(1Th 2:2) But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
(1 Peter 4:17 KJV) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
EXPLANATION
This is the first article on the subject of
"The Breast Plate of the High Priest."
Future issues may be had by writing to Elder
C.O. Dixon, 3146 Lynde, Oakland 1, California.
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Signed -- C. O. Dixon, Pastor
The Breast Plate
Of the many types in the Old Testament scriptures pointing to our Lord Jesus Christ as the high priest of God for the believer, the breast plate of the high priest is one of the most precious.
The word breast plate in Hebrew means ornament, beauty, and also signifies judgment, justice and privilege. Its name speaks of ornament and beauty of God’s justice in bringing judgment upon His Son on Calvary so that the Son can henceforth remember the believer before God and carry him on His heart. The ornament of judgment on Aaron’s breast tells of the finished work on the cross by which Christ, the only true high priest, bears all His children near His heart and presents them to His Father in the beauty of His own holiness.
The breast plate was to be four square, a span (about nine inches) in length, and a span in breadth. Four is the number of the world, redeemable by Christ and indicates here the great divine thought that the redeemed from the world are tenderly carried on their high priest’s heart never being forgotten.
This bears out the thought that He cares for us, while others forget and neglect. He redeemed us from our fallen state by His blood on the tree. The breast plate was to be made after the work of the "Ephod" of gold, of blue, of purple, and of scarlet, and of twine linen. Here we have four colors mentioned, three of which are the ground colors, or basic colors from which we derive all blends, tints and shades. The three basic colors are blue, red, and yellow (or gold). This reflects God in the three fundamental colors in nature.
There is but three dimensions, vez., length, breadth, and height, forming the perfect cube which was the shape of the holiest in the tabernacle, the dwelling place of God. Three is the number of divine perfection. 1 John 5:4-8 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. "For there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."
Of the three primary colors; blue speaks of the Father. Exodus 24:9-11, we are told that Moses and Aaron, and his two sons and seventy of the elders of Israel; and they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were, a paved work of a sapphire (blue) stone. In Ezekiel the prophet saw the likeness of a throne having the appearance of a sapphire (blue) stone. In Ezekiel 10:1 "Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim there appeared over them as it were a sapphire (blue) stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne." In Isaiah 54:11 we have a remarkable word of the Lord to Israel: "I will lay thy foundations with sapphires" (blue stone).
God commanded in Numbers 15, 38, and 39 that the children of Israel make fringes in the border of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringes of each border a cord of blue.
Thus God, the Father, declared Israel to be His people, and to have an outward mark of their relation to Him by a cord of blue on their garments, and when the Father sent His Son to them Jesus told them (John 8:31), "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." But they answered: "We be Abraham’s seed." In verse 41 "We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God."
As blue speaks of the Father, so does red speak of Jesus. He alone took upon Himself the form of man (red) therefore, He became a human personality, with spirit, soul and body. It was His soul in that body which He gave as a ransom for the believers as well as His blood. Isaiah 53:6-12 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of my people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed."
"He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." You notice it says, "HE HATH POURED OUT HIS SOUL UNTO DEATH." The soul is the person, the physical body is the house that the person lives in. Not only the physical body of the Lord Jesus Christ that came from Mary’s womb, which was His place of dwelling, died, but Christ, the pre-existent one, died also.
To prove that Christ pre-existed read St. John 17:1-5 "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, "Father the hour is come; glorify thy Son that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with the glory which I HAD WITH THEE BEFORE THE WORLD WAS." I will take the pre-existence of Christ as a subject in another issue of this paper: But I wish to hold this paper on the subject of the breast plate of the high priest, showing that Christ as the mediator which stands between God and man, who ever liveth to make intercession for us.
Hebrews 6:18-20 "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
Hebrews 8:1-10 "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: we have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that his man (Christ) have somewhat also to offer. For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: "For, see," saith He, "That thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." But now hath He (Jesus) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, He saith, "Behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "When I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not," saith Lord. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days," saith the Lord; "I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people." Under the Old Covenant if a man sinned, he had to offer an animal, and that animal’s life was taken as an atonement for the one which had sinned. Under the New Covenant Jesus died once for all, and He ever liveth to make intercession for us. He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Hebrews 2:14 - "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself, likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted." Heb. 3:1 "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." Heb. 4:14 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Aaron, under the law of Moses, was required to carry pinned over his heart the breast plate that had twelve stones fastened upon it. These stones represented the children of God, who were precious to Him. Aaron carried them over his heart; but his heart was a stony heart, but we now have a high priest, who has a tender heart, and He not only bears the emblem, but in truth bears us upon His heart.
The twelve stones set in the breast plate were set in gold. Gold (or yellow) is the color type of the Holy Spirit. The forty-eight boards of the tabernacle were overlaid with gold, as a type of the believers who have been made partakers of His nature. It is the spirit who takes of the things of Christ and declares them unto us. The spirit glorifies Jesus. - John 16:13-14. All the furniture in the tabernacle were overlaid with gold, or made of solid gold (as the candlesticks and mercy seat) speaking of divine nature imparted by the Holy Ghost.
Purple is a blending of blue and red, thus suggesting the divine human nature of our Lord. He is not only the Son of God, but through incarnation, the Son of Man, and as such He was a mediate on the cross, suspended between a sinful, cursed world and His father.
But by His redemptive work on Calvary, He is the effectual high priest, mediator and minister between God and the believer, and with one hand He touches God, and with the other hand He touches us worthless, weak, foolish, sinful creatures, who have learned to believe in Him, and love Him. As He went His sorrowful way the Father led Him, the soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it upon His head and arrayed Him in a purple robe. (John 19:2) Though this was done in mockery God made His Son to appear in this garb to let the world know that His Son was burdened with our Sin and curse, (thorns) therefore, the only high priest between God and man (purple). "Jesus, therefore, came out wearing the thorns and purple garment." Pilate said unto them, "Behold the man!" (verse 5) Do you see your sin born away by this man? Jesus is the high priest who is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Heb. 7:25).
Christ is God (blue) and man (red). He redeemed us as such on the cross, therefore, He is the only high priest between the Father and us. (blue and red blended, -purple).
The fine linen (white) speaks of His sinless pure human life. In Leviticus 16, we are told that the high priest had to lay off his garments of beauty and put on the linen garments of service on the great day of atonement, typifying the Lord’s act as described in Phil. 2:5-8. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." The breast plate of the high priest with its material corresponding to that of the Ephod speaks, therefore of Christ the high priest as being (1) the Son of God, and one with the Father, "I and the father are one." John 10:30--blue; (2) the Son of Man and Lamb of God, our redeemer, Eph. 1:7--red; (3) the high priest of God in heaven, Heb. 4:14--purple; (4) fine beaten gold interwoven--the Holy Spirit, John 1:32-33; (5) fine white linen--His sinless human personality, which is the righteousness of saints.
The breast plate had sort of a pocket back of the twelve jewels which Moses was commanded to put the Urim and the Thummim. Exodus 28:29-30, "Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breast plate of judgment upon his heart when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually. And thou shalt put in the breast plate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually." Lev. 8:8 "And he put the breast plate upon him: also he put in the breast plate the Urim and the Thummim. In Hebrew the word "Urim" means light, and the word "Thummim" means holiness, integrity, fullness, and innocence. It also has the meaning to complete, to finish, or to end. Other scriptures dealing with this; Numbers 27:21, "And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in.
Both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation." Deu. 33:8- "And of Levi he said, "Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah." After Saul had been cut off from God, because of his failure to keep God’s commandments, he sought the witch of Endor, because God would not answer Him. 1 Sam. 28:6 "And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, not by Urim, not by prophets.
Ezra 2:63 "And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim." The same words are used in Nehemiah 7:65. This shows they were consulted when counsel and advice was sought from God. They also brought back His answer, as in the case of Joshua, Numbers 27, 18, and 21.
The two stones, picture the two witnesses, or the word of God-Moses and Christ; the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is the spirit of God that causes these to be illuminated to us. Heb. 6:18, "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us."
Isaiah 51:4 - "Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my Judgment to rest for a light of the people." This law was in the future for Isaiah, but is enjoyed by us now. It is the law in Christ Jesus which has set us free from the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:2. Through this law is a perfect freedom from sin, God in Christ has established justice for light of the nations. Now we know from the Lord’s own words the Holy Spirit is called the teacher John 14:25-26. John 16:13 "Howbeit when He, the spirit of Truth is come He will guide you into all truth, for He shall not speak of Himself, but whatsoever he shall hear that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come."
Rev. 19:10 - One of the redeemed (an angel) said to John, "I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God." He explains the testimony of Jesus by saying: "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Jesus is the prophet that John spoke of, the Holy Spirit dwells in Him in all its fullness. Even the soldiers of Pilate realized this when they covered His face and said, "Prophecy unto us, thou Christ, who is he that smote thee?" Matt. 26:68.
When our Lord hung on the cross He uttered this prophecy to the thief "Amen, I say unto thee, today shall thou be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43.
The Urim and Thummin, therefore, must necessarily refer to the Old and New Testament, which being illuminated by the Holy Ghost communicates to the believer the light and will of God. The Aaronotic high priest with his Ephod represented Christ in His royalty as King; bearing the names of His people upon his breast with his Urim and Thummim as a prophet, thus we see Christ glorified as a prophet priest, and king. The fact that the Urim and Thummin were behind the twelve jewels, speaks of the spirit of God illuminating, guiding and directing a ministry, who are working in God’s divine order. There were twelve stones upon the breast plate, and twelve is God’s number of divine government. Note that nine out of the twelve jewels of Exodus 28:17-20 are also enumerated in the description of man before his fall, Eze. 28:11-19.
Isn’t it significant that the three jewels missing in Eden are the three pertaining to Joseph’s sons and brethren? Isn’t Joseph one of the purest and most striking human type of our Lord, sold by his brothers, imprisoned in Egypt, revealing the secret of King Pharaoh, exalted to second place in the kingdom, and receiving a wife in exile? Is not Christ the true Manaaseh, who was willing to forget His glory with His Father, and become the real Ephraim, becoming "doubly fruitful," first in Himself, then in His bride? The name Benjamin means, "Son of my right hand", and Christ was the Benjamin, "The Son of Sorrow of Calvary" who was afterwards exalted to the right hand of God, (as God’s only Benjamin) Ps. 110:1 "The Lord said unto my Lord, ‘Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."’ Verse 4 - "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
The nine jewels speak of perfection in judgment. He was by creation the most perfect, sealing up the measure of wisdom, perfect in beauty, nine of these stones in the breast plate being his covering. Adam was the anointed cherub that covereth, the high priest of God’s creation; that is, God gave him dominion over the beasts, fowls, and fish: perfect in his ways from the day he was created, until unrighteousness was found in him; he fell through sin. Then God sent His only Son, and the Son was willing to forget that He was equal with God, (I and the Father are one). He was the grain of wheat that died (John 12), then rose triumphant bearing double fruit, (Ephraim) through His true believers who followed the Lord, and as a result bringing forth many to eternal life.
