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Lesson 182A
BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, SAVING FOR
THE CAUSE OF FORNICATION, CAUSETH HER TO COMMIT ADULTERY: AND WHOSOEVER
SHALL MARRY HER THAT IS DIVORCED COMMITTETH ADULTERY-Mt 5:32. AND I SAY
UNTO YOU, WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, EXCEPT IT BE FOR
FORNICATION, AND SHALL MARRY ANOTHER, COMMITTETH ADULTERY: AND WHOSO MARRIETH
HER WHICH IS PUT AWAY DOTH COMMIT ADULTERY-Mt 19:9. AND IF A WOMAN SHALL
PUT AWAY HER HUSBAND, AND BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER, SHE COMMITTETH
ADULTERY-Mk 10:12.
14:5. AND IN THEIR MOUTH WAS FOUND NO GUILE (or lie): FOR THEY ARE
WITHOUT FAULT (or defect, or blameless) BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD. H, T2.
THE MESSAGES OF THE ANGELS
14:5. In an age when cursing and blaspheming God is commonplace, it is
interesting to note in this verse,
AND IN THEIR MOUTH WAS FOUND NO GUILE (or lie):
FOR THEY ARE WITHOUT FAULT (or defect, or blameless)
BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD.
These 144,000 are probably alive, right now, in Israel. Many of them
may be orthodox Jews in the Holy Land today. Though they are zealous for
God, at this time, BLINDNESS IN PART IS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL-Ro 11:25.
(Summary of the 144,000)
144,000 on the earth
12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, excluding Dan
They are sealed in their forehead
They are the servants of God
The 144,000 are with the Lamb
They are pictured on Mount Zion
They have the Father's name written in their foreheads
They sung a new song
They were before the throne
No one could learn that song except the 144,000
They were not defiled with women
They were virgins (it appears they were not married)
They follow Jesus
They were ransomed or purchased from among men
They are the firstfruits unto God
There was no guile or lie found in their mouth
They are without fault or defect (or they are blameless) before the
throne of God
14:6. AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN (or in
midair), HAVING THE EVERLASTING (or eternal) GOSPEL TO PREACH (or proclaim)
UNTO THEM THAT DWELL (or live) ON THE EARTH, AND TO EVERY NATION, AND
KINDRED (or tribe), AND TONGUE (or language), AND PEOPLE. T.
14:6. AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN (or in
midair),
HAVING THE EVERLASTING (or eternal)
GOSPEL TO PREACH (or proclaim)
UNTO THEM THAT DWELL (or live)
ON THE EARTH, AND TO EVERY NATION, AND KINDRED (or tribe),
AND TONGUE (or language),
AND PEOPLE. Some of what will be proclaimed is in v.7.
This angel is pictured flying in midair. The message that comes forth
is the everlasting Gospel. This Gospel will be preached to every nation,
tribe, language, and people.
Whether this is 1) a literal angel preaching as he flies in the air, or
2) a symbolic angel, or 3) an angel overseeing the 144,000 or others
preaching this message, is not made clear. The third conclusion would
most likely be the correct one. God's anointed should be bringing forth
this message. The time period for this first angel appears to be the
first part of the Tribulation. It seems certain that this message will be
preached up to the midst of the Tribulation. It may continue to be
preached in the second part of the Tribulation by the two witnesses.
MANY NAMES OF THE GOSPEL
The word "gospel," which means "good news," is never mentioned in the
Old Testament. It is mentioned in the New Testament approximately 101
times. It is mentioned in the Revelation once. The first place the word
gospel is used is in Mt 4:23. It is called the Gospel of the kingdom.
There are many gospels mentioned.
There is the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM-ref Mt 4:23; 9:35; 24:14; Mk 1:14.
This is the Christ-centered Gospel (or message of the millennial
kingdom) in which Jesus Christ shall set up His kingdom and reign. This was
preached when Jesus came the first time. The message was rejected. Jesus
was crucified. However, this message will again be preached during the
Tribulation to all nations, AND THEN SHALL THE END COME-Mt 24:14. It
can be expected that this Gospel will be preached both by the 144,000
Jews and the two witnesses.
THE EVERLASTING (or eternal) GOSPEL-Rev 14:6. This is the
Christ-centered Gospel (or message) that is also proclaimed during the Tribulation.
