If you have ever put together a jigsaw puzzle you know you must use a logical method to start. Most people will start with the straight edged pieces creating a border. Organized people will sort the interior pieces as to approximate position. In the Book of Revelation we have the overview, which is like the straight edged pieces. This overview/broad view or global view of events is great for context and timing. Then there are the interior pieces, which are the details. Many people attempt to take three or four pieces out of the context of the puzzle and put them where they do not fit. This leaves us with a confusing and chaotic picture. The Book of Revelation is a conclusion to all the other prophecies ever written. We studied the overview of Revelation several years ago. This time we are putting together the details. Detail puzzle pieces take a long time to decipher, but the treasure in the end is worth the time spent.
What we see in Revelation 5 is a sealed book. Many things can be sealed. In Revelation we have two groups of sealed people. We also have horns and eyes and a murdered being. We have three prophetic Joshuas and the redeemed. All of this seems like chaos, but in reality it all fits together quite nicely. It is truly a beautiful picture.
Revelation 5:1 G2532 And G1492 I saw G1909 upon G3588 the G1188 right G3588 of the one G2521 sitting G1909 upon G3588 the G2362 throne, G975 a scroll G1125 being written on G2081 inside G2532 and G1855 outside, G2696 being sealed up G4973 [2seals G2033 1with seven].
4973 LSJ Gloss:σφραγίς a seal, signet, seal-ring
Dodson:σφραγίς a signet-ring, impression of a seal, the proof
a seal, signet ring, the impression of a seal, that which the seal attests, the proof.
Thayer:
1) a seal
1a) the seal placed upon books
1b) a signet ring
1c) the inscription or impression made by a seal
1c1) of the name of God and Christ stamped upon their foreheads
1d) that by which anything is confirmed, proved, authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof)
σφραγίς
sphragis sfrag-ece' Probably strengthened from G5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: seal.
The scroll or book is closed and locked shut with seven seals. A seal is authentication. It is a token of proof, protecting something from misappropriation. The reason something is sealed with a signet, is to make sure there is no tampering or obstruction. It also is an attestation to authenticity. The scroll the one on the throne has in his right hand has not been opened, looked at, read, tampered with, erased, deciphered, discussed, or debated. No one has opened it and no one has read it. We will see why shortly.
The children of God are sealed. We are beings that are sealed, authenticated as proof of who we are. We cannot be tampered with or obstructed from the kingdom once we believe on Jesus as Lord and Savior. The seal we have is an attestation to whose we are.
Ephesians 1:13 G1722 In G3739 whom G2532 also G1473 you, G191 having heard G3588 the G3056 word G3588 of the G225 truth G3588 the G2098 good news G3588 G4991 of your deliverance -- G1473 G1722 in G3739 whom G2532 also G4100 having trusted, G4972 you were sealed G3588 by the G4151 spirit G3588 of the G1860 promise G3588 in the G39 holy;
14 G3739 who G1510.2.3 is G728 the deposit G3588 G2817 of our inheritance, G1473 G1519 in G629 a release by ransom G3588 of the G4047 procurement G1519 in G1868 high praise G3588 G1391 of his glory. G1473
4972 LSJ Gloss:σφραγίζω to seal
Dodson:σφραγίζω I set a seal upon I seal, set a seal upon.
Thayer:
1) to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal
1a) for security: from Satan
1b) since things sealed up are concealed (as the contents of a letter), to hide, keep in silence, keep secret
1c) in order to mark a person or a thing
1c1) to set a mark upon by the impress of a seal or a stamp
1c2) angels are said to be sealed by God
1d) in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing
1d1) to confirm authenticate, place beyond doubt
1d1a) of a written document
1d1b) to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be
σφραγίζω
sphragizō sfrag-id'-zo From G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication to keep secret, to attest KJV Usage: (set a, set to) seal up, stop.
We are marked for a specific day. The day of redemption, our release by ransom.
Ephesians 4:30 G2532 And G3361 do not G3076 fret G3588 the G4151 [2spirit G3588 G39 1holy] G3588 G2316 of God, G1722 in G3739 which G4972 you were sealed G1519 for G2250 the day G629 of release by ransom!
