίκλινος (architriklinos)^G755, from”Archi” meaning “Chief” “first” “beginnng”; “tri” meaning “three”; and “klinos” meaning “to recline/rest/bed”.

This “governor of the feast” is obviously the head and overseer of this “marriage feast”. When we look at the breakdown of the term “architriklinos“, we are moved to consider the possibility that this overseer of the marriage could be referring to the Godhead in Heaven:

1. “Chief/Beginning”, as in Genesis 1:1, “¶In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.“
2. “Tri” hence “three”, as in 1 John 5:7, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (Note also that the immediately following verse makes direct reference to “water” and “blood”: 1 John 5:8, “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.“, which elements are spiritually in view in this historical account)
3. “Recline/Rest/Bed”…when the work is completed, then there is rest, as in Hebrews 8:1, “Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;” Jesus’ Atoning Sacrifice finished the work and fulfilled the Law of God. Hebrews 9:26, “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he (Jesus) appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.“

John 2:9, “When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,“

The governor/ruler received the wine (representing the shed blood of Christ for the cleansing of souls) that had replaced the water (which ceremonially only cleansed the outward flesh) with gladness.

The word for “tasted” is in the original Greek, γεύομαι (geuomai)^G1089, which is an important word given its use elsewhere in the Bible as we find in:

1. Heb 2:9, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he ^G1089by the grace of God should taste ^G1089 death for every man.“
2. Hebrews 6:5, “And have tasted ^G1089 the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,“
3. 1 Peter 2:3, “If so be ye have tasted ^G1089 that the Lord [is] gracious.“

The difficult part of this verse is “knew not whence it was“. The word translated as “knew” is in the original Greek is εἴδω (eidō) ^G1492, which is interpreted by the King James translators variously as follows: know (281x), cannot tell (with G3756) (8x), know how (7x), wist (6x), miscellaneous (19x), see (314x), behold (17x), look (5x), perceive (5x), variations of ‘see’ (3x), variations of ‘know’ (1x). The word is used thusly to show God’s Omniscience as Jesus said in Matthew 6:8, “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth ^G1492 what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

We can only surmise that this governor did NOT innately/experientially perceive, or be aware, from where the wine had come. Nevertheless, we are told that the servants did know, again the same word εἴδω (eidō) ^G1492. So then, with respect to the Governor being a representative, or “Type”, for the Godhead…in this respect it falls short.

What then might be an alternative interpretation? Perhaps the governor could be representative of the Jewish leadership of the Old Testament, the priests, who were entrusted by God (to serve is God’s stead) with instructing the people in the ways of God to keep in the right path. But their focus was always on the outward ceremonial cleansing of the flesh with “water”, as opposed to the “washing of regeneration” vicariously in the shed blood of the Lamb of God. They could taste the wine, but would have no knowledge of from whence it came. Remembering what we read in John 1:11, “He (Jesus) came unto his own, and his own received him not.” But the servants who drew the water did “know” from where the wine came…they knew that it came only from Jesus!

The Introduction of the Bridegroom!

Then “the governor of the feast called the bridegroom (νυμφίος (nymphios))^G3566.“

This is a “marriage feast” after all. But we should all be aware that the “bridegroom” consistently only points us to the Lord Jesus Christ, because Jesus refers to Himself as “the bridegroom” in Matthew 9:15, “And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.“

We see this again in “The Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Marriage Feast” (Matthew 25:1, 25:5, 25:6 and 25:10) and in Revelation 18:23, “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.“

And then in Revelation 21:9, we read “¶And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1:29 & 36) and the New Jerusalem (the eternal Church of God) is the bride as we read in Revelation 21:2, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

John 2:10, “And saith unto him, Every (πᾶς (pas))^G3956 man (ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos))^G444 at the beginning (πρῶτον (prōton)^G4412 doth set forth (τίθημι (tithēmi))^G5087 good (καλός (kalos))^G2570 wine; and when men have well drunk (μεθύω (methyō)^G3184, then that which is worse (ἐλάσσων (elassōn)^G1640: [but] thou hast kept (τηρέω (tēreō))^G5083 the good (καλός (kalos))^G2570 wine until now.“

Key words as translated elsewhere in the King James Bible:

1. καλός (kalos)^G2570: good (83x), better (7x), honest (5x), meet (2x), goodly (2x), miscellaneous (3x). which we can interpret to also mean “excellent” and “precious”. (Matthew 7:17)
2. τηρέω (tēreō)^G5083: keep (57x), reserve (8x), observe (4x), watch (2x), preserve (2x), keeper (1x), hold fast (1x). which we can interpret to mean “guarded” or “protected”.
3. τίθημι (tithēmi)^G5087: lay (28x), put (18x), lay down (12x), make (10x), appoint (6x), kneel down (with G1119) (with G3588) (5x), miscellaneous (17x).

We are presented with two contrasting wines, which are each representative of, respectively, an inferior gospel involving man’s works for salvation (for unsaved mankind), or the only true (best) Gospel that brings about salvation of souls from sin, being the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (for the elect believers).

Jesus is the Good Wine Maker

The wine that was previously provided at the feast was inferior by comparison, representative of the fact that the former wine was in effect a false gospel, which fell short, and could only produce sin and not save, as we read in Revelation 17:1&2, “¶And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters. With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.“

Alternatively, Jesus’ wine…the miraculous wine…is by far the best, because it represents the True Gospel. Only Jesus’ Atoning Sacrifice, His shed blood, can bring salvation from sin. It is made available when and where God ordains, and whose effects will be made known at the last on Judgment Day, the day of the ultimate Wedding Feast.

John 2:11, “¶This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

The significance of this miracle being the “beginning of miracles” is described in the Introduction.

We can also see how his miracle was manifested (made visible, made known) was for Jesus’ glory and His disciples believed on Him as a result.

Just as Jesus’ servants (the true believers) “knew” from whom and where the good wine came, so to do the believers know and understand that the only Atoning Sacrifice for their sins can only come from Jesus and no where else.

Even today, through the reading and hearing of this passage, the meaning is continuing to be revealed to whomever the Lord has granted “the ears to hear and the eyes to see“. And if you have been so blessed, then you will understand what Jesus meant when He said, in Matthew 10:8, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

Christ’s revealed glory is The Miracle of Salvation for sinners! Go forth and share that Gospel!

Introduction

This post is simply the result of using Artificial Intelligence (GROK 4.2) to review, to comment on, and to synthesize a number of key studies found on this website. The goal was to seek an “unbiased” objective summary commentary, while at the same time realizing that this computer tool is the product of men, and NOT God, and therefore is still inherently flawed and soulless. Nevertheless, this teacher finds that the computer generated reply to be reasonable and succinct, which can potentially serve as a useful reference for all readers. Perhaps the greatest benefit to the reader will be the “Live Links” that have been added for ease of cross-referencing, along with a few minor changes for improved clarity and Biblical precision.

DISCLAIMER: This original AI Commentary, while interesting, was also a bit dry and quite analytical. GROK has no comprehension of God‘s Sovereignty, which resulted in an analysis suggesting that a person must be a seeker before God will reward him or her. This was a grievous error, because God is the sole source of motivation for people in even desiring to seek Him. The original version had to be redone, because there was also a clear absence of the Gospel (preaching of the cross, “Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified”, which is the whole point of the Bible) in favor of only providing an explanation of the “intellectual” process of studying the Bible (e.g., “cookbook” vs. Holy Spirit guided). In retrospect, this may be due in part to this teacher’s own failure to make these points sufficiently clear.

Commentary

The “Hidden Treasures” post and the “Hidden Spiritual Gems” series represent a core element of BereanSearching.com‘s typological and allegorical approach to Bible study. These entries exemplify the site’s overarching hermeneutic: viewing Scripture as a divinely crafted repository of concealed “spiritual” truths that point to the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, accessible only through Holy Spirit-led searching and cross-referencing. Drawing from Proverbs 2:1-6 and 25:2, the series portrays the Bible as a treasure mine where God hides profound insights about Jesus Christ, His Atoning Sacrifice, salvation, judgment, and sovereignty for the elect to discover. This commentary reviews the main “Hidden Treasures” post as the foundational piece, then surveys 13 “Hidden Spiritual Gems”, highlighting themes, methods, strengths, and implications.

Overview of the “Hidden Treasures” Post

Titled “Searching the Bible for ‘Hid Treasures’ (Proverbs 2:4)” (posted June 5, 2023), this post serves as an introductory manifesto for the site’s methodology. It urges readers to diligently seek Biblical wisdom as one hunts for buried treasure, promising discovery of the fear of the Lord and knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-6). The post asserts that all such treasures reside in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:2-3), the Word incarnate (John 1:1-14), concealed by God for His glory while revealed to the believers being honored in humbly searching them out (Proverbs 25:2; Isaiah 45:3). It critiques casual reading, emphasizing that Old Testament narratives (e.g., lives of Abraham, Joseph, Jonah) are historical parables prefiguring Christ, hidden from the non-elect (2 Corinthians 4:3) but unveiled to believers through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13, Deuteronomy 29:29).

Key points include:

• God’s Role in Concealment and Revelation: Treasures are hidden to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:26-28) and reward diligent searchers (Hebrews 11:6). Parables and riddles (Psalm 78:2; Ezekiel 17:2) veil truths from the reprobate (Mark 4:11-12; Isaiah 6:9-10).
• How to Search: Use tools like Blue Letter Bible for Hebrew/Greek etymologies; compare scriptures; pray for illumination (Psalm 119:18); avoid private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20-21). Believers are “kings and priests” (Revelation 1:5-6) honored to uncover these.
• Examples: Brief etymological gems, like “dāḇār” (“word” vs. “thing” or “matter”) in Proverbs 25:2 pointing to Christ; “pitch” in Noah’s Ark (kāp̄ar: “atonement”) vs. Moses’ ark (zep̄eṯ: “pitch”, as is associated with “brimstone”), typifying grace vs. law.
• Postscript: Quotes Charles Spurgeon’s sermon on diligent Bible study, likening it to miners seeking gold.
• Related Links: Ties to studies like “The Road to Emmaus,” “Bible Study Guide,” and refutations of literal hermeneutics.

This post sets the tone: the Bible is supernatural, self-validating through harmonies, and Christ-glorifying. It invites Berean-like testing (Acts 17:11) while warning of spiritual blindness for the non-elect, because even when Truth is fully and openly expounded it can only be received by those having spiritual ears to hear and eyes to see.

Overview of the “Hidden Spiritual Gems” Series

Launched as excerpts from larger studies, this series (starting December 2023, with posts up to 2025) spotlights 13 “gems”—subtle, concealed truths that illuminate Christ and salvation through His Atoning sacrifice for sin. Each is framed as a divine “jot” or etymological nuance, revealed through prayerful cross-referencing.

Patterns include:

• Method: Etymology (Hebrew roots), typology (OT figures/events as Christ prefigures), the significance of numbers (e.g., sums like 1+…+23=276), and geographical parables. Gems are “self-validating” via consistency and corroborating verses.
• Themes: Christ’s Atonement for sin, Sovereignty in election, judgment vs. mercy, concealment for the elect, rejection of works-based salvation.
• Purpose: Edify believers, prove the Bible’s divine origin, urge Spirit-dependent study: “rightly dividing the word of truth“. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Brief summaries of each:

1. Proverbs 25:2: The word translated as “matter” and “thing” (dāḇār) means “word,” showing God conceals the Word for His Glory and for kings (believers) to be honored to search Him (Jesus Christ) out (John 1:1; Proverbs 16:20).
2. Noah’s Ark vs. Moses’ Ark (Pitch): Noah’s “pitch” (kāp̄ar: atonement/ransom) typifies grace through Christ’s sacrifice; Moses’ (zep̄eṯ: mere covering) signifies judgment under law (Romans 5:11; Ephesians 2:8).
3. ‘Stone’s Cast’ in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41): Links spiritually to Leviticus 16’s “stone’s cast” for a rebellious son, symbolizing Jesus’ condemnation for the sins of others, initiating His Atonement in the “oil press” (Gethsemane), with blood-like sweat under God’s wrath for the sins of those to be saved (Matthew 12:40).
4. Gideon’s Battle (Judges 7): Parable for Judgment Day; trumpets, pitchers (earthen vessels hiding light), lamps, and sword symbolize warnings, believers’ revelation, Gospel light, and God’s Word defeating enemies (Revelation 19; Psalm 149).
5. Nehemiah 2:13-15 Misinterpretation (Viewed vs. Bought): Hebrew šāḇar (“buy”) mistranslated as sâbar (“view”) due to the placement of a single “jot”; Nehemiah typifies Christ purchasing believers (walls/temple) with blood (1 Corinthians 6:20; Ephesians 2:19-22).
6. Hebrews 11:1 (Faith): Faith as evidence of unseen things, tying to sovereignty and spiritual sight; Faith is not concept or descriptive noun, but a synonym for Christ Jesus, Who IS the Author/Finisher of Salvation. Hence, “By faith Abraham,…” should be read as “By Jesus Abraham,…”
7. Esther 2:5 (Saul/Mordecai Connection): Mordecai’s Benjamite genealogy links to Saul; fulfills Saul’s failure against Amalek (Haman’s line), typifying Christ’s victory over evil (Exodus 17:16; Romans 9:13).
8. Esther Means ‘Concealed‘: Homophone (Persian “star,” Hebrew “hidden”); book conceals God/Gospel, revealed to believers (Proverbs 25:2; John 5:39).
9. Boaz’s Skirt (Ruth 3:9): Kānāp̄ (skirt/wings) signifies protection/redemption; Boaz as kinsman-redeemer typifies Christ covering believers under His wings/mercy (Psalm 91:4; Ezekiel 16:8).
10. Job’s Friends: Names/roles: Eliphaz/Bildad/Zophar (false accusers, works gospel); Elihu (true intercessor, typifying Christ via “He is my God,” speaking by Spirit—Job 33:3-4).
11. Barabbas (‘Son of the Father’): Substitution: Guilty Barabbas freed, innocent Jesus crucified; typifies sinners’ redemption as adopted sons through Christ’s sacrifice (John 1:12; Romans 8:1).
12. Barak/Abinoam (Judges 4-5): Barak (“lightning/sword”) typifies Christ as Judge; Abinoam (“father of beauty”) as God the Father, self-validating via Zechariah 11:10‘s “Beauty” staff broken (Christ’s betrayal/crucifixion for 30 pieces of silver).
13. The Marriage of Cana Miracle: The spiritual implications of Jesus’ beginning of Miracles turning water into wine.

