Who Are The Wise and Foolish Virgins??

We are walking in today:   Who Are The Wise and Foolish Virgins??

Witness wise throughout the Bible:  H7919 sakal--to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper

1 ​ ​Samuel 18:14 And David behaved himself wisely H7919 in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.

The Torah .....................

 Deuteronomy  32:29 O that they were wise, that they understood H7919 this, that they would consider their latter end!

The prophets ..................
 Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise H7919 shall understand.

The writings .............
Psalms 2:10 Be wise H7919 now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise H7919 shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Many today have heard from their Leaders that 'Believers' are the Five Wise Virgins, and that 'Unbelievers' are the 5 Foolish Virgins.

Others have been told by their Pastors that the Foolish Virgins are those who lack the 'Oil' of the Holy Spirit.

But what do the Scriptures reveal? And more importantly, How can we recognize the Wise and Foolish Virgins today? Are we currently among the Wise Virgins, or the Foolish?

Our goal is that we might learn from this parable, and evaluate ourselves, so that we might avoid being found among the Foolish Virgins. So if we look closely in Scripture at the characteristics of both the Wise Virgins and the Foolish Virgins, we can then determine whether we are currently among the Wise, or among the Foolish. Then from what we see in the Scriptures, we can repent as we think necessary.

Let's now look closely at the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins:

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:1-13)

Looking above at verse 1, we notice the following:

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins..." (Matthew 25:1a)

What is the word "then" referring to? We must look at the previous paragraph to find out when:

The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut<1371> him asunder<1371>, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 24:50-51)

The above passage refers to time the Master of a servant will come in a day in which the servant is not looking for the Master, nor is the servant aware of the hour of his Master’s coming. The consequence for this servant is that he will be "cut asunder." It is this immediate time frame seen in the previous verses, to which the coming of the Bridegroom refers in our parable.

What is it that will happen? Notice in Matthew 24:51, that the Greek word for this phrase "cutting asunder" is the Greek word 'dichotomeo,' Strong's number <1371>, meaning "dividing into two parts." So we are told there is going to be a division, or separation, right at the immediate time when the virgins are to "go forth to meet the bridegroom." Let us resume now in Chapter 25.

All the Virgins Had Lamps

In Mat 25:1, we see that both the wise and foolish virgins "went forth" to meet the Bridegroom. All ten had lamps. Notice also in verse 3 that the foolish took no Oil with them. What is the significance here? First, let’s look at the Lamps:

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law ["Torah"] is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (Proverbs 6:23)

We see from Proverbs that one's Lamp speaks of the Commandments, and that the Law ['Torah'] is the light given off from the lamp. This is an important clue as to what our lamp and light should be. Yahushua was the Word of the Father made flesh, and as such, He is our living example of the Torah being lived out in daily life. Thus it is that Yahushua said, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12, 9:5).

Not only this, but Yahushua said of His disciples, "Ye are the light of the world" (Mat 5:14). Was this a contradiction — or did Yahushua reveal to us the clue to a great mystery?

The mystery of "Messiah-in-you" that the apostle Paul spoke of in Colossians 1:27 was more than just an idle description. It was a revelation given to the Bride-Candidates, showing us that as Born-again Believers, our allowing "Messiah-in-us" to walk in obedience to the Torah, is our only means of giving off His light, and our only hope of entering in to His glory.

That is, our only hope of entering into glory is for us to allow "Messiah-in-you" to become the Light, as we allow "Him-living-within-Us" to obey our Father's Commandments. Unless we allow "Messiah-in-you" to live, and keep His own Commandments while He lives in us, we have no hope of entering in. All the virgins had the Lamp, the Commandments written in their Bibles. But only the wise had the Light that comes from walking in the Commandments.

Only the Wise Virgins Had Light

So the five wise and the five foolish virgins were all "Bride Candidates" by their own estimation. They all had the Lamp of the commandments. But only the Wise Virgins allowed "Messiah-in-them" to provide the Light of living out the Torah in their daily lives.

Perhaps the Foolish Virgins were told, "That's Jewish." Perhaps they were told, "That's not for us today" or "We’re not under the Law." Perhaps they listened to the many voices of the Blind leaders of the Blind telling them, "Nobody can keep the Law," and so they did not search out the issues in the Scriptures for themselves. They missed out on the importance of the Light of living out the Torah in their daily lives.

So we see now, that not all of the virgins were truly Bride Candidates in their behaviour.

The behaviour, the actions and lifestyle of the Wise Virgins, can be seen further in the Book of Revelation, as the [repentant] virgin Daughter of Zion:

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto The Most High and to the Lamb. (Revelation 14:4)

These virgins were not defiled with women. They had repented of the spiritual harlotry — the idolatry that the other 'virgins' continued to engage in. Instead, they followed the Lamb wherever He took them, even into unfamiliar spiritual territory. They allowed the Lamb to live in them, and to walk in them, in the same obedience that He walked in 2,000 years ago, when He was living within His own body. They allowed the Lamb to be their Light on a daily basis.

Only the Wise Virgins Had Wisdom

In Mat 25:3 we see that the Wise took oil, but the Foolish did not. Many today focus on the Oil, and speculate as to what it means. But we are told that Oil is found in the dwelling of the Wise (Prov 21:20), and so our goal is to be among the Wise. And since wisdom is given by The Most High, and the Oil is related to Wisdom, then we must conclude that the 'Oil' is given by His Grace — the Holy-Ghost power provided by "Messiah-in-us" to accomplish His purposes.

So we need not search for the 'Oil' — we merely need to seek for Wisdom, and the Oil will be there when it is needed. As we increase in the wisdom of allowing the Commandments to shine forth as Light, then "Messiah-in-us" will be there to provide the Oil for the light. As soon as we make an attempt to walk in His Commandments, Statutes and Judgments [walking in the Light], He will supply the Oil, by the Grace He gives us from within, to do His will.

In Matthew 25:5, we see that both the Wise and Foolish Virgins slumbered, and slept. In verse 6, the Messenger cried out at Midnight. Then in verse 7, we see both the Wise and Foolish Virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The lamps of the Foolish had gone out — they had no oil. It is implied that the Lamps of the Wise did not go out, and that they had no lack of oil.