The Holy Spirit has marked us, confirming our redemption. This is very important to remember. The redeemed are sealed for the day of redemption. Who are the redeemed? Those who believe on Jesus as Lord, are sealed with the Holy Spirit in their hearts, and are awaiting redemption.
2 Corinthians 1:21 G3588 And the one G1161 G950 firming G1473 us G4862 with G1473 you G1519 unto G5547 Christ, G2532 and G5548 having anointed G1473 us, G2316 is God;
22 G3588 even the one G2532 G4972 setting a seal upon G1473 us, G2532 and G1325 having given G3588 the G728 deposit G3588 of the G4151 spirit G1722 in G3588 G2588 our hearts.
There are the dead redeemed and the living redeemed, all are awaiting the day of redemption. The dead redeemed await the day of redemption in Paradise, until the harpazo when the dead in Christ shall rise. That day, the day that the dead in Christ rise, is the day of redemption. Not all the dead rise on that day, only the sealed. Then those who are alive and sealed are caught up together with the dead. We have to understand this word redeemed. It is so very important.
Those redeemed, both dead and alive, are waiting to be released by ransom. Jesus paid the price for a specific number of redeemed. Remember we studied this understanding of numbers last week. When that number is fulfilled, Jesus turns in his coupons for the number of redeemed. That is the harpazo. The redeemed dead rise first and the living redeemed are caught up together with them.
2 Esdras 2:38-41 (KJVApocrypha)
38 Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed in the feast of the Lord;
39 Which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have received glorious garments of the Lord.
40 Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.
41 The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is fulfilled: beseech the power of the Lord, that thy people, which have been called from the beginning, may be hallowed.
38 Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed in the feast of the Lord;
39 Which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have received glorious garments of the Lord.
40 Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.
41 The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is fulfilled: beseech the power of the Lord, that thy people, which have been called from the beginning, may be hallowed.
A second group of people who will be sealed are sealed after the harpazo, during the time of the seven seals being opened. The angels seal 144,000 after the sixth seal is opened and before the seventh seal is opened.
Revelation 7:2 G2532 And G1492 I saw G243 another G32 angel G305 having ascended G575 from G395 the rising G2246 of the sun, G2192 having G4973 the seal G2316 of the living God. G2198 G2532 And G2896 he cried out G5456 [2voice G3173 1with a great] G3588 to the G5064 four G32 angels, G3739 to the ones whom G1325 it was given G1473 to them G91 to injure G3588 the G1093 earth G2532 and G3588 the G2281 sea,
3 G3004 saying, G3361 Injure not G91 G3588 the G1093 earth, G3383 nor G3588 the G2281 sea, G3383 nor G3588 the G1186 trees, G891 until G3739 G4972 we seal G3588 the G1401 bondmen G3588 G2316 of our God G1473 G1909 upon G3588 G3359 their foreheads. G1473
4 G2532 And G191 I heard G3588 the G706 numbers G3588 of the ones G4972 having been sealed -- G1540 a hundred G2532 and G5062 forty G5064 four G5505 thousand G4972 having been sealed, G1537 from out of G3956 every G5443 tribe G5207 of the sons G* of Israel.
Sealing people is very important for authentication. We want to remember these two groups of sealed people for our study next week as we continue to look at Revelation 5.
The sealed book is sealed with seven seals. Yet there seems to be a problem with opening these seals. Signet seals are not heavy or large, they are waxed stamps. An angel asks who is worthy.
Revelation 5:2 G2532 And G1492 I saw G32 [2angel G2478 1a strong] G2784 proclaiming G5456 [2voice G3173 1with a great], G5100 Who G1510.2.3 is G514 worthy G455 to open G3588 the G975 scroll, G2532 and G3089 to loose G4973 its seals? G1473
2478 LSJ Gloss:ἰσχυρός strong, mighty
Dodson:ἰσχυρός strong, mighty, powerful
strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure.
Thayer:
1) strong, mighty
1a) of living beings
1a1) strong either in body or in mind
1a2) of one who has strength of soul to sustain the attacks of Satan, strong and therefore exhibiting many excellences
1b) on inanimate things
1b1) strong, violent, forcibly uttered, firm, sure
ἰσχυρός
ischuros is-khoo-ros' From G2479; forcible (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: boisterous, mighty (-ier), powerful, strong (-er, man), valiant.
