Transcendence

 Transcendence

The number 120 bears great significance in GOD's plan for salvation, deliverance, and redemption for us, HIS creation. As I began to look at this number and how it appears in scripture, I also began to notice a theme of water (cloud), sacrifice (blood), and Spirit (fire) being part of the plan to change the world from corruption to incorruption. 

In Genesis 6:3, the LORD states: "MY Spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be 120 years." The word 'strive' used here is the Hebrew word 'dîn' (H1777). This root word can mean: "to rule, judge, contend, plead, or quarrel."

Many people believe these 120 years that the LORD referenced are the number of years a mortal man is given to live, or the time period before the flood. I think it means more. I tend to agree that it is a divinely appointed time of waiting that signifies the passing away of the age of the flesh (sin) and the beginning of the age of the Spirit. This realization was only further proved by seeing how GOD used numbers in creation and throughout the Bible.

While 6 (represented by the letter 'vav') is the revealed creation of the physical world, 7 reveals the spiritual within the physical world. The number 7 (represented by the letter 'zayin'), is the number of order, stability, forgiveness, wholeness, completion, wisdom, holiness, and rest (in the finished work, connection, and relationship with the Messiah). This is followed by the number 8, which also appears in moments of physical and spiritual cleansing, covenant, and appearance. The physical outward sign of the spiritual, inward, eternal, everlasting, covenant with GOD is circumcision, which is meant to occur on the 8th day. In Hebrew, the number 8 (represented by the letter 'chet') is "fatness", "the surplus above the 'perfect' 7", "having more than enough", "transcendence: rising above the limitations of the physical realm", or "living extraordinary lives that do not conform to the natural order". 

Paul tells us, you change physically AND spiritually when you "...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD" (Rom 12:1-2).

Enoch walked with GOD "after he begat Methuselah" (Gen 5:22) and was the first man to be 'raptured' from the earth. When Enoch was 365 years old, it is said that "GOD took him" (Gen 5:24). Methuselah's name means "his death shall bring" in Hebrew translation and "when he dies, there shall be an emission" in Greek translation. The definition of 'emission' is "putting into circulation, electromagnetic radiation from an antenna or a 'celestial body'," according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Celestial 'epouranios' (G2032), can mean "anything that is in the heavens, of the clouds, the abode of GOD and HIS angels, heavenly temple or sanctuary." Methuselah was the 8th man in the genealogy of Adam (Gen 5). Noah was his grandson.

The first time that we see the LORD purge the earth of corruption, wickedness, and sin is the flood in Genesis 6-9. It is said that the flood began shortly after Methuselah's death. "Noah was 600 years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth (Gen 7:6). Noah and his family were sealed into the Ark by the LORD (8 people in total). After the LORD floods the earth, Noah uses a dove (yônâ) to tell when the water was abated off the earth. Typically, 'yônâ' (H3123) a dove is a symbol of "the Holy Spirit, love, peace, the end of judgment (indicating GOD's mercy and forgiveness), purity, divine guidance, and new beginnings." 

After exiting the ark, Noah builds an altar, and offers burnt offerings to the LORD. HE is pleased with the scent, the sweet savour, Noah's offering produced. When GOD makes HIS covenant with Noah, HE vows there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth. We find out later, when speaking of the latter days, HE will instead use fire to refine and purge the corruption and sin from the earth. We saw a small glimpse of the fire of GOD's wrath when HE destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. "Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven" (Gen 19:24).

In Ezekiel 38:22-23, GOD speaks of his future judgment, wrath, and purging of corruption and sin during the latter days. "And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify MYSELF, and sanctify MYSELF; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD." HE will cast all corruption and sin into the lake of fire, burning with brimstone (Rev 19:20, 20:10,14-15, 21:8).

After the LORD delivered the Israelites from the bondage, slavery, and oppression of Egypt, HE led them through the wilderness. "The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: HE took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people" (Exo 13:21-22). The definition of a cloud is "a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (such as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere." "GOD is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and IN truth" (Joh 4:24). GOD, whose Throne is in the celestial Kingdom, came down to Earth and made HIMSELF visible as water and Spirit.

In Exodus 19, we see GOD's official proposal as a Bridegroom, to Israel as HIS Bride. HE said to Israel through Moses, "Now therefore, if ye will obey MY Voice indeed, and keep MY Covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto ME above all people: for all the earth is MINE: And ye shall be unto ME a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" (Exo 19:5-6). The Bride (Israel), agrees to the proposal in Exodus 19:8; "And all the people answered together, and said, 'All that the LORD hath spoken we will do.' And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD."

