Once the Israelites reached their promised land, their first thought was to re-erect the Tabernacle in what they hoped would be its permanent location, but that was not the case. A site undefiled by death had to be found, to be clean in the eyes of the Lord (Nu 19:16). Such a site was found near Jericho, a level uninhabited plain, and here the limits of Israel’s camp was marked out with twelve boundary monoliths they pulled out of the Jordan riverbed with the Tabernacle erected in the center. They named the place Gilgal, meaning a great circle (Js 4:19-20). It remained there for seven years, while the Israelite warriors were conquering the land.

It soon became apparent that Gilgal was not a good choice, right on the eastern boundary of the land and not at all conveniently placed for the gatherings of the tribes. A more central location was needed, somewhere in the natural center of the land. Another virgin spot, undefiled by human habitation, was found in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim in a locality which was as near to the geographical center of the land as could be wished. It was just about midway between Dan in the north and Beer-sheba in the south, Gilgal in the east and Joppa in the west. A complete circle of hills creating a plain about ten miles across in the center of which a slightly elevated area was probably the site of the sacred structure.

They named the place Shiloh, and here the entire nation gathered to see the Tabernacle erected and to make this their national place of meeting for conference and decisions (Js 18:1). It was here that the will of the Lord concerning tribal territories was sought by the casting of lots (Js 18). The tabernacle here was made semi-permanent as stone walls were erected for the tabernacle but the curtains continued to be used for the cover of the building.

Here the Tabernacle remained for 369 years until the disastrous time of Eli the High Priest in the days of Samuel. Around it grew, as the years passed by, a settlement of priests and Levites, attendant on the sanctuary, which developed at length into a sizeable town. It could have been a holy town, a place memorable for the devotion of its inhabitants to Israel’s God. Unfortunately, it speedily became the reverse. In only a few years after the death of Joshua, while Phinehas the grandson of Aaron was still High Priest, a scandalous event occurred indicating how far Israel had fallen from the high ideals of their covenant with the Lord.

The story is recounted in Judges 19-21. A certain Levite of Mount Ephraim, a few miles from Shiloh – probably one of the Levites in attendance at the Tabernacle – while passing through Gibeah of Benjamin, his concubine was raped and killed by some unruly Benjamites. The outcome was a punitive expedition against the people of Gibeah which developed into a war of revenge by all the other tribes against all Benjaminites. Phinehas went into the Tabernacle to ask the Lord if they should continue this war to the death and the Lord told him to do so and he would deliver the Benjamites into their hands. The consequence was that the war was pursued with such zeal and fury that the entire tribe of Benjamin, some fifty thousand as well as women and children were wiped out with the exception of six hundred men. With a swift reversal of sentiment, the victors then came to the Tabernacle and bemoaned to God the fact that a tribe had been lost out of Israel, and that because of a great oath they had sworn before God to the effect that none of them would ever give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite they were precluded from doing anything to rebuild the tribe. They found one territory was not present and had not made this vow, so they killed all the men and women not virgins so the men of Benjamin could marry them, but the number was not enough (Jd 21:17‑24). To remedy that, there was to be a feast at Shiloh in which the “daughters of Shiloh” came out and danced. The men of Benjamin were to lie in wait, abduct the girls and retreat to their hometown and nothing would be done by the remaining tribes of Israel. Thus, the terms of the oath would be circumvented.

What is not made apparent in the story as it appears in Judges is the fact that these ‘daughters of Shiloh’ were the young attendants in the service of the Tabernacle, their lives consecrated to sacred service, as were Jephthah’s daughter and Samuel in much later days. The fact that the elders of Israel should recommend this act and the priests in charge sanction such as act is a measure of the extent to which, in less than a couple of generations, Israel had fallen short of its own high ideals. It seems the glory of the Tabernacle began to depart almost as soon as it was erected at Shiloh.

For more than two centuries after this, the story of the Tabernacle is virtually a blank; nothing is known of its history. This is the period of the oppression of Israel by the Moabites, the Syrians and the Philistines which of itself indicates that Israel had largely turned away from God and so earned the penalty of the violated Covenant. This is the period that the writer of Judges says, “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Jd 17:6, 21:25). It was a time of anarchy in which a few remained faithful to Israel’s God and the rest were indifferent.

Towards the end of this period came the upheaval in the Priesthood which resulted in the line of Eleazar being deposed and priests of the line of Ithamar, Aaron’s younger son, seizing the duties of office. So when the child Samuel was brought to the Tabernacle by his mother to be devoted to Divine service, Eli of the line of Ithamar was the serving High Priest. It was here that Samuel was called by God during the time of the high priest Eli. Interestingly, Samuel slept in the room where the ark of the covenant was held. So, it seems the same restrictions that were held during the time of Moses were not strictly adhered to during this time.

Eli’s sons took advantage of their positions of authority. They were to receive part of the sacrifice as the Law stated, but they demanded raw meat before the sacrifice was made ready so it could be roasted instead of boiled as regulations required, and they would sleep with the women who served at the tabernacle.

Twenty years later came the crowning tragedy. The warriors of Israel, beaten in conflict with their hereditary enemies, the Philistines, decided to take the Ark of the Covenant into battle. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, carried it into battle before them in the belief God would never allow it to fall into the hands of the uncircumcised, and so victory would be assured. That was not the case and the Ark fell into the hands of the Philistines and the Israelites were soundly defeated once again. Hophni and Phinehas were also killed. The High Priest Eli, when news of his sons and the Ark’s capture was brought to him, fell off his seat, broke his neck and died.

The Philistines first sent the ark to Ashdod and placed it in the temple of Dagon. The next day, they found Dagon had fallen face down before it. They righted the statue but the next day, the hands and head were detached. The people were also plagued with tumors.

Taking this as a bad omen, they sent the ark to Gath where the men of the city also developed tumors. They immediately sent the ark to Ekron but after several died or were afflicted with tumors, the people of the city rebelled and said they did not want it in their city. Apparently, there was also an infestation of rats. They put it on an ox cart and sent it toward Israel. The oxen wound up in Beth-Shemesh. The Ark was then placed in the house of Abinadab in Kirjath Jeraim. That is where it remained for almost 50 years.

Now, coming back to Shiloh, the Philistines destroyed Shiloh, but before they did so, it is probable that before the Philistines reached the spot, Samuel and those with him succeeded in dismantling the structure and transporting it out of harm’s way. With the death of Eli, Samuel remained the only person of authority in Israel and he probably assumed control. He re-erected the Tabernacle on its original site at Gilgal, without the Ark of the Covenant, and there it remained for something like fifty years into the reign of Saul. It was at Gilgal that Samuel offered the sacrifices connected with Saul’s appointment as king and at Gilgal that Saul was formally crowned king over Israel (1Sa10.8; 11.15). The High Priesthood was restored to the legal line of Eleazar in the person of Ahitub, the father of Zadok who lived during the time of David. The Day of Atonement rituals could not be performed due to the absence of the Ark, so Ahitub was merely given the courtesy title of “Ruler of the House of God” (1Ch 9:15; Ne 11:11). This was not only the end of Shiloh; it also marked a turning-point in the Lord’s dealings with Israel.

As you recall, Joseph had received the birthright from his father Jacob and passed it on to his son Ephraim (Gn 48:20). Now the tribe of Ephraim in whose territory Shiloh stood had become the leading idolatrous tribe in Israel. This supreme example of their godlessness moved the Lord to reject Ephraim and pass the birthright to Judah, as represented in his descendant David, soon then to be born. Psalm 78 records the sad circumstances of that fatal battle, the loss of the Ark and the Lord’s consequent action against the children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They kept not the covenant of God and refused to walk in his law…they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images. When God heard this he was angry, and greatly abhorred Israel, so that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men; and delivered his strength into captivity and his glory into the enemy’s hand … the fire consumed their young men; their priests fell by the sword … he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim, but chose the tribe of Judah, the Mount Zion which he loved” (Psalm 78. 9‑70). It was at this point that Judah became the royal tribe of Israel, destined to produce Israel’s kings.

Shiloh was destroyed. The Old Testament gives no hint of what happened to the priestly settlement surrounding the Tabernacle. There can be no doubt that the Philistines, flushed with victory and capture of the Ark, soon covered the forty miles from Beth-Shemesh where the battle was fought, and carried fire and sword through the little town. It never recovered. Shiloh was erased from the face of the earth. Five hundred years later the Lord said to Israel through the prophet Jeremiah, reproving them for their apostasy, “Go ye now to my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. And now, because ye have done all these works . . . and I called unto you, and ye answered not, therefore will I do unto this house (the Temple at Jerusalem) which I gave unto you and your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh” (Jr 7.12‑14).

Saul, when he became king, moved the tabernacle to Nob and dismissed Ahitub. He appointed Ahimelech as high priest; he was the son of another Ahitub, a grandson of Eli, who as a child had survived the massacre at Shiloh. This Ahimelech had sided with Saul in the troublous period of his early kingship and acted as a kind of personal priest to him (1Sa 14:3). This arrangement did not last long; Saul, suspecting Ahimelech of treasonable communication with David and giving him shewbread from the tabernacle for David and his men to eat, who was then on the run from Saul, sent men and massacred the entire priesthood of Nob, Abiathar son of Ahimelech alone escaping, and removed the Tabernacle to his own home town of Gibeon (1Sa 22:9‑23). This fact is known only by inference. When, later on, David became king of all Israel, the Tabernacle, complete with the altar of burnt-offering but without the Ark, was standing at Gibeon. Zadok, of the line of Eleazar, was its priest (1Ch 16:39; 21:29). This must have been done by Saul after his slaughter of the priesthood at Nob. Here it stood throughout the reign of David and until the accession of Solomon (1Ki 3:4;2Ch 1:3-15).

Somewhere about the twelfth year of David’s reign, he decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It was at first a debacle because the ark was again on an ox cart and not carried on the priests’ shoulders as the Law dictated. It was placed in the house of Obed-Edom for 3 months. David then brought it into Jerusalem. He erected what was evidently a replica of the Tabernacle with an altar for offerings. He did not, however, interfere with the true Tabernacle, with its Brazen Altar made by Moses, at Gibeon. Thus, for another thirty years there were two Tabernacles in Israel, and two High Priests. The original Tabernacle was at Gibeon with Zadok of the legal line of Eleazar serving as High Priest, but the Levitical sacrifices could not he performed there because it did not possess the Ark of the Covenant. The new Tabernacle at Jerusalem had the Ark and a new altar of burnt offering, but the High Priest was Abiathar of the condemned line of Ithamar. At neither place could the full ceremonies demanded by the Law be carried out and it is probable that the annual Day of Atonement sacrifice had long since become obsolete.

That is where the Ark stayed until Solomon placed it in the temple he built. It seems David would go into the tent and sit before the Ark of the Covenant and talk to God: “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said . . .” (2Sa 7:18).

So ever since Hophni and Phinehas took the ark into battle, it was never back in the tabernacle.

The decommissioning of the two Tabernacles is apparently undocumented. It may have been that Solomon designed into the Temple structure extra rooms to store the Tabernacle components as religious/historic relics. It was likely within these extra rooms among these items that the Book of the Law could be misplaced and later found by Hilkiah during the reign of Josiah according to 2 Kings 22:8. Without all these items being stored within the Temple structure how could the Book of the Law possibly get misplaced?

Once the ark was back in the temple, it seems the restrictions around its access was re-established.

From this torturous journey of the Tabernacle and its Ark of the Covenant, it shows that God is still about people’s heart and not just about how one keeps the prescribed law. Obedience is important but having a heart right toward him is paramount. Typically, if the latter is correct, the former becomes correct.

We serve a wonderful, merciful God. Could we ask for more?

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The Israelites left Egypt the day after Passover (and the tenth plague: the death of the firstborn). The Egyptians gave them all sorts of gold, silver, precious stones, and garments of various fabrics in order to bribe them to leave. This day would later become known as Feast of Unleavened Bread (or Feast of Matzah).

They traveled down what is today known as the Sinai Peninsula to Succoth and waited while other Israelites were retrieved from the mines which were near there. This is a speculation, but the Bible does say they paused there, and it is known that turquoise mines were nearby at Serabit el-Khadim.

They continued down the peninsula toward its apex, past Midgol, an Egyptian fortress outpost. After going past Midgol, they stopped at Etham which became an impasse due to the mountains. During this time, God was a cloud to them by day and a pillar of fire by night so they could travel both day and night. They arrived at Etham on Day 16.

God had them retreat and go back to the straits of Tiran. Exodus tells us, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Ziphon” (Ex 14:1). Pi-Hahiroth means “mouth of canal.” God was telling the Israelites to camp at the mouth of the canal where the Arabian sea splits into the Gulf of Suez and the Sea of Aqaba and to be directly across of Baal Ziphon. Baal Ziphon was on Mt. Tiran on an island across the mouth of the canal which was at the border of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. The passage through the Red Sea would be just north of this island.

Going backward in their trek provided a signal to the Egyptians at Midgol that they were struggling to find their way. This was reported to Pharaoh, likely by carrier pigeon. Pharaoh and his troops came quickly to get the Israelites back as Pharaoh realized their slave force was now gone. This would mean the Israelites camped there on the shore for about a week or so until Pharaoh arrived. God then moved between the Israelites and Egyptians while he made a path through the Red Sea. This saved the Israelites but caused the deaths of the Egyptians.

After crossing the Red Sea from the Sinai Peninsula to the Arabian Peninsula, the Israelites were on an emotional high. However, it took three days for them to get to Marah where the waters were too bitter to drink. The Israelites complained. God showed Moses what wood to put into the water and the waters then became drinkable.

They then came to an oasis at Elim where there were 12 springs of water and 70 palm trees. They then stayed overnight at a place near the Red Sea. From there, they entered into the Wilderness of Sin where they stayed for about a week. From Scripture, we know they arrived here on Day 31 of their trek. They began to complain again wanting meat to eat like they had in Egypt. God sent quail and initiated the daily deliverance of manna.

By Day 39, they arrived at Dophkah where they had to go by groups through a canyon to reach Alush. From there, they headed to Rephidim. Rephidim was supposed to be another oasis, but it was dry. Again, the people complained they had no water. God told Moses to strike a rock at Horeb. He did so and the water pressure split the rock and water gushed out. It is thought that the water which came forth split the rock and it came out like a geyser and flowed down for all the people and flocks to drink.

Likely because of the water supply, the Amalekites attacked the Israelites. It seemed as long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites prevailed, but when he lowered his hands, the Amalekites prevailed. Aaron and Hur therefore had Moses sit and they each held up one of his hands until Israel prevailed and defeated the Amalekites.

What were Amalekites doing this far south as they are supposedly descendants from Edom (Esau) which dwelt farther north in the Negev? It seems that the Amalekites settled along the entire western coast of the Arabian Peninsula. They were nomadic people as were most of the people in this part of the world at this time.

Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law came to visit Moses and brought Zipporah, Moses’ wife, and his two children, Gershom and Eliezer. Jethro advised Moses to have other leaders help judge the people. Moses did so, tapping 70 men from the various tribes. Jethro went back to his home.