514 LSJ Gloss:ἄξιος weighing as much
Dodson:ἄξιος worthy, worthy of, deserving worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable.
Thayer:
1) weighing, having weight, having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much
2) befitting, congruous, corresponding to a thing
3) of one who has merited anything worthy
3a) both in a good and a bad sense
ἄξιος
axios ax'-ee-os Probably from G71; deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
KJV Usage: due reward, meet, [un-] worthy.
This is a strong angel. As we have seen there are angels with many different assignments, as well as many other spiritual beings. This angel is a noticeably strong angel. But the only one who can open the seals is the one who is worthy, strength is not important. John is noticing that there is no one who can open this scroll. He notes three places.
Revelation 5:3 G2532 And G3762 no one G1410 was able G1722 in G3588 the G3772 heaven, G3761 nor G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth, G3761 nor G5270 underneath G3588 the G1093 earth, G455 to open G3588 the G975 scroll, G3761 nor G991 to look at G1473 it.
1410 LSJ Gloss:δύναμαι to be able, capable, strong enough
Dodson:δύναμαι I am powerful, am able
(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can.
Thayer:
1) to be able, have power whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom
2) to be able to do something
3) to be capable, strong and powerful
δύναμαι
dunamai doo'-nam-ahee Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible KJV Usage: be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.
There is no one in heaven who has the power to open or look at the scroll. There is no one on earth who has the ability to open or look at the scroll. There is no one under the earth who is capable of opening or looking at the scroll. John mourns because there is not one worthy individual found to open, read, or look at the scroll. We would think there should be someone in heaven who can do it. We would all concede that there probably isn’t anyone on the earth worthy enough to open the scroll. We might think that there must be someone who has already died who is worthy enough to open this scroll; surely there is someone under the earth who can do it. But no.
Revelation 5:4 G2532 And G1473 I G2799 wept G4183 much, G3754 for G3762 no one G514 worthy G2147 was found G455 to open G2532 and G314 to read G3588 the G975 scroll, G3777 nor G991 to look at G1473 it.
2799 LSJ Gloss:κλαίω to weep, lament, wail
Dodson:κλαίω I weep, weep for, mourn I weep, weep for, mourn, lament.
Thayer:
1) to mourn, weep, lament
1a) weeping as the sign of pain and grief for the thing signified (i.e. for the pain and grief)
1b) of those who mourn for the dead
2) to weep for, mourn for, bewail, one
For Synonyms see entry G5804
κλαίω
klaiō klah'-yo Of uncertain affinity; to sob, that is, wail aloud (whereas G1145 is rather to cry silently) KJV Usage: bewail. weep.
There is no one deserving to open, read, and look at what is written on this scroll. There is no one suitable in heaven, earth, or under the earth to open, read, or look at the sealed book. Imagine the sinking feeling John must have had. John is standing in heaven among many sons of God, looking at someone sitting on the throne who is holding a book with seven seals. Moments seem like hours. But there is someone worthy.
Up to this point if we have not read ahead in the Book of Revelation we might wonder what is written in this book that is so important that only a worthy individual can open the seals. Yet we know the events that precede each seal being opened are the start of trouble on the earth. The last seven years of human rebellion and the earth’s travailing just before the millennial kingdom is established on the earth. The vengeance of the Lord all starts when someone worthy can take the book and open the seals.
Revelation 5:5 G2532 And G1520 one G1537 from G3588 the G4245 elders G3004 says G1473 to me, G3361 Weep not! G2799 G2400 Behold, G3528 [3overcame G3588 1the G3023 2lion], G3588 the one G1510.6 being G1537 from G3588 the G5443 tribe G* of Judah, G3588 the G4491 root G* of David, G455 to open G3588 the G975 scroll, G2532 and G3089 to loose G3588 the G2033 seven G4973 seals G1473 of it.
4245Dodson:πρεσβύτερος elder elder, usually used as subst.; an elder, a member of the Sanhedrin, an elder of a Christian assembly.