Next, GOD tells Moses to have Israel, HIS (GOD's) Bride, prepare themselves for HIS appearance and HIS Voice. "And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever" (Exo 19:9). GOD wanted HIS people (Bride) to see HIM, hear HIS Voice, and believe (have faith / trust) IN HIM and Moses' leadership. GOD tells Moses to sanctify the people, have them wash their clothes, and on the 3rd day HE will appear to the people as a thick cloud upon Mt. Sinai (Exo 19:10-11).

GOD tells Moses to set a boundary of protection around the Mt. so they will not die (Exo 19:12). "When the trumpet (yôḇēl) soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount" (Exo 19:13). 'Yôḇēl' (H3104) is only translated as 'trumpet' here. Otherwise, it pertains to the year of Jubilee, or the trumpet (sound) that announces the Jubilee year only on Yom Kippur (Feast of Atonement) and proclaims liberty throughout the land. This will be discussed in more detail a little later.

On the morning of the 3rd day, GOD appeared and "there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the Voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly" (Exo 19:16,18). The people gathered at the lowest part of Mt. Sinai and GOD gave HIS Law (Torah) to Moses, Aaron, and all the people. There is a link established regarding the 3rd day, Jubilee, Yom Kippur (6th Feast of the LORD: Day of Atonement), liberty, and the giving of the Law (Torah).

The last time GOD is said to have taken this 'cloud pillar form' was when HE tells Moses, aged 120 years, that the time for his death had come (Deu 31:15). "And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom knew the LORD face to face" (Deu 34:10). After the death of Moses, Joshua and the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, with the Ark of the Covenant (symbolizing GOD’s Presence), cutting off the waters so they could cross. GOD was still with them on their journey.

When the LORD spoke about 120 days of man in Genesis 6:3, I believe that the LORD was speaking of 120 Jubilee cycles. A Jubilee year is the 50th year of a cycle that removes every man out of captivity and into his own land (Lev 25:47-55) in the counting of 7 sabbaths of years (šᵊmiṭṭâ cycles). 7 (šᵊmiṭṭâ) cycles multiplied by 7 plus 1 year (year of rejoicing and rest) equal 50 years (Jubilee).  The completion of these 120 Jubilee cycles free us from bondage of sin and death, grants us liberty from oppression, wickedness, and darkness, and brings us closer to the inheritance that GOD has prepared for us.

But, there is preparation that we, as a Bride, must do in order to prepare for a Bridegroom and partake in the future promise. We must be sanctified, washed clean, have our lamps filled with oil, and have our wedding garment of white linen ready. 120 of these Jubilee cycles (120 x 50) equal the 6,000 years of man (6 days), prior to the 7th day: 1,000 years, which is believed to be the Millennial Reign of Christ. "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that 1 day with the LORD as 1,000 years, and 1,000 years as 1 day" (2Pe 3:8) (Psa 90:4). After the 7,000 years (7 days) are completed, there will be a New Heaven and a New Earth (8th day). "And HE that sat upon the Throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And HE said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful" (Rev 21:5).

And so, GOD has placed a time limit upon mortal man because mortal man is flesh and blood. Our mortal flesh and blood has been contaminated by sin and appointed to death, since Adam, but GOD has had a plan to redeem HIS creation. "IN GOD is my salvation and my glory; the ROCK of my strength, and my refuge, is IN GOD. Trust (bāṭaḥ) IN HIM at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before HIM: GOD is a refuge for us. Selah (Psa 62:7-8). The Hebrew word 'bāṭaḥ' (H982) appears 120 times in the Old Testament, and means: "to trust, be confident, be sure, or set one's hope upon."

The siege of Jericho is a famous battle that Joshua and the Israelite's fought and won with GOD's help and guidance through the Captain of the Host of the LORD. One important detail is that there is a secondary meaning behind the 7 trumpets of "rams' horns" (Jos 6:4-6,8,13) in the original Hebrew language. The word for "rams' horns" is 'yôḇēl' (H3104) and can be translated as "Jubilee, the signal of the silver trumpets, the blast of a horn, Jubilee year (marked by the blowing of cornets)". This is the same Hebrew word 'yôḇēl' (H3104), that called the sanctified and clean Israelites to Mt. Sinai to meet with GOD and receive the Law (Torah) (Exo 19:13). The trumpets used to conquer Jericho were 'trumpets of Jubilee'.

The 'trumpet of Jubilee' was supposed to be sounded only on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), announcing the 50th year, the year of Jubilee. The phrase "trumpet of the Jubilee" is only found once in the Bible. "Then shalt thou cause the 'trumpet of the Jubilee' to sound on the tenth day of the 7th month, in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. And ye shall hallow the 50th year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a Jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family" (Lev 25:9-10).

