Chapter 01 the alpha and the omega (part1)

Amen! Hallelujah! - A study of the Book of Revelation

Lesson 1
The Alpha and the Omega (Part 1)
Text: Revelation 1:1-8; 22:8-12

Date: March 4, 2007

Authored By:
Dale Wells

Palm Desert Church
of Christ

Lesson 1—The Alpha and the Omega (Part 1)

REVELATION IS A BOOK TO BE UNDERSTOOD

Rev 1:1-3 WEB This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God
gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon
… Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the
prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at
hand.
Most people begin with the assumption that we can’t really
understand the Book of Revelation.
John, on the other hand, assumes the book can be understood. He
makes it clear by his choice of words. His first word is apocalypsis –
an “unveiling”, “uncovering”, “revealing”, or “disclosure” of something
that had previously been concealed. It is significant that he did not
call it a “mystery” (mysterion), but a “revelation.”

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “MYSTERY” AND “REVELATION”
Eph 3:1-7 WEB … by revelation the mystery was made known to me
… when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the
mystery of Christ; which in other generations was not made known
to the children of men, as it has now been revealed … that the
Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow
partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel …
Paul makes a point that what was once a “mystery” is now a
“revelation”. By nature, a mystery isn't understood until it is revealed.
Once it is revealed, it is no longer a mystery.
In Revelation, something that had once been a mystery was
revealed.

THE BOOK BEGINS WITH A BLESSING ON THE ATTENTIVE, OBEDIENT
READER AND HEARER.

“BLESSED” (MAKARIOS) IS THE WORD OF THE BEATITUDES

Page 2


Mat 5:3-12 WEB “Blessed are the poor in spirit … Blessed are those
who mourn ... Blessed are the gentle … Blessed are those who
hunger and thirst after righteousness ... Blessed are the merciful ...
Blessed are the pure in heart … Blessed are the peacemakers …
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness'
sake ... “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake ...”
In the Beatitudes, Jesus describes the kind of character he expects
of his followers. No one looks at the Beatitudes and thinks they
represent unattainable demands. Neither should we look at the
blessings in Revelation and think they are unattainable.

“BLESSED IS HE WHO READS”

Rev 1:3 WEB Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the
words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for
the time is at hand.
The Greek (ho anaginooskon) literally means “the one who reads
aloud”. Even if we didn’t know that from John’s choice of vocabulary,
it is apparent from the second blessing on “those who hear”. John
envisions a congregational setting in which one person reads the
Book of Revelation to an assembled congregation.

“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HEAR”
“Hear” (akouoo) is a word that means different things in different
contexts. With a noun in the genitive case, it meant “hear”. When it is
used with a noun in the accusative, as here, it meant “understand.”
In other words, Jesus intended the message to be understood.

The Bible gives a good example of the different uses of akouoo as
“hear” and as “understand”
One good example is found in the accounts of Paul's Damascus
road experience, which seem contradictory – particularly in the King
James Version.

Page 3


Act 9:7 KJV And the men … with him stood speechless, hearing a
voice, but seeing no man.
Act 22:9 KJV And they that were with me saw … the light … but they
heard not the voice ...
In Acts 9:7, akouoo is used with the genitive case. In Acts 22:9, it is
used with the accusative case. Modern translations clear up the
confusion.

Act 9:7 WEB The men … with him stood speechless, hearing the
voice, but seeing no one.
Act 22:9 WEB “Those … with me … saw the light … but they didn't
understand the voice …
“BLESSED ARE … THOSE WHO … KEEP THE THINGS … IN IT”

The word “keep” (terountes) means “observe”, or “obey”.
If God intended people to “understand” and “obey” the book, he
must have written a book that they could understand, with
commands they were capable of obeying!

So, if that is the case, why is the book so misunderstood?

People misunderstand the book because of faulty assumptions they
bring to the text, not because of what the text, itself, says. Many
assume it is a message to “us” about “our” time. That is a faulty
assumption that leads to faulty conclusions.

POPULAR APPROACHES TO REVELATION
Some people see the Book of Revelation as a “summary of history”.
They see the Catholic Church, invasions of Rome by Goths,
Vandals, Moslems and Turks, and the Reformation with Luther and
Calvin. Philip Melanchthon, a contemporary of Luther, took this
approach to the book. Recent authors who adopt this approach are
Albert Barnes and John Hinds.
Each such writer has had to reapply historical events to put himself

Page 4


in the last days, because began with the presumption that he was
living in the last moments of time.
Some people believe the Book of Revelation only deals with the end
of time. I’ve read authors going back to 1948 who thought they were
living in the last moments of time. Each has had to rewrite his
timeline when unfolding events proved him wrong.
Something is fundamentally wrong with an approach to the book that
requires you to rewrite your interpretation every time history
disproves it. Yet, people keep buying their books, and these authors
keep cranking them out, even though history has proved them wrong
every time!