It is written, Rev 14:6,7-AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLY IN THE MIDST OF
HEAVEN, HAVING THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL TO PREACH UNTO THEM THAT DWELL ON
THE EARTH, AND TO EVERY NATION, AND KINDRED, AND TONGUE, AND PEOPLE,
SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, FEAR GOD, AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM; FOR THE HOUR
OF HIS JUDGMENT IS COME: AND WORSHIP HIM THAT MADE HEAVEN, AND EARTH,
AND THE SEA, AND THE FOUNTAINS OF WATERS.
THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION-Gal 2:7,8. This is the Christ-centered
Gospel sent to the circumcised (or Jews). It is written, BUT
CONTRARIWISE, WHEN THEY SAW THAT THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION WAS COMMITTED
UNTO ME, AS THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION WAS UNTO PETER; (FOR HE THAT
WROUGHT EFFECTUALLY IN PETER TO THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE CIRCUMCISION, THE
SAME WAS MIGHTY IN ME TOWARD THE GENTILES:).
THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION-Gal 2:7. This is the Christ-centered
Gospel sent to the uncircumcised (or Gentiles).
THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD-Acts 20:24. Many of the other Gospels
can be cataloged under this heading. It is the Christ-centered glorious
Gospel of salvation and peace.
THE GOSPEL OF GOD-Ro 1:1; 15:16; 2 Cor 11:7; 1 Thes 2:2,8,9; 1 Pe 4:17.
THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF THE BLESSED GOD-1 Tim 1:11.
THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF CHRIST-2 Cor 4:4.
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST-Ro 1:16; 15:19,29; 1 Cor 9:12,18; 2 Cor 9:13;
10:14; Gal 1:7; Phili 1:27; 1 Thes 3:2.
THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST-2 Thes 1:8.
THE GOSPEL OF HIS SON-Ro 1:9.
CHRIST’S GOSPEL-2 Cor 2:12.
THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION-Eph 1:13.
THE GOSPEL OF PEACE-Ro 10:15; Eph 6:15.
MY GOSPEL-Ro 2:16; 16:25.
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST-Mk 1:1.
All of the above are different names for the same Christ-centered
message.
Then there is the OTHER GOSPEL-Gal 1:8,9, which signifies distortions
or perversions of the true Gospel.
And ANOTHER GOSPEL-2 Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6, which signifies distortions or
perversions of the true Gospel.
14:7. SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, FEAR GOD, AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM; FOR
THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT (or when He will pass judgment-JNT165) IS COME:
AND WORSHIP HIM THAT MADE HEAVEN (or the heavens), AND EARTH, AND THE
SEA, AND THE FOUNTAINS (or springs) OF WATERS. Ref Ps 89:7; Lk 12:5; Rev
15:4. T.
THE SECOND ANGEL
14:7. The angel is
SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE. Note the emphasis on a loud voice. This
message needs to be shouted and proclaimed loudly. In doing so, perhaps some
that have been deaf, that is, their ears have been closed, will begin
to hear.
(1) FEAR GOD. (Spiritual warfare). Fearing God is a message that is
seldom heard in the Laodicean lukewarm generation. Preaching on the fear
of God has all but ceased. Occasionally, reverencing God is heard in
place of the fear of God. Perhaps, these two verses convey the fear of
God. It is written, GOD IS GREATLY TO BE FEARED IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE
SAINTS, AND TO BE HAD IN REVERENCE OF ALL THEM THAT ARE ABOUT HIM-Ps 89:7.
It is also written, BUT I WILL FOREWARN YOU WHOM YE SHALL FEAR: FEAR
HIM, WHICH AFTER HE HATH KILLED HATH POWER TO CAST INTO HELL; YEA, I SAY
UNTO YOU, FEAR HIM-Lk 12:5. The word "fear" means exactly what it says.
In a few verses, the words denoting "fear God" can be translated as
"reverence." However, in most cases, it means to "be afraid." In some, it
means to "tremble." Many people, in this lukewarm church age, want to
make God appear less than He really is; they want to elevate themselves.
In other cases, people are deceived by traditions that they hav!
e been taught or want to believe. (Note Rev 15:4.)
(2) AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM; FOR THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT (or when He
will pass judgment-JNT165)
IS COME. The Tribulation is a time of God's judgments and wrath. The
world is also being admonished to glorify and worship the God of heaven.