They finally arrived at the foot of Mt. Sinai on Day 47 since they left Egypt. This would have been Day 46 from what would later be the Day of Firstfruits (the day after Matzah). God told Moses to have the people prepare for two days (Day 46 and 47 after Firstruits). God descended on the mountain on Day 48.

The people saw a dark cloud roiling from the north with fire and lightning which settled over Mount Sinai. The mountain was covered with smoke because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and the voice of God answered him. It seems these “trumpet blasts” were produced by God and not the Israelites. This is likely one reason they became so frightened. God thundered out His commands to the people. They were so frightened that they asked that God speak to Moses and let Moses be their intermediary.

The prophet Ezekiel had a similar experience: “I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal.”

God called Moses up to the mountain where he was and spoke to him there.

Day 49: Moses wrote everything down.

Day 50 (50 days after Firstfruits): Moses consecrated the people, and they became a nation before God.

Moses and Joshua went back up the mountain and waited for six days while Aaron and Hur were put in charge of the people. On the seventh day, God called Moses into the cloud and was with God for 40 days and 40 nights. God gave Moses further instructions and the two stones of the covenant law inscribed by the finger of God. In less than a month, the Israelites regressed, and Aaron was complicit in their requests to make an idol for them the worship. They apparently thought the fire in the cloud had consumed Moses and he would not return.

Why did they build a calf idol from the gold they brought with them from Egypt? Maybe because it was part of the cherubim and was a symbol of aleph. Moses destroyed the calf they had made, ground it to dust, and had the people drink it. God then sent a plague among the people. God then had Moses come back up and put the commandments on stone tablets.

The tabernacle was erected 1 year (11.5 months) after leaving Egypt. They remained at Mt. Sinai for 49 days and then left on the 50th day. This is a pattern of Jubilee. On the way, the people complained again about their hardships and a fire broke out along the outskirts of the camps. Moses prayed and the fire died down. Moses called the place Taberah.

Next, the people complained about the lack of food again and complained about the manna God supplied to them every morning. God sent quail again but even as they ate, he sent a plague among them, and Moses called the place Kibroth Hattaavah. At the same time, Moses went to God and said the people were too overwhelming for him to control. God had the Holy Spirit fall on the 70 elders so they could help Moses lead and govern the people.

When they arrived at Ezion-Geber, Aaron and Miriam began to speak against Moses saying God had also spoken through them. God struck Miriam with leprosy; Moses interceded, and she was cured after a week of having leprosy (outside the camp). From here is where Moses sent the 12 spies to Canaan—one from each tribe.

While the spies were doing their thing, Moses had the people travel on to Kadesh Barnea and this is where the 12 spies returned to. All had a bad report except for Joshua and Caleb. The people encamped here for 38 years before they then headed into the promised land. They had to wait until all those 20 years and older died before God would allow them to enter the promised land.

Korah (a Kohathite from Levi; this is the same ancestor as Moses and Aaron), and Dathan and Abiram (both Reubenites) and 250 others came against Moses as they were jealous of his leadership. I think Korah being a Kohathite, as was Moses, felt he was just as qualified to lead. Moses had Korah and his 250 followers come before the tabernacle with censors. Dathan and Abiram refused to come. God had the earth swallow all their tents and possessions, including people from the households of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Then he had a fire consume all the 250 men with censors. He had Eleazar, son of Aaron, take all the censors from the charred remains of the 250 and pound them into sheets and overlaid the altar with them as a memorial that only Aaron and his descendants can come near the altar to offer sacrifices.

The next day the entire assembly came against Moses and complained about what had occurred the previous day. God sent a plague among the people. Moses had Aaron take his censor and run to the middle of the assembly and when the plague reached Aaron, the plague stayed. A total of 147,000 people died in the plague.

As further testimony, Moses took a staff from each of the 12 leaders of each tribe and kept them overnight. Aaron’s rod budded and produced almonds and it was kept in the tabernacle as a memorial and a sign that Aaron and his descendant were to be the priests to offer sacrifices. Not long after, Miriam died.

The people once again needed water. This time, Moses was told to speak to the rock, but he struck the rock instead as he had done previously. God provided water, but this act prevented Moses from entering the promised land.

To get the Israelites to the promised land, Moses asked Edom for permission to pass though their land, but they refused. Aaron died on Mt. Hor. The people mourned him for 30 days. The King of Arad, from the Negev, came against them and captured some of the Israelites. The Israelites recovered all that was stolen from them and destroyed all the cities of Arad.

The Israelites then traveled back toward the Red Sea to go around Edom but the people complained, likely because they were backtracking and claimed that Moses was leading them back into the wilderness from which they had exited all those years before. They said, “There is no bread!; there is no water! And we detest this miserable manna!”

God sent snakes into the camp which killed many. God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and place it on a pole and those who looked at the serpent would be healed.

Once they reached the border of the Amorites, Moses asked Og, king of Sihon of the Amorites, to allow passage through their territory and they would stay on the King’s Highway and not take anything from anyone in their territory. He refused and came against them. The Israelites defeated them utterly and took the land up to the border of Ammon.

When they reached Shittim, Balak, the king of Moab, sent for Baalam to curse the Israelites. Baalam eventually told Balak to have his women seduce the men of Israel. They did, and they participated in their sexual religious ceremony. God sent a plague where 24,000 Israelites were killed.

Joshua succeeded Moses. The Israelites encamped 29 times from when the tabernacle was erected at Mt. Sinai (1 year after leaving Egypt) until they reached Jericho. They stayed in 22 encampments from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea (11 months) where they stayed for 38 years. They stayed in 9 encampments from Kadesh Barnea to their encampment at Jericho (9 months). After crossing the Jordan, the manna ceased, and they celebrated Passover.

This was just the time from Egypt to the Promised Land. There was also a lot of moving the tabernacle once they reached their promised land. We will discuss this amount of travel next time. I hope you join me.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The tabernacle is first mentioned in Exodus 25 when God instructed Moses to build one – also referred to as a tent of meeting – to host the presence of the Lord. The temple in Jewish life refers to the temple built in Jerusalem that was the central place of worship. And the synagogue, historically and today, has served as a gathering place for prayer, instruction, and community. It continues to be central to Jewish life today, as it was in the time of Jesus.

Tabernacle

The design of the tabernacle came down from heaven (Hb 8:5), as did Jesus himself. It took 9 months to create the tabernacle; Jesus was in Mary’s womb for 9 months. The main person in charge of building the tabernacle furniture was Bezalel of Judah (Ex 31:2); Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. The tabernacle was anointed with holy anointing oil (Ex 30:22-30) before it was put into use; Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit before he began his ministry (Jn 1:32). Jesus Christ means Jesus the Anointed One.

The tabernacle had only one door; Jesus stated he was the door and the only way to the Father (Jn 10:7). The tabernacle door was made of blue, scarlet, purple, and linen (white); the blue and scarlet represent the water and blood he shed on the cross; purple represents royalty as the robe he had at time of crucifixion; white linen represents the burial cloth in which he was buried.

The Bronze Altar represents judgment and required sacrifice; Jesus bore our judgment and became the atoning sacrifice for us (1Jn 2:2). The Menorah represents Christ’s light and his spirit; Jesus stated he was the light of the world (Jn 8:12). The Table of Shewbread represents Christ body broken for us; Jesus stated he was the bread of life (Jn 6:35). The Altar of incense represents intercessory prayers Christ offers for us as our High Priest (Hb 7:25). The Veil represents Christ’s body and it being ripped from top to bottom is allegory for Christ dying for us by his own volition; Jesus stated the way to the Father is only through him (Jn 14:6). Its colors are the same as those of the door. The Ark of the Covenant represents God’s Throne Room and its Mercy Seat represents God seeing us through the blood of Jesus Christ and declaring us righteous (Ro 3:25, 5:1).

The tabernacle was in use for almost 500 years and represents our pathway to God. Jesus is the door. We immediately face judgment (bronze altar) but Christ becomes the atonement (propitiation) sacrifice for our sin. Yet, we still have our sin nature and require continual cleansing (bronze laver) by God’s word and his holy spirit. We then have fellowship with Christ where he is the light for our path as we walk with him, where he is our sustainer as we partake of him and become more like him, where he is our High Priest and makes intercession for us with the Father. We can come boldly to our Father because of Christ’s crucifixion for us and find the Father declaring us righteous because Christ’s blood covers our sins.

Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s Temple was the first temple built to replace the tabernacle by King Solomon. His father David had gathered all necessary materials for its construction (1Ch 28:11-19). David also devised how the priests would lead the people in worship. Its building construction started in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign (2Ch 3:2), and it was completed in the eleventh year of his reign (1Ki 6:38): 7 years. Its front faced East.

On the outside of the temple stood the Sea, set upon 12 oxen for the purpose of the priests to wash. This vessel replaced the original laver used in the tabernacle. He also made ten other lavers for the priests to wash the portions of the animals used for sacrifice.

The altar was as wide as the tabernacle itself (20 cubits; 30 feet) and was square. I think it was designed knowing that the population would grow and its surface would be needed for the future number of sacrifices that it would support. At the temple dedication, Solomon offered 22,000 cattle as well as 120,000 sheep and goats. He created additional, temporary altars to offer the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and the fat of the fellowship offerings.

The doors to enter the court were made of bronze. Inside the temple in the Holy Place stood ten menorahs and ten tables for the shewbread: 5 on the north side of the temple and 5 on south side. Palms, chain designs, and cherubim were engraved into the sides of the Holy Place and all were overlaid with gold. He also adorned these with precious stones. The holy place was 60 cubits long (90 feet), 20 cubits wide (30 feet), and 30 cubits high (45 feet).

The doors to the temple were overlaid with gold. A curtain (blue, purple, crimson, and fine linen with cherubim designed into it) was between the Holy Place and Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was 20 cubits (30 feet) square. Therefore, stairs were needed from the Holy Place to the Holy of Holies. Its surface was overlaid with gold. He created two large cherubim: each with a wingspan of 10 cubits (15 feet) with each wing 5 cubits (7.5 feet). Therefore, both covered the entire space with their wings outstretched.

The ark would have been turned 90⁰ as the poles would face the door (2Ch 5:9), and they actually protruded into the curtain. There was also a curtain of blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it (2Ch 3:14).

We find the description of cherubim in Ezekiel chapter 1. Their faces looked like this: each of the four had the face of a human being, on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle. Their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. Under their wings on their four sides, they had human hands. They had two wings spreading out upward, one on either side, and two covering its body. Each face represented each aspect of the kingdoms of the Earth God created: humanity (man), livestock (ox), wild animals (lion), and birds of the sky (eagle). Note: fish are always treated as less than for some reason and seem to always be a source of food.

Zerubbabel’s Temple

Zerubbabel’s Temple was built when many of the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity. Many gave gold, silver, and garments to the construction of a new temple. King Cyrus, back in Babylon, gave back many of the articles of furniture Nebuchadnezzar had taken. The altar was the first thing erected, and in the 7th month, feasts were celebrated and their offerings given. Construction of the temple started in the second month of the second year of their return.

The construction of this temple had several interruptions but was finally completed in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius in the month Adar and the temple dedicated. So that was almost 20 years for it to be completed. Passover, occurring the next month after the temple’s construction, was the first feast celebrated in this newly built temple. We don’t know much about this temple, but we do know it was not as glorious as Solomon’s temple (Er 3:12-13).

Herod’s Temple

Herod’s temple is still called the 2nd temple because the temple functioned without ever stopping rituals during all the building and upgrades that Herod made to Zerubbabel’s temple. Because services never ceased, it is still called the 2nd temple.

The temple was built in Jerusalem where God placed His Name for the place of worship of God. It was used for a variety of communal needs: schools, communal meals, hostels, courts, collection and distribution of charity, political meetings, worship and reading/interpreting the Torah and Prophets.

Herod started improvements to Zerubbabel’s temple in 20 BCE, and it took 46 years to complete: 25 CE. So, it was basically a new building at the start of Jesus’ ministry and was in the process of being built when he was presented as a baby and also when he went for a visit as a twelve-year-old.

The leading scribes at first opposed Herod’s plan as they were very suspicious of the whole thing. They actually believed that once Herod pulled the old building down, he would never replace it. Herod had to promise that he would not touch the old building until he had built the new one around it. Once things commenced, under no circumstances were the services to be interrupted. Herod hired workmen by the thousands. Among them were many priests to build those portions not accessible to ordinary Jews. The work was started by leveling larger portions of the Temple Mount, so that the new building might be erected on a broader base. It was also made much taller, so that the white stone gleamed in the bright Palestinian sun and could be seen from miles away. It was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

Tribulation Temple

The picture of the Tribulation Temple is blurry because we have no idea what this temple will look like. We can assume it will be similar to Herod’s temple, but we don’t know that for sure.

The Bible clearly teaches that a new temple — which will be called The Third Temple — will be built in the future. It will most likely be erected at the beginning of the Tribulation in the form of a tent temple, like the Tabernacle of Moses. A more permanent structure will then be built around and above it. The Antichrist will desecrate this temple in the middle of the Tribulation.

Most Jews in Israel are not interested in building a new temple as they are quite secular and agnostic. Only some of the more orthodox Jews are preparing for the ability to put a new temple in Jerusalem and have been preparing for many years to build all the necessary pieces of furniture required.

There is some controversy around where the temple actually stood within Jerusalem. Many state the current temple mount is exactly where the temple stood. Others say that the temple would need to be south of the current temple mount because the size of the current temple mount is more like the size of the Antonia Fortress. They based this upon the description that the historian Josephus provided.

Josephus effuses about the splendor of the Antonia Fortress and how much Herod, a prolific builder, dispensed for its construction. Herod dubbed the Roman camp “Fort Antonia” after his friend, Mark Antony, and it assured his reputation as a master builder by its unparalleled magnificence. It must have been about 40 acres in size, like other typical Roman camps capable of housing a legion of 5,000-6,000 soldiers. Josephus described it as being “erected upon a rock of fifty cubits in height” on a “great precipice.” It had “all kinds of rooms and other conveniences, such as courts, and places for bathing, and broad spaces for camps, such that it had all the conveniences of cities and seemed like it was composed of several cities.” With 60-foot walls, four towers (the southeast being 105 feet high), and smooth stones installed on its slopes, it dominated the temple to its south, ready to fend off the most formidable attacks.  When any trouble brewed in the temple, or to keep peace during the festivals, Roman soldiers poured out of Fort Antonia onto two 600-foot aerial bridges, connecting it to the roofs of the temple porticoes, whereupon they dispersed around its four-furlong perimeter. If need be, the soldiers could rain their arrows down upon the people in the outer courts or descend via staircases to perform hand-to-hand combat.

Millennial Temple

Ezekiel goes into great detail about how the Millennial Temple during the reign of Christ will look (Ek 44-48). Yet there is still room for interpretation about certain aspects. We can’t say for sure how it will look, but we can know it will be spectacular and may even surpass how marvelous all the previous temples looked.

The Tabernacle existed for 500 years. Solomon’s Temple lasted for 350 years. Zerubbabel’s Temple lasted 497 years. Herod’s Temple lasted for 89 years. The Tribulation Temple will exist for only 3.5 to 7 years while the Millennial Temple will last for 1000 years.