Next, we notice in verse 10, that "...they that were ready [the Wise] went in with him to the marriage..." Then we see in verses 11-12, "Afterward came also the other virgins [the Foolish], saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us.' But he answered and said, 'Verily I say unto you, I know you not'."

Thus far we see that the Wise Virgins were wise [they had Biblical 'wisdom'], and the Foolish Virgins were foolish [they lacked Biblical 'wisdom']. We see that the Wise had oil, and their lamps had not gone out, whereas the Foolish had no oil, and their lamps had gone out. We also see that the Wise were ready to enter in, and the Foolish were not.

Each of these differences can be clearly seen in Scripture, and can be explained as to their prophetic meanings. And so we will now examine in detail the major differences between the Wise and Foolish Virgins, based on what the Scriptures reveal.

The Wise Virgins Were Ready to Enter In

They that were Ready — the Wise Virgins — went in with him to the marriage. The reason they went in, we are told, is that they were 'Ready.' But what does it mean to be Ready?

Let’s examine this first, by looking at those that were NOT ready. These were the Foolish Virgins. The first thing we notice is that these 'other' virgins uttered the phrase, "Lord, Lord."

It is significant that those who call Yahushua their Lord [Master] are those that consider themselves to be His servants, His followers — what many call Christians. But the Master answered and said, "I do not know you!"

It is also significant that this phrase "Lord, Lord" is spoken five times in the New Testament, in the context of disobedience, and in the context of being refused entrance into the Kingdom.

So here we have another clue — that this is a very serious issue, perhaps related to the breaking of The Most High's Covenant — His eternal 'Marriage Agreement.'

We must find out why the Master answered in this way. So in order to further identify the Foolish Virgins, let's again notice the phrase, "Lord, Lord," as seen in Matthew 7:21-23:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you..." (Matthew 7:21-23a)

In the above passage, we see some additional clues. Notice the following contrast:

"Not every one that saith unto me... but he that doeth the will of my Father..."

In this passage, we see the contrast between merely saying some words, contrasted with actually doing Father's will.

We then see that the Master says not only does He not know them, but that He never knew them, not only now but in time past, as the Greek word indicates.

The last phrase of this passage then gives us further details, showing which part of 'doing Father's will' is missing among the foolish Virgins:

"...depart from me, ye that work iniquity <458>." (Matthew 7:23b)

The Lord's response to the Foolish Virgins, "I never knew you," is very similar to what was said in the Matthew 25:12 passage, but with the one additional clue: "depart from me, ye that work ['are working'] iniquity."

This is the important clue that reveals why He will say He never knew them, and Why He will tell them, "depart from me." Let's see what they were doing.

In the above passage, the Greek word for 'iniquity' is anomia, Strong’s number <458>, taken from <459>, meaning "transgression of the law; contempt or violation of law; condition of being destitute of, and without [the Mosaic] Law; wickedness."

Now notice what the apostle John further tells us:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the [transgression of the law] <458>. (1 John 3:4)

So we see that the Foolish Virgins are told that they are committing iniquity — they are sinning — they are transgressing the [Mosaic] Law.

The Scriptures are clear: to transgress [disobey] the Law of Moses [the Torah] is the definition of 'sin,' according to the apostle John.

"But the Father's will is to believe on Him whom He has sent" we protest. "All we need to do is 'believe' in Messiah, according to John 6:29, as our Ministers have taught us."

Well, yes, strictly speaking this is true. But the difference lies in whether one's belief or faith is 'Biblical' faith — whether that faith is truly Faith that is according to the Scriptures. But if our 'belief' or 'faith' is only a mental agreement of the facts — but the outworking of that faith or belief is not seen in our actions of obedience to Father's Word — then that 'belief' or 'faith' is not a living faith, but is dead (James 2:17, 20, 26).

This statement, "...depart from me, ye that work iniquity <458>." is the one clue that shows us the point of separation between the Wise Virgins and the Foolish Virgins. But we cannot make conclusions based upon only one witness of Scripture. Let's look at further evidence.

The Bridegroom Answers, "I Know You Not"

Looking at the Bridegroom's response in Mat 25:12, we see that the Bridegroom answered, "I know you not." What does this tell us?

First, we see that the word 'know' in the Greek is 'eido' — Strong’s number <1492> and means "to perceive with the eyes; pay attention, observe, inspect, examine; experience any state or condition; to see, i.e. have an interview with, visit, have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to; see with the mind's eye; signifies a clear and purely mental perception." When we draw near to Father, then He draws near to us (James 4:8). As we spend time together, He begins to know us, and we begin to know Him.

The apostle Paul also tells us, that The Most High knows anyone that loves Him (1 Corinthians 8:3), which according to Yahushua Messiah, this means that The Most High knows anyone who keeps His Commandments (John 14:15).

So the Wise Virgins must have been 'known' by the Bridegroom. He had regard for them. But not so with the Foolish Virgins. They were not known by the Bridegroom. They were said to be workers of 'anomia' — They were "destitute of, and without Law" they were not "do-ers" of the [Mosaic] Law. And they were not 'known' of The Most High, because they did not love Him, by keeping His Commandments. They were considered foolish.

Our result thus far is in agreement with what we concluded above, as we looked at the Lamp and the Light.

What about the Oil? Most discussions of this parable seem to center around the Oil for the lamps. But that is because most today have not an inkling of the Truth that walking in Wisdom is simply walking in obedience to Torah! Most Pastors and teachers today have removed the Torah [the Law] from their New Covenant teachings, and so they grasp at anything to focus on, except the real issues. For a Scriptural look at the 'Oil,' see "Oil For the Light".

The Most High, on the other hand, is establishing the Everlasting [New] Covenant among His people, by writing the Torah [Mosaic Law] on their inward parts, and writing it in their hearts (See Jeremiah 31:33; Heb 8:10). The Most High is likewise 'sealing' His Torah among His Disciples, so that they may 'know' Him - and likewise, so that He may know who they are, by the 'sign' or 'seal' that identifies His Disciples [See this sign or seal discussed in Isaiah 8:16; Song 8:6; Exodus 31:13,16; Ezekiel 20:12, 20].

So in these passages, we again see many links between wisdom, and of knowing the Father. We are told that the 'wise' man is a man of 'knowledge' — that is, the wise man has knowledge of the Father (Prov 24:5).