The 7 priests with the 7 Trumpets of Jubilee (normally only used on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)) going around Jericho 7 times on the 7th day is a deliberate plan of GOD. Later, you will see other sets of 7 and 7 associated with Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

There is hidden code in Hebrew Gematria that foretells of the Messiah, Son of GOD that was coming in Isa 9:6. If you add every 7th letter, the value equals 888.

Here is another example of that same code in Isaiah 11:1-3, equaling 888:

These are some examples of Hebrew Gematria and Greek Isopsephy, including the Greek Name for Jesus, that show the eternal significance of the number 888:

Elisabeth, wife of Zacharias, a Levite priest, was barren and both of them were of advanced age. As Zacharias was burning incense in the Temple, an angel named Gabriel appeared to the right of the Altar of Incense. He brought word to Zacharias that his prayer had been heard, and that he and his wife would have a child, named John. "He shall be great in the sight of the LORD, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb" (Luk 1:15).

6 months later, Elisabeth's cousin Mary, was visited by Gabriel and told, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power (dynamis) of the HIGHEST shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of GOD" (Luk 1:35). The Greek word 'dynamis' (G1411) appears 120 times in the New Testament, and means: "force, miraculous power, or strength." Mary, Jesus's mother, "was found with child of the Holy Ghost...that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost" (Mat 1:18,20). This fulfills prophesy from Isaiah 7:14 (see above chart 888), "Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His Name Immanuel (GOD with Us)."

Until imminent birth, a baby is suspended, protected, and nourished in an amniotic sac, filled with amniotic fluid. This amniotic fluid is also called serous fluid. From the beginning, the primary component of this fluid is water.

After birth, on the 8th day, Jewish male babies are circumcised, which is a physical representation of the everlasting covenant they have with GOD. "And when 8 days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His Name was called JESUS (888), which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb" (Luk 2:21).

John, later known as John the Baptist, a Levite, ministered by "preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Luk 3:3). "Repent ye: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand (Mat 3:2). As John was baptizing multitudes of people in the Jordan, Pharisees and Sadducees came to question John. John told them, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" (Mat 3:11).

The next day, John saw Jesus approaching and said, "Behold the Lamb of GOD, which taketh away the sin of the world" (Joh 1:29). Here is the revelation that Jesus was going to be our Passover (Pesach) Lamb. "And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of GOD descending like a dove (peristera), and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is MY beloved Son, in Whom I AM well pleased" (Mat 3:16-17). The dove 'peristera' (G4058) signified that Jesus was anointed by God and filled with the Holy Spirit. "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth IN Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Joh 3:16).

Jesus' transfiguration came 8 days after He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it" (Luk 9:23-24).

As Jesus was praying on the mountain, "the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white (leukos) and glistering (exastraptō)" (Luk 9:29). 'Leukos' (G3022), means "white, dazzling white, light, bright, brilliant, shining, the splendour of the heavenly state, white garments as the sign of innocence and purity of the soul." 'Exastraptō' (G1823) means "to send forth lightning, to lighten, to be radiant (of very white garments), to flash out like lightning, to shine." "And His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white (leukainō) them" (Mar 9:3). Leukainō' (G3021) means "to whiten, make white" and is related to 'Leukos' (G3022). The transfiguration occurred on the 8th day (Luk 9:28); and Peter wanted to build 3 tabernacles (sukkot) for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This is a direct reference to Sukkot, the 8 day Feast of the LORD.

By now you have seen how water and Spirit have served as prominent catalysts in the recollections of John the Baptist and Jesus' conception and ministry. You have also seen that the LORD appeared in a pillar of cloud (water) and fire (Spirit) to Moses and the Israelites. Repentance and atonement require a sacrifice (blood).

We must undergo a transformation, physical and spiritual, to be acceptable and productive as the church and body of Christ. This physical and spiritual change and transformation is indeed a type of rebirth. Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again" (Joh 3:3,5-7).

This change should be a continuous, renewing work during our mortal life, but it doesn't end there. A change and transformation also occur when our flesh dies, a type of "transcendence" or "new creation." Jesus' death by crucifixion and resurrection are well-documented and will reveal some important evidence for us to consider.

"Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of GOD, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter" (Isa 53:4-7).

What a tremendous sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sin and to redeem His creation! Where animals were previously offered as atonement for sin, (Heb 9:14) "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD?"

Jesus' body was stripped, scourged front and back severely, and a crown of thorns pierced His head. His body was beaten, His beard was plucked out, and He had to carry the wooden crossbeam of the cross on a painful journey through the city to Calvary (also known as Golgatha). There were seven 9" nails driven through His hands (wrists) and feet and He was raised upright to hang on the cross. His blood dripped, sprinkled, and streamed out of His body from His countless wounds.