God's judgment is at hand. Note, "glorify Him" and "judgment" are
connected.
(3) AND WORSHIP HIM THAT MADE HEAVEN (or the heavens),
AND EARTH, AND THE SEA, AND THE FOUNTAINS (or springs)
OF WATERS. In the Laodicean church age, the teaching that God is the
Creator has been replaced by Satan’s lie of evolution. These four items
that are referred to as being made—heaven, earth, the sea, and the
fountains—are also mentioned many times in the Revelation during the
Tribulation. Three of these are affected by the first four trumpet judgments
and other judgments as well. The angel is confirming that God made these
things. The devil did not make them.
This message may be a warning not to glorify and worship the Antichrist
and Satan for these things. Many people are not thankful for these
things, God has given them. Perhaps this is one reason that judgments come
upon three of them. The truth of God's creation is once again
proclaimed—God made all things.
14:8. AND THERE FOLLOWED ANOTHER ANGEL, SAYING, BABYLON (the Great) IS
FALLEN, IS FALLEN, THAT GREAT CITY, BECAUSE SHE MADE ALL NATIONS DRINK
OF THE (maddening) WINE OF THE WRATH (or passion) OF HER FORNICATION
(or adulteries, or immorality) (or God's fury caused by her
whoring-JNT166). Ref Rev 17:16,18; 18:2,5,7,8,10,16,18,19,21; Isa 21:9; Jere 51:8.
T2.
THE THIRD ANGEL
14:8. AND THERE FOLLOWED ANOTHER ANGEL. This is the second angel that
comes forth. The angel is
SAYING, BABYLON (the Great)
IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN, THAT GREAT CITY. (Please note the commentary in
part 3C, "The Great Whore and City" and "The Babylonian Cult.")
In Rev 18:2, we see these words, BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN, IS
FALLEN. Then Rev 17:18 identifies the woman as THAT GREAT CITY. That GREAT
CITY is repeated in Rev 18:10,16,18,19, and 21. The great city is Rome.
The whore within the city is the religion that is intermixed with Rome,
which the people of the world have embraced—the Roman Catholic Church.
The city and whore shall be destroyed; as it is written, THE TEN
HORNS...SHALL HATE THE WHORE, AND SHALL…BURN HER WITH FIRE-Rev 17:16. BABYLON
THE GREAT IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN-Rev 18:2. HER SINS HAVE REACHED UNTO
HEAVEN-Rev 18:5. HOW MUCH SHE HATH GLORIFIED HERSELF-Rev 18:7.
THEREFORE...SHE SHALL BE UTTERLY BURNED WITH FIRE-Rev 18:8. FOR IN ONE HOUR IS THY
JUDGMENT COME-Rev 18:10.
The Babylon that is fallen is the whore of Rome. The second Babylon
that is fallen is that great city of Rome, but could also denote the old
Babylon. Some, who may not understand the Babylonian cult becoming part
of the Roman Catholic Church, have mistakenly thought the Babylon
mentioned here would be a rebuilt Babylon in Iraq. Careful study of
Revelation chapters 17-19, however, should show plainly that the old Babylon
does not fit this description. Any attempt to rebuild the Babylon of old
does not nullify that this is Rome. One might wonder, if the city of
Rome will be renamed Babylon during the Tribulation.
The verse continues,
BECAUSE SHE MADE ALL NATIONS DRINK OF THE (maddening)
WINE OF THE WRATH OF HER FORNICATION (or adulteries) (or God's fury
caused by her whoring-JNT166). This, again, is referring to Rome and the
Roman Catholic Church. The maddening wine represents the intoxicating,
addictive power of her sin—her fornication, her adultery, and her vast
system of spiritual corruption, which has a powerful hold upon the
earth. The city and whore are depicted as a woman that commits adultery
against her husband, or as one that has committed spiritual fornication or
adultery against God. The city and whore of Rome have committed
adultery against Almighty God. They have committed spiritual defection. God's
wrath shall be poured out upon her. She is destroyed.
Exactly when this happens, during the Tribulation, is difficult to
pinpoint. It appears to be sometime during the second part of the
Tribulation. It may be when the Antichrist moves into the temple. Some others
believe it could be at the end of the Tribulation. Both positions seem to
be possible. Verse 8, however, deals mainly with the city of the whore.
14:9. AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, IF
ANY MAN WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVE HIS MARK IN (or on)
HIS FOREHEAD, OR IN (or on) HIS HAND. TM, T2.