Thayer:
1) elder, of age,
1a) the elder of two people
1b) advanced in life, an elder, a senior
1b1) forefathers
2) a term of rank or office
2a) among the Jews
2a1) members of the great council or Sanhedrin (because in early times the rulers of the people, judges, etc., were selected from elderly men)
2a2) of those who in separate cities managed public affairs and administered justice
2b) among the Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches) The NT uses the term bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably
2c) the twenty four members of the heavenly Sanhedrin or court seated on thrones around the throne of God
πρεσβύτερος
presbuteros pres-boo'-ter-os Comparative of πρέσβυς presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter” KJV Usage: elder (-est), old.
3528 LSJ Gloss:νικάω to conquer, prevail, vanquish
Dodson:νικάω I conquer, overcome I conquer, am victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue.
Thayer:
1) to conquer
1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious
1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes
1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions
1a3) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one's cause
νικάω
nikaō nik-ah'-o From G3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.
An elder among the sons of God speaks to John. The elder says there is a lion from the lineage of Judah, who also comes from the lineage of David. He is worthy to open the book and loose the seals because he overcame. Overcame what? Judah is called a lion’s welp or cub. Jacob prophesied of Jesus.
Genesis 49:8-12 (AMP)
8 Judah, you are the one whom your brothers shall praise; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down to you.
9 Judah, a lion's cub! With the prey, my son, you have gone high up [the mountain]. He stooped down, he crouched like a lion, and like a lioness—who dares provoke and rouse him?
10 The scepter or leadership shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh [the Messiah, the Peaceful One] comes to Whom it belongs, and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
11 Binding His foal to the vine and His donkey's colt to the choice vine, He washes His garments in wine and His clothes in the blood of grapes.
12 His eyes are darker and more sparkling than wine, and His teeth whiter than milk.
Isaiah points out the characteristics of this shoot from the stock of Jesse, David’s father. Isaiah prophesies of Jesus.
Isaiah 11:1-2 (AMP)
1 AND THERE shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David's father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit.
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord—
Yeshua ben Sirach testifies regarding this root of David. There will be a remnant of the line of Jacob.
Sirach 47:22 (KJVApocrypha)
22 But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of his works perish, neither will he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seed of him that loveth him he will not take away: wherefore he gave a remnant unto Jacob, and out of him a root unto David.
Jesus himself testifies that he is the root and offspring of David the Morning Star.
Revelation 22:16 (AMP)
16 I, Jesus, have sent My messenger (angel) to you to witness and to give you assurance of these things for the churches (assemblies). I am the Root (the Source) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and brilliant Morning Star.
This one who is worthy is from the line of Judah, which makes him a cub or welp of Judah. He is also a root and a shoot from out of David. This lion is Jesus. Jesus overcame the world.
John 16:33 (AMP)
33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
We can have perfect peace and confidence. The world cannot harm us, we have eternal life because Jesus conquered the world for us.
It was not easy to conquer the world. Jesus does not look pretty. Conquering the world has caused Jesus to look like he was butchered.
Revelation 5:6 G2532 And G1492 I saw, G2532 and G2400 behold, G1722 in G3319 the midst G3588 of the G2362 throne G2532 and G3588 of the G5064 four G2226 living creatures, G2532 and G1722 in G3319 the midst G3588 of the G4245 elders, G721 a lamb G2476 standing G5613 as G4969 being slain, G2192 having G2768 [2horns G2033 1seven] G2532 and G3788 [2eyes G2033 1seven]; G3739 which are G1510.2.6 G3588 the G2033 seven G4151 spirits G3588 G2316 of God G649 being sent G1519 into G3956 all G3588 the G1093 earth.
721 LSJ Gloss:ἀρνίον a sheep-skin
Dodson:ἀρνίον a lamb (originally: a little lamb, but diminutive force was lost), a lamb.
Thayer:
1) a little lamb, a lamb
ἀρνίον
arnion ar-nee'-on Diminutive from G704; a lambkin KJV Usage: lamb.
4969 LSJ Gloss:σφάζω to slay, slaughter
Dodson:σφάζω I slay I slay, kill by violence, slaughter, wound mortally.