Crucifixion was an agonizingly slow form of death by suffocation. Jesus would have had to endure agonizing pain in order to push up on the nails through His feet to breathe. Crucifixion also causes dehydration (the loss or removal of water from the body), which results in a swollen abdomen. Jesus is quoted as saying, "I thirst" (Joh 19:28). His blood had poured to the ground for hours. Then Jesus cried out as He died, in a loud voice, "FATHER, into THY hands I commend My Spirit: and having said thus, He gave up the Ghost" (Luk 23:46).

Because of the tremendous scourging that Jesus endured, there would have been a build-up of bloody fluid in the chest cavity. To verify Jesus' death, a soldier "with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe" (Joh 19:34-35). Blood and serous fluid do not separate in the body until after death, so the blood and water that John saw, confirmed Jesus was already dead.

"This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ, not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD is a Spirit), the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one" (1Jo 5:6-8). "IN Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph 1:7).

After His death, Jesus was brought to a new rock sepulchre by Joseph of Arimathea. He was wrapped in a clean, white linen sheet, Nicodemus and the women came and prepared His body with spices and ointments, and a stone was rolled in front of the door.

Jesus Christ resurrected on the 3rd day.

The Spirit, water, and blood of Jesus are still witnesses today. Evidence of His resurrection appear on the Shroud of Turin, the burial garment (sheet) of Jesus. Blood and serous fluid (water) samples have been retrieved from the linen. The Glory energy exerted during the resurrection caused an image to be produced on the Shroud, formed by scorching, that is actually photographically negative and 3-dimensional.

This 2,000-year-old burial garment was damaged in a fire in 1532. It has burn marks and water stains, where the fire was extinguished, which are still visible today.

The term "white linen" (H948) first appears in scripture, in 2 Chronicles 5:12, after King Solomon completes the Temple. The Ark of the Covenant (symbolizing GOD’s Presence) is brought to Jerusalem and set in the Oracle (Holy of Holies) in the 7th month (8th of Tishri), 3 days before Yom Kippur (10th of Tishri: Day of Atonement). This is followed by Sukkot (15th- 23rd of Tishri: Feast of Tabernacles). "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psa 90:12). We can attain this timeframe by comparing parallel accounts of these events, therefore attaining this wisdom.

1 Kings 8:65-66, "And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath (H2574 wall of protection) unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our GOD, 7 days and 7 days, even 14 days. On the 8th day (last day of Sukkot) he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David HIS servant, and for Israel HIS people."

2 Chronicles 7:8-10, "Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast 7 days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath (H2574 wall of protection) unto the river of Egypt. And in the 8th day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the Dedication of the Altar 7 days, and the feast 7 days. And on the three and twentieth day of the 7th month (last day of Sukkot) he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people."

In the 1 Kings account, we see another two sets of 7 days (14 days). The first set of 7 days, the "Dedication of the Altar" (2Ch 7:9), would have included Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), the second set of 7 days would have included Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). The 8th day, Shemini Atzeret, the final day of Sukkot is a "holy convocation" and "solemn assembly" (Lev 23:36) (Num 29:35). It was also a joyous occasion because the number 8 foreshadows the world to come. The spiritual symbolism of the 8th day is that of eternity. Since we know the 23rd day of Tishri is the 8th day of Sukkot, and Sukkot begins on the 15th day (Lev 23:34,39) (Num 29:12), we can count backwards to see when the first set of 7 days began. This is how we establish that the Ark of the Covenant (symbolizing GOD’s Presence) is brought to Jerusalem and set in the Oracle (Holy of Holies) in the 7th month (8th of Tishri) 3 days before Yom Kippur (10th of Tishri: Day of Atonement).

Remember how Jubilees are numbered (two sets of 7)? 7 šᵊmiṭṭâ cycles multiplied by 7 plus 1 year (year of rejoicing and rest) = 50 years (Jubilee). That 1 year of Jubilee can be compared to the 8th day in Sukkot in this way. Also, did you notice "Hamath (H2574 wall of protection)"? It reminds me of when the Israelites, GOD's Bride, were at Mt. Sinai and there was a boundary set up around the mount, a type of "wall of protection" so they would not die (Exo 19:12). Here we see that when the Ark was brought to the Temple, they were allowed within this boundary (wall of protection).

White linen was very fine in texture, most costly, and worn by kings, priests, and the very rich. "The Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph (H623: 'gatherer' / 'collector), of Heman (H1968: 'faithful' / 'true'), of Jeduthun (H3038: 'praising' / 'celebrating'), with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen (bûṣ), having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them 120 priests sounding with trumpets (H2689: straight, narrow trumpet, not a shofar):) It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as ONE, to make ONE sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For HE is good; for HIS mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the (Kāḇôḏ) Glory of the LORD had filled the house of GOD' (2Ch 5:12-14).