The size of each temple (or tabernacle) plus its court was approximately the size of the next temple itself. Why would this be? As each temple was erected, it had to accommodate more and more people. Therefore, the size of the temple altar kept getting larger to accommodate the number of sacrifices that would be required. Also, the court kept getting larger to accommodate the more people as well as the number of Gentiles that were supposed to be welcomed into Judaism.

For us to understand their size, let’s use the size of an American football field (100 yds long and a little over 50 yds wide). The tabernacle was about one-fourth that size. Solomon’s temple was about three-fourths that size. Herod’s temple was a little over 3 times that size. The Millennial Temple will be over 12 times that size.

Synagogue

The Greek word for synagogue means a gathering of something (in this case, people). It became known as a place of assembly. The synagogue was a reflection of the temple and was used for a variety of communal needs: schools, communal meals, hostels, courts, collect and distribute charity, political meetings, worship and reading / interpreting the Torah and Prophets,

The first synagogue was likely first started during Babylonian captivity with congregations without a building. In Psalms, we read, By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion (Ps 137:1). Some scholars believe the first synagogue building occurred in the 6th century BCE, but the first archeological evidence of a synagogue building is from 3rd century BCE in Egypt as well as in Capernaum. Literature of the 1st century CE refers to numerous synagogues not only in Palestine but also in Rome, Greece, Egypt, Babylonia, and Asia Minor. Several synagogues have been archeologically discovered:

Gamla was an ancient Jewish city on the Golan Heights with a synagogue. During the Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE), it became a significant stronghold for many Jews. Many committed suicide by jumping to their deaths rather than being captured by the Romans.

Masada was a fortress built by Herod the Great on a plateau on the edge of the Judean desert overlooking the Dead Sea between 37-31 BCE and also contained a synagogue. Herod also had a multi-tiered palace there. It became a stronghold after the Jewish-Roman War (73-74 CE) where zealot rebels took refuge. Romans built a ramp on one side to eventually invade the city. Many of the Jews committed suicide rather than surrender to the Romans.

Herodium was built by Herod the Great as a Fortress and palace about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Jerusalem and 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Bethlehem built between 23 and 15 BCE. The palace itself consisted of four towers of seven stories, a bathhouse, courtyards, a Roman theatre, banquet rooms, a large walkway ("the course"), as well as extravagant living quarters for himself and guests. Once Herod died and the Great Revolt started, Herodium was abandoned. The Jews eventually had a base at Herodium where they built a synagogue which can still be seen today, unlike much of Herod's Palace.

Capernaum was a base camp, so to speak, for Jesus and his disciples. The synagogue remains that are now visible are from the 3rd century.

Synagogues can be built anywhere; a new temple must be built where the previous temple was located. Synagogues do not perform sacrifices. As a way of putting the Temple memory in a special place, they do not use music during prayer. It is a place for prayer, instruction, and community, both in Israel and wherever Jewish people reside.

God has always prepared a way for people to worship and praise him. Praise of him was to be a testimony to his goodness to the world. We are to do the same.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The garments of the priests who served in ministry of the tabernacle were of fine white linen. This represented holiness, purity, and righteousness—traits that were necessary in serving in the presence of a holy God. They wore linen trousers, going from waist to thighs, to ensure their nakedness was covered, a tunic over this that went to their ankles, and a turban on their heads, but cone shaped. The only color worn was the sash that went around their waists composed of the same material as that of the veil of the temple: blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and white twisted linen. This represented for whom they served in purity and holiness.

The high priest had even more elaborate vestments. Over the white tunic was one of blue color with pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen around its hem. Golden bells were placed between each pomegranate. Some say the bells helped the other priests to know the high priest was well when in the Holy of Holies as they feared a potential fatal incident similar to that of Nadab and Abihu where God struck them dead due their impropriety of offering unsanctioned fire in their censors (Lv 10:1-3).

Over the blue tunic was the ephod made of threads of pure gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. It was made of two pieces (front and back) which were attached at the shoulders with two onyx stones with the names of the tribes of Israel (six on each stone in birthright order) engraved into them and set into a gold setting. This represented the high priest’s responsibility of bearing all of Israel on his shoulders before the LORD. A waistband made of the same material as the ephod was placed around his waist.

On top of the ephod was placed a breastplate made of the same material as the ephod. Onto this was mounted twelve precious stones in four rows of three and placed in golden settings. The name of a tribe of Israel was engraved onto each stone. It is thought that the color of each precious stone reflected the color of the flag (banner or standard) that each tribe possessed (Nu 1:52). The Temple Institute believes the stones and their colors were as follows (Tabernacle):

First row of stones: agate for the tribe of Levi (color: red, white, and black stripes); jade for the tribe of Simeon (color: green); ruby for the tribe of Reuben (color: red);

Second row of stones: quartz for the tribe of Zebulon (color: clear); lapis-lazuli for the tribe of Issachar (color: blue); carbuncle for the tribe of Judah (color: bluish green);

Third Row: agate for the tribe of Gad (color: grey); amethyst for the tribe of Naphtali (color: purple); turquoise for the tribe of Dan (color: blue);

Fourth Row: opal for the tribe of Benjamin (color: all colors); onyx for the tribe of Joseph (color: black); aquamarine for the tribe of Asher (color: blue green).

This breastplate was attached to the ephod with gold chains at its corner and tied to the seam of the ephod just above the waistband to keep it from swinging out from the ephod. This formed a type of pouch in which the Urim and Thummim were kept. It is unclear what these were but are thought to be two stones (one white, one black) to indicate a yes/no answer to questions that the high priest would bring before the LORD.

The high priest wore a turban like those of the other priests but also had a band of pure gold around it, attached with a blue cord, with the words Holy to the Lord engraved on it.

When dedicated to service, Moses placed blood on the lobes of their right ears, on their right thumbs, and on their right big toes (Ex 29:19-21). This was indicative of them dedicating their service to the LORD: hearing and obeying God’s laws, their actions being according to the law as directed by God, and them walking in the ways of the law as God ordained.

The vestments for the high priest were different and more elaborate than that of the other priests for several reasons. One, they show his role as being different, and more strategic, than that of the other priests. It revealed to everyone that he was the mediator between the people and their holy God and the precious stones showed that he bore their needs and their very lives before him and represented them to God and that they, too, were precious to God. The blue robe revealed his role was a heavenly one even though he was on the earth. The pomegranates represented prosperity which he wore before the Lord as his actions were for the betterment of the people he served. The bells, as previously stated, was so the other priests could hear him in the Holy of Holies and know that all was well as they could not enter this part of the tabernacle themselves. All this also pointed to the coming of their Messiah who would become the ultimate mediator between them and God and is the role that Jesus Christ serves for us today (Hb 4:15-16; 9:11-12).

As we can see, every aspect of tabernacle worship pointed to their future hope of their coming Messiah (Jn 1:14) who would be their savior and the one to bring them back to their fellowship with God himself. Today, we can look back at how these elements pointed to Jesus Christ and his death, burial, and resurrection. He had taken our sins (1Pt 2:24) and has enabled a way for us to be right with God again and will allow us to one day be in his presence forever (Jn 14:3). Now isn’t that worth a hearty, Amen!?

We have looked at the meaning behind the precious metals and fabrics used for the tabernacle. Today, let’s look at each piece of furniture.

There are seven pieces of furniture built for the tabernacle. Five of them were made from acacia wood and then overlaid with either gold or bronze. Acacia was one of the few trees available to the Israelites in the wilderness. It was also very durable and resistant to decay, so it was really an ideal type of wood for such a purpose.

Two pieces were within the courtyard: the bronze altar and the bronze laver. The altar was built of acacia wood, overlaid with bronze, and used for various sacrifices. The laver was constructed of pure bronze and used by the priests for washing their hands and feet before they entered the tabernacle. Both were made from bronze because these pieces symbolized judgment. Sacrifices were made for atonement and the laver for purification. Failure to follow these steps before approaching the tabernacle where God dwelt could lead to drastic consequences. This is evident by two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, who were priests but did not follow proper protocol for the use of censors in their duties and God struck them dead by a consuming fire which came out from the presence of the LORD for their inappropriate actions (Lv 10:1-3).

Within the Holy Place of the tabernacle were three pieces of furniture: the Menorah (or lampstand) on the south side, the Table of Shewbread (or Bread of Presence) on the north side, and the Altar of Incense on the west side next to the veil of the tabernacle. The table and altar, made of acacia wood, were overlaid with gold. The menorah was made of one talent (75-100 lbs.) of pure gold and was composed of seven lights (one in the center, and three on either side from branches extending from the central branch). The Table of Shewbread contained twelve loaves of unleavened bread, one for each tribe of Israel. The Altar of Incense represented the prayers of the people. The incense was burned on coals brought in from the bronze altar where the sacrifices were burned.

Past the veil was the Holy of Holies. In this place stood the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat (or atonement cover). The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The Mercy Seat was composed of pure gold and sat on top of the Ark of the Covenant. On either end of the Mercy Seat were golden cherubim with outstretched wings spread upward overshadowing the cover. Between these cherubim was where God met with the high priest on each yearly Day of Atonement when the high priest brought blood from the atonement sacrifice and sprinkled it onto the Mercy Seat. Within the ark were kept three things: the ten commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded signifying him as God’s chosen for ministering as high priest for the Israeli people.

Each piece of furniture was a representative of a character of Christ. In addition, the position of each piece formed the shape of a cross. The bronze altar represents Christ providing the atonement for our sins (1Jn 2:2), The laver represents the cleansing provided by the Holy Spirit who gives us life (Jn 6:63) and renews us (2Co 5:17) because of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross (Jn 19:30). The menorah represents Christ as the light of the world who gives us enlightenment for how to live for him (Jn 8:12). The Table of Shewbread (Table of Presence) represents Christ as the bread of life, the one who sustains us spiritually (Jn 6:35). The Altar of Incense represents Christ as our intercessor (Hb 7:25) who is now our advocate (1Jn 2:1) before God the Father. The Ark of the Covenant represents Christ who made a blood covenant with us by the shedding of his blood on the cross (Lk 22:20). He is the embodiment and fulfillment of the Law (Mt 5:17), the true manna who sustains us (Jn 6:32-33), and is the proper high priest who intercedes for us (Ro 8:34) and shows his resurrection power which will one day be extended to us who have accepted him as our Savior (Jn 11:25; 1Co 15:20). He is also the Mercy Seat because he made propitiation (atonement for appeasing God’s wrath) for our sins (1Jn 2:2, 4:10).

Understanding all this helps us to better understand the adage that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. The whole Bible is about Jesus Christ and every page reflects him. When some say the Bible is a cohesive whole and not just a collection of stories, this is what they mean. It all points to him because he is the answer for us humans—both in this life and in the life to come. From eternity to eternity, he is always the same (Hb 13:8).

Can I get a hallelujah?!

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In the previous post, we talked about the precious metals used in the tabernacle (gold, silver, bronze). This time let’s focus on the fabrics used. The fabrics used were also donated to the tabernacle construction by the Israelites and they were part of the plunder God allowed the Israelites to obtain as they left Egypt. This wasn’t a forced plunder but more of a bribe by the Egyptians to get the Israelites out of their land because of all the plagues and death that had occurred (Ex 12:33-36).

The tabernacle was composed of a courtyard with only one gate to enter and a tabernacle building within it, also with only one entrance. The fabric used for the courtyard fence and the tabernacle coverings were made of fine twined linen. This means this was not ordinary linen but made from fibers that were meticulously twisted together to make the material extremely durable. It would represent the very best type of fabric of their day.

The curtains made from this material for the courtyard fence was white which represented purity and holiness, for the contents of this place was considered holy as this is where God dwelt, or tabernacled, with his people. The courtyard fencing was approximately 150 ft (45 m) long on the north and south sides, and approximately 75 ft (23 m) long on the west and east sides. The curtains were attached to the posts with silver hooks. Each post, 60 total, was atop a bronze base meaning that the tabernacle was based upon judgment. It was a holy place. No one could casually come into this structure.

On the east side, facing sunrise, was the gate to the courtyard. The curtains on this side were composed of blue, purple, scarlet, and white finely twisted linen. These colors represented the heavenly alignment of the tabernacle’s purpose (blue), the divinely appointed aspects of the tabernacle’s contents (purple), the sacrifice/judgment that occurred here (scarlet), and the purity and holiness of the place (white). It is no coincidence that there was only one door. There was only one way to approach God and that was through judgment/sacrifice. Jesus Christ himself reminded his followers of this fact when he stated that he was the door (Jn 10:7-9) and he was the only way to God (Jn 14:6). Almost every aspect of the tabernacle was a foreshadowing of some characteristic of Christ.

The tabernacle itself was composed of four types of coverings. The first covering, visible to only those who entered, was the fine twisted linen which had cherubim embroidered into the fabric as well as the colors blue, purple, and scarlet. Each curtain was made 42 ft (13 m) long and 6 ft (1.8 m) wide. Two sets of five of these curtains were joined together with fifty loops of blue fabric placed on their ends. These two sets were joined together using golden clasps. Over this were placed eleven curtains of goat hair, each slightly larger than the previous curtains. These were 45 ft (13.5 m) long and 6 ft (1.8 m) wide. Again, these were made in two sets: one set of five and one set of six, again with fifty loops on each set but this time were bound together with bronze clasps. The sixth curtain was used as the door of the tabernacle. The additional length of these curtains allowed half of one curtain to form the rear of the tabernacle. This covering provided protection and insulation. Over this covering was placed a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of durable leather likely made from a large aquatic mammal (perhaps from porpoise or seal hides as both animals were abundant in the Red Sea).

From the outside, one could only see a drab looking tabernacle, but the inside displayed glorious features but was only seen by the priests who served in the tabernacle. This is reminiscent of how Isaiah portrayed Christ: a man of no special beauty in appearance (Is 53:2), but spiritually he is one of beauty and the one all should seek (Ps 27:4). The goat hair represents that he is our scapegoat and allows us to go free because he is the one sacrificed (Lv 16:7-10) and provides us protection. Thus, the reason for the clasps tying these curtains together being bronze was because bronze represents judgment which was the purpose of the scapegoat symbolizing that Christ would be our sacrifice, our scapegoat, and remove our sins from us (the goat which was set free). The ram skins died red represents his sacrifice for our sins.

There is one other curtain that is important to mention, and that is the veil between the Holy Place of the tabernacle and the Holy of Holies. This curtain was made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen with cherubim woven into it. It was hung with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and stood on four silver bases. Behind this curtain was the Ark of the Covenant with its Mercy Seat in what was called the Holy of Holies. This curtain separated the area where the priests served within the tabernacle from the area where God himself dwelt within the tabernacle. Only the high priest could go past this curtain and go into this area where God dwelt, and he could only do this once a year to atone for the sins of all Israel.

This curtain represented the way to God and therefore was representative of Jesus Christ as he stated that he was the only way to God (Jn 14:6). A sin sacrifice had to be made before the high priest could go past this curtain. Hence, the reason for the base being silver and not bronze. The high priest could pass once a payment had been made. Jesus Christ’s death on the cross became our payment for our sins.