Thayer:
1) to slay, slaughter, butcher
2) to put to death by violence
3) mortally wounded
σφάζω
sphazō sfad'-zo A primary verb; to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specifically) to maim (violently) KJV Usage: kill, slay, wound.
We think of Jesus as if he had not been beaten. We “see” him as if he had not had a crown of thorns smashed into his head. We forget that his beard was pulled out. We disregard the whipping and the scars it caused.
Isaiah 50:6 (KJV)
6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Jesus looks like a lamb that was murdered. He looks like he was beaten and scourged. He still has holes in his hands and feet. Remember, Jesus told us it would be better to enter the kingdom without an eye or a limb?
Mark 9:43-48 (AMP)
43 And if your hand puts a stumbling block before you and causes you to sin, cut it off! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to go into life [that is really worthwhile] maimed than with two hands to go to hell (Gehenna), into the fire that cannot be put out.
45 And if your foot is a cause of stumbling and sin to you, cut it off! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to enter into life [that is really worthwhile] crippled than, having two feet, to be cast into hell (Gehenna).
47 And if your eye causes you to stumble and sin, pluck it out! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell (Gehenna),
48 Where their worm [which preys on the inhabitants and is a symbol of the wounds inflicted on the man himself by his sins] does not die, and the fire is not put out.
43 And if your hand puts a stumbling block before you and causes you to sin, cut it off! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to go into life [that is really worthwhile] maimed than with two hands to go to hell (Gehenna), into the fire that cannot be put out.
45 And if your foot is a cause of stumbling and sin to you, cut it off! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to enter into life [that is really worthwhile] crippled than, having two feet, to be cast into hell (Gehenna).
47 And if your eye causes you to stumble and sin, pluck it out! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell (Gehenna),
48 Where their worm [which preys on the inhabitants and is a symbol of the wounds inflicted on the man himself by his sins] does not die, and the fire is not put out.
The last state of Jesus’ physical body did not stop him from walking through walls, eating, and visiting the disciples after he died. Thomas did see the holes in his hands. Just because our physical body was not perfect on the earth does not mean it will hinder us in our spiritual body. Our spiritual body will reflect our lives on the earth, scars and all.
Revelation 5:6.......G2192 having G2768 [2horns G2033 1seven] G2532 and G3788 [2eyes G2033 1seven]; G3739 which are G1510.2.6 G3588 the G2033 seven G4151 spirits G3588 G2316 of God G649 being sent G1519 into G3956 all G3588 the G1093 earth.
Jesus has seven horns. The word “having” means possessing. Jesus has in his possession seven horns. We want to explore these seven horns because we typically think of a lamb with horns on it’s head, but this is not the case. Jesus possesses horns.
2768 LSJ Gloss:κέρας the horn of an animal
Dodson:κέρας a horn (a) a horn, (b) a horn-like projection at the corner of an altar, (c) a horn as a symbol of power.
Thayer:
1) a horn
1a) of animals
1b) since animals (esp. bulls) defend themselves with their horns, the horn with the Hebrews (and other nations) is a symbol of strength and courage, and used as such in a variety of phrases
1b1) a mighty and valiant helper, the author of deliverance, of the Messiah
1c) a projecting extremity in a shape like a horn, a point, apex: as of an altar
κέρας
keras ker'-as From a primary word κάρ kar (the hair of the head); a horn (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: horn.
These horns are from an animal, but they are not growing on Jesus’ head, they are trumpet horns. In the Bible there are metal trumpets and there are animal trumpets. Someone else had used seven horn trumpets. Let’s explore.
Joshua 6:4 G2532 And G2033 seven G2409 priests G2983 shall take G2409 seven G2768.4 horns G3588 of the G2492.1 ram G1799 before G3588 the G2787 ark. G2532 And G3588 on the G2250 [2day G3588 G1442 1seventh] G2944 circle G3588 the G4172 city G2034 seven times! G2532 and G3588 the G2409 priests G4537 shall trump G3588 the G2768.4 horns.
4537 LSJ Gloss:σαλπίζω to sound the trumpet, give signal by trumpet
Dodson:σαλπίζω I sound a trumpet.