Now He sits on the throne that God has given Him and He will reign until His enemies are made a footstool, in the meanwhile getting Himself a company of "Sons of God" who are being made perfect through suffering, in order that He may come forth in them. Christ is the only true high priest of God through redemption. The first Adam lost his place through transgression. Christ, the creator and redeemer, the second and final priest in the order of Melchizedec, without beginning, without ending, obtaining His trust through His obedience unto death.
Ezek. 28:11-14 - "Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, ‘Son of Man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, thus saith the Lord God; thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Thou (his father Adam) hast been in Eden the garden of God: every precious stone was thy covering, (1) the sardius, (2) the topaz, (3) the diamond, (4) the beryl, (5) the onyx, and (6) the jasper, (7) the sapphire, (8) the emerald, and (9) the carbuncle, and (10) gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes were prepared in thee in the day that thou was created. Thou art the annointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so; thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire (sons of God)."’
The twelve stones of Jesus are (1) ruby, (2) topaz, (3) emerald, (4) chrysoprasus, (5) sapphire, (6) the diamond, (7) the amber; (8) the agate, (9) the amethyst, and (10) the beryl, (11) the onyx, and (12) the jasper.
The twelve stones mentioned in the new Jerusalem are: (1) the jasper, (2) sapphire, (3) a chalcedony; (4) an emerald, (5) sardonyx, (6) sardius, (7) chrysolyte, (8) beryl, (9) a topaz, (10) a chrysoprasus, (11) a jacinth, and (12) an amethyst. Rev. 21:19.
Here is given a sketch of the twelve jewels of the breast plate. The nine jewels mentioned in Ezekiel is pertaining to the King of Tyre who pictures Adam in the Garden. The number
twelve speaks of governmental perfection, being a multiple of three and four. Three is the number of divine perfection; viz., Father, Son, and Holy spirit. Four is the number of the world redeemable by Christ. Twelve, therefore, stands for the full and perfect control and government which God in Christ exercises over those who come into His order. The thought is brought out in the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles, the twelve foundations of the new Jerusalem, the twelve gates, the twelve pearls, and the twelve angels also the twelve stones that were placed in the midst of Jordan when Israel was passing through into Caanan, and the twelve stones that were placed upon the bank after they passed through to the other side. Elijah told them to get twelve whole stones according to the twelve tribes of Israel as an altar to God. I could go on indefinitely in using the number twelve, which, if the Lord be willing, I will take up in a later paper.
Christ, as the high priest, bears the twelve tribes of Israel and all the saints of the New Testament on His heart, and thus presents them to God as perfect in Him. The saints on earth who come under His government, twelve, will reign with Him throughout the thousand year millennial world.
We should also mention the names of the twelve sons of Israel as they were engraved upon the two shoulder stones of the high priest mentioned in Exodus 28: 9-10, "And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel; six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth." The importance of the onyx is set forth in the list of the offerings which God told the children of Israel to bring to Him for the tabernacle and priesthood. Ex. 25:7 "Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the Ephod, and in the breast plate." These stones were two in number, each of them having six names of the children of Israel engraved on it. One onyx stone was placed on the right shoulder of Aaron, and the other on his left shoulder. The names appearing on the two stones were in order according to the birth of the sons born to Jacob.
THE RIGHT SHOULDER THE LEFT SHOULDER 1. Reuben 7. Gad 2. Simeon 8. Asher 3. Levi 9. Issachar 4. Judah 10. Jebulun 5. Dan 11. Joseph 6. Naphtali 12. Benjamin
God is bringing out a precious truth in type here showing that Jesus Christ is our burdened bearer. 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you."
(to be continued)
THE BREAST PLATE
(Continued)
Second Issue April 9, 1948
We have four rows, each row containing three precious stones. The first row is led by Judah, the second by Reuben, and the third by Ephraim, and the fourth by Dan. This was also the order in which the twelve tribes were grouped around the tabernacle in the wilderness. Judah, with Issachar, and Zebulun were camped on the east side, Judah holding the banner of a lion. Reuben, with Simeon, and Gad were camped on the south side, their banner was a bullock. On the west side we see the descendant of Rachel: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin; their banner represented a man; and on the north we find Dan, with Asher, and Naphtali having an emblem of an eagle.
Rev. 4:6-7 "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle."
In the breast plate we can see how God had grouped His children according to the twelve tribes (Ex. 28:20-21). In their tribal order indicating, while as to redemption, God’s children are all on a equality, yet to the fidelity and reward, they differ from each other. Each color, hue, and brilliancy, as well as the order of sitting. And these very thoughts of our God ought to drive us into a greater yieldedness to God, so that by God’s grace we may obtain to God’s very best. How is this reached? By being willing not only to die to self, but to abide in this condition of death, so that Christ might be brought forth in the glory and beauty of His resurrected life in us. "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory." (1Cor. 15:41) We will not lose our character, or identity, and individuality. We have a personal self (even after we lose our sinful self or flesh of sin) which will not be destroyed, but dwells within and in controlled by the spirit of Christ through the Holy Ghost. Elijah will never be a Elisha or a Daniel; a John will also differ in his characteristics all through eternity from a Peter or a James. All will radiate the life of God through themselves, however the measure of our yieldedness to God will decide the position and rank we occupy among the jewels on our high priest’s breast plate. the greater or lesser degree is depending upon the greater or lesser according to our surrender to God, and His dealings with us.
The two shoulder jewels, bearing the names of the children of Israel, were of Onyx, that is also the eleventh stone in the breast plate. The word onyx in Hebrew signifies: thin, delicate, pale, so called from the resemblance of the human finger nail through which the flesh is showing. It is first mentioned in Genesis 2:12 "And the gold of that land is good. There is bdellium and the onyx stone."
God tells us in the day of Adam’s innocence three things were found in the land of Havilah, which means region, which was compassed by the river Pison, which means spreading: First gold, second bodolac and third, the onyx. We find gold the symbol of the Holy Spirit; pearls the type of the bride of Christ, (Matt. 13:45-46) Onyx suggest the divine nature, and human nature of our Lord, imparted to His believers. All three point to the fact that we are to be redeemed to God through Jesus Christ. The onyx occurs in the following bible passages: Gen. 2:12; Exo. 25:7d, 39:6, 39:13; 1 Chr. 29:2; Job 28:16; Ezek. 28:13.
May I say here that hundred of hours of study have gone in this subject to bring out these
thoughts in order to compile these facts.
THE FIRST JEWEL IN THE BREAST PLATE
The first jewel on the breast plate is called in our bible--sardius. It was of a beautiful ruddy color, and its name signifies red. Reddish, ruddy, In Isaiah 63:2 this word is used of our Lord as He ushers in the Millennium, "Wherefore art thou red (Adam) in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?" In the Songs of Solomon the bride says, "My beloved is white and ruddy (Adam)," The latter term is referring to the human nature of our Lord, as the second or last Adam. (Song. 5:10) Numbers 19:2 the same word is used as of the red heifer, which is a type of the church, which also must go without the camp and bear His reproach and suffer as Paul said that which is left of the sufferings of Christ he would fill up in his own body for the church’s sake. Adam means the man, (the human being, male of female) and it is also used in Genesis 5:1-2 to designate Adam and his wife, this Adam, our forefather in the flesh, receiving his help meet from his open side. Our Lord Jesus is called the second or last Adam because the first had failed God, has become old and will pass away, the last because there will be no other after Him. The first Adam is earthy, the last Adam, the Lord from heaven, a life giving spirit. (1 Cor. 15:45-49) Our spiritual Adam likewise underwent a deep sleep in the grave, wherefore also God gave Him a help meet, a bride, given out of His own side. And as the first Adam was not complete without his wife, so it is with the Lord Jesus Christ, He was not complete without His bride, and the bride is being built out of His riven side, and she shall be led to Him complete at His second appearing. (1 Thes. 4:13-14) The church of Saradius means Adam, and is a type of the reformation period which began in the fifteenth century and has been being carried on until now, and when the second Adam has completed His Bride and completed the work in the heart of the believers, He will come and catch her away.
The name engraved upon his stone was Judah. Judah means Jehovah be praised. The first jewel on the high priest’s breast plate speaks of the failure of the first man and his race, and also of the second man; our Lord substituting Himself on Calvary for the believers of the failing ones and bearing them in tender kindness on His heart in the presence of God.
Praise is the key note to God, pleasing worship on the part of the believer. It is a privilege which the Holy spirit grants to those who yield themselves to Him. Praise is paying a debt to God, which His children owe and can never fully pay, though they would live ten thousand lifetimes. It is the highest form of worship, assuring us of the will and pleasure of our God. Praise is the outflow of the heart that is filled with faith, and trust and confidence in God. It is a sign of victory in the heart of the believer. It is also the hand that lays hold of God, and moves God to do things for us. It drives away the mist, and doubt, and fear, and rises to the sunshine of God’s presence.
Praise made the walls of Jericho fall; praise openeth the mouth of the great fish to let the repenting prophet escape; praise is the thermometer indicating the fullness of the spirit, and his control of the believer. Praise is to the enemy, as sunlight is to the night birds; it causes him to flee. What a shame it is that the ministers standing before the so-called churches today will not drop their ideas, and human doctrines, instead of building up fences and landmarks between each other, and get lost in God. then God would undertake for them and brush away the enemy and bring about a standard of worship and living that needs no patching or thatching on man’s part. It is a shame that the Protestant ministry are depriving their people of this glorious liberty of praise unto God. Many Pentecostal churches are only giving a night once in a while in which their people can praise the Lord. I often hear the phrase "Popcorn testimonies". I am sure the Lord is not pleased with this, for whosoever offers praise glorifies the Lord.