The people were all dressed in white linen: 'Bûṣ' (H1948), "a costly, fine white linen cloth". While the priests, Levites, and their brethren sang and played instruments IN ONE ACCORD, as ONE BODY, the sound and anointing must have been intense.

Jesus, our High Priest, is named "Faithful and True" (Rev 3:14, 19:11). He that sat on the Throne, said His Words are "True and Faithful" (Rev 21:5). Did you catch that Heman's name means "faithful and true" when his name was mentioned when the Ark had been brought to the Temple that Solomon completed?

We also see people, including priests / Levites, "arrayed in white linen (bûṣ)" (H1948), "a costly, fine white linen cloth" (2Ch 5:11-12). 'Bûṣ' (H1948) is the Hebrew equivalent to 'byssos' (G1040) / 'byssinos' (G1039), which is the "very costly, delicate, soft, white linen (fine linen)" that the Bride is arrayed in (Rev 19:8). The armies in heaven who followed "Faithful and True", "The Word of GOD", on white horses were also clothed in this same fine white linen (Rev 19:14).

And He, The Word of GOD, was "clothed with a vesture (garment) dipped in blood" (Rev 19:13). And there is the link between the High Priest, Yom Kippur (Feast of Atonement), and (holy) white linen.

The High Priest, only on Yom Kippur, was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. High Priests would normally wear 8 colorful garments as High Priest throughout the year, but on Yom Kippur, before entering the Tabernacle and Holy of Holies, he would change into 4 (holy) white linen garments. (Lev 16:4,12-15): He would wash his flesh with water and put on (holy) white linen, before entering into the Tabernacle and Holy of Holies.

He was to "take a censer full of coals of fire" from the Brasen Altar and offer sweet incense on the Altar of Incense, so a "cloud of incense may cover the Mercy Seat", before entering the Holy of Holies, so he would not die (BARRIER).

He would sprinkle the blood of a bullock (sin offering for Aaron's house), "with his finger upon the Mercy Seat eastward; and before the Mercy Seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger 7 times." Likewise, he would sprinkle the blood of a goat (sin offering for Israel), "as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat." The blood of the bullock was sprinkled 7 times and the blood of the goat was sprinkled 7 times to represent a sin offering to make ATONEMENT for the priests and Israel.

Then, the High Priest would go to the Altar of Incense, take the blood of the bullock and goat, and put it on the 4 horns of the Altar. He would then 'sprinkle' the blood of the bullock and goat upon the Altar 7 times each to "cleanse it, and hallow (sanctify) it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel" (Lev 16:18-19).

It is said, that by the time the High Priest was done with making ATONEMENT within the Tabernacle, his (holy) white linen would be stained with blood. I wonder if that has anything to do with why Jesus' garment was said to be "dipped in blood" (Rev 19:13)?

Jesus, IS the "Finger of GOD" (Exo 8:19, 31:18, Deu 9:10, Luk 11:20).

Solomon prayed a "Prayer for the LORD's Blessing upon the Sanctuary" (Psa 132:8-11), written by his Father, King David (who was the 8th son of Jesse (Isa 11:1)), to the LORD.

" 'Now, my GOD, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O LORD GOD, into THY resting place, THOU, and the Ark of THY Strength: let thy priests, O LORD GOD, be clothed with Salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O LORD GOD, turn not away the Face of Thine Anointed (H4899 Messiah): remember the mercies of David thy servant.' Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the (Kāḇôḏ) Glory of the LORD filled the house" (2Ch 6:40-7:1).

We saw the same thing happen when the Tabernacle of the Congregation in the wilderness was inaugurated (Lev 9:1-24).

On the 8th day, after the priests were anointed and consecrated, burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings were sacrificed upon the Brazen Altar to the LORD. Moses and Aaron blessed the people, and the LORD's (Kāḇôḏ) Glory came down and appeared to all the people. A fire came out from the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat, that was upon the Altar. In both occurrences, when the people saw the fire and the (Kāḇôḏ) Glory of the LORD, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground (Lev 9:23-24, 2Ch 7:3).

The Ark of Strength is Jesus Christ, The Messiah (H4899). He is the Head of the Church, and we are the body of the Church; therefore, we are IN and part of Christ, the Ark of Strength. (Eph 5:23,25-27): "...Christ is the Head of the Church: and He is the Saviour of the body...Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, and not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy without blemish."

"For HE (GOD) hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD IN Him" (2Co 5:21). Paul goes on to say that those who are IN Jesus Christ "walk not after the flesh (sin), but after the Spirit" (Rom 8:1,4). What does it mean to be IN Jesus Christ and how do we walk after the Spirit?