REVELATION'S TIME FRAME IS SET BY TWO PHRASES
The first is the Greek dei genesthai en tachei - “the things which
must happen soon”.

Rev 1:1 WEB This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God
gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen
soon...

Rev 22:6 WEB He said to me, “These words are faithful and true.
The Lord God … sent his angel to show … the things which must
happen soon.”
Some believe that en tachei means “certainly”. The use of the word
in other contexts shows that tacheoo means “quickly”.

Act 22:17-18 WEB “It happened that, when I had returned to
Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance, and
saw him saying to me, 'Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly,
because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.'
Gal 1:6-7 WEB I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who
called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel; and there isn't
another gospel.

Page 5


2Ti 4:9 WEB Be diligent to come to me soon...
The first readers of Revelation were meant to understand that the
fulfillment of the book would be soon - from their point of view, not
ours!

THE TIME IS AT HAND

The second phrase is the Greek ho gar kairos engus – “for the time
is at hand”. Literally, engus means “in hand”. The idea is “within the
grasp” or “within reach”.

The use of “the time is at hand”.


Rev 22:10 WEB He said to me, “Don't seal up the words of the
prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
This same expression is used elsewhere.

Mar 1:14-15 WEB … Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel
of the Kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the
Kingdom of God is at hand! …”

Rom 10:8-9 WEB “The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your
heart;”...

Phi 4:5 WEB Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is
at hand.
No Greek text ever uses engus of something remote. It always
means something near.

REASONS FOR INTERPRETING THE BOOK IN LIGHT OF ITS TIME:
First, it was a “revelation” to its first readers, not a “mystery”.
Second, it was intended to be read, understood, and acted on by its

Page 6


first readers. Third, its time of fulfillment was close at hand – from
the perspective of its first readers.
Picture yourself as a member of the church in Pergamum. At
worship one Lord’s Day, you learn that Antipas has been executed
for his faith. You know that you may be next! Then, a messenger
arrives with a letter from John that is supposed to give you hope.
What do you want to know? What to expect in 2000 years? No! You
want to know if you’re going to be alive tomorrow! If not, you want to
know “what then?” Was it worth it for Antipas to lose his life! Or for
you to lose yours! You don’t care about some 21st Century writer;
you want to know what’s about to happen to you and what God is
going to do about it!

Revelation is a message to First Century Christians about First
Century concerns!

KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING REVELATION
All literature is not intended to be read alike. You don't read
Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Edgar Allen Poe the same way. You
don't read William Shakespeare and Stephen King the same way.
You don't read a newspaper and poetry the same way. The same is
true of a biography and a prophecy, or a history and a math
textbook. They are not written the same way; and they are not
interpreted the same way.
Revelation is written in a style called apocalyptic. Apocalyptic
writings have distinctive characteristics that must be understood in
order to properly interpret the writings.

Let’s look at some distinctive characteristics as they are found in the
Book of Revelation.
For example, Revelation is written in symbols. John uses fantastic
imagery that is not intended to be taken literally.

Page 7


WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT YESTERDAY, I SAW A VISION.

I saw what looked like a living creature. It had four legs, but it stood
up on two, like a man. It had a prominent nose. It was brown and
had long ears.

I saw another living creature. It looked like a bird without wings. It
was blue and had two legs with three toes on each foot.
The first creature held a red cylinder. One end was pointed and a
string came out of the other end. He straddled the cylinder and put a
flame to the string. The first living creature sped toward the second
living creature.

The second stepped aside as the first sped past.

Who are the two creatures? Wile Coyote and Road Runner!

READ REVELATION THE WAY YOU WATCH ANIMATIONS
In order to understand the book you must use your imagination. In
the book, we’ll see a seven-headed dragon, a seven-headed beast,
a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, a prostitute riding a beast,
etc.

Don’t belabor the details – they’ll distract you from the picture. Let
the picture take hold of your imagination and you will come to
understand the book.