The whole tabernacle was symbolic of God’s plan to redeem mankind. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves, yet maintaining his holiness and justice. I find it quite remarkable. Don’t you? Join me next time as we look even closer.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

When God gave instructions to Moses for him to build the tabernacle, it was not random in how things were to be built and what materials were used. Let’s see if we can understand the meaning behind some of the nuance instructions God gave to Moses about the tabernacle’s construction.

There are three types of metals used in the tabernacle’s construction: gold, silver, and bronze (or brass). To understand this, let’s look at the purpose of each metal used. And before we do that, we need to understand how they had such valuable materials in the first place. Remember, just weeks earlier they had been slaves in Egypt. They were barely getting by. So, how are they now wealthy beyond comprehension? Scripture tells us, but sometimes the answer is presented so matter-of-factly that it doesn’t really register to us how profound such a statement is.

In Exodus we read, “The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The LORD had made the Egyptians favorable disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians (Ex 12:35-36).

So, in just a passing, casual statement, Scripture is telling us so much. Did you catch the main word? Plundered. The Israelites plundered the Egyptians. By how much you may ask? We get a glimpse a little later. In Exodus chapter 38, we find the following amounts used in the tabernacle’s construction:

Gold = 29 talents and 730 shekels (v24) = 1,000 kg or 2,200 lbs.

Silver = 100 talents and 1,775 shekels (v28) = 3,430 kg or 7,500 lbs.

Bronze (brass) = 70 talents and 2,400 shekels (v29) = 2,425 kg or 5,300 lbs.

That sounds like a lot for sure. Based upon today’s prices for these metals, this would be worth at least $170 MM! And this was just a fraction of how much the Israelites possessed (Ex 36:6-7). And this doesn’t include all the other precious stones and fabrics that went into the tabernacle. Now, that is what I call plundered.

What was made with each type of precious metal?

Gold: Ark of the Covenant, Mercy Seat, Altar of Incense, Table of Shewbread (Table of Presence), Lampstand (Menorah), clasps to hold tabernacle curtains together, rings to hold the tabernacle crossbars together, hooks to hold the five posts of the gate together, and used to overlay the frames composing the tabernacle, the four posts of the tabernacle, the five posts of the gate, and the tops of the posts and their bands.

Silver: 96 silver bases were used for the tabernacle: 40 placed at the bottom of the frames used for the south side of the tabernacle and repeated for its north side, and 16 for the west side. Each of the 4 tabernacle posts mentioned above had a silver base to it.

Bronze: the altar of sacrifice, and the laver (basin), both of which stood outside the tabernacle itself but within the courtyard, the bases of the poles of the gate to enter the tabernacle, and for all the tent pegs of the tabernacle and the surrounding courtyard.

What do these three metals represent? It is interesting that only bronze is outside the tabernacle and only gold is inside the tabernacle. Silver supported the entire tabernacle.

Understanding that bronze represents judgment, silver represents payment, and gold represents deity and purity gives us a glimpse of what the tabernacle is telling us.

The bases of the posts of the gate to the tabernacle were bronze, meaning one had to pass through judgment to enter. The sacrifice was on a bronze altar representing a sacrifice of judgment and the laver for washing was of bronze representing the need for cleansing before entering a holy tabernacle. This means one could not approach God as they were. A transformation or substitution was required. A person would bring their sacrifice through the gate of judgment, ceremonially pass their sins to the animal which was sacrificed for them. The blood was sprinkled on the altar and poured at its base to represent the atonement being made on behalf of the person. This represents what Christ did for us as he became the ultimate sacrifice required to restore our relationship with God (Hb 10:10).

The entire tabernacle was supported on bases made of silver. The temple shekel was also made of silver. Silver was used for payment. As the adage goes, “nothing is for free.” And that is true here as well. Approaching God and having a relationship with him required a payment, a sacrifice. The Israelites had to repeat this sacrifice repeatedly, but when Christ came, he became the payment required once and for all (1Pt 3:18).

Bronze represented judgment, but once that had been taken care of, the priest could then enter the Holy Place because of the payment made. Christ used the symbolism of the snake, lifted up on a pole by Moses to heal people of their snake bites that had been brought on them for judgment for their actions, to represent himself (Nu 21:8; Jn 3:14-15). Sin places a judgment upon a person and separates them from God. Payment (one’s life) is required to settle that judgment debt (Ro 6:23). The sacrifice placed on the bronze altar was a replacement for that individual. Christ became that sacrifice on our behalf that God required.

The inside of the tabernacle was holy, so all was made of gold. The walls of the tabernacle and all the furniture were of gold. Each piece represented an aspect of Jesus Christ and who he is and what he would become and perform. The lampstand or menorah showed him to be the light of the world (Jn 8:12) to lead us to him, the table of shewbread showed him to be the bread of life (Jn 6:35) who would sustain us and provide to us eternal life, the altar of incense represents him as our high priest (Hb 4:14-15) who makes intercession for us to God on our behalf. He is the mercy seat upon which his blood is placed and covers our sin (Ro 3:15) so God the Father only sees the blood of his Son, Jesus Christ, rather than our sin. And he is the Ark of the Covenant whereby his blood has sealed a blood covenant with us (Mt 26:28) so that by receiving him his blood saves us from eternal death and allows us to have eternal life with him forever. Not because of anything we have done but because of what he did for us. We are declared righteous because of his payment for us (2Co 5:21).

The tabernacle was a representative, or model, of what is in heaven (Hb 8:5). Its plan was given by God to Moses. Although it was a costly building, the resources for its construction were provided by God himself but he used people with no means of their own to produce something they never could have ever dreamed of without God’s help. And isn’t that what he does for us today. He takes our lives, which are worthless on their own, and gives us what is needed to make something wonderful of our lives so they can be devoted to him because without Him, we would forever be nothing. But he has made us new creatures (2Co 5:17) that he can work his will through us.

May He be forever praised.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

As we look at the sacrament of communion, we find that the deeper meaning of this act of communion started way back in the Old Testament—all the way back to Abraham.

When Abraham and his family came into the land of Canaan, his nephew, Lot, and his family settled in the city of Sodom (Gn 14:12). If you recall, Kedolaomer, king of Elam (what is today Iran) had made alliances with several kings within the land of Mesopotamia and attacked several cities around the Dead Sea, including Sodom where Abraham’s nephew, Lot, lived. They took many of those in these cities hostage, including Lot, his family, and his possessions (Gn 14:11-12). A man escaped capture and reported the news to Abraham who went with 318 of his men all the way north to Dan to defeat these armies and bring the hostages and all their possessions back home (Gn 14:14-16). That means he traveled over 150 miles, one way, to retrieve his nephew.

When he returned, Melchizedek came out to meet with him (Gn 14:18). His name means “king of righteousness”, and he is stated to be the king of Salem (which became Jerusalem), meaning “king of peace” who was also high priest of God Most High (Gn 14:18; Hb 7:2). Melchizedek blessed Abraham (who was still named Abram at that time), and they ate bread and drank wine together.

While there are only a few verses in Scripture about Melchizedek, he is a very important figure. He is mentioned in a few verses in Genesis (Gn 14:17-20), in Psalms (Ps 110:4), and in Hebrews (Hb 7). There are many speculations as to who this figure was. One tradition is that he was a descendant of Shem and thus a son of Noah’s line (Genesis 6:10), or perhaps even a first-generation son of Shem himself. If this were the case, it is likely those who knew him, or of him, only knew that (to them) he had “always been” because, for them, life began after the flood. God used this fact to point to the One he would send who would be of this type: one who had always existed and would become a King of Righteousness and King of Peace. Others say Melchizedek was a Christophany and thereby a foreshadow of his future coming. If so, this would be different from other events that are believed to be Christopanies. For example, in other instances, he is usually referred to as “the Angel of the Lord” and the encounter was brief. Here, it seems this individual had a position on the earth for quite some time. I have also heard him referred to as the high priest of Jesus Christ and performed duties in the heavenly tabernacle. If this is the case, then we must address another conundrum: why would one who served in the heavenly tabernacle be on earth for a time? While there is little to support any of these ideas and speculations, what he represents is definitely important and profound. The writer of Hebrews states he is a type of Christ because his priesthood is forever (Ps 110:4; Hb 7:3). Christ has become our high priest and our mediator (Hb 4:14-16) and his priesthood is therefore far superior to the Levitical priesthood that was instituted under Aaron.

What Melchizedek and Abraham participated in was a type of communion that fits both definitions we went over in a previous post. This encounter with Melchizedek reveals there are three things that are a part of such a communion:

1. A High Priest or mediator between us and God is needed.

2. Remembering we live by the Words of God is important.

3. Remembering a covenant with God is essential.

In Abraham’s case, Melchizedek being a High Priest of God, served as mediator. He did not praise Abraham but praised God who saved Abraham from his enemies (Gn 14:20). Abraham’s response was to give him a tithe. God stated that tithing is to teach us to put God first in our lives (Dt 14:23). This is what Abraham did.

The bread was a foreshadowing of Jesus, the Messiah, coming to Earth. The wine a foreshadowing of his blood he would shed to institute a blood covenant with us for all eternity. This was also on the heels of God’s covenant with Abraham in Gn 12.

A second time of such a communion was with Moses, Aaron, his sons, and the 70 elders who went up on Mt. Sinai, met with God (most likely the preincarnate Jesus Christ) where they ate and drank with him (Ex 24:9-11). Again, this was likely bread and wine. The preincarnate Christ was their mediator for God had already said for no one to touch the mountain or they would die (Ex 19:12-13), but here they were on the mountain as the preincarnate Christ had interceded for them to be there. Again, the bread was a foreshadowing of what their coming Messiah would do for them, as well as representing the manna that was soon to come their way to remind them that their very lives were dependent upon God. The manna was also a foreshadowing of Christ coming to be the true bread from heaven giving life to the world (Jn 6:32-35).

And, again, the wine was a foreshadowing of Christ’s blood. They had just had the implementation of the blood covenant he had made with them as a nation. Now, they were participating in a futuristic blood covenant he would make with them as individuals as he would die on the cross for their sin to fulfill all the sacrifices that they would soon implement to also represent the purpose of his coming. The prophet Jeremiah would call this the new covenant (Jr 31:31). Jesus stated that the shedding of his blood is his covenant to us that by believing in him our sins will be forgiven (Mt 26:28).

A third time of such a communion was institution of Passover (Ex 12:1-11). The Israelites were to remember what God had done for them and would continue to do for them as it was also a foreshadowing of their coming Messiah. Over time, the celebration of Passover was codified into a ritual of fifteen steps that all Israelites would follow, called the Haggadah, meaning “telling”:

1. Kadesh – a blessing is given and the first cup of wine, symbolizing sanctification, is drank.

2. Urchatz – a hand washing with water is done to symbolize purification.

3. Karpas – dipping of certain vegetables in salt water is done to symbolize the tears their ancestors shed.

4. Yachatz – the middle matzah of three placed in the center of the table is broken. The smaller half is placed back on the table and the larger is set aside and becomes the afikomen which is hidden for children to find later and eaten as a “dessert” to the seder.

5. Maggid – The second cup of wine is poured, the Exodus story is told, and the wine then drunk to represent their deliverence.

6. Rochtzah – hand as again washed reciting another blessing.

7. Motzi – The leader holds all three matzoth and recites the blessing for bread, places the bottom matzah back on the table and then holds the top and middle, broken, matzoth and recites the blessing for eating matzah. These are then broken in pieces and given to the guests to eat.

8. Matzah – The guests eat their matzah.

9. Maror – Bitter herbs (horseradish or bitter part of romaine) are eaten to reflect the harsh conditions Israelites slaves ensured during Egyptian captivity.

10. Korech – The “Hillel sandwich” is eaten, composed of maror and charoset (paste of apples and nuts) placed between two broken pieces of matzoth from the bottom matzah.

11. Shulcan Orech – The Passover Seder meal is eaten.

12. Tzafun – After the dessert of the seder meal, the afikomen is then eaten as the “dessert” to the seder.

13. Barech – A third cup of wine is poured, a blessing recited, and the wine drank to symbolize their redemption. A fourth cup of wine is poured for Elijah, and the door to the house is opened so the prophet can possibly enter.

14. Hallel – The door is shut, songs of praises are sung, and the fourth cup of wine is drunk to symbolize their hope for being with their Messiah.

15. Nirtzah – The seder is officially over but another blessing is recited: “Next year in Jerusalem” to indicate their hope that all Jews will be able to celebrate Passover in Israel together.

I list these steps because from these steps came the elements of communion that Christ commanded to be kept until his return (1Co 11:26). The middle matzah represented his body. The breaking of the middle matzah (step 4 above) represented his body becoming a sacrifice for us, and the wine of the third cup (step 13 above) represented the shedding his blood for our sins as this was the cup of redemption. It is interesting that he did not drink the wine of the fourth cup, but stated the following: “I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Mt 26:29). This indicates that this entire Passover was a history lesson from Egypt to Messiah’s first coming and his death, burial, and resurrection, to Messiah’s second coming when we will finally be with him forever. It is truly a meal of communion.

Now, we today, follow in these same footsteps to participate in our blood covenant with Christ. To remember that he came as a sacrifice (represented by the bread) to also shed his blood (represented by the grape juice) for our sins.

You can see that it has always been about relationship with our God, even from the very beginning. This is why Paul stated in 1Co 11:28 for everyone to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. By this act of eating and drinking, we are fellowshipping with God, the Most High, and with Jesus Christ whose body and blood we are remembering. This is a sacred thing, and we should come in a manner that is appropriate for such an act.

By participating in taking the bread and drinking the wine (or grape juice), we symbolize our recognition of the price he paid for us to be in communion with him and our hope in his return and us being in fellowship with him forever. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Communion is something most Christians participate in at various times. When we talk about receiving communion, what are we really saying?

The dictionary gives two definitions for this word:

1. The service of Christian worship at which bread and wine are shared which some call a sacrament.

2. The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.

Regarding the first definition, churches serve this sacrament weekly, monthly, or at other scheduled times. It is a time when, typically, unleavened bread wafers and wine (or grape juice) are served to parishioners. While there is no specific requirement for the bread to be unleavened, many take it as a requirement because when this command was first given by Christ, it was during a Passover seder (i.e., dinner) which would only have unleavened bread served for this feast celebration.

Some churches have a designated person provide the bread and wine to each person of their congregation individually one at a time while other churches distribute it to the congregation for them to take it individually but usually taken together simultaneously.

Different congregations call this act of taking this bread and wine (or grape juice) by different names. By some, it is called The Lord's Supper because Christ instituted his command to his disciples to continue this practice during a Passover meal just before his crucifixion (1Co 14:24-25). The apostle Paul referred to it as the Lord’s table (1Co 10:21) and cup of blessing (1Co 10:16). The early Church also referred to this act as breaking of bread (Ac 2:42). It has become to be known as the eucharist by some Christian churches because it means the giving of thanks as Christ gave thanks to God prior to him and his disciples partaking of both the bread and the wine (Mt 26:26-27).

Over time, other requirements have been added to this act of communion. The Roman Catholic church requires one to not have committed mortal sin since their last confession. This is a sin that encompasses three elements: an act that is a grave matter, done with full knowledge, and with deliberate consent. The person must also believe in transubstantiation, a belief that the bread and wine are transformed into the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ, and only the appearances of bread and wine remain. This became a requirement based upon the church’s interpretation of Paul stating that one must not participate in communion in “an unworthy manner” (1Co 11:27-18).