Get a vision of our Judah (Christ) who has the new life of a lion’s whelp; who went up on his prey on Calvary where he snatched us through death and resurrection from the lion’s jaws. (Gen. 49:12) the sceptre, the insignia of royal power, will never depart from our Lord Jesus. He is seated at the right hand of His God and Father. (Ps. 110:1) The field Marshall’s staff shall never be snatched from between His feet as the army of His church is marching on in this earth, which is His footstool. He still controls that mighty army which is marching ever upward, and will continue to control us until we hear the commander shout from the air, "Come up higher." All power belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. It has been given to Him by the Father. (Matt. 28:18) Shiloh means peacemaker, and that was the title given to Him in the 49th chapter of Isaiah. He shall come and take up His power and reign during the millennium, to those who overcome and love not their life unto the death. He is already the Solomon, the author of Peace, to His church, to whom He imparts peace and thus has made them a true Shulamite soul. Shulamite means recipient of peace. It will not be long before He comes in His glory with, and for His Shulamite, to establish His kingdom of peace on the whole earth. Then shall the nations learn to obey Him who has the sceptre (royalty), and the staff (power), and who alone brings peace, for He is the very peace (Shiloh) from God. (Gen. 49:9)
Verse 11 - "Bind his foal unto the vine, and his Ass’s colt unto the choice vine." The ass is the type of unclean man, and the colt is a type of the redeemed and first born among men. "And every firstling of an ass thou shall redeem with a lamb; and if thou will not redeem it then thou shall break its neck; and all the first born of man among thy children shall thou redeem." When Jesus shall come again, the colt will no longer be tied to the door, as we read in Mark 11:1-7, "but to the choice vine." The false and failing vine was Judah in Israel (Isa. 5:1-7) but Jesus is the true vine, (John 15) and His true believers are His branches. When He shall come to earth again the Shiloh, the peace giver, (the colt redeemed man in the millennium) shall no longer be tied to a Jewish door closed to the unclean beast, but united with Christ Himself who will change the colt nature into lamb nature. "He has washed his garment in wine, and his vesture in blood of grapes." Wine, or the blood of grapes, is a type of the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, as He spilled it freely on Calvary. (Matt. 26:27-28; Luke 22:20; Mark 14:23-24; 1 Cor. 10-16.) His garments and vesture are His righteousness and holiness which He freely bestows without charge, upon us who accept Him as a Saviour. His garments washed in wine, the blood of grapes, speaks of the covering of His blood as a garment and vesture for those who accept Him and come into His church. (Eph. 1:22-23) We are justified through the shedding of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. "His eyes shall be red with wine, his teeth white with milk." His eyes do not see our sins which are past, because they were blotted out by His blood shed on Calvary’s tree; and His teeth white with the milk of His precious gospel, the teeth denoting a ministry that He uses to give the life giving word of God to us to bring to Him all who will. In like manner those who are members of His body have His eyes, also the milk is flowing from their lips out to a lost and dying world to bring them salvation that was bought on Calvary’s tree, by the Lord Jesus Christ - our Judah.
THE SECOND JEWEL IN THE BREAST PLATE
The second jewel mentioned in the breast plate is called topaz. Its color was of a greenish
yellow luster and had the name of Issachar engraved upon it. The meaning of the name is: "He will bring a reward, or recompense." (an utterance spoken by Leah when her fifth son was born.)
One of the first occurrences of this word "reward" or "recompense" is found in Gen 15:1, "After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward." The Patriarch had just returned from His battle against Chedorlaomer, and brought back his nephew with the people and goods. On his return he was met by the king of Sodom who offered him all the spoils, but Abram refused to take a reward from the man, saying: "Lest thou should say, ‘I have made Abram rich:"’ Here also Melchizedek, King of Salem met Abram and offered him bread and wine, and Abram paid unto the King of Salem a tenth of all. Abram was not looking for earthly rewards and riches, nor the rewards of men. He was willing to be a pilgrim and sojourner even in the land which God had promised unto his seed as an inheritance. "By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob." (Heb. 11:8-9) He was not looking to man for reward, nor the world for spoils, but unto God. God knew Abram’s heart and declared unto him, He Himself would be his exceeding great reward. A gift destroys the heart, and it is a sad thing to see a minister of this day have his hand out for a reward "Be careful brethren lest you be among they who devour the widow’s home."
God has provided a reward to His faithful people that is far beyond the conception of most believers. "It has not entered into the hearts of men the things that God has prepared for those who love Him." It is not simply blessings, experience, or a holy walk here on earth; but it is to be a part of the New Jerusalem, part of the streets of gold to rule and reign with the Lord Jesus Christ a thousand years. "For we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." But in order to receive this reward, we must be willing to consider all things as dung, so as to gain Christ. What does it matter whether men revile you and cast you out as unclean? What does it matter if you gain favor with your brother? What does it amount to if men misunderstand and misjudge and keep themselves from you? Is there not one in us, the Son of God, our hope of glory? We should begin to look away from ourselves and from others; not to please others; not to desire a place of honor or distinction among your fellow men; neither desire to live to please the best of people. But to get our eyes on Jesus, a desire to please Him. Yield ourselves to Him that our lives will be pleasing to Him and His will. Strive to gain Christ and to be found in Him; "Not as the righteousness of the law, but the righteousness which is by faith in Jesus Christ." (Phil. 3:9-11) Be faithful wherever God may place us; do not lust after preeminence of popularity, but seek to please Christ. Whether in office or kitchen, in business or home, pulpit, or in revival crowds, or alone in your closet, let the Lord Jesus Christ be your reward.
Gen. 49:14-15 We have this prophecy concerning Issachar: "Issachar is as a strong ass couching down between two burdens: and he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear; and became a servant unto tribute." Here we have the thought that Issachar, for the sake of obtaining rest was willing to bear the double burden. He bowed his shoulders to bear it. There is a resting place for those of God’s people who are willing to bear whatever burden or affliction that the Lord may lay upon them. This resting place does not begin with death; but on earth, in the midst of all the confusion and unrest. It is the rest of abiding in Him. (Rom. 8:1) "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." This rest is in our Lord Jesus Christ, He is our rest on earth and reward in Heaven.
(Isa 28:11)
THE THIRD JEWEL IN THE BREAST PLATE
The third stone in the breast plate was a carbuncle, meaning lightning, flashing, and is also used as a glittering sword. Its color was red transparent whiteness, as a crystal. It was a type of our Lord Jesus who was described in the Song of Solomon 5:10 as white and ruddy, or in other words as "Dazzling white and Adam" (or reddish) speaking of His divine human nature as the Son of God and also the Son of Man. (Matt. 17:2) Christ was seen on the mount of transfiguration with His raiment as white as light. Rev. 1:14 speaks of Christ’s hair as "being as white as wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were as a flame of fire." When our Lord shall come to earth again to take possession of the kingdoms of this world, He will be riding upon a white horse and out of His mouth shall go a sharp two two-edged sword. (Rev 19) "And the army of heaven shall follow him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
The final throne of judgment spoken of in the twentieth chapter of Revelation shows Him sitting upon a throne of white. White in the word of God speaks primarily of purity, righteousness, and holiness. It exists first in our Lord, but He imparts it to the believer through the Gospel of the Kingdom. The bride of Christ described in Revelation 19:8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white." The fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. (Rev. 6:1) "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, "Come and see," and I saw, and behold a white horse; and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and He went forth conquering and to conquer." Many are teaching the rider of the white horse as antichrist, but yet in the word of God you do not find white denoting evil. The white horse denotes the church purified by the Lord Jesus Christ, His blood, and His gospel, the rider is the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Christ came to bring to light life and immortality through the gospel and has abolished death." Christ said, "He was the light of the world." But men love darkness rather than light. He was talking to the religious world. "He came to His own and His own received him not, but to as many as did receive him he gave power to become the Sons of God." (Mat. 25:1-8) "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." This scripture is talking to the Kingdom of God, and not to the world, therefore the oil does not mean the Holy Spirit, but the oil means tho knowledge of the word of God. (Ps 110:130) "The entrance of thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." The Holy Ghost Baptism is the birth of the spirit referred to in St. John 3:5, "Except a man be born of the water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
After being converted and baptized with the Holy Ghost, we must then grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. In revival work I have seen many come to the altar that knew nothing about God and His word; they would be converted and baptized with the Holy Ghost with one trip to the altar. They knew nothing about the will of God, the plan of God, or His word but had to be taught after they had been born of water and the spirit.
The name engraved upon the third stone was Zebulun. Zebulun means habitation, or to inclose, dwell, reside. It was given by Leah to her sixth son. (Gen. 30:20) "And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun." Through the birth of her sixth son Leah thought to gain the favor of her husband, and for him to live with her; yet Jacob’s heart remained with Rachel. The birth of the sixth son did not have the desired effect on the relation between her and her husband, showing us it took the gift of the only begotten Son to bring us nigh unto God and to secure us a heavenly dwelling. "The law made nothing perfect but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw nigh to God."
Jacob on his death bed gave this prophecy, (Gen. 49:13) "Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for a haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon." God also enlarges this prophecy through the blessing of Moses (Deu. 33:18-19) "And of Zebulun he said, rejoice Zebulun in thy going out; and, Issachar in thy tents. They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand." Gathering up these prophecies relating to Zebulun, we gain the following thoughts: 1-Zebulun shall have a permanent habitation or dwelling, 2- His border shall be by Zidon, the first born son of Caanan. Gen. 10:15-19 those who settled to the north of the inheritance of Zebulun were under the curse of God. (Gen. 9:25).
Deut. 33:19-Zebulun was told to rejoice because he (Issachar) was called to go out to the peoples (nations) under the mountains, where they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness. He shall suck (drink in) abundance of the sea and the hidden treasures of the sand.
While we realize this prophecy shall yet come to pass concerning the children of Israel when they shall safely dwell in their possessions during the millennium and when they shall be used by our Lord as a missionary activity among the Gentiles, they will be the trumpet blowers during the millennium (ministers). First they will be a people who themselves have found an abiding place, resting and dwelling in the Lord Jesus. "Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. 3:3) As Christ Himself, who came from the bosom of the father is now hidden from men on earth and is now living in the presence of His God, so are they hidden with the Lord and are feasting on Him as their hidden manna. They will be resting from their works, as God did from His, and have entered into their Sabbath, rest which is the very living Christ. Second, having found this rest, they are like a haven of ships sending the message of life and peace to the people who are still living in darkness during the millennium. Third, they are stretching out their borders to them who are still under sin and curse, and will be casting forth their net for souls during the millennium for the kingdom of God at that hour. (Mat. 4:18-19) Fourth, they will be rejoicing with great gladness going out to the whole world, going out to the nations calling them to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ whom He has made a sin and curse for all who believe might be made righteous in Him. Gal. 3:13-14) Fifth, they shall draw out of the sea, the Gentile nations, the multitude of souls that the Father gives them and get the hidden treasures of the sands. (Gentiles) The souls of the Gentiles which is "the sea."
Brethren, how much do we as a Pentecostal people correspond to this prophecy of Zebulun? Are we a people that found a rest in Him? A safe dwelling place in Christ? What about the doctrines, divisions, strives, backbiting going on in our ranks? What about the unrest and division in our assemblies, and the fleshy efforts to fight through human organization? Is not Christ sufficient without organizations? Is not His spirit willing and able to lead us through the word of God, to higher and larger places than the Pentecostal people have found? Why this formality of a religious reason when God alone is able and willing to bring about conditions that will enable us to launch forth into new life, an activity that is born by the spirit? God is waiting for a people who are in rest with Him, so He may use their talent, time, knowledge, and means for the carrying out of His plan concerning the close of this dispensation.