There is great significance in the statement, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not." (Matthew 25:12b) This statement tells us that He does not know someone from a Covenant standpoint, on the basis of a Covenant requirement.

For example, the passages in Exodus 31:13 and Ezekiel chapter 20 tell us how we may know our Heavenly Father from a Covenant standpoint, so that we may avoid hearing, "I know you not" or "I never knew you." Likewise, the covenant aspect of Exodus 31:16 reveals that this is an Everlasting [New] Covenant issue, concerning the eternal agreement between the Bridegroom and the Bride.

Because keeping the Torah ['Law'] is a New Covenant issue, we can better understand that the Foolish Virgins' refusal to keep this Agreement is seen in Scripture as 'sin,' and as 'lawlessness,' even among those claiming to be Born-Again, New Covenant Believers!
Shema Selah<1371><1371><1371><458><458><459><458><458><1492> we have to fully review what we have been taught is it actually Biblical according to the word of the Most High??
<1371><1371><1371><458><458><459><458><458><1492>

We Must Make Ourselves Ready As The Bride In The Wilderness!!!!

We are walking in today:  We Must Make Ourselves Ready As The Bride In The Wilderness!!!!

Witness haste throughout the Bible:  H4116 mahar--to be hurried, be anxious, hasty, to hasten, make haste

Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened H4116 into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly H4116 three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.

The Torah.....................
 Exodus 12:33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; H4116 for they said, We be all dead men.

The prophets..................
 1 ​Samuel 25:18 Then Abigail made haste, H4116 and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.

The writings.............
 Joshua 4:10 For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted H4116 and passed over.

Isaiah 51:14 The captive exile hasteneth H4116 that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

As we saw in our study of Esther, the Bride must prepare herself, and must make herself ready for the soon-returning Bridegroom. But because we have all heard various conflicting teachings and opinions of the Bride's preparation, we must avoid error, by looking to the clear teaching of Scripture alone.

In this writing we will look at certain features of what Scripture says about the Preparation of the Bride. We will see who prepares the Bride, and most importantly, when and where this preparation takes place.

As we go into this study, there may be many who have un-answered questions. For example, we might ask, "Do we become prepared in the "twinkling of an eye" when we go to be with the King?"

Some may ask, "Isn't it enough to be Born Again?" A few may ask, "Is there some particular preparation that Born-Again Believers must do, over some period of time while living in this life on earth?"

We then realize that the Scriptures reveal the answers! Our Father has given us very many witnesses of Scripture, from which we may draw our conclusions. So let's look at the Scriptures.



Who Prepares the Bride?

First, let us see who does the preparing. As we saw in our study of Esther, all the things necessary for Esther's preparation were given to her — but it was Esther herself who did the preparing. Let's look at how Esther's preparation is a pattern for us today.

Notice the following passages:

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (Revelation 19:8)

In the above passages, in verse 7, we see the Betrothed Wife — the Bride — has made herself ready. Notice that it was the Wife who made the preparation. We also see in context, that the Lamb speaks of our Bridegroom-Messiah, and His (Betrothed) Wife speaks of the company of those Believers who choose to make themselves ready.

In verse 8, we see her 'array' (her clothing and covering) was granted, or given to her, by the Holy Spirit. We also see that this clothing is of linen, which we are told speaks of the righteousness ["righteous deeds; actions"] of the set-apart Believers.

So the preparation of the Bride involves the Bride's action, as well as the action of the Holy Spirit. Both are necessary. This two-fold process is confirmed in Esther:

And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. (Esther 2:9)

Here we see that Hegai, the eunuch, as well as the seven maidens given to her, all picture the Holy Spirit, given to the Bride to provide help, and to provide everything that is needed to the Bride for her purification — her preparation. In Esther 2:9, notice the two-fold process that made up her preparation: (1) "he speedily gave her;" and (2) "with such things as belonged to her."

The preparation of the Bride of Messiah is a co-operation between the Holy Spirit, and the Bride.


When and Where is the Bride Prepared?

Next we will address the question, "When does this preparation take place — after going in to the presence of the King — or before?" Is the Bride prepared in heaven — or on earth? Again we will look at a few passages in Esther:

Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) Then thus came every maiden unto the king... (Esther 2:12b-13a)

Notice also that Esther's preparation was over a twelve-month period of time, which was six months of one preparation, and six months of another. And it was all to be done before going into the presence of the King.

Let's look further. Let's look at the following Bride preparation passages in Matthew 25:1-13:

Matthew 25:1-13
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

In the above parable, five Virgins were called wise, and 5 were called foolish. There are two groups — a wise group and a foolish group. What were the two groups based on?

We see in verse 10, "They that were ready" went in with him to the marriage. In verse 11 we see the "Other Virgins" who came afterwards, but they could not enter in.

The first thing we notice is that the five Wise Virgins had wisdom. The five Foolish Virgins, however, lacked Wisdom.

Furthermore, the Ten Virgins were divided into two groups, based on being "Ready." Those Virgins that had Wisdom had prepared themselves ahead of time, and they were Ready to go in with the Bridegroom, when He arrived.

Those that lacked Wisdom, however, had not prepared themselves. They were not yet Ready.

Notice that the five Wise Virgins were "Ready" before going in with the Bridegroom to the marriage.

Conclusion

We are led to conclude that the reason the Foolish Virgins were not allowed to enter in when the Bridegroom came, is because they were NOT YET READY.

The Foolish Virgins were perhaps unaware that they were not ready. They had been Born-again, but had not personally sought the Bridegroom in the Scriptures, nor had they sought those things of Wisdom necessary for their preparation, that the Bridegroom gives to all liberally, to all who ask Him (James 1:5).

And so the group of Foolish Virgins were divided from the group of Wise Virgins.

This division confirms what we have seen thus far — that being ready, being prepared, is a requirement to be met, in order to be allowed to enter in with the bridegroom — and that this preparation must occur BEFORE the arrival of the Bridegroom.

We may now conclude that the preparation of the Bride is NOT done in heaven, but only on earth, before going in with the Bridegroom.

Shema Selah now is the time to make sure as the Bride that we are making ready for the Bridegroom!