REVELATION MAKES EXTENSIVE USE OF SYMBOLS
SOME OF THE SYMBOLS ARE SELF-EVIDENT

ONE LIKE A SON OF MAN

Rev 1:13-18 WEB And among the lampstands was one like a son of
man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a
golden sash around his chest. His head and his hair were white as
white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet

Page 8


were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His
voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his
right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword.
His face was like the sun shining at its brightest … “Don't be afraid. I
am the first and the last, and the Living one. I was dead, and … I am
alive forevermore …

This is clearly Jesus. It can be no one else

THE LAMB OF GOD

Rev 5:5-6 WEB One of the elders said to me, “Don't weep. Behold,
the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has
overcome; he who opens the book and its seven seals.” I saw in the
midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst
of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having
seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God,
sent out into all the earth.
Anyone who knows very much about the Bible will have no difficulty
identifying the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, and the Lamb of
God, as Jesus. It just cannot be anyone else.

TWO WITNESSES

A small part of it helps us identify the figures behind the picture.

Rev 11:6 WEB These have the power to shut up the sky, that it may
not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the
waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every
plague, as often as they desire.

Clearly the figures depict Moses and Elijah. The picture of someone
shutting up the sky comes from the life of Elijah. The picture of
someone turning water to blood and striking the earth with plagues
comes from the experience of Moses.

A RADIANT WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO A UNIQUE CHILD

Page 9


Rev 12:1-5 WEB A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed
with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown
of twelve stars. She was with child. She cried out in pain, laboring to
give birth. ... She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all
the nations with a rod of iron.

John expects his readers to identify the woman as Mary, and her
child as Jesus.

A CONQUERING KING ON A WHITE HORSE

Rev 19:11-16 WEB … behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is
called Faithful and True. … His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his
head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written
which no one knows but he himself. He is clothed in a garment
sprinkled with blood. His name is called “The Word of God.” … Out
of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he
should strike the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron. He
treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the
Almighty. He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written,
“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Again, there can be no doubt that this is Jesus.

THE TEXT EXPLAINS THE LESS OBVIOUS SYMBOLS

What are the stars and lampstands?

Rev 1:20 WEB[T]he mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my
right hand, and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are
the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lampstands are
seven assemblies.

In Revelation, the lampstands are churches and the stars are their
messengers.

What about the dragon out to devour the child

Rev 12:9 WEB The great dragon …, the old serpent, he who is

Page 10


called the devil and Satan ...

In the Apocalypse, the dragon is Satan.

THE PROSTITUTE RIDING ON A BEAST
Who is the prostitute? The text helps us out:

Rev 17:18 WEB The woman … is the great city which reigns over
the kings of the earth.”

She is riding a beast with seven heads.

Rev 17:9-11 WEB The seven heads are seven mountains, on which
the woman sits. They are also seven kings …
The text makes a dual application of the 7 heads. They are seven
mountains on which the woman/city sits. They are also seven kings.

Rome was the 1st Century city that sat on seven mountains, whose
kings ruled the world, so the prostitute is Rome.

THE SEA BEAST
Rev 13:1-8 WEB … I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having
ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on
his heads, blasphemous names … The dragon gave him his power,
his throne, and great authority … He opened his mouth for
blasphemy against God ... It was given to him to make war with the
saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people,
language, and nation was given to him…
The enemy in Revelation was the Roman Empire. The prostitute is
the City of Rome. The City of Rome rides atop the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire receives its power from Satan.

THE EARTH BEAST

Rev 13:11-18 I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He

Page 11


had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon. He exercises
all the authority of the first beast ... He makes the earth and those
who dwell in it to worship the first beast … saying to those who dwell
on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast … and
causes as many as wouldn't worship the image … to be killed…

It looks like a lamb – a religious figure. This “lamb” speaks with the
dragon's voice. (The dragon has already been identified with Satan.)
It also forces people to worship the first beast (the Roman Empire
with its kings) on pain of death.

THE EARTH BEAST IS ALSO CALLED THE FALSE PROPHET
The Earth Beast is called the “False Prophet”

Rev 19:20 WEB The beast (e.g. the sea beast) was taken, and with
him the false prophet (e.g. the earth beast) who worked the signs in
his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark
of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were
thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.
How could Satan use religion to promote his agenda? What sort of
entity could Satan use that would incorporate religious symbols (like
a lamb) and prophets, in order to force people to worship the
emperors? This could only be the emperor cults (concilia) that forced
Roman subjects to worship the emperors. They were especially
active toward the end of the First Century.

A PUZZLE TO SOLVE, NOT A MYSTERY TO IGNORE
You should approach the book the way you solve a puzzle. Start with
what you know, then solve the rest.