When in rest with Him we will gladly sacrifice our time in prayer and other things that we should do for the Lord. We will joyfully lay down our means to send forth the ships that bring in the loads of precious souls to worship at the feet of Jesus. Until we come into this place we will never be a people who will pull out the souls from the seas.
Are we safely dwelling in Christ? Are we willingly giving our time, talent, money, knowledge, and all to the Lord Jesus Christ for His glory?
(to be continued)
NOTE:
This subject is to be continued in the next issue of this paper.
If you wish a copy write to:
Elder C. O. Dixon
3146 Lynde
Oakland 1, Calif.
THE BREAST PLATE
Third Issue
(continued)
THE FOURTH JEWEL IN THE BREAST PLATE
The fourth jewel in the breast plate, or the first one in the second row was called chrysoprasus. In Revelation it is mentioned as the tenth foundation of the city under this name. (Rev. 4:3) Here it shows the Father seated on a throne, with a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. It must therefore have been a stone reflecting the seven colors of the rainbow, with perhaps the green color predominating.
The name of Reuben was engraved on it. Reuben means, behold ye a son. This was a joyful sound of Leah when her first son was born for she said, "Because Jehovah has looked upon mine affliction." (Gen. 29:32). Jacob, in his last prophecy said of him, "Reuben, thou are my first born, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power; unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed, and thou defileth it; he went up to my couch." Reuben was a disappointment to his father. And as a type of the first Adam and his offspring, Adam was created in the likeness of God. He lived holy and innocent, not knowing sin, until he chose to disobey God. After that God could no longer call him son. Adam forfeited his place on earth as the Son of God because of his disobedience, and therefore had to be cast forth from his presence, and from that time on the seed of the first man has proved itself as a seed of children of disobedience whose children are as "unstable as water." Bringing to the surface the scum of sin, "that which is born of flesh is flesh."
But in due time God brought forth His only begotten Son to take the place of the children of Adam, and He died on the cross to save the lost children of Adam who would come to Him. There Christ, who was obedient on the cross to death, came to deliver those who would believe upon Him and deliver them from the curse Adam brought upon his offspring. The Son to be given was foretold in Isa. 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." The Son came forth from God with a heart of obedience to restore the rebellious children of man to the sonship of God. God described the lost condition of men and how unacceptable were the sacrifices he was making of bulls and goats. (Ps. 40:6-7 "Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." God in mercy has looked upon our affliction, as we all like sheep have gone astray and now invites all to look as the murmuring people of Israel which were bit by the fiery serpents, to the uplifted brazen serpent and live. (Num. 21:1-9) "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the Son Of Man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (St. John 3:16) God calls to all in this age, "Behold my Son." They who heed the call to gaze upon the Son with eyes of repentance, will be saved, and transformed into His image even as He is the image of His God and Father. Brother, Sister, are you discouraged, dishearted, tempted to give up the fight of faith? Does this way seem too hard for you? Then listen to God’s invitation to behold His Son, who is seated at His right hand as your elder brother, pleading for you, as your representative, and supplying you with His strength through the Spirit’s power. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." Beloved, now are we the children of God. It does
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is filled with an incorruptible, unchangeable, divine love for His people. But the word sapphire with its kindred term, seraiah, points to Jesus as "The word of God." He is the only one that came from heaven, out of the bosom of His Father, "that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever would believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John tells of the Lord: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (St. John 1:1) And our Lord says "And the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me." (St. John 14:24) If we expect to reign with Jesus in His kingdom, we will have to learn the great lesson from Him to keep the Word of God as the Lord says in St. John 8:31, "If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed." The words that He gave unto us was not originally His, but His Fathers. Every word that the Master uttered had the seal of approval from His Father, because Christ never spoke from His own authority, but by the authority of His Father as it declares in St. John 17:8--"For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me."
Thus we get the true meaning of the sapphire, that Christ, our high priest, is not only the Son of Man but also the Son of God, and as such the divine word and utterance of the Father.
The name engraved on the sapphire was Simeon, which means hearing. It was the name of the second son of Leah. She said after his birth, "Because Jehovah has heard that I am hated, He has, therefore, given me this son also." (Gen. 29:33)
Unconsciously Leah gave a description of God’s heart toward the hated and oppressed. God is merciful and gracious, and slow to anger. The children of Israel often provoked God through their sins and stubbornness, yet when they cried unto Him in distress He delivered them. David who had tested the faithfulness and mercy of God says, "I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth." II (Chro. 20:9) "If when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou will hear and help." He did not cry in vain to God, for the answer came back from Him whose ear is not stopped to the cry of the needy. "Fear not ye, be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (II Chro. 20:15)
Our Lord, whose ear was always open to the voice of His Father, tells His disciples: "Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full." (John16:24) Praise our God for His mercy endureth forever. On the other hand we must keep our ears tuned to hear the voice of God and to harken to His word, especially in these last days, when God’s children are in danger of turning away their ears from the still small voice of the spirit, and being so wrapped up with formality and ritualism that their ears will be stopped. "Harken, oh daughter and consider and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou Him." (Ps. 45:10-11)
The name which was engraved upon this stone was Simeon, the meaning is to hear. Shall we not glorify God and hear His word and also the prayer of His son in the 17th chapter of John, "Be one, as even He and His Father are one, for all men will know that we are His disciples if we love one another." We can never be one in an organization; organization is division, therefore, we must come out of her and get under the one head (Christ), the one garment, and be closed in with the border of blue.
THE SIXTH JEWEL IN THE BREAST PLATE
The sixth jewel was a species of hard gem called in English, a diamond. The word means; beating, hammering, smiting, conquering, overcoming, and is derived from the word which means to beat, to strike, i.e. an army. The Hebrew word for this stone is yahalom. In Isaiah 16:8, it refers to "break down." In I Sam. 14:16 where it is rendered "To scatter." Ps. 145:5, the same word is given with the word, "to smite" and it reads, "If the righteous smite me it shall be a kindness." Its meaning surely points to Christ of whom Isaiah prophesied: "surely He has born our sickness and carried our pains, yet we esteemed Him smitten and stricken of God and afflicted." "But He was wounded for our transgressions, and He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." (Isa. 53:4-5) Read also Matt. 26:67-68; Matt 27:27-30.
Because He was willing to take upon Himself our shame and punishment He will tread the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God. (Rev. 19:15) Read Isa. 63:1-6 "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore are thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come and I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth."
And His bride following Him on the path of suffering and shame confesses "The watchman that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me." (SS 5:7) "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?" (SS. 6:10)
Gad, the seventh son of Jacob, was engraved on this gem; its chief meaning is a truth, as also, a fortune, the name also means to attach, crown, invade. Jacob’s prophecy concerning the son is, "Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last." (Gen. 49:19) Moses speaking of Gad says: "Blessed is he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head. And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the Lord, and his judgments with Israel." (Deut. 33:20-21) In the blessings of Jacob Gad is mentioned as first being oppressed, but as conquering in the end. In the Mosiac prophecy blessing is given to him that enlargeth Gad or the Lord Himself. We cannot stop with man as a finality of God’s prophetic blessings, but must rest in Him who is the Alpha and Omega of the Father’s love and plan with man, that is, His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the mighty Gad (truth) the Lord of Hosts, who, like Jephthae (the name means to open or loose) was once despised by his brethren, delivered them from their oppression. The Ammonite has delivered us from the hand of Satan, our oppressor, and will finally deliver his brethren (Jews) at His second coming. This Gad "dwelleth as a lion" (Rev. 5:1-5), and teareth the arm (i.e. power) and the crown (i.e. rulership) of his enemies. He provided the first part for himself, for he did tread the winepress on Calvary alone, and will again tread the winepress of the wrath of God at Armageddon. (Isa. 63:1-6).
To Him alone is the law givers portion reserved in the millennium. He will come with the heads of the people (overcomers) to reign a thousand years and then will exalt the righteousness of God, His Father, and His ordinances in Israel. During this battle, that will be waged for a thousand years, Christ will be the victor. And He will let His Shulamite (bride) share this glory with Him. (SS. 6:13)
Here we come to the three gems bearing the names of the three sons which descended from Rachel and Jacob, Ephraim, and Manassah, (Sons of Joseph) and Benjamin. In the camp of the wilderness they were stationed on the west side of the tabernacle, nearest to the Holiest with its ark and mercy seat. The west side with the holiest speaks of the heavenly where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, or the place of rest.
The physical body of Christ came from the lineage of Jacob. As a result, Christ possessed in His body a portion of the traits of the twelve sons of Jacob, who, themselves, possessed a nature that came through their father Jacob. But though the nature of the twelve sons, both good and bad, was found in the physical body of the Lord Jesus Christ; yet Christ over ruled the bad that He had inherited through Jacob and the twelve sons; and brought out all the good. Therefore, all the words spoken of Jacob concerning the twelve sons applies in some part to the Lord Jesus Christ for Christ came through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob according to the flesh. But Jesus Himself who was pre-existent with the Father came down and taken His abode in that physical body and brought it to perfection, subduing every bad trait of the nature of the twelve sons of Jacob which is recorded in the 49th chapter of Genesis. "He took not upon Himself the nature of angels, but of the seed of Abraham, and being found in the form of a servant, He humbled Himself even to the death of the Cross." (Heb. 2:16)
Christ incorporated and manifested every good trait of all the twelve sons, but subdued, and put beneath His feet, every bad trait. Likewise requires us to incorporate within ourselves every good trait, and to put down beneath our feet every bad trait.
THE SEVENTH JEWEL IN THE BREAST PLATE
The first jewel mentioned in the third row, or the seventh on the breast plate is an amber colored quartz, called ligure in our English language. Hebrew meaning is: to taste, to lick, or something to suck, sweet, the tongue, has reference to blood, life blood, or moisture. (Ps. 34:2) David confesses that his life blood or moisture would change into the drought of the summer because of his sin. (Num. 11:8) Moses, in narrating that Israel in the wilderness made cakes of the manna, uses the same word for cake as he uses in Ps. 32:4. We know that sin deprives man from living in the presence of God, but Christ, the living manna from Heaven, is sweet, life giving, food for the believer.
On this stone was engraved the name Ephraim which means double fruitfulness, to bear fruit, or to increase. Ephraim was the younger of the two sons of Joseph, (Hebrew meaning--He will increase) and according to God’s will, and contrary to the wish of His Father, received a special blessing that he should be greater than his brother, and should become a multitude of nations. (Gen. 48) In the blessing of Jacob we find the word goel (Hebrew) mentioned for the first time in the Bible. By goel it is understood as a blood avenger, a near kinsman who would avenge the blood of his murdered kin. According to the Mosiac Law Goel was to buy back the land of his nearest kin and also his widow. (Lev. 25:33-35) (Deu. 25:5-10) (Ruth 4:4-6)
The old patriarchs who lived close to the Lord recognized the angel of the Lord, the one who would redeem them from the evil one to whom they were sold through sin. Job said, (Job 19:25) "I know that my Redeemer (Goel) liveth."