The Most High Delights To Hide You In The Wilderness So Your Hidden Thing Is Actually A Blessing!!!!*** PART 3

Proverbs chapter 25

We are walking in today:  The Most High Delights To Hide You In The Wilderness So Your Hidden Thing Is Actually A Blessing!!!!*** PART 3 

Witness deceitfully throughout the Bible:  H4820 mirmah--deceit, treachery, false, guile, subtilly

Psalm 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. H4820

The Torah ...................
 Genesis 34:13
And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, H4820 and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:


The prophets ................
 Micah 6:11
Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful H4820 weights?

The writings .............
 Proverbs 14:25
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful H4820 witness speaketh lies.


Psalms 35:20 For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful H4820 matters against them that are quiet in the land.

Avoiding Deception
Our avoidance of deception, as everything else, comes only by The Most High's mercy, and by His Grace. If we would escape deception, we must cry out to The Most High, just as the Psalmist describes in (Psalms 5:8, 141:8-10). We must then seek His precepts and keep them, as the Psalmist describes in (Psalms 119:100, 104, 128).

To avoid deception, we must also be as the Bereans, and study the Scriptures for ourselves. Now the Bereans were said to be more noble, for when they heard Paul teaching, they:


"...searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11b)


We must take notice that the only Scriptures the Bereans had were what we call the 'old' Testament writings, from which they were able to prove all things taught by the apostle Paul! We too may avoid deception when we hear a teaching, if we will study the Scriptures diligently [the 'old' Testament writings], just as the Bereans did!

And so we see from the above passages, that the prophetic "Error of Haman" seen today is the false teaching of Grace. It consists of the True teaching of Scripture, along with a number of man-made or False word definitions, and False explanations of the application of Grace, and False accusations against the eternal Laws of the King, turning the entire True teaching into Falsehood.

Indeed, from the examples seen thus far, we may conclude that the prophetic picture of Haman is one of a Leader in the King's household, one who is identified, even from the meaning of the names and prophetic numbers, as a teacher of Grace.

From the message Haman taught to the King's household, bringing false statements against the Laws of the King, we may conclude that Haman speaks of the multitudes of Pastors, teachers, prophets, and leaders in the Body of Messiah today, who teach against the Laws of the King, and who bring further separation between Vashti and Esther, to their respective destinations.

As we have seen in the example of Vashti, the false grace teachings have very grave, and serious consequences in the lives of Believers today. The end result of the recipients of a false grace teaching is that they become deceived, and do not know The Most High, simply because they refuse to obey His Commandments. "Through deceit they refuse to know me, says The Most High" (Jeremiah 9:6b).

In the final day, Yahushua will speak a very frightening word that will be heard by many, heard by those that had been taught the False Grace teaching, for they had been led by their leaders to believe that because they are Born-Again, they already 'know' Him:

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:23)

Notice that those that were refused entry do not know Him, but are engaged in 'iniquity.' The word for iniquity is the Greek word anomia, Strong's numbers <458> and <459>, whose meaning is "Lawlessness," or "without Law" and is the New Testament definition of Sin (1John 3:4). Disobedience to The Most High's Law is the cause of not knowing The Most High!

It is also evident from the book of Revelation that the true Bride Company, those who Overcome, are those who obey Him, because they know Him. They are the ones that gain the right to eat of the Tree of Life, and gain the right to enter into the City of The Most High. Notice the following:

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Yeshua. (Revelation 14:12)

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)

Fiveamprayer, Vashti has been ruling and reigning as Queen, along with the King, for 2,000 years. Vashti has remained under the teaching of that wicked Haman, and has allowed Haman's teaching to infect her, and all of the King's household. Although she currently rules and reigns as Queen along with the King, Vashti will soon be judged as the Harlot Bride.

There is one True Bride Company, one that will replace Vashti, the Beautiful One. She is Esther, and she is at this moment undergoing her preparation to go into the presence of the King. Let us now turn our attention to Esther, to see who she is today, so that we might learn, and prepare ourselves to come into the presence of our King.


Esther Is Hadassah
We first see Esther mentioned by her Hebrew name 'Hadassah,' and then by her Persian name of Esther. As the name 'Hadassah' is mentioned only once in all of Scripture, we have our first clue as to whom she represents. We are told of the Bride,

"My dove, my undefiled is but one…" (Song of Solomon 6:9)


We are told also in Esther 2:7 that Hadassah had neither father nor mother, reminding us of Melchizedek, who is a figure of our King. We are also reminded of our Master's admonition to us, as part of our preparation:


Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; Psalms 45:10

We see then, that Esther was fully prepared in this regard – she had died to all her earthly ties, not only familial, but as to her own ambitions and plans that her parents might have had for her. We are told also, in Esther 2:7 that she is fair and beautiful, both terms being used throughout Song of Solomon to describe the Bride of the King.

Now the Name Esther [meaning "Star"] is mentioned 55 times in the Book of Esther, and is mentioned in 45 verses. The number 45 in Scripture speaks of The Most High's preservation of His saints; and the number 55 speaks of two 5's, as two walking together by 'Grace,' the enablement given to her from Messiah living within her, as she allows "Messiah-in-you" to walk in obedience. The number '5' is thus the number that speaks foremost of the Bride. The word 'Star' reminds us of what The Most High says in Daniel:

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness [shall shine] as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

So we may conclude that Esther speaks of those who will have the characteristics of a 'star' – that they will be wise [as seen in the '5' Wise Virgins], and they will turn many to righteousness. These are two of the character traits that the Overcomers will have during their 1260-day ministry during the soon-coming Great Tribulation. They will be wise, and they will turn many to righteousness.

Now the name 'Hadassah' means "myrtle" tree, and is mentioned only once in Scripture as the feminine gender. However, the word for 'myrtle' in the masculine gender is mentioned six times, so that the single mention of the feminine gender completes and makes the seventh usage. As the number '7' speaks of "perfection" or "completion," we see in this that the female Bride 'completes' the male Husband. As we look at the word myrtle, we catch a further glimpse of the Bride, and her character traits, as one who is fully prepared.

Another fascinating picture of the word myrtle used in Scripture, is seen in the fact that it is listed in both Nehemiah and Isaiah as the 'third' in a list of trees. Since the number 'three' speaks of resurrection, we understand these passages are significant, and we can thus associate myrtle trees with resurrection, and more significantly, the first resurrection, as Esther is prophetic of the First Resurrection Company.