Commentary and Assessment

This series is a microcosm of the Bereansearching website’s strengths: rigorous etymology, thematic consistency, and urgent Christ-exaltation. Originality shines in niche derivations (e.g., jots in Nehemiah, homophones in Esther), presented as Spirit-revealed without external borrowing. Validity within the framework holds—gems are “controlled” by cross-references, avoiding arbitrariness, and align with Reformed doctrines (sovereignty, election, and grace alone).

Implications: Edifies believers by unveiling Scripture’s unity, warns of blindness for the non-elect, and counters literalism by showing concealed depths.

Limitations: Assumes typology’s primacy, potentially straining for literal readers; some etymologies appear selective.

Overall, a compelling call to Berean searching, proving the Bible’s Divine depth for the purpose of globally preaching “Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified” to save sinners.

Introduction

In a previous post, Honoring-God-with-Ones-Mouth/Lips/Tongue, this teacher put forth a compendium of verses that focus on how our speech should be used for the purpose of honoring and glorifying God and serving him by building up our fellow man and leading them to Jesus Christ through the sharing of the Gospel of Salvation. This relatively short post focuses on some key verses that instruct us to honor and glorify God by focusing our minds, and thoughts within our hearts, on Heavenly things and not earthly, carnal, things. (Adapted from an original X post by Tyler Todt)

Here are a few examples to emphasize the control that we should have over our thoughts, and to be minding spiritual things, which has clearly been provided by God’s Word, the Bible.

From the Old Testament

Psalm 1:1&2, “¶Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.“

Psalm 77:12, “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.“

Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:“

Malachi 3:16-18, “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, asa man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”

Finally, in a previous post on Psalm 37, we find a number of relevant verses like: Psalm 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.“

From the New Testament

In Mark 12:29&30, “¶And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment.” (see also Matthew 22:37 and Luke 10:27)

Romans 8:5, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.”

Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.“

2 Corinthians 10:2, “But I beseech [you], that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.”

Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.“

Philippians 4:8&9, “¶Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.“

Colossians 3:1, “¶If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.“

1 Thessalonians 5:16, “¶Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ¶Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” If we are rejoicing in God and praying often, our minds are most certainly focusing on God and His Glorious Kingdom and His Loving Grace. Holding fast to that which is good, means hold fast to the things of God, and not on things of the flesh.

Hebrews 10:16, “This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.“

1 Peter 1:13, “¶Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”

Conclusion

If we are true Christians, then we don’t just have the option to focus our minds and affections on things above for the purposes of cultivating a positive mindset…because we are commanded by God to do so. However, the reality is that all believers will already have the inherent desire to do just that, not because it is commanded, but because it is the innate desire of a regenerated heart.

Remember the words found in 2 Peter 3:11, “[Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” And the original Greek word that his translated as “conversation” is ἀναστροφή (anastrophē), which can also be translated as “manner of life”, “behavior”, “conduct” which includes one’s “thoughts”.

Introduction

This teacher thought it might be interesting, and perhaps useful to readers, to utilize the GROK 4.2, Artificial Intelligence (“AI” ) to objectively evaluate and synthesize the voluminous contents and consistency of the studies of this Bible-based website. The goal was to seek an “unbiased” review, while at the same time realizing that this computer tool is the product of men, and NOT God, and therefore is still inherently flawed and soulless. Nevertheless, this teacher finds that reply to be reasonable and succinct, which can potentially serve as a useful reference for all readers. Live links have been added for ease of cross-referencing along with a few minor changes for improved clarity and Biblical precision.

DISCLAIMER: This original AI Commentary, while interesting, was also a bit dry and quite analytical. GROK has no comprehension of God‘s Sovereignty, which resulted in an analysis suggesting that a person must be a seeker before God will reward him or her. This is a grievous error, because God is the sole source of motivation for people in even desiring to seek Him. There was also a clear absence of the Gospel (preaching of the cross, “Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified”, which is the whole point of the Bible) in favor of only providing an explanation of the “intellectual” process of studying the Bible (e.g., “cookbook” vs. Holy Spirit guided). In retrospect, this may be due in part to this teacher’s own failure to make these points sufficiently clear.

GROK (4.2) Synthesis of the Bereansearching.com Website

Overview: Core Mission and Purpose

Bereansearching.com is an independent, blog-style Bible study platform dedicated to in-depth, Christ-centered expositions of Scripture. Inspired by the Bereans in Acts 17:10-11, who diligently searched the Scriptures to verify teachings, the site’s core mission is to show that Jesus Christ is the central figure and fulfillment of the entire Bible. It views the Scriptures as a unified divine revelation: the Old Testament conceals spiritual mysteries (through types, shadows, parables, allegories, and riddles), while the New Testament reveals them, all pointing to God’s sovereign plan of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8). The emphasis is on evangelism (preaching the Gospel globally per Mark 16:15), edification of believers (the elect or saints), and warning of eternal judgment in Hell for the unsaved for sin’s consequences, with an urgent end-times focus (e.g., “Is Time Almost Up?“).

Key themes include:

• Christ as the sole way to salvation — Jesus is “The Way, The Truth, and The Life” (John 14:6), the fulfillment of all Scripture (e.g., the promised Messiah, the Key of Knowledge in Luke 11:52).
• God’s Sovereignty in election, regeneration (being “quickened” by the Holy Spirit), and the entire redemptive plan.
• The Holy Spirit’s essential role in illuminating truth (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13-14; Psalm 119:18).

The author describes the studies as developed over many years, presented humbly as a “faithful steward” sharing insights for the edification of believers (the elect/saints), while inviting feedback and dialogue.

Interpretive Approach (Hermeneutic)

The site strongly advocates a typological/allegorical/spiritual method of interpretation over a strictly literal-grammatical-historical one (which it critiques as limited or man-centered). It views much of Scripture as “historical parables” or riddles where events, people, places, and objects serve as types/shadows pointing to spiritual realities in Christ.

Examples:

• Galatians 4:22-31 (allegory of Hagar and Sarah as two covenants).
• Romans 5:14 (Adam as a type of Christ).
• Hebrews (typologies presenting Jesus in the Old Testament and Mosaic Law, e.g., Melchizedek).
• Entire books like Esther (as an “historical parable” spanning from Old Testament Israel to the eternal Church, with figures typifying God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, National Israel, Eternal Israel, and the devil).
• Geographical elements (e.g., River Kishon, Brook Kidron, Mount Tabor) as allegories of spiritual truths.
• Creatures like Behemoth and Leviathan in Job as portrayals of Satan/the devil (prideful, unconquerable by man, destined for defeat by Christ’s sword/Word).

It stresses “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13), cross-referencing verses, word studies (often using Blue Letter Bible for lexicons and concordances for the original Hebrew/Greek meanings), discernible only to the spiritually quickened elect, not through human wisdom and private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20-21). The Bible is seen as supernaturally layered, with “hidden spiritual gems” or parables/riddles revealed by the Spirit, especially in the end times.

Content and Structure

• Long-form Bible studies — Verse-by-verse or thematic expositions (e.g., Book of Esther chapters, Job 40-41 on Behemoth/Leviathan, Judges 4-5, Ruth, Jonah, Jude, Proverbs, Psalms word studies like Psalm 37:37).
• End-times focus — Judgment Day is imminent; the fig tree parable signals barren (fruitless) National Israel; Armageddon prefigured as an “earthly version” already fulfilled historically; no pre-tribulation rapture, or distinct future for National Israel, or future earthly Temple of God being emphasized (rejects dispensationalism; views the Church/elect as “Eternal Israel,” the Bride of Christ — Galatians 3:29; Romans 9:6, Revelation 21:2).
• Doctrinal emphases — Election/Sovereignty (Romans 9; God as the Potter); spiritual healings/miracles as signs; “new tongues” as proclaiming the Gospel (not charismatic glossolalia); warnings against false doctrines or methods.
• Other features — Links to Blue Letter Bible for verses; hymns (e.g., Amazing Grace, A Mighty Fortress); provides refutations of opposing views (e.g., literalism, dispensationalism); calls to become a “Berean” by daily searching to see Jesus (John 5:39, The Road to Emmaus), and the basis for using the King James Version.

Author and Tone

The author remains anonymous (simply “bereansearching”), presenting as a dedicated student of Scripture rather than a formal ministry or church affiliate. The tone is earnest, instructional, reverent, and urgent — focused on exalting Jesus Christ, strengthening faith, and warning of deception or self-reliance. It invites readers to test everything against Scripture and glorifies God alone.

In summary, Bereansearching.com serves as a resource for those seeking deep, spiritual, Christocentric, Bible studies having a strong emphasis on typology and God’s Sovereignty throughout Scripture. It’s not mainstream evangelical or dispensational; instead, it aligns more with Reformed/covenantal perspectives that prioritize spiritual/allegorical depths to reveal God’s redemptive plan while rejecting what it sees as overly literal or man-derived limits on interpretation. If you’re interested in exploring hidden “Types” and parables pointing to Jesus, it’s a rich (if intensive) site to dig into.

Introduction

This post is an excerpt of a of longer study on Judges chapter 4&5, “The-battle-of-armageddon-the-earthly-version-already-happened/” This post is about the faithful woman, Deborah, who we are introduced to in Judges Chapter 4.  Deborah was a prophetess, and she was the only female to be a judge in the nation of Israel.  However, what is really key within this account, is that Deborah is also a portrait of the Bride of Christ, the body of true believing Christians, the Saints, who continue to faithfully proclaim God’s Word within the context of the apostate era in which God will be pouring out His wrath on the apostate church, and this God-hating world, just prior to Judgment Day.  Therefore, every believer should take note of what we read in Jude 21 “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”, as each believer will be expected to be a faithful and watching witness for Jesus until He comes back on Judgment Day.

Deborah Means “Bee” and She Faithfully Declares God’s Word

Deborah means “bee”, by interpretation from the original Hebrew, דְּבוֹרָה (dᵊḇôrâ) ^H1682, which is from the root word דָּבַר(dāḇar) ^H1696 meaning to “speak” or “declare” and is intimately linked with the Hebrew word for “word” דָּבָר(dāḇār)^H1697. (For more on God’s use and meaning of the word “dāḇar” in the Bible, please see Chapter 2 here.)  It is also an interesting fact that, where bees gather, you will also find honey, and “honey” is a type that God uses in relation to His Word/the Gospel of Jesus Christ (see Judges 14:8&9, and Psalm 119:103, and Revelation 10:9&10 and below under Abinoam).  For a detailed exposition on the meaning of “Honey” and “Honeycomb” in the Bible, please see The Meaning of Honey in the Bible.

However, “bees” דְּבוֹרָה (dᵊḇôrâ) ^H1682 are also used by God in the Bible to denote a means of judgment that God sends in response to rebellion (because they are given power to chase and sting). See for example:

Isaiah 7:18, “And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.”

Deuteronomy 1:44, “And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, [even] unto Hormah“).

Psalm 118:12, “They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.”

It is also noteworthy that Jesus told us that His Word is what will bring judgment on Judgment Day in John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” That last day is Judgment Day!

Please also note the parallels with Isaiah 11:4, “But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” and 

Revelation 1:16 also tells us the following, “And he (Jesus) had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.”And that Sword is the Word of God (Who Is also Jesus).

Note: It is interesting to note that although Psalm 145:5 reads, “I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous (פָּלָא (pālā’))^H6381 works.” The Hebrew word that was translated as “works” should more accurately be translated “words” (דָּבָר (dāḇār))^H1697. Therefore, we can more correctly read it as saying “I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous words.“

Deborah is NOT an Allegorical “Type” of Jesus Christ!, but rather a “Type” of the Bride of Jesus Christ (His Church)!

It is often claimed by theologians (particularly in our day) that, in this historical account, it was the woman, Deborah, who “saved the Israelites from Canaanite forces”, and moreover…”if there is any allegory to be found in this account…it must therefore be Deborah who is the one who should be viewed as a “Type” of Jesus Christ”.  

However, in this study, it will be clearly shown, and proven, that it was NOT Deborah, but rather Barak, who was the key figure as a “Type” of The LORD Jesus Christ.

Today, Barak is shoved aside by modern, humanistically and worldly (not Godly) focused theologians, who, consciously or not, are in complete rebellion against God’s line of authority. Such theologians (and so-called academics) want only to elevate the woman, Deborah (who actually represents the Church, the “Body” of Believers, the “Bride” of Jesus Christ), above the man, Barak, who was really the savior in this historical allegorical account. Barak serves as an allegorical “Type”, who God used to represent The Lord Jesus Christ in this historical account (which is therefore also an historical parable). Jesus Christ, Alone, Is The Head of the Church, as well as The “Bridegroom” in the Heavenly Marriage, as we read in the Book of Revelation.