14:9. AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE.
Angel number three follows number one and two. Once again, we see the
words, "with a loud voice." The message here is, the words that the angel
has to say are to be proclaimed loudly so that all can hear. The clear
message is,
IF ANY MAN WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVE HIS MARK IN (or
on)
HIS FOREHEAD, OR IN (or on)
HIS HAND,
14:10. THE SAME SHALL DRINK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH (or fury) OF GOD,
WHICH IS POURED OUT WITHOUT MIXTURE (or undiluted, or full strength)
INTO THE CUP OF HIS INDIGNATION (or rage, or wrath); AND HE SHALL BE
TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE (or sulfur) IN THE PRESENCE OF (or
before) THE HOLY ANGELS, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF (or before) THE LAMB. TM, T2,
FE.
14:10. THE SAME SHALL DRINK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH (or fury)
OF GOD, WHICH IS POURED OUT WITHOUT MIXTURE (or undiluted, or full
strength)
INTO THE CUP OF HIS INDIGNATION (or rage, or wrath).
Those that choose to ignore His warning, God is clearly and loudly
telling them that His wrath or fury shall be poured undiluted into the cup
of His rage or wrath. Then these people will have to drink of this cup.
They
SHALL BE TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE (or sulfur). Regarding the
degree or severity of punishment for eternity, they shall receive the
harshest penalty imposed. These should receive the same punishment as the
Antichrist, false prophet, and Satan himself.
The verse continues,
IN THE PRESENCE OF (or before)
THE HOLY ANGELS, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF (or before)
THE LAMB.
Consider, the loud voice seems to indicate that every person will know
this message before he worships the beast and his image and receives
the mark. Remember, the false prophet will deceive the world by his
miracles. Nevertheless, the two prophets of God will prove they are the true
ones of God, as no one, including the false prophet and the Antichrist,
will be able to stop them until their ministry is finished. This should
be only after all have heard the message and have chosen whether to
worship the beast and the image or not. Then the two prophets should be
killed. Thus, the people of the earth should know, beyond any doubt, that
they were sent by God in heaven. After 3 ˝ days, they will come back to
life and ascend into heaven.
It may be compared to Moses and Aaron in Egypt. AARON CAST DOWN HIS ROD
BEFORE PHARAOH...IT BECAME A SERPENT...THE MAGICIANS OF EGYPT, THEY
ALSO DID IN LIKE MANNER-Ex 7:10,11. From this the people might wonder who
was really of God. But then, AARON'S ROD SWALLOWED UP THEIR RODS-Ex
7:12. This left no doubt that Moses and Aaron were of God and the
magicians were not. Still, they did not believe.
Thus, verses 9 and 10 contain a very stern warning. Yet despite God's
distinct warning, most of the earth chooses not to believe what He said.
Most ignore it. Nevertheless, God's Word does come to pass, just as it
is written. During the Tribulation, receiving the mark and worshiping
the beast and his image is an unpardonable sin.
14:11. AND THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT ASCENDETH (or goes, or rises) UP
FOR EVER AND EVER: AND THEY HAVE NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT, (those) WHO
WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND WHOSOEVER RECEIVETH THE MARK OF HIS
NAME. FE.
14:11. AND THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT ASCENDETH (or goes, or rises)
UP FOR EVER AND EVER: AND THEY HAVE NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT. These
followers of Satan that were clearly shown the truth, yet chose to disregard
it, shall be tormented for time without end. There shall never be a day
or a night, for ever and ever, that they shall not be tormented. They
will never have any rest. They will never have a moment of relief. Out
of the lake of fire, smoke will come forth from their torment, and it
shall also rise up for ever and ever. These are those WHO WORSHIP THE
BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND WHOSOEVER RECEIVETH THE MARK OF HIS NAME.
14:12. HERE IS THE PATIENCE (or when perseverance is needed) OF THE
SAINTS (or God's people): HERE ARE THEY THAT KEEP (or obey) THE
COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND THE FAITH OF JESUS (or remain faithful to Jesus). Ref
Rev 12:17. TM, T2.
14:12. HERE IS THE PATIENCE (or when perseverance is needed)
OF THE SAINTS (or God's people). The saints can rest assured that the
disobedient shall receive the just reward for their actions.
