The American Wisdom Series
Presents
The Four Horseman

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#8 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The Four Chariots"

Zech. 6:1
And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.

Look! Behold! This is some vision, isn't it? Of course you know there are no "brass" mountains on earth, right? This is our first clue to the fact that we are "seeing" something spiritual, supernatural in scope. Also, one should know that "chariots" are used symbolically to denote WARFARE and the number "Four" is the number pertaining to "the earth" (see appendix 10 in the Companion Bible).

Now notice what is pulling these chariots of war! Horses! Colored Horses!

[3] And before the third chariot white horses; and before the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.

Horses are symbolic of POWER and we see these same colored horses in the first four seals of Revelation chapter 6 concerning the "powers" we call the "Four Hidden Dynasties" (all lead by Satan, although God is allowing him to lead spiritually for now and in person when the 6th. trump sounds).

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Here at the American Wisdom Series our goal is to make you think about and question the wisdom of the current:

Let's go for it. Here are Zechariah eight visions, in the first 6 chapters of his book:
        1. The Rider on the Red Horse.
        2. & The Four Horns
        3. The Measuring Line
        4. The Branch
        5. The Golden Lampstand
        6. The Flying Scroll
        7. & The Ephah
        8. The Four Chariots

We live in the most exciting "Bible Times" in the history of mankind, bar none!

We live in the "time of the end" that the prophet Daniel wrote of and spoke of and desired to "see",
a time when "many would run to and fro" and "knowledge would be increased"
and the "seals" of the great book, God's Word, would be opened
and "unveiled" by the Lamb of God (Rev. 6:1) to "the wise",
who are simply those who sincerely study His Word and hear His voice.

Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Daniel was told the words of his prophecy were to be closed up and sealed until the time of the end.

Daniel 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Then the wise in "the time of the end", aka "the last days",
would understand what was written concerning the events of the final generation.

We are living in that time now!

So therefore, we can now read and understand.

[10] Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Consider now the times!
Think about the incredible technological age of increased knowledge
and information and global communications in which we live!

Here are the words of Joel as quoted by the apostle Peter
on that first Pentecost Day following the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

All the events that shall happen in and unto this final generation were prophesied long, long ago,
even as Jesus said in Mark 13:23 "...behold, I have foretold you all things".

The eight visions the Lord gave to Zechariah  in 410 BC, concerning these end times, can now be understood.

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Zechariah's End Time Studies

chapter 1

Zechariah's first vision ("The rider on the red horse") starts on Zech. 1:7.

We live in the most exciting "Bible Times" in the history of mankind, bar none! We live in the "time of the end" that the prophet Daniel wrote of and spoke of and desired to "see", a time when "many would run to and fro" and "knowledge would be increased" and the "seals" of the great book, God's Word, would be opened and "unveiled" by the Lamb of God (Rev. 6:1) to "the wise", who are
simply those who sincerely study His Word and hear His voice.

Daniel 12:4
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Again, the words of the prophet were to be closed up and sealed until the time of the end.

Daniel 12:9
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Then the wise in "the time of the end", aka "the last days", would understand what was written concerning the events of the final generation.

[10] Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Consider now the times! Think about the incredible technological age of increased knowledge and information and global communications in which we live! Even the "scoffers" (2 Pet. 3:3) MUST admit there has NEVER been a time like this in the history of mankind! Never! And you see, it is this generation that the majority of the prophecy in God's Word was written for and to, the time when half the souls to ever "walk under the sun" are presently alive in the flesh and will soon face the glistening one Satan who as the great dragon drew one third of God's children (Rev. 12:4) away from the mercy seat of His truth and justice in "the world that then was" (2 Pet. 3:6). That "rebellion" to His ways caused our Father to pour out His wrath upon that world, that first earth age, and "by His fierce anger" it did PERISH! That's right, the Word of God declares that this beautiful earth "became" utterly void and desolate, without form, and water covered the now dark surface of the whole planet (Gen. 1:2)! You can read all about that destruction in the 4th chapter of Jeremiah, verses 19-27, and you can see the physical evidence of that destruction in the layers of the earth's crust and in the fossil records contained therein.

To wit, the "time of the end" spoken of by Daniel has arrived, the time Joel the prophet called "the last days", the time when the "wise" sons and daughters, God's servants and handmaidens would come to "see and understand" the visions and the dreams of the prophets and begin to teach (prophesy) to their brothers and sisters, i.e. they would teach the now "unsealed" visions of the prophets to their brothers and sisters. 

Here are the words of Joel as quoted by the apostle Peter on that first Pentecost Day following the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Acts 2:17
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

All the events that shall happen in and unto this final generation were prophesied long, long ago, even as Jesus said in Mark 13:23 "...behold, I have foretold you all things". In fact, our heavenly Father made a covenant of immutable promises to our Father Abraham and confirmed that covenant with Isaac and Jacob whose name He changed to Israel. God promised Abraham that his children would become as numerous as the stars of the heaven and the sand of the sea and in his seed "shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" because he had obeyed His voice (Genesis 22:18).

That brings us to this great Book of Zechariah, written by the prophet whose name means "Yahveh has Remembered" or "Remembered of Yah"! You see, unlike man, our Father NEVER forgets His promises, nor His covenants, nor His beloved children whom He promised to save and redeem. He also promised to send them His "messenger" before BOTH of His advents, the fulfillment of the first of which is now documented History. To that end, and as part of the introductory to the Book of Zechariah, let us read the "prophecy" of the Zechariah who brought forth the "messenger" to prepare the way of the first advent! I speak of Zacharias (Greek for Zechariah), the father of John the Baptist who came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way of the Lord.

Luke 1:67
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

If you are familiar with this account in Luke, you will recall that Zacharias could not speak until it was time for God to loosen His tongue*!
 

This is what he then said to Zacharias :
[68] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people,

[69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

[70] As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

[71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

[72] To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant;

This verse pretty much sums up the name "Zechariah" and even what the Book of Zechariah is all about. You see, the second advent is about to take place and God has prepared His messengers to bring forth His Word to prepare the way before the second advent, that great Day of the Lord's return!

[73] The oath which He sware to our father Abraham,

Do you not think that oath, that covenant "He sware to our father Abraham", still stands? Yes it does! Our people may have forgotten God, but thankfully He has not forgotten them!

[74] That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear,

[75] In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.

[76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

[77] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

[78] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

[79] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

We shall learn in the fourth chapter of the Book of Zechariah how our Father brings forth that "light" of saving knowledge and truth through His two candlesticks in the dark hour of this final generation. Yes, though we walk through the valley of (spiritually) dry bones (Ezek. 37), through the valley of "the shadow of death", we "serve Him without fear", i.e. "we shall fear no evil" (Ps. 23), for He is with us and we know He remembers His people and His promises to them and to us! We also know the truth that Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is that "way of peace".

[80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

And so it is in this final generation as well that His children, His messengers to this generation, grow strong in His Word day by day for they eat that "daily bread" which gives them strength (Ezk. 3:1). (Note: A desert is a wilderness).

To complete our introductory, let us review some historical facts. Zechariah began his prophecy in 410 BC shortly after his contemporary, the prophet Haggai, inspired Zerubbabel and Joshua and the remnant of the people to resume work on rebuilding and finishing the temple. They were instructed to build the House of God upon the foundation that was already laid, which foundation is our Rock. You could even say that they were rebuilding the house of Israel for is it not written in Rev. 7 that 12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel would be sealed with the knowledge of His Word before the consummation of the final events in this generation take place? Nevertheless, Haggai's prophecy covered a period of only four months while Zechariah's prophecy covered a full "7 year period" from the second year of Darius the king until the eighth year of his reign, which was from 410-403 BC. (See notes in the Companion Bible, pg. 1280.) By the way, "Darius" means "the restrainer" or according to Professor Sayce "the Maintainer".

Therefore, in as much as the Book of Zechariah really closes* the Old Testament, and in as much as it covers a 7 year period analogous to the 7 year period of Daniel's 70th week, and in as much as the subject concerns the building of the temple, the many membered body of Christ in these last days, let there be no doubt as to the time and the timeliness of this great work! Those who have eyes to see and ears to hear need to pay very close attention to what our Father would have us know at this time! You see, the Book of Zechariah was written expressly for the edification and instruction of the "spirit of Elijah" ministry in these last days, i.e. to His messengers who would bring forth His Word as His witnesses to prepare the way before the second advent, before that great Day of the Lord!

*Note: See appendix 77 in the Companion Bible.

Let us begin this marvelous work of Zechariah.

Zech. 1:1
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

"Berechiah" means "Blessed of Yah" while "Iddo" means "timely"! How fitting for those who have just been instructed by Haggai to consider their ways and consider the time!

[2] The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.

Knowing the tremendous love our Father has for His children, this is surely an understatement of fact.

[3] Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Three times we are REMINDED that it is "the LORD of hosts" speaking which is "Yahveh Zeboath" in Hebrew, an emphatic title declaring that God is LORD of ALL the hosts of BOTH heaven and earth! This title occurs fifty-three times in Zechariah and is characteristic of this wondrous book. Also, the number three in Biblical numerics denotes "Divine perfection and completeness". You see, this statement by our Father is what it is all about!

Why do you suppose "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me" is the very first instruction given in this book? Because that is the work of the Elijah ministry before the great and dreadful day of the LORD!

Malachi 4:5
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

This speaks of the 2nd advent, the great and dreadful day of the LORD, not the first advent.

[6] And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Again, this is the mission of the "spirit and power of Elijah" ministry.

Zech. 1:4
Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.

This is the same message the witness, the bearer of the Light, preached before the first advent:

John 1:6
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. [8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

This of course was John the Baptist, son of Zacharias, saying "Turn ye now from your evil ways!"

Matthew 3:1
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

[2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

[3] For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John went forth in the "spirit and power" of Elijah! So shall God's messengers in this generation go forth in that same spirit and power... even so they now do!

Luke 1:17
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Now a question from the LORD of hosts:

Zech. 1:5
Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

This is in contrast with the words of God which DO live forever. And His words come to pass exactly as they are written both positively and negatively depending on the decisions His children make, i.e. the path, the "ways", they choose to follow.

Deut. 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

And guess what? Our fathers found out the hard way that the "cursings" are just as sure to come as the "blessings"!

Zech. 1:6
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath He dealt with us.

You see, the good news in all this is that God is faithful to His promises! This you can learn by being blessed according to His promises or by being cursed according to His promises. But I will tell you this with certitude in the manner of "Thus saith the Lord"! He wants His children to "Return unto Him" and repent and be blessed! The love of His children is foremost on His mind and for that reason He is longsuffering to us-ward, and if His children will "Turn unto Him" He will surely "Turn unto them" (Zech 1:3)!

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

We are going to learn that the knowledge of the Four Hidden Dynasties, the first four seals of Revelation 6, is a requirement for those would have part in the building of the temple, the sealing of God's people in these last days. Stay with us in this study of Zechariah! It is a work you will always REMEMBER!

Zechariah began his prophecy shortly after Haggai began his, in the second year of the reign of Darius the king, and to the same leaders and remnant of God's people who had come forth out of Babylon to rebuild the temple, the House of God, in Jerusalem. Therefore as a contemporary and even forerunner to Zechariah, it is important that we have read and understood the words of Haggai. To that end, and as a preface to this study, let us recall Haggai's final prophecy concerning the return of Jesus Christ at the end of this flesh age once the building of the temple, His many membered body, is complete!