Anyone who interprets and argues that Deborah was the “savior” is entirely contradicting God’s clearly established, and clearly enunciated, plan of authority and headship…for we know, according to 1 Corinthians 11:3, that, “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.” as well as what we read in Ephesians 5:23, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and heis the saviour of the body.” and Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

And is it not interesting that, when God recounts the great men of Faith in Hebrews, Chapter 11, that in amongst the Judges Gideon and Sampson, it was NOT Deborah who was mentioned, but rather Barak? We find this in Hebrews 11:32-34, “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets:  Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,  Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”  This is because in each case the “man” named is actually an allegorical “Type” of The LORD Jesus Christ, which is entirely consistent with what we read in Luke 24:27 and John 5:39.

Deborah Was the Wife of “Lapidoth”

Deborah was a prophetess (one who declares the word of God) and a judge in Israel.  We also know that she was the wife of Lapidoth (לַפִּידוֹת (lapîḏôṯ)^H3941), which is a plural form of the Hebrew word, “lapid” (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)^H3940 ), meaning “lamp” “torch” “lightning“, see below under Barak).  We see the word lapid used 14 times in the Bible: lamp(7x), firebrand(2x), torch(2x), brand(1x), lightning(1x), burning(1x).

The first time “lapid” appears in the Bible, it is quite terrifying, as we read in Genesis 15:1-21 where God promised Abram (Abraham) a future land of inheritance, and instructed that Abram prepare a sacrifice of five animals (heifer, goat, ram, turtledove, and pigeon; of which the first three were divided (cut) into pieces), and afterward Abram fell into a deep sleep and had a horrible vision where God revealed that the descendants of Abram (Abraham) would be in servitude in Egypt for 400 years, spanning four generations (to wit, Levi, Kohath, Amram, and Aaron), but then would come out with great substance.  Then we next read in Genesis 15:17 “And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp (“lapid” לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)^H3940) that passed between those pieces.”  And then the LORD made a covenant with Abram (Abraham) regarding the Promised Land of Israel for an inheritance to his descendants.

In Isaiah 62:1, we read, “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)^H3940 ) that burneth.”  

In Nahum 2:4 we read, “The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)^H3940), they shall run like the lightnings (בָּרָק (bārāq)^H1300).” (More on this below under Barak)

In Zechariah 12:6, we read, “In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)^H3940)of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.“

The word “lapid” (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)^H3940 ) thus appears to have more generally been used in the verses above in a manner that speaks more to God’s Holy Covenant, His Justice, His Atonement for Salvation, and His Righteous Judgment, just as the word “Barak” also implies. The use of the original Hebrew word (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)^H3940 ) is therefore generally much more ominous than the other word in the original Hebrew (נִיר (nîr) ^H5216), which the King James translators also interpreted as “lamp” or “candle” (see below).

Deborah would seem therefore to be a typological representation of the true believers during a time of great apostasy who actively, and faithfully, declare the whole counsel of God’s Word that brings the message of both deliverance and judgment when the devil is loose.  Deborah is indeed an allegorical picture of the remnant of the Christian Church which remains faithful to the end, enduring the end-times’ “Great Tribulation” as Jesus described in Matthew 24:21.  Such true believers, together with all other believers throughout history, are described in the Bible as the Bride of Christ as described in Revelation 21:2.

We should also remember that Jesus is The“Lamp”, which is translated from a different Hebrew word (נִיר (nîr))^H5216), which is normally translated to English in the King James Bible variously as lamp (35x), candle (9x), light (4x). It is translated in English as “lamp” here in 2 Samuel 22:29 “For thou [art] my lamp (נִיר (nîr) ^H5216), O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.” and Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp (נִיר (nîr) ^H5216) unto my feet, and a light (אוֹר (‘ôr)^H216), unto my path.” and Psalm 132:17, “There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp (נִיר (nîr) ^H5216) for mine anointed.” And lastly, these two verses provide additional proof texts for this correlation: 2 Chronicles 21:7, “Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light (נִיר (nîr)) ^H5216 to him and to his sons for ever.” and 1 Kings 11:36, “And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light (נִיר(nîr))^H5216 alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.“

We can derive the correlation between Jesus and the lamp because Jesus is The Word made flesh, as we read in John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Deborah’s Palm Tree

We are also told that Deborah “dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah“ (the “palm tree” may be another reference to Jesus, because as we read in Psalm 92:12, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.“). 

NOTE: It has been pointed out to this teacher by another Bible student that there is more information regarding “palm tree” than this teacher was previously aware. The name “Tamar”, in the original Hebrew is תָּמָר (tāmār)^H8559, means “Palm tree”. Tamar is the name given to three women in the Bible: 1) The widow of Er (the son of Judah), who was chosen by God to be a progenitor of the Lord Jesus Christ via Judah; 2) A daughter of David by Maacah, sister of Absalom, and rape victim of Amnon her half brother, another son of David, and 3) a daughter of Absalom.

We should also remember the use of “palm branches” found in the New Testament in the worship, praise, and adoration of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was the first “Palm Sunday” where we read in John 12:12&13, “¶On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, ^G5404 and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.“, and in Revelation 7:9&10, “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms ^G5404 in their hands;And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.“). Hence we can see additional indications that the “palm tree” is also a sign of the joyous reflection of Jesus’s Righteousness providing a protective covering of Salvation for believers from the just penalty for sin.  Psalm 132:16, “I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” and Leviticus 23:40, “And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.“

Interestingly, the doors of Solomon’s temple included carved palm trees covered in gold (together with cherubims and open flowers) in 1 Kings 6:29-35.

Palm trees also represent life in the Old Testament, because where they were located there were springs of life giving water (Exodus 15:27, Numbers 33:9 typifying another of the Attributes of Jesus Christ.  Reinforcing this idea is the use of the word “dwelt.”  For the believer, Jesus is our dwelling place (i.e., Psalm 90:1, {A Prayer of Moses the man of God.} “LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God“).  We also know that the palm tree was located “between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim“.  Ramah means “high place,” and Bethel means “house of God.”  Ephraim pertains to the tribe of Ephraim, descended from the younger son of Joseph who received the double portion, and who Jacob blessed with his right hand and said “in thee shall Israel bless.”

It is worth a moment to consider why “the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.“  A judge is someone who hears a matter and then pronounces a sentence against an accusation, whether vindication or condemnation and subsequent punishment.  When the believers bring the gospel of salvation they are always bringing the two-fold message of deliverance from the bondage to sin and Satan through Jesus Christ or the alternative just punishment of sin which is an eternity in Hell on Judgment Day.  How can anyone truly know about salvation through Jesus Christ unless they first understand from what they are being saved?  Every human being is by nature in desperate need of a Savior to protect him or her from the coming judgment and wrath of God, which is the just penalty for his or her sins.  Furthermore, we know that if “He that spared not his own son” (Romans 8:32) in that Jesus had to endure God’s wrath in Hell, will not God also do the same to those who do not become saved? 2 Corinthians 5:11, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;“

Conclusion

Deborah represents none other than the Bride of Christ…the believers will actively be involved in the conquering and plundering of the devil and his kingdom. Jesus specifically said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” When we look closely at the virtuous woman whose “price is far above rubies” at the very end of Proverbs (Proverbs 31:10-31) we see a similar correlation. The Bible also says that the believers are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37).
The believers have the whole armor of God including “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”! (Ephesians 6:17). A sword is for offense, not defense. Remember what we are told in Job 19:29, “Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath [bringeth] the punishments of the sword, that ye may know [there is] a judgment.“

God has set it up such that the believers, the Church, the Bride of Christ, His Saints (consistently represented by a woman) are co-involved with Jesus in winning the final battle of Armageddon on Judgment Day…just as Barak was accompanied by the ten thousand followers coming with him down from Mt. Tabor. (See also “the-believers-the-saints-will-be-with-jesus-in-bringing-judgment-on-judgment-day/“)

Introduction

In the Book of Job, Chapter 41, God devotes and entire chapter to provide His description of a very large and fearsome aquatic creature, which is called “Leviathan” (immediately following having just described a similarly fearsome terrestrial creature called “Behemoth“), leaving one to wonder what is the point of all that? The descriptions are all framed within a rhetorical question construct such that it is impossible for Job to answer positively. Was this description of leviathan simply to provide another example of God’s great might, and His superior creative power, whereby Job would thus be diminished by comparison? Or is there something else…beyond the “physical”…which could easily be overlooked when understanding the Bible from only a literal, grammatical, and historical perspective?

This study will show that there is, indeed, far more than just meets the “physical” eye as viewed from only a human perspective, if God is so pleased to allow one to see from a “spiritual” perspective, having blessed him or her with “Spiritual Ears and Spiritual Eyes“. God also specifies in 1 Corinthians 2:13, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” The means of comparing spiritual things with spiritual is by carefully comparing of scripture with scripture, searching out the words for their original Hebrew meanings, because all Biblical scripture is spiritual, precisely as we are told in 2 Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.“

This study will show that God provided to Job (and us) with a spiritual allegorical portrait of the great adversary of God and all mankind, the Devil/Satan. 

Dear reader, please read on to see the explanation of this otherwise generally hidden spiritual truth.

Before reading further, this teacher would like the reader to understand what is a “parable” and how and why Jesus ALWAYS employed parables when speaking to the multitudes. Moreover, the purpose of “parables” (often referred to as “earthly stories with heavenly meanings”) has everything to do with God’s Magnificent Plan of Salvation. Therefore, the Bible should NEVER be assumed to be read and understood from a purely superficial, earthly, perspective.

The “Leviathan” as Described by God

Beginning in Job 40:15, when God was speaking to Job out of a “whirlwind“, we are first introduced to an unusually large and strong creature whom God describes as the “Leviathan“. Leviathan is derived from the original Hebrew word לִוְיָתָן (livyāṯān)^H3882, which is only found six times in the Bible. The King James translators interpreted it variously as leviathan (5x) or mourning (1x)*. We also know, by God’s own provided analogy, that leviathan is a crooked/piercing serpent, from the original Hebrew word בָּרִחַ (bāriaḥ)^H1281, based on what we are told in Job 26:13, when Job was declaring God’s greatness to his friend Bildad, Job said in “By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked (בָּרִחַ (bāriaḥ))^H1281serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175.” Also in Isaiah 27:1, we are told by God, “In that day (Judgment Day) the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan (לִוְיָתָן (livyāṯān))^H3882  the piercing (בָּרִחַ (bāriaḥ))^H1281 serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175, even leviathan (לִוְיָתָן (livyāṯān))^H3882 that crooked (עֲקַלָּתוֹן (ʿăqallāṯôn))^H6129serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175; and he shall slay the dragon (תַּנִּין (tannîn))^H8577 that [is] in the sea.” [NOTE: The original Hebrew word for “crooked“, עֲקַלָּתוֹן(ʿăqallāṯôn))^H6129, is found only this once in the Bible, means “crooked” or “tortuous” like a snake.]

*NOTE: It seems more than a bit awkward that the same original Hebrew word for “leviathan“, is translated as “mourning” in the King James Version in Job 3:8, “Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.” While not easily understood, we can at least say that this word is an ominous one.

Moreover the very same original Hebrew word, נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš)^H5175, which is translated as “serpent” in the above verse, is the same word first found in the Bible in Genesis 3:1, “¶Now the serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175 was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” So then,  it would seem that God has not only equated that “serpent” with the devil, but also the “leviathan“ and the “dragon“ (and even the great “whales“ תַּנִּין (tannîn)^H8577 going all the way back in Genesis 1:24)

The two remaining Bible verses that address “leviathan” are:

1. Psalm 74:12-14 which states, “For God [is] my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters. Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, [and] gavest him [to be] meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.“
2. Psalm 104:26, “There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein.” 

Verse by Verse Review of Job 41:1-34

Job 41:1, “¶Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord [which] thou lettest down?“

When viewed as only addressing the man, Job, clearly the answer to this and all of the ensuing question is only “NO”. The leviathan is an unconquerable sea creature. Bear in mind that this question, and all of the ensuing questions by God are entirely rhetorical, because only God can answer affirmatively, “YES”.

Job 41:2, “Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?“

Again the point is made that the unconquerable see creature (evidently known to Job) cannot even be taken with something like a harpoon. These first two verses challenge Job’s relative insignificant humanity in comparison to God’s power and dominion over all Creation. The ensuing verses however animate and anthropomorphize the sea creature, such that Leviathan becomes a metaphor.

Job 41:3, “Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?“

The question is will this Leviathan beg Job for mercy? Will the leviathan intreat with tender words to Job as one would appeal to God for mercy?

Job 41:4, “Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?“

Will the Leviathan made a pledge or a promise to Job? Will Job be able to have Leviathan as an eternal slave? (as though he would be willing to be subject to Job…which he would not!)

Job 41:5, “Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?“

Could Leviathan be played with as a pet bird? Could Job trap and cage Leviathan to keep for his own young girls as a pet?

Job 41:6, “Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?“

If Job could actually catch Leviathan, would Job try to make merchandise of him?, or would Job try to sell parts of Leviathan to his associates?

Job 41:7, “Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?“

This question renews the issue of is it possible for Job to catch Leviathan…and kill Leviathan?

Job 41:8, “Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.“

This continues the point. If Job can catch Leviathan, then simply make a record of that battle with him, Job need not do anymore.