Also, a person must have had only water for an hour before their participation in receiving the bread and wine. In addition, one must be in good standing with the Catholic Church to participate, and it is administered by an ordained priest. The Orthodox Church says that fasting is required before receiving the bread and wine so that they are hungry for God. There are even requirements for how the participant should behave as they receive the bread and the wine: instructions for what to do with one’s hands, how to drink the wine ensuring not a single drop spills to the floor, wipe one’s mouth with only the Communion cloth, not to chew gum while participating, etc. A review of these can be found here. All of these requirements were made because of their belief in transubstantiation. Because of this belief, all aspects of the bread and wine are holy, being a part of Christ himself, and should not be taken or treated lightly.

Protestant churches are much more diverse in how communion is shared. Some, use actual wine and communal cups and receive communion from church leaders, perhaps kneeling at the altar. Others stick to grape juice and pass the elements to the congregation or allow congregation members to approach tables and serve themselves. This stems from a greater focus on an individual’s direct interaction with God, rather than a person approaching the communion through the mediation of a priest or pastor. Many Protestant congregations practice “open communion,” in which anyone who is a believer may partake in communion. In addition, Protestants do not typically believe in transubstantiation due to what is stated in Hebrews in that Christ served as a sacrifice for our sins once for all (Hb 7:27) and by believing the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ would mean he is being sacrificed repeatedly. Also, as we will see in our next post, the idea of communion was instituted long before Christ gave this command to his disciples, so it was about maintaining a relationship with God more so than the participation in the act itself. Participation becomes the testimony that you have a relationship with Jesus Christ and look forward to his return.

Regarding the second definition above, we don’t always focus on it but perhaps we really should. I think this is what God actually intended. Not to focus on one definition or the other, but on both.

While the idea of the first definition is what we do today, the idea of the second definition was started way back in the Old Testament. It actually goes all the way back to Abraham.

Join me next time as we look at this aspect of communion.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Over the last several posts, we have gone over the theory of eleven dimensions and what that means from a science perspective and how each relate to a spiritual perspective. It’s not a one or the other, but how the scientific view can relate and enhance our belief in the spiritual perspective.

One’s world view makes all the difference. Science tells us the what but not the how or why. Science points to the truth but is not the truth. As we stated earlier, science can only point to the truth but can never be truth (see the post, Our Worldview is Important). If the Bible and Science are not supportive of each other, then we need to look for another explanation.

As we have gone through the meaning of each dimension and what that means from a spiritual perspective, we have seen how what we know about these dimensions support many of our biblical understandings. Let’s explore a few more biblical beliefs and how our understanding of dimensions support these as well.

What about the Rapture? This is a phenomenon we expect to occur at some point in our future based upon two main scripture references (1Co 15:50-58; 1Th 4:13-18). At the Rapture, those in the 8th dimension come to the 4th dimension to make their glorified bodies like that of their bridegroom—their Messiah, Jesus Christ. It seems the physical body is needed for the making of one’s glorified body. This may be because we are made in the image of God and this was the original way God made us. Our physical bodies are then upgraded to be like Christ’s glorified body and likely receive back the body of light like what Adam and Eve had when they were in the Garden of Eden. Then the marriage supper of the lamb (Rv 19:9) will occur in the 8th dimension.

After the Tribulation and the return of Christ, the 4th dimension is recreated in a manner similar to that of the 8th dimension. Since the 4th dimension cannot completely comprehend the 8th dimension, we’ll see and experience some things very differently. This is the time that Christ reigns on Earth for 1,000 years (Rv 20:1-3), which many call the Millennium.

After the Millennium, nothing will likely exist below the 7th dimension because those are tied to time which will no longer exist. It could be that the 7th dimension of Sheol and Tartarus now become the Lake of Fire (Rv 20:14). Perhaps the failure of gluons annihilates all the 4th dimension which destroys our current Earth and heaven (2Pt 3:10; Rv 21:1; see the post When God Removes His Fingerprint). All will then be made new as we experience and explore all the wonders of God forever.

So, we see that science and scripture can go hand in hand. Science gives us the what these dimensions can tell us, but scripture gives us the how and why these things are used by God in our lives and how we can prepare for the consequences of their existence. I hope this short series has been helpful to you and show you how God is the author of science as well as his plans for us both physically and spiritually.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

So far, we have talked about the eleven dimensions in general, those which define our existence here on the Earth, and those related to time. Now let’s look at the next four dimensions that are related to the spiritual realm.

Dimension       Defined                                                         Spiritual Significance
8                          Multiple Worlds with Different Physics            Eden / Paradise
9                          Can go from one timeline on one world to     Angelic Realm
                             another timeline on a parallel world.
10                        All possible infinities of all possible worlds     God’s Council and Special Angels
                             accessing past, present, and future of
                             each simultaneously.
11                        Contains all subatomic particles from all         God
                             dimensions of all parallel worlds.

The eighth dimension is the first dimension which includes worlds that may be different from our own in many different ways. For example, rather than life being carbon based, perhaps it is silicone based, or maybe other species are the dominant species of a world, or any other type of physics that you can imagine. From a spiritual perspective, the different physics may be the spiritual elements we may experience. This dimension may represent Eden, or Paradise, which will be composed of the souls of the righteous who Christ brought from the seventh dimension after this resurrection and then those who go there automatically since that time: We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord (2Co 5:8). This dimension would also encompass many things that God’s creativity has made for those here to enjoy.

The Bible mentions the Garden of Eden. Either this was a copy of Eden made on Earth for Adam and Eve, or Adam and Eve were temporarily in this Garden within the eighth dimension. This is the position I took for my book Rebellion in the Stones of Fire. There are several reasons for taking this position. One, if the Garden of Eden was on Earth, it would mean that the Tree of Life was transferred from the eighth dimension to the fourth dimension. While possible, it would seem more logical to transfer Adam and Eve rather than the entire garden. Yet, we know that with God all things are possible. Second, there is a verse (Gn 2:5) that states the Earth was not yet lush, but then it transitions to a lush garden planted in Eden. It would seem this to be a different place, perhaps a different dimension due to its lushness, or God made a lush garden east of an earthly place called Eden which was apparently itself not lush. After the rebellion, Eden does not seem to exist on Earth and neither does the garden. It may be that the garden was created in Eden, the eighth dimension, and when they rebelled, Adam and Eve were transferred to the fourth dimension where time would direct their future.

The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan. How did he do this? When created, both Adam and Eve were naked, but they felt no shame (Gn 2:25). Yet, after they rebelled, they realized they were naked and did feel shame (Gn 3:7). So, what happened? It is thought that they were covered with a layer of light (Light: aleph, vav, resh: אור). After their rebellion, God made for them a clothing of animal skin (Skin: ahyin, vav, resh: עור). While both words ‘light’ and ‘skin’ are spelled differently, the first letter of each word is silent, so they are pronounced the same. Aleph means “strong, power, leader.” Ahyin means “see, watch, know.” Satan told them they would know what God knew. God knew they were naked, but due to God’s leadership, their nakedness was not a hindrance in knowing him because they had no shame. Yet when they disobeyed, the light was gone and they now ‘knew’ their nakedness, which God already knew. But now, having this knowledge led them to shame of their nakedness. They now felt vulnerable. They could not do anything about their condition. God provided them animal skins as a covering but now, their nakedness, their vulnerability, would always be a barrier to their closeness to each other and to God.

What was the rebellion? Adam and Eve had a choice. They went from following what they knew (God as their powerful leader) to following what they could only see (what Satan told them). They went from what they could know to what they could experience with their eyes; disobedience severed their intimate connection. God’s light no longer shown through them. Therefore, God allowed Adam to yield his kingdom to Satan rather than to him. Adam and Eve were placed in the 4th dimension where Satan had been banished. Adam’s theocratic kingdom which God was preparing him for was ceded to Satan. This is the reason we are condemned because we are born into Satan’s kingdom (Jn 3:17). Adam and Eve were removed from the Tree of Life (8th dimension) which sustained them. Over time, their perfection yielded to corruption (in 4th dimension). But God was merciful; they were placed in time. Time has an end.

The ninth dimension characterizes the ability to go from one dimension to another at any given timeline from either dimension. This seems to also be the characteristic of the angelic dimension. As angels are God’s messengers, they can travel to any dimension below theirs and go to any timeline on Earth they are instructed to go.

The tenth dimension allows all possible infinities of all possible universes. Here, the past, present, and future are known simultaneously. This seems to be similar to the working of God’s council and his special angels (cherubim and seraphim). This was also where Lucifer (who became God’s Adversary, Satan) originally dwelt. Cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures all dwell within God’s presence. Cherubim sustain God’s throne, and their faces represent his character (Ek 1, 10). Seraphim sing and give glory back to God (Is 6). Living Creatures give God the admiration he deserves (Rv 4). God’s council is composed of those who are also called Elohim (i.e., gods). These are specially created beings who help God rule and oversee all his creation (Ps 82:1; 89:5-7) yet they also worship God (Ne 9:6) as they are subservient to him (Ps 24:10; Is 44:6). They seem to meet regularly as they oversee the affairs of mankind (Jb 1:6; 1Ki 22:19; Da 4:17).

The eleventh dimension contains all the subatomic particles from all other dimensions. It seems that this is the dimension from which all other dimensions originated. Also, it seems that if positive energy can balance out negative energy, then a universe can appear instantly. This is reminiscent of the 0 dimension from where some scientists believe the Big Bang originated. This would imply that the particles of matter came from the eleventh dimension going through the zero dimension.

From a spiritual point of view, this would be the dimension in which God exists as a single entity, and he is linked to all other dimensions. Only God is linked to the dimension of time – can see past, present, and future simultaneously. God is also linked to all elementary particles. His creative work emanates because he controls all. It is speculated that 10^500 universes exist. If true, this may be the number of decisions people make and yet God knows which one will be enacted upon.

Next time, we’ll go over some of the consequences resulting from our belief in eleven dimensions.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In the last several weeks, we have seen the Christmas story through the eyes of several Christmas heroes: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. These were people living their daily lives unaware of how they would become immortalized in the coming of their Messiah. Yet, it was not without hardship. They had to allow their belief to overcome their fear.

Mary yielded to the offer of giving herself to be the vessel of bringing their Messiah into the world at the potential cost of her very life. She believed God would take care of her even when it looked like her world would cave in around her. Because of her sacrifice, the world has never been the same since.

Joseph yielded to the guidance he received from God and risked his reputation and possibly even his livelihood so that he could assist their Messiah to be part of their lives. He had to overcome his doubts about whose baby Mary was really carrying. This took faith in believing that not only was Mary telling the truth, but that his so-called dream was truly the voice of the Lord to him. He had to love a son that was not his own and transfer the love he had for God to his now adopted son. He sacrificed much to be a part of God’s plan for mankind. Because of his sacrifice, the Messiah was born into a home of love which reflected the love God had for the world.

The shepherds had to suffer ridicule from the priests when they told what happened to them that night on the hills outside of Bethlehem where angels announced their Messiah’s birth. They likely had to continue doing a job they knew was soon to be obsolete. Yet, they could now see a deeper truth in their profession which they did not realize before. Because of their sacrifice, the news of the Messiah’s coming was spread throughout Bethlehem and Jerusalem even if not many believed them.

The Magi were willing to go into enemy territory to find the one whom they had looked forward to for so long. They risked an international incident so they could come and worship the long-awaited one. And, indeed, we are told that another détente treaty had to be established between Parthia and Rome around 1 AD, only two years after their arrival in Jerusalem. This may not have been the only reason for the treaty but may have precipitated the realization for its necessity. Their sacrifice created a peaceful time between the two empires while Christ was on the earth to achieve his public ministry.

Each of these individuals had a tough decision to make but if you would ask them if they would do it all over again, I’m sure they would say ‘yes.’

But what about the rest of society? How did they take part in this monumental event? While these few and the host of heaven were rejoicing in the Messiah’s birth, the majority in Israel were totally oblivious to the event. Some even refused to believe the event even when they were presented with evidence.

The village of Nazareth chose to believe impropriety by a godly woman over the truth of her words. Willing to slander and gossip rather than believe their long-awaited Messiah was now so near.

The priests refused to believe the words of the Magi because they did not fit into their preconceived ideas about the coming Messiah. Rather than check the scriptures fully for the truth of the words of the Magi, they simply ignored them. They were not even willing to travel ten miles with these men to see if what they said was true. They were so adamant in their false beliefs that inconveniencing themselves in the slightest was out of the question.

And Herod? It’s obvious he was unhappy with the Magi’s claim that a king had been born. It is unclear who started this unrest between Rome and Parthia that had to be quelled by the signing of a new détente treaty agreement. Perhaps it was he who raised the issue with the Emperor—all because he felt threatened. And likely because he knew he was not the rightful king of the Jews, but he was determined to keep the title at all costs—no matter who had to pay, including the deaths of so many innocent children in Bethlehem.

And what about the others in Israel? All was routine. While the angels proclaimed the birth of Christ, everyone else slept, went about their normal routines and chores, and maybe even worried about how they would pay new taxes imposed upon them. No one had the time or interest to see the meaning of a bright star in the night sky or give comfort to a weary pregnant woman in a crowded town. After all, they had problems of their own to solve.

And what about us today? Do we have time to go out of our way to see the need in someone else, to let God do something impossible according to our thought process? Are we ready for God’s next big thing in our lives? Will we turn over our doubt and disbelief to the One who can accomplish the impossible and do it in ways we never considered or ways that may go against our preconceived ideas or how we think or feel they should be done? We all want the impossible, but often the impossible requires sacrifice. That was true for Mary, for Joseph, for the shepherds, and for the Magi. And certainly, true for Yashua, the Christ. He had to reconnect our broken relationship which required him to make a huge sacrifice. Maybe our sacrifice is not as great, but it still requires the same humbleness on our part, the same willingness to set aside our pride, and to allow the God of impossibilities to do the impossible for us and through us. The result is something truly remarkable. Something beyond our wildest hopes and dreams. Something far greater than we can ever conceive.

Come, step into the shoes of these heroes of Christmas and see what God can do for you and through you this Christmas season. He’s waiting. You, too, can be a Christmas hero. ‘Tis the season for impossibilities.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

“Keeping us waiting here like this for nearly half an hour by this . . . Judean ruler . . . is insulting. After all, we are Magi, members of the royal Magistanes, sent here by king Phraates himself, ruler of all of Parthia, to honor the birth of the newly born King of the Jews.”

“That’s true, Melchior, but that may be what concerns him,” Balthazar says. “He likely thinks he is their king.”

“Yes, yes,” Melchior says, waving his hands. “But surely he’s not so myopic that he doesn’t see the possibility of this one to reunite our people and theirs.”

“Oh, he’s too in bed with Rome to see such a possibility, except as a threat,” Balthazar says. “If we’re interested in him, then he likely thinks we’re here to sabotage his rule.”

“That’s likely true,” Casper says. “Did you see his eyes when he saw king Phraates’ royal guard escorting us in?”

Balthazar laughs. “He tried to hide his reaction, but his surprise was duly noted—especially when he looked from his balcony seeing our contingent of several hundred camels, and equal numbers of servants and guards.”