Haggai 2:20
And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,

[21] Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

Make no mistake about it! There is a GREAT SHAKING coming when Jesus Christ returns at the second advent as the world ruling King of kings and Lord of lords. Call it an "earthquake" or even a "Great Shakeup " if you like, for the present order of things (which sure is confusion) shall be turned upside down by Yeshua Messiah and His Zadok when the kingdom of God, the government of God, is established upon Mount Zion.

"Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" That's right! You can read all about that coming "earthquake" right now because we actually have tomorrow's newspaper in hand, today! And we will read all about it when we come to section Z-14, i.e. the 14th section of "The Zechariah Post". Right now, let's continue with the factual, non-editorial, no-spin news (NSN), from "The Haggai Gazette" which accurately quotes in the first person exactly what it is Christ is going to do to the nations when He returns?

[22] And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

However, that system SHALL BE BROUGHT DOWN by Jesus Christ and His saints! You see, it is WRITTEN that "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord (Rev. 11:15)", i.e. they shall all be overthrown and shall be replaced with the temple which is being built right NOW by the remnant of God's people, those Zerubbabels who were born in Babel (confusion) and whom God has chosen and called forth out of that confusion to do His Will, His Work. That work is to build His house, the many membered body of Jesus Christ, and they shall be given His authority to carry His rod of iron throughout the Millennium, even as His signet (the seal of authority of the King).

[23] In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.

Are you one of God's elect chosen before the foundation of this world (Eph. 1:4)? If so, you have a purpose and a destiny which your Father has not forgotten! Therefore listen carefully to the word of the LORD through His faithful servant Zechariah, whose name means "Remembered of Yah".

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#1 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The rider on the red horse"

Zech. 1:7
Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

Remember the admonition from Haggai who urged us five times to "consider" things, e.g. our ways, what we are building, and even what time it is? And now we have been given this great Book of Zechariah which truly is a "Timely" (Iddo) message from the LORD to those who are "Blessed of Yah" (Bechariah).

Also, in relation to the time and subject matter of Zechariah it is worth noting that the number "24" in Biblical numerics represents the "priesthood" and the number represents "11" "judgment" (see appendix 10 in the Companion Bible).

[8] I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.

The first thing we must understand is that this is a "vision". In fact, this is the first of eight visions Zechariah will be shown, and this first vision is one he "saw by night"! That lets us know two things: 1.) the time of this vision, i.e. that it is for the "night time" (as we shall see) and 2.) that God's elect are given to "see" what is going on during that period of the night. You see, the world even now dwells in the shadow of darkness (spiritual darkness) which shall soon become a "total eclipse of the sun""moon turns to blood", i.e. when Satan (moon) comes and deceives the whole world into believing he is the true sacrifice (blood), i.e. that he is Jesus Christ (sun) who shed His blood. But you see, God's elect possess the light of truth and shall not be spiritually put to sleep during the night. They do fill their lamps with oil and thus they shall see their way through that final hour of darkness.

One more note concerning the myrtle trees in verse 8. Myrtle trees were small fragrant trees that grew in the mountains near Jerusalem and it was from the sweet smelling myrtle branches that booths were made at the Feast of Tabernacles. However, the major point is (as your Companion Bible will document) the location where this is standing is between the "two mountains" (invisible agencies of "man") See (Neh. 8:15). Zech. 6:1 where we shall once again meet up with the four "colored horses".

Zechariah now asks the Lord what these horses are. You "see", that is how one learns truth, by asking Jesus Christ, i.e. by going to the Word of God where He will unveil the visions and the seals and show you those things which others cannot see, even those things which are hidden in the shadow of darkness. There is no other way one can come to an understanding of the truth but to go to Him directly through His Word.

[9] Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

Questions, questions, questions! God's servants always have so many questions! They just seem to hunger and thirst after righteousness, i.e. truth and the knowledge of His Word. Of course they are so blessed for it: Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." To wit, you will always find that whenever the disciples came and asked Jesus Christ a question, which they so often did, He always answered them! On the other hand, the multitudes who listened to Him speak always went their way after He was finished, probably smiling at each other and saying "Wasn't that a lovely sermon?"

[10] And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.

The great scholar Dr. Bullinger calls these whom the LORD hath sent "invisible agencies", which is a fair enough description for they are indeed "scouts" whom the LORD hath sent to bring back a report (vs. 10) about the status of things on the earth. In other words they are His watchmen who see and monitor, as in measure, the level of the activities of the earthly dynasties throughout the earth, which we know are those Four Hidden Dynasties symbolized by the colored horses.

Therefore, having just returned from their commissioned assignments, let us listen in and hear them give their latest report to Jesus Christ:

Zech. 1:11
And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

Here is a question for you: Do you understand and agree with this report, i.e. as to its present accuracy and timeliness? God's elect, those who have come out of Babylon of whom Zerubbabel was a type, and who also hold fast to the plumbline of God's Word in the building of the walls of His house, do also run to and fro through the earth as His "eyes", i.e. as watchmen. Consequently, they should also be able to discern the activity level of the earthly dynasties and know the TIMES and the SEASONS!

Zech. 4:10
For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

By the way, the word "Behold" used Zech. 1:11 is a figure of speech called an "Asterismos", which is a word used to draw special attention to some particular point or subject. The point of emphasis here is that the time being spoken of is the "time of stillness and rest" when everyone is spiritually asleep. In other words it is that time of night (spiritual darkness) when they cry peace and safety, i.e. still and at rest! Here it is as reported by Paul, the New Testament editor and correspondent of good news paper, "The Thessalonian Times":

1 Thes. 5:1
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

This is especially true if one has read the history reports, forecasts, and in-depth instructions and directions of all the prophets of God. You "see", everything you want to know about these last days is all right there! Mark 13:23 "But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."

[2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Thieves come unexpectedly at night when everyone is peacefully sleeping safe and sound, as snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug!

[3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Be sure to read the rest of Paul's report because it documents that God's elect, His children, will not be surprised. Why not? Because they are the children of LIGHT and know how it is all "going down" in this final generation!

1 Thes. 5:4-5
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

You "see", as "eyes", as "watchmen", we "see" (understand) what is going on behind the scenes! So keep up the good work!

[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Paul then gives us some very, very, comforting words of knowledge and wisdom in verses 7-10, e.g. "God has not appointed us to wrath", which means we shall not be "shakees" but rather "shake-ers" with Him! Read these words of comfort for yourself and share them with others!

1 Thes. 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

The next question to be answered is as follows:

Zech. 1:12
Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?

This has to remind students of God's Word of the question His servants asked Him in Rev. 6:10, those servants whom the apostle John saw in his spiritual trip to the Day of the Lord (Rev. 1:10). Rev. 6:10: "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge* our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (We shall discuss these 70 years in-depth in a subsequent lesson.)

[13] And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.

God is not angry at His children who love and serve Him and therefore they have nothing to fear concerning the terror and darkness of this final generation. It is such a comfort to know the plan of God and to know the answers to questions concerning what is going on in the world behind the scenes, in the shadows of darkness by the powers that be. That knowledge and wisdom from our Father's Word sets us free and dispels all fears and truly comforts us by giving us peace of mind. You see, people only fear the unknown, that which they cannot "see"! That is why they are afraid of walking alone at night, in the dark. But as Paul so eloquently explained in 1 Thes. 5, God's servants do not walk in darkness and therefore they do NOT scare nor fear evil (Ps. 23:4)!

Now, since the question concerning Christ's return to Jerusalem was brought up in Zech. 1:12, let's see what is going on concerning the holy city. Before we do though, let us be reminded from His Word that when Jesus Christ returns, the "temple" which is built and being built there now (i.e. in Jerusalem), shall be pulverized to the point that not one stone shall be left standing atop another. Luke 21:5-6 "And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, [6] As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." That is because when He returns He shall be quite angry with what is going on in that city in which our Lord was crucified.

[14] So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

Our Father has chosen the city of Jerusalem as His favorite location in all the world! Did you know that? Read Ezekiel chapter 16 and you will discover that He actually "took her to wife" and someday she will completely fulfill her destiny to be His beautiful bride: Rev. 21:2 "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." No wonder Jerusalem has been the bloodiest city and seen more wars than any other city in the history of mankind. Satan wants it for his own!

To that end when Jesus Christ returns He will find standing in that city, and "sitting in the temple of God (2 Thes. 2:4)", the abomination of all abominations, the son of perdition himself, Satan claiming that he is the bridegroom, i.e. that he is Jesus Christ. And that false messiah will have deceived and spiritually seduced the whole world and the majority of Christians who were to remain virgins throughout the night and wait for the true Bridegroom. That is why Christ said in Matthew 24:19 "WOE unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!" He wasn't talking about natural, physical pregnancy but about "spiritual seduction", spiritual impregnation, i.e. about His virgin bride being the first one "taken in the field" by the false messiah.

Why is God so jealous for Jerusalem? Wouldn't you be if you went away and came back expecting to marry your virgin bride and you discovered that she had been in bed with someone else? Woe, indeed! 

And as for the heathen who have run roughshod all over God's people, here is how our Father feels about them:

Zech. 1:15
And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

In other words, our Father used the heathen as a rod of correction upon His children but they went far and above what they were supposed to and became extremely oppressive in their affliction of His children. To be sure, Father is NOT happy with the heathen! Therefore the shaking shall be great indeed and their "house" (temple) shall be destroyed and He will set His "house" upon Mt. Zion, which house is His temple, the many membered body of Christ which is now being built!

[16] Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

From thenceforth that kingdom of true peace and true prosperity shall fill the earth!

[17] Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

This is what the books of Haggai and Zechariah are all about, the building of His house to be established on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem! Here is a picture of His house now being built (Rev. 7:1-4) standing on Mount Zion!

Rev. 14:1
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

His name is being sealed in their foreheads at this very moment. Is it not written in Rev. 7:1-8 that His temple, 144,000 from His house, even from the whole house of Israel (i.e. 12,000 from each tribe), must be sealed in their foreheads before the Four Winds are released, before the Great Shaking takes place and this flesh age comes to a close? Yes, it is written there! Go read it!

[2] And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

[3] And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

[4] These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

These "kings and priests" we see standing on Mount Zion shall rule and reign on earth instead of the heathen, for they remained virgins throughout the night having kept their lamps filled to the full with the oil, i.e. the Holy Spirit of the Truth of His Word (see parable in Mat. 25:1-12). They are His firstfruits.

Let's continue now with the remainder of the first chapter of Zechariah.

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#2 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The Four Horns"
 

Zech. 1:18
Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.

Zechariah "lifted up his eyes" and he SAW what's up! Behold... meaning pay attention... Four Horns! Horns, just like horses, are symbolic of power! The question is: What are these powers and what do they have the power to do?

[19] And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

These have the power to "scatter" our people, even the whole House of Israel, i.e. both the house of Judah AND the house of Israel! As part of the sealing in one's forehead, he or she MUST know who and where the house of Judah is and who and where the 10 Tribes of the House of true Israel are and dwell this very day!