Thayer:
1) to sound a trumpet
σαλπίζω
salpizō sal-pid'-zo From G4536; to trumpet, that is, sound a blast (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: (which are yet to) sound (a trumpet).
These are rams horns that sound or signal. This is significant because the ram horn was the thing that preceded the people shouting and the walls of Jericho coming down.
Joshua 6:5 G2532 And G1510.8.3 it will be G5613 as G302 whenever G4537 you should sound G3588 the G4536 trumpet G2492.1 of the ram, G1722 in G3588 G191 your hearing G1473 G3588 the G5456 sound G3588 of the G2768.4 horn, G349 let [4shout aloud G3956 1all G3588 2the G2992 3people]! G2532 And G349 with their shouting aloud G1473 G4098 [5shall fall G844 6by themselves G3588 1the G5038 2walls G3588 3of the G4172 4city] G5270 underneath G1473 them, G2532 and G1525 [4shall enter G3956 1all G3588 2the G2992 3people], G3729 [2advancing G1538 1each] G2596 in G4383 front G1519 into G3588 the G4172 city.
6 G2532 And G1525 [4entered G* 1Joshua G5207 2 the son G* 3of Nun] G4314 to G3588 the G2409 priests, G2532 and G2036 he said G4314 to G1473 them, G2983 You take G3588 the G2787 ark G3588 of the G1242 covenant! G2532 and G2033 seven G2409 priests G2983 shall take G2033 seven G2768.4 horns G3588 of the G2492.1 ram, G2596 according to the G4383 front G3588 of the G2787 ark G2962 of the lord .
7 G2532 And G2036 he said G1473 to them, G3004 saying, G3853 Exhort G3588 the G2992 people G4022 to go around G2532 and G2944 circle G3588 the G4172 city, G2532 and G3588 [2the ones G3163.3 3for combat G3899 1let] come near! G1774.1 arming themselves G1725 before G3588 the G2787 ark G2962 of the lord .
8 G2532 And G1096 it came to pass G5613 as G2036 Joshua spoke G* G4314 to G3588 the G2992 people, G2532 that G2033 the seven G2409 priests G2192 having G2033 seven G4536 [2trumpets G2413 1consecrated] G2532 also G3928 went by G5615 likewise G1726 before G3588 the G2962 lord, G3899 and they passed G2532 and G4591 signified G2159 intensely. G2532 And G3588 the G2787 ark G3588 of the G1242 covenant G2962 of the lord G1872 followed after G1473 them.
2413 LSJ Gloss:ἱερός super-human, mighty, divine, wonderful
Dodson:ἱερός sacred, holy sacred, holy, set apart.
Thayer:
1) sacred, consecrated to the deity, pertaining to God
1a) sacred Scriptures, because inspired by God, treating of divine things and therefore to be devoutly revered
ἱερός
hieros hee-er-os' Of uncertain affinity; sacred KJV Usage: holy.
These seven ram horn trumpets are consecrated. They are holy rams horns. Isn’t it interesting that Joshua and Yeshua both have seven ram horn trumpets? Yes Jesus’ name is Joshua. We know there are shadows and types paralleling the Old and New Covenant, this would be one of those parallels. It is a holy horn signaling holy combat and Jesus has these horns.
Joshua 6:9 G3588 And the ones G1161 G3163.3 for combat G3899 came near G1715 in front. G2532 And G3588 the G2409 priests G4537 trumpeting G3588 the G2768.4 horns, G2532 and G3588 the G3062 rest G3793 of the multitude G537 all together G3694 after G3588 the G2787 ark G3588 of the G1242 covenant G2962 of the lord, G4198 were going G2532 and G4537 trumpeting G3588 with the G2768.4 horns.
10 G3588 And to the G1161 G2992 people G1781 Joshua gave charge, G* G3004 saying, G3361 Do not G994 yell G3366 nor G191 let [2hear G3367 1any one] G3588 G5456 your voice! G1473 G3756 There shall not go through G1330 G1537 from G4750 your mouth G1473 G3056 a word G2193 until G302 whenever G1229 he himself declares G1473 G2250 the day G310 to yell out, G2532 and G310 you shall yell out G5119 then.