HERE ARE THEY THAT KEEP (or obey)
THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND THE FAITH OF JESUS (or remain faithful to
Jesus). The true saints do keep God's commandments, which testifies of
their love for God-ref Jn 14:15. The true Christians do remain faithful
to Jesus, even when confronted with death. Note the words, in Rev
12:17-WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS
CHRIST.
14:13. AND I HEARD A VOICE FROM HEAVEN SAYING UNTO ME, WRITE, BLESSED
ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN (or united with) THE LORD FROM HENCEFORTH (or
from now on): YEA, SAITH THE SPIRIT, THAT (now) THEY MAY REST FROM
THEIR LABOURS (or efforts); AND THEIR WORKS (or deeds) DO FOLLOW THEM. Ref
Phili 1:23. TM, T2.
ANOTHER ANGEL
CAME THE HARVEST
OF THE EARTH
14:13. AND I HEARD A VOICE FROM HEAVEN SAYING UNTO ME, WRITE. The word
"write" is used, rather than speak or preach. During the Great
Tribulation, there shall be a famine of hearing God's Word. True Christians may
be running for their lives. It is written,
BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN (or united with)
THE LORD FROM HENCEFORTH (or from now on). The Great Tribulation (the
second part of the Tribulation) is the worst time on the earth, since
man has existed. Those that die "in the Lord" are blessed. They shall
have rest; as it is written,
YEA, SAITH THE SPIRIT, THAT (now)
THEY MAY REST FROM THEIR LABOURS (or efforts);
AND THEIR WORKS (or deeds)
DO FOLLOW THEM. They shall also be rewarded for the things of the Lord
that they have accomplished.
The disobedient will have torment and no rest. The followers of Jesus
will have rewards and rest.
As Paul said, TO BE WITH CHRIST; WHICH IS FAR BETTER-Phili 1:23.
14:14. AND I LOOKED, AND BEHOLD (before me) A WHITE CLOUD, AND
(sitting) UPON THE CLOUD ONE SAT LIKE UNTO THE SON OF MAN, HAVING ON HIS HEAD A
GOLDEN CROWN, AND IN HIS HAND A SHARP SICKLE. A.
14:14. AND I LOOKED, AND BEHOLD (before me)
A WHITE CLOUD, AND (sitting)
UPON THE CLOUD ONE SAT LIKE UNTO THE SON OF MAN (which is Jesus),
HAVING ON HIS HEAD A GOLDEN CROWN, AND IN HIS HAND A SHARP SICKLE. This
appears to be Jesus returning at Armageddon. In Matthew's Gospel alone,
the "Son of Man" is mentioned approximately 31 times. The Son of Man is
Jesus. He is coming as King, having on His head a golden crown. He is
sitting on a cloud, ready to reap. The sharp sickle represents judgment.
To cut the harvest down, a sharp instrument is needed.
14:15. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE, CRYING WITH A LOUD
VOICE TO HIM THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD, THRUST IN THY SICKLE (or start using
your sickle), AND REAP: FOR THE TIME IS COME FOR THEE TO REAP; FOR THE
HARVEST OF THE EARTH IS RIPE. Ref Gen
15:16. A.
14:15. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE, CRYING WITH A LOUD
VOICE TO HIM THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD, THRUST IN THY SICKLE (or start using
your sickle),
AND REAP: FOR THE TIME IS COME FOR THEE TO REAP; FOR THE HARVEST OF THE
EARTH IS RIPE. This is the fourth angel mentioned in chapter 14. The
angel came from the temple with instructions. They appear to come from
God the Father to Jesus. Those instructions seem to be most urgent, as he
cries with a loud voice. The message seems to be saying that the time
is at hand, do not delay. The reason there is to be no delay is that the
harvest of the earth is ripe. The sin of the people has come to the
full—they are completely wicked. The earth has turned to the Antichrist as
its savior. They have worshiped the Antichrist and Satan. Their
thinking has become totally corrupt. The people of the earth have committed an
unforgivable sin, by taking the mark and worshiping the beast and his
image. The patience of Jesus has ended. Note, the word from which "ripe"
is translated appears to mean "over ripe."
14:16. AND HE THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD THRUST IN HIS SICKLE ON THE EARTH
(or swung his sickle over the earth-JNT167); AND THE EARTH WAS REAPED
(or harvested). A, JHA.