“Well, what does he expect,” Melchior replies. “We have a large amount of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to protect. Plus, king Phraates doesn’t trust this Herod, especially since he sent the Roman, Mark Antony, to attack him in his own realm of Parthia. It’s clear there is no love lost between them.”

“But our mission is so important,” Melchior says. “Once we show him the star alignments, how can he doubt? There was a triple conjunction of the king planet with the king star in the constellation of the lion. Belteshazzar always taught this constellation represents Judah. Surely this Herod will know that. But in addition, we saw the king planet in conjunction with the mother planet. He can’t consider that a coincidence. And now, we have been following this star which led us here. If the heavens are declaring the birth of a king, surely mere mortals will not ignore it.”

“I hope you’re right,” Balthazar says as he suddenly stands as Herod and his contingent of priests and royal companions enter. Both Melchior and Casper also stand.

“Please, please, be seated,” Herod says. “Apologies for the long wait. I had my priests do some research themselves.”

“We are aware of the prophecy of a coming Messiah,” one of the priests says. “He is prophesied to vanquish all of our enemies and rule from Jerusalem over the entire world.”

Melchior looks at his comrades. Their glance back at him indicates that they, too, believe this statement about enemies include them as well.

“But we know of no one of any prominence to have been born yet. Evidently, this prophecy is still in our future, surely.”

“But what of the star signs?” Melchior replies. “I have the charts right here that your very own prophet Daniel, whom we call Belteshazzar, had Magi in Babylon put together for this very event.”

The priest holds up his hand. “But none of that is in his writings, I’m afraid.”

“Plus,” another religious cleric dressed differently from the other man adds, “prophetic writings are not part of the Torah and cannot be given as much weight as words from HaShem.”

Herod holds up his hands. “But we certainly grant you the benefit of the doubt.” He gives a smile, but it seems somewhat deceptive. “So, in consultation with my advisors here, we also commission you to find this . . . king . . . and give him our homage as well.” He gives another smile, quite evident to be forced. “Send us word and we’ll come and worship him as well.”

All three nod but look wary. “Do you have homage you wish us to take for you to give to him in your honor?” Balthazar asks.

“Nothing now, but we’ll do so when we come. We can’t come ourselves empty handed now, can we?” His words hang in the air, which now seems quite thick with tension.

One of the priests clears his throat. “Our scripture declares that the birthplace of our coming Messiah will be in Bethlehem, just south of Jerusalem. If he has come, which I must warn you is doubtful, he would be there.”

Silence hangs in the air once again. Casper stands. “Thank you for your hospitality. We’ll be on our way and will relay your well wishes once we find this new arrival who can be a unifying force between both our people.”

Herod looks from one to the other. “Unifying . . . force?”

“Well . . . yes,” Casper replies. “As you know most Parthians are originally from this land. This one will be as much a king to us as he will be to you.”

“I . . . see,” Herod replies, though he looks as if he wants to take them as prisoners on the spot, but he smiles instead. “Yes, well, this will be a truly momentous find for sure.”

The three then walk out with their guard escorts as they each feel the eyes of Herod and his entourage burn into them as they exit.

As they mount their camels to leave Jerusalem and head toward Bethlehem, Balthazar looks at Casper. “Was that last part necessary?”

‘No, but it clearly tells us his true intensions.”

Balthasar raises his eyebrows. “He wants nothing to do with this new king. Or with us for that matter.”

“I vote we return home a different way than coming back through Jerusalem,” Melchior replies.

Casper nods. “Oh, most definitely.”

As they approach the small town of Bethlehem, Melchior has only those guarding the gifts come along with them and the larger contingent stay outside the city.

Casper looks up at the star. “Look, the star is practically straight above this town. Our star signs and the Jewish scriptures the priest quoted seem to align.”

Balthazar rubs his chin. “Yes, but even though this town is small, how do we find where this new king will be located? I mean, I don’t think there is anyone of great wealth here. It does seem a little strange a new king would be here, don’t you think?”

Melchior shrugs. “Well, it’s all worked out just as predicted so far. I see no need to doubt now. I say we just enter and see what happens.”

“Well, that doesn’t seem logical,” Balthazar says, “but I have no better alternative.”

The sun is setting as they approach the city, and other stars are now becoming visible. Darkness begins to descend on the city, but not everywhere. They follow a glow and come to a house and stop in front of it.

“This must be the place,” Casper says. “It seems this glow is providential.”

They each descend their camel. The eyes of neighbors look their way but stay in the shadows, afraid to come out. Their guards bring several large chests to the door of the house. One knocks. Once the door opens, the glow around the house dissipates. A man appears in the doorway, eyes wide.

Melchior gives a bow. “We have come a great distance from our home within Parthia to pay homage to the one born here to be king of the Jews.”

The man looks from one to the other, partly in fright, partly in wonderment. “I am Jospeh. My wife, Mary, and I have a son who was born six months ago.

Melchior bows again. “May we have the honor to enter?”

Joseph steps back and lets them and the guards with their chests enter. Mary is sitting with the child in her lap. Her eyes go wide, and she looks at those entering and then to Joseph for an explanation. He gives a slight shrug. “These men have evidently come to pay homage to our son, Yashua.”

The three Magi stand before Mary and genuflect. “It is our honor to meet your son, most blessed among women,” Balthazar says.

“I’m sorry,” Mary says, “but I don’t understand.”

Casper smiles. “We bring gifts from us and from our king Phraates IV, king of Parthia. We bring gold to the one in your lap who is king of the Jews, we bring frankincense as he will function as a type of priest to his people as your scriptures indicate, and we bring myrrh for anointing because your scriptures also indicate he will have to suffer. Three gifts for three important events in your son’s life.

“We have come because your son is a descendant of David, king of Judah, and a descendant of Jehoiachin, made a ruler of Parthia. Your son will one day unite both of our peoples once again as it was in the days of David and Solomon.”

“Our duty as Magi of the Magistanes,” Melchior adds, “is to find those who can become king. Your son, Yashua, meets all the requirements. No decision is needed today, but we wish to follow your son’s path for how he will fulfill his destiny.”

The guards open their chests and Mary gasps. “It’s so much,” she replies. “I . . . I don’t know what to say.” She looks at Joseph with eyes wide.

“It is our honor,” Melchior says. “There is no amount worthy to pay homage to one like your son. Many prophecies will be fulfilled by him. Some physical; many spiritual. God has smiled on both of our peoples this day.”

The three Magi stay for a short while, tell Mary and Joseph all that transpired from the time of Belteshazzar who they knew as Daniel from their scriptures, explaining how he was instrumental in making Jehoiachin a Babylonian satrap, how the Israelites integrated within Parthia but kept many of their roots from their homeland, and how they believe Yashua would be the greatest king the world has ever known.

The three Magi leave, get back on their camels, and travel out of Bethlehem but do not head back through Jerusalem. They know Herod will be angry at them. But that is of no concern to them at this point. They had just met the one who they knew would become someone beyond their wildest dreams. They are unsure of what that would be but are content to have been a part of his journey.

And what about you? Do you have such expectations for your future? Do you also rely upon the one who came as an agent of peace and reconciliation? Have you given your all to him as he has done for you? He came as a prophet to tell and remind us of his promises to us, died to fulfill scripture being the sacrifice for our sins, and has risen to give us hope for the same future in which we can participate. In the end, he promises you a future more glorious than you can ever image.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

I, Eliab, sit around the campfire with a handful of other shepherds. I ignore their conversation as I lie back and look at the stars. So many stars. What is their purpose? Just for their beauty or is there more? I notice one star looks brighter than normal. Is that important, significant in any way?

I think about how I became a shepherd because my father had been a shepherd. But not just any kind of shepherd, but a shepherd here in the fields surrounding Bethlehem where sheep and goats for temple sacrifice are born and raised. The priests use them for daily temple sacrifice as well as for special feast days. It is really a more difficult job than many realize. First, the priests are extremely picky about the conditions of the lambs they use for sacrifice. So much so that we shepherds take any pregnant ewes to Migdal Eder, our watchtower, so we can look after the birthing of the lambs to ensure they are uninjured in any way. Sacrifice requirements are that lambs must be without blemish and ensuring that takes a lot of work. During birthing season, which is twice a year, we stay up around the clock to watch over the birthing ewes. The number of times I’ve placed a lamb in our stone manger and bound the animal in swaddling cloths to keep the lamb calm and still are innumerable. I often quietly sing to the animal to help it stay calm. Yes, we do anything and everything to ensure the priests are happy with our work thus ensuring a quality sacrifice and the continuation of our livelihood. After all, the quality is about pleasing Yahweh more so than just pleasing the priests. But pleasing the priests is also top priority as they are the ones who give the harsh tongue-lashing when our work disappoints them.

At least now, with birthing season out of the way, we have time to be a little more relaxed. It is still important to ensure the sheep and goats stay as healthy as possible. And that the young ones stay blemish free. Healthy sheep and healthy ewes mean a successful birthing season. So, there are always things to be concerned about, but now, we do not need to be so on top of things as during the birthing season. Some relaxation is now allowed. Hearing the gentle bleating of the sheep and goats makes my eyelids go heavy.

Suddenly, a bright light shines all around us. I immediately open my eyes, shielding them with my arm, feeling totally terrified. What’s going on? Before us stands someone, looking like a man, but not like any man I have ever seen before. This one has a glow about him. I know this to be an angel. I’m not exactly sure why I know this, except for the obvious reason this one is definitely not human.

“Don’t be afraid,” the angel says, “for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Messiah Adoni. This is a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloths and lying in the manger.”

Then before I have time to even react to what this angel said, the whole sky bursts forth in brilliance. The entire sky is filled with a multitude of angels all shining as if they are the sun, far brighter than the campfire burning in front of me. These angels praise God and sound more beautiful than I have ever heard anyone sing before. The melodies and harmonies of praise are far more glorious than I have words to even express. I hear the phrase, “Glory to Elohim in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men” repeated several times in their songs of praise. I have no words for what is before me.

Then, just as suddenly, the sky goes dark—from the brightness of the sun to pure darkness. It takes a while for my eyes to adjust. Even the beautiful stars now appear dull in comparison to what I have just witnessed.

We each stare at each other unsure what to say.

I speak first. “What did we just witness? It did happen, right? You all saw that, didn’t you.”

They each nod but no one says a word, still too in shock to speak. The words I heard finally sink into my brain and I stand to my feet. “We need to go see what the angels told us. They said our Messiah has been born.”

The others look at each other and slowly nod like the realization is starting to come to them.

“Where do we go?” one asked.

“Well, to Migdal Eder,” I say. “It seems pretty clear that is where the angel told us to go.”

“Why would he be at our watchtower?” one of the other shepherds asked.

I shrug. “I don’t know, but let’s go and find out.”

We hastily agree who will stay and watch the sheep. The two chosen are unhappy about it, but the safety of the sheep is still important. After the two reluctantly agree, we look at each other and then start running and laughing all the way to our watchtower.

Once near, we stop and look. A small campfire can be seen within the tower. Someone is definitely there. The others push me to the front and then walk slowly behind me. Once at the tower, I slowly enter and stop with the others looking over and around my shoulders.

The woman is rocking her infant in her arms. She stops singing a sweet lullaby and stares at us who have entered. She then smiles, motioning for us to enter as she places the infant in the manger, now filled with clean hay.

I kneel before the manger and look at the infant who is now stretching and cooing. I then look at the woman. “Angels told us he was here—you were here.”

Joseph speaks. “I am Joseph and this is my wife, Mary. And this,” he brushes his finger gently against the infant’s cheek, “is our son, Yashua.”

“The Messiah,” I whisper.

“Yes,” Mary says, “he will take away the sins of his people.” Mary takes the baby and holds him out to me. “Would you care to hold him?”

I am hesitant. Me hold the Messiah, the greatest gift Yahweh has given to his people? I’m not worthy of such an honor. Who am I to be given such an honor? But I did not refuse the offer. I hold the baby in my arms and look into such a tiny face. It is hard to believe this is the face we’ve waited for all our lives, even for generations. He is finally here. What an awesome moment to experience. I smile and hand the infant back to Mary.

“Thank you for that. I will treasure this moment all my life,” I say. “Now, we must go and tell the priests. They certainly will want to know about this.”

Another shepherd looks from Mary to Joseph. “And how is this one, your son, to save us from our sins?”

Joseph shakes his head. “Only he knows.”

Mary gives a small smile. “He will fulfill the plan as Yahweh has designed for him.”

We shepherds nod and quietly leave them and begin returning to our camp site.

Neither Mary nor Joseph nor the shepherds understand the significance of this shepherd’s question. Baby Yashua is lying in the shepherds’ manger where they inspect the lambs destined for sacrifice. He came in this manner to identify with mankind and to become the sacrifice that all past animal sacrifices pointed toward all these past generations. He is the one who will restore all back to Yahweh.

They didn’t know this at this happy time, but there will be consequences coming to this little one and to all in this watchtower. While innocent now like a little lamb, Yashua is yet most powerful in what his sacrifice would bring.

Eliab looks at the others as they walk back. “Maybe we shouldn’t tell the priests. Will they even believe us?”

“I don’t know,” one of the others said. “But we can’t keep this to ourselves. I mean, our Messiah is here. At first light, let’s go into town and tell everyone. I’m sure the priests will eventually hear and then we can tell them what we know. Then they can’t tell us to remain silent because all of Bethlehem will already know.”

We again run, laughing all the way back to our campsite to tell our two comrades the good news. Their Messiah is finally here.

And what about you? Have you encountered the Messiah, the one who was born to die to save the world? Do you desire to be as excited as these shepherds about what he has done for your life and for all those to whom you share him? Their message of his coming is just as timely today as it was back then.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

A knock is heard at the door. Joseph opens it revealing a man giving him an accusatory look.

“Well, don’t hide your feelings, Benjamin. Want to come in?”

Benjamin barges in, brushing past Joseph, and then turns. “What were you thinking?”

“You mean about whether to let you in or just shut the door in your face?”

“Now is not the time to be funny, Joseph. We have been friends for what, basically, our entire lives, right? So, as a close and best friend, I must tell you that you are committing suicide.”

“Suicide? Wow. Well, that’s a little extreme.”

“No. No, it isn’t. You’re going to have the whole town reject you. This is a small town, Joseph. You won’t get any business here. You must at least divorce her. I know you won’t go through with your right to have her stoned to death. But you’ve got to consider your reputation. Right now, the gossip is that she was forced by a Roman soldier on her way to see her cousin Elizabeth. But if you go through with this, they’ll accuse you of the impropriety.”

“Not only can I not have her stoned, I can’t let her be destitute with a child. No one else is going to marry her now. How would she ever survive without any support from a husband?”

“Is that really your concern? Joseph, you must think about your own livelihood. By taking her into your home, you will be admitting that the child is yours—yours before your marriage is legally finalized.” Benjamin shakes his head. “The risk is just too great.”

Joseph places his hands on Benjamin’s shoulders and pushes him down to sit. “Let me tell you what Yahweh told me.”

As Benjamin sits his eyes go wide and his tone sarcastic. “What? Yahweh himself talked to you?”