11 G2532 And G4022 [6having gone around G3588 1the G2787 2ark G3588 3of the G1242 4covenant G3588 G2316 5of God] G3588 the G4172 city G2945 round about, G2112 immediately G565 they went forth G1519 into G3588 the G3925 camp, G2532 and G2837 spent the night there. G1563
12 G2532 And G3588 on the G2250 [2day G3588 G1208 1second] G450 Joshua rose up G* G4404 in the morning, G2532 and G142 [3lifted G3588 1the G2409 2priests] G3588 the G2787 ark G2962 of the lord .
13 G2532 And G3588 the G2033 seven G2409 priests, G3588 the ones G5342 bringing G3588 the G2033 seven G4536 [2trumpets G3588 G2413 1consecrated] G1725 before G2787 the ark G2962 the lord G4313 went forth, G2532 and G3588 the G2409 priests G4537 trumping G3588 the G4536 trumpets, G2532 and G3326 after G3778 these, G1531 there entered G3588 the G3163.3 ones for combat, G2532 and G3588 the G3062 remaining G3793 multitude G537 all together G3693 were behind G3588 the G2787 ark G3588 of the G1242 covenant G2962 of the lord, G4198 going G2532 and G4537 trumping G3588 with the G2768.4 horns.
Both Joshuas have seven horns and these are rams’ horns. Psalm mentions both types of trumpets, the hammered metal and the animal horns.
Psalm 98:6 G1722 With G4536 [2trumpets G1640.3 1hammered metal], G2532 and G5456 the sound G4536 of the trumpet G2768.4 of the horn G214 shout G1799 before G3588 the G935 king G2962 of the lord!
4536 LSJ Gloss:σάλπιγξ a war-trumpet, trump
Dodson:σάλπιγξ a trumpet a trumpet, the sound of a trumpet.
Thayer:
1) a trumpet
σάλπιγξ
salpigx sal'-pinx Perhaps from G4535 (through the idea of quavering or reverberation); a trumpet KJV Usage: trump (-et).
Revelation 8:8G2532 And G3588 the G2033 seven G32 angels, G3588 the ones G2192 having G3588 the G2033 seven G4536 trumpets, G2090 prepared G1438 themselves G2443 that G4537 they should trump.
We know that there are trumpet judgements that will take place after the seven seals are opened. These trumpets do not specify whether they are rams horn trumpets or not, we simply know that there are seven trumpets. We do know that this period of time is called the wrath of the lamb, so it would not be unusual for the trumpets at the trumpet judgements to be rams’ horns.
Revelation 5:6.......G2532 and G3788 [2eyes G2033 1seven]; G3739 which are G1510.2.6 G3588 the G2033 seven G4151 spirits G3588 G2316 of God G649 being sent G1519 into G3956 all G3588 the G1093 earth.
Jesus has seven eyes as well. No, not on his head. He has the seven eyes which are the seven spirits sent out into the earth
3788 LSJ Gloss:ὀφθαλμός the eye
Dodson:ὀφθαλμός the eye the eye; fig: the mind's eye.
Thayer:
1) the eye
2) metaph. the eyes of the mind, the faculty of knowing
ὀφθαλμός
ophthalmos of-thal-mos' From G3700; the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication vision; figuratively envy (from the jealous side glance) KJV Usage: eye, sight.
We have studied these eyes before. We notice that that there are two Joshua’s in Zechariah. The one is Joshua the high priest and the other is Joshua/Jesus the Messiah. Again there is another parallel here. The seven eyes are not for the high priest, the seven eyes are the seven spirits that go out into the earth. Let’s compare the Amplified and the Septuagint.
Zechariah 3:8-9 (AMP)
8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your colleagues who [usually] sit before you—for they are men who are a sign or omen [types of what is to come]—for behold, I will bring forth My servant the Branch.
9 For behold, upon the stone which I have set before Joshua, upon that one stone are seven eyes or facets [the all-embracing providence of God and the sevenfold radiations of the Spirit of God]. Behold, I will carve upon it its inscription, says the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity and guilt of this land in a single day.
Zechariah 3:9 Hear now, Jesus the high priest, thou, and thy neighbours that are sitting before thee: for they are diviners, for, behold, I bring forth my servant The Branch. 10 For as for the stone which I have set before the face of Jesus, on the one stone are seven eyes: behold, I am digging a trench, saith the Lord Almighty, and I will search out all the iniquity of that land in one day.http://ecmarsh.com/lxx/
Zechariah 4:10 (AMP)
10 Who [with reason] despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice when they see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel. [These seven] are the eyes of the Lord which run to and fro throughout the whole earth.
Zechariah 4:10 For who has despised the small days? surely they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet of tin in the hand of Zorobabel: these are the seven eyes that look upon all the earth. http://ecmarsh.com/lxx/
The seven eyes are seven spirits that work for Jesus the Messiah. They see what is goin on. They are sent forth or sent out.
649 LSJ Gloss:ἀποστέλλω to send off
Dodson:ἀποστέλλω I send forth, send, send away, dismiss I send forth, send (as a messenger, commission, etc.), send away, dismiss.
Thayer:
1) to order (one) to go to a place appointed
2) to send away, dismiss
2a) to allow one to depart, that he may be in a state of liberty
2b) to order one to depart, send off
2c) to drive away
For Synonyms see entry G5813
ἀποστέλλω
apostellō ap-os-tel'-lo From G575 and G4724; set apart, that is, (by implication) to send out (properly on a mission) literally or figuratively KJV Usage: put in, send (away, forth, out), set [at liberty].
We know from Job that there are regularly scheduled meetings of the sons of God. They gather to give an account of the goings on in the earth, presenting themselves before the Lord. We know that the satan wanted to put his own throne there to judge the sons of God. Are the seven eyes who are the seven spirits also giving accounts of the things on the earth? The seven spirits entered along with Jesus as he came to take the scroll.
Let’s take a quick assessment of the Joshuas’ in these verses. Joshua ben Sirach (Joshua son of Sirach) is one Joshua who testifies of a Messiah who is a root from David’s lineage. The second Joshua who led the children of Israel into the promised land and around Jericho had seven holy rams horns in which to bring down the walls. The third Joshua who is the high priest after the exile, is compared and aligned to Joshua the Messiah, Jesus, Yeshua, who has charge of the seven spirit eyes. The name Jesus (Iesous) is Latin for the Hebrew name Yehosuah or Yeshua, meaning Joshua in English. Three Joshua’s have a prophetic connection to the Messiah Joshua/Yeshua/Jesus. It is interesting to find three Joshua’s associated with this event; the root, the horns, and the eyes.
Now the Lion of Judah will take the book from the one on the throne.
Revelation 5:7 G2532 And G2064 he came, G2532 and G2983 he took G1537 from out of G3588 the G1188 right hand G3588 of the one G2521 sitting G1909 upon G3588 the G2362 throne G975 a scroll.
What is John seeing here? At first there doesn’t seem to be anyone in heaven, earth, or under the earth, who is worthy to open, read, and look at this book. A Lamb, this gentle and innocent man, who looks like he has been murdered, is the only one worthy to open this scroll and loose the seals to start the events that must occur at the end of the age. The number of people entering into sonship has been fulfilled, the redeemed have been released by ransom, the day of redemption, and both the dead redeemed and the living redeemed are now standing around this throne watching these events take place. This Lamb who looks as if he was slaughtered has seven ram horn trumpets. The seven eyes who are seven spirits that have gone out into the earth to watch, are with Him. He is from the offspring of Judah and David. He walks up to the throne, and takes the book out of the hand of the Father. The Father is obviously approachable. There isn’t any drama as Jesus walks up to the throne. The living creatures, angels, and elders along with others are all watching.
Joshua the son of Sirach tells us that the Messiah comes from the line of David. Joshua the son of Nun has seven holy ram horn trumpets like Jesus. Joshua the High Priest, the son of Josedech, is told of the seven eyes of the Lord given to another Joshua. Jesus, son of the Living God, fulfills all of these things.
What we will see next week is the redeemed standing before the throne as well, watching this event take place. The redeemed are the living and dead who were harpazo’d when Jesus called from the clouds. We will explore this mystery of the harpazo next.