The Greek word for 'IN' here is 'en' (G1722). Normally, this word IN, suggests a fixed position, time, or state. Our mortal flesh is bound to the Earth (position), has an expiration date (time), and primarily our body is liquid, solid, and gas (state); however, we know that GOD, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are not confined to a position, time, or state. So, in order to dwell IN Jesus and walk after the Spirit, so that we may be where GOD dwells, we must 'bāṭaḥ', trust, be confident, be sure, and set our hope upon Jesus Christ and His 'dynamis' force, that transforms us and gifts us eternal life. "Therefore if any man be IN Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Co 5:17).

With His first coming, Jesus fulfilled several of the LORD's feast days. He was our Passover (Pesach) Lamb. Through the shedding of Jesus' precious, innocent blood, He paid the price for our salvation and redemption through substitution, the one perfect sacrifice, atoning covering of our sin and corruption, He defeated death and the grave. The blood of the Lamb covers our own personal sins and grants us salvation if we accept Him.

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1Co 5:7).

Jesus fulfilled Chag HaMatzot (Feast of Unleavened Bread) and is our unleavened bread through His death and burial. Because He sacrificed Himself, we are to lay aside our old things/self/lump (sin-leaven) and to put on our new self/new lump (symbolized by the removal of sin-leaven).

Jesus fulfilled Yom HaBikkurim (Firstfruits)" with His resurrection, which was the beginning of the harvest of souls who have been set apart for GOD IN and through Jesus. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept (died). For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as IN Adam all die, even so IN Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming. Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to GOD, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" (1Co 15:20-26).

"I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Rev 1:18).

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD" (Rom 6:23).

With information from all 4 Gospels, we can glean some details about the spiritual beings, angels, that the women see during/after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Also notice that the description of these angels are very similar to the description of Jesus during His transfiguration. In fact, one of the words 'leukos' (G3022) (Mat 17:2) (Mar 9:3) (Luk 9:29), used during the transfiguration, is the same Greek word 'leukos' (G3022) used in (Mat 28:3) (Mar 16:5) (Joh 20:12) to describe the angels.

Early morning, while it was still dark, on the 3rd day after Jesus Christ's crucifixion, on the 1st day of the week (8th day), there was a great earthquake (Mat 28:2). The angel of the LORD came down from heaven, rolled back the stone of the sepulchre of Jesus, and sat upon it (Mat 28:2).

In fact, a few appearances of angels are spoken of in Matthew 28:3, Mar 16:5, Luke 24:4, and John 20:12. These angels are described as: 'astrapē' (G796), meaning "lightning, bright shining, the gleam of a lamp". The garments they were wearing are described as: 'astraptō' (G797), meaning "flash as lightning, lighten, shine, dazzling" and 'leukos' (G3022), meaning "white, dazzling white, light, bright, brilliant, shining, the splendour of the heavenly state, white garments as the sign of innocence and purity of the soul."

Not only does this remind me of Jesus' transfiguration, but this also reminds me of Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

The sight of the angel caused the guards of the sepulchre to shake and faint out of fear (Mat 28:4).

In the Old Testament, Jesus appears as the Angel of the LORD (Gen 16:7-11) (Num 22:22-35) (Jdg 2:1-4).

I find it interesting that when Jesus appeared after His resurrection, the women and disciples who followed Him, did not recognize Him (Luk 24:16-30,36-37) (Joh 20:14,27, 21:4). 8 days after first revealing Himself, Jesus appears to (doubting) Thomas, who did not believe the report of the women and disciples who had seen Jesus after the resurrection (Joh 20:26-28).

Jesus could also appear and vanish into/from rooms with locked doors, which obviously, we cannot do in the flesh (Luk 24:31) (Joh 20:26).

Finally, He ascended, taken up into a cloud, received into heaven, and is sitting on the right hand of GOD (Mar 16:19) (Luk 24:51) (Act 1:9).

Before leaving and ascending into heaven, Jesus told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem. He had told them, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that were I am, there ye may be also" (Joh 14:2-3). "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (Joh 14:26).  "Wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" (Act 1:4-5).

Jesus had fulfilled Pesach (Passover: 7 and 7 = 14 Nisan), Chag HaMatzot (Unleavened Bread: 7 day feast), and Yom HaBikkurim (Firstfruits: beginning of spring harvest) with His first coming. The next feast to be fulfilled is Shavuot (Pentecost/Feast of Weeks) which was the pouring out of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

The counting to Shavuot day follows the same pattern as counting the Jubilee year with two sets of 7 plus 1. Only instead of years we are counting 7 complete sabbath-weeks plus 1 day equaling 50 days (7 days x 7 + 1 =50).