Ephraim indeed became a powerful tribe in Israel, and the leader of the three tribes that camped on the west side of the tabernacle in the wilderness; nor was this tribe unaware of its dignity. To Joshua they said, "I am a great people." (Joshua 17:14) At another period they complained against Gideon because he did not call them to fight against the Midianites, (Judges 8:1), and against Jephthah because he failed to invite them to fight against Ammon. (Judges 12:1) Ephraim first tolerated and even favored the first beginning of a counterfeit worship in Israel. (Judges 17:1-13) He showed a haughty spirit against his brethren which climax him in establishing a counter worship in Samaria, and in assuming the leadership over the ten tribes under Jeroboam, against the tribe of Judah. (I King 11:16) "And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, and Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon’s servant whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow woman even he lifted up his hand against the king." And their spirit was shown in the following passages (Ps. 78:8-9) "And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God. The children of Ephraim being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle." (Isa. 7:2) "And it was told the house of David saying, "Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind." Verse 17 "The Lord shall bring upon thee and upon thy people and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah, even the king of Assyria."
But we must turn from the failing side of Ephraim and turn to the doubly fruitfulness of God to the blessed Lord who Himself is the true vine that bore in His own humility fruit to His Father and who, ever since His ascension bears double fruit out of the lives of those who are yielded to Him. It is the Father’s plan that the disciples of Christ as His branches, should bear a double fruit, much fruit, and, abiding fruit. (John 15:11-21) "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his live for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, "The servant is not greater than his lord." If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my mane’s sake, because they know not Him that sent me."
Christ will only be satisfied with us when He can say of us, "A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard." (SS 4:12-15) He is listening until He hears His bride say, "The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved." (SS 7:13).
He is the precious citrus tree (Hebrew--tree of life) among the fruit trees of the woods (the son of men) whose shadow to His weary bride is delightful and whose fruit is sweet to her taste. (SS 2:3)
So we see the seventh stone in the breast plate of the high priest is a ligure. Jesus said, "My blood is drink indeed." and also, "I am the bread that came down from heaven and which if a man will eat he shall live and never die." So we see that He fulfilled the prophecy of Ephraim, the name which means "doubly fruitful." Christ bore a fruit through His death, burial, and resurrection and ascension upon high, He helps us to bear fruit through the Holy Spirit which He shed upon those that believed upon Him on the day of Pentecost, and also to those who heard the word through their lips and believed and received. "For the promise is to you and to your children and to as many as the Lord thy God shall call afar off." We who have partaken of His flesh, (word) and have drunk of His blood (spirit) have found that it truly is sweet to the taste and brings a life to the inner man.
(to be continued)
Note: This subject is to be continued in the next issue of this paper. If you wish a copy write to:
Elder C. O. Dixon
3146 Lynde
Oakland 1, Calif.
THE BREAST PLATE
Fourth Issue
Continued
THE EIGHTH JEWEL IN THE BREAST PLATE
The eighth jewel is an agate, which means to flash or to flame. It is a red carnelian, the same Hebrew word is found in Daniel 3:22 describing the flame of fire that slew the men that took Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Also this word is used in Daniel 7:9 "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like as burning fire." So we see the meaning of this stone had something to do with God’s judgment on His enemies. "For God is a consuming fire." (Heb. 12:29) Likewise Jesus is seen by John as one whose eyes are as a flame of fire (Rev. 1:14; 3:18). The Lord is speaking to the Laodiceans to buy of Him gold tried in the fire, or in other words, to accept of Him a pure holy life, heart cleansed by the fire of suffering. John the Baptist said, "Jesus would baptize them with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and with fire." The fire purifies us from dross and self. (Mal. 3:1-4). "The high priest is ever refining His people until they come forth as pure gold."
On this gem we find the name Manassah inscribed. Manassah, the older brother of Ephraim, was according to God’s will, placed behind his brother in the blessing. We find the preference of the younger to the older in a number of Bible cases. Abel was preferred to Cain, Isaac to Ismael, Jacob to Esau, and here Ephraim to Manassah. God does not look to preference through birth, age, rank, education, or human talent. God selects according to His will. Manassah means: causing to forget. The name chosen by Joseph for his first born, for he said, "God has made me to forget all my toil and all my father’s house." (Gen. 41:51) Joseph is one of the purest types of our Lord in his suffering, death, and resurrection. Hated and finally sold by his brothers he foreshadows the life of our Lord who came to His own, but they turned Him over to the Gentiles for crucifixion. As Joseph was separated from his people for many years, living among the Egyptians, so has our Lord cast away Israel for a season, dealing now in grace with the Gentile believers. Asenath, the Egyptian wife of Joseph, reflects the Gentile bride which the Holy Spirit (Eleazar) is now gathering for our Lord. Joseph’s firstborn, Manassah, speaks of the comfort which God bestows on His son by giving Him a company of Bride souls from the heathens, for the loss of His own people. But as our Lord finds comfort in His believers, such of His believers, who will fully yield to His perfecting grace, so does He also expect them to forget their past lives and former associations. (Ps. 45:10-11. "Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy fathers house; so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty; for He is thy Lord; and worship thou Him." Paul, the great apostle, caught up this refrain when He says, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:13-14).
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave unto His disciples the commandment, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:48) What a statement! What a standard! God Himself declared by His Son to be the standard of His disciples. No one would dare to conceive such a thought or entertain a hope of ever reaching such a goal. God comes down to us through Christ, His son, and tells us, "I am your standard." Man shrinks at this and inquires how that can be? Is there any power in me? No, there is no power in the natural man. He was undone at the fall and judged on the cross. God is through with the natural man; He cannot bless or give him life. The natural man is fleshly controlled by sin, loving sin, and hating God. He is beyond improvement, correction, or reformation. He was doomed at the fall and delivered unto death through the cross of Christ as Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Gal. 2:20) God has another standard. It is not of the first Adam, but as of the last Adam, His own Son, the creator and redeemer of the children of the first man. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13) These are the words of Paul to us, because He knew we would be discouraged by God’s high standard. Again the word of God tells us that we shall receive power when the Holy Ghost shall come upon us.
This stone and the inscribed name upon this stone typifies many things to the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. It speaks of judgment, and, in the same breath, the deliverance from judgment through the Lord Jesus Christ, who bore our sins upon the tree; showing Him to be the one who would take the judgment upon Himself. (IICor. 5:21) "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who know no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (Heb. 2:14-15 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of the flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that has the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."
The name of Manassah means: causing to forget. Man was sold under sin by Adam in the garden, and from that day to this, man is subject to the fear of death. The scripture says, "They are under fear of bondage of death." If all the wailing at funerals were put into one great voice, it would shake the earth itself. There was no one to help; no one to deliver, until Jesus Christ came, four thousand years after the creation of man. He stood at Lazarus’ tomb on the beginning of the 5th thousand year and said, "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" (John 11:25-26) Christ is the tree of life; Christ is the tree of hope. Paul said in II Tim. 1:10 "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." For Christ is our Manassah, "causing to forget." In Christ there is life, in Adam there is death. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (ICor. 15:22) This was not speaking of physical death, but it was speaking of the death of the man. (Isa. 53:12) "Christ poured out His soul unto death." Not only did His physical body die on Calvary, but His soul was poured out unto death. He took the judgment of the whole world upon Himself, and died for whosoever would believe in Him. And those who would believe in Him and obey Him, death is abolished in them. Sin brought death, for sin is the transgression of the law, but where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore Christ took upon Himself the sin of all humanity, and paid the debt for all who would believe upon Him. When Jesus was hanging on the cross He cried, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" He was forsaken by His Father because He was the sin offering for the world and God could not look upon Him, because He had taken the sin of all upon Him. Don’t misunderstand this, "Christ was in all points tempted like as we are, yet was without sin." (Heb. 4:15) That is, He never sinned but He was the scapegoat that had taken all the sins upon Himself of those that would believe upon Him, and made atonement for them. Christ is your Saviour if you accept Him as such without the works of the law. By the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Eph. 2:8) shall we not believe upon Him? How simple it is,
surely it is grace because our sins have heaped up, and when we look upon them they are mountains, we cannot within our own strength remove them, but Christ through His sacrifice on the tree removes mountains of sins and gives us a new life. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved and thy house." (Acts 16:31) If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and obey Him then you have your name inscribed in the book of life; the Lamb’s book of life is Christ. "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receive it." (Rev. 2:17) And as this stone, the agate, signifies fire which denotes judgment in the word of God, Christ therefore is our deliverer who has taken the fire of the wrath of God unto His own bosom and has made an atonement for you and for me. Manassah was chosen in preference to his brother Ephraim, which denotes the grace of God toward humanity. It was customary for the elder son to inherit the greater portion of his father’s possessions. But here God turns it around so that He might picture grace for the whole world who would believe on His Son Jesus Christ. The first Adam was of the earth earthly and was cast out of the garden, the second Adam, the Lord from Glory, and He restores us unto God, and to Him was given the first dominion, it having been taken away from the first Adam, He being the federal head of the old creation, Christ is the head of all things of the new creation. The law came by Moses, and the Jews were the oracles of God. They were the first, Jesus said, "That which is first shall be last, and that which is last shall be first," That it might show the grace of God to all humanity. Now the Lord has thrown the door of salvation to whosoever will. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28) Christ broke down the middle wall of partition between the Jew and the Gentile, now the grace of God is extended to whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely. We have access to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the door of the sheepfold. He is the only door, the only way whereby man can approach toward God. He is the mediator between God and man "Who only hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." (ITim. 6:16) Let us not limit the grace of God. Grace means undeserved kindness, or favor. It is the gift of God. Man does not get grace until he comes down to the ground, or until he sees he needs grace. When a man stoops to the dust and acknowledges that he needs mercy then the Lord will give him grace. If you are ready to partake of grace, you do not atone for your sins - you merely accept the atonement. All you have to do is to cry, "God have mercy upon me." Then you will receive the blessing. The grace of God has power to bring salvation to all men. If a man is unsaved it is because he wants to work it out; he wants to receive salvation some other way than God’s way. We are told in St. John 10:1, "He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." When we get full of grace we want to see everyone blessed; we want to see all the churches blessed, not only here, but in the whole country. That was the trouble with Christ’s disciples, He worked hard in trying to teach them that His word was for everyone; that it was a stream to flow out to all nations of the earth. They wished to confine it to the Jews, and He had to convince them it was for all.