In other Scripture verses, we see that the branches of myrtle trees are among the branches used to construct the Sukkah, the booths used by the Bride in celebrating the Feast of Succot, also called the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the three main feasts of The Most High. The use of this word speaks to us of the tabernacling of our Yahushua among us, and of the presence of the Father with the Son. So we see that this was another trait of Esther — she had the presence of Yahushua "tabernacled" within her.

Likewise, in Zechariah we see a highly-significant prophetic event: the angel of The Most High is seen standing among the myrtle trees, and is mentioned three times (in Zec 1:8,10,11). The 'angel' or messenger of The Most High is seen as a man standing among the myrtle trees, and thus speaks to us of the Captain of The Most High's army, Messiah Himself, standing among the Company of the Bride Company.

We see a further picture of Messiah and His Bride, as we note that Zechariah is the 38th book of the Bible. Thirty-eight is equivalent to 19 x 2. The number 'nineteen' in Scripture speaks of faith, so 19 x 2 speaks prophetically of "two walking together by faith."

We see also, that for each mention of myrtle trees seen in Zechariah, we see The Most High walking among them! We also see reference to the end time, in the reference of the horses that are present in these verses. Furthermore, the Strong's number for the name 'Hadassah' is number <01919>, that is, this Hebrew word is the one thousand, nine hundred and nineteenth word in the Strong's Hebrew word dictionary.

As we look closely at this number '1919,' we see that by the power and sovereignty of The Most High, He has ordained just enough words in the Bible to have it work out thus. Just as we saw above in the number '38,' the number '1919' again speaks of two walking together by Faith!

Next we see that Esther was brought unto Hege, also known as Hegai, keeper of the women. We will not go into much detail here, but Hegai represents the work of the Holy Spirit through the various ministries of the Believers, given by The Most High to prepare the Bride. We see in Esther 2:13 that everything needed for her purification was given to her, to prepare her to go into the presence of the King.

Like the prophetic Hegai, it is the Holy Spirit who freely gives us all we need, a picture of His Grace, His giftings and enablement He freely gives us. Likewise it is the Holy Spirit who leads us into all Truth, so that by our learning to become 'DO-ers' of that Truth, we too might be fully prepared to go into the presence of our King!

Esther Begins Her Preparation
Next, let's notice the preparation that Esther underwent:

Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) Esther 2:12

We could spend hours discussing this verse, but will only look at several items. Throughout Scripture, we see that oil of myrrh was given to Yahushua on three occasions in His life on earth — At His birth, at His death on the cross, and at His burial. Myrrh was used to embalm a body after death. Myrrh speaks to us of "death to self."

So we see that Esther's first step of preparation was the "death of self." That is, she allowed herself to die to her own self-centered life. To do this, she must first die to her fleshly appetites, keeping her body under subjection to her spirit (1Co 9:27). She must also die to her own self-will, her own self-effort, her own ambitions, and her own understanding — along with all that she once held dear in this life on earth.

She must die to self, so that she too may say:

"...not my will, but thine be done." (Luke 22:42)

And, as a result of giving up 'all she had,' she would qualify to be among Messiah's disciples (Luke 14:26-27,33), and she would be found among those that would overcome:

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

Next we see that she was prepared with sweet odours. We are told elsewhere in Scripture what the sweet odours portray:

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalms 141:2)

…an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)

…golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. (Revelation 5:8)

So we see that Esther's next item of preparation was with sweet odours, which speak of cultivation of a vital prayer life, one of intimate fellowship with Messiah, of praying in the spirit (1Co 14:14-15; Jude 1:20), and of 'koinonia' or sharing of life together.

We then see one final item included in Esther's preparation — the purifying, or cleansing of the Bride.

The Cleansing of the Bride
The last item of Esther's preparation was 'other things' for her purifying, or 'cleansing':

"…and with other things for the purifying [cleansing] of the women…" (Esther 2:12)

Beloved, there are many things in Scripture, that exhort us to be holy [set-apart unto The Most High], and to cleanse ourselves, by learning the difference between what is holy and clean, and what is unholy and unclean — all according to Scripture.

Some of these purifyings and cleansings can be seen in the following passages:

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (John 15:3)

That he might sanctify and cleanse it [the called-out assembly] with the washing of water by the word... (Ephesians 5:26)

In the above passages, we see that the Word of The Most High cleanses our spirit, when we hear it;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying [cleansing] their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:9)

Seeing ye have purified [hagnos: to sanctify; purify; make chaste; cleanse] your souls in ['by'] obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (1 Peter 1:22)

In the above passages, we see that the Word of The Most High cleanses our souls, when by faith, we obey it;

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Yeshua Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

In the above passages, we see that the Blood of Yahushua Messiah cleanses us, when we walk in His light as He does, and when we confess our sins;

But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. (Psalms 4:3)

Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. (Proverbs 18:1)

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves...unto the LORD... All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD. (Numbers 6:2a, 8)

In the above passages, we see that The Most High sets apart people for Himself, and those that are wise set themselves apart, or separate themselves unto The Most High. We also see that to separate or consecrate ourselves unto The Most High is to be 'holy.'

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5:5)

Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness that they die not in their uncleanness.... (Leviticus 15:31a)

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; (Leviticus 10:10)

And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. (Ezekiel 44:23)

In the above passages, we see that the opposite of holiness [separated-ness] is uncleanness. To walk in holiness is to walk in Biblical cleanness. Those who are learning to be holy [set-apart] unto The Most High, are learning the difference between what is holy, and what is unholy; between what is unclean, and what is clean, according to Scripture.

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste <53> [hagnos: sanctified; set-apart; pure; chaste; clean] virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2)

In the above passages, we see that The Most High is calling His 'new' Testament Believers to cleanse themselves in both the flesh realm and the spirit realm. Only by performing or accomplishing holiness in the fear of The Most High, can we be presented as a chaste virgin to our Bridegroom.

The Most High has already begun to bring about the promised restitution of all things. He is restoring His people to their original [intended] state, as demonstrated by Messiah while He was on the earth.