“Well, it was through one of his angels. I had confronted Mary and told her how disappointed I was in her and that I was so deeply hurt that I even considered exercising my right to cause her demise. But once I looked into her eyes, I knew I couldn’t do that. Her beautiful eyes were one of the first things that attracted me to her. Then, the more I learned about her character, the more I desired to marry her. So, I told her I would divorce her privately. I moped home and just fell into bed, too sorry for myself to do anything else. When I slept, an angel appeared to me.”

“But that was only a dream, Joseph. Just your subconscious trying to make sense of what you had just went through.”

“No, Benjamin, no. This was beyond any dream I have ever experienced before. There was something so real, so vivid about it that went beyond what any dream is capable of. No, this was something else entirely. Words of wisdom directed from Yahweh himself to me.”

“Delusions of grandeur, you mean.”

Joseph chuckled. “Yes, I guess it may sound that way. Look, I don’t know why Yahweh chose me—chose Mary. But Yahweh’s angel said for me not to be afraid to take Mary home as my wife because the baby inside of her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and I am to name him Yashua because he will save his people from their sins.”

“Wait, you’re saying that Mary is going to birth the Messiah?” He waved his hands. “That goes well beyond any delusions of grandeur.”

“Think about it, Benjamin. What did the prophet Isaiah say about his birth. He would be born of a virgin.”

“Well, yes, but . . . here? Here in Nazareth? Why would someone who is to become king be born in Nazareth? What makes the two of you so special?”

“Nothing, Benjamin. Absolutely nothing. I don’t understand it. All I know is what I was told. I either believe it to be true or ignore the most wonderful thing Yahweh has done.”

Benjamin stood and started to pace. “Well, this certainly changes things, but only if everyone believes you.” He shakes his head. “I don’t see many people doing that. They’ll say you’re just using it as an excuse to hide your sin.”

Joseph chuckles. Benjamin gives him a stare.

“Sorry. That just struck me as funny. You’re saying I’m using Yashua to hide my sin when he’s the one who will take away my sin.”

“Oh, don’t start getting philosophical with me, Joseph. You know what I mean. Even if you’re doing the right thing, your reputation will be ruined. Maybe one day everyone here will realize you were right, but that won’t be for many years. You’ll be shunned until then.”

“Well, it’s all in Yahweh’s hands now. I’ve yielded to his will. Mary will come into my home next week for her protection and for everyone to get used to us being together.”

Benjamin put his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “Well, I’ll still be your friend, but don’t count on many others.”

“It’s interesting that everyone believes in a coming Messiah, and everyone believes Isaiah’s prophesy that he will be born of a virgin, but no one believes it when it finally happens.”

“That’s because no one believes it can happen in Nazareth.”

“And why is that, Benjamin? Does one truly believe in a prophecy if one can’t believe it will occur in their lifetime, in their village, in them themselves?”

“I guess Yahweh does work in mysterious ways. And I’ve seen nothing more mysterious than this. That’s for sure.”

Suddenly, a commotion is heard outside. Both Joseph and Benjamin follow the noise and see a Roman officer with a contingent of other soldiers rallying people together.

“Everyone,” the officer announced, “gather around. It has been decreed by Roman Emperor Agustus that everyone will give a census of their birthright. Everyone must be counted in the city of their ancestors to know from which clan you are of.”

“What if we’re from a different district than here?” Someone in the crowd shouted.

“Then I suggest you get you affairs in order quickly and comply. There will be no exceptions to the emperor’s decree.”

With that, one of his men tacked a pamphlet, written in Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and Hebrew to one of the buildings, and they all rode out of town. This left everyone in quite a panic about what to do and how they were going to do it. Many stood around while someone read the words of the pamphlet out loud. There were many groans and a few choice words by a few.

Benjamin looked at Joseph with raised eyebrows. “See, your decision has just increased your hardship.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I know you’re a descendant of King David because you have teased me forever saying I’m just a peasant.”

Joseph pushed Benjamin’s shoulder giving a laugh. “Indeed, you are, my friend.”

“Yes, but us peasants can register here. You now have a pregnant wife to take to Bethlehem. That’s a little over 90 miles travel over rocky and mountainous terrain.”

“Hmm. That’s true. At least I have a cousin there with whom I can stay.”

“Maybe.”

“What do you mean, ‘maybe’?”

“Well, it will be fine if Mary doesn’t deliver while there. Think about all the impurity laws that Mary will have to abide by if she delivers. Can your cousin accommodate those?”

“I think so.”

“Well, maybe not. Think about the number of people who will descend upon Bethlehem, which is not much larger than Nazareth. Delivering a child could prove difficult in such crowded conditions.”

“I had not thought of that, Benjamin. I need to go talk to Mary’s family. We have a lot of preparation to take care of, and many prayers to pray.”

“And I will also pray for you, my friend. But the most you will get from others is just dirty looks, I’m afraid.”

“Dirty looks from others are not my concern, as long as I get a smile from Yahweh for my actions in following his will for me and for Mary, and for our soon to be son, Yashua.”

And what about you, my friends? Do you also trust God for the outcome of your life? Has he become more important than anything else in your life? Only then can the outcome you truly desire be guaranteed as only he controls our future and our destiny.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

As newscasters would say: we interrupt this previous scheduled program for the following. Since this is December, I will switch to the topic of Christmas and then complete our discussion on dimensions in January.

There will be five posts about the Heroes of Christmas. I hope you enjoy.

It was just another ordinary day, but something made me restless inside. I sit up. The bright yellow of the sun now chases away the beautiful orange and pink colors of the sunrise. Chores and duties of life come early in our small town of Nazareth. Today is butter day, so I find a somewhat secluded spot to do the churning and be in my own thoughts and what-if scenarios. Other women usually churn with others as they socialize, or as some call it: gossip. Nazareth is not a very large village and almost everyone knows everyone. Invariably, Ima would learn of some slight transgression I made long before I ever reached home to try and explain the circumstance. “Mary,” Ima would say, “whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” At that point, I could only confess and not explain. Explaining had to come before preconceived notions had been made. I love all my neighbors, but sometimes . . . sometimes my mind chooses another word for my feelings about them. I keep that to myself, of course. Yet, life here in Nazareth is nearly impossible without such a close nit community. Quick to help and support, but just as quick to gossip and reach unfounded conclusions.

Afterwards, I sit with Ima to add herbs to the butter I just made and talk with her about all that is on my mind. I am in my mid-teens and just became betrothed last week to a man named Joseph. Now I’m considered married even though it will be a whole year before we are officially together. It feels somewhat surreal. I mean, it occurred so abruptly—at least for me. Ima tells me that Abba had been talking to Joseph’s family about my potential marriage for some time. Apparently, Joseph had talked to his father about me, so Joseph’s father approached my Abba. I’m not sure how I really feel. I mean, I barely know him. I’ve seen him periodically and he would smile at me as we passed, but that was about it. Apparently, he felt that was a good enough impression to ask for me. Ima tells me I’m blessed because not all marriages occur on such good terms. I have heard stories, so I know I should feel blessed, but that is not how I’m feeling right now. I know all of this is quite common. It’s been this way for centuries. Ima says Abba has ensured Joseph is a good man with a good reputation. Many people know him because he is a carpenter and has built things for many in this village and elsewhere. Joseph is already several years older than me. Yet I’m not sure how I feel about marrying someone who is a practical stranger. But Ima says that was true for her as well when she and Abba married and that it didn’t take long for her to start to love him. She pats my arm telling me it will be the same for me. Still . . . hearing about such things and experiencing them are two different things. So, you can see, I have a lot to think about.

In the afternoon, Ima asked me to pick some olives for something she wanted to make for dinner. The grove is just outside the village, so this will give me more time to myself. I try to look determined in my gait until I reach the outskirts of the village so no inappropriate gossip gets back to Ima even though I would be innocent of whatever gossip happened to be imagined in the minds of the women in the village. I sometimes think they need more chores to occupy their time.

I pick a large basket full and then decide to take a break and eat a couple of them. The air suddenly turns. What occurred is hard to describe. The air temperature didn’t change. It just felt . . . different. I see a flash out of the corner of my eye. Turning, I see nothing. Then from around one of the trees comes a man. I say “man”, but I know it isn’t a man. I’m not sure how, but I’m not frightened at all. He seems to exude peace. I have never heard of anyone possessing such a presence about them. But this one did. I kneel, waiting to hear what he has to say.

“Greetings, Mary. I am Gabriel sent by El Elyon. I am to tell you that you are highly favored by Yahweh for he is with you.”

I wasn’t sure what I expected this one to say to me, but this certainly wasn’t it. His words, while praiseworthy, puzzled me. I’m just a young girl, with humble aspirations, in a village of no consequence. Maybe he has the wrong village, the wrong girl. His words make no sense, or no sense to be spoken to someone like me.

“Don’t be afraid or let your thoughts betray you, Mary. You, yes you indeed, have found favor with Yahweh. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Yashua. He will be great and will be called the Son of El Elyon. Yahweh Elohim will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Needless to say, my mind spun. Not only about me having a son who would somehow become a king of Israel, but that I would have any child at all. It is impossible. Although betrothed, my marriage to Joseph will not be consummated for quite some time. This I could not speed up. I did not understand how any of this could come about.

“I hear your words,” I said, “but how can any of this happen? I’m still a virgin.”

“The Holy Spirit will come on you,” Gabriel said. “The power of El Elyon will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of Yahweh. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from Yahweh will ever fail.”

I had heard about Elizabeth, and many were saying her pregnancy was indeed a miracle. But I will become pregnant before being with my husband. Would anyone believe such a thing? But everyone in Israel is taught their entire life to expect a coming Messiah, and the prophet Isaiah did say he would be born of a virgin. What would those who gossip about trivial things say about this? Well, it is all about faith, isn’t it? I either believe in the prophecy or I don’t. And if I believe the prophecy, then I must believe that I can be part of this prophecy. So, I trusted and said something I never contemplated in any of my what-if scenarios.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” I said. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

As quickly as Gabriel appeared, he disappeared. I glanced around. No one. Not even a gossip-ridden villager. I am alone. I must admit that I wondered if what had just occurred actually did occur. But this had been no daydream. I mean, I could never have dreamed such an event. There is dreaming and then there is the impossible. I had just entered the impossible.

I pick up my basket of olives and head back to the village. Who should I tell? I shake my head. No one. Not even Ima. Not yet anyway. Right now, it is a secret between me and Yahweh. Yet, I knew such a secret would not remain a secret indefinitely. I have some time. I’m not sure how or when what the angel said would happen will happen. I need to come up with an explanation before the village gossip comes up with their own explanation which could lead . . . I gasp. The realization hits me; I stumble, drop my basket, and fall to my knees once more. The punishment for someone in my condition is a public stoning! Surely someone will believe me. Will Joseph? My life will be in his hands. Prayers are needed; and lots of them.

And what about you today? Do you have a what or how that seems impossible? Do you, like Mary, feel overwhelmed by what is being asked of you? Perhaps the answer is to do as she did. She didn’t conquer the what or the how, but she did conquer the who for she knew he was far greater than her impossible assignment. Can you let your who be greater than your what or how? If you can, that’s good. Because that’s where the impossible possible lives.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

So far, we have talked about the eleven dimensions in general and those which define our existence here on the Earth. Now let’s look at the next three dimensions that are related to time.

Dimension       Defined                            Spiritual Significance
5                          Fluid Time                       Time Travel
6                          Multiple Worlds            Potential Decisions
7                          Multiple Worlds            Sheol / Tartarus
                           with Each on a
                           Different Timeline

While the fifth dimension is believed to be where time itself is fluid, meaning one can travel backwards and forwards in time, there may be some restrictions to it. While this dimension seems to imply that idea, the higher dimensions seem to imply that going back in time may not be possible. The thought is that the past represents decisions that have already been decided and enacted. Therefore, those decisions cannot be reversed. However, the future represents the choice of innumerable decisions that may be made but have not yet been made. The present is the fulcrum between the past and the future. Once a decision is made, it becomes part of our past and therefore unchangeable. It is no longer a series of options.

You may think time travel is not possible, but the Bible does give us several examples:

Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading (Jn 6:21).

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:26).

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (Ac 8:39-40).

The transfiguration may have been a time-travel event for Moses and Elijah (Mt 17:1-9; Mk 9:2-10; Lk 9:28-36; see the post Time Travel in the Bible?). But let’s remember that only God can do time travel or allow time travel by others—at least as far as we currently know.

The sixth dimension tells us there are multiple worlds—other Earths—that exists. They are formed due to the different decisions that individuals can make which puts them on a different course for their future. One can travel between these parallel worlds, but only at the same time stamp within each world. So, what would this mean from a spiritual point of view? Because this dimension is where all decisions are made available, this sounds very much like one having free will to make any decision available to them. Our future is based upon today’s decisions and is not set until decisions become our past.

The seventh dimension allows parallel worlds to exist that are on a different timeline from our own world with experiences that may be different from our own reality. From a spiritual perspective, this could be referring to Sheol. It is considered part of the Time Realm because this will also come to an end and has partly done so already. Up until Christ’s crucifixion, this dimension was connected with dimensions (0-4) where everyone’s souls dwell. After Christ’s crucifixion, the righteous in this dimension were taken to the 8th dimension and going forward, souls who were considered righteous go to the 8th dimension while all others still go to the 7th dimension.

Travel to the 7th dimension (Sheol) is only one way with a few exceptions:
Samuel returning from Sheol to speak to Saul (1Sa 28:3-19)
Those whom prophets resurrected (1Ki 17:17-24; 2Ki 4:18-37; 13:20-21)
Those whom Christ resurrected: widow of Nain’s son (Lk 7:11-17), Jairus’ daughter (Lk 8:49-56), and Lazarus returning from Sheol to this life (Jn 11:1-44)
Those resurrected at the time of Christ’s resurrection (Mt 27:50-54).

Before Christ rose again, it was a place for both the righteous and unrighteous: In Hades [Sheol], where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side . . . Between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us (Lk 16:23).

The righteous were removed from Sheol by Christ: When you ascended on high, you took many captives, you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious – that you, LORD God, might dwell there (P 68:18), and This is why it says, “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (Ep 4:8).

In addition, this is also the dimension where Christ created Tartarus as a sub-dimension within Sheol. It contains angels who left their 9th dimensional form to transfer into a 4th dimensional form and married the daughters of men to form the Nephilim (Gn 6:1). The apostle Peter also references this action: For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to Tartarus, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment . . . Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment (2Pt 2:4,9). This dimension may likely become the Lake of Fire after the Great White Throne Judgment (Rv 20:11).

Next time we will look at the higher dimensions which form the spiritual realm. Please join me.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In my last couple of posts, we talked about the need/requirement for eleven different dimensions. The first four of those (including the zero dimension) encompass our existence—not only physical but our eternal spiritual existence as well. Let’s look at this further.

Dimension       Defined             Spiritual Significance
0                          Point                   Soul
1                          Line                     Spiritual Existence
2                          Plane                  Spirit
3                          Cube                   Physical Existence
4                          Tesseract           Time

As we discussed earlier, the zero dimension is represented as a point which has location but no length, width, or height. Yet, it seems this dimension has a hint of eternality with it as well, as some believe our universe as we know it came from this dimension which some refer to as the Big Bang. This seems to suggest a type of circular phenomena as the eleventh dimension has all the quantum building blocks of nature and it seems these came through the zero dimension to create our known world with all its laws of nature. While this is not how the Bible describes creation, it is consistent in that it came from God, who would be represented by the eleventh dimension.