ANOTHER ANGEL CAME THE GATHERING OF THE GRAPES THE WINEPRESS
1879-5A-6
14:16. AND HE THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD (Jesus)
THRUST IN HIS SICKLE ON THE EARTH (or swung his sickle over the
earth-JNT167);
AND THE EARTH WAS REAPED (or harvested). The sickle is swung, and the
earth is harvested. From one end of the earth to the other, the people
are cut down, even as a field that is ripe for harvest.
Verses 14-16 seem to pertain to the earth. The subject now appears to
change to the people of the earth that have gathered in Israel. There,
the armies of the world are gathered to make war against Jesus. It is
written, AND HE GATHERED THEM TOGETHER INTO A PLACE CALLED IN THE HEBREW
TONGUE ARMAGEDDON-Rev 16:16.
14:17. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE WHICH IS IN HEAVEN, HE
ALSO HAVING A SHARP SICKLE. A, JHA.
14:17. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE WHICH IS IN HEAVEN, HE
ALSO HAVING A SHARP SICKLE. This is the fifth angel mentioned in
chapter 14. This angel also comes forth from the temple; however, he comes
with a sharp sickle rather than instructions.
14:18. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT FROM THE ALTAR, WHICH HAD POWER (or
was in charge) OVER FIRE; AND (he) CRIED (or called) WITH A LOUD CRY (or
voice) TO HIM THAT HAD THE SHARP SICKLE, SAYING, THRUST IN (or use) THY
SHARP SICKLE, AND GATHER THE CLUSTERS OF THE VINE (or grapes) OF THE
EARTH; FOR HER GRAPES ARE FULLY RIPE. A, JHA.
14:18. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT FROM THE ALTAR, WHICH HAD POWER (or
was in charge)
OVER FIRE; AND (he)
CRIED (or called)
WITH A LOUD CRY (or voice)
TO HIM THAT HAD THE SHARP SICKLE, SAYING, THRUST IN (or use)
THY SHARP SICKLE, AND GATHER THE CLUSTERS OF THE VINE (or grapes)
OF THE EARTH; FOR HER GRAPES ARE FULLY RIPE. This is the sixth angel
mentioned in chapter 14. Here the root word from which "ripe" is
translated appears to mean "the precise time for complete ripeness, or fully
ripe." It is slightly different than the word in v.15. This angel comes
forth from the altar. He has power over fire. He also has brought
instructions. These instructions convey a sense of urgency, as he cries with
a loud cry. He also seems to be saying not to delay. The time is at
hand. Then he gives the reason: because the grapes on the vine are fully
ripe. Their sin has come to the full. They are ready to be cut, thrown
into the winepress, and trampled on. The angel from the altar tells this
to the angel that came from the temple.
The people, gathered in Israel for Armageddon, are depicted as grapes
on a vine: they are fully ripe and ready to be cut down and squashed.
The patience of Jesus has ended.
14:19. AND THE ANGEL THRUST (or swung) IN HIS SICKLE (down) INTO (or
onto) THE EARTH, AND GATHERED THE VINE (or grapes) OF THE EARTH, AND CAST
(or threw) IT INTO THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF THE WRATH (or fury) OF GOD.
A, JHA.
14:19. AND THE ANGEL THRUST (or swung)
IN HIS SICKLE (down)
INTO (or onto)
THE EARTH, AND GATHERED THE VINE (or grapes)
OF THE EARTH, AND CAST (or threw)
IT INTO THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF THE WRATH (or fury)
OF GOD. First, the grapes are cut off the vine. Then, they are cast
into the great winepress.
14:20. AND THE WINEPRESS WAS TRODDEN (or trampled) WITHOUT (or outside)
THE CITY, AND BLOOD CAME (or flowed) OUT OF THE WINEPRESS, (rising)
EVEN UNTO (or as high as) THE HORSE BRIDLES, BY THE SPACE OF A THOUSAND
AND SIX HUNDRED FUR-LONGS (or two hundred miles). Ref Joel 3:2,13,14; Isa
63:3-6; Zech 12:11. A, JHA.
14:20. AND THE WINEPRESS WAS TRODDEN (or trampled)
WITHOUT (or outside)
THE CITY (which is Jerusalem),
AND BLOOD CAME (or flowed)
OUT OF THE WINEPRESS, (rising)
EVEN UNTO (or as high as)
THE HORSE BRIDLES (estimated to be 4 to 5 1/2 feet),
BY THE SPACE OF A THOUSAND AND SIX HUNDRED FURLONGS (or two hundred
miles). The actual distance appears to be from 180 to 200 miles.