Yes, as it is written, the holy people of God of both the houses of Israel and Judah have been spiritually scattered in these last days just as they were physically scattered by the Assyrian and the king of Babylon. In fact, when it comes to God's Word one could say our people are a bunch of "scatter brains" for they not only do not know who they are, they also cannot see the "Four Hidden Dynasties", these Four Horns, which now hold them captive (as in Egypt) and have taken them to Babylon (as in the land of confusion).

Let's examine the word "scatter".

scatter =  äøˆæˆzaòraòhzaw-raw' H2219
A primitive root (compare H2114); to toss about; by implication to diffuse, winnow:—cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow.

Here is the Hebrew word "zoor" (#2114) that Dr. Strong references to help us understand "scatter":

 øeæzuòrzoor H2114
A primitive root; to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be aforeigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commitadultery:—(come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange (-r, thing, woman).

You see, the powers of the Four Horns have grown strong (waxed great) in this final generation through having incrementally, much as a locust and a liberal chews away little by little, caused our people to be drawn away from the truth of God's Word.


Of course, there is nothing new under the sun and we know this is as it was in the first earth age when Satan drew 1/3 of our people away from God's mercy seat, His truth, His ways (Rev. 12:4). In other words, the House of Israel, God's holy people, have been "spiritually diffused", "tossed about", and "turned aside" from His Word and they do follow after that which is profane, i.e. the traditions of men. Their problem is that in their ignorance of His Word they know NOT the difference between that which is holy and that which profane, and therefore they cannot "discern" between that which is clean and that which is unclean as we learned in Haggai 2:13-14. Therefore they commit spiritual adultery (idolatry) and as we read earlier, our Father does not like it one bit!

Thank God though for the builders of His temple! You see, those Four Horns (Hidden Dynasties/Horses, i.e. Worldly Powers) shall be destroyed and replaced by the House of God and the POWER of His Word!

[20] And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.

Remember that Zechariah is prophesying to the builders of the temple and he obviously knows what carpenters are as evidenced by the fact he does not ask the LORD what they are, just what they have come to do (vs. 21). Here is the definition of the Hebrew word translated "carpenter":

carpenter =  Løˆç˜ chaòraòshkhaw-rawsh' H2796
From H2790; a fabricator of any material:—artificer, (+) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, + mason, skilful, (+) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought.

Now here is the definition of the Greek word for "carpenter", the word used in Mark 6:3 to describe Christ's vocation:

carpenter =  ôÝêôùítektoôntek'-tone G5045
From the base of G5098; an artificer (as producer of fabrics), that is, (specifically) a craftsman in wood:—carpenter.

Now read these words of the apostle Paul in section C-3 of the "Corinthian Chronicle":

1 Cor. 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

If you have studied the Book of Haggai you should know the difference between a "wise" builder and a "foolish" one. Remember Haggai told us to "consider" carefully our ways, i.e. what and how we are building. Here is the definition of "masterbuilder" which comes from the words "arche" and "tekton" (#5045), which is "carpenter":

masterbuilder =  Pñ÷éôÝêôùíarchitektoônar-khee-tek'-tone G753
From G746 and G5045; a chief constructor, that is, "architect":— masterbuilder.

A "wise" person builds his or her house upon the ROCK, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, right? (Matthew 7:24 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.")

[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now back to the four carpenters! Understand that "four" in Biblical numerics denotes "earth" as in the four points of the compass, which are the four corners or four wind directions of the earth, i.e. NSEW, and you will understand who these "four" carpenters are. They are simply God's elect whom we already "saw" (through the eyes of John) standing on Mount Zion with the King of kings (Rev. 14:1)! You see, when He comes to this earth at the sound of the 7th Trump, He gathers them from the four winds, i.e. from all directions!

Matthew 24:31
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

winds =  Tíåìïò anemos an'-em-os  G417
From the base of G109; wind; (plural) by implication (the four) quarters (of the earth):—wind.

Here is what the carpenters, God's elect, are going to do!

Zech. 1:21
Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

The four horns have "scattered" our people, but the four carpenters shall come and tear down the power of the four horns which have held down the heads of our people for so long! These carpenters are going to "fray" those horns which is to shatter and shake the living daylights out of them! And having been delivered, our people will then "lift up their heads" to Mount Zion!

So what shall we say to conclude this chapter? How about: Let us all get our heads out of "the sand" and look up to the "mountain" of God, to His Word! His saints are soon taking over Mount Zion to rule and reign on this earth with the King of kings and Lord of lords for a thousand years! "Yes... oppression, bondage, fear, and the confusion of nations shall soon be replaced with Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, for the "Desire of all nations" shall soon come to Mount Zion (Hag. 2:7). Amen."

Hope to see you standing there on that Mountain!

chapter 2

Our Heavenly Father never forgets His children and He never forgets to fulfill the covenants and promises He has made in His Word, the proof of which can easily be documented over and over and over again in the pages of History. Of course some of those promises contain both blessings and cursings which are conditional upon the course of action His children decide to follow (Deut. 30:19). To that end, our forefathers who "sorely displeased Him" (Zech. 1:2) by not listening to His prophets (vs. 3), thereby rejecting His Word, found out that the cursings are just as sure a promise He fulfills as the blessings (Zech. 1:6).

In chapter 1 we documented the time frame of Zechariah's prophecies as being when the Four Horns, the Four Hidden Dynasties, the first Four Seals of Rev. 6, had succeeded in scattering all of true Israel and Judah and Jerusalem to where "no man did lift up his head" (Zech. 1:21)! Of course Zechariah, the servant of God, by the grace of God was able to (and did) "lift up his eyes" and see the Four Horns (Zech. 1:18), just as the apostle John was able to stand on the sand of the sea and lift up his eyes and "see" the beast, the New World Order powered by these Four Horns, rise up from among the people. It has come to pass and the hourglass marking the final hour of this generation of the fig tree is all but emptied out.

We also learned that the carpenters of God shall come from the four corners of the earth and "fray" those powers and cause the walls of Babylon the Great to come tumbling down just like the walls of Jericho whereby you can be sure there also shall not one stone be left standing atop another!

Let us now continue with our reading and understanding of the great Book of Zechariah. The subject as we begin chapter 2 is taken from Zech. 1:16 which is Christ's "return to Jerusalem with mercies" to build His house. Remember, this concerns the second advent, not the first.

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#3 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The Measuring Line"

Zech. 2:1
I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

Once again Zechariah "lifts up his eyes" and is able to "see" the visions of God! We must do the same! In other words, as servants of God, as His sons and daughters in this final generation, we must also have opened eyes (eyes to see) in order to "see" and understand the visions the prophets saw (Acts 2). Notice in this third vision Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line in his hand who shall go forth to measure Jerusalem for the express purpose of determining what its breadth and length are. That means he is going to determine its boundaries to see how many can dwell there!

[2] Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.

Also remember to whom it is Zechariah and Haggai give their prophecies! It is to the contractors and construction crew of the temple, those who are called forth out of Babylon to "spiritually" rebuild the house of God which represents in type the many membered body of Jesus Christ in these last days. To that end, there is a question being addressed and answered here, which is this: "Is there a limit to the size of God's house that is being built in these last days?" Some might even ask: "Are there only 144,000 out of the House of Israel who shall be saved?"

 Open your eyes, lift them up, and understand this vision of Zechariah!

[3] And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

[4] And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

There is a logical "Ellipses" that needs to be supplied in this verse "saying [Stop!]", for as Dr. Bullinger points out in the Companion Bible, "the reason given  implies that measuring will be useless, owing to the overflow of inhabitants". This should answer the question "Are there only 144,000 saved?" The answer is NO! There shall be a great multitude of people from all nations who shall come out of the great tribulation, a multitude "which no man can number". John documents it for us in Rev. 7 just following the listing of the 12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel.

Rev. 7:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Consider that the reason no man could number them is not because the multitude is too great to number, but because quite frankly that number has yet to be determined, i.e. because of the "free will" of the people who must individually and on their own make their choices to (or not to) "turn unto Him"! And just who are these people?

Rev. 7:14
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

So let us keep up the good work of building His house upon the foundation which is already laid, for as it is written in the beginning of this great Book of Zechariah, "Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts." This means ALL, i.e. anyone of any race, color, or creed who will turn unto Him can dwell in His house! You see, He loves all of His children and it is His will, His desire, that none of them perish! Therefore there is much work to do and much building to yet accomplish while there is still some sand left in the hourglass. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Zech. 2:5
For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

This is simply our Father, who is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29), saying that He shall warm and give comfort and protect ALL those who come and dwell within the walls of His house. Isaiah wrote of that same comforting and protecting glory who shall come to dwell on Mt. Zion.

By the way, it is same glory who protected our forefathers when they came out of Egypt:

Isaiah 4:5
And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.

Therefore, let EVERYONE hear and take heed to the following message:

Zech. 2:6
Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

The "land of the north" is Babylon, the lon or land of Babel which means "confusion" in Hebrew. In other words, it is "the state of mind" to where God's people have been spread (scattered) "by" the four winds of heaven. We read the same urgent message to "flee", as in "escape", from Babylon in the Book of Revelation!

Rev. 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Live Link to->>> Mystery Babylon, Come out of her, my people!

Come out of religious confusion and STOP following the traditions of men perpetuated by churchianity! Turn to God, to His Word and dwell with Him and He will come dwell with you!

Zech. 2:7
Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.

Jerusalem is and shall continue to be the "headquarters" of Babylon of these last days right up until the King of kings returns. It is Jerusalem where the false Messiah, the son of perdition, the little horn, the vile person, Satan, shall stand as the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet and deceive the whole world into believing he is in fact God, i.e. Jesus Christ who has come to rapture them away.

[8] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

It is not "after the glory" but rather "For His own glory" that He shall come forth out of His habitation (vs. 13) and lay his hand upon (next verse) and SHAKE the nations which have spoiled (as in the spoiling of war) His children! For you see, those who have taken advantage of and touched (laid their oppressive hand upon) those who love and serve the LORD have "touched" His beloved children who are the "apple of His eye". As you know, the pupil (apple) is the most sensitive part of the eye which is why the expression the "apple of my eye" refers to that which is precious in our sight and for which we quickly and instinctively raise our hands to protect.

This verse refers in part to the Song of Moses (Deut. 32) that the house of God now being built will be singing when the LORD comes to dwell in the midst of His children on Mount Zion (See Rev. 15:3-4).

Deut. 32:9
For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

The House of Israel (Jacob) is His "portion" and the lot of His inheritance. They are the "apple of His eye"... so precious in His sight.

[10] He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.

Where did He find you? In a desert land... and in the waste howling wilderness. Oh, He found you at the "Desert Inn", even at "The Wilderness Cafe and Lounge"? You may laugh, but all I can say, it is a "good thing" He has kept an eye on some of His "apple dumplings", isn't it? One thing is for sure though, when God protects His own and keeps His "eagle eye" on them, it is like the great eagle who "fluttereth over her young" and "spreads abroad her protecting wings"!

[11] As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

But as for those who have touched the apple of His eye, WOE!

Zech 2:9
For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

When Almighty God lays His hand upon someone, he or she is in big trouble! And the nations are going to feel His shaking! Remember Haggai, Zechariah's contemporary, was prophesying this same thing?

Haggai 2:21
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

[22] And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

The "good news" is that justice and righteous shall be served and executed upon the earth, even forevermore! Won't that be a joyful and glorious time when the Prince of Peace comes to this earth to dwell in the midst of His children?