Today The Most High's people are learning the difference between clean and unclean, so that they may walk in true holiness. They are preparing themselves, making themselves ready, in order that they may be presented to Messiah as a chaste [sanctified, set-apart; pure; clean] virgin, at the moment He appears to His Bride (Exodus 19:10-11; Matthew 24:44, 25:10; Luke 12:40,47; 2Tim 2:21; Rev 19:7).


Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you... (2Corinthians 6:17)

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. (Isaiah 52:11)

In the above passages, we see that in order to maintain our holiness ['separatedness'], we must come out from among [intimate association with] those who do not desire holiness, but who instead practice uncleanness.

If we are His children, but fail to maintain our holiness, our cleansing or separatedness, Then Father must apply further measures to our backsides:

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he [chastens us] for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness [set-apart-ness; purity; chastity; clean-ness]. (Hebrews 12:10)

If his [Messiah's] children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; 31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; 32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. (Psalms 89:30-32)

The blueness ['stripes'] of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes [cleanse] the inward parts of the belly. (Proverbs 20:30)

In the above passages, we see that The Most High is calling us to cleanse ourselves, in both the spirit realm and the flesh realm. If we are His children by faith in Messiah, but do not cleanse ourselves by keeping His statutes, commandments, and judgments [His house rules], The Most High chastens us, to make us chaste; He cleanses us, so that we might be partakers of His holiness.

If The Most High's children do not respond to His initial cleansing, He will then subject them to a much more vigorous scrubbing. This is a chastening that is more intense, and is designed to purify those that are His children. This scrubbing is also designed to separate the wheat from the chaff — to separate those that are His children, from those that are not His children.

In this regard, we are given much information in Scripture to reveal to us several stages of The Most High's further chastening. These advanced stages of chastening are not intended for those who are Wise, who obey Father's house rules. This further chastening is only for the Foolish, for those who have not chosen to walk in Father's ways, and will not be found worthy to escape further testing and proving:

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:36)

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, [testing; proving] which shall come upon all the world, to try [test; prove] them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10)

In the above passages, notice the words watch and kept. These are very important words, as the Greek words underlying the English words for watch and keep have two primary Hebrew and Aramaic counterparts [natsar <05341> and shamar <08104>]. These words have the meaning of 'keep, guard, and obey,' and are used in the context of keeping Father's covenant and His commandments.

And so in these passages [and in many others!], we see that those who 'watch' and pray — that is, those who 'keep, guard, and obey' Father's Torah, along with prayer — will be found worthy to escape the further trials and testings. These will be the Company of the Wise Virgins, the Barley Harvest First Resurrection saints.

We also see that those who do not 'watch' and pray — that is, who do not 'keep, guard, and obey' Father's Torah, along with prayer — will not be found worthy to escape the further trials and testings. These will be the Company of the Foolish Virgins, the Wheat Harvest Resurrection saints, who must undergo further trials and testings:

Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. (Proverbs 27:22)

And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:9-10)

In the above passages, we see the great and innumerable company of those who say they are Born-again, Blood-bought, Holy-Spirit-filled Believers, yet they continue to be disobedient to Father's Laws — His statutes, commandments, and precepts.

Thus far these have not fully shown their love for Messiah (John 14:15), so that Father must bring further trials and testing to them, in order to determine their true spiritual paternity — and to separate those who are His children, from those who are not:

They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. (Ezekiel 7:14)

In the above passage, we see those who do not respond to the trumpet [prophetic warnings given to the people], to spur them to make themselves ready. These are the multitudes who have been trained not to respond to what the Scriptures actually say. Instead, these hold only to their denominational doctrines, the various man-made mixtures of truth and error they have embraced, and have become deceived.

And so we are thus warned — the burning of Father's wrath is not toward His own children, but toward those with whom they mingle. Unless His children separate themselves from them, they too will feel the heat. They too must endure the things that are coming on the earth, to try the sons of men.

Conclusion

Beloved, there is much more that could be said about Esther. But having seen only this brief overview of the King and His household, perhaps we have seen ourselves among these prophetic personalities within the Book of Esther.

We may now ask ourselves, "Which one am I?"

Beloved, perhaps it is time for us to seek The Most High, and return to Him, and return to the 'first love' — the 'first works' of obedience seen in the early Called-Out Ones. Let us cry out to Him, asking Him to reveal His Truth to us, and to give us His help (Ps 119:18,34; Ps 143:10; Jer 33:3)

Just as we are called to "remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32), let us also "remember Vashti," who refused to come into the presence of the King on the seventh day!

We trust that the little we have shown gives the reader adequate warning of the two possible paths, and of the two possible destinations, of those within the Body of the called-out ones. One path is the Wide Road, with many thereon, going the way of Vashti unto rejection.

The other path is the Narrow Road, with few thereon — that is, only a remnant — going the way of Esther, into the ultimate presence of the King. Shema Selah look for all that is being revealed to us in the wilderness!!  

Time To Awaken Church--Can You Not Just Pray With Me For One Hour????

Time To Awaken Church--Can You Not Just Pray With Me For One Hour????Wake up call to the church!!

Teach Us To Number Our Days

Psalms 90

We are walking in today:  Teach Us To Number Our Days

Witness number throughout the Bible:  H4487 manah -- to count, reckon, number, assign, tell, appoint, prepare

Genesis 13:16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number H4487 the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. H4487


The Torah testifies.....................

 Number 23:10 Who can count H4487 the dust of Jacob, and the number ​of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!


The prophets proclaim..................

2 ​Samuel 24:1 And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number H4487 Israel and Judah.


The writings bear witness.............

 1 ​ ​Kings 3:8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered H4487 nor counted for multitude.


Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number H4487 our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.


 Teach definition: Hebrew 3948: A learning, teach, instruction, learning, persuasions, persuasiveness, teaching.

Teach definition Webster: Show or explain to (someone) how to do something. A Teacher.

Number definition: Hebrew 4487: To count, number, reckon, appoint, appointed, count, counted, muster, destine.

Number definition Webster: Amount to (a specified figure or quantity) compromise. Mark with a number or assign a number to, typically to indicate position in a series.

Prophetic Numbers in Scripture

The Most High Himself considers numbers and counting as very important, and He tells us why we should do the same:
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

It is so that we might gain wisdom that The Most High tells us we should learn to number, or count our days. Since the Scriptures are our main focus, this counting of numbers is related to the numbers within the Scriptures themselves. As we begin to seek and to learn the numbers of Scripture, The Most High begins to open our eyes to the prophetic meaning of these numbers seen throughout Scripture.

Some Numbers in Scripture and Their Prophetic Meaning
1 Unity / Single / One-ness
2 Division / Separation / Process of Dividing into two groups
3 Resurrection
4 Our Walk / (Halacha) / Our 'way-of-life' in this earthly realm
5 The Bride / The Woman / The one who is growing in Grace
6 Man / The Flesh
7 Completed / Perfected / Prepared, Made Ready
8 A New Thing / Firstfruit / Messiah; Foundation (when used with the number '10')
9 Fruit (works-Ps 104:13)-Good Fruit (works) if 'Messiah-in-you' produces; Evil or wicked fruit (works) if 'we-ourselves' produce (Php 1:11 vs. Titus 3:5)
10 Testimony / Keeping of Commandments / Foundation (when used with "8")

Prophetic Numbers in Scripture

The plans and purposes of The Most High are revealed and confirmed in the number patterns hidden within the Scriptures. These can be seen in many ways, such as frequency of occurrence of words and phrases. They can also be seen in contextual associations with other words, and in man-made associations, such as Strong’s Number definitions, and in seemingly arbitrary chapter-and-verse numbering.

"...comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ..." (Ephesians 3:18b-19a)

Let's first understand that wherever there are measures, counts, or dimensions, this is likely referring to numbers. So this is our first clue to its meaning. After a little searching, we will find that This passage is simply a hidden message directed to the Bride-Candidates, to call them back to the Scriptures (the Old Testament — also called the Tanak or Torah — which are The Most High's eternal instructions for His people). Father is calling us to return to the Scriptures, in order to learn the measurements of the many things described there, and to understand the numbers and their meanings. This search leads us directly to many Scripture passages.

The Measurements of the House

Taken together, these numbers give confirmation to us of the great truths concerning God’s plan for His people, and for the remnant that will become His Bride. These numbers also reveal things the Bride-Candidates will find necessary for their preparation, and necessary for understanding the time of the Bridegroom's return. The measurements of the House also reveal how the individual Virgins [Born-Again Believers] will be 'measured' to see whether they are wise, or foolish; whether they are abiding ['remaining'] in Him, walking as the Bridegroom walked — keeping all the Torah, as He did — or whether they are not (John 15:10; 1 John 2:6; 1 John 3:24).

Taken together, the measurements of the House seen in Scripture reveal one common focus, one of the main themes of the Apostle Paul's writings — the 'yardstick' by which we are to be measured — which is a walk of love. Paul has identified this measure as the "stature of the fullness of Messiah" (Ephesians 4:13), and elsewhere as the life of Messiah-in-you (2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 4:19; Colossians 1:27). This is the life of Messiah living within His 'Born-Again' people — whereby we first allow Messiah to become 'birthed' within us — and then allow Him to grow within us, day-by-day, walking in fullness of obedience to Torah, as He enables us by His Grace.

Teach Us to Number Our Days

In Psalms 90:12 we see a request of The Most High, that He would teach us to number or count something:
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Here we see the Psalmist requesting to learn to 'Count the number' of our days in order that we may (be able to) apply our hearts unto wisdom. Here we understand that learning of numbers and counting is for the purpose of growing in wisdom.

There are many ways we might number, or count our days. One way is for us to acquire a sense of how long we have on the earth, so that we might be efficient in our use of time. Another way might be for us to count the number of occurrences in Scripture of the Hebrew word 'yowm,' Strong's number <03117>, meaning 'day' and 'time' and 'year,' and to observe the meaning and context of each occurrence, as to the number representing the chronological order of its appearance.

Practical Counting of Days In Daily Life

Included in the instruction for numbering or counting of days, is the command for The Most High's people to count the days of the week. For example, The Most High has designated the seventh day of each week as His Shabbat ['Sabbath'], the specific day He has made holy ['set-apart, separate, or sanctify for a special purpose']. The Most High has designated this particular day for His people to cease ['shabath'] their work, and to meet with Him, and commune with Him (Genesis 2:3; Exodus 20:10-12; Hebrews 4:4).
Thus it is by their participation in The Most High's Sabbaths, that the Bride-Candidates are able to commune with the Bridegroom. It is also by their participation in The Most High's Sabbaths, that the Bride-Candidates prepare themselves for the Bridegroom, by coming to know Him (Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12, 20).

Still another example of numbering of days is seen in the simple command to The Most High's people to count the days leading up to the Feast of Shavuot, also called Pentecost (Lev 23:15), meaning 'fiftieth day.' Keeping this simple command to count requires much seeking, investigation, and learning of The Most High's Feast Days, in order to learn and accomplish the counting.

The counting of days to Pentecost is thus a command for the Bride-Company to seek out and to accomplish, as they begin to learn how to participate in the Feast Days of The Most High — which are as Wedding-Rehearsals for the Bride. So in order to properly observe the day of Pentecost, we are called upon to learn how to count from one to fifty.

All of The Most High's Feast Days require our counting from the first day of the Biblical month, up to the day specified in Scripture. For example, all New Covenant Believers are told to observe the Passover at night on the 14th day of the first month, at which time we are to eat the bread, and drink of the cup of the Covenant.

Since Passover is the fourteenth day of the first Biblical month, we must first learn to observe the start of the 1st Biblical month, and then we must learn to count to the night [the beginning part] of the 14th day. Only in this way can we observe the Passover in the same manner as did Yahushua [who is our example in all things], on the night before He was crucified.

It is thus through the Bride Candidate's participation in the Bridegroom's Feast Days, that the Bridegroom continues to reveal to the Bride-Company things to come (Colossians 2:16-17), which includes a keen sense of awareness of the imminence of the return of the Bridegroom, as well as how the bride is to prepare, and to make herself ready.

Words and Their Numbers: Frequency

Another way of observing Bible words and their corresponding numbers can be seen in how often a particular word is used, called the word frequency. These numbers can reveal some prophetic meanings for us today.

Words and Their Numbers: Strong's Numbers

Yet another method of observing Bible words and their numbers is by looking at the Strong's numbers.
The Hebrew word <0155> 'addereth,' meaning "mantle, garment, robe, glory" comes from the Hebrew word <0117>, which comes from the word <0142>, 'adar,' meaning "glorious, full of glory" = 3.