Alexander the Great had a General he thought more of than anyone else in his general staff, and he told him to draw anything he wished. So the General presented a bill to the treasurer, and the treasurer would not honor it, because it was of such an enormous amount that the treasurer was astonished. The general went rushing to Alexander and told him, and Alexander the Great called the treasurer and said, "Didn’t I tell you to honor the draft of the general?" "But, replied the treasurer, do you not understand the amount?" "Never mind what it is, replied the Emperor, he honors me and my kingdom by making a great draft." So we honor God by asking for grace in abundance. It is a pity that there are so many half-starved Christians when God says, "Come and get all you want."
Someone asked if God would save the one that put the crowns of thorns on Him? My reply would be, "Yes." No doubt Jesus told them to go preach the gospel to the Jerusalem sinners. I can imagine Him saying, "Go preach to the man which put the crown of thorns on my head, and tell him he can have a crown in my kingdom if he will accept me." When God’s voice came down from heaven to Noah, "Come thou and all thy house in the ark, for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation." Now there was a minute when Noah was outside of the ark, another when he was inside. When inside he was safe, as long as he was on the outside of the ark he was exposed to the wrath of God, just like the rest of the Antediluvians. If he had stayed out and remained with the rest of the Antediluvians he would have slipped away like the rest. It was not his righteousness. It was not his faith, nor his work that saved him, but the ark, and we have not, like Noah, 120 years to make an ark of safety. God has provided an ark for us; the question is, "Are we on the inside or outside of this ark?" To be inside we are safe, to be on the outside we are not safe. Christ is the ark of safety to the soul of man.
I lived in Texas as a boy, in the fall of the year when the sagebrush was very dry, prairie fires were frequent, and hunters would sometimes be trapped by a fierce prairie fire that would go along sometimes about thirty miles an hour. It was an impossibility to escape them. But the old timers learned of a method to save themselves. They would backfire and would go into a semi-circle and burn a fire ahead of them. Then when it had burned off a great space they would walk in the middle of it and stand as the fire would come rushing onward because the space where they were standing was burned off and they were safe.
The Lord Jesus Christ suffered at Calvary and made a place of safety. He received all the fire of judgment into His own bosom, and died for our sins upon the tree. "All in Christ shall be made alive."
THE NINTH JEWEL OF THE BREAST PLATE
The name of this jewel was amethyst, and its Hebrew name means, to be fat, ripe, to heal, to recover. It has a purplish color. This Jewish word is used in Isaiah 38:16 where Hezekiah prayed, "So wilt thou recover me, and make me to live." It speaks of our Lord as our healer, and deliverer as we read in Isaiah 53:4, "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows." Verse 5 "And with His stripes we are healed." It speaks of Jesus as our great physician, not only for our soul, but also for our body.
Benjamin was engraved on this stone. The bearer of this name was the youngest son of Jacob by his wife Rachel, who on her death bed called him Bononi, which signifies, son of my sorrow. But Jacob called him, "The son of my right hand." "Benjamin."
Jacob’s prophecy shows the tribe of Benjamin as "The wolf that raventh; in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil." (Gen. 49:27) The book of Judges 3:15, 20-21 gives us a picture of the cruel nature, and war-like character of the tribe of Benjamin, its prominent member King Saul in his wars against the Philistines, Moabites, and Amalekites, did
indeed show himself as a ravening wolf, who in his eagerness for the spoils disobeyed God’s command, and therefore lost his crown. "But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left-handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon, the King of Moab. But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh. And he brought the present unto Eglon, King of Moab; and Eglon was a very fat man. And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, "I have a message from God unto thee." And he arose out of his seat. And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh and thrust it into his belly: and the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlor upon him, and locked them."
We read in the 19th chapter of Judges where a Levite was passing through the land and he came into the borders of Benjamin, and there was no place for him to dwell, no man offered him lodging, and he said unto him, "We are passing from Bethlehem-Judah toward the side of Mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and. It was not his faith, nor his work that saved him, but the ark, and we have not, like Noah, 120 years to make an ark of safety. God has provided an ark for us; the question is, "Are we on the inside or outside of this ark?" To be inside we are safe, to be on the outside we are not safe. Christ is the ark of safety to the soul of man.
I lived in Texas as a boy, in the fall of the year when the sagebrush was very dry, prairie fires were frequent, and hunters would sometimes be trapped by a fierce prairie fire that would go along sometimes about thirty miles an hour. It was an impossibility to escape them. But the old timers learned of a method to save themselves. They would backfire and would go into a semi-circle and burn a fire ahead of them. Then when it had burned off a great space they would walk in the middle of it and stand as the fire would come rushing onward because the space where they were standing was burned off and they were safe.
The Lord Jesus Christ suffered at Calvary and made a place of safety. He received all the fire of judgment into His own bosom, and died for our sins upon the tree. "All in Christ shall be made alive."
THE NINTH JEWEL OF THE BREAST PLAT E
The name of this jewel was amethyst, and its Hebrew name means, to be fat, ripe, to heal, to recover. It has a purplish color. This Jewish word is used in Isaiah 38:16 where Hezekiah prayed, "So wilt thou recover me, and make me to live." It speaks of our Lord as our healer, and deliverer as we read in Isaiah 53:4, "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows." Verse 5 "And with His stripes we are healed." It speaks of Jesus as our great physician, not only for our soul, but also for our body.
Benjamin was engraved on this stone. The bearer of this name was the youngest son of Jacob by his wife Rachel, who on her death bed called him Bononi, which signifies, son of my sorrow. But Jacob called him, "The son of my right hand." "Benjamin."
Jacob’s prophecy shows the tribe of Benjamin as "The wolf that raventh; in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil." (Gen. 49:27) The book of Judges 3:15, 20-21 gives us a picture of the cruel nature, and war-like character of the tribe of Benjamin, its prominent member King Saul in his wars against the Philistines, Moabites, and Amalekites, did
indeed show himself as a ravening wolf, who in his eagerness for the spoils disobeyed God’s command, and therefore lost his crown. "But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left-handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon, the King of Moab. But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh. And he brought the present unto Eglon, King of Moab; and Eglon was a very fat man. And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor, which he had for himself alohe one they chose." Read I Sam. 8 and you will see that this system of their choice caused them to lose out with God. They said, "Give us a king as the other nations have." Another writer said, "God gave them a king in his anger and took him away in his sore displeasure." They chose a king among the Benjaminites, his name was Saul, and he put armour on them, a sword by their side, and made them go out by companies. It looked good to the human eye, but it proved to be inadequate and weak, when Goliath stood down in the valley and defied the armies of Israel. Saul had failed God, being man’s choice, and God had already chosen another to take his place. He had chosen David. During this test, when Goliath was defying Israel, David came up into the camp bringing food to his brethren, and when he saw Goliath and the words he spoke, David said, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine who dares to defy the army of the living God, I will go down and battle with him." As there was no other one to champion the cause of Israel, Saul called David to him and told him he was but a youth, and the man he was going to fight had been a warrior from his youth and asked how he hoped to overcome Goliath in battle. David told Saul, about the battle with the lion, and the bear, and how the spirit of God delivered the lamb from the paw of the lion, and from the jaw of the bear; and Saul, grabbing at straws, was willing to let little David go down and champion the giant. As David started down, he was called back by Saul and Saul put his armor on him. David put the armor on, but he saw that it was cumbersome and that it was not tried, and he had no confidence in it. So he told Saul he would go down with his sling. David went down to the valley by the brook and chose five smooth stones from the brook and went to face the giant with all his armor, and armor bearers, with his shields, and his swords. (I Sam. 17:43-46). So David the man of God’s choice delivered the people of Israel out of the clutches of the Philistines. A picture to we people of God who are building Bible schools and are so concerned about the armor of man’s wisdom. It is true we are surrounded with formality and we have become efficient to a measure in formality and ritualism, but children of God will that deliver us, is that bringing spirituality, is that creating faith in the hearts of the people of God? Isn’t it true that the Pentecostal ministers who stand before their people from Sunday to Sunday now have reverted to texts, their sermons are written out in 99 cases out of 100? Isn’t it true we are becoming weaker spiritually? Where is the prophetic utterance? Where is the shout of victory? Why do we not see the throngs of crowds of people worshipping at the Pentecostal places of today as we saw them back some few years ago? We have more armor now than we had then. In fact we didn’t have any then, only the spirit of God.
David came back to the camp of Israel with Goliath’s head on his shoulder and Goliath’s sword by his side. He had to defeat his enemy with his sling and one of the five stones. Five is the number of grace. Five also is the number of the senses in the human body; seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and feeling. Five is the number of the offices in the new testament Church. Eph. 4 "And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and
teachers." I could tell of many fives and explain them, but wish to take the numbers up in a later paper.
Gal. 3:1-14. "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish, having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain, if it be yet in vain? He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scriptures, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law (of Moses) in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The man that doeth them shall live in them. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
Saul in his eagerness for the spoils disobeyed God’s command, and lost his crown. Then we see another Saul, but this one is the new testament. The one who held the coats and was a witness to those that slew Stephen. Paul in Philippians declares himself to be a Benjaminite, Phil. 3:5-6. "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."
Paul fulfilled the prophecy that went before on the tribe of Benjamin: As ravening in the morning, but he would divide the spoil in the evening.
Acts 7:57-60; 8:1-3. "And cast him out of the city, and stoned him, and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet; whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit, and he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord lay not this sin to their charge." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. and Saul was consenting unto his death. And at the time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison."
Though Paul fulfilled the forepart of that prophecy concerning Benjamin, yet he fulfilled the latter part also after the Lord Jesus Christ came into his life. On his way to Damascus he was smitted from his beast and saw that great light from heaven around him, and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecuteth thou me?" And Saul answering said, "Who art thou Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." His name was changed from Saul to Paul. The name Saul in Hebrew means desired. He was the choice of the people, the one that they desired. The name Paul means in Hebrew small, of the little one. Paul became very humble before the Lord after his conversion, and repeatedly said he was not worthy to be called a disciple, because he had persecuted the church of God. After his conversion and preparation to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, he divided the spoils of Calvary to the Gentile world, and labored above the other apostles of the Lord, and has left us more scripture than any other apostle that wrote in the New Testament.
Deu. 33:12 "And of Benjamin he said, the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders."
We turn from the youngest son of Jacob and his failings to the Son of God who was obedient to His Father unto death, even the death of the cross, and, therefore, God has made Him to sit on His right hand. (Ps. 110:1) The Lord said unto my Lord, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
It is remarkable that the Bible quotes God’s invitation to His Son to sit at His right hand six times, an answer to man’s rejection of the beloved. Six is the number of man being at enmity with God;’ 666 is the number of the beast (Rev. 13) (Matt. 26:64) "Jesus saith unto him, thou hast said: "Nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."
Eph. 1:20 "Which he wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places." Col. 3:1 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." (Heb. 8:1) "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: "We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens." (Heb. 10:12) "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God."