Zech. 2:10
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.

And sing they shall, even as we/they standing on Mount Zion singing (Rev. 14:1-3).

We even know what song it is that the overcomers shall be singing:

Rev. 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

[4] Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

That's right! Every knee shall bow and all nations shall come and worship before the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Zech. 2:11
And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

What a house! All who wish to join themselves unto the house of the Lord now may do so. There is plenty of room!

[12] And the LORD shall inherit Judah His portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

It is written in Ezekiel 16 that our Father chose Jerusalem, even as one takes a wife, to be His dwelling place for all eternity. Thus shall Jerusalem "yet" fulfill her chosen destiny to be His when He comes to her! And remember we read in the Song of Moses that it is His people who are "His portion"? They are the lot of His inheritance and they shall be established in the "holy land".

Deut. 32:9
For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

Therefore...

Zech. 2:13
Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

When He comes forth from His holy habitation ALL the earth shall "be silent", i.e. shall hold her peace, for the Prince of Peace and His saints of the Kingdom of God shall take over the reigns of government upon the earth and we shall finally have peace on earth.

What do we say then? We say hear the words of your Father: "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts."

So turn to Him and seek Him now! Seek Him daily through His Word and come out of confusion, come out of Babylon, and enter into His rest now! Else you can continue to follow the traditions of men and become part of the new "Silent Majority", those silenced by the shaking of His hand when He pours out His Wrath upon the world of the ungodly.

The choice is yours!

chapter 3

So turn to Him and seek Him now! Seek Him daily through His Word and come out of confusion, come out of Babylon, and enter into His rest now!

The reason these "eight" visions are essential knowledge for "His just ones" in these last days is because it is God's elect who go forth before the day of the Lord to teach and give witness and to prepare the way for His second advent. They are the "kings
and priests" of God who shall reign in the kingdom during the Millennium with the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. Rev. 5:10 "And hast made us unto our God a kingdom of Priests: and we shall reign on the earth."

We have also seen that these eight "visions" begin and are given for the time just preceding the second advent (the return of Jesus Christ), the season when the Four Horns, aka the Four Hidden Dynasties, have all come together to exercise their power over the people, "power" which is able to "keep their heads from lifting up" (Zech. 1:21). It was also revealed in the "visions" that God's carpenters shall come from the four corners of the earth to "fray" and dismantle those earthly dynasties and replace them by establishing the house of God on Mount Zion, which house is being built even at this time. And remember... we learned in our last study that it is God's Plan, His purpose, to bring forth out of Babylon, out of the land of confusion, as many who will heed His call through His servants who speak His words after the manner of "thus saith the LORD". You see, our Father is very patient at this time even as He has ordained the holding back of the Four Winds of Rev. 7:1 to allow not only for the completion of the sealing of the 144,000 in His house but to allow for any and all who will to "turn unto Him" and come and dwell in the House of God. Were we not shown in chapter 2 by the angel with the measuring line that there is plenty of room within the boundless walls of His protection?

Of course, it is also written that there shall come a time when His longsuffering will end and He shall come forth from His habitation and shake both the heavens and earth as we learned in closing verses of Haggai.

Haggai 2:21
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

Yes, it is written that He is coming to overthrow all the kingdoms and nations and powers of the earth.

Haggai 2:22
And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

And then shall the authority of the kingdom be given unto His chosen ones, God's elect, i.e. the saints of the most high (Dan. 7:27) whom HE both "chose" and "called" out of Babylon to rebuild the temple, the many membered body of Jesus Christ in these last days.

Haggai 2:23
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.

In order to prepare one's mind and to be able to better place this study in proper context, it would be most helpful if one has read with understanding the great Book of Haggai. The reason is because Haggai (meaning "feast" or "festival") and Zechariah ("remembered of Yahveh") prophesied together for a time unto Zerubbabel and Joshua and the remnant of the people and when taken together they give us much insight into the duties of the "kings" and "priests". You could even say that the short Book of Haggai sets the stage for the lengthier Book of Zechariah which, if you recall, covers a 7 year period even as a type of the final 7 year period, the 70th week of Daniel.


Nevertheless, here is a short excerpt from our introductory study of Haggai concerning the "kings" and "priests" who are God's elect:

Haggai 1:1
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

The very meanings of the names in this verse give us a foundation of understanding for God does not waste words nor use "fillers" in His Holy Word.

Zerub-babel means "sown in Babel" or "born in Babel". Babel of course means "confusion", out of which Zerubbabel came, just like God's elect in this final generation whose eyes and ears have been opened and who have come out of Babylon, i.e. religious confusion! Zerubbabel's father's name "Shealtiel" means "I have asked God", i.e. inquired of Him. Joshua on the other hand means "Yah's savior" of whom Joshua was a type, this Joshua as well as the one who led our forefathers "across the river" and "into the promised land". Also, "Jo-sedech" is "Yah's-zadok" in Hebrew which means "God's just", His righteous ones, i.e. His elect!

So what do we have here? We have "two servants" of God whose fathers are of the "kingship" line of Judah and the "priesthood" line of Levi. That's right, servants of the King of kings and Lord of lords! And we shall learn in this Book of Haggai that the spirit of those two servants along with the remnant of His people shall be stirred up by the LORD, i.e. by His spirit, to complete the temple, the many membered body of Christ, a work that must be complete before He shakes the heavens and the earth (Rev. 7:1-4).

Let us now understand the vision of Zechariah concerning the priesthood of God's elect! This vision, if you have eyes to see and ears to ear, will not only show you the condition of "grace" of His elect in these last days, but also their relationship to and how they are to handle the adversary (SATAN), the accuser of the brethren!

Note: Those who understand Romans chapter 8 concerning the predestination of God's elect whom He knew before the "foundation of this world" (Eph. 1:4), i.e. the choosing, calling, justification and glorification of God's elect, will have little if any difficulty with this 3rd chapter of Zechariah. However, there is nothing like a graphic illustration, a "picture" to make things clear in one's mind.

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#4 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The Branch"
 

Zech. 3:1
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

Got this picture? You had better know right up front that if you are one of God's elect trying to do His will in this final generation that you have an ADVERSARY (Satan) who will try to "resist" you. Of course God's elect know only too well what sinners they are in the flesh and old Satan the accuser will use every means he can to try and discredit them and accuse them.

Zech. 3:2
And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

Learn a great lesson from this "vision". Do NOT argue nor bargain with the adversary, Satan, the devil, because one simply does not negotiate nor make deals with murderers and terrorists and Satan is both, even the father of both. The LORD, the One with all power in both heaven and earth who is soon returning to the city He has chosen to reign in for all eternity, even Jerusalem, shall rebuke Satan. Again, the LORD, NOT you nor me, shall rebuke Him... and rebuke him He SHALL. "See" the vision and also know that even Michael the archangel does not discuss policy nor strategy nor even bring railing accusations against old slimeball slick Satan, but simply says "The Lord rebuke thee!"
Be wise and "Do thou likewise!"

Jude 1:9
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Then too, know and understand that Satan cannot "burn" God's elect for they are protected by the Gospel Armor (Eph. 6). Remember that Nebuchanezzar the king of Babylon, who was a type of the king of Babylon of the end times, tried to "burn" God's servants Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneggo but it didn't work, did it? In fact, the "fire" did not even singe their hair, as in "not an hair of their heads perished" (Luke 21:18), nor did even the smell of smoke from the pit cling to their "garments"!

So let Satan try to resist and let him make all the accusations He wants. You know where he stands! And you also know where you stand with the Lord, don't you? You do if you are one of His elect chosen before the foundation of this world (Eph. 1:4). 

Here is what Paul says regarding those who have a destiny, a "job to do" in this final generation:

Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

God's elect who have been predestinated to serve Him have been justified and glorified, even from the first earth age if you have the wisdom to know!

 Keep that thought in mind as we continue.

[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

The Lord takes care of His own.

[32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

[33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

If Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, justifies someone who can override His decision? Answer: No one! God help those who come against and interfere and try to stop His children from doing His will in fulfilling His plan. Woe!

[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Again, the Lord takes care of His own. Now let's continue with the vision Zechariah sees of the priesthood, i.e. God's elect.

Zech. 3:3
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

Yep, I'm sure that God's elect recognize this as a proper and fitting spiritual portrait of themselves! Of course it can be easily argued that these filthy garments are the transgressions of the people if one considers the duties of the high priest. Nevertheless, whether collectively or individually we do know that "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags".

Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Now notice what happens next!

Zech. 3:4
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Look at that! Did you "see" what just happened? Christ took away Joshua's filthy rags and caused his iniquity to go "bye bye"! Then He said He would clothe him with a "change of raiment" which you can be sure is clean and white just like a wedding garment! In other words, Christ took away Joshua's filthy garments and clothed him with salvation.

Notice what Joshua receives next!

Zech. 3:5
And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

To understand this verse one needs to know what a fair mitre is. Here is Dr. Smith's definition:

Mitre(something rolled around the head), the turban or headdress of the high priest, made of fine linen cloth, eight yards long, folded around the head. On the front was a gold plate on which was inscribed Holiness to the Lord .(Smith's Bible Dictionary)

Do you see the picture? Christ took Joshua, set him aside as a brand plucked from the fire, as one protected from the accusations of Satan, took away his filthy garments (his iniquity), clothed him in His righteousness, and set a mitre upon his head making "him a priest unto our God" (Rev. 5:10), even with His name written upon his forehead! Wow, what a picture of God's elect! Christ will do that for you too; Just believe, and invite Him into your heart!

[6] And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,

The word "protested" in this verse means to "solemnly testify", not to "protest" against something like we use it today. The LORD is simply giving His solemn word to Joshua that if he "stays in His ways", stays in His Word, and "keeps His charge", i.e. His commands, by doing the work of the priest which is to teach and build up the temple of the Lord, then he shall indeed judge and rule and have free reign in His house... even forever!

[7] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

Those who were standing by when Zechariah saw this vision were angels, weren't they?

[8] Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

Men who "are wondered at" are men who are for a "sign", even a "sign", a witness, to this generation who go before He brings forth the BRANCH, Jesus Christ, at the second advent!

[9] For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

The word "stone" used here is the same word translated "plummet" in the next chapter which we shall see (i.e. the plummet) "in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven". However, do not miss in this verse that the LORD of hosts has declared that He will remove the iniquity of the land. In other words, there shall be a great cleansing of the land, even of the whole earth, "in one day" on THE DAY when Jesus Christ returns to the city of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, in chapter 4 we are going to learn the details concerning the "plummet" and those "seven eyes"... so keep "your eyes" open!

[10] In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

"In that day", i.e. in the day that Jesus Christ cleanses the land, every "you shall call""man" and his "neighbor" to the feast of the LORD, which is what the figure of speech "call under the vine and under the fig tree" means.

To that end, when the days of the prophecies of Haggai (feast) and Zechariah (Yahveh has remembered) are fulfilled it shall truly be said that "Yahveh has remembered the feast"!

Live Link to> Haggai

chapter 4

One of the more commonly asked questions students of God's Word ask and discuss is, "Who are the two witnesses of Revelation chapter eleven?" In so far as most of what is written in the Book of Revelation, the book of the "unveiling", is not new but rather a graphic summary of that which is already written in the prophets, so likewise an in-depth understanding of who the two witnesses are comes from understanding the dreams and visions of the prophets and in particular the "5th vision" of the prophet Zechariah which we are about to "see"!