The above word translated 'mantle' is thus seen to be related to the 'appearing of Messiah-in-you,' and to the resulting Resurrection and Glory, simply by tracing the Strong's number of the word back to its root word form.

Numbering of Scriptures

And finally, a note on Scripture arrangement. Even the man-made arrangement of Scripture has been under The Most High's oversight, and He has caused every passage to be arranged in a 'prophetic' way, and are numbered accordingly. Notice the following passages:
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

The above passages are prophetic in at least two ways. First, they are prophetic in the plain sense of meaning of the words. But they also reveal a hidden prophetic event, in that the reference itself is significant. It is the reference that reveals the Biblical dates in which these activities are likely to occur!

Other Number-Counts in Scripture

Perhaps some of the most important 'basic' number-counts we are to understand are the counting of '3-days and 3-nights' between the crucifixion and the resurrection; counting to the Sabbath day on the 7th day of the week, and counting the 14-days of the first Biblical month to Passover, then counting the 7-days of unleavened bread we are commanded to observe. But we are not yet finished.

Once we have adjusted our lifestyle so that we are observing these most basic number-counts in our everyday lives, then the other numbers in Scripture [and their prophetic meanings] will come more easily. For it is in observing Messiah's commandments, that we display that we have implemented the Foundational principles of The Faith in our lives; then and only then, will The Most High "sign the building permit" that will allow us to go on to completion of the house (Hebrews 6:2-3).

Once we have adjusted our lifestyle so that we are observing these most basic number-counts in our everyday lives, then the other numbers in Scripture [and their prophetic meanings] will come more easily. For it is in observing Messiah's commandments, that we display that we have implemented the Foundational principles of The Faith in our lives; then and only then, will The Most High "sign the building permit" that will allow us to go on to completion of the house (Hebrews 6:2-3).

Our Journey Through the Wilderness--Yeshua Hidden In Plain Sight, In The Wilderness

Numbers 14

We are walking in today: Our Journey Through the Wilderness--Yeshua Hidden In Plain Sight, In The Wilderness

Witness hide throughout the Bible:  H5956 `alam-- to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret, to hide oneself

1​ ​Kings 10:3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid H5956 from the king, which he told her not.

The Torah testifies.....................

Deuteronomy 22:1

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide H5956 thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

The prophets proclaim..................

Ezekiel 22:26

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid H5956 their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

The writings bear witness.............

2​ ​Kings 4:27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid H5956 it from me, and hath not told me.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, H5956 whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Numbers chapter 14 verses 20- 23

Then the LORD said: “I have pardoned, according to your word; 21 but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD— 22 because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now these ten

times, and have not heeded My voice, 23 they certainly shall not see the land of which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it.

The definition of “Wilderness” Hebrew 4057: Desert, Deserts, Wilderness

For forty years The Most High had Israel wander in the “wilderness”. Insights into why The Most High had chosen the wilderness for their wanderings can be found in the roots of this word. The root word is “davar” and is most frequently translated as “speak” but more literally means
to “order” or “arrange” words. The word “midbar” is a place existing in a perfectly arranged order, an ecosystem in harmony and balance. By placing Israel in this environment he is teaching them balance, order and harmony.

The definition of “Wilderness” Webster: An uncultivated, uninhabited and inhospitable region. A position of disfavor, especially in a political context.

The definition of “Hidden” Hebrew 6845: To hide, treasure up. Ambush, Authority, conceal, hid, hidden, hide, keep them secretly kept, lurk, restrain, saved, secret place, store away.

The definition of “Hidden” Webster: Put or keep out of sight; conceal from view or notice of others. To prevent someone or something from being seen. Keep secret or unknown. Conceal oneself.

The definition of “Messiah”: Hebrew 4899: Anointed, Anointed one, Messiah

The definition of “Messiah” Webster: A leader or savior of a particular group or cause.

MESSIAH IN THE WILDERNESS

Thus far we have seen that in order to truly know The Most High, we must search for Yeshua! We have seen that we must search out His will for us, not only in the New Testament — but also in the Old Testament writings! We may see Yeshua hidden in every book of the Bible, disguised here and there in various personages, prophetically revealing Himself in the activities and sayings of various characters.

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for

they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and
rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they
are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (1Corinthians 10:1-11)

We see in the above passage that it was Messiah that accompanied the Israelites in the Wilderness (verse 4), and that it was Messiah whom they tempted (verse 9).

And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: 21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. 22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times,
and have not hearkened to my voice; 23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: (Numbers 14:20-23)

We just saw above (1Corinthians 10:9) that it was Messiah they tempted; but in the Numbers passage, we are told it was The Most High they tempted ten times (Num 14:22).

Fiveamprayer, is this a contradiction?

First, we do know that there are no contradictions in The Most High’s Word. There are riddles, however, appearing as contradictions to the unlearned. This is a 'riddle' for the Bride! The revealing of the true identity of Messiah is the goal of the riddle, and the answer to the riddle can be found

be seeking out Messiah's identity, seen throughout the Scriptures.

The answer to this riddle is the essence of the Apostle John's words in (John 1:1, 14). John tells us that Yahushua Messiah is the Word of The Most High, the One who is mentioned in many places throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. For example, wherever we see the phrase, "the word
of the LORD," we know this is referring to Messiah.

So we see from Scripture that it was The Most High, and it was Messiah, and it was the Holy Spirit, each spoken of as the One who was tempted in the wilderness. Are they one and the same? In order to answer this, we must diligently seek Him out, and look for further clues in Scripture.

I Will Give You Rest: The Promise

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Who is it that spoke the promise, "I will give you rest," in the above verse? We know from the context, that it was Yahushua that spoke these words. Now look at the following verse:

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (Exodus 33:14)

Now again, who said, "I will give you rest," in this verse? We see from the context of the above passage, that it was The Most High that spoke these words. Is there a contradiction? No, there is no

contradiction, when we realize that the Spirit of Messiah is none other than The Most High's promised presence. Messiah is also the Word of The Most High, the speaker of The Most High's Words, as seen throughout the Old Testament. This is not only a revealing of who He is, but as we shall see in this series, a prophetic promise of how "Messiah-in-us" will be our hope of glory,
and how He will allow us to enter in!