The winepress varies slightly in different countries. Generally, a
winepress is a large, circular or rectangular structure. The walls may be
about three feet high or built into the ground. Fully ripe grapes are
cut from the vine with a sharp instrument, gathered, and emptied into an
enclosure. Barefooted people then enter and begin to stamp the grapes,
crushing them completely so that all the juice comes out. In some
places this may now be done by machines.
The juice is gathered, and the remains of the crushed grapes are
discarded.
Multitudes of people are gathered together in Israel for the Battle of
Armageddon to fight against Jesus. They are described as fully ripe
grapes that are gathered and thrown into a winepress. Then this multitude
(perhaps, hundreds of millions of people) are squashed as grapes. The
winepress is a place called Armageddon. They are trampled so completely
that their blood will flow approximately 180 miles, rising to about
four to six feet deep. It has been suggested that this distance could
stretch from Bozrah (Edom) through the Valley of Jehoshaphat, reaching to
Megiddo. The sin and rebellion of man against God brought the flood. The
continued sin and rebellion of man against God brings the Battle of
Armageddon.
The question might be asked, "Who says that people should not fear
God?" It is the church of the Laodiceans; neither do they seem to
comprehend God’s fury and His abhorrence of sin. (Spiritual Warfare).
It is written, I WILL ALSO GATHER ALL NATIONS, AND WILL BRING THEM DOWN
INTO THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT, AND WILL PLEAD WITH THEM THERE FOR MY
PEOPLE AND FOR MY HERITAGE ISRAEL, WHOM THEY HAVE SCATTERED AMONG THE
NATIONS, AND PARTED MY LAND. PUT YE IN THE SICKLE, FOR THE HARVEST IS
RIPE: COME, GET YOU DOWN; FOR THE PRESS IS FULL, THE VATS OVERFLOW; FOR
THEIR WICKEDNESS IS GREAT. MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES IN THE VALLEY OF
DECISION: FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION-Joel
3:2,13,14.
I HAVE TRODDEN THE WINEPRESS ALONE; AND OF THE PEOPLE THERE WAS NONE
WITH ME: FOR I WILL TREAD THEM IN MINE ANGER, AND TRAMPLE THEM IN MY
FURY; AND THEIR BLOOD SHALL BE SPRINKLED UPON MY GARMENTS, AND I WILL STAIN
ALL MY RAIMENT. FOR THE DAY OF VENGEANCE IS IN MINE HEART, AND THE YEAR
OF MY REDEEMED IS COME. MY FURY, IT UPHELD ME. AND I WILL TREAD DOWN
THE PEOPLE IN MINE ANGER, AND MAKE THEM DRUNK IN MY FURY, AND I WILL
BRING DOWN THEIR STRENGTH TO THE EARTH-Isa 63:3-6.
IN THAT DAY SHALL THERE BE A GREAT MOURNING IN JERUSALEM, AS THE
MOURNING OF HADADRIMMON IN THE VALLEY OF MEGIDDON-Zech 12:11.
THE ANGELS
Rev chapter 14 describes:
In verses 14 and 16, one like Jesus sitting on a cloud.
In both verses 15 and 17, an angel came out of the temple.
In verse 18, an angel came from the altar.
In verse 14, one like Jesus.
In verses 15,17,18, an angel.
In verse 15, the angel from the temple gives instructions.
In verse 17, the angel from the temple gives no instructions.
In verse 18, the angel from the altar gives instructions.
In verse 14, the one like Jesus had a sickle. In verse 16, he
reaped the earth.
In verse 17, the angel had a sickle. In verse 19,
he gathered the grapes.
There are a total of four beings: one like Jesus and the other three
angels.
Two of them work.
Two give instructions. One angel gave instructions to the one like
Jesus. The other angel gave instructions to another angel.
Three come out of a specific place.
Where one comes from is not stated.
Two actions are involved: 1) the earth reaped; 2) the grapes gathered.
A third action is: the winepress was trampled.
============================================================
RESPONSE SHEET 182
Send answers to annsmilymohan@yahoo.com or
gracebiblecollege@gracecollegeindia.com
Q1. Explain the 'beast' of 13:1
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/g/gracebblcollege
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/m/MARANATHAGOSPEL
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