As we proceed to "see" the vision by allowing Jesus Christ, the Word of God, to "awaken us" to His truth, keep in mind what we learned from our introductory study, that this Book of Zechariah (along with the Book of Haggai) concerns the "spirit of Elijah" ministry and the builders of the temple that would come before the second advent to prepare the way before the Day of the Vengeance, the Day of the Lord. You see, Jesus Christ returns at the second advent not as a Lamb to be slain but rather as the King of kings and Lord of lords to "shake the nations" and execute justice (His righteousness) in ALL "four corners" of the earth and to establish the kingdom of God (thy kingdom come) upon Mount Zion with His saints who shall rule and reign with Him for a thousand years!

Rev. 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Live Link to->>  Kings and Priests

Remember also that we discussed the office of "priest" as being that of teacher and the office of "king" as judge or ruler. Thus we have Haggai and Zechariah prophesying to BOTH Zerubbabel the "ruler" (king) and Joshua the "high priest". In other words we have the "civil" and the "ecclesiastical" which shall both soon be under ONE, even the King of kings and Lord of lords. Yes, there shall be NO separation of "church and state", meaning NO separation of God and state (the true agenda of the "left"), for God's people shall fulfill their eternal destiny of becoming "One Nation Under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!" May God help us until that great day when the Prince of Peace comes!

Therefore, in preface this study let us review the purpose of the two advents as it is written in the 61st chapter of the great Book of Isaiah, the text from which Jesus read when He stood up in the temple as it is written in Luke chapter four.

THE FIRST ADVENT

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

[2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,

The name "Christ" means "anointed" and it was the Anointed One, Jesus Christ, who stood up in the temple and read this passage of Isaiah 61 right up to the middle of the second verse where He deliberately stopped reading and closed the book. Luke 4:20-21 "And He closed the book, and He gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him. [21] And He began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Christ came at His first advent to preach good tidings and bring salvation to ALL who will receive Him, thus fulfilling the first half of Isa. 61:2. The second half of Isa. 61:2 is yet to be fulfilled at His second advent (when He returns).

THE SECOND ADVENT

[2 ...continued] and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

We have read and studied much about the soon coming Day of Vengeance, also known as the Day of the Lord, in these Minor Prophets. Let us take a moment and look just a bit closer at who these are "that mourn". Here is Strong's definition of "mourn":

mourn = 'abel, aw-bale', Hebrew 57; from Hebrew 56 ('abal); lamenting :- mourn (-er, -ing).

Rev. 11:3
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

To be "clothed in sack-cloth" is simply an expression, a figure of speech, denoting one who is mourning, i.e. lamenting and declaring the WOES!

sackcloth = sakkos, sak'-kos, Greek 4526; of Hebrew origin [Hebrew 8242 (saq)]; "sack"-cloth, i.e. mohair (the material or garments made of it, worn as a sign of grief) :- sackcloth

By the way, the two witnesses will end up giving a whole lot of "grief" to the false messiah (Satan) and his beast, his one world system (Rev. 11:7).

sack = saq, sak, Hebrew 8242; from Hebrew 8264 (shaqaq); properly a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence a bag (for grain, etc.) :- sack (-cloth, -clothes).

Have you never noticed what was written in the "roll" given to the "watchman" for this final generation? Ezekiel 2:9-10 "And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; [10] And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe." God's elect tell it like it is! And there is to be both a witness and a warning given unto all nations before that great day! Joel 2:1 "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand."

Do you have a purpose and a destiny? It is written in Mark 13, Mat. 24, and Luke 21 that some of God's elect shall be delivered up for Christ's sake and give witness as "testimony" before kings and rulers!

Luke 21:12
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

So much for the escape-the-trib "Rapture Theory"! These strong, "rich" folks (Rev. 2:9) are true Christian soldiers in the service of their King who not only "take a stand" against the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph. 6), they "take the stand" for His sake!

[13] And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

It might help some to know that "councils" (also "synagogues" in Greek) and "witness" and "testimony" are legal terms used in a court of law where justice is being executed? Just wait until we get to the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Yahveh judges)! I guarantee you everyone will be "wakened" on that day! Joel 3:12 "Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about."

[14] Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

[15] For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

In as much as the witness and testimony will be to all nations, i.e. those of a strange language (see Ezek. 3:6), the Holy Spirit will speak through His elect just as He did on that first Pentecost Day following the resurrection as recorded in Acts chapter two. And that language which was spoken by His servants needed no interpreter for it was clearly understood in the native tongue (language) by all those who were present.

Let us continue in Isaiah 61 concerning the second advent, when Jesus Christ returns, in person.

Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.

And He SHALL be glorified at His coming when EVERY KNEE shall bow to the King of kings and Lord of lords! Now notice what the "trees of righteousness" do:

[4] And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

That's a lot of WORK, a lot of rebuilding and repairing, which is quite different from the concept many Christians have of sitting around on their "cloud nine" flapping their harpers, isn't it?

[5] And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

[6] But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Do not overlook that BOTH "Priests" and "Ministers" are mentioned just as it is written in Rev. 5:10 "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Do you understand the two offices in the kingdom under the King of kings and Lords of lords! If you do, you have reached the first step in understanding the purpose of the "two" witnesses of the final generation.

OK, it is now time to "wake up" and "see" Zechariah's 5th vision!

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#5 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The Golden Lampstand"

Zech. 4:1
And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,

It is written in Romans chapter 11 that our people do "slumber" unto this day, as in wander in a stupor for they do not "know" nor are they able to "see" the visions of the prophets. To them, the words of the prophets are but mysteries shrouded in symbolism for they have no shepherd to teach them. Come out of that slumber and let Him, through His Word, open up your eyes to "see"!

Romans 11:7
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

God's elect have "eyes to see"! The rest cannot see for the traditions of men (taught in most of their churches) have blinded them to His truth!

[8] (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

Only Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, the only One found worthy to open the seals (Rev. 5:5), can remove the "sleep" from your eyes that keep them from opening and seeing clearly the things that are written. Therefore, go to Him, to His Word, seeking His truth while asking for understanding, i.e. asking for eyes to see and ears to hear.

Zech. 4:2
And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

The question to Zechariah is "What do you see?" Put yourself in the place of the prophet and ask yourself that same question. Then let's dig into the Word starting with the word "candlestick" which is translated from the Hebrew word "menorah". One can more fully understand the meaning and purpose of the candlestick, i.e. how it is that the light "is given unto all that are in the house" (Mat. 5:15), if he or she digs down a little and looks at the root of the word in Hebrew.

candlestick = menowrah, men-o-raw', Hebrew 4501; or menorah, men-o-raw'; feminine of Hebrew 4500 (manowr) (in the original sense of Hebrew 5216 (niyr)); a chandelier :- candlestick.

manowr, maw-nore', Hebrew 4500; from Hebrew 5214 (niyr); a yoke (properly for ploughing), i.e. the frame of a loom :- beam.

And so it is that God's elect keep on ploughing as they carry the light of His truth into a world filled with darkness!

Now we shall complete this fourth chapter of Zechariah and come to really "see" how that not by might nor by power are the nations shaken and brought down to their foundations, but by the Spirit of Almighty God through His servants, living "trees of righteousness", who have been called forth out of Babylon to take and inherit the kingdom when Messiah returns.

Note: It is a well established fact that most people absorb and remember infinitely more of what they see than what they hear or read. To that end, the Word of God is filled with many explicit and graphic analogies and symbolic illustrations that the Holy Spirit uses to paint images and pictures (i.e. visions) in our mind's eye. However, the use of symbolism works to the extreme in opposite directions. In other words, if a person is given to understand what the symbols used in an analogy represent then the picture they "see" makes very clear the "understanding" of what is being communicated. On the other hand, if a person does not know what the symbols used in an analogy represent then the vision they see either makes no sense at all and remains a mystery unto them or it takes on an entirely different nature when substitute meanings of the symbols are inserted. (That holds true for many of the ministers manning the pulpits in our Christian churches.)

Matthew 13:34
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them:

His disciples came to Him seeking to know why He always spoke in parables.

Matthew 13:10
And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Here is part of the answer He gave them:

Matthew 13:11
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

One obvious reason why it wasn't given unto them (the multitude) to know what the parables meant was they never came and asked Him. Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" They just "left church" when Christ dismissed them and went about their business perhaps remarking to one another "Wasn't that a beautiful sermon today?" The disciples on the other hand, who hungered and thirsted for truth and knowledge, always came to Him, i.e. they went to the Word of God (Jesus) and asked questions and sought the explanation of His parables.

Matthew 13:36
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and His disciples came unto Him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

And so... because the disciples wanted to know and came seeking Him, Christ explained to them what the symbols meant! Therefore... it was given unto them to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven!

This is important for us in this final generation to understand so let's read the rest of the answer Christ gave unto His disciples when they asked of Him concerning why He spoke in parables:

Matthew 13:12
For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

If you have the desire, the hunger and thirst for truth and knowledge, Christ shall feed you with such abundance you will be filled to the full! Otherwise your lack of knowledge and wisdom will cause your light to go out and you will even lose your belief in the true Messiah as you fall before Satan, when he comes to earth as the false-christ, in your ignorance.

[13] Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

The unfortunate fact is that the majority (the multitude) of our beloved brothers and sisters in this nation are Biblically illiterate. Therefore they are clueless about the parables and visions of the prophets for they have not eyes to see nor ears to hear. That is why it is so easy for "many" to come in Christ's name, i.e. as Christian preachers, ministers, priests, pastors, etc. claiming to be His representatives, and deceive the Biblically illiterate (and therefore blind) Christians just as Christ said WOULD surely happened in this final generation (Mat. 24:5, Mark 13:6).

[14] And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Why are they Biblically illiterate without eyes to see and ears to hear?
 Next verse!
 [15] For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

They are thick headed* even because of their prosperity and they simply do not care nor see the need to rely on Christ. And it is by their own actions they show they do not hunger and thirst nor seek after Him.

*waxed gross = pachuno, pakh-oo'-no, Greek 3975; from a derivative of Greek 4078 (pegnumi) (meaning thick); to thicken, i.e. (by implication) to fatten (figurative stupefy or render callous) :- wax gross.

Understand that it is during times of tragedy and war and great disasters that people will turn to God, "Oh Lord, help us!" But when they are fat and happy and prosperity abounds (you've heard the phrase "it's the economy stupid", that is when they forsake their Father and His instructions, "Don't need nor have time for you right now, Dad!" Therefore peace and prosperity is the greater test of one's love for God, is it not? Perhaps this helps in understanding the "great tribulation" for the "waxing gross" is part of the story of these end times as outlined in the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 32.

 (Jeshurun in the following verse is used figuratively for Israel, even our people.)

Deut. 32:15
But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

But you who love studying your Father's Word are blessed indeed! Why? Because He gives you answers and understanding to "see the visions" and know exactly what is happening in our world at this present time!

[16] But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Have you ever considered just how blessed you are for studying His Word and allowing Him to open your eyes?

[17] For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

That's right! You and I are privileged to see and hear and understand more than the prophets themselves did. You see, they all wanted to know what it would like in our generation and to even know the meaning of the very words they wrote for you and me who live in this "time of the end", but alas they did not: Daniel 12:9 "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." Therefore, you are the envy (righteously speaking) of the prophets, not the other way around!

So let us go to the Word of God and continue to seek an understanding of the visions Zechariah saw! Remember, we saw that Zechariah was awakened and he looked and "behold" he saw a pure "gold candlestick".

Zech. 4:2
And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

What we are being shown through the eyes of Zechariah in this graphic illustration is the manner in which God will pour out His Spirit, His truth, in these last days when "darkness" comes upon the land. You see, it is through this golden candlestick that the precious "oil" flows from the "fountain above" (bowl upon the top) which produces the "light" of "his seven lamps". Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit which is why it is used for anointing!

1 Samuel 16:12
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

[13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Now, "What are these seven 'lamps'?" (We go to Him, His Word, for the answer.)

Rev. 4:4
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Make note of the location here "round about the throne" where the elders are seated.

Rev. 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

The lamps of fire (spirit) are the seven Spirits of God! What are the seven Spirits of God? (Again, we go to Him for the answer.)

Rev. 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

This is the same location as we saw in chapter 4, i.e. "round about the throne" where the elders are seated! And they are saying...

[12] Saying, Amen: (1) Blessing, and (2) glory, and (3) wisdom, and (4) thanksgiving, and (5) honour, and (6) power, and (7) might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Now pause and think about this! When a person opens his or her mouth and speaks words he or she sends along with those words a "spirit", call it an "attitude" if you like! It could be the spirit of anger or hate or an attitude of jealousy, etc. But you know what? We just read what spirits come out of the mouths of His servants. They are the Seven Spirits of God: Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honour, power, and might! We should think about them the next time we open our mouths!

Now understand that these "lamps" which give "light" unto the world must be continuously supplied with the "oil" from above which produces the light! ALL of those seven spirits of God come from His Word! How are you doing with your seven lamps? Is your wisdom filled from the knowledge of His Word? All true wisdom comes from God! From whence do get your power?

You see, as wise Christians in these last days (virgins waiting for the TRUE bridegroom) we are to FILL our lamps with the "oil" from above, i.e. from His fountain, the Word of God!

They will also claim that they should be able to cash in all the wonderful works they did in His name. Again, the problem is they just never quite got around to doing what He wanted them to do! Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

So He will say to them:

[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Ready to return to Zechariah? Here is what he "sees" next:

Zech. 4:3
And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

We are going to learn that what Zechariah is being shown in this vision is exactly how it is that Almighty God shall pour out His Spirit in these last days. Students of God's Word know that "Trees" are used symbolically from Genesis to Revelation to represent men, i.e. people! In fact, that is one of the first "eye opening" things God's elect learn when Jesus Christ removes the "blindness" from their eyes.

Mark 8:23
And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when He had spit on His eyes, and put His hands upon him, He asked him if he saw ought.

[24] And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

[25] After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

 Did you "see" both Miracles? If not read and re-read the following pamphlet until you "SEE" !!!!!
 
Live Link to->>> "The Blind Man From Bethsaida" 

Your Eternal Life may well depend on it !!!!

One thing is for sure! You must "see" this to understand what happened in the "Garden of Eden" cause Eve didn't physically eat a APPLE !!!!

Do you know what she did?

Therefore these two "olive" trees are indeed men of God and we are going to see what it is they do in this final generation. For it is written that they are not only two "see""anointed ones" who "empty the golden oil" out of themselves but they are also referred to as (Zech. 4:12),"witnesses" in Rev. 11:3. Witnesses are those who give "testimony", aren't they? And they will give and will "finish" their testimony (Rev. 11:7)!

Let us also look at the origin of the word "olive" used of these two "olive" trees in Rev. 11:

olive = elaia, el-ah'-yah, Greek 1636; feminine of a presumed derivative from an obsolete primary; anolive (the tree or the fruit) :- olive (berry, tree).

Notice the names of God, "El" and "Yah" which make up "olive". How fitting indeed the oil of the olive is used to represent His Spirit!

So Zechariah wants to know who the two olive trees are:

Zech. 4:4
So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?

Question, questions! God's servants are so hungry to know!

[5] Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

It is worth noting in light of what we have discussed in this study that Zechariah did NOT guess nor give his opinion about who these two olive trees are. He simply said he did not know! However, the angel did answer his question and in doing so told him exactly how the beast, the New World Order is going to be leveled flat as a pancake... shaken to its very foundations!

Next we shall see how and by whom that is accomplished!

The Kings of kings and Lord of lords, the "LORD of the whole earth" (Zech. 4:14), is soon returning to establish His eternal kingdom upon Mount Zion. However, in the last days before that great day of the Lord's arrival it is written that God will pour out His spirit on His servants and handmaidens (Acts 2) and they shall teach and give witness (1) unto His people, their brothers and sisters of the House of Israel. Then shall some be delivered up and the "fire" of His Holy Spirit shall speak through them to give witness (2) and proclaim the gospel of the kingdom unto ALL the nations of the earth. That proclamation will be the good news, except to the kings and rulers who receive the witness, announcing that the 7th Trump is about to sound and the King of kings and Lord of lords is coming to "take their crowns" from them and set up His kingdom to rule ALL nations with a rod of iron. We read of that proclamation to the gentiles [nations] in the great Book of Joel:

Joel 3:9
Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles [nations]; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

It is written in Luke 21 that God's elect are NOT to premeditate nor script what they shall say when they are delivered up before the kings and rulers of this earth. And as we noted in the opening paragraph of this study, some SHALL BE delivered up to give witness: Mark 13:9 "... and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them". The reason they are not to premeditate is that the Holy Spirit shall speak through them at that time and their testimony shall "be a witness" unto all nations and shall bring to pass the prophecy in Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel [good news] of the kingdom [the coming King and His dominion] shall be preached [Gr. #2784 = "to herald"] in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then [after that witness] shall the end come."

Joel continues with the proclamation to be given unto the nations...

[10] Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

The nations had better gather everyone, the disabled, the feeble, etc, and everything within their reach to try and defend their satanic system. Why? Because the "mighty ones" of God, His elect, are moving in and taking over Dodge and nothing and no one will be able to stop them.

[11] Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.

[12] Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.

Everyone, including all the nations of the world, will "wake-up" when Jesus Christ returns for as it is written "... every eye shall see Him... (Rev. 1:7). means "Jeshoshaphat" "Yahveh judges" and so it shall be when Christ returns to the valley of Jehoshaphat.

Let us now continue with the 4th chapter of Zechariah. Remember the question Zechariah asked earlier, which is now being addressed and answered by the angel, was "Who are the two olive trees standing upon the right side and the left side of the "bowl" filled with the golden oil!"

Zech. 4:6
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Understand that these are NOT the words of men but rather the divine word of the LORD given unto Zerubbabel who was a "type", a forerunner of those who have been called forth out of Babylon to rebuild the temple, the many membered body of Jesus Christ in these last days. What is said in this verse is that it shall NOT be by (man's) might nor by (man's) power, but by His spirit, which is that "golden oil" of truth and wisdom and power and might which flows from the "bowl" through that candlestick which is the light before His throne that burns brightly (Rev. 4:5).

Exactly what is He talking about that happens "by His spirit" and what do the two olive trees have to do with it? Open your eyes, as in "look up", and understand this 5th vision of Zechariah for it has to do with not only the teaching and the witnessing in these last days but also the "fraying" of the Four Horns, the "fall of Babylon the great", the demise of the New World Order, and the establishing of the kings and priests of God upon Mount Zion who rule with Christ for a thousand years.

[7] Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

Mountains are symbolic of "nations" and this "great mountain" which stands in the way of Zerubbabel (see note in the Companion Bible) is none other than the New World Order, that nation of nations which is going to be leveled, i.e. it is "coming down"! Remember the vision Zechariah saw in the first chapter when he first "lifted up his eyes", the vision which set the time period of His prophecies? It was the vision of the Four Horns (Zech. 1:18), those four earthly powers we call the Four Hidden Dynasties that would combine globally (i.e. extend to the four corners of the earth) in the final generation and bring about the 1st Beast of Rev. 13:1 (the NWO) whose power structure is outlined there. That "beast" rises up out of the sea (symbolic of people) and becomes so big and powerful (even already has) that the question is asked in Rev. 13:4 "Who is able to make war against him?"

Rev. 13:4
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

The answer to the question is "Jesus Christ is able to make war with him!" And He SHALL! So "Proclaim War!" You see, it is written that God's elect are able to and shall stand against the beast, though NOT with the power of the arm but rather with the Gospel Armor (Eph. 6) on and in place, even as that little shepherd boy, David, who once fought against the "bear" and the "lion", would have no fear of stepping forward to face what "appeared" to his frightfully intimidated brothers to be his certain death! Yet he went forward to battle armed with "Grace", i.e. "5" smooth stones (5 is the number of "grace"), and took a valiant stand against the giant beast Goliath (the pride of the "wanderers", i.e. the Philistines). And what did the small lad do? He PROCLAIMED right to the face of the beast, Goliath, which was witnessed by all the people who were assembled on the "mountains" on either side of the plain (1 Sam. 17:3), that he (the beast) was "coming down"! BUT NOT by (man's) power and (man's) might, but rather in the name of and by the power of Almighty God, the God of Israel! "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47).

Let us read the next verse and then discuss the bringing forth of the "headstone" we read about in Zech. 4:7.

Zech. 4:8
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

[9] The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

The temple SHALL be finished, even the sealing of the 144,000 in Rev. 7 (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of His house), by those called out ones, those "born in" but "called out" of "confusion" (Babylon) to build-up the many membered body of Jesus Christ in these last days. Then shall that "cornerstone" which was rejected by the builders, even the "capstone" (headstone), be brought forth to the temple. Grace, grace indeed, for that headstone is Jesus Christ Himself!

Psalm 118:21
I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

[22] The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

[23] This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

God is going to finish the work, His way, by His spirit.

Zech. 4:10
For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

A "plummet" is a simple carpenter's tool, a piece of zinc or other metal which hangs on a line and is held "straight up" and "true" by the natural force of God's gravity! You see, when the plummet, symbolic of God's Word, is used as a guide with which to build a house or temple it guarantees "trueness", i.e. truth. And what of the day of small things? Just always remember from the ensamples of His Word (1 Cor. 10:11), that when the hand of Almighty God is involved, though it may be only upon a shepherd lad, it is "no small thing" for it can fell a beast and shake and move a "great mountain"! Do you recall what Christ said in Matthew 17:20?

Matthew 17:20
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

And that "mountain" shall be removed hence... leveled flat as a pancake to become a "plain"! It shall be by those "seven" pairs of "eyes" upon the "stone" which Zechariah spoke of in the last chapter. They are the watchmen (eyes), the 7,000 symbolic of God's elect who continually fill their lamps with the "golden oil" from above! So NEVER think that a small handful of God's elect cannot bring down the beast of Rev. 13! It is coming down!

Zech. 3:9
For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

Perhaps this will give you a better understanding of the words of Daniel the prophet concerning the stone cut out without (men's) hands, i.e. engraved by God Himself! It brought down the "beast" envisioned by Nebuchadnezzar who was a "type" of the king of Babylon of Revelation, i.e. Satan.