On the feast day of Shavuot, the 120 disciples received the Holy Ghost. (Does this remind you of (120 x 50) equal the 6,000 years of man? (6 days))

The 120 disciples in the Upper Room can be compared with the 120 priests sounding trumpets in 2 Chronicles 5:12. The disciples had assembled during Pentecost in 'ONE ACCORD, in ONE BODY (place)' (Act 2:1). The Holy Ghost came from heaven and "appeared unto them as cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Act 2:3-4)". So, the fire of GOD's Holy Spirit was seen by both the disciples and the priests.

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And GOD hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, and that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues" (1Co 12:27-28).

In Acts 2:38, after the 120 disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost, Peter spoke to the men of Judaea and all living in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost saying, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

I have heard it said that the giving of the Law by GOD on Mt. Sinai is often associated with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Shavuot (Pentecost/Feast of Weeks). However, when counting the days in the wilderness, there is simply no way chronologically to confirm that this is the case. In Exodus 19:1, it is stated that Israel came into the wilderness "in the 3rd month", but it does not say when.

While looking at Exodus 19, I noticed a strange word used in Hebrew in association with calling the people to meet with GOD on Mt. Sinai. Before GOD showed up on Mt Sinai, HIS people were called by a 'trumpet of Jubilee'. "When the trumpet (yôḇēl) soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount" (Exo 19:13). As a reminder, 'yôḇēl' (H3104) is only translated as 'trumpet' here. Why? It should be 'Jubilee'.

Even later in the passage (Exo 19:16), the word 'trumpet' is the normal word for trumpet (šôp̄ār: H7782); so, it was purposely placed as 'yôḇēl'.

As I started thinking about the trumpet of Jubilee, used to call the people to Mt. Sinai, I started thinking about the rapture-resurrection, Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), and the 7 Trumpets in Revelation. There is no way that Exodus 19 took place on Yom Teruah chronologically, but could there be a different connection? Could there be an event alluded to between Shavuot (Pentecost) and Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets)?

I found a clue. It's a subtle verse found between Shavuot (Pentacost) and Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) in Leviticus 23:22.

"And when ye reap (Aleph-Tav) the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God." This 'harvest' was a special 'harvest' marked with Jesus' Name and for a specific people, the poor and the stranger (Gentile).

Then, I went to Numbers 10:1-10 to try to figure out the reasons why a 'trumpet of Jubilee' could be blown.

Numbers 10:7, "But when (Aleph-Tav) the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm." A gathering of 'the congregation' marked with Jesus' Name.

For those who do not know, 'Aleph-Tav is the Hebrew equivalent to Alpha-Omega in Greek (Rev 1:8,11, 21:6, 22:13).

Yom Teruah coincidentally, is sometimes called ‘the feast of which no man knows the day or the hour’ by the Jewish people because no man CAN know the day or the hour of when the first crescent sliver of the new moon is physically seen. Jesus says something similar about when he will come for His Bride, "but of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Mat 24:36) (Mar 13:32).

Could this 'trumpet of Jubilee (yôḇēl)' call to GOD's Bride on the 3rd day at Mt. Sinai (Exo 19:13), be a prophetic call to Jesus' Bride? Could a 3rd day appearance of GOD, 3rd day resurrection of Jesus, prophetically reveal a resurrection-rapture promise to Jesus' Bride? Could this be the call to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? Possibly.

In the 'Parable of the Ten Virgins' (Mat 25:1-13), a cry at midnight (nyx) went forth that the Bridegroom was coming, calling the virgins out of sleep to prepare for His arrival.

It was a signal to awaken out of spiritual sleep / slumber and to repent of sin. It announces the return of our Bridegroom, Jesus, coming for His Bride.

However, some were not ready when He appeared. We are told to watch, "for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh" (Mat 25:13). What an amazing event, but how confusing and heartbreaking to those left behind who weren't ready like the five foolish virgins.

So in the midst of 'Nyx' (G3571) "deeds of sin and shame, time of moral stupidity and darkness, time when the weary and also the drunken give themselves up to slumber, and death", we the Bride will be called. This word 'nyx' is from a root meaning 'to disappear'.

To the Bride that was ready, "to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen (byssinos), clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints" (Rev 19:8). 'Byssinos' (G1039) "fine linen" and is related to 'byssos' (G1040) which is "very costly, delicate, soft, white linen".

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep IN Jesus will GOD bring with Him" (1Th 4:13-14).

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For GOD hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD Jesus Christ" (1Th 5:6,9).

"Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience (hypomonē), I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation (peirasmos), which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev 3:10). 'Hypomonē' (G5281) means "steadfastness, constancy, endurance, patient continuance (waiting)". 'Peirasmos' (G3986) means "trial or proving".