This brings out the double meaning of the name Benjamin. "Son of my sorrow." Also, "The son of my right hand." Son of my sorrow has a reference to the first Adam, who brought sorrow among the world. and God said in Genesis 6, "That it repented Him that He had made man." But to His Son , the Son of His right hand, He said, "In whom I am well pleased."
(to be continued)
Note:
This subject is to be continued in the next issue of this paper. If you wish a copy write to:
Elder C. O. Dixon
3146 Lynde
Oakland 1, Calif.
RIGHTEOUS LINE
2nd Article
The Church which is in Oakland has been flooded with God’s Spirit of late. Many have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and, the Saints edified. This is a place where the word of God and His Spirit are given free course.
Our services are informal, that is; we open the services and put no limit on songs on testimonies. All Children of God find a welcome, and fellowship is not based upon doctrine or denomination. WHERE ELSE WILL YOU FIND THIS LIBERTY?
This is the 2nd article on the subject, "Righteous line". These articles are compiled to help feed the hungry souls of God’s children. If you are helped by this paper, and feel it will be a blessing to others, send in the names of the ones to whom you desire it sent.
Other subjects will be published as the interest demands, and the Lord supplies. This paper is sent out on a free will offering plan.
Signed C. O. Dixon, Pastor
PILGRIM TEMPLE 7007 MAC ARTHUR BLVD. OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY 19, 1949
PROVERBS 3:18 "She (Wisdom and understanding) is a tree of life to them who lay hold upon her."
RIGHTEOUS LINE
2nd Article
2-19-49
Levi, who came from the old covenant ministry, was the son of Jacob under consideration in the preceding article on the subject, "Righteous Line."
It should be mentioned that the rebellion of Core (Korah) is alluded to in Jude 11. "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
II Peter 2:2 "And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." These and other scriptures of the New Testament let us know what to expect under grace, but these will be taken up later in this subject.
I Samuel 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."
It has been said, "God of the Old Testament, was a bully" because he destroyed the women and children along with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Why did God do this?
A minister who has dealt with God’s people knows when one member of a family becomes offended, a root of bitterness is transplanted in most cases to every relative and also to friends as well. (Heb. 12:15)
Therefore to stamp our rebellion and retain an order in Israel, God was compelled to be severe, but even that did not stop the murmuring, and as a result Israel was put under one Gentile power after another by the Lord.
Jude 9 "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durest not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke thee."
The body of Moses was Israel. The devil that contended was the men who rose up to wrest the leadership from Moses. Moses was head (spiritual Israel). there was a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. As there was a contending for leadership under the law, there is also a contending for the same under grace.
(Study II Tim. 2:14:21, Rom. 16:17-18, Rom. 16:17-18)
"A house divided cannot stand." Matt. 12:25. We see Israel hindered on every hand by the division of the Levites. They were stubborn and rebellious, reprobates, unto every good work,
as a result they were overcome by their enemies and had no healing for their diseases.
True to the prophecy of Jacob in Genesis 49:7, "I will scatter them in Israel," They followed Jeroboam in the great apostasy. I Kings 12:20. When Rehoboam would have forced Israel to stay with him God said, "This division is of me, fight not to bring Israel to thee." I Kings 12:24.
The ten tribes came under an apostate system which was to endure and confuse Israel throughout their existence as a nation. The temple in the mountain of Samaria was a result of the separation by Jeroboam.
"Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise." Gen. 49:8 The promise of a sceptre and a law giver was given to this tribe, and from this tribe sprang the lion of Judah, the Lamb of God. Rev. 5:5-6 Judah produced the truly great rulers, who defended Jerusalem and the temple.
David, Solomon, Rehoboam, and lastly Christ our Lord was of this tribe. Benjamin identified himself with Judah at the rebellion of Jeroboam. The prophecy that went before on Benjamin was, "He shall ravin as a wolf; in the morning he shall devour the prey and at night he shall divide the spoil." Gen. 49:27.
Benjamin stood with Judah at the rebellion of the ten tribes and was rewarded in Paul, the great apostle, who came from this tribe. Paul divided the spoils of grace to the Gentiles.
God never forgets. I have seen ungodly men blessed for defending God’s people. How much more will He reward His saints for faithfulness. Benjamin entered the righteous line by taking his stand with Judah, yet, we see the wolf nature cropping out in Paul.
Saul of the tribe of Benjamin, was the first king over all Israel--The people’s choice--and pictures the fleshly rule, and it’s methods. He put armour on them and gave to each a sword. This looked good on the surface, but failed to give victory when Goliath defied Israel.
Man’s way is not God’s way. God gave Israel a king in His ange the old covenant ministry, was the son of Jacob under consideration in the preceding article on the subject, "Righteous Line."
It should be mentioned that the rebellion of Core (Korah) is alluded to in Jude 11. "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
II Peter 2:2 "And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." These and other scriptures of the New Testament let us know what to expect under grace, but these will be taken up later in this subject.
I Samuel 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."
It has been said, "God of the Old Testament, was a bully" because he destroyed the women and children along with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Why did God do this?
A minister who has dealt with God’s people knows when one member of a family becomes offended, a root of bitterness is transplanted in most cases to every relative and also to friends as well. (Heb. 12:15)
Therefore to stamp our rebellion and retain an order in Israel, God was compelled to be severe, but even that did not stop the murmuring, and as a result Israel camp.
God worked through Saul until disobedience was found in him. Just as the Lord has worked through organization up until now, but this is fast drawing to a close and God’s spirit is slowly, but surely being withdrawn. Ministers are, as a result, reverting to substitutes.
The Evangelist’s plight is a sad one at this hour. The conscientious Evangelist must shudder at the thought of bringing souls to birth, knowing the cold formal condition of the assemblies in which they will have to worship after he is gone.
The Song of Solomon 8:8 "We have a little Sister and she hath no breast." God’s manner of feeding the soul is through the word of God. An Evangelist is not one who feeds the saints, his job is to reach the unsaved. After his departure, Pastors and Teachers must take over, and unless there are those capable of giving the sincere milk (two breasts--old and new testament) of the word, his labor is in vain to a great extent. (Study closely Romans 12:3-8)
Israel in following Jeroboam cut themselves off from the source of food for their souls. For God only promised to meet them in the Temple which was in Jerusalem. I Kings 8:29-30-31-35-38-42-44-48. Surely after reading these nine verses, the reader cannot help but realize their significance. God did not obligate himself to every altar man would erect. Neither does God at this hour obligate himself to the hundreds of organizations and systems man has built in this religious world, but as of all times he has a Rehoboam that is holding to divine order.
A few things should be brought out concerning Jeroboam’s duplication. The reader should read the entire 12th chapter of I Kings. --------, "And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, of the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar."
Here was born an apostate system that followed the true form of worship closely. Israel was to be confused by it. Until the end of their existence as a nation. The proof of this is found in John 4:20 "Our Fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye (Jesus) say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." This thought was used previously, but it should be emphasized.
Hosea 9:11 "Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto to him sin.
The general conception is a diploma from any seminary of Bible school makes a New Testament minister, and that all denominations are accepted by God as the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the scriptures do not bear this out, neither the Old Testament nor the New Testament.
Under the "Old Testament Covenant" God referred to the high places which Israel built as spiritual adultery. Jer. 4:6 "Israel committed adultery upon every high mountain and under every green tree."
Ecc. 10:2 "A Wise man’s heart is at his right hand: but a fool’s heart at his left."
We must remember that this is God accusing Israel as a nation, and he has no reference to an individual, therefore, it is spiritual adultery.
The first act of Hezekiah when he became King was: II Kings 18:4 "He removed the high places and brake down the images, and cut down the groves and broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made--for in those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it.
Israel imitated the religions of the nations they came in contact with, and upon getting a King that would cator to their whims they would quickly leave God’s order, and load themselves with idols and ritualisms of the heathens, but immediately when a man of God would ascend the throne, he destroyed their idols and systems and returned them to god’s way.
The 3rd verse of the above scripture says in part: "And Hezekiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord." What a record for a minister to have! Both Moses and Samuel left an enviable testimony. Num. 16:15 Moses said, "I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt them."
Samuel said at the close of his life: I Samuel 12:3 "Behold here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before His anointed; whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you."
Ministers such as mentioned above and all those who followed them were of the righteous line. They could not be bought by money, nor swerved by praise. How precious is their memory! How inspiring is their example! How great is their achievement!
How sly are the ways of evil. II Samuel Chapter 15. Absalom took the kingdom from David his father, by deceit. When an Israelite would have a controversy and come to David for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, "Of what City art thou?" Then Absalom would say unto him, "See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. And Absalom said moreover, "Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!"
When we read this account we wonder why the people could not see through the thin veneer of Absalom’s words, to his real purpose. The 5th and 6th verses show how gullible God’s people are and the cunningness of the serpent.
"And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that come to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."
No wonder God commanded his people. Exo. 23:8 "And thou shalt take no gift: For the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous." The philosophy of Absalom is one of the most effective weapons of satan, and is still being used both politically and religiously.
So we see Israel tossed to and fro by the cunning craftiness of usurpers throughout their existence as a nation. As a result they were unprepared and unable to accept or recognize the Pro. 17:23 "A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment."
Lord Jesus when He came. For Jesus did not flatter or feed their ego, but told them the truth.
How few are the number of honest righteous men and women who love God more than the praise of men. Where are the Abrahams, Isaacs, Jacobs, Josephs, Judahs, Moseses, Joshuas, Kalebs, Samuels, Davids, Rehoboams, Hezekiahs, Azariahs, and Josiahs? Time and space would fail to mention and describe the thin line of those few scattered through history who formed the righteous line.
Needless to say, Zachariah and wife, John the Baptist, Joseph and Mary were of this line. John the Baptist was of the tribe of Levi and Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. John represented the Mosaic law which was to end with his ministry.
Jesus came to be the everlasting Father of the New Covenant. Isa. 9:1-7 John’s head being severed pictured the complete end of the law of Moses. Luke 16:16 Ministers should not bind any of the ordinances of the law upon the children of God under grace. God forbid the children under the Mosaic law to eat certain types of animals and fowls, but under grace this is done away.
Romans 14:4, 14. The 5th verse deals with observers of days and says in part. "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." The 14th verse deals with food which says in part. "There is nothing unclean of itself." Also in Gal. 5:4 "Whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
The bringing in of a new covenant by the Lord annulled all of the old. Why serve the law now? Someone may ask, "Should we not observe the ten commandments of Moses? The answer is "NO!" Immediately someone will quote, and ask about the ten commandments, "Can we kill? Can we covet?, etc.," The answer is "NO" The New Testament, the law of grace, tells us not to do these things.