From a spiritual point of view, it would seem the zero dimension has traits that are consistent with the traits of our souls. They have location but no physical characteristics. And they have eternality as well and are connected to the eleventh dimension as that dimension represents God himself. The soul also exists even when one’s physical body no longer does.

This then brings us to the first dimension, represented as a line. It starts at a point and has infinite length. This ties in well with the trait of a soul because this means the soul exists forever. The line then represents the existence of the soul and the transfer of the soul from one location to another. Once one’s physical existence is no more, the soul then travels this line to either the seventh or eighth dimension. We’ll discuss why that is once we discuss those dimensions.

The second dimension, represented as a plane, is a good analogy for one’s spirit. One’s spirit adds this secondary dimension to one’s soul and is also eternal and will exist when one’s physical nature is no longer.

The third dimension, represented by a cube, is easy for us to envision because we live in a world with length, width, and height. This is the physical world in which we live.

The fourth dimension, represented by a tesseract, is time. This is the dimension in which we live since we experience time in a linear fashion. Time is ever moving forward. This is evident because we age. We live in a 3-D world that moves through time.

There is a spiritual element to our fourth dimension as well. Although there are angels all around us who are God’s messengers, this is not the dimension in which they dwell. Yet, for Satan and his fallen angels, they are confined to this dimension with us.  God transferred them from the 9th dimension after Lucifer’s rebellion. Because they are not originally from our dimension, we cannot see them in their pure form. Yet, time is a linear dimension for them as well as for us. Satan (Lucifer) still has limited access to God: One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD , and Satan also came with them (Jb 1:6), but is confined to Earth otherwise: The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Jb 1:7).

Satan also has possession of the earth: Again, the devil took him [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me” (Mt 4:8). Because of this and his influence on Adam and Eve to cause them to disobey, death came into existence. Because he now has reign over the kingdom Adam was to lead, he also has reign over death which is now part of this kingdom. This is tied to the seventh dimension which we will talk about later.

Satan also has direct influence on people: Then Satan entered Judas, called Isariot, one of the Twelve (Lk 22:3). While we still have authority over him and his fallen angels, he can have control over us if we let him or if we don’t exercise the authority which God has given to us because of his death, burial, and resurrection. We have been told we have the same power in us that raised Christ from the dead (Ep 1: 19-23). So, let’s use that authority we have!

Next time, we’ll look at the dimensions related to time. I hope you join me for that discussion.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In my last post, we talked about the different dimensions that define our universe and even parallel universes to which we may, someday, have access. I think to put all of this in a proper perspective is to understand our worldview on such a topic.

Which of the following statements would you consider true:
Science is Fact, or
Science is Truth?

The first is true. With what we can know, sense, test, measure, and interpret, science gives us facts for us to know. Yet, the issue is often not the fact itself but our interpretation of that fact. Our interpretation depends upon our worldview. That is, do we believe there is a God or not? Our worldview gives us a biased interpretation of the fact we observe. No one can have an unbiased worldview.

The second statement is false even though we try to justify that it is true. Why do I say that? Well, science is ever evolving and changing. We can only produce fact, or what seems factual, based on the sensitivity of the instruments we use to understand that fact. What we learn today is often something that could not have been known many years prior. Oftentimes we must modify what we thought of as a fact because our new way of measuring or detecting the phenomena around us has led us to new conclusions. So, science always points us toward truth but can never be truth in and of itself.

And what about Scripture? How does that fit into the two statements above? Well, if you ascribe to the dogma that there is no God, then you will likely believe that Scripture and Science cannot coexist together. Yet, if you ascribe to the belief that God does exist, then you likely believe that Scripture and Science will not contradict each other because Scripture is the ultimate source of truth. As I stated above, science points to truth but cannot be truth. Yet, Scripture is truth. Therefore, science points, supports, and acclaims what Scripture teaches.

So, one’s worldview is very important to understand. One needs to be aware of their own bias. Whether you believe in God or not, does not make you bias free in either case. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is biased. So, your biased worldview will dictate how you interpret what science is telling you. It’s never really about the fact, but the interpretation and application of what that fact means.

Also, what you believe about truth does not change or alter truth. Which bias is truth? Well, even if you believe in God, you can still miss the correct interpretation of the fact that has been discovered. In other words, if Scripture cannot support your interpretation, then maybe you need to look for a different interpretation. Now, the Bible isn’t a science textbook for sure, yet it contains all truth. Therefore, can the Bible support your interpretation or not?

Let’s look at our last post about the eleven different dimensions that science, according to M-Theory, tells us exist. Can the Bible support such as assertion? At face value, one may say no, that’s preposterous. But is it? Is it really?

Over the next several posts, I want us to explore what I said in my previous posts about these dimensions in more detail. Over the last one-hundred years or so physicists have attempted to unify the fundamental forces of nature (general relativity) and the atomic and subatomic forces of nature (quantum physics) in our universe into a cohesive whole by suggesting everything can be defined by “strings” (vibration frequencies) and branes (i.e., membranes connecting dimensions), and these two entities connecting to each other. Almost seventy years after Albert Einstein put his theory of relativity together in 1910, scientists began to come up with ways to combine his work and the work on the quantum scale into a generalized theory in an effort to come up with the so-called, “Theory of Everything.” Various versions were made over the next decade to try and achieve that. In 1995, Edward Witten, came up with what he called M-Theory which combined the five versions of string theory in existence at that time and quantum gravity into a model that could describe how we can understand our universe. In this model, he needed 11 different dimensions to make his theory tenable.

From a Scriptural perspective, I think the eleven dimensions can be divided into three categories: those defining our physical existence, those defining time, and those defining spiritual existence. Join me next time as we delve further into this line of thought.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The idea of various dimensions different and above (or below) our own is a concept that has existed for a long time and has given the science fiction genre loads of ideas for various stories, novels, and sagas that have entertained us for decades. Yet is that all it is, a way to provide stories for entertainment? Is there any reality to other dimensions? Can we really know the truth of their existence if we can’t actually observe them? I thought we’d explore this concept. I don’t claim to be an expert in this area, but I have always been intrigued by it. I will provide my interpretation of what many scientists say about dimensions and then discuss what spiritual and biblical interpretation can be gleaned from this. These are my thoughts and reasonings, so take them with a grain of salt. Yet, I think the biblical perspective can surprise you and help us all to realize that there really is nothing new under the sun (Ec 1:9).

First of all, what is a dimension? It is simply a stage of reality where one higher dimension includes all the reality of the previous dimension but adds another. According to string theory, a scientific framework to try and unify the fundamental forces of nature (general relativity) and the atomic and subatomic forces of nature (quantum physics) in our universe into a cohesive whole by suggesting everything can be defined by “strings” (vibration frequencies) and branes (i.e., membranes which connect dimensions) which connect with each other. Five versions of string theory have been developed, each requiring 10 dimensions to explain our universe. Then, another version was discovered which unites all five of these versions and quantum gravity into a cohesive whole, called M-theory, which requires 11 dimensions to explain our universe. So, that produces eleven stages of reality. Some may describe these slightly differently than I do here. Describing them can become very complicated so I have tried to simply as much as possible. Each higher-level dimension adds an additional reality to the previous dimension:

As we discuss and understand these dimensions, it will, hopefully, become clear how one cannot go back in time and change things but can go forward in time to multivariate experiences because the past is composed of decisions already made and the future is a possibility of various events based upon decisions made. The present is the fulcrum between the two.

Also, I want to address the question of how does our understanding of these dimensions lead to anything biblical? Well, first we need to understand that science points to truth but is not truth itself. After all, science can change as we test new theories and have better and more specialized equipment to measure and view things not previously possible. So, science keeps evolving and giving us new information which helps to refine what truth looks like but never defines truth itself. It supports truth. Truth has no bias. We can’t say the same thing about science.

So, with that introduction, let’s dive into the 12 dimensions which, supposedly, defines our universe—or our universes as the case may be.

0 Dimension
We are taught this represents a point. That means it has a location but does not have length or height or width. Yet, it seems to have extreme potential connected with the infinite. Some believe this was the genesis of the Big Bang which brought all our known world into existence. So, it seems to have some kind of mystery surrounding it. Although being something so primitive, so simplistic, it has infinite implications. Could anything about this be biblical? Well, spiritually, one could think of this as one’s soul. It has a location within us but has eternal significance. It is important. We couldn’t survive without it. It is part of our makeup that has been gifted to us by our Creator. It dwells within the physical but survives beyond the physical into the eternal. Its property of location survives. It’s just that its location changes when the physical is no longer relevant for it.

1st Dimension
We are taught this represents a line. It has length, but that is all. It does not have width or height. What would that represent spiritually? It represents our existence. We exist because we are. A line also starts with a point and ends with a point. Our soul has a location within us and is moved to another location once our physical existence is no more. The final point of this line depends upon the life of our existence.

2nd Dimension
Width is now added to length. This forms a plane. We call this the plane of existence. This could be represented by our spirit. Our spirit adds dimension to our existence and to our soul. Both are in existence with and without the physical. It is connected to the soul, and as the soul changes location, so does our spirit as well when the physical ceases to exist.

3rd Dimension
Height is added to the mix. We exist in three planes: length, width, and height. So, this adds in our physical existence. Our body cannot operate in any dimension less than three dimensions. So, we have moved from soul, to spirit, to physical being. These are three separate entities that are entwined into one being. These three represent, and complement, our existence.

4th Dimension
Time is now added to the previous three. Time marches on in a linear fashion. This is the dimension in which we live. Our aging is proof of this fact. We live in a three-dimensional world that moves through time which cannot be stopped or reversed. So, our physical being is altered by time, but not our soul or spirit.

5th Dimension
Now, what about the 5th dimension? This goes beyond our current experience. In this dimension, it is thought that time becomes fluid. Some have referred to this as time travel. Just like if you get in your car and travel from New York to Phoenix, you can also drive back to New York. So, in this dimension, it would allow one to travel forward or backward in time without restriction. Yet, as we will see, some of the higher dimensions may put restrictions on this concept. Yet, this dimension holds the realization of fluid time in which the other higher dimensions can operate in and manipulate further. What about biblically? Well, perhaps this is the basis for how many prophets saw and reported on visions which God allowed them to see. Since our future is the result of many individual decisions we make, how could these prophetic visions be accurate? Well, God operates in a higher dimension, so he is the one guiding these prophetic visions of the future. That is the only way these prophets’ visions can remain accurate across all future timelines. Perhaps that is also why they are often provided somewhat in vague detail so that they incorporate many decisional scenarios that mankind can make.

6th Dimension
Once we reach the 6th dimension, we discover that there are other worlds—other Earths—that exists. They are formed due to the different decisions that individuals make which put them on a different course for their future. One can travel between these parallel worlds, but only at the same time stamp within each world. While the 5th dimension allows one to travel through time in their own universe, one is restricted in the 6th dimension to travel between parallel worlds only at an identical time in each parallel world. Perhaps this would explain why time travel in the past is not possible but in the future it is. Since our past is made from decisions already experienced, our past cannot be altered. Yet, our future is composed of countless choices that individuals can make and, thereby, alter the course of their future and even the course of mankind itself depending upon the importance of that decision. Therefore, there are endless futures available with the present being the fulcrum between the unchanging past and the endless possible futures. Perhaps this represents our free will—our ability to choose our decisions which sets us down on one of many paths that are open to us.

7th Dimension
Now, we come to the 7th dimension. This dimension allows parallel worlds to exist that are on different timelines from our own world. So, what worlds, or dimensions, would have an alternate timeline than ours here on the Earth? Perhaps this dimension would explain Sheol. Sheol was created in three parts (righteous Sheol, unrighteous Sheol, and Tartarus) with each created at a different time with one part already ceasing to exist (righteous Sheol). These are spiritual worlds that are beyond us in our present physical state. Yet, they are real from a spiritual perspective. Before Christ came, everyone went to Sheol when they died. Tartarus was a place built within Sheol for the angels who disobeyed God and took human wives producing the Nephilim (Gn 6; 2Pt 2:4). At some point after Christ’s crucifixion, he brought those in righteous Sheol to Paradise (Ps 68:18), the 8th dimension, which is discussed next.

8th Dimension
In the 8th dimension, there are parallel worlds operating on physics principles different from here on this Earth creating different natural laws and experiences: maybe silicon-based life forms, worlds where other species are the dominant lifeform, or where time dilation fields exist, or other phenomena we have never experienced in our reality, just to name a few. Travel between any and all worlds are allowed, but only at a designated time. Some have designated this dimension as the multiverse. From a biblical perspective, this would allow the spiritual reality and our reality to bleed into each other. However, we need to understand that those in higher dimensions can travel to lower dimensions, but typically not vice versa without the assistance from someone living in a higher dimension. Perhaps this dimension also represents Eden, or Paradise because it operates on different physics principles than here on this Earth. This would be higher than Sheol because Christ brought the righteous from Sheol to Eden, or Paradise (Ps 68:18; Ep 4:8), so that we can now be with Christ once we die (2Co 5:8).

9th Dimension
The 9th dimension is like the 8th dimension except time is no longer a restriction. One can travel between any and all parallel worlds and at any time in either parallel world. Some have called this dimension the super multiverse. From a biblical perspective, this is the angelic realm and would explain the visitation of angels as God’s heavenly messengers to specific individuals on Earth.

10th Dimension
In the 10th dimension, not only can one travel between any and all worlds, but at any time between any world thereby understanding the past, present, and future of all worlds simultaneously. From a biblical perspective, it shows how God or other spiritual beings can tell humans about their future because, for them, it has already occurred. It supports the Christophanies presented in the Old Testament and allows the visions God gave the Apostle John about future events. This is also likely the dimension in which God’s council operates as they are above all and everyone except God himself (Ps 89:7) as well as the special angels like cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures who operate in the presence of God (Ek 1, 10; Is 6; Rv 4).

11th Dimension
It seems the 11th dimension is the dimension from which all the other dimensions originated. This would likely also be the dimension in which God himself dwells and operates as he is above all and all things originate with him. Perhaps this is the realm where God would appear as one and all lower dimensions show him to be three-in-one as lower dimensions cannot completely display him as he exists in this highest dimension. The lower dimensions do not dilute his character or his power, just how he is revealed to them.

We could likely go on and on about this topic, but I hope this gives you a least a taste of how science and the Bible can go hand in hand. As stated earlier, science points to truth, but never is truth. Yet, the Bible is the source of all truth. And I think using scripture and our imagination, we can see how the topic of dimensions can also be supported from a biblical perspective, just maybe not in the same way that some scientists may describe them. After all, they have not been to these dimensions either, so our spiritual interpretation can be just as valid as their non-spiritual interpretation. That’s my view anyway.

I hope this has helped you see a vision of the Bible in a unique way to show you that God is never ignorant about what science tells us. After all, he was there when it all unfolded because he made it so. Our findings never surprise him.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens