what different things symbolize in the bible

7/27/2019 What Different Things Symbolize in the Bible

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"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the honor of kings to search

out a matter" (Prov. 25:2). There are many truths hidden in the words as

symbols of the Bible and there is a precision to God's righteousness that is

seen in the perfection of the symbols He uses.

Words, of course, are symbols which convey meaning. But meanings ofwords, especially verbs, adjectives and adverbs can change in meaning. For

example, "bad" when I grew up meant just that. Today, the younger

generation uses "bad" as meaning awesome. But nouns usually don't change

meaning although they are used to describe qualities. For example, the word

"tomato" will always represent a tomato and the word "turkey" will always

represent a turkey, but we can say "she is a cute tomato" and "It's hard to

sore with the eagles when you are surrounded by turkeys."

The Holy Word of the Bible often paints deep meaning symbols. Often the

Bible itself defines the meanings-other meanings are less obvious and canonly be guessed at.

God speaks to man either in dreams, visions, and parables; directly; or

through His messengers (angels). It's the dreams, visions, and parables that

this work is mainly directed toward. There are many good Bible dictionaries

and this is not meant to replace them.

My only fear in compiling this is that it will inspire fools. A word of

warning, most heresy is not just the result of false teaching - it is usually the

over-emphasis of one truth over and above the body of truth. The Gospel

message must be a balanced message. The letter of the Law kills. Use thiswork as a tool. You don't put your hammer on a pedestal - don't put this there

either. I've done my best to put down what I THINKare the correct

meanings. I am fallible - He made me that way. However, the Holy Spirit

has been a wonderful friend to me and has been of encouragement and help

in the compilation of this work. I pray you have accepted the Holy Spirit and

that He is guiding you even now into the farthest reaches of God's love.

A

Aaron's rod that budded See Ark of the Covenant - contents.abomination This word is also used symbolically of sin in general (Isaiah

66:3) (Easton's Bible Dictionary: Abomination: page 19) (Isa 66:3 KJV) He

that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he

cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's

blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have

chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.


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Abyss See Deep.

acacia wood See shittim wood.

Aholah she has her own tent, a name used by Ezekiel (23:4, 5, 36, 44) as a

symbol of the idolatry of the kingdom of Israel. This kingdom is described

as a lewdwoman, an adulteress, given up to the abominations and idolatriesof the Egyptians and Assyrians. Because of her crimes, she was carried away

captive, and ceased to be a kingdom. (Comp. Psalm 78:67-69; 1 Kings

12:25-33; 2 Chronicles 11:13-16.) (Easton's Bible Dictionary: Ahola, Pg 50)

Aholibah My tent is in her, the name of an imaginary harlot, applied

symbolically to Jerusalem, because she had abandoned the worship of the

true God and given herself up to the idolatries of foreign nations. (Ezekiel

23:4, 11, 22, 36, 44). (Easton's Bible Dictionary: Abholibah, Pg 50)

almond A native of Syria and Palestine. In form, blossoms, and fruit it

resembles the peach tree. Its blossoms are of a very pale pink colour, andappear before its leaves. Its Hebrew name, shaked, signifying "wakeful,

hastening," is given to it on account of its putting forth its blossoms so early,

generally in February, and sometimes even in January. In Ecclesiastes 12:5,

it is referred to as illustrative, probably, of the haste with which old age

comes. There are others, however, who still contend for the old

interpretation here. "The almond tree bears its blossoms in the midst of

winter, on a naked, leafless stem, and these blossoms (reddish or flesh-

coloured in the beginning) seem at the time of their fall exactly like white

snow-flakes. In this way the almond blossom is a very fitting symbol of oldage, with its silvery hair and its wintry, dry, barren, unfruitful condition." In

Jeremiah 1:11 "I see a rod of an almond tree [shaked]...for I will hasten

[shaked] my word to perform it" the word is used as an emblem of

promptitude. Jacob desired his sons (Genesis 43:11) to take with them into

Egypt of the best fruits of the land, almonds, etc., as a present to Joseph,

probably because this tree was not a native of Egypt. Aaron's rod yielded

almonds (Numbers 17:8; Hebrews 9:4). Moses was directed to make certain

parts of the candlestick for the ark of carved work "like unto almonds"

(Exodus 25:33, 34). The Hebrew word luz, translated "hazel" in the

Authorized Version (Genesis 30:37), is rendered in the Revised Version"almond." It is probable that luz denotes the wild almond, while shaked

denotes the cultivated variety. (Easton's Bible Dictionary: Almond, Pg 56)

Alpha and Omega (Aramaic - Alpha and Tau). Symbolic of Christ's eternal

existence with God. Metaphor for beginning and the end - first and the last.

The only messenger - all inclusive (Rev. 1:17; NTC, Lamsa, p. 546, 550).


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altar The souls of those slain for their testimony as to the word of God are

symbolized as being under the heavenly altar. The blood of the sacrifices

was poured out at the base of the altar and it's symbolic of the blood of

martyrs who died for Christ and appropriate of the ultimate altar, the cross,

where Christ Jesus poured out his own life's blood for our sins. (Rev. 6:9.)

Amen (Amina in Aramaic.) As applied to Christ means faithful, truthful, and

trustworthy (Rev. 3:14; NTC, Lamsa, p. 558)

anoint To anoint eyes indicates to allow spiritual perception (Rev. 3:18;

NTC, Lamsa, p. 559).

Ariel the lion of God. A symbolic name for Jerusalem (Isaiah 29:1, 2, 7) as

"victorious under God," and in Ezekiel 43:15, 16, for the altar (marg.,

Hebrews 'ariel) of burnt offerings, the secret of Israel's lion-like strength.

Ark of the Covenant Represents the Lord Jesus Christ as the Fullness of the

Godhead bodily. Originally contained the Tables of the Law, the Golden Potof Manna and Aaron's Rod that Budded (Exod. 16:33-34; 25:21; 40:20;

Numb. 17:10; Deut 10:5. Represents: (1) The Throne of God in the earth (2

Sam. 7:13); (2) the Presence of God in Christ by the Spirit in the midst of

His redeemed people; (3) the Glory of God revealed in divine order and

worship; and (4) the fullness of the Godhead Bodily revealed in the Lord

Jesus Christ. (Col. 1:19; 2:9.) All the Ark was to Israel in the Old Testament,

Jesus Christ is to His Church, Spiritual Israel, in the New Testament. God

dwelling in eternity becomes flesh, the Son, and tabernacled among us (John

1:14). The Ark of Elohim Jehovah was the standing symbol or testimony onthe Ancient Church of the fundamental truth of the Godhead - three in one.

See Ark of the Covenant - contents, crown of gold round about, rings of

gold four, gold, Mercy Seat, shittim wood, sit, 2 cubits long x 1 cubits

high, staves of shittim wood, wood overlaid with gold, wood overlaid

with gold - within and without.

Ark of the Covenant - contents They are typical of the Godhead and they

are typical of the Fullness of the Godhead bodily, the Lord Jesus Christ.

There were three articles in the Ark: The Tables of the Law which is

symbolic of all authority and power in the hands of the Father, the GoldenPot of Manna which represents the Son who is the bread of life and the bread

of heaven which came down from above (John 6:45-48), and Aaron's Rod

that Budded which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit and fruitfulness (Gal. 5:22-

23).

Ark in transit The Ark had the following coverings on it while in transit:

(1) The covering Veil - symbolic of the veil of Christ's flesh (Heb. 10:20);


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(2) The covering of badger skins - symbolic of no natural beauty (Isa.

52:14); and (3) The cloth of blue - symbolic of the Lord of Heaven (1 Cor.

15:47).

arrow(s) At first made of reeds, and then of wood tipped with iron. Arrows

are sometimes figuratively put for lightning (Deuteronomy 32:23, 42; Psalm7:13; 18:14; 144:6; Zechariah 9:14). They were used in war as well as in the

chase (Genesis 27:3; 49:23). They were also used in divination (Ezekiel

21:21). The word is frequently employed as a symbol of calamity or disease

inflicted by God (Job 6:4; 34:6; Psalm 38:2; Deuteronomy 32:23. Comp.

Ezekiel 5:16), or of some sudden danger (Psalm 91:5), or bitter words

(Psalm 64:3), or false testimony (Proverbs 25:18). (Easton's Bible

Dictionary: Arrows, Pg 101)

ass (harnessed) . See harnessed ass.

Azazel (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 26, Revised Version only here; rendered "scape-goat" in the Authorized Version). This word has given rise to many different

views. Some Jewish interpreters regard it as the name of a place some 12

miles east of Jerusalem, in the wilderness. Others take it to be the name of

an evil spirit, or even of Satan. But when we remember that the two goats

together form a type of Christ, on whom the Lord "laid the iniquity of us

all," and examine into the root meaning of this word (viz., "separation"), the

interpretation of those who regard the one goat as representing the

atonement made, and the other, that "for Azazel," as representing the effect

of the great work of atonement (viz., the complete removal of sin), is

certainly to be preferred. The one goat which was "for Jehovah" was offered

as a sin-offering, by which atonement was made. But the sins must also be

visibly banished, and therefore they were symbolically laid by confession on

the other goat, which was then "sent away for Azazel" into the wilderness.

The form of this word indicates intensity, and therefore signifies the total

separation of sin: it was wholly carried away. It was important that the result

of the sacrifices offered by the high priest alone in the sanctuary should be

embodied in a visible transaction, and hence the dismissal of the "scape-

goat." It was of no consequence what became of it, as the whole import of

the transaction lay in its being sent into the wilderness bearing away sin. Asthe goat "for Jehovah" was to witness to the demerit of sin and the need of

the blood of atonement, so the goat "for Azazel" was to witness to the

efficacy of the sacrifice and the result of the shedding of blood in the taking

away of sin. (Easton's Bible Dictionary: Azazel, Pg 117)

B


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badger's skins Badger skins are not considered to be a precious fur. They

were used on the outside of the Tabernacle to protect it. They were what the

outside observer would see if he were to look upon the Tabernacle. If we

apply this to Christ Jesus, we see that the badger skins speak to us of the

humanity of Christ. The point to His earthly body which had no form or

comeliness or beauty that we should desire Him. His beauty was behind the

external (Isa. 52:14; 53:1-3).

balances Scales are symbolic of justice. (Rev. 6:5; NTC, Lamsa, p. 565.)

bake Speaks of firing to make palatable. The baking/fire of Calvary speaks

of intense suffering of Son of God on cross to become Bread for us (Mat.

3:11; Luke 3:16; Heb 9:14; 12:29).

beard See hair.

beasts. 1. The four beasts around the throne of God are indicative of

seraphims-six winged creatures around the throne of God (Is. 6:1-6; Ezek.1:5-12; Rev. 4:6-7; 7:11; NTC, Lamsa, p. 562). 2. The two beasts of the

earth are khaywat shina (Aramaic) which means savage beasts. Symbolic of

tyranny, violence and deception (NTC, Lamsa, p. 562). See eyes.

blackDarkness, disaster, grief (NTC, Lamsa, p. 547).

blood Blood is ascribed the mysterious sacredness which belongs to life and

God reserves blood to himself when allowing man the dominion over the use

of the lower animals for food. Thus reserved, it acquires the power of (1)

sacrificial atonement and (2) becoming a curse when wantonly shed unless

duly expiated (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 7:26; 17:11-13) Water turned to blood (Exod.

7:21). Passover blood (Exod. 12:7. Covenant blood (Exodus 24:8). Blood is

the life of the flesh (Gen. 9:4). Blood makes atonement (Lev. 17:11). It is

blood that changed the Throne of Judgment into a Throne of Grace (Heb.

4:14-16. It is through faith in the blood that Jesus becomes our propitiation -

Mercy Seat. Propitiation means to appease, placate or to make satisfaction.

God is Holy - He is righteous and therefore must judge. The wages of sin are

death. The blood sprinkled on the mercy seat testifies that a death took place.

The judgment of God has been executed. Hence God's wrath is appeased.

His righteousness is vindicated and His mercy can flow. The blood of thesinless animal was a shadow of the blood of Christ.

blot out To blot out of a record would be to remove or forget (Rev. 3:5;

NTC, Lamsa, p. 557).

blue [obtained from shellfish] Heavenly color. Descriptive of the Gospel of

John which portrays Christ as the Lord from heaven. Represents the throne


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of the Father. (Exod. 24:10; Ezek. 1:26; 1 Cor. 15:47-49). See Ark in

transit.

book(Aramaic Ketava.) Means book but refers to a scroll. Bound books

were unknown until the second and third centuries A.D. (Rev. 5:1; NTC,

Lamsa, p. 563.)border of an hand breadth round about This was an additional frame or

border within the top of the table of shewbread for the various vessels and to

keep anything from falling off the table. It speaks to us that the nail pierced

hands of Christ Jesus are able to keep us from falling. There was a crown or

rim attached to the inner border. See table of shewbread; crown of gold

round about.

Bottomless Pit See Deep.

bow The phrase "breaking the bow" (Hos. 1:5; Jeremiah 49:35) is equivalent

to taking away one's power, while "strengthening the bow" is a symbol of itsincrease (Genesis 49:24). The Persian archers were famous among the

ancients (Isaiah 13:18; Jeremiah 49:35; 50:9, 14, 29, 42. (See BOW).

(Easton's Bible Dictionary: Archer, Pg 92)

branch See shittim wood.

brass Symbolizes strength, endurance, judgment against sin, and God the

Holy Spirit (Num. 21:5-9; Deut. 28:23; Job 40:18; Rev. 1:15; NTC, Lamsa,

p. 549). God tells us if we do not listen to His voice, the heavens will be as

brass which is the judgment of God on man. If we will not listen to His

voice, He will not listen to our voice. Brass, bronze, and copper used

interchangeably in Hebrew. Brass indicates the clarity and strength of the

gospel message (NTC, Lamsa, p. 549).

bread See shewbread.

CcalfSee ox.

candlestickSee golden candlestick

chariots Referred to as symbols of power (Psa. 68:17, 104:3; Isa. 66:15).

cherub (cherubim) They are seen in relation to judgment on sin and

guardians of the holiness of God as well as that which pertains to the work

of Redemption. They always have a direct relationship with the Godhead;

and accordingly, in vision may represent the Trinity. For example, the Mercy

Seat was made of one piece of gold (represents divinity) with two cherubim


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facing the blood stained seat - one cherubim may represent the Father, the

blood stained seat represents Christ Jesus, and the other cherubim may

represent the Holy Spirit. In Gen. 3:21-24 the cherubim guard the tree of

life. In Exod. 26:31-33 the cherubim are wrought in the veil guarding the

Holy of Holies. In Psalms 80:1 the Shepherd of Israel dwells between the

cherubim. In Psalms 99:1 the Lord reigns and sits between the cherubim.

color See stones.

colt (unharnessed) . See unharnessed colt.

crown The crown speaks of two offices, the high priest and the king. The

high priest wore a miter/turban upon which was placed the holy

crown/sacred diadem (Exod. 29:6); also known as the Crown of the

Anointing (Lev. 21:12). Crown is also symbolic of honor and glory which

belong to God alone (Rev. 4:4; NTC, Lamsa, p. 561).

crown of gold round about (top molding, garland, chaplet). The crown ofgold tells us what the Father thinks of His Son. When the Son of God

became flesh, man crowned Him with thorns (Mark 15:17), but God

crowned Him with glory and honor (Heb. 2:9). A crown speaks of kingship

of the Lord Christ Jesus (Ps. 2:6; 110:1; Matt. 2:2; John 19:14; Heb. 12:22-

23). Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Dday The word day has multiple meaning in the Bible. In Genesis it may well

stand for distinct time periods of unstated duration rather than actual days.God's revelation of the creation to man would have had to have been by God

by word, dream or vision. The Bible also refers to a day as being as a

thousand years and refers to the seven time periods revealed in Genesis. The

seventh day would refer to the millennial reign of Christ which would follow

six thousand years-a period likely set out by God as indicative of His overall

plan for man. The six is a number which denotes man and would be man's

dismal failure at governing himself. Seven would be the number of

perfection-Christ's rule. That would be followed by an eternal eighth period-

eight being the number of completion where God becomes all in all. Eight-eight-eight is the numerical value of Jesus who brings final completion.

death Second death is indicative of separation of spirit from God in lake of

fire (Rev. 2:11; NTC, Lamsa, p. 554).

Deep Abyss, Deep, Sheol, Hell. "Sheol" is used of a place of conscious

existence after death. In the first biblical appearance of the word Jacob said

that he would "go down into the grave unto my son mourning" (Gen. 37:35).


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All men go to "Sheol", a place and state of consciousness after death (Psa.

16:10). The wicked receive punishment there (Num. 16:30; Deut. 32:22;

Psa. 9:17). They are put to shame and silenced in "Sheol" (Psa. 31:17). Jesus

alluded to Isaiah's use of s(e)ol Isa 14:13-15) in pronouncing judgment on

Capernaum (Matt. 11:23), translating "Sheol" as "Hades" or "Hell," meaning

the place of conscious existence and judgment. It is an undesirable place for

the wicked (Job 24:19) and a refuge for the righteous (Job 14:13). Thus

"Sheol" is also a place of reward for the righteous (Hos. 13:14; cf. 1Cor.

15:55). Jesus' teaching in Luke 16:19-31 seems to reflect accurately the Old

Testament concept of s(e)ol; it is a place of conscious existence after death,

one side of which is occupied by the suffering, unrighteous dead separated

by a great chasm from the other side peopled by the righteous dead enjoying

their reward. (Vine's) Deep is also used of Sheol, the abode of the fallen

angels (demons), which lies under the face of the waters, in Genesis 1:2.

Greek Word: abussos Usage Notes: "bottomless" (from a, intensive, andbussos, "a depth"), is used as a noun denoting the abyss (AV, "bottomless

pit"). It describes an immeasurable depth, the underworld, the lower regions,

the abyss of Sheol. In Rom. 10:7, quoted from Deut. 30:13, the abyss (the

abode of the lost dead) is substituted for the sea (the change in the quotation

is due to the facts of the death and resurrection of Christ); the AV has "deep"

here and in Luke 8:31; the reference is to the lower regions as the abode of

demons (fallen angels (Gad), out of which they can be let loose, Rev. 11:7;

Rev. 17:8; it is found seven times in the Apocalypse, Rev. 9:1, 2, 11; Rev.

11:7; Rev. 17:8; Rev. 20:1, 3; in Rev. 9:1, 2 the RV has "the pit of the abyss."

(Vine's)

dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls

thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them. (Exod.

25:29) The dishes were used for holding the shewbread. The spoons were

hollow vessels of gold with incense in them. While the priests ate at the table

of shewbread, in the light of the golden candlestick, they burnt incense unto

the lord at the golden altar which signifies we eat at His Table in the light of

His presence and send up incense of prayer, worship and adoration to the

Lord Jesus (Num. 7:14???, 20, 26, etc.)

door An open door is indicative of opportunity (Rev. 3:8; NTC, Lamsa, p.

557).

Eeagle (Heb. nesher, properly the griffin vulture or great vulture) Standard of

the tribes of Dan, Asher and Naphtali (Num. 2:25-31). They encamped on


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the north side of the Tabernacle of Moses. The eagle was considered king of

the birds and represents spirituality (Ezek. 1:10; 10:14; Rev. 4:7). The flying

eagle represents omnipresence which is one of the four characteristics of the

Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 4:7; NTC, Lamsa, p. 562). Referred

to for its swiftness of flight (Deut. 28:49; 2 Sam. 1:23), its mounting high in

the air (Job 39:27), its strength (Ps. 103:5), its setting its nest in high places

(Jer. 49:16), and its power of vision (Job 39:27-30). It is a symbol of the

ravenous nations whom God employs and sends forth to do a work of

destruction, sweeping away whatever is decaying and putrescent (Deut.

28:49; Is. 46:11; Jer. 48:40; Ez. 39:4; Mat. 24:28). The eagle sheds its

feathers in the beginning of spring and assumes the appearance of youth (Is.

40:31; Ps. 103:5) God's care over his own is likened to the eagle training it's

young to fly (Ex. 19:4; Deut. 32:11,12)

earthquake Symbolic of war, disturbance and uprising (Rev. 6:12; NTC,

Lamsa, p. 568.)

east See lion.

eight 1. Number of resurrection, new beginning (Exod. 22:30; Lev. 14:10-

11). a. "And he died" repeated eight times (Gen. 5). b. Circumcision, named

on 8th day (Gen. 17). c. Noah - eight persons (Gen. 7:13; 1 Pet. 3:20). d.

Resurrection of Jesus (Matt. 28:1; John 20:26). f. Musical octave.

eight eight eightNumerical value of "Jesus"

eight hundred eighty-eight See eight eight eight.

eleven 1. Number of incompleteness, disorganization, disintegration, one

beyond ten yet one short of twelve (Gen. 32:22; Deut 1:2; Matt. 20:6); a.

Eleven sons (Gen. 35:16,18; 37:9); b. Goat's hair, sin offering (Exod. 26:7);

c. The eleventh "little horn" (Dan. 7). 2. Number of lawlessness, disorder,

the Antichrist.

emerald See green.

eyes. Fiery eyes are symbolic of sincerity and conviction (NTC, Lamsa, p.

548; Rev. 1:14). Eyes before and behind indicates past and future while full

of eyes is symbolic of omniscience (Rev. 4:6-7; NTC, Lamsa, p. 562). See

beasts.

Ffine flour Speaks of trials, testings, temptations and sufferings of the Lord

Christ Jesus, who as the Corn of Wheat, was bruised and broken to become

Bread to us (John 12:24). There was nothing rough or uncouth in His sinless


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and perfect humanity. It also applies to us. (Gen. 3:15; Psa. 147:14; Isa.

28:28; 52:14; 53.)

first and last See Alpha and Omega.

fine linen Speaks of the righteousness of the saints. They only experience

this righteousness as they put on Christ. So this symbol first speaks of therighteousness of Christ. (Rev 15:5-6; 19:7-8).

fire Speaks of purification and cleansing. "Our God is a consuming fire."

God puts His people through fire that they may come forth as pure gold.

(Lev. 24:7; Heb. 12:29)

five 1. Number of cross, grace, atonement, life (Gen. 1:20-23; Lev. 1:5; John

10:10); five offerings (Exod. 4:11; 13:18; 26:3,9,26,27,37; 27: 1,18; Eph.

4:11); The five wounds of Jesus on the Cross. 2. The five "I wills" of Satan

(Isa. 14:13-14).

five-fold foundation of Mosaic Covenant or Economy of God: 1. The

Tabernacle of Moses (Exod. 25-40); 2. The Law Covenant [also called Old

and Mosaic] (Exod. 20); 3. The Priesthood, both Aaronic and Levitical

(Exod. 28,29,39); 4. The Five Offerings and sundry sacrifices (Lev. 1-7); and

5. The Three Feasts of the Lord - Passover, Pentecost and tabernacles (Lev.

23).

flesh, eating ofQuite another phase of symbolic meaning was intended to be

conveyed by the sacrificial meal which the priests were to make of the flesh

of such sin-offerings as were not wholly burnt without the camp.

Unquestionably Philo 18 was right in suggesting, that one of the main

objects of this meal was to carry to the offerer assurance of his acceptance,

"since God would never have allowed His servants to partake of it, had there

not been a complete removal and forgetting of the sin" atoned for. This view

entirely accords with the statement in Leviticus 10:17, where the purpose of

this meal by the priests is said to be "to bear the iniquity of the

congregation." Hence, also, the flesh of all sacrifices, either for the high-

priest, as representing the priesthood, or for the whole people, had to be

burnt; because those who, as God's representatives, were alone allowed to

eat the sacrificial meal were themselves among the offerers of the sacrifice.(Edersheim, "The Temple, It Ministry and Services," Pg 90)

flying eagle See eagle.

foal of an ass. See unharnessed colt.

forty 1. Number of probation, testing - closing in victory or judgment

(Exod. 34:27-28; Num. 13:25; 14:33; 1 Kings 19:4-8; Ezek. 4:6; Matt. 4:2;


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Acts 1:3; 7:30). 2. Number of Pentecost, liberty, freedom, jubilee (Exod.

26:5,8; Lev. 23:25; 25:10-11; Num. 8:25; 1 Kings 2:7; 4:13; 18: Acts 2:1-4).

3. Number of humiliation, fasting, repentance (Gen. 7:4; Deut. 9:9,11; 1

Kings 19:8; Matt. 4:2; Jonah 3:4; Thrice forty (120) years were given to the

old world for the gracious period of repenting.

fourNumber of earth, balance, creation, world [proceeds from three,

dependent thereon] (Gen. 2:10; Lev. 11:20-27; Jer. 49:36; Ezek. 37:9; Mark

16:15; 1 Cor. 15:39). 2. Four seasons, four winds; four corners of earth.

Balance is seen in the Four Gospels in the New Testament: (1) Matthew

depicts Christ as The King and Son of David; (2) Mark depicts Christ as The

Servant and the Son of Man; (3) Luke depicts Christ as The Perfect Man and

The Second Adam; and (4) John depicts Christ as God the Son and the

Eternal One. There are four descriptions of God in the Bible: (1) God is a

Spirit (John 4:24); (2) God is light (1 John 1:5); (3) God is love (1 John

4:16); and (4) God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). There are four moral

attributes of God relative to His creatures: (1) Perfect Holiness; (2) Perfect

righteousness; (3) Perfect Love; and (4) Perfect faithfulness.

four corners Worldwide ministry - commission of our Lord to "Go ye into

all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" (Matt. 28:18-20;

Mark 16:15-20; Acts 1:8; Rev. 5:9-10).

four creatures And round the throne, on each side of the throne, are four

living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like

a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the

face of a man, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four

living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all round and

within, and day and night they never cease to sing, "Holy, holy, holy, is the

Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" And whenever the

living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the

throne, who lives for ever and ever, Rev 4:7-9 (RSV) Holman: LIVING

BEINGS, LIVING CREATURES Characters in Ezekiel's first vision (Ezek.

1:5,13-15,19-20,22; also 3:13; 10). The creatures are later identified as

cherubim (10:20). The creatures numbered four. Each had a human form but

with four faces. Perhaps the best interpretation views the creatures as apictorial representation of the total sovereignty of God. Four creatures

represent the four corners of the earth. The four faces represent four classes

of creation: man humanity; lion king of wild beasts; ox king of domestic

beasts; eagle 3king of the birds. Central to this interpretation is the One

seated on the throne above all the creatures (1:26-28). The Book of

Revelation develops a similar image to portray God's total sovereignty (Rev.


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4:7-8).

four plagues God has named in Scripture, Ezekiel 14, The first and

slightest, which also David chose, is pestilence, the second is famine, the

third is war, the fourth is all manner of evil beasts, such as lions, wolves,

serpents, dragons; these are the wicked rulers. For where these are, the landis destroyed, not only in body and property, as in the others, but also in

honor, discipline, virtue and the soul's salvation. (Luther - A Treatise on

Good Works, Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother, Point 14, page

80)

foursquare The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) was foursquare. In the

tabernacle it was 10 x 10 x 10 or 1000 cubic cubits. It was foursquare as was

the brazen altar, golden altar, and the breastplate of judgment on the Priest.

Speaks of the fulfillment at revelation of the Glory of God (Rev. 21-22). See

one thousand cubits, Holy of Holies.fourteen Number of Passover, 2 x 7 = 14 (Gen. 31:41; Exod. 12:6; Num.

9:5; Acts 27:27-33).

frankincense Speaks of Christ Jesus' perfect life of prayer and intercession -

a fragrance pleasing to God (Song of Solomon 4:6; 12:16; Matt. 2:11).

Ggarment A long garment is symbolic of a priestly robe (Rev. 1:13; NTC,

Lamsa, p. 547). A White clean garment is symbolic of purity (NTC, Lamsa,

p. 548). The Holy Spirit called those who receive remission of sins throughChrist, His garments. (DIALOGUE OF JUSTIN, PHILOSOPHER AND

MARTYR WITH TRYPHO, A JEW, Ch. 54.)

girdle - golden A golden girdle indicates kingly power (Rev. 1:13; NTC,

Lamsa, p. 547).

goat's hair Goats were used primarily in the sin offering of the Old

Testament. The hair covering speaks to us of sin (Lev. 4:22-29; 16:15-16)

gold Hebrew word for gold come from unused root meaning shimmer or

from its shining. Speaks of deity, Divine nature, kingly nature, glory of Godand God the Father (Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:7; 2 Peter 1:4; Rev. 21:21-22).

Gold also speaks of the Word. To make gold useable, it must be smelted -

passed through purifying fire to remove impurities - and must be beaten into

shape. When worked with fire and the hammer, gold is a thing of rare

beauty. Also speaks of purity, prosperity, power and happiness (NTC,

Lamsa, p. 546) See shittim wood.


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golden candlestick(Exod. 25:31-40; 27:20-21; 30:7-8; 37:17-24; Num. 8:1-

4; Rev. 1:12.) The golden candlestick (also called candlestick, candlestick of

gold, and pure candlestick) was really a lampstand upon which were seven

lighted oil lamps. Candles self-consume - lamps burn by a continual supply

of oil. Symbolic of truth (NTC, Lamsa, p. 546). The church is to be a

continual supply of divine light by the oil of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of

the candlestick was to be the sole source of light in the Holy Place on the

Table of Shewbread and the Altar of Incense. Made of pure gold without

measurement. We cannot measure the Light nor can we measure the power

of the cleansing water of the Word as represented by the laver. The gold

speaks to us of deity and Divine nature as seen in Christ Jesus as the Light of

the world and of His Church (Matt. 5:14; 16:16-18; Col. 1:27; 2 Pet. 1:4).

Gold speaks of purity, prosperity, power and happiness (NTC, Lamsa, p.

546). The lampstand and its parts were to be made of one piece of gold. The

thought of oneness or unity is noted in the one piece of gold and is notedsimilarly in the mercy seat. The number one is significant of unity, oneness,

one accord, or one Church. Oneness is noted in God. "Hear, O Israel: The

Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. 6:4). There is only one way to approach

God: "There is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man

Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). There is but one great High Priest (Num. 7:89;

John 14:1-6). There is but one sacrifice for sins (John 3:16; Heb 10:7-12).

The oneness in Christ is also noted in His Body, the Church (John 17; 1 Cor.

10:17; 12:13; Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 2:11). The individual parts of the

candlestick were to be the same. Parts and numbers of the candlestick

convey meaning: Three knops (unopened buds) represent the source and

beginning of everything, God the Father. Three is a number of divine

completeness, perfect testimony. The three knops are the foundation of the

seven branches. The central flower represents the begotten, God the Son. To

obtain the fragrance of a flower, it must be crushed. The seven almond bowl

lamps represent proceeding, God the Holy Spirit. The number seven

signifies fullness, completeness and perfection. The spirit of the Lord is

seven-fold: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, reverential

fear, and obedient fear (Isa. 11:2). The almond tree is the first of all trees to

bud in Palestine (Jer. 1:11-12)-each year it carries the message of life out ofdeath. Each branch had nine ornaments (3 bowls + 3 knops + 3 flowers). The

number nine is the number of the Holy Spirit in the Church. There are nine

fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-24) and nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:1-2).

The main shaft had twelve ornaments (7 knops + 4 flowers + 1 bowl). The

number twelve speaks of Apostolic Fullness and Government: For example,

there are twelve loaves of shew bread, twelve foundations in the City of


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God, twelve stones on the High Priest's breastplate, twelve tribes of Israel,

and twelve Apostles. There are three groups of bowls, knops and flowers in

the branches on one side. Add this to the twelve in the main shaft and we

have a total of 39, the number of books in the Old Testament. The remaining

branches contain 27, the number of books in the New Testament. The

complete total is 66, the number of books in the Bible. This is God's book

for man (number 6). There are not 66 separate parts - they are all made of

one piece - one talent of gold. The Bible is one book unified by the Holy

Spirit and mind of God from 66 books in unity of the testimony of Christ

Jesus (Matt. 22:29; Luke 4: 21; 24:27; 44-46; John 5:39-47; Heb. 10:5-9).

See gold.

golden pot of manna The Lord Christ Jesus is the Golden (divine) pot of

manna. He is the bread of eternal life. If any eat of Him they shall never die.

Those that overcome will be once again given of the "Hidden Manna" that

was preserved in the Ark (Rev. 2:17) Manna tasted of oil, coming in the

stillness of the night and coming up with the dew. It was white, round and

sweet as honey to the tasted (Num. 11:7-9). No one could eat for another.

Jesus is the source of life eternal. He sustains His people in the wilderness

journey. There was no manna in the Ark of the Covenant when it was taken

to Solomon's Temple, the permanent resting place of the Ark (I Kings 8:9).

All of this tell us that the accepted time and day of salvation is now. See Ark

of the Covenant - contents.

grate The grate on the Brazen Altar of sacrifice which was one and one half

cubits high was the Judgment Seat. Here the sin of the whole nation wasjudged in that substitutionary death. Yet we see the Ark of the Covenant

which was also one and one half cubits high as the Seat of Mercy. Here the

whole nation of Israel was reconciled.

green Pale. Symbolic of wisdom. An emerald is green in color (Rev. 4:2-3;

NTC, Lamsa, p. 548, 561).

Hhair Long white hair and beard are symbolic of knowledge (NTC, Lamsa, p.

548).

hand See right.

hands (laying on) means transmission and delegation, and implied

representation. In the sacrificial system of the Old Testament it really

pointed to the substitution of the sacrifice for the sacrificer. Hence it was

always accompanied by confession of sin and prayer. It was thus done. The


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sacrifice was so turned that the person confessing looked towards the west,

while he laid his hands between the horns of the sacrifice, and if the sacrifice

was brought by more than one, each had to lay on his hands. It is not quite a

settled point whether one or both hands were laid on; but all are agreed that

it was to be done "with one's whole force" - as it were, to lay one's whole

weight upon the substitute. ("The Temple and Its Ministry and Sacrifices,"

Ch. 5, by Alfred Edersheim, D.D., Ph.D.)

harnessed ass. Symbol of Israel as nation for they possessed the law which

was imposed by the prophets. See unharnessed colt.

Hell. See Deep.

hills Symbol of pride. See mountains. (Is. 2:2)

Holy of Holies

Horse Horses are referred to as symbols of power (Rev. 19:11,14). A ruleralways rides a white horse. White is symbolic of purity and power. In

Zechariah 6:1-7, four chariots are pulled by red, black, white, and grizzled

and bay horses which represent the four spirits of the heavens which go forth

from standing before the Lord of all the earth. (Zech. 6:1-7; Rev. 6:2; NTC,

Lamsa, p. 564.) There appears to be a parallel in Zechariah to the color of

the horses. Thereby, the riders would be the four spirits of the heavens. Red

is the symbol of blood-the red horse symbolizes great destruction of life.

(Rev. 6:4; NTC, Lamsa, p. 565.) A black horse is symbolical of death,

famine and destruction and are generally used for draft purposes. Black like

darkness is the symbol of mourning and despair. (Rev. 6:5; NTC, Lamsa, p.565.) A pale (grizzled; bay; green) horse represents death, famine and

destruction. (Rev. 6:8; NTC, Lamsa, p. 567.) See balances; measure.

hyssop applies the well-known image of hyssop to spiritual cleansing from

sin. (Psa 51:7 KJV) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me,

and I shall be whiter than snow.

I

JK

Lladder - ascending and descending Peace and harmony (Gen. 28:12; NTC,


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Lamsa, p. 544)

lamp See torch.

lampstand See golden candlestick.

laver

laying on of hands See hands (laying on)

light See golden candlestick.

lion Standard of tribes of Judah, Issachar and Zebulun (Num. 2:3-9). They

encamped on the east side of the Tabernacle of Moses. Lion is king of beasts

and as such represents royalty. The lion represents dominion and authority

which is one of the four characteristics of the King of Kings and Lord of

Lords (Rev. 4:7; NTC, Lamsa, p. 562).

locusts Symbol of what God's judgment will be like (Joel 2:1,11; Rev. 9:3,7;

compare Ex. 10:3-20; Deut 38:38). The image of the locust plague was alsoused to symbolize being overwhelmed by a large and powerful army (Judges

6:5; Is. 33:4; Jer. 46:23; 51:27; Joel 2:20; Nah. 3:15). Similar imagery is

used in other Ancient Near Eastern literature.

lukewarm Indicates neither good or bad. Religious minded but lacking in

character and ethics. Faith without acts. (Rev. 3:16; NTC, Lamsa, p. 559)

Mman Standard of the tribes of Gad, Simeon, and Reuben (Num. 2:10-16).

They encamped on the south side of the Tabernacle of Moses. Man

represents the king of creation. Man represents intellect and is symbolic of

omniscience which is one of the characteristics of the King of Kings and the

Lord of Lords (Rev. 4:7; NTC, Lamsa, p. 562).

manna Means "what is it?" in Hebrew. Hidden manna is indicative of

spiritual food - bread of life (Rev. 2:17; NTC, Lamsa, p. 555)

measure A conqueror depends on crops for sustenance and tries to spare

them. There is a parallel to II Kings 7:1 where Elisha stated: "Hear ye the

word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow about this time shall a

measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a

shekel, in the gate of Samaria." A measure of wheat and three measures of

barley for a penny indicates that food must be abundant. (II Kings 7:1; Rev.

6:6; NTC, Lamsa, p. 566.)

memorial Speaks of remembrance. Pure frankincense was put on the

shewbread as a memorial (Lev. 24:7; Luke 22:19-20).


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Mercy Seat Cover for Ark of the Covenant. Made of pure gold speaking of

divinity. The mercy seat is Christ Jesus whom God set forth to be a

propitiation through faith in His blood. The Greek word for propitiation is

the same word that is used for mercy seat. It was here that God spoke to

Aaron (Exod. 25:22; Num. 7:89) and here that the blood of the slain bullock

was sprinkled in atonement (Lev. 16). The High Priest could never enter the

Most Holy Place without the blood. The voice of God cannot be heard off

the Mercy Seat without the blood atonement and God has nothing to say to

man apart from Jesus Christ and His redeeming blood. It is blood that

changed the Throne of Judgment into a Throne of Grace (Heb. 4:14-16. It is

through faith in the blood that Jesus becomes our propitiation - Mercy Seat.

Propitiation means to appease, placate or to make satisfaction. God is Holy -

He is righteous and therefore must judge. The wages of sin are death. The

blood sprinkled on the mercy seat testifies that a death took place. The

judgment of God has been executed. Hence God's wrath is appeased. Hisrighteousness is vindicated and His mercy can flow. The blood of the sinless

animal was a shadow of the blood of Christ. To remove the blood-stained

Mercy Seat, as did curious Israelites (1 Sam. 6:19-20), was to expose and to

bring into operation the ministration of death as seen in the Law. If we reject

the blood of Christ (Rom. 8:2) it can only bring spiritual death to the fallen

man (2 Cor. 3). The Mercy Seat involved A place of holiness, justice, and

righteousness; atonement and propitiation; mercy and reconciliation;

communion of God with redeemed man; the Glory of God; and God's

recorded Name (1 Sam. 6:1-2).

moon A red moon symbolizes bloodshed.

mountains symbols of authority usually referring to a nation's authority or

pride. (Is. 2:3)

Nname Symbolizes a changed nature or creature (Rev. 2:17; NTC, Lamsa, p.

555).

new name See name.

nineNumber of completeness, finality, fullness; final of digits; 3 x 3 = 9

(Matt. 27:45); a. Number of Holy Spirit; Nine Fruits (Gal. 5:22); b. Nine

Gifts (1 Cor. 12:1-12). c. 9 months for "fruit of the womb"

north See eagle

O


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oil symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

oil for light Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Used in connection with

light, it suggests the ministry of illumination/enlightenment of our eyes to

the Word of God (John 1:41; 1 John 2:20,27)

olive branch After seven days, being sent out a second time, the dovereturned with an olive leaf plucked off, Genesis 8:11 -- an emblem of the

restoration of peace between God and the earth; and from this circumstance

the olive has been the emblem of peace among all civilized nations.

("Clarke's Commentary," Gen. 8:8, Pg 113)

one 1. Number of God; beginning; source; commencement; first (Gen. 1:1;

Mark 6:33). 2. Number of compound unity (Deut. 6:4; John 17:21-23; 1 Cor.

1-14). 3. Numerical one; only one (Gen. 22:2; Zech. 12:10; John 3:16)

1 cubits high This is the height of the Brazen Altar Grate, the Table of

Shewbread, and the Ark of the Covenant. All are brought together in thissimilar measurement. The same height speaks that we must begin at the

Brazen Altar (Judgment Seat) that we may come to the Shewbread Table and

have fellowship with God on the basis of the Blood on the Mercy Seat.

one hundred fifty-three Number of revival and the elect; 9 x 17 = 153

(John 21:11).

one hundred forty-four Number of God's ultimate in creation; 12 x 12 =

144 (Rev. 21:17; 1 Chron. 25:7; Rev. 7:1-6; 14:1-3).

one hundred twenty Number of end of all flesh, beginning; life in the spirit;3 x 4 x 10 = 120 (Gen. 6:3; Lev. 25; Deut. 34:7)

one thousand cubits Points to the full glory of the Kingdom as set forth in

the 1000 years spoken of in Revelation 20:1-6.

open See door.

ox Standard of tribes of Ephraim, Manneseh and Benjamin (Num. 2:18-24).

They encamped on the west side of the Tabernacle of Moses. The ox is the

king of domestic animals and represents service. In Rev. 4:7 the same figure

is represented by a calf and would represent humility of service whereas theox normally represents strength of service. The calf is one of the four

characteristics of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords (Rev. 4:7; NTC,

Lamsa, p. 562).

Ppale See green.


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Pit See Deep.

priestly robe See garment - long.

precious stones Speak of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, the glories of

the saints, the preciousness of God's own people and the righteous acts of the

children of God. They are witness to both the Word and the Spirit. (Prov.17:8; 1 Cor. 3:9-17; 1 John 5:6-11; Rev. 21:18-20. Precious stones also

speak of purity and holiness (Rev. 4:2-3; NTC, Lamsa, p. 561).

purple [Obtained from shellfish.] This was the most precious of the colors

in ancient times and speaks to us of royalty and kingship. Purple would be

descriptive of the Gospel of Matthew which deals with the King and His

Kingdom. Represents Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of the Father [blue] and

of the Son [red] (Judg. 8:26; Luke 16:19; John 19:1-3)

QRrainbow When around the throne of God speaks of omnipresence of God

and everlasting peace (Rev. 4:2-3; NTC, Lamsa, p. 561). Symbolic of token

of covenant between God and the earth (Gen. 9:8-17).

ram's skin dyed red The ram, like the lamb, was a sacrificial animal.

Abraham offered a ram in the stead of his son Isaac. The ram's skins speak

to us of consecration, dedication and substitution. (Gen. 22:13-14; Exod.

29).

red See scarlet.

right Right hand indicates power and authority (Rev. 2:1. NTC, Lamsa, p.

552).

rings See rings of gold - four.

rings of gold - four. The number four is symbolic of the creation of the

world and the four corners of the earth with a worldwide significance -

Christ has power over all the earth. The four rings are also symbolic of the

necessity for balance. Most heresy is not just the result of false teaching - itis usually the over-emphasis of one truth over and above the body of truth.

The Gospel message must be a balanced message. A ring is a circle without

beginning or end. It is a common symbol to represent eternity of being. The

Lord Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. There are four descriptions

/attributes of God in the Bible (1) God is Light (1 John 1:5); (2) God is Love

(1 John 4:16); (3) God is Spirit (John 4:24); and (4) God is a consuming fire


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(Heb. 12:29).

righteous branch See shittim wood.

SSabbath Day of rest and spiritual nurture. The Jew observes Saturday-theChristian generally observes Sunday. Sunday observance comes from the

early Christians, as Jews, observing Saturday and holding Communion on

Sundays. Over the course of time, the first day of the week became the main

Christian sabbath, day of rest.

salt Symbol of incorruption, salt was to be added to all sacrifices. Mark

9:49: "For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be

salted with salt;" that is, as the salt is added to the sacrifice symbolically to

point to its incorruption, so the reality and permanence of our Christian lives

will be brought out by the fire of the great day, when what is wood, hay, andstubble shall be consumed; while that which is real shall prove itself

incorruptible, having had the fire applied to it. ("The Temple Its Ministry

and Services", Ch. 5, by Alfred Edersheim, D.D., Ph.D.) From patriarchal

times a covenant of alliance was sealed by the blood of some sacrificial

victim. The animal sacrificed was cut in two (except birds), and between

these two parts the persons contracting the alliance passed (Genesis 15:10).

There are frequent allusions to this practice (Jeremiah 34:18). Such alliances

were called "covenants of salt" (Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5), salt

being the symbol of perpetuity. A pillar was set up as a memorial of the

alliance between Laban and Jacob (Genesis 31:52). The Jews throughout

their whole history attached great importance to fidelity to their

engagements. Divine wrath fell upon the violators of them (Joshua 9:18; 2

Samuel 21:1, 2; Ezekiel 17:16). (Easton's Bible Dictionary: Alliance, Pg 55)

scapegoat See Azazel.

scarlet [Obtained from worm or insect.] Scarlet is the color of blood which

speaks to us of sacrifice. It speaks of the redemptive work of Christ in

atonement when He became the sacrifice and shed His own blood for the

sins of many (Lev. 17:11; Isa. 1:18) Scarlet speaks to us of the Gospel ofMark which portrays the suffering servanthood of Christ. Speaks of Christ

Jesus as the messiah. The color of scarlet is the emblem of life (Edersheim,

The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, Ch 18, Pg 226).

scorpion's sting Used as a reference to the power of spiritually antagonistic

forces, the powers of darkness (Luke 10:19; Rev. 9:3-11).

scroll See book.


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sea of glass A sea of glass, appears before the throne of God is like crystal.

(Rev. 4:6)

seal Sealed scrolls are decrees. The seal indicates the importance of the

message the document contains. Ordinary scrolls were not sealed, but a

king's decrees were all sealed. The scroll was rolled, fastened and the sealplaced upon it. Such documents are opened on solemn occasions by

important government officials in the presence of notables and dignitaries

(Rev. 5:1; NTC, Lamsa, p. 563.)

seats Twenty-four seats before the throne of God are indicative of the

unification of the unification of past (Old Covenant) and present (New

Covenant) (Rev. 4:4; NTC, Lamsa, p. 561)

second death See death.

seven [Used about 600 times in the Bible] 1. Number of perfection,

completeness; Sabbath rest; 3 + 4 = 7 (Gen. 2:1-3; 4:15; Lev. 14:7,16,27,51;Josh. 6; Heb. 6:1-2; Jude 14). 2. Number of Book of Revelation (Rev.

4:6,12,20; 4:5; 5:1; 6; 8:2; 10:3; 12:3; 15:1-7; 17:9-10). Phases of moon with

month of twenty-eight days (4 x 7) (NTC, Lamsa, p. 545) "The symbolical

character which is to be traced in all the institutions of the Old Testament,

appears also in the arrangement of its festive calendar. Whatever

classification of the festivals may be proposed, one general characteristic

pervades the whole. Unquestionably, the number seven marks in Scripture

the sacred measurement of time. The Sabbath is the seventh of days; seven

weeks after the commencement of the ecclesiastical year is the Feast ofPentecost; the seventh month is more sacred than the rest, its "firstborn" or

"New Moon" being not only devoted to the Lord like those of the other

months, but specially celebrated as the "Feast of Trumpets," while three

other festivals occur within its course - the Day of Atonement, the Feast of

Tabernacles, and its Octave. Similarly, each seventh year is Sabbatical, and

after seven times seven years comes that of Jubilee. Nor is this all. Seven

days in the year may be designated as the most festive, since in them alone

"no servile work" was to be done, while on the so-called minor festivals

(Moed Katon), that is, on the days following the first of the Passover week

and of that of Tabernacles, the diminution of festive observances and ofrestrictions on labor marks their less sacred character. Besides this general

division of time by the sacred number seven, certain general ideas probably

underlay the festive cycles. Thus we may mark two, or else three, such

cycles; the one commencing with the Paschal sacrifice and ending on the

Day of Pentecost, to perpetuate the memory of Israel's calling and

wilderness life; the other, which occurs in the seventh month (of rest),


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marking Israel's possession of the land and grateful homage to Jehovah.

From these two cycles the Day of Atonement may have to be distinguished,

as intermediate between, applying to both, and yet possessing a character of

its own, as Scripture calls it, "a Sabbath of " in which not only "servile

work," but as on the weekly Sabbath, labor of any kind was prohibited."

(Edersheim, The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, Ch 10, Pg 129) "It was

because this idea of festive rest and sanctification was so closely connected

with the weekly festival that the term Sabbath was also applied to the great

festivals. (As Leviticus 23:15, 24, 32, 39) For a similar reason, the number

seven, which was that of the weekly Sabbath (the first seven that had

appeared in time), became in Scripture - symbolism the sacred or covenant

number. (Footnote: The term "Sabbath" is also applied to "a week," as in

Leviticus 23:15; 25:8; and, for example, in Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke

24:1; John 20:1. This seems to indicate that the Sabbath was not to be

regarded as separate from, but as giving its character to the rest of the week,and to its secular engagements. So to speak, the week closes and is

completed in the Sabbath.) (Edershim, The Temple, Its Ministry and

Services, Ch 9, Pg 117)

seven spirits Symbolic of omnipresence. In Rev. 1:4, Spirits, are indicative

of wind, as in run like the wind (NTC, Lamsa, p. 545).

seventeen Number of spiritual order; 10 + 7 = 17 (Gen. 1; 37:2; 1 Chron.

25:5; Jer. 32:9; Acts 2:9-11) [Fountains of the deep opened on 17th day of

month and ark rested on the 17th day of month (Gen. 7:11; 8:4).

seventy Number prior to increase (Gen. 11:26; 46:27; Exod. 1:5; 15:27;

Num. 11:25; Luke 10:1; Exod 24:1,9).

seventy-five Number of separation, cleansing, purification (Gen. 12:4; 8:5-

6; Exod. 27:1; Dan. 12:5-13)

seven fold requirements for building tabernacle: 1. By freewill offerings

(Exod. 25:2); 2. By a people stirred up (Exod. 35:21,26; 36:2; Isa. 64:7; 2

Tim. 1:6); 3. By a people made willing (Exod 35:5,21-22,29;25:1-2; Ps.

51:10-17; 110-3); 4. By a free-hearted people (Exod. 35:10,25; 36:1-8; 3; Ps.

51:10,12,17; Mark 7:6); 5. By the wisdom of God (Exod 35:10,25, 1 Kings3:12-13; Prov. 1:1-6; 9:1; 1 Cor. 1: 18-25; 3:9-11; Eph. 1:14-18; Acts 7:22);

6. By the Spirit of God (Exod. 35:30-35 and 36:1-3; Zech. 4:6; 1 Cor. 12:1-

13; Gal. 5:16-26); and 7. According to the Divine Pattern (Exod. 25:40;

26:30; 27:8; 39:32,42,43; 40:33-38; Num. 8:4; Acts 7:44; Heb. 8:5).

Sheol See Deep

Shekhinah The burning lamp(s) outside the veil were a witness "that the


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Shekhinah abides in the midst of Israel" (Shabbath 22b). This is confirmed

in Zech. 4 and Rev. 11 as to the two witnesses of the Holy Spirit. Shekhinah

means "the one who dwells." It refers to God dwelling visibly among His

people. See also, Exod. 34:29-35; Num. 10:35-36; 1 Sam. 4:21-22; Psalm

80; Isa. 37:16; John 1:14; 1 Cor. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:15-16; Heb. 1:3; and Rev.

18:1.

shewbread To 'shew' means to tell forth or declare. The New Testament

Bread of Life showed Himself to His disciples (Matt. 16:21; John 21:2; Acts

1:3). The shewbread also speaks of the ministry of the Church to shew forth

His life, death, resurrection, and coming again (1 Cor. 11:26). Also called the

Bread of God (Lev. 21:21) in which it is the fellowship of God to His

Priests. The Bread was to be continual as believers continually find in Christ

the daily bread (Mat. 6:11). The bread was to be an everlasting covenant

forshadowing the new covenant in the body and blood of Christ Jesus (Matt.

26:26-28; Heb. 13:20). Also called bread of presence as the Lord is with us

in the Table of the Lord (Mat. 18:20). Also called Bread of Face(s) as the

one God has the three persons or three faces of the trinity (2 Cor. 4:6; Rev.

22:4). Also called the bread of order/arrangement as there is order in the Old

Testament (2 Chron. 13:11) and order in the New Testament Table of the

Lord (1 Cor. 11:34). All of these titles are symbolic of Communion: The

Lord communed with His priests through the bread, they were partakers with

Him - what we eat becomes a part of our being - we partake of the Divine

nature when we partake of His body (John 6:48-56; 2 Peter 1:4). The

shewbread was to be eaten by the priests only in the Holy Place (Lev. 24:9; 1Sam. 21:1-6; Matt. 12:4). In the new covenant in Christ all believers are

called to a spiritual priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6; 55:9-10). Only those

that belong to the spiritual house are entitled to partake of the table. In the

shewbread we have life, healing, divine health, spiritual nourishment,

fellowship and communion. Just as God gave Himself to the children of

Israel (Psa. 78:19), Christ gave himself to all who will eat and receive of

Him (Mark 7:27). This is the children's bread (Job 23:12; Matt. 4:3-4; 15:26-

27). The shewbread is most holy unto Him of the offerings of the Lord made

by fire and by perpetual statute (Lev. 24:9). There were ten tables of

shewbread in Solomon's Temple and 120 loaves of bread. The number 120

speaks of the fullness of the bread of life (Christ Jesus) in the Church which

is now the temple of the living God by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19;

Eph. 2:20-22). "Ancient symbolism, both Jewish and Christian, regarded

"the bread of the Presence" as an emblem of the Messiah. This view is

substantially, though not literally, correct. Jehovah, who dwelt in the most


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Holy Place between the Cherubim, was the God manifest and worshipped in

the Holy Place. There the mediatorial ministry, in the name of, and

representing Israel, "laid before" Him the bread of the Presence, kindled the

seven-lamped candlestick, and burnt incense on the golden altar. The "bread"

"laid before Him in the northern or most sacred part of the Holy Place was

that of His Presence, and meant that the Covenant-people owned "His

Presence" as their bread and their life; the candlestick, that He was their

Light-giver and Light; while between the table of shewbread and the

candlestick burned the incense on the golden altar, to show that life and light

are joined together, and come to us in fellowship with God and prayer. For a

similar reason, pure incense was placed between the shewbread - for, the life

which is in His Presence is one of praise; while the incense was burned

before the shewbread was eaten by the priests, to indicate God's acceptance

and ratification of Israel's dependence upon Him, as also to betoken praise to

God while living upon His Presence. That this "Presence" meant the specialmanifestation of God, as afterwards fully vouchsafed in Christ, "the Angel of

His Presence," it is scarcely necessary to explain at length in this place."

(Edersheim, The Temple It's Ministry and Service, Ch 9, Pg 123) See table

of shewbread.

shittim wood Speaks of incorruptible, sinless humanity of the Lord Jesus

Christ who is the righteous branch. As in Christ, it also speaks of the

redeemed humanity of His Body, the Church (Ps. 16:10; Isa. 11:1-3; Jer.

25:5-6; Luke 1:35; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:5). Speaks of Christ as the branch

or righteous branch in the Old Testament. God promised to raise up a

righteous branch to rule over His people (Isa. 4:2; 11:1; Jer. 23:5; Zech. 3:8;

6:12). He was "a root out of dry ground" and "hath no comeliness . . . no

beauty that we should desire Him" (Isa. 53:2). In the midst of desert

conditions of evil and corruption, He remained uncorrupted, incorruptible

and unstained in His nature and character (Ps. 16:10; Luke 1:35; 1 Peter

1:23; 1 John 3:5). Christ is also known as the tree of life. See wood.

shittim wood overlaid with gold See wood overlaid with gold.

silver Speaks of redemption, atonement, ransom money, and God the Son.

(Exod. 30:11-16; Zech. 11:12-13; and 1 Peter 1:18-20). Silver is the price

paid for the betrayal of Christ who was our ransom.

singers at the tables in Solomon's Temple (1 Chr. 9:27,32-33) The singers

had the joy of preparing the tables of shewbread. Song and singing was

always connected with the Tables of the Lord and is true in the New

Testament (Matt. 26:26 and Mark 14:26).


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sit Sitting down is indicative of finished work. "And every priest standeth

daily ministering and offering . . . but this man, after he had offered one

sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God," (Isa. 16:15;

John 19:30; Heb. 10:11-12) He is now seated as our High Priest after the

order of Melchizedek on the throne of pure gold - the Eternal Son of God.

six 1. Number of man, beast; satanic (Gen. 1:26-31). 2. Sixth creative day

(Gen. 4:6). 3. Six generations; Cain [six generations listed] (Num. 35: 15; 1

Sam. 17:4-7; 2 Sam 21:20)

six hundred sixty-six See six six six.

six six six [Connected with the number eleven.] Number of Antichrist,

Satan, damned; triplicate (1 Sam. 17; Dan. 3; 7; Rev. 13:18; 14:9-11).

smoke can be symbolic of puffing up with pride. It is figurative of a lamp

which has ceased to burn clearly, figurative of mere nominal religiousness

without the Spirit's power.

south See man.

spices for anointing oil Speaks of ministry of the Holy Spirit who anoints

us to minister. The spices speak of the graces, character, fruit, and different

operations of the Holy Spirit (Song of Solomon 4:16; Gal. 5:22-23; 1 John

2:20,27)

spices for sweet incense Incense speaks of prayer which ascends unto the

Lord (Ps. 141:2). Spices for sweet incense would include the various aspects

or types of prayer to include intercession, praise and worship unto God.Incense always moves from man to God (Luke 1:10; Rom. 8:26-27; Rev.

5:8)

stars are symbolic of angels (Numb. 24:17; Rev 1:16, 20; Rev 9:1; Rev.

12:4) Used of Christ Jesus as "the morning star," figurative of the approach

of the day when He will appear as the "sun of righteousness," to govern the

earth in peace, an event to be preceded by the rapture of the Church, Rev.

2:28; Rev. 22:16, the promise of the former to the overcomer being

suggestive of some special personal interest in Himself and His authority.

Used of the angels of the seven churches (Rev. 1:16, 20; Rev. 2:1; Rev. 3:1).

Jude refers to certain false teachers as "wandering stars," Jude 1:13, as if the

"stars," intended for light and guidance, became the means of deceit by

irregular movements.

staves of shittim wood overlaid with gold Blending of two natures - See

wood overlaid with gold. The staves were put through rings so a holy item

could be carried upon the shoulders of priests without actually touching the


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item carried (1 Chron. 15:15). In the Ark the staves were to remain which

symbolizes the earthly pilgrimage or unsettled Ark. It speaks that we are

strangers and pilgrims in a foreign land (Matt 8:20; John 15:19; 1 Peter 2:11;

John 3:1). In Solomon's temple, the Ark was finally set and the wilderness

wanderings were finally over (1 Kings 8:8). With Abraham we are looking

for "a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Heb.

11:9-13; 13:14; 1 Pet. 2:11). This world is not our home; we are just passing

through. Staves help to keep and present a balance.

stone A white stone speaks of a memorial or a seal (Rev. 2:17; NTC, Lamsa,

p. 555). Color of stones speaks of glory of God (Rev. 4:2-3. NTC, Lamsa, p.

561).

sun Indicates power and light. Christ's power and light was of himself (Rev.

1:16; NTC, Lamsa, p. 550).

sword A sharp two-edged sword speaks of an eloquent speaker dividingtruth (Rev. 1:16; NTC, Lamsa, p. 550).

Ttabernacle tent; dwelling place; sanctuary; holy place; place set apart; tent

of testimony or witness; house of god; tent of the congregation; a. Those that

dwell in tents are called pilgrims and tents are not permanent homes (Heb.

11:10); b. New Testament church/tabernacle applies to the individual to

congregations and the universal Body of Christ made up of living stones. In

Christ Jesus dwells or tabernacles the fullness of the Divine nature givingcomplete expression of God in flesh.

table of shewbread points to the Lord Christ Jesus in His ministrations in

the Church. Table was made of shittim wood, overlaid with gold. It was

placed in the Sanctuary directly opposite the Golden Candlestick in the Holy

Place. Upon this table were placed twelve loaves of bread which were for

the priests of the Tribe of Levi to partake. God has prepared a table in Christ

for His redeemed people, the priests of the eternal sanctuary. Christ Jesus is

the Bread of Life to His people (John 6:25-63). It points to the communion

of the New Testament Church, the Body of Christ (Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor.10:15-21; 11:23-34). The table had a double crown which speaks of Christ

Jesus as being a King-Priest after the order of Melchizedek. He is the

righteous branch sitting as King-Priest exercising ministry of Mediator

between God and man. (Exod. 25:23) See bake; border of an hand

breadth round about crown of gold round about; crown; crown of gold

round about; fine flour; fire; four corners; dishes thereof, and spoons


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thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withall:

frankincense; memorial; of pure gold shalt thou make them; rings of

gold - four; shewbread; shittim wood; staves of shittim wood overlaid

with gold; table in transit; twelve cakes; two-tenths deal.

table in transit In transit, the table was covered with (1) a cloth of bluesymbolic of Christ Jesus as the Lord from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:47); (2) the

dishes, spoons and bowls next had a covering of scarlet on them symbolic of

Christ Jesus as the blood sacrifice; and (3) an outer covering of badger's

skins symbolic of no natural beauty to the unregenerate man (Isa. 52:14-15;

53:1-3). After the table was properly covered, the staves were placed in the

rings for the journey. To the natural man, there is no beauty in the wilderness

walk; however the eye of faith sees Christ as the Bread of Life traveling with

His church. He is their self-sustaining Bread. (Num. 4:7-8)

ten 1. Number of law, order, government, restoration, new beginning; a."God said" (Gen 1); b. 10 toes (Exod. 34:28; Dan. 2); c. 10 horns (Dan. 7).

2. Number of trial, testing, responsibility, 2 x 5 = 10 (Exod. 12:3; Lev.

27:32; Num. 14:22; Matt. 25:1; Luke 15:8; 19:13-25; Rev. 2:10; 12:3). In all

baken meat-offerings, an "omer" was always made into ten cakes - the

symbolical number of completeness - except in that of the high-priest's daily

meat-offering, of which twelve cakes were baken, as representative of Israel.

(Edersheim, The Temple Its Ministry and Services, Pg 93)

thirteen 1. Number of rebellion, backsliding, apostasy (Gen. 10:10; 14:4;

17:25; 1 Kings 11:6; Esth. 9:1) [Nimrod 13th from Adam]. 2. Number of

double portion (Gen. 48). Compare Ephraim as 13th tribe with Judas and

Paul.

thirty Number of consecration, maturity for ministry (Gen. 41:46; Num. 4:3;

2 Sam. 5:4; Matt. 26:15; Luke 3:23)

three 1. Number of Godhead (Deut. 17:6; Matt. 28:19; 12:40; 1 John 5:6-7).

2. Number of divine completeness, perfect testimony; a. The tabernacle of

Moses consisted of Dan. 3:23-24); c. Three Feasts (Exod. 3:6; 12:7; Lev.

23); The priesthood consisted of High Priest, Aaronic Priesthood and

Levitical Priesthood; The Law consisted of Moral Law (Exod. 19-20; Deut.4-5; Heb. 12:18-20), Ceremonial Law (Exod. 25-40), and Civil Law

(included Book of the Law/Covenant) (Deut. 31:24-26). d. The third day

(Gen. 40:12,13; 42:17, 18; Ex. 5:3; 15:22; 19:11; Num. 10:33; 19:12; Josh.

1:14; 2:16; Esther 5:1; 2Ki 20:5; Jonah 1:17; Hosea 6:2) especially as they

point to the resurrection.

three hundred Number of faithful remnant (Gen. 5:22; 6:15; Judg. 8:4;


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15:4.

throne Indicates power and dominion (Rev. 4:2-3); NTC, Lamsa, p. 560).

See seats.

torch indicates a spirit of God. Seven torches of fire, are the seven spirits of

God (Rev. 4:5). The Greek lampas is generally rendered torch (John 18:3;Rev. 4:5; 8:10), unless the context suggests the translation "lamp" (Acts

20:8). The lamps of the wise and foolish virgins (Matt. 25:1-8) were perhaps

torches. See seven spirits. I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been

slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of

God sent out into all the earth;

twelve Number of divine government, apostolic fullness (Gen. 49:28; Exod

15:27; 28); a. The twelve stones (Exod. 24:4; 28:21; Matt. 19:28; Rev. 12:1;

21:12,21; 22:2) b. Twelve apostles. c. Twelve loaves of shewbread. d.

Twelve in "Holy City, Jerusalem" (Rev. 21-22).

twelve apostles See twelve; twelve cakes.

twelve cakes One loaf stood for each of the twelve tribes. All are spiritually

representative of members of His body. "We being many are one bread and

one body; for we are all partakers of the one bread." (1 Cor. 10:17) Twelve

indicates the symbolic Apostolic fullness and government. It was through

the twelve apostles that Jesus gave the miracle supply of Bread to the

multitudes (Mat. 14:15-21; 15:32-39; John 6). The Hebrew word implies

that the cakes were pierced - symbolic of Christ Jesus who was pierced(Zech. 12:10; John 19:34-37).

twenty-four Number of priestly courses, governmental perfection; 2 x 12 =

24 (Josh. 4:2-9,20; 1 Kings 19:19; 1 Chron. 24:3-5; 25); a. Twenty-four

wings; Elders (Rev. 4:4-10); b. Number prevalent in Holy City, Jerusalem

(Rev. 21,22).

two 1. Number of witness, testimony; 1 with 1 = 2 (Deut. 17:6; 19:15; Matt.

18:16; Luke 9:30-32; John 8:17,18; Rev. 11:2-4). 2. Number of division;

separation; 1 against 1 = 2 (Gen. 1: 7-8; 19; Exod. 8:23; 31:18; Matt. 7;

24:40-41). 2. Number of divine completeness, perfect testimony; triangle(Lev. 23; Ezek. 14:14-18; Dan. 3:23-24); three feasts (Exod 3:6; 12:7).

2 cubits long x 1 cubit wide x 1 cubits high See one; 1 cubits high;

two.

2 cubits long x 1 cubits high 1. 2 sides x 1 = 3, the number of the

Godhead. 2. 2 sides x 2 = 5, the number of atonement, the grace of God. 3.


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The circumference of the end = 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 6, the number of

man. 4. The circumference of the top = 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 8, the number

of resurrection. 5. There were two sides and a top and a bottom (4) which

were 2 cubits long = 4 x 2 = 10, the number of law, order, judgment. 6.

The circumference of the two ends = 8 x 1 = 12, the number of perfect

government, order of Israel. 7. In the numbers 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12 we can

understand the combined significance of the truth fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

Christ Jesus is God (#3), and the grace of God personified (#5). He became

man, the union in one person, the God-Man (#6). He alone perfectly kept

and fulfilled the Law, God's order and was judged for our sin, our breaking

of the Law (#10). In Him God's perfect and eternal order of Israel, perfect

Government, will be manifested. He chose 12 apostles (#12). See 1 cubits

high.

two-tenths deal Speaks of a double portion of life and health especially as it

applies to the Bread of Life, Christ Jesus. (Exod. 16:22,36; 20:31:18; Lev.

23:17; Matt. 22:34-40. As to the twelve cakes: 12 x 2/10 = 24/120; Both

numbers have particular significance in the coming of Christ Jesus and the

Last Days. See twelve cakes; twenty-four, one hundred twenty.

Uunharnessed colt. Symbol of the Gentile nations. See harnessed ass.

VVeil See Ark in Transit.

Wwater 1. The sound of many waters speaks of the spread of the gospel

(word) throughout the world watering dry fields (Rev. 1:15; NTC, Lamsa, p.

549). 2. Water is the symbol of separation of good from evil. 3. Water can

also represent peoples, particularly unredeemed such as at the end time: . . .

The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and

multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Rev. 17:15.

west See ox

white Light, purity, holiness, sanctification and judgment (Rev. 1:14; NTC,

Lamsa, p. 547, 555, 561). See horse; stone.

wood Speaks of humanity, human nature, flesh.

wood overlaid with gold Gold is symbolic of deity the divine nature and


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wood is symbolic of humanity or human nature. Gold is always gold and

wood is always wood. This is significant of the two natures in one person as

seen in the person of the Lord Jesus "God manifest in the flesh" (1 Tim.

3:15-16). The gold symbolizes His divine nature (Heb. 1) and the wood

symbolizes His human nature (Heb. 2). God and man are united in one

person, the new creature, the firstborn of every new creation, Immanuel

(God With Us). Speaks of the union of the two natures of Christ Jesus -the

God-Man. He is the Word (Gold) made Flesh (Wood) who dwelt among us .

(Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Matt. 1:21-23; John 1:1-3; 14-18; 1 Tim. 3:16; 2:5-6).

wood overlaid with gold within and without Speaks of the Godhead

Bodily (Col. 1:19; 2:9). Gold, wood (central), gold is symbolic of the Three

Persons of the Godhead -The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. The gold

without is symbolic of the Father who created the universe. The gold within

is typical of the Holy Spirit who dwells within. The central wood represents

the central figure of the Godhead, Christ Jesus, who was crucified on a cross

of wood "in the midst" (John 19:18). All of these together united in one Ark

speak of the fullness of the Godhead bodily in Christ Jesus.

wormwood. A nonpoisonous, bitter plant common to the Middle East.

Wormwood speaks of bitterness and sorrow-the opposite of justice and

righteousness (Jer. 23:15; Amos 5:7). Wormwood is one of the stars which

brings destruction at the end time (Rev. 8:10-11).

X

Yyoke. One of the most common figurative expressions of the time of Christ

was that of the yoke to indicate submission to an occupation or obligation.

Thus, we read not only of the 'yoke of the Law,' but of that to 'earthly

governments,' and ordinary 'civil obligations.' Very instructive for the

understanding of the figure is this paraphrase of Cant. 1:10: 'How beautiful

is their neck for bearing the yoke of Thy statues; and it shall be upon them

like the yoke on the neck of the OX that plougheth in the field, and

provideth food for himself and his master.' This yoke might be 'cast off,' asthe ten tribes had cast off that 'of God,' and thus brought on themselves their

exile. On the other hand, to 'take upon oneself the yoke' meant to submit to it

of free choice and deliberate resolution. Thus, in the allegorism of the

Midrash, in the inscription, Prov. 30:1, concerning 'Agur, the son of Jakeh',

which is viewed as a symbolical designation of Solomon, the word 'Massa,'

rendered in the Authorized Version 'prophecy,' is thus explained in reference


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to Solomon: 'Massa, because he lifted on himself (Nasa) the yoke of the

Holy One, blessed be He.' And of Isaiah it was said, that he had been

privileged to prophesy of so many blessings, 'because he had taken upon

himself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven with joy.' And, as previously

stated, it was set forth that in the'Shema,' or Creed, which was repeated

every day, the words, Deut. 6:4-9, were recited before those in 11:13-21, so

as first generally to 'take upon ourselves the yoke of the Kingdom of

Heaven, and only afterwards that of the commandments.' And this yoke all

Israel had taken upon itself, thereby gaining the merit ever afterwards

imputed to them. (LIFE & TIMES OF JESUSby Edersheim, Vol. 4, Ch. 5)

Z

what different things symbolize in the bible

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