In solving a crossword puzzle, you don’t stay on one across. You
keep looking for some word you know. It might be 37 down. You start
there, and work out the words around it.
In putting together a jigsaw puzzle, you don’t start with one piece
and try to fit the other pieces around it. You get the edges put

Page 12


together, then you put the blue (sky) at the top and the green (grass)
at the bottom. You start with the easy pieces. Before you know it, the
others just seem to fit.
That’s the way it is with Revelation. You start with the facts you
know: The Lamb is Jesus; the Dragon is Satan; the Prostitute is
Rome; the Heads are emperors, etc. You work from there. Before
you know it, the whole picture comes together!
If you’d like a simplified overview of the book, I offer “Revelation for
Dummies.” It only has three points: God Rules! Jesus is Lord! We
win!

OPPOSITIONAL PAIRS IN REVELATION

TWO LAMBS

The Lamb of God.

Rev 5:6 WEB I saw in the midst of the throne … a Lamb standing, as
though it had been slain …

The lamb that speaks with the voice of a dragon.

Rev 13:11 WEB I saw another … He had two horns like a lamb, and
he spoke like a dragon.

TWO WOMEN

The prostitute.

Rev 19:1-2 NIV “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to
our God, (2) … He has condemned the great prostitute …
The bride of the Lamb.

Rev 19:6-7 NIV “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. (7)
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the
Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

Page 13


TWO WHO CLAIM DOMINION

God on the throne in heaven.

Rev 4:2 WEB … Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one
sitting on the throne

The dragon who attempts to invade heaven.

Rev 12:7 WEB There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels
made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war.

TWO MARKS ON PEOPLE’S FOREHEADS

The seal of God.

Rev 7:3 WEB “Don't harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees,
until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their
foreheads!”

The mark of the beast.

Rev 13:16-17 WEB He causes all, the small and the great, the rich
and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their
right hands, or on their foreheads; (17) and that no one would be
able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast
or the number of his name.

KINGS OF THE EARTH AND THE KING OF KINGS

Rev 17:12 WEB The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have
received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings, with
the beast, for one hour.

Rev 19:16 WEB He has on his garment and on his thigh a name
written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
There are many other oppositional pairs, but this should be enough
for you to get the idea.

Page 14


THE SYMBOLISM OF NUMBERS
Numbers were used symbolically in apocalyptic literature. Four
numerals in Revelation are oppositional pairs. 7 stands opposed to 3
½. 12 stands opposed to 6. Other symbolic numbers are not paired:
1/3, 2, 4, 10, 1,000.

SEVEN SYMBOLIZES GOD'S COMPLETED WORK
“Seven” occurs more often in Revelation than in the rest of the New
Testament. “Seven” also occurs more in the Book of Revelation than
in any Old Testament Book.

"Seven" symbolizes God completing the work he set out to do.

Gen 2:1-3 WEB The heavens and the earth were finished, and all
the host of them. On the seventh day God finished his work which
he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work
which he had made. God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy,
because he rested in it from all his work which he had created and
made.

REVELATION BEGINS WITH A LETTER TO 7 CHURCHES.
Rev 1:4 WEB John, to the seven assemblies ...

Rev 1:11 WEB ... “What you see, write in a book and send to the
seven assemblies …”

Rev 1:20 WEB ... The seven lampstands are seven assemblies.
“Assemblies” translates ekklesiai, which is rendered “churches” in
other versions.

THE FIRST VISION FEATURES TWO SEVENS
The son of man is among 7 lampstands.

Rev 1:12-13 WEB ... I saw seven golden lampstands. And … one

Page 15


like a son of man

Rev 1:20 WEB ... The seven lampstands are seven assemblies.

Rev 2:1 WEB To … Ephesus write: “He who ... walks among the
seven golden lampstands …

He is holding 7 stars.

Rev 1:16 WEB He had seven stars ...

Rev 1:20 WEB ... The seven stars are the angels of the seven
assemblies...

Rev 2:1 WEB To … Ephesus write: “He who holds the seven stars...
says these things:

BEFORE GOD'S THRONE WERE 7 LAMPS
Rev 4:5 WEB ... There were seven lamps of fire burning before his
throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

These are the seven spirits of God seen elsewhere.

Rev 1:4 WEB ... Grace to you and peace ... from the seven Spirits
who are before his throne;

Rev 3:1 WEB “And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: He
who has the seven Spirits of God ...

A 7-SEALED SCROLL WAS OPENED BY A LAMB WITH 7 HORNS AND 7
EYES.

Rev 5:1 WEB I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a
book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals … (5)
One of the elders said to me, “Don't weep. Behold, the Lion who is of
the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome; he who opens
the book and its seven seals.” (6) I saw in the midst of the throne
and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a

Page 16


Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns,
and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all
the earth.

GOD'S JUDGMENTS WERE ANNOUNCED BY 7 ANGELS WITH 7 TRUMPETS.

Rev 8:2 WEB I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and
seven trumpets were given to them.