Daniel 2:34
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

[35] Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

The power and wealth and might of the great beast shall be "frayed" by God's carpenters, "broken to pieces" by His 7,000, God's elect!

Here it is again:

Daniel 2:44
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

[45] Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

OK, so we "see" how things are going down in this final generation. God's elect are going to take part in causing a great shaking of all the nations, an earthquake indeed. And these seven eyes do not go to sleep but stay awake as watchmen carrying the light of their lamps through the dark hour! "Who then are these two olive trees?", Zechariah asks again!

Zech. 4:11
Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

Zechariah still did not understand who these two olive trees were. However, the groundwork laid by the angel in the previous verses now gives us the foundation for understanding.

[12] And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

It is written: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (Acts 2:17). Have you ever wondered how God does that, i.e. pours out His spirit? I mean, does He take a pitcher of His spirit and pour it out like one does Kool Aid into a glass?

No sir! He "pours it out", i.e. empties it out, through His two which is what"sons of oil" "anointed ones" means in verse 14! Remember that the "golden oil" is symbolic of His Spirit which flows from the "bowl" above to give light! That is what the two olives trees are anointed with, i.e. filled with! Check out the word "empty" in Zech. 4:12:

empty = cruwq, rook, Hebrew 7324; a primitive root; to pour out (literal or figurative), i.e. empty :- × arm, cast out, draw (out), (make) empty, pour forth (out).

The spirit and truth and wisdom and power of God, His Word, flow from the "Oil" in the candlestick above through His "two olive trees", His two servants, His two "anointed ones, His two "sons of oil", His two witnesses (Rev. 11), and is emptied out through the two golden pipes to the two churches here on earth of Philadelphia and Smyrna found in Rev. 2 & 3. You see, those two out of the seven churches, the seven of which are symbolized by seven candlesticks (Rev. 1:20), are the wise "sons and daughters" of God in this final generation who fill their lamps with the oil from above!

[13] And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

[14] Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

That's right! The two olive trees are living men here on earth who stand by the LORD of the whole earth! They are simply "anointed ones", which means "sons of oil", i.e. sons who are filled from above with the "Oil"! And they pipe that oil, pouring out His spirit to the two golden candlesticks, the brothers and sisters of God who love studying His Word and filling their lamps with that "oil"! You see, they go before the great day of the Lord and "prepare the way" for the bringing forth of "the headstone" which is the second advent of Jesus Christ.

Rev. 11:4
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Rev. 11:3-12 speaks of the two witnesses in this final generation who are these olive trees who are used as vessels to pipe the oil from above which ignites the flames of the two golden candlesticks of the brothers and sisters that they may continue to burn brightly until that great day when the King of king and Lord of lords returns with all power and glory!

How precious indeed is the Word of God!

chapter 5

Zechariah has now "seen" a picture (a vision) of how it is that God shall pour out His Spirit, even is pouring out His spirit, in these last days upon His servants and handmaidens, those sons and daughters who shall see the visions of the prophets and teach them to their brothers and sisters. We have also learned that the two witnesses, those "sons of oil", and the two candlesticks which are the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna, who shall be the instruments in God's hands who shall both bring forth His Word to His house, the true house of Israel, and then give His witness unto the "nations" in preparing the way for the second advent of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Now, in this "5th" chapter of Zechariah, those with eyes to see and ears to hear can "lift up their eyes" along with the prophet of God and "see" two very simple visions concerning those two works of God's elect in this final generation. Also, in these two visions we shall be privileged to "see" along with His purpose of restoration exactly "how it is" that our Father shall bring about both the elimination of idolatry and false teaching in our land and the elimination of Satan's wicked and oppressive beast system, the New World Order.

Again, remember that although there is only one body of Christ, and these two witnesses along with all of God's elect are certainly all of that one body, there are two works that God's elect shall accomplish in this final generation of the Fig Tree before the return of Jesus Christ. The first work, or witnessing, is that of the teaching, the bringing forth of the "roll" by the watchmen to the true House of Israel (Ezek. 2:9-3:11). The second is the "delivering up" to the kings and rulers whereby the proclamation of "the gospel of the kingdom" is given unto ALL nations announcing that the King of kings and Lord of lords is returning and the NWO, that "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (Rev. 17:5), is coming DOWN! And so it is that we shall "see" a picture of these two great works in the next two visions Zechariah "sees" when he "lifts up his eyes"! Interestingly enough, these are the 6th and the 7th visions given unto the prophet which concern the work done before the 6th and 7th Trumps sound, respectively!

Let us now "see" and understand the 6th vision of Zechariah as he describes to us what he saw!

---

#6 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The Flying Scroll"
 

Zech. 5:1
Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.

Do not overlook the fact that Zechariah "turned" (figuratively, i.e. he considered as in "his wheels were turning") immediately after seeing the vision of the "two anointed ones" in the previous verse, the last verse of chapter four! This is important as it connects these next two visions with those two witnesses and the seven thousand of God's elect, i.e. the two candlesticks of Rev. 11 which are the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia!

[2] And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.

What in the world is a "flying roll"? Well, I sure hope you do not have a Masters Degree or PhD of the type that will prevent you from seeing the simplicity of this, but a "roll" is simply a papyrus used for writing, i.e. a scroll or book, and this very large scroll written on both sides is "flying" like a big billboard... yes... as in flying through the air! Got the picture? In a moment we are going to learn exactly where this roll is flying! But first let us understand from the book of the "watchman", Ezekiel, that this "roll" is actually the Word of God.

Ezekiel 2:9
And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;

Take notice what is written "within and without", i.e. on both sides of the roll!

[10] And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

Ezekiel is instructed by God to "eat" the roll, as in consume and digest it thoroughly, and then go speak unto the house of Israel! Remember what we learned concerning the two witnesses who were "clothed in sackcloth"? To be "clothed in sack-cloth" is an expression, a figure of speech, denoting one who is mourning, i.e. lamenting and declaring the WOES, the curses to come upon those who do not turn to Him, to His Word!

Ezekiel 3:1
Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.

You see, it is God's elect, His "watchmen" in this final generation, through whom He causes the roll to "goeth forth" over the face of the whole land. They, the "watchmen", the "eyes" of God, "eat the roll daily" asking for and receiving His daily bread, and so they are always diligently "being about their Father's business"!

To that end, it is also worth noting that the dimensions of this "roll" which was seen by Zechariah were 20 cubits by 10 cubits (30 feet x 15 feet) which is the exact size of the temple porch (1 Kings 6:3)! To wit, the temple porch was where the "law", the Word of God, was usually read!

Now let us see what this "flying roll" shall accomplish:

Zech. 5:3
Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.

To "goeth forth" literally means to "go forth on business" and so it is that God is taking care of business executing His Word exactly as it written. Those who have eyes to see and ears hear know that the teaching of that "roll" does literally "fly" over the face of the whole land (eretz) upon the airwaves 24/7 into millions of homes.

But why is the "going forth" of the roll called a "curse"? It is a curse to the "thieves" and "false prophets" (liars) of God's Word who shall experience the "Woe" from our Father's hand for lying and building their own houses! Our Father does not like it one bit and they shall surely be cut off! Woe! Ezekiel 34:2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"

The Word of God (the roll) declares all the "curses" that come upon those who do not follow God's laws. Have you ever read Deut. 28 beginning with verse 15? Deut. 28:15 "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee." Yes, although the Word of God contains all the blessings for those who love the Lord, it also contains the lamentations, and mourning, and woes which shall come upon those who do not hearken unto His voice, and especially (meaning more severely) upon those who do NOT "eat the roll" but claim they are Christ's ministers and representatives.

Zech. 5:4
I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

"Woe" to those robbers of our people's vineyard and woe to those liars who take the name of the LORD in vain, i.e. swear falsely by His name! Their houses, their churches which they have built upon sand instead of upon the Rock , His Word, are ALL coming down and so they shall be removed from our midst when Yeshua returns. Christ clearly warned us of the "many who would come in His name", claiming to be Christian ministers and preachers, and would deceive many through teaching the traditions of men instead of teaching from the roll. Unfortunately, as a result of their "swearing falsely", teaching lies in the name of Christ, they will lead many (most) of our brothers and sisters to also swear falsely, as in worship the false messiah, Satan, when he comes claiming he is God.

John 10:1
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

OK, enough said! Let us move on to the 7th vision of Zechariah.

---

#7 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The Ephah"
 

Zech. 5:5
Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.

Here comes another vision so "lift up your eyes" and do as the angel says... and "see" what it is that now goes forth.

"Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... it's an EPHAH??"

[6] And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth.

An "ephah" is a container about the size of a bushel basket which is used to "measure grain" and so it is symbolic of commerce and economics. Here is what Amos says about those who make the ephah small and falsify the balances of commerce in their New World Order. They just can hardly wait to rip people off! (Review also the seal of the "Black Horse" in Revelation chapter six.)

Amos 8:5
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?

The phrase "this is their resemblance through all the earth" in Zech. 5:6 means this is a "global picture" of the extent of corrupt commerce on earth at this time. But wait, there is more concerning this ephah!

Zech. 5:7
And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.

How many of our people really know who sits in the seat in the midst of commerce*? I dare say far too few! But as it is written right here in Zechariah, the "lid is going to come off the ephah" and the "woman" who sits in the midst of it shall be EXPOSED. It shall be the witness of God's elect that will do that exposing.

Who is this "woman" anyway? She is the great whore of Rev. 17 & 18, the mother of harlots, "false religion", the one with whom all the kings of the earth have committed fornication (Rev. 17:2)! She has lived "high on the hog" at the expense of others and claims she needs not the Bridegroom for she is already married... and she is... albeit to the wicked one, the spurious messiah, Satan himself!

Mystery Babylon the great is wicked indeed for it is the "rasha", the lawless one, the son of perdition, who heads this oppressive ungodly system.

Zech. 5:8 And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.

God through His elect, His witnesses, shall EXPOSE the great harlot who sits in the midst of the ephah as filthy and wicked, i.e. as the iniquitous work of the wicked one! To wit, "Zechariah" means "Yahveh Remembers" and so it is that He shall NOT FORGET those who have religiously and economically oppressed His people through lies and deceitful practices!

 Let go back to Amos and document it.

Amos 8:4
Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

The greedy who swallow up the needy shall be given fair warning by God's witnesses and they shall surely hear His servants say "Hear this"... "Thus saith the Lord GOD!" Meanwhile, the greedy can hardly wait rob and steal by deceit...

[5] Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?

Such is "their resemblance in all the earth"! Rev. 6:5-6 "... And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. [6] And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine."

There's your crooked "measure of grain", the small ephah!

[6] That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?

[7] The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

Woe unto them! Our Father shall surely remember their deeds and He shall bring them to justice on that great day when Jesus Christ returns!

Next we are going to "see" who it is that "lifts up this ephah" and carries this basket of filth to its "base", its final resting place, which is the PIT in land of Shinar, Babylon!

Zech. 5:9
Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.

Who are these "two women" with the "wind" in their wings? "Wind" is "ruach" in Hebrew which means "spirit" and it is the "spirit" that makes their wings as "strong" and "swift" as those of a stork*? These two women are "virgins" who have not defiled themselves with women, i.e. with that filthy whore, the wicked one (rasha) who sits as a queen in the ephah. (See Rev. 14:4).

[10] Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?

Where are God's elect going to take the ephah (commerce) with the filthy wicked woman (false religion)?

[11] And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

Hey, they are going to carry this baby to its final resting place (base) in the land of Shinar, which is Babylon!

So there you have it! What great imagery our Father has given us in this 5th chapter of Zechariah to show us how He uses His elect, those two olive trees and those two candlesticks, to bring forth His Word, the "flying roll", over the face of the whole land, and to expose the great whore who sits as a queen in the midst the ephah.

What a time to live! And what a privilege it is to serve the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in this final generation!

chapter 6

We have now come to great 6th chapter of Zechariah in which the prophet of God whose name means "Remembered of Yahveh" will be given his eighth vision! Eight in Biblical numerics denotes resurrection, rebirth, "new beginnings" and so it is in this chapter that we shall see the culmination of events of this flesh age followed by the birth of a new age when the BRANCH comes forth as King of kings and Lords of lords, the Lord of all the earth, to take the reigns of governorship and execute justice in all the earth.

In chapter 5 we saw two "visions", mental motion pictures (I call it telepavision), of the two works that God shall accomplish through His elect, through the two churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna which are fed by the two sons of oil in this final generation. Those two works are: 1) the teaching of God's Word, which is the "going forth" of the "flying roll" throughout the land as a warning and a witness (like a big billboard) to the true house of Israel (today's Christians Nations of western Europe and the Americas). This is accomplished by His "watchmen", those 7 pairs of eyes (eyes that see spiritually), who also complete the building of the temple, the 'sealing' of the 144,000 in Rev. 7 before the Four Winds are released, and 2) the lifting up, the exposing of the great harlot in the ephah, which is the satanic wickedness of the New World Order. This is accomplished when some of God's strong-winged spiritually rich (Rev. 2:9) elect are delivered up and give witness unto all nations (which have all joined together (epi) into one with the harlot in the ephah) by proclaiming the gospel of the coming kingdom of God, i.e. proclaiming that Jesus Christ is soon coming to this earth as King of kings and Lord of lords to tear down and smash this filthy, unholy one world system of Satan's and cast it into the pit of hell forever!

Now in this 6th chapter we are going to "turn" with Zechariah, i.e. while considering those two previous visions, and "lift up our eyes" and "see" what events follow those two works. Students of the Book of Revelation will have already figured out by that statement that what we must be going to see are events of the 6th and 7th Trumps respectively... and they are right on!

#8 of Zechariah's Eight Visions "The Four Chariots"

Zech. 6:1
And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.

Look! Behold! This is some vision, isn't it? Of course you know there are no "brass" mountains on earth, right? This is our first clue to the fact that we are "seeing" something spiritual, supernatural in scope. Also, one should know that "chariots" are used symbolically to denote WARFARE and the number "Four" is the number pertaining to "the earth" (see appendix 10 in the Companion Bible).

Live Links to> The Fearsome Locust Army and Joel

Now notice what is pulling these chariots of war! Horses! Colored Horses!

[3] And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.

[4] Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?

Let us hear and understand the answer from the Word of God.

[5] And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.

These are the same four spirits, or angels, of Rev. 7 who hold back the Four Winds until the flying roll has flown, i.e. until the teaching, the sealing, of the 144,000 has been accomplished. You see, the chariots which are symbolic of warfare, and the horses which are symbolic of power, reveal to us that this is talking about Spiritual Warfare... of the wind! By the way, the Hebrew word translated "spirits" in this verse is "ruach" which is often translated wind!

Before we go to Rev. 7 to learn more about these Four Spirits and the Four Winds, notice that they went forth "from standing before the Lord of all the earth"! What does that mean? Perhaps it would help to read how Dr. Moffat translates it which is, "after they have presented themselves before the Lord of all the earth". Why would they present themselves before God? The simple answer is "Because God said so", because it is written that they receive instruction from the One who is total and complete control. That is one of lessons we learn from all of this, i.e. that our Father is complete control and NOTHING happens without Him allowing it to (see Col. 1:16-17)!

If you have read the Book of Job you may recall that Satan himself "presented himself before the Lord" and he was given specific orders!

Job 1:6
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

The sons of God are the angels. Also, you can read the account of the conversation between Satan and God for yourself concerning His servant Job, a type of God's elect, but the bottom line is that Satan was told he could NOT put forth his hand upon Job! So let there be no doubt about the power and authority of our heavenly Father. Again, neither Satan nor his locust army can do anything without the express written consent of the Creator of the Universe! So have no fear! Got it?

Job 1:12
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

The reason this is so important is because the locust army that comes with Satan at the sound of the 6th Trump is also given instructions before the Lord as in "commanded" by Him that they may NOT hurt those who have the "seal of God" in their foreheads, who are God's elect.

Rev. 9:4
And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Now let us go to Rev. 7 and learn more concerning these Four Angels and the Four Winds!

Rev. 7:1
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

The "four corners" means "four quarters" or "four quadrants" of the earth, i.e. the whole earth, global, in all four directions, North, East, West, & South... NEWS. The Four Winds are poised and ready to go as soon as the angels get the go ahead! Anxious indeed they are as we shall see!

[2] And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

Who is this angel from the east? It is Michael, the angel with the 6th Trump. You see, it is documented in Rev. 12:7-12 that it is Michael who is holding back Satan and his angels, that locust army. He does so until our Father gives him the command to step aside and release Satan and his angels, i.e. cast them to this earth! Then "WOE to the inhabitants of the earth" (Rev. 12:12) when they are let go for as Daniel states in chapter 12:1, "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." The word "trouble" means "tribulation"! There will be great tribulation, great "spiritual warfare" when the 6th Trump sounds!

Rev. 12:12
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

You can just imagine "the war in heaven" as Satan and his legal-beagle attorneys futilely argue "the letter of the law" claiming that he should have 3 1/2 literal years! Sorry Satan, the Judge has ruled your time has been shortened to five months! (See Rev. 9:5 for documentation.)

Let us now return to Rev. 7 and see what it is the angels who hold back the Four Winds are kept from doing until the sealing has taken place.

Rev. 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

These trees are NOT the good guys! This is documented by the spiritual "Hurt" they shall inflict when they are released with the FULL POWER of the Four Winds:

hurt = adikeo, ad-ee-keh'-o, Greek 91; from Greek 94 (adikos); to be unjust, i.e. (active) do wrong (moral, socially or physical) :- hurt, injure, be an offender, be unjust, (do, suffer, take) wrong.

You should know who it is that wages this spiritual warfare and inflicts the "hurt"? Again, it is the locust army!

Rev. 9:3
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

[4] And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

They come with POWER to do spiritual BATTLE but they are NOT permitted to hurt those who have the Word of God sealed in their minds. Again, this is the great tribulation, the tribulation of Satan as the false-christ, the time of trouble, the great spiritual warfare... i.e. the onslaught of the four winds which blow GLOBALLY upon the whole earth, all four corners (quadrants)! Of course the earth, sea and trees are symbolic terms meaning the peoples of all nations, creeds and tongues. Do you have the Gospel Armour on (Eph. 6) and in place to be able to take a stand against these dudes, against the fiery darts of the Wicked one?

Rev. 9:7
And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

Hey, would you like to take a guess as to what color these "horses prepared unto battle" are?

Let us now return to the great Book of Zechariah and continue with these four spirits. We are now going to see these horses go forth into all the earth, in every direction, i.e. North, South, East and West.

Zech. 6:6
The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.

[7] And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.

Oh boy! Here they come! The command has been given "Get the hence out of here!" And remember... they are really anxious (sought to go) to walk to and fro through the earth!

[8] Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.

To quiet His spirit means His judgment and chastisement have been executed. Do you remember what the "north country (country = eretz)" is? You may recall that we read about it in our study of the second chapter of Zechariah. The north land (land = eretz, same word translated country) is the land of Babylon, the state of confusion (babel) to where God's people are taken spiritually in these last days.
 That is why God says to His children concerning Babylon the great, "Come out of her, my people!"

Rev. 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Again, we read the same thing in Zech. 2:6 concerning "come forth", i.e. come forth "out of Babylon", the land of the north?

Zech. 2:6
Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

Perhaps the definition of the word "north" will help us understand this spiritual land of darkness and confusion, the land of the "north", i.e. spiritual Babylon:

north = tsaphown, tsaw-fone', Hebrew 6828; or tsaphon, tsaw-fone'; from Hebrew 6845 (tsaphan); properly hidden, i.e. dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown) :- north (-ern, side, -ward, wind).

By the way, if you would like "see" further into the tremendous "flood like" spiritual onslaught (blowing winds) when the angel of the 6th Trump lets the four angels loose, just read Rev. 9:13-20. You should now be familiar with enough symbolism to easily understand it!

Next we shall see what happens following the witness of the valiant children of the captivity!

Who said "crowns"?

The final verses of the great 6th chapter of the Book of Zechariah bring forth a summary and reveal to us the purpose and end result of the eight visions shown to the prophet of God whose name means "Remembered of Yahveh". In these concluding verses we are reminded that God has surely NOT forgotten His people and that just as Jesus Christ promised He would raise up and rebuild the temple, His body, symbolic of His many membered body, He is doing so in these last days according to the faithfulness of His Word. And we have seen through "visions", graphic illustrations, that it would be through His faithful servants who love and serve Him in this final generation that He would accomplish His wondrous works.

You see, there is nothing new under the sun. In other words, there is nothing new in this flesh age that wasn't present in the first earth age, in the "world that then was" that Peter speaks of in 2 Pet. 3:6 which was destroyed by the wrath of God(Jer. 4:26) at Satan's first rebellion. If you read with understanding the 28th chapter of Ezekiel it will document for you that it was by the corruption of those same four "powers", all present in Ezek. 28 which together comprise the "tail" of the Dragon (Rev. 12:4), that Satan drew a third of God's children away from the mercy seat of righteousness in that first earth age.

Live Link to> Ezekiel chapter 28 

He has done so once again in this present earth age.

But Satan's oppressive, unrighteous, unholy One World System shall not endure, for the King of kings and Lord of lords is soon coming to take over the reigns of ALL government on this earth. THEN we shall have true peace on earth because truth and justice shall be established in ALL the earth! 

Read what is written of the "child who was born" in a lowly manger, concerning His second advent at the sound of the 7th Trump!

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

This did not happen at the first advent but shall happen at His second. And you know what? God's elect of the Elijah ministry of these last days shall prepare (even are preparing) the way, building up the temple of God, for the return of the King of kings and Lord of lords to take upon His shoulder the governing of the whole earth!

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Here are the definitions of "judgment" and "justice".

judgment = mishpat*, mish-pawt', Hebrew 4941; from Hebrew 8199 (shaphat*); properly a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or [participle] divine law, individual or collective)...

justice = tsedaqah, tsed-aw-kaw', Hebrew 6666; from Hebrew 6663 (tsadaq); rightness (abstract), subjective (rectitude), objective (justice), moral (virtue) or figurative (prosperity) :- justice, moderately, right (-eous) (act, -ly, -ness).

tsadaq, tsaw-dak', Hebrew 6663; a primitive root; to be (causative make) right (in a moral or forensic sense) :- cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just (-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be, turn to) righteous (-ness).

Live Link to> Ezekiel chapter 44

To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.

We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.

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