There are many commandments in the law of grace similar to the laws of Moses, but that does not mean we are under the law of Moses. Just as the United States citizens are not under the law of Mexico, regardless of how many similar laws Mexico may have. In short; the law of grace gives us full and complete instructions as to the will of God, and if followed will make us holy, righteous, and complete.
There was a space of about 430 years between Malachi and Matthew. For this period of time Israel was without a prophet and there was no open vision. "A famine, not of bread, but of hearing the word of God." Malachi, the last prophet recorded spoke of the coming of John the Baptist and of Christ in His last words.
God intended Israel to be a channel through which He could bless the world, but they had become so corrupt and disobedient He had to withdraw Himself from them, only kept in touch with a few individuals until the coming of Christ.
It is hard for us to realize the conditions that existed when Jesus came upon the scene. Israel was by no means inactive religiously. They did much reading of the scriptures, practiced circumcision, offered sacrifices, kept the feasts, paid tithes, and fasted. All of these were observed
Hosea 9:14 "Give them O Lord: what wilt thou give? Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts." diligently by them. They were steeped in tradition and ritualism, and it seemed this religious zeal and activity would have prepared them for the advent of their Messiah.
It is evident these things did not please the Lord, for we read how He condemned them time after time in His teaching, and Paul says, "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." (Rom. 10:2) God is not looking for an outward show, but an inward love and worship.
(To be continued)
If you live near any of the following places, visit these Assemblies, you will find a welcome.
Brother R. C. Mack -------- Castro Station, Calif.
Brother Jack Kelly ---------- Mariposac California
Brother L. H. Konhke ------ 27161/2 Jackson St.
Seattle, Washington
Brother C. Mears ---------- 8319 Beach Street
Los Angeles, Calif.
Brother E. Browning ------- San Diego, Calif.
Brother J. F. Williams ------ 2109 "X" Street
Sacramento, Calif.
You may have one, or more of these papers by request, Mail your postcard or letter to:
Elder C. O. Dixon
3146 Lynde St.Oakland 1, Calif.
EXPLANATION
This is the fifth article on the subject of "The Breast plate of the High Priest."
A previous issue may be had by writing to Elder C. O. Dixon,
3146 Lynde, Oakland 1, California.
The object of this paper is to feed the hungry souls of God’s children. If you are helped by this paper and feel it will be a blessing to others, send in the names of the ones you desire it to be sent.
This paper will be sent out on a free will offering plan; something, however, should be sent in to help keep it going.
A letter once in a while will be required to keep the paper coming to you.
This paper will not be issued at any certain date, but as the Lord supplies and the interest demands.
Signed---- C. O. Dixon, Pastor
THE BREAST PLATE OF THE HIGH PRIEST
FIFTH ISSUE
THE TENTH STONE IN THE BREAST PLATE.
The tenth stone in the breast plate of the high priest was a beryl. The Hebrew meaning is: to destroy, to break down. Ezekiel 1:16, 10:9-- We read that the cherubims had wheels like unto "beryl" stones. The cherubims of Ezekiel constituted the throne of God. The meaning of their name is, separated ones, and the wheels of beryl spoke of Christ as gold rings set with the beryl, thereby speaking of the subduing and conquering power of the bridegroom to whom the Father has given all authority and judgment. In Daniel 10 the Lord was seen at the river Hiddekel, "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 color to polished brass, and the voice of His words like the voice of a multitude." The entire picture of the Lord to Daniel is like the divine judge taking up the cause of His people Israel.
The name Dan engraved on this jewel means judge. The prophecy concerning Dan is recorded in Genesis 49:17-18, and Deu. 32:22. He is called a serpent, an adder, a judge, and a lion’s whelp, and is typically represented by Samson. The name Samson means sunlight. Samson was a member of the tribe of Dan. He had the office of a judge, also the characteristics of a serpent and a lion’s whelp. (Judges 15, 16)
The vision caused the old patriarch to cry out: "Oh, Jehovah I wait for thy salvation." But the true judge has come and is judging His believers through His word, and spirit, and purging them through His blood from their sins. On Calvary He was pictured by the serpent, beguiled sinner, so that sinners can be made righteous in Him. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up." (St. John 3:14) He was there as the brazen serpent without poison on the cross, took upon Himself the venom of sin with the fiery serpent, or satan, and poisoned the Adamic race and saved it from sin though His death.
Soon He will come from heaven as the lion from the tribe of Judah upon this sin cursed and oppressed world to mete out righteous judgment upon the guilty ones during the thousand years. (Rev. 19:14)
But while He has been tarrying, His spirit has been working in those who believe, judging everything in them that cannot stand the standard of holiness, and thus teaching them to judge, "Those that are within." At the same time preparing them now so that after their rapture they can sit on the throne to judge the world and angels. Rev. 5:1-4) (I Cor. 6:2-3) therefore, we should be willing to sit still while the refining fire burns away the dross of self in order to fit us in a place of glory to rule with Christ.
Samson came from the tribe of Dan. God called him to deliver the children of Israel from the bondage of the philistines. Samson caused him to be hanged on the cross; who the Gentiles received after the Jews rejected Him, and have been finding honey in the carcass for two thousands years. The Jews, upon their return to God, will find honey for themselves and will divide it among the nations during the millennium.
THE ELEVENTH STONE IN THE BREAST PLATE
The eleventh stone was an onyx. The description of this stone has been given, but I wish to again point out it’s significance as the two stones on the shoulders of Aaron were of onyx, containing the names of the twelve sons of Israel. The onyx points to the Lord and His human life, transparent in the glory of God, a vision which was given to the three disciples on the mount of transfiguration. (Matt. 17:1-13) There the glory of the Lord radiated through the temple of His human life, revealing the wonderful union of God in man. It’s aim points to the purpose of God concerning the believer, who He desires to make partakers of His divine nature.
The name Asher appeared on this stone. It means happiness, blessedness, and to be straight, right, honest and happy. The first Psalm begins with these words, giving a description of the only one, who could over correspond with this picture, Jesus, the Son of God. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, not sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Ps. 2:12) Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him."
Ps. 32:1-2 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity and in whose spirit there is no guile."
Matt. 5:1-10 "And seeing the multitudes He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: and he opened His mouth, and taught them saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake for their’s is the kingdom of heaven."
The Lord unfolds a picture of the happiness of the children of God, entered by a knowledge of their spiritual poverty, and ultimately triumph in persecution for righteousness’ sake.
The blessing of Asher finds it’s spiritual fulfillment in Christ and His followers. Deu. 33:24 "And of Asher he said, "Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil."
Eph. 6:15--"Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of Peace."
The oil, pictures the knowledge of the word of God. Guiding the footsteps of the saints. Rom. 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." We who have the experience of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, know that the spirit alone is not able to lead us. The spirit without the word, is like a horse without harness. The horse may be ever so strong, but must be harnessed to be of use.
Matt 25 "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."
We notice the above scripture is referring to people who are in the kingdom of God, and not, as many teach to the world. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God, cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, "Lo here. or lo there: for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)
The kingdom of God was set up on the day of Pentecost. the only avenue into it was by spiritual birth. Therefore, the 24th chapter of Matthew is talking to the children of God baptized with the Holy Spirit. It lets us know there will be some who do not have a knowledge and will therefore not be ready for the coming of the Lord at His appearing. Paul was referring to this class of people in II Tim. 2:17-21 "And their word will eat as doth a canker: Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus: who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already: and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of Gold and Silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work."
Acts 20:29:30, "For I know this (Paul speaking) that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Paul was not speaking about the world. By no stretch of the imagination could we apply this to the world. He was talking about the people who came to the Lord Jesus Christ by the birth of the spirit. Showing that they would be divided into two classes. The portion that did not take instructions given out by ordained ministers were called the foolish virgins. The portion that heard the word, and were doers of the word were called the wise virgins.
Moses, the man of God, when he had given instructions to the children of Israel, went up to Mount Nebo to die. In a similar manner did Jesus leave His little flock near Bethany as we read, (Luke 24:50-51) :"He lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."
Those that are left alive unto the coming of the Lord, (I Thes. 4:15) are looking with faces turned upward toward the coming of the true Asher, who shall come in like manner as He went to Heaven, to receive them unto Himself.
THE TWELFTH STONE IN THE BREASTPLATE
The twelfth and last jewel was called Jasper, and was of a dark green color. The translation of this word means something smooth, polished or shiny.
Naphtali was written on this gem, and means "Wrestling." It was taken from the Hebrew word meaning, to twine, to struggle and to wrestle. The word is first used in Deu. 32:5, Moses calls Israel in their dealings with God, "A perverse and crooked generation."
Much of the old patriarch that wrestled with God cropped out in his children. Jacob had to learn the lesson that flesh and blood could not prevail with God. When the seat of his fleshly strength was withered; Jacob pleaded the grace of the Lord, and his pleading was not in vain, but the grace of the Lord was ever manifest in man’s weakness. "A broken and contrite heart O God, thou will not despise." (Ps. 51:17) "Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words." (Gen. 49:21)
Though this application and prophesy had other meanings, it points ultimately to our Lord who is called "A hind of the morning." He was chased by the ass, the wild ox, the lion, and the bull. Our Lord rose triumph from the grave as "The hind of the morning", to take His abode with the Father in Heaven, but He will return as the lion of Judah.
To the bride, He is described as "The hind of the field." (SS 2:7) (SS 3:5) He is watching over His bride, scattered over the field of this world. He imparts to them His divine nature, and changes them from glory to glory, and through the Holy Spirit qualifies them to flee to the high places of the "heavenly".
Eph. 2:5-7 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved:) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
II Sam. 22:34 "He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet and setteth me upon my high places.
Psalms 18:33 "He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Habakkuk 3:19 "The Lord God is my strength and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places."
It will be good here to get a fresh vision of the Lord as described by John in Revelation 4:3 "And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone."
The last stone of the breastplate, the jasper, is mentioned in the above scripture first--Naphali (meaning wrestling) In the inscription of the Sarduis (Adam) the first gem is mentioned last, bearing the name of Judah on it, or Jehovah be praised.
God shows us here the precious truth that the Son has wrestled on Calvary’s hill as the mighty Naphtali, and has overcome the forces of satan, sin, world, flesh, death, and hell. He rose
again as the swift hind of the morning and is now seated on the right hand of the majesty upon high, speaking goodly words to His little flock upon the earth.
The end.
We will bring to an end this article "The Breastplate of the High Priest;" not that it has been fully covered or explained, for the word of God is without limit. The desire through this paper is to bring some precious truths to the forefront so that the saints of God might be enlightened and comforted and built up in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The next subject to be taken up in this paper is "The Veil in the Tabernacle." Those who desire to continue the study of types and shadows of the Lord Jesus Christ may have these papers sent to them upon publication by sending your name and address to:
Pastor ---- C. O. Dixon
3146 Lynde
Oakland 1, California