We are told to 'bāṭaḥ', trust, be confident, be sure, and set our hope upon Jesus and His 'dynamis' force, miraculous power, and strength to save us from the "hour of 'peirasmos'" trial and testing. We are to have faith and hope in Jesus, our Bridegrooms' return for us, His Bride. We are to be ready when we see the signs Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24, to watch and listen intently.

Jesus comes back in the clouds to collect His Bride and does not set foot on the earth.

"For the LORD Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead IN Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD" (1Th 4:15-17).

We are told a trumpet will sound and the dead IN Christ rise and then those living will be changed.

How does our corrupt, dishonoured, weak, natural (sleeping) body change into an eternal, spiritual body?

A physical and spiritual transformation is described in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised IN incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised IN glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised IN power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." Resurrection is described as incorruption, glory, power, and spiritual.

"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. " (1 Cor 15:51-53).

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing...Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto HIM that sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever" (Rev 5:12,13).

Truly, the 'trumpet of Jubilee' would be a joyful sound to those who have been waiting, watching, and listening for the call to announce the coming of the Bridegroom, Jesus.

This event is completely different from the 7 Trumpets in Revelation or 'The Day of the LORD'. But, could it be that the 3rd day not only speaks of resurrection-rapture, but also can be a sign of the quickly approaching 7 Trumpets of Revelation?

Between the 7th Seal and the 1st Trumpet, as an angel approaches the Altar of Incense in heaven, there are similarities to GOD's appearance on Mt. Sinai.

"And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake" (Rev 8:4-5).

Likewise, "And it came to pass on the 3rd day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Mt. Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly" (Exo 19:16,18).

There are similar details in the events of Jesus' resurrection, how the angels appeared to the women at Jesus' sepulchre, and GOD's appearance at Mt. Sinai.

The women saw 'angels'/Jesus in the morning of the 3rd day (Mat 28:1) (Mar 16:2) (Luk 24:1) (Joh 20:1). GOD appeared on Mt. Sinai in the morning of the 3rd day (Exo 19:16).

There was "a great earthquake" (Mat 28:2). "The whole mount quaked greatly" (Exo 19:18).

"His countenance was like lightning" (Mat 28:3). "There were thunders and lightnings" (Exo 19:16). "The people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings" (Exo 20:18).

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power (dynamis) and great glory. And He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Mat 24:29-31).

"But for the elect's sake, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened the days. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power (dynamis) and glory. And then shall he send His angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven" (Mar 13:20,26-27).

In Revelation 7, we can make a connection with these angels, "I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree" (Rev 7:1).

Further in Revelation 7, we see the sealing of the 144,000 and a great multitude of people who are clothed in white robes. An elder in heaven tells John, "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white (leukainō) in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev 7:14). 'Leukainō' (G3021) means "to whiten, make white" and described Jesus' raiment during the Transfiguration (Mar 9:3).

So, now going through all of this information and scripture in these past weeks, I look ahead to tomorrow, October 14, 2023. There will be a 'Ring of Fire' eclipse during the day in the US. NASA will be shooting rockets into the eclipse's shadow to measure the changes in electrons and atoms that lead to sudden temperature and density changes in the ionosphere electric and magnetic fields. This NASA mission is being led by Aroh Barjatya, who intentionally named the mission, APEP. He says he named this mission APEP after "the serpent deity from ancient Egyptian mythology".

APEP (aka Apophis) was an evil Egyptian god of destruction, darkness, chaos, and the underworld. It is said he was the opponent of 'light and truth'. This eclipse will dim the Sun to 10% of its normal brightness, leaving only a 'ring of fire'. When a woman is in labor, in TRAVAIL, when the baby's head is CROWNING, there is a strong sensation of BURNING, called 'THE RING OF FIRE'. This is an indication of IMMINENT BIRTH. Coincidentally, the Sabbath Portion for October 14, 2023 is B'REISHIT (Gen 1:1-6:8): 'In the beginning...'.

"And the earth was without form (tôû H8414: emptiness, confusion, wasteland, chaos, destruction, wilderness, vanity, nothing), and void (bôû H922: emptiness, void, waste, ruin); and darkness (ḥōšeḵ H2822: darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness, secret place) was upon the face of the deep (tᵊhôm H8415: deep, depths, deep places, abyss, grave, wave of water). And the Spirit (rûaḥ H7307: manifest of the Shekinah Glory) of God moved upon the face of the waters" (Gen 1:2).

Could this be a description of APEP?

I don't know, but the Hebrew meanings in Genesis 1:2 describe him very well.

It's interesting that 'Mission: APEP' is taking place on the very day we read B'REISHIT.

What I do know, is that those of us, who are watching for the coming of Jesus, should take notice of this event.

The Bride should make herself ready and be waiting for the Bridegroom's appearance.

"Surely I (Jesus) come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, LORD Jesus (Rev 22:20)".