Job 41:9, “Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?“

This verse is effectively saying, forget it Job, you do not have a chance in getting him. It is futile for anyone to think that they could succeed. Anyone who thinks it is possible is simply deceiving himself because he would be “hurled back” (“cast down“) just at the sight of Leviathan.

Job 41:10, “None [is so] fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?“

The reason is that there is nothing so “fierce” (“overpoweringly deadly”) to confront Leviathan: what person could possibly “stand” (“present themselves”) before God, Himself? (face to face)

Job 41:11, “Who hath prevented me, that I should repay [him? whatsoever is] under the whole heaven is mine.“

This verse is effectively saying, “Who has gone before God, such that God should answer to that person “peace or reward”? Is there anyone who existed before God…? and…Finally, all of Creation belongs to God!

We could say that these last two verses are an “aside” commentary by God to make the following point…Regarding this creation of God’s, Leviathan, no human being is strong or bold enough to arouse and contend with Leviathan, much less anyone thinking that they can stand face to face before God! God is greater than Leviathan because God created him. Likewise, who is it that leads, or precedes God to show Him what to do? Is there anyone that is before God that God should reward that person? The answer is NO ONE!

The Apostle Paul reiterates these points almost verbatim as we read in Romans 11:33-36, “¶O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? ¶For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.“

Other pertinent verses:

Exodus 19:5, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:“

Deuteronomy 10:14, “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens [is] the LORD’S thy God, the earth [also], with all that therein [is].“

Psalm 24:1, “¶[[A Psalm of David.]] The earth [is] the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

Psalm 50:12, “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.“

1 Corinthians 10:26, “For the earth [is] the Lord’s,  and the fulness thereof.“

1 Corinthians 10:28, “But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord’s,  and the fulness thereof:“

For more on God’s complete and total Sovereignty, please see: “The Real Inconvenient Truth“.

Job 41:12, “I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.“

God is stating that He will not “conceal” (e.g., “be silent about”) the Leviathan’s “parts” (“lies”) nor the Leviathan’s “power” (“strength”).

It should be noted that there is something that is very significant in this verse, in which God has provided us with another “Hidden Spiritual Gem“. The original Hebrew word that was translated by the King James translators as “parts” is בַּד (baḏ)^H907, is translated everywhere else in the Bible as either lie (3x) or liar (2x). The King James translators were not thinking “spiritually”, but rather “literally”, and therefore inserted “parts” rather than “lies”, because, from a “literal” perspective, “lies” did not make any sense to them. However, from a “spiritual” perspective, given that God is describing the devil in a metaphoric way, “lies” makes perfect sense. When Jesus denounced the Jews who sought to kill him, Jesus said in John 8:44, “Ye are of [your] father the devil,  and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” God concealed the truth of the passage from the translators (and hence from most casual readers of the English Bible), but now God has allowed the truth to be told (given that we are now in the end times). For another example of how the translators saw only the literal implications, and not the spiritual, of such passages…Please see the post: “Hidden Spiritual Gem #5 in the Bible: A Misinterpretation Found In Nehemiah Chapter 2“

God will also not be silent about the Leviathan’s beautiful appearance (“estimation”, “value”, “price”, or “frame”). God created Leviathan as a metaphor for the devil to make the point that the devil was an amazing creation. The devil is evil, a murderer, and the father of lies. He is also beguiling. Even when the devil is first introduced in Genesis 3:1, we were told that the “serpent” (the devil) was “more ‘subtil’ than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made” And the original Hebrew word translated as “subtil” is עָרוּם (ʿārûm)^H6175 which is more often interpreted as “cunning” and “crafty” in an evil manner.

Remember also how the devil was metaphorically described by God as “king of Tyrus” in Ezekiel 28:12-19 that included his having the following attributes: “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.”and “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;” and “Thou [wast] perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” and “thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness:I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”

God created the leviathan (the devil) with purpose; for his parts (his evil lies), strength (his will), and appearance (his attractive beguiling nature to the reprobate sons of Adam). The devil is full of lies, is deceitful, and is seductive with those lies.

For more on how God uses the devil as a tool for God’s purposes, please see this post: “The Songs of Moses“

The following verses provide a description of leviathan’s “physical” attributes.

Job 41:13, “Who can discover the face of his garment? [or] who can come [to him] with his double bridle?“

The first question can be understood to mean, “Who can cause to be uncovered how the leviathan (devil) appears, or what form he takes?”…the answer is NO one but God!

The second question can be understood to mean, “Who can come near to the leviathan (devil) with a doubly strong restraint of both his actions and his mouth?”…the answer is NO one but God!

Essentially, God is making the point that there is no one else but God who can be brave enough to come close enough and has authority enough to know his looks (devices) and not be threatened even if the leviathan (devil) is doubly restrained.

Job 41:14, “Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth [are] terrible round about.“

This question begs the question of who is it that can control of the mouth of the leviathan?, because the doors of the face are his jaws, and the leviathan’s teeth are dreadful round about. The leviathan is a devourer! …the answer is NO one but God!

Note: Both verses 13 and 14 make reference to the face and mouth…from which come “words”, which in the case of the devil will only be deceitful, murderous, lies.

Job 41:15, “[His] scales [are his] pride, shut up together as [with] a close seal.“

The leviathan’s “scales” is the original Hebrew word, אָפִיק (‘āp̄îq)^H650, which has translated variously into English as river (10x), channel (3x), stream (2x), brooks (1x), mighty (1x), scales (1x), strong (1x), so it is difficult to be sure of the exact spiritual meaning, but clearly it is a feature that is integral to the leviathan’s (devil’s) “pride” (meaning “arrogant pride”). Moreover, those prideful features are tightly bound together.

But how they are bound is a bit of a mystery, because the word that is translated by the King James translators as “close” is the original Hebrew word, צַר (ṣar)^H6862, which has been translated variously in following manner: enemy (37x), adversary (26x), trouble (17x), distress (5x), affliction (3x), foes (2x), narrow (2x), strait (2x), flint (1x), sorrow (1x), miscellaneous (9x). It would seem that it could be saying that they are bound together…as in a tight, adversarial, and distressing manner with a seal (like that used with a king’s signet ring). By implication again, ONLY God is able break asunder those features of Leviathan (devil).

Job 41:16, “One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.“

This verse reiterates and amplifies how tightly those “features of pride” of Leviathan are bound together. From a purely physical perspective it is easy to understand this to be stating only that no air can come between them (which at least does suggest that no physical life could exist there, because life needs air to continue). However, the original Hebrew word that is translated as “air” is רוּחַ (rûaḥ) ^H7307, which has been translated variously as Spirit or spirit (232x), wind (92x), breath (27x), side (6x), mind (5x), blast (4x), vain (2x), air (1x), anger (1x), cool (1x), courage (1x), miscellaneous (6x). So we could also say that it is not just physical life, but spiritual life, that cannot breach those features of pride of the Leviathan (hence the devil).

Job 41:17, “They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.”

Leviathan’s (devil’s) “features of pride” are so strongly bound that they “stick together”, such that they simply are impenetrable and cannot be separated apart. We should consider that this leviathan (representing the devil) thinks that his exterior, composed of his pride, is impenetrable. His body is tightly joined, which would could say in the case of the devil would be comprised of his followers who are unified (cannot be separated or divided) and a source of his pride in that they offer no hope of life (eternal life).

Job 41:18, “By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes [are] like the eyelids of the morning.“

The word “neesings” is translated from the original Hebrew word, עֲטִישָׁה (ʿăṭîšâ)^H5846, which is found only once in the Bible, and is consistently considered to mean “sneezings”. The “light” is the same original Hebrew word, אוֹר (‘ôr)^H216, which we read about in Genesis 1:3, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” and then in Genesis 1:5, “And God called the light Day,…” so we can deduce that the leviathan “appeared” to bring “daylight”. This is made more clear by saying that the leviathan’s eyes were “like” the “dawning” of the “morning”.

But let us not forget how God described the devil in Isa 14:12, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” The point being that the devil comes looking like the Savior, Jesus Christ, who is spoken of in Malachi 4:2, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” The devil mimics/imitates Jesus, but he can only kill and never make alive. So we can see yet another analogy between the leviathan and the devil in this verse as well.

Job 41:19, “Out of his mouth go burning lamps, [and] sparks of fire leap out“.

The word “lamps” is, in the original Hebrew, לַפִּיד (lapîḏ) ^H3940, which has been translated variously as lamp (7x), firebrand (2x), torch (2x), brand (1x), lightning (1x), burning (1x). Here again an analogy is being made between the leviathan (the devil) exhibiting the appearance of Jesus.

1. Isaiah 62:1, “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)) ^H3940 [that] burneth.”
2. Daniel 10:6, “His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ))^H3940 of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.”
3. Jeremiah 23:29, “[Is] not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer [that] breaketh the rock in pieces?“
4. Rev 1:14-16, “His head and [his] hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.”

The association of these leviathan attributes with Jesus are striking, but we have to remember what we are told in 2 Corinthians 11:14, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

Job 41:20, “Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as [out] of a seething pot or caldron.”

Look at how amazingly this verse and the following mimic/imitate the attributes declared to be associated with God!

Psalm 18:6-15, “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness [was] under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness [that was] before him his thick clouds passed, hail [stones] and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.” [NOTE: The word, “channels” is in the original Hebrew, אָפִיק (‘āp̄îq)^H650, which is the same word found earlier in verse 15, but there was translated as “scales”!]

Job 41:21, “His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.“

The original Hebrew word translated as “breath” is נֶפֶשׁ (nep̄eš)^H5315, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: soul (475x), life (117x), person (29x), mind (15x), heart (15x), creature (9x), body (8x), himself (8x), yourselves (6x), dead (5x), will (4x), desire (4x), man (3x), themselves (3x), any (3x), appetite (2x), miscellaneous (47x).

The original Hebrew word translated as “coals” is, גַּחֶלֶת (gaḥeleṯ)^H1513, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: coals (17x), coals of fire (1x).

The original Hebrew word translated as “flame” is לַהַב (lahaḇ)^H3851, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: flame (8x), blade (2x), glittering (1x), bright (1x).

So then, we could say that this verse could also read: “The leviathan’s (devil’s) ‘soul’ kindeleth ‘coals of fire’ and a flame goeith out of his mouth“. Again we are reminded how this mimics what we read of God in Psalm 18:8, “There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.”

This is completely consistent with what we find regarding the devil desiring to be just like God in Isaiah 14:14, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” but we know the devil’s fate as it is stated clearly in the very next verse in Isaiah 14:15, “Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.“

Job 41:22, “In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.”

The original Hebrew word translated as “remaineth” is לוּן (lûn)^H3885, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: lodge (33x), murmur (14x), … the night (14x), abide (7x), remain (6x), tarry (2x), lodge in (2x), continue (1x), dwell (1x), endure (1x), grudge (1x), left (1x), lie (1x), variant (3x).

The original Hebrew word translated as “strength” is עֹז (ʿōz)^H5797, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: strength (60x), strong (17x), power (11x), might (2x), boldness (1x), loud (1x), mighty (1x).

So we could say that this verse is also saying “In leviathan’s (devil’s) neck dwells strength”…therefore we could say that the leviathan, hence the devil, is “stiffnecked”.

The second part of the verse makes it clear that the leviathan, hence the devil, rejoices in bringing sorrow…he thrives on it!

Job 41:23, “The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved.“

The original Hebrew word translated as “flakes is “מַפָּל (mapāl)“, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: flakes (1x), refuse (1x). but when looked at more closely, the idea is that which is “falling off” or “saggings” of the leviathan’s skin.

The original Hebrew word translated as “joined together” is דָּבַק (dāḇaq)^H1692, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: cleave (32x), follow hard (5x), overtake (3x), stick (3x), keep fast (2x), …together (2x), abide (1x), close (1x), joined (1x), pursued (1x), take (1x).

The original Hebrew word translated as “firm” is יָצַק (yāṣaq)^H3332, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: pour (21x), cast (11x), …out (7x), molten (6x), firm (2x), set down (1x), fast (1x), groweth (1x), hard (1x), overflown (1x), stedfast (1x).

So we could say that this verse is also saying that “The saggings of the leviathan’s (the devil’s) flesh cleave to him and are firm (overflowing and stedfast) and unmovable in themselves.” The leviathan’s (the devil’s) being is firm, strong, and impenetrable, and fat with his prey.

Job 41:24, “His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether [millstone].”

The first part of this verse tells us that leviathan’s (the devil’s) heart is as “firm” (again יָצַק (yāṣaq)^H3332) as a stone (אֶבֶן (‘eḇen))^H68 which leads us to another mimicing by the leviathan (the devil) of God, as we read in Genesis 49:24, “But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty [God] of Jacob; (from thence [is] the shepherd, the stone (אֶבֶן (‘eḇen))^H68 of Israel:).

The second part of the verse reiterates the hardness of leviathan’s heart…it is as hard (firm, יָצַק (yāṣaq)^H3332) as a piece of a nether (“lower” as in deep, underground, as in a hard rock mine). [NOTE: that “millstone” is implied, but evidently is a reasonable translation, as millstones are made of very hard rock].

We can all agree that the devil is extremely “hard hearted”!

Job 41:25, “When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.

This is an extremely difficult verse to exegete, because of the incredible variance in the meanings of each of the five original Hebrew words found within it. The single original Hebrew word that is translated as “When he raiseth up himself” is שְׂאֵת (śᵊ’ēṯ)^H7613, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: rising (7x), dignity (2x), excellency (2x), accepted (1x), highness (1x), raise up (1x). This is reminiscent of what we find in 2 Thessalonians 2:3&4, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

The original Hebrew word for “the mighty” is אַיִל (‘ayil)^H352, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: ram(s) (156x), post(s) (21x), mighty (men) (4x), trees (2x), lintel (1x), oaks (1x).

The original Hebrew word for “are afraid” is גּוּר (gûr)^H1481, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: sojourn (58x), dwell (12x), afraid (6x), stranger (6x), gather together (4x), fear (3x), abide (2x), assemble (1x), stand in awe (1x), gathered (1x), inhabitant (1x), remain (1x), sojourners (1x), surely (1x).

The original Hebrew word for “by reason of breakings” is שֶׁבַר (šeḇar)^H7667, which which the King James translators interpreted variously as: destruction (21x), breach (7x), hurt (4x), breaking (3x), affliction (2x), bruise (2x), crashing (1x), interpretation (1x), vexation (1x), miscellaneous (2x).

The original Hebrew word for “they purify themselves” is חָטָא (ḥāṭā’)^H2398, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: sin (188x), purify (11x), cleanse (8x), sinner (8x), committed (6x), offended (4x), blame (2x), done (2x), fault (1x), harm (1x), loss (1x), miss (1x), offender (1x), purge (1x), reconciliation (1x), sinful (1x), trespass (1x).

So it could just be that there is a much more complex “spiritual” meaning to be had from this verse than it would initially be understood in a cursory reading from only a purely “earthly” perspective…

It may just be that this verse could be telling us on a “spiritual” level that “Because of the uprising excellency of the Leviathan (the devil), the sons of men (גּוּר (gûr)^H1481), scatter and dwell together for fear of him and by reason of breaking (שֶׁבַר (šeḇar)^H7667), meaning ruin or destruction, as in Proverbs 16:18) they (the sons of men) (חָטָא (ḥāṭā’)^H2398), and either cleanse, meaning attempt to cleanse; OR sin, meaning do the same, as in create ruin themselves. So when the devil rules, men are subject to and objects of his destruction, so much so, that they seek to get right with him (purify themselves via the devil’s false gospels). 

Job 41:26, “The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.“

There is no earthly weapon of war that can rise up and reach (defeat) the leviathan, therefore no man can harm or kill leviathan (the devil) or be able to defend himself from him. But we know that God can destroy the devil bearing in mind these verses:

Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.“

Revelation 1:16, describing The Lord Jesus Christ having the “Sword” that can defeat the devil, “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.”

Job 41:27, “He esteemeth iron as straw, [and] brass as rotten wood.“

This verse is much more straight forward. The leviathan (the devil) regards iron as weak as straw, [and] brass as nothing but rotten wood.

However, we should be cognizant again of how these two metals are referenced elsewhere in the Bible. These two metals are spiritual references to God’s Judgments for sin and are intimately linked with Hell, the ultimate punishment.

God promised to national Israel if they were disobedient to His Commandments, which included what we are told in 

1. Leviticus 26:18&19, “And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:“
2. In Psalm 107:16, we read prophetically about Jesus conquering Hell for the believers, “For he (Jesus) hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.” and
3. In Isaiah 45:2, “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:“

The bottom line is that leviathan (the devil) has no regard for God’s wrath and judgment and dismisses that impending doom as though he will not be subject to them somehow despite what the devil was told explicitly in Isaiah 14:12-15.

Job 41:28, “The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble.“

This would seem to be a reiteration of the points made in the previous verses. No earthly weapon can defeat the leviathan (the devil).

Job 41:29, “Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.“

The darts (clubs) are likewise regarded as “stubble” (harmless chaff). The leviathan (the devil) laughs at the shaking (rattling) of another earthly weapon, a spear, at him.

Job 41:30, “Sharp stones [are] under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire.“

1) The first part of this verse tells us that “sharp stones” are underneath the leviathan. When we look at the original Hebrew word for “stones“, which is חֶרֶשׂ (ḥereś)^H2789, it has actually been variously translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible as: earthen (8x), potsherd (5x), sherd (2x), stone (1x), earth (1x). So we can see that the verse is actually telling us that broken pieces of pottery are underneath this monstrous beast. When we compare scripture with scripture we find that this is spiritually referring to the broken souls of mankind. God is the Potter and we are the vessels of earth made by His Hands. Please see the study: “The Potter and the Clay”

Remembering that those who are in league with the devil, the heathen, Jesus will break in pieces on Judgment Day just like He said in Psalm 2:7-9, “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.“

2) The second part of the verse includes some key words that make the exegesis difficult. When we look at the original Hebrew word for “spreadeth“, which is רָפַד (rāp̄aḏ)^H7502, it has actually been variously translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible as: spread (1x), made (1x), comfort (1x). However, that word is (according to “Strong’s Definitions”) “by implication, to refresh:—comfort, make (a bed), spread.”

Interestingly, the original Hebrew word translated as “sharp pointed things” is חָרוּץ (ḥārûṣ)^H2742, which has been translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible variously as: gold (6x), diligent (5x), decision (2x), threshing instrument (2x), sharp (1x), sharp things (1x), wall (1x).

Finally, the original Hebrew word translated as “mire” is טִיט (ṭîṭ)^H2916, which has been translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible variously as: mire (8x), clay (3x), dirt (2x). However, when we look at the contexts in which this word “mire” is found, we find the that the word is intimately linked with Hell:

1. Psalm 40:2, “He (God) brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of ^H2916 the miry clay, ^H2916 and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.“
2. Psalm 69:14, “Deliver me out of the mire, ^H2916 and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.“

We might say therefore that God seems to be making a “spiritual” point that the leviathan (the devil) makes his bed in Hell upon these broken potsherds (the destroyed souls of men), that he “threshed”, as though they were “gold” to him. Isaiah 45:9, “Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd (חֶרֶשׂ (ḥereś))^H2789 [strive] with the potsherds (חֶרֶשׂ (ḥereś))^H2789of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?” Clearly God is comparing sinful mankind as being like “potsherds”.

Note: Another original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “mire” is חֹמֶר (ḥōmer)^H2563, which has been translated variously as: clay (11x), homer (11x), morter (4x), mire (2x), heap (2x). When we look closely at the contexts, we see another similar theme: Isaiah 29:16, “Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as ^H2563 the potter’s clay: ^H2563 for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?” We see that the mire is the material that the potter crafts into pots. And then in Job 10:9, “Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; ^H2563 and wilt thou bring me into dust again?” and finally in Job 10:9, “Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; ^H2563 and wilt thou bring me into dust again?” Which also brings us back to Genesis 3:19, where God cursed Adam for his disobedience, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.” Again, please the study: “The Potter and the Clay”

Job 41:31, “He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.”

1) In the first part of the verse, the original Hebrew word for “deep” is מְצוֹלָה (mᵊṣôlâ)^H4688, which has been translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible variously as: deep (5x), deeps (3x), depths (2x), bottom (1x). But the meaning is to be found within the context of where the word is applied, which clearly once again points us to “Hell”.

1. Psalm 69:2, “I sink in deep ^H4688 mire, where [there is] no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
2. Psalm 69:15, “Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep ^H4688 swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.“
3. Psalm 88:6, “Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. ^H4688“
4. Jonah 2:3, “For thou hadst cast me into the deep, ^H4688 in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.” (Please also see: “The Book of Jonah”)

The original Hebrew word for “pot” is סִיר (sîr)^H5518, which has been translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible variously as: pot (21x), caldron (5x), thorns (4x), washpot (with H7366) (2x), pans (1x), fishhooks (with H1729) (1x).

2) In the second part of the verse, the original Hebrew word for “like a pot of ointment” is מֶרְקָחָה (merqāḥâ)^H4841, is only found twice in the Bible as either pot of ointment (1x), well (1x), but is taken from a root word, רָקַח (rāqaḥ)^H7543 that is typical of a sweet smelling ointment of the apothecary used for “anointing” a we see in Exodus 30:25, “And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: ^H7543 it shall be an holy anointing oil.”

It would seem as though, from “spiritual” standpoint that the leviathan (the devil) is intimately associated with making Hell to boil like a cauldron and Hell to serve as his anointing oil that might seem sweet, but only destroys.

Job 41:32, “He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.“

The first part of this verse is straightforward, but the word “shine” is the word אוֹר (‘ôr)^H215  again, so the leviathan (the devil) gives the appearance of having his pathway be a source of light and life, and in doing so it means that the light is influenced or perverted by him.

The second part of the verse is a bit more complex as the original Hebrew word for “[one] would think” is חָשַׁב (ḥāšaḇ)^H2803, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: count (23x), devise (22x), think (18x), imagine (9x), cunning (8x), reckon (7x), purpose (6x), esteem (6x), account (5x), impute (4x), forecast (2x), regard (2x), workman (2x), conceived (1x), miscellaneous (9x).

and the he original Hebrew word for “the deep” is תְּהוֹם (tᵊhôm)^H8415, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: deep (20x), depth (15x), deep places (1x). However, when we again look at the contexts where this word is found, we again see a direct correlation with “Hell” such as in Jonah 2:5, “The waters compassed me about, [even] to the soul: the depth ^H8415 closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.”

But then we see this reference to the word “hoary”, which in the original Hebrew is שֵׂיבָה (śêḇâ)^H7872, translated variously as: old age (6x), gray hairs (6x), hoar head (3x), hoary head (2x), grayheaded (1x), hoary (1x). This word gives us an important clue. In Proverbs 16:31, “The hoary head ^H7872 [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.“

So then, could this verse be saying that the leviathan (the devil) gives the appearance of having his pathway be a source of light and life, leading “one” to think/imagine/reckon that this pathway is one of wisdom (being “hoary”)? But the believer knows that it is not, because it is not “in the way of righteousness“! The devil, “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”(1 John 2:22). The devil comes looking like Jesus, but is a liar and a deceiver.

Is not this that we are told in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.“

The “false Christ” offers only false hope, and he comes with a false gospel and the reward is only Hell.

Job 41:33, “Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.”

The first part of this verse is indeed very straightforward. And we sing in “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”…”On earth is not his equal.” The devil reigns supreme over this world. We should also remember what Jesus said in John 18:36, “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.“

The second part is quite ominous.

The original Hebrew word for “made” is עָשָׂה (ʿāśâ)^H6213, which has been translated variously as: do (1,333x), make (653x), wrought (52x), deal (52x), commit (49x), offer (49x), execute (48x), keep (48x), shew (43x), prepare (37x), work (29x), do so (21x), perform (18x), get (14x), dress (13x), maker (13x), maintain (7x), miscellaneous (154x).

The original Hebrew word for “made” is חַת (ḥaṯ)^H2844, which has been translated variously as: dread (1x), broken (1x), fear (1x), dismayed (1x).

So it would seem that we are reminded that the leviathan (the devil) has no equal on earth, and he does/executes/works without any dread. The devil is fearless in his destructive actions.

The Horror is…the devil does not fear anything, even the Wrath of God! This is the terrible nature of all of reprobate mankind (the children of pride). They neither love God, nor fear God’s Wrath! Therefore they will never sue God for mercy, and are just like the devil with whom they are allied, and are destined only for the same fate…destruction and an eternity in Hell.

Job 41:34, “He beholdeth all high [things]: he is a king over all the children of pride.“

The original Hebrew word for “beholdeth” is רָאָה (rā’â)^H7200, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: see (879x), look (104x), behold (83x), shew (68x), appear (66x), consider (22x), seer (12x), spy (6x), respect (5x), perceive (5x), provide (4x), regard (4x), enjoy (4x), lo (3x), foreseeth (2x), heed (2x), miscellaneous (74x).

The original Hebrew word for “high” is גָּבֹהַּ (gāḇōha)^H1364, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: high (24x), higher (5x), lofty (2x), exceeding (1x), haughty (1x), height (1x), highest (1x), proud (1x), proudly (1x).

So we can interpret this verse as saying that the leviathan (the devil) perceives all high, lofty, haughty and proud [things], and is the king over all of the children of pride. Remembering what God says about all such in Psalm 10:4, “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after] God: God [is] not in all his thoughts.” Proverbs 16:18, “Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.“

“His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.”

Conclusion

Job Chapter 42 makes clear that just as Job, the man, has no power to subdue the leviathan (a beastly creation of God), so too no man can subdue the devil (another beastly creation of God). The Good News is that God, through the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, not only can subdue the devil and his evil devices, but will destroy the devil forever on Judgment Day.

The “leviathan” as presented in Job, Chapter 41, is an allegorical account detailing the strength, power, wisdom, and appeal of the devil, which no one can ever even hope to overcome and/or resist, in and of himself or herself. And most frightening of all, the devil has all knowledge that is far above any man of God’s ways and means. The devil understands the parables/proverbs of God and their “spiritual” meanings.

We should be reminded of Daniel 8:23-25, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.“

James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.“

But the devil CANNOT obey!…he CANNOT love God…or anyone!!

Repentance, Redemption and Restoration

So the message to us is that Job saw that his piety, his faith, his respect of God could not save him.

Job was awakened to the reality that God Is The Creator, and that God created both the “behemoth” and the “leviathan” (stubborn prideful creatures picturing the devil) to serve God’s purposes…just as God actually created the devil, the adversary, for God’s purposes… and that only God will ultimately have the power to destroy the him on Judgment Day.

In Job 42:6, we read that Job repented when confronted with the reality of his inherent sin, along with recognizing the power of the adversary (the devil, the very one who brought upon Job all of his, and all of mankind’s, agonies).

Job learned that only God, as Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ, Job’s Redeemer), had the power to save him from his sins. The same is true for every human being! (Job 19:25, “For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:“)

Job Understood His Need for Redemption and Reconciliation.

Only the awakened sinner will realize his or her helpless estate, and that he or she is no match for the devil, let alone for the Almighty God, Who created all things, including all of mankind and the devil.

The final message is that everyone must repent of all sins and humbly seek God’s mercy, which is found only in the Person and Work of God’s Son, The Lord Jesus Christ. God decrees full restoration upon the repentant sinner so that those within the Elect Body of Christ can once again come into the presence of God…but to a MUCH better place than the Garden of Eden…they will be together with the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the New Heavens and New Earth.

Psalm 34:18, “The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” and Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.“

Dear reader, if there be ANY doubt in your mind as to the validity of this study concerning the “Leviathan” and its spiritual representation of the devil as being in all conformity with God’s Word, then please carefully ponder God’s statement concerning Judgment Day and the devil’s destruction for eternity: Isaiah 27:1, “¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.“

Introduction

In the Book of Job, chapter 40, God dedicates the last ten verses of the chapter to provide His description of a very large and fearsome land dwelling creature, which is called “behemoth”, leaving one to wonder what is the point of that? Was it simply to provide an example of God’s great might and superior creative power whereby Job would thus be diminished by comparison? Or is there something else…beyond the physical…which could easily be overlooked when understanding the Bible only from a literal, grammatical, and historical perspective?

This study will show that there is, indeed, far more than just meets the “physical” eye as viewed from only a human perspective, if God is so pleased to allow one to see from a “spiritual” perspective, having blessed him or her with “Spiritual Ears and Spiritual Eyes“. God also specifies in 1 Corinthians 2:13, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” The means of comparing spiritual things with spiritual is by carefully comparing of scripture with scripture, searching out the words for their original Hebrew meanings, because all Biblical scripture is spiritual, precisely as we are told in 2 Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.“

Spiritual Perspective: This study will show that God provided to Job (and us) with a spiritual allegorical portrait of the great adversary of God and all mankind, the Devil/Satan.

Dear reader, please read on to see the explanation of this otherwise hidden spiritual truth.

Before reading further, this teacher would like the reader to understand what is a “parable” and how and why Jesus ALWAYS employed parables when speaking to the multitudes. Moreover, the purpose of “parables” (often referred to as “earthly stories with heavenly meanings”) has everything to do with God’s Magnificent Plan of Salvation. Therefore, the Bible should NEVER be assumed to be read and understood from a purely superficial, earthly, perspective.

Verse by Verse, Hebraic Word Study of Job 40:15-24

Beginning in Job 40:15, when God was speaking to Job out of a “whirlwind“, we are first introduced to an unusually large and strong creature whom God describes as the “behemoth“, saying:

1) Job 40:15, “Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass (חָצִיר (ḥāṣîr))^H2682 as an ox.”

So then the behemoth, which in the original Hebrew is בַּהֲמוֹת (bahămôṯ)^H930 (a masculine noun that is found only once in the whole Bible), is another “creature”, just like Job, a man, who only God, Alone, could make. The Behemoth was also evidently created at about the same time. Note that the behemoth is described as being a vegetarian because he eats “grass” like an ox (and hence not a carnivore, at least it appears to be the case until we look more closely at this verse).

But what does God have to say about “grass” in the Bible? One thing that we are told in both the Old and New Testaments is that, from a spiritual perspective, mankind can be likened to grass as we read in Psalm 103:15&16, “[As for] man, his days [are] as grass (חָצִיר (ḥāṣîr))^H2682: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” and 1 Peter 1:24, “For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower  thereof falleth away:“

Spiritual Perspective: So, oddly enough, it would seem that the behemoth could be “spiritually” viewed as capable of eating people? It is therefore worth remembering what we are told in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:“

* Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “behemoth” is closely associated with another Hebrew word, בְּהֵמָה (bᵊhēmâ)^H929, which is found nearly 200 times in the Bible, interpreted as either beast (136x), cattle (53x). And it should be particularly noted what we are told in Genesis 3:14&15, when God cursed the devil, “And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle (בְּהֵמָה (bᵊhēmâ))^H929 and above every beast (חַי (ḥay))^H2416of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [NOTE: The word that is translated as “beast”, חַי (ḥay)^H2416, is translated elsewhere in the Old Testament variously as live (197x), life (144x), beast (76x), alive (31x), creature (15x),running (7x), living thing (6x), raw (6x), miscellaneous (19x). Therefore, from a spiritual standpoint, it could be interpreted to mean “all living creatures”.]

2) Job 40:16, we read, “Lo now, his strength [is] in his loins, and his force [is] in the navel of his belly.”

Each word has various alternative ways of being translated into English.

The word for “strength” is in the original Hebrew כֹּחַ (kōaḥ) ^H3581, which has been translated by the King James translators variously as strength (58x), power (47x), might (7x), force (3x), ability (2x),  able (2x), able (with H6113) (1x), chameleon (1x), fruits (1x),  powerful (1x), substance (1x), wealth (1x). [Note that one time it is translated as a large unclean lizard, which is a bit surprising to say the least.]

The word for “force” is in the original Hebrew is אוֹן (‘ôn)^H202, which has been translated by the King James translators variously as strength (7x), might (2x), force (1x), goods (1x), substance (1x). It can be said that it is referring to vigor, generative power, wealth, or physical strength. However, interestingly, it is derived from the root word, אָוֶן (‘āven)^H205, which has been translated by the King James translators variously as iniquity (47x), wicked(ness) (8x), vanity (6x),  affliction (3x), mischief (3x), unrighteous (2x), evil (1x), false (1x),  idol (1x), mourners (1x), mourning (1x), nought (1x), sorrow (1x), unjust (1x), vain (1x).

Spiritual Perspective: Note that each of these attributes can be “spiritually” ascribed to the devil, one way or another.

The word for “navel” is שָׁרִיר (šārîr)^H8306, which is only found once in the entire Bible (here in Job), but is similar to שֹׁר (H8270) and שֹׁרֶר (H8326), which have also been translated as “navel” and refer to a hard part of the belly or umbilical cord. However, interestingly enough, the word is said to derived from a root word, שָׁרַר (shârar)^H8324, which is said to be hostile, an opponent, hence an “enemy”.

Spiritual Perspective: So then, we see repetitive indications that the behemoth is a creature that is NOT “good”, but has power and might that can be associated with a large lurking lizard, that is potentially “wicked” and having negative connotations such as that which can be associated with an “enemy” just like the devil. For additional insights on how these words can be metaphorically linked to the devil, please see “The Devil in Disguise: Haman the Agagite and Amalekite“

3) Job 40:17, “He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.“

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “moveth” is חָפֵץ (ḥāp̄ēṣ)^H2654, which has been interpreted variously as delight (39x), please (14x), desire (9x), will (3x), pleasure (3x), favour (2x), like (2x), moveth (1x), would (1x), at all (1x). So, therefore, we could say that this behemoth uses his tail for his pleasure and delight.

His “Tail”

Remember the red dragon, which served as a picture of the devil in Revelation 12:4, “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.“

Spiritual Perspective: The devil “delighted”, and was “pleased”, to destroy one third of the angels with his “tail”. (Please see for example Jude 1:6)

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “tail” is זָנָב (zānāḇ)^H2180, and has consistently been interpreted solely as meaning “tail” (11x).

It is therefore worth a moment to consider the implications of this word, given that it consistently suggests a negative connotation. A few examples:

1. In Deuteronomy 28:13, while discussing the blessings that would come upon Israel if it continued in obedience to God, God said, “And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do [them]:” Note also that the reverse would be the case if Israel became disobedient according to Deuteronomy 28:44.
2. Isaiah 9:15, “The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail. [Bearing in mind that God is the Ancient and Honorable and the Head, while the devil is the father of lies, and along with his prophets, is the tail. Jesus said, while describing the devil in John 8:44, “…When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.“]
3. Revelation 9:19, “For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails [were] like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.“

Note that the “tail” of the behemoth is compared with a “cedar” (a tree), which is quite large and strong, hence the thought of the tail being something equivalent to a large dinosaur’s tail (when viewed from a purely earthly perspective).

Finally, regarding “tail”, not how in Revelation, Chapter Nine, we read in verses 1&2 that, “¶And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.” A bit later in verse 10&11 we read how an army of locusts that had been loosed from the bottomless pit (a picture of Hell) and were described thusly, “And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon.” Abaddon and Apollyon means “Destroyer”, hence that king/angel is the devil, who we know will be loosed by God during the Final Tribulation.

Near the end of the chapter we read of an army of 200 million horsemen described in verses 17-19, “And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and  brimstone.“By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone,  which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails [were] like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.”

So these “horses” embodied the three key elements of God’s Judgment as we read in Revelation 14:10&11, “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth  the mark of his name.”

Note also that their “power” was in their “mouths” and their “tails” which were like that of “serpents”. This is clearly reminding us that the devil (represented by the serpent), “destroys” both with his tail like the serpent and with his mouth by telling lies. In similar fashion, the behemoth’s tail is clearly powerful, and so is his mouth, which we will read about further on in Job 40:23.

The Sinews and Stones Are Wrapped Together

In the last part of the verse we read “the sinews of his stones are wrapped together“, where the word that is translated as “stones” is פחד (p̄ḥḏ)^H6344 is found only this once in the whole Bible. However, nearly the exact same word, פַּחַד (paḥaḏ)^H6343, is translated variously as fear (40x), dread (3x), great (2x), terror (2x), dreadful (1x), greatly (1x).

Spiritual Perspective: We could therefore say that, somehow, within the behemoth’s sinews and loins is only fear, dread, and terror wrapped together, therefore the behemoth is, by his very essence, quite dreadful…just like the devil.

There is also another more subtle implication when we look at both verses 16 and 17 taken together in that the “loins” and “stones” can also point to the behemoth’s progeny. And the devil’s progeny, or offspring, are his followers. Remember what Jesus said to the self righteous Pharisees in John 8:44, “Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.“

4) Job 40:18, “His bones [are as] strong pieces of brass; his bones [are] like bars of iron.”

This is a very important verse because it is describing the behemoth’s skeletal structure as being equivalent to both “strong pieces of brass” and “bars of iron“. “Brass” and “Iron” are used by God in the Bible to relate to the dominion of Hell. Let’s look at some examples, while bearing in mind what Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (Πέτρος (petros)) ^G4074, and upon this rock (πέτρα (petra))^G4073 I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.“

1. In Psalm 107:16, we read prophetically about Jesus conquering Hell for the believers, “For he (Jesus)hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.” and in:
2. Isaiah 45:2, “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:“
3. In Deuteronomy 4:20, we read where God compares the salvation of His people, National Israel, as thought they had been taken out Hell (Egypt) where the evil pharaoh was a “type” of the devil, “But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, [even] out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as [ye are] this day.” The “Iron furnace” is a clear reference to Hell, in which Egypt is being used as an allegory of Hell, from which God (by a mighty stretched out arm) brought out and saved His people.
4. Remember also the penalties that God promised to national Israel if they were disobedient to His Commandments, which included what we are told in Leviticus 26:18&19, “And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:” In other words, the disobedient’s heaven will be like Hell.
5. Leviticus 26:19, “And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:”
6. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 28:23, “And thy heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee [shall be] iron.” and
7. Deuteronomy 33:25, “Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].”
8. Isaiahj 48:4, “Because I knew that thou [art] obstinate, and thy neck [is] an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;“
9. Job 28:2, “Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten [out] of the stone.“

Remember also the description of the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ first in Daniel 10:6, “His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.” and then in Revelation 1:15, “And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.” Similarly we read in Revelation 10:1, “And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:” Indeed, in order to defeat death and Hell, Jesus had to endure death and Hell. And let’s not forget the Brass Serpent on the pole, which God used to represent the fact that Jesus had to become sin for His Elect and that Jesus had to endure the fires of Hell in order to save them.

For more on how God uses “Iron” as a metaphor for “Hell”, please see this post: “The Songs of Moses“

Spiritual Perspective: We could therefore say, from a “spiritual” perspective, that the behemoth can be integrally associated with Hell, given that Hell is consistently represented in the Bible by both “brass” and “bars of iron”.

5) Job 40:19, “He [is] the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach [unto him].“

The word for “chief” is in the original Hebrew רֵאשִׁית (rē’šîṯ)^H7225, which has been translated by the King James translators variously as  beginning (18x), firstfruits (11x), first (9x), chief (8x), miscellaneous (5x). The word for “ways” is in the original Hebrew דֶּרֶךְ (dereḵ)^H1870, which has been translated by the King James translators variously as way (590x), toward (31x), journey (23x), manner (8x), miscellaneous (53x).

The first part of this verse could therefore also be interpreted as saying that the behemoth was from the “beginning”, or “first”, accustomed with the ways of God. Remembering that in Daniel 8:23, which describes the anti-Christ, the devil, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.” Note that the word that is translated as “dark sayings” is from the original Hebrew חִידָה (ḥîḏâ)^H2420, which has been translated variously as riddle (9x), dark sayings (3x), hard question (2x), dark sentence (1x), proverb (1x), dark speech (1x). Hence the devil understands spiritual implications of God’s Word, but the devil cannot obey it, and can only pervert God’s Word and the devil is forever in rebellion to the Word because the devil is the epitome of evil.

Genesis 3:1 describes the devil (“the serpent“) thusly, “¶Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made…” God created him that way, and the devil serves Go’s purposes as the adversary (which in the Hebrew is שָׂטָן (śāṭān)^H7854). Remember what God said in Isaiah 45:7, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].“

In the second part of the verse we see that it is God who not only made the behemoth, fashioned him, and purposed him, but it is only God who can approach near to that behemoth with a “sword”. What does that imply?

The word for “sword” is in the original Hebrew, חֶרֶב (ḥereḇ)^H2719, which has been translated by the King James translators variously as sword (401x), knife (5x), dagger (3x), axes (1x), mattocks (1x), TOOL (1x), sword (with H3027) (1x), so it is safe to say that this is meant to be a weapon that is used to kill and destroy. For more on how this word is used by God in the Bible, particularly as it relates to God’s Judgment, please see this post: “Lightning, Swords, and Arrows: Weapons of Judgment Coming on Judgment Day“

The words taken together “make” “to approach” are from the original Hebrew word, נָגַשׁ (nāḡaš)^H5066, which as been translated by the King James translators variously as (come, draw, etc)..near (55x), come (14x), (come, draw, etc)..nigh (12x), bring (13x), … hither (7x), offer (7x), approach (5x), forth (3x), miscellaneous (9x). Hence, the word is suggesting a very close approach.

The “Sword” is the “Word of God” Coming Out of the Mouth of Jesus!

The Word of God is equated to a “sword” here in Ephesians 6:17, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” and  Revelation 19:21, “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.“ Also, Revelation 2:16, “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

We were also told earlier in the Book of Revelation in Revelation 1:16, “He (Jesus) had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two–edged sword, and His countenance [was] like the sun shining in its strength.” and in Revelation 2:12, “¶And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he (Jesus) which hath the sharp sword with two edges;“

Hosea 6:5, “Therefore have I hewed [them] by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments [are as] the light [that] goeth forth.“

Spiritual Perspective: It will be the Word of God (Jesus Christ), coming as a Sword of Judgment that will come near to kill and destroy the devil forever on Judgment Day.

6) Job 40:20, “Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.”

The mountains in the Bible refer to kingdoms. And the kingdoms of this world provide this behemoth his food/prey and it is where the “beasts” of the fields “play”.

As was noted earlier, referring back to Genesis 3:14&15, the original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “beasts” is חַי (ḥay)^H2416, which has been interpreted variously as live (197x), life (144x), beast (76x), alive (31x), creature (15x),  running (7x),living thing (6x), raw (6x), miscellaneous (19x). Therefore, from a spiritual standpoint, in this case, it could be interpreted to mean those who are “physically” “alive”.

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “play” is שָׂחַק (śāḥaq)^H7832, which has been interpreted variously as play (10x), laugh (10x), rejoice (3x), scorn (3x), sport (3x), merry (2x), mock (2x), deride (1x), derision (1x), mockers (1x), which for the most part can be viewed in the negative context consistent with mock, scorn, laugh, deride or showing contempt.

Note also that the Bible refers to the unsaved of mankind as “brute beasts” in both 2 Peter 2:12, “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;” and in regard to what Jude 1:8 refers to as “filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.“, we read in Jude 1:10, “But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.”

And with regard to “mockers” and “scorners”, we read in Jude 1:17-19, “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” and in Proverbs 3:34, “Surely he (the LORD) scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.” and Proverbs 19:29, “Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.“

Spiritual Perspective: So we can again see that the context can be viewed from a spiritual perspective as describing the devil finding his prey in the earthly kingdoms, where the unsaved live, typified by the beasts and mockers/scorners.

7) Job 40:21, “He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.“

The word in the original Hebrew that has been translated into English as “lieth” is שָׂחַק (śāḥaq)^H7832, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as lie (106x), sleep (48x), lie down (43x), rest (3x), lien (2x), miscellaneous (10x). Interestingly, the Bible also uses this word to suggest a sexual context, as we see in Genesis 19:32-35 and elsewhere (e.g.,Genesis 26:10 and Genesis 30:15).

The word in the original Hebrew that has been translated into English as “shady trees” is צֶאֱלִים (ṣe’ĕlîm)^H6628 is found only twice in the Bible, here and in the very next verse. It is said to also mean “Lotus tree” or “slender”, so it is difficult to ascribe a “spiritual meaning”, however the double use of the word and the context of the next verse makes clear that these shady trees provide a place of concealment and a hiding place. This context is made even more clear by the use of the next key word, “covert“.

The word in the original Hebrew that has been translated into English as “covert” is סֵתֶר (sēṯer)^H5643, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as secret (12x), secretly (9x), covert (5x), secret place (3x), hiding place (2x), backbiting (1x), covering (1x), disguiseth (1x), privily (1x), protection (1x).

Then the word in the original Hebrew that has been translated into English as “reed” is קָנֶה (qānê) ^H7070, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as reed (28x), branch (24x), calamus (3x), cane (2x),  stalk (2x), balance (1x), bone (1x), spearmen (1x), so we can conclude that it is a reedy plant that is associated with a marshland based on it relationship with mire depicted by the next word “fens”

The word in the original Hebrew that has been translated into English as “fens” is בִּצָּה (biṣṣâ)^H1207, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as mire (1x), fens (1x), miry place (1x) suggesting a damp, swampy place. In fact, it is also found earlier in the Book of Job, in Job 8:11, “Can the rush grow up without mire בִּצָּה (biṣṣâ)^H1207? can the flag grow without water?”

When we look elsewhere in the Bible for references to “mire” we find that it is almost always provided in a negative context, most particularly with Hell.

Among the original Hebrew words that are also translated as “mire” is חֹמֶר (ḥōmer)^H2563, which is also translated variously as clay (11x), homer (11x), morter (4x), mire (2x), heap (2x). It is also found in Job 30:19, “He hath cast me into the mire (חֹמֶר (ḥōmer))^H2563, and I am become like dust and ashes.“

Another word in the original Hebrew that is translated as “mire” or “mirey” is יָוֵן (yāvēn)^H3121 as we find in Psalm 69:2, “I sink in יָוֵן (yāvēn)^H3121 deep mire יָוֵן (yāvēn)^H3121, where [there is] no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.” and in Psalm 40:2, “He (The LORD, Who heard his cry) brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.“, which in both these cases makes a clear association between Hell (an “horrible pit”) and both “mirey” and deep “mire”, from the which salvation is sought from God.

Spiritual Perspective: Once again there is a negative context, in the which the behemoth (devil) can been seen to be spiritually bankrupt in a concealment setting that can also be associated with Hell.

8) Job 40:22, “The shady trees cover him [with] their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.“

The word in the original Hebrew that has been translated into English as “brook” is נַחַל (naḥal)^H5158, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as river (56x), brook (46x), valley (23x), stream (11x), flood (5x).

Spiritual Perspective: This verse is similar to the previous one, and reinforces that the behemoth, like the devil, is concealed among the shadows, and that he is concealing himself and his activity, which activity also implicitly suggests sexual fornication. The devil and his activities are withheld from the eyes of unsaved and unsuspecting mankind (but not God).

9) In Job 40:23, “Behold, he drinketh up a river, [and] hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.“

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “drinketh” is עָשַׁק (ʿāšaq)^H6231, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as: oppress (23x), oppressor (4x), defraud (3x), wrong (2x), deceived (1x), deceitfully gotten (1x), oppression (1x), drink up (1x), violence (1x). Note how in every single other context, besides “drink up”, the implication is once again entirely negative. And, as a result we could also interpret this verse as saying that the behemoth obtains by “deceit” and “oppresses”/”does violence” and hence has taken dominion over the “river”, נָהָר (nāhā)^H5104 which is generally understood to be a source of life. Note that the first place that this word is found in the Bible is in Genesis 2:10, pertaining to the Garden of Eden where both “the tree of life” and “the tree of knowledge of good and evil” were located: “And a river (נָהָר (nāhā)^H5104 went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.“

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “hasteth” is חָפַז (ḥāp̄az)^H2648, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as haste (3x), to haste (3x), make haste (2x), tremble (1x). Therefore, the behemoth is not alarmed or fearful.

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “trusteth” is בָּטַח (bāṭaḥ)^H982, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as trust (103x), confidence (4x), secure (4x), confident (2x), bold (1x), careless (1x), hope (1x), hoped (1x), ones (1x), sure (1x), women (1x). The behemoth seems to be confident that he can swallow up the river Jordan as though he believes that he has dominion over it.

But what does the river Jordan represent? The Jordan River is a 156-mile-long river that flows north to south from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. It is mentioned in the Bible over 185 times, and each time is significant in its own way. For example, Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan by John the Baptist (Mark 1:9-11). Naaman the Syrian was cleansed of Leprosy in it (2 Kings 5:10-14).

But we also know that the Jordan river played an important role in serving as an allegorical reference for Hell in Joshua 3:15-17, that apart from God’s intervention, the Jordan River, being at “flood” stage, would have prevented God’s people from entering into the Promised Land (picturing Heaven) after their wilderness sojourn. In the last verse we read, “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.” Similarly, both Elijah and Elisha were able to cross over the river Jordan without getting wet, as we read in 2 Kings 2:8, “And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.” The waters of Jordan did not touch God’s people in those two cases, just as the fires of Hell cannot touch the elect children of God.

It is no coincidence that we read of the serpent/dragon in Revelation 12:15&16, “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.”

Spiritual Perspective: So does not this appear to be saying…from a spiritual perspective…that the devil had taken over dominion of the source of life from Adam and Eve by his “deceit” (he lied to Eve) and that he only “oppresses”/”does violence” to all of mankind as a result. The devil, in his pride, is not afraid of Hell and is confident that he can have dominion over Hell and hence over all of those who are destined for it.

10) In Job 40:24, “He taketh it with his eyes: [his] nose pierceth through snares.“

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “taketh” is לָקַח (lāqaḥ)^H3947, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as take (747x), receive (61x), take away (51x), fetch (31x), bring (25x), get (6x), take out (6x), carry away (5x), married (4x), buy (3x), miscellaneous (26x).

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “nose” is אַף (‘ap̄)^H639, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as anger (172x), wrath (42x), face (22x), nostrils (13x), nose (12x),  angry (4x), longsuffering (with H750) (4x), before (2x), countenance (1x), forbearing (1x), forehead (1x), snout (1x), worthy (1x). So we could say that the behemoth might be viewed as acting in “anger/wrath”.

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “pierceth through” is נָקַב (nāqaḇ)^H5344, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as curse (6x), expressed (6x), blaspheme (3x), bore (2x), name (2x), pierce (2x), Appoint (1x), holes (1x), pierce through (1x), strike through (1x).

So we might therefore say that the behemoth could be viewed as acting in “anger/wrath” to “curse” or “blaspheme“.

NOTE: Regarding “Blasphemies”, it is worth noting what we find in Revelation 13:1-5, where the John the Revelator saw “a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” That beast was given power by the red dragon and further described in verses 5&6 as “¶And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.”

The original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “snares” is מוֹקֵשׁ (môqēš)^H4170, which has been interpreted by the King James translators variously as snare (20x), gin (3x), trap (2x), ensnared (1x), snared (1x). Note in particular these verses, 2 Samuel 22:6 (and Psalm 18:4), “The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares (מוֹקֵשׁ (môqēš))^H4170 of death prevented (went before)me;” [Please see all of 2 Samuel 22:1–51  to see this wonderful Psalm of David that points us to the Jesus’ Atonement]

Two other verses link this word for “snare” with death:

1. Proverbs 13:14, “The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares (מוֹקֵשׁ (môqēš))^H4170 of death.”
2. Proverbs 14:27, “The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares (מוֹקֵשׁ (môqēš))^H4170 of death.”

For more on the significance of snares in the Bible, please see: “Psalm 9:16 & Biblical Irony: Understanding God’s Temporal vs. Eternal Judgment and Justice” and “The Snare of Judgment Day“

Spiritual Perspective: The devil captures and takes away, hence controls, what he sees (mankind, starting with Adam and Eve), and in his “anger/wrath”, he “curses/blasphemes” God, as he captures the majority of mankind with the “snares” of death.

Conclusion

Whatever the specific “earthly” beast that is being described as the “behemoth” in the Book of Job, it is not the focus of this study, because it inconsequential to God’s “spiritual” purpose. In reality, the behemoth is just an allegory, given in a parable, to spiritually represent the devil and his character and powerful attributes, who God created and only God can overcome and vanquish.

It is a true mystery that God created the devil, indeed all evil…which is defined by any and all those of mankind who reject and rebel against Him…to ultimately serve God’s purposes.

Just as the devil was allowed by God to tempt Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in the beginning of the Bible in Genesis that led the Fall of Adam (and hence all mankind) into sin, so we see at the beginning of the Book of Job the devil being allowed to put Job to the test through many harmful means. God is telling us that the behemoth was created by God to serve as a powerful adversary, just like the devil, and that only God can (and will) destroy the devil by the Sword, the Word (The Lord Jesus Christ), on Judgment Day.

In closing, please remember that the historical figure, Job, was a man described in Job 1:1 as being uniquely “perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” Yet, the man Job was still a sinner in need of a Savior who said in Job 19:25, “I know [that] my redeemer liveth“. But we also can see how Job could serve as an allegorical “Type” for the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave up everything to save His people for God’s Glory. And only Jesus (not Job, or any “man” from Adam) could affirmatively respond to every question posed by God to Job. Hence, from that spiritual standpoint, God was speaking to Jesus in a rhetorical fashion, hence the whole book of Job is a historical parable. For some additional spiritual insights regarding the Book of Job, please also see: “Job’s Friends“.

More verses to ponder:

Proverbs 16:4, “The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” and the day of evil is “Judgment Day”!

Colossians 1:16&17, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.“

And when God told Moses to speak these words to Pharaoh, God was in fact explaining to us the role of the devil being used for God’s purposes as we read in Exodus 9:16, “And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” This is reiterated also in Romans 9:17, in the context of election and God’s perfect plan of Salvation for His chosen people, “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.“

So it is neither in, nor of, man to be pure and sinless…It is not in man (including even Job) to warrant God’s favor by his own works and ways, as we read in Romans 9:16, “So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” God is entirely Sovereign over all of His creation. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

POSTSCRIPT: The Red Dragon Is Another Allegory describing the Devil, and Satan

In Revelation 12:3-9, we read about another fearsome beast, who God created, who is called the “red dragon” and identified as “the Devil, and Satan“, “¶ And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child (Jesus Christ), who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.And the woman (the church) fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days. ¶And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought  against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which  deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.“

NOTE to the Reader: This teacher, just before posting this study on the website (New Year’s Day 2026,) had begun to read the Bible through again in a year and discovered the following: In Genesis 1:21, “And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.” Interestingly, the original Hebrew word that is translated by the King James translators as “whales” is תַּנִּין (tannîn)^H8577, which has been translated variously in the Old Testament as dragon (21x), serpent (3x), but as whale only twice. In the “Song of Moses” (Deuteronomy Chapter 32), the same original Hebrew word in Deuteronomy 32:33, is translated as “dragons“. Moses was describing reprobates (the unsaved) and said, “Their wine [is] the poison of dragons (תַּנִּין (tannîn))^H8577, and the cruel venom of asps.” and then in Isaiah 27:1, “In that day (Judgment Day) the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175, even leviathan that crooked serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175; and he shall slay the dragon  (תַּנִּין (tannîn))^H8577 that [is] in the sea.”

Moreover the very same original Hebrew word, נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš)^H5175, which is translated as “serpent” in the above verse, is the same word first found in the Bible in Genesis 3:1, “¶Now the serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” So then,  it would seem that God has not only equated that “serpent” with the devil, but also the “dragon“, the “leviathan” (and even the great “whales“ תַּנִּין (tannîn)^H8577 going all the way back in Genesis 1:24)

Introduction

The purpose of this post is to simply aggregate a number of verses in the Bible that make clear to us that God’s Wisdom is so far above mankind’s “wisdom” as to be compared to trying to fathom the extent of the universe. Simply stated there is an unfathomable gap between God’s Wisdom and mankind’s “wisdom”. Moreover, God’s Wisdom engulfs the spiritual domain that carnal mankind cannot begin to understand. God’s Wisdom is also counter-intuitive to mankind’s way of thinking as we will see below.

The reader is also directed to another post: “Wisdom Is the Principal Thing“.

1 Corinthians 1:18-31, “¶For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. ¶Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where  [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ¶For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.“

And then in the very next chapter, in 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, ¶And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. ¶Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ¶ But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ¶Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.“

1 Corinthians 3:18-20,, “¶Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.“

Isaiah 55:8&9, “For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.“

Colossians 2:8, “¶Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom; and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength as we read in 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, “¶For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:”

Job Provides Some Additional Insights

The Book of Job has some interesting points that cannot be argued. God spoke directly to Job beginning in Job 38:1 –Job 41:34, where God makes clear that He is Supreme, Sovereign, Omnipotent, and Omniscient and created this universe for His Glory. Man is just a part of that creation. Yet we know that God Graciously condescended to reveal Himself to mankind, and even share His Kingdom with His chosen, by taking upon Himself a body of flesh and bones, in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, to become the Eternal Atoning Sacrifice for sin to bridge the unfathomable gap between God and Man. Amazing!

Introduction: What is the Meaning of “Quicken”?

To be “quickened” in the Biblical sense, is to be “born again“, by being made “spiritually alive“, which is accomplished by God as a gift to a person of His Holy Spirit. All believers are, and must be, quickened (“made alive”) by God’s Holy Spirit. That “quickening” by the Holy Spirit is integral and synonymous with Salvation, which is the result of the Atoning Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ and the the resultant, implanted, faith in Jesus as that person’s Savior, which accompanies that quickening.

John 3:5-8, “¶Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.“

“Quicken” as Found in the Old Testament

All but one of the references in the Old Testament, which include the word that is translated into English as “quicken” by the King James translators, are found exclusively in the Book of Psalms, and nine of those are found in Psalm 119 (KJV). Notably, in Psalm 119, the quickening is closely linked to God’s Word, Judgments, and precept.

As noted above, that “quickening” by the Holy Spirit is the regeneration of the dead soul and is synonymous with Salvation. This is accomplished at the time appointed by God in the presence of God‘s Word and God‘s minister, which is why the gospel is to be preached and testified of throughout the world.

Notice how perfectly this fits with Romans 10:14-16, “¶How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

חָיָה (ḥāyâ)^H2421

The word in the Old Testament, which has been translated as “quicken” by the King James translators, is from the original Hebrew word, חָיָה (ḥāyâ)^H2421 which is actually found 262 times in the Bible and has been translated variously as live (153x), alive (34x), save (13x), quicken (14x), revive (12x), surely (10x), life (9x), recover (8x), miscellaneous (9x).

Psalm 71:20, “[Thou], which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.“

Psalm 80:18, “So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.”

Psalm 119:25, (DALETH). “My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.“

Psalm 119:37, “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.“

Psalm 119:40, “Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.“

Psalm 119:88, “Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.“

Psalm 119:107, “I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.“

Psalm 119:149, “Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.“

Psalm 119:154, “Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.“

Psalm 119:156, “Great [are] thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.“

Psalm 119:159, “Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.“

Psalm 143:11, “Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.”

Psalm 119:50, “This [is] my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.“

Psalm 119:93, “I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.“

“Quicken” as Found in the New Testament

The key word that is found in the New Testament, which has been translated as “quicken” by the King James translators, is from the original Greek word, ζῳοποιέω (zōopoieō)^G2227, which is actually found twelve times in the New Testament and is translated variously as quicken (9x), give life (2x), make alive (1x).

ζῳοποιέω(zōopoieō)^G2227

1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:“

Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall ^G2227 also quicken (ζῳοποιέω (zōopoieō))^G2227your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall ^G2227 all be made alive. ^G2227“

[Note to the Reader: the second “all” cannot possibly mean “everyone”, which was indeed the case for the first “all”, as clearly only the believers are “quickened” (or “made alive” or “born again”).]

1 Corinthians 15:36, “[Thou] fool, that which thou sowest is ^G2227 not quickened, ^G2227except it die:“

 1 Corinthians 15:42-45, “¶So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening ^G2227 spirit.”

John 5:21, “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth ^G2227 [them]; even so the Son quickeneth ^G2227 whom he will.“

John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; ^G2227 the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.“

Romans 4:17, “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth ^G2227 the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

2 Corinthians 3:6, “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. ^G2227“

Galatians 3:21, “[Is] the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, ^G2227 verily righteousness should have been by the law.“

1 Timothy 6:13, “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth ^G2227all things, and [before] Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;“

1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened ^G2227 by the Spirit:“

συζωοποιέω (syzōopoieō)^G4806

Another related word that is found in the New Testament, which has been translated as “quicken together”(implicitly in Christ) by the King James translators, is from the original Greek word,συζωοποιέω (syzōopoieō)^G4806, which is found twice in the New Testament (and implied once) and is translated either as quicken together with (1x) or quicken together (1x).

Ephesians 2:1, “And you [hath he quickened] (IMPLIED based upon verse 5 below), who were dead in trespasses and sins;“

Ephesians 2:5, “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together^G4806 with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)“

 Colossians 2:13, “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together ^G4806 with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;“

Deliverance from Bondage and the Condemnation of Carnal, Sinful, Flesh

In closing, let us all remember what we read in Romans 8:1-11, “[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.“

Conclusion

In the end, it all comes down to this: only by the sheer Grace of God alone do believers receive the Holy Spirit indwelling their hearts. This happens because God Himself chooses and calls them, and raises them spiritually from their dead spiritual state, “quickens” them (makes them truly alive), and causes them to be born again by the Spirit. Only then are their spiritual ears and eyes opened to perceive and understand the hidden Truth of God—and at the same time, He grants them the necessary faith, hope, and love, along with a genuine desire to obey Jesus. Apart from this Sovereign work of God’s Grace, it would be impossible.

Because that Truth is of God, and about God…then “spiritual” discernment is required (NOT carnal/ earthly/ human discernment).  Spiritual discernment can only come to someone who has been quickened by God’s Holy Spirit because the flesh is dead in sin. In Romans 7:14 we read, “For we know that the law (the whole Word of God, the Bible) is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.“ and later in Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.” and finally at the end of the chapter in Romans 7:24&25, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.“

POSTSCRIPT:

Most people are familiar with Colossians 1:18, “And he (The Lord Jesus Christ) is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that  in all [things] he might have the preeminence.” Jesus is declared to be the “Firstborn from the dead”. Therefore, please note what we find in 1 Pe 3:18, “¶For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” Jesus was also the first to be “quickened” by God’s Holy Spirit at the Resurrection!

In Luke 13:6-9, we read the following where Jesus made reference to the “Fig Tree”, “¶He spake also this parable; A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, [well:] and if not, [then]  after that thou shalt cut it down.“

If we think about it, from an eternal Godly perspective, the “fig tree” is representative of the nation of Israel, which serves as a “Sign” in at least two ways.

The Fig Tree Represents National Israel

God refers to the nation of Israel as His “land” and then compares its coming under attack as a fig tree being “barked” (effectively being destroyed by being stripped of its bark), and we can see this when we read the following according to the prophet Joel in Joel 1:6&7, “For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth [are] the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion. He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast [it] away; the branches thereof are made white.” While it is unclear to which nation that the prophet Joel is referring as either having already come upon Israel, or will come upon Israel, to destroy it, we can say that God associates the fig tree with National Israel.

We can also look back over time and say that there are at least three times that Israel was attacked and essentially wiped out, first 1) by Egypt and Edom, then 2) by Assyria, then 3) by Babylon, but each time the nation of Israel survived to some degree with the last time (like the third year) being restored under the order of the Persian kings, which paved the way for Jesus to come nearly 400 years later. Then after a period of roughly 40 years following Jesus’s coming (when the Gospel was being preached in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria), Israel as a nation was completely destroyed by the Romans in ~70AD. Each time previously Israel continued to show signs of life, but there was still no “fruit” (souls were not being saved, because there was no effective repentant faith in Jesus). Finally, Jesus, Himself, came to Israel to personally proclaim the Gospel of Salvation, bringing the ultimate fertilizer of the fulfilled Word, but as a nation they still rejected that Word (Embodied by Jesus), and therefore Israel could never produce “fruit”. So God finally cut it down in 70 AD.

But what about now? Israel is once again a nation among nations in our world. Israel can be compared to a flourishing fig tree having leaves, but which cannot bear any fruit, because as a nation, Israel still rejects Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Therefore, one must consider that God has re-established the nation of Israel as a “Sign” for our times. Remember what Jesus said to His disciples when they asked him for a sign of the end of time? Jesus replied with the parable that the fig tree would have leaves, but Jesus said nothing about “fruit”. Israel can never be able to bear any fruit because it will only continue to reject Jesus. There is no Biblical basis to expect that there will ever be a great revival in Israel as a nation. To the contrary, a careful reading of the Bible makes clear that National Israel’s special relationship with God ended at the cross, and was underscored with the destruction of the Holy Temple in ~70AD. That is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree. Any and all claims to the contrary are simply false.

Please also see The Holy Temple of God, Will It Ever Be Rebuilt?

A Second Parable of the Fig Tree

When Jesus’ disciples asked Him in Matthew 24:3, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Jesus answered, among other evidences, in Matthew 24:32-35 (& Mark 13:28–31; Luke 21:29–33 ) — “¶Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.“

The Barren Fig Tree Provides Insight

Matthew 21:18-22, “¶Now in the morning as he (Jesus) returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.¶ And when the disciples saw [it], they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! ¶Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.“

Consistent with this, is what we also see in Mark 11:12-14, “¶And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not [yet]. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard [it].” A bit later we read Mark 11:20, “¶And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.“

The fact of the matter is that God had effectively cursed National Israel because it rejected His Son, and as a result it can never bear fruit. How can it?… if, as a nation, Israel rejects the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus made clear in Luke 24:44 that all that the nation of Israel holds dear pointed to Him as The Promised Messiah, “And he said unto them (the disciples),  These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets,  and [in] the psalms, concerning me.“

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Conclusion

Joel 1:6&7 makes clear to us that God refers to Israel as His fig tree, which had been attacked and barked(stripped).

• Modern National Israel has leaves (life) but cannot produce fruit (because it rejects Jesus).
• Israel, typified by the fig tree, as a nation again is a “sign” heralding the End Times, and is NOT a portent of revival.
• National Israel’s special role ended at the cross and was sealed in 70 AD.
• Please see: “Is Time Almost Up?“

Physical descent from Abraham does not guarantee salvation, and neither does “physical” circumcision (by blood) or “physical” baptism (by water)…which only serve as “sign” of the two Covenants. Remember that “Not All Israel Is Israel” means that there is a larger “corporate” body (those who identified with either the Old Testament Nation of Israel, or who identify as “Christians” today) within which is found the smaller “eternal” body of God’s chosen people (the eternal Israel/eternal Church). Corporate fellowship with believers, just like Jewish lineage and practice, is no guarantee of Salvation. Salvation can only come by the “spiritual” circumcision of the heart and the “spiritual” baptism by washing and anointing of The Holy Spirit, as God applies to the elect believer, by His Grace alone, in Jesus Christ Alone (and only Jesus Is the true “Seed of Promise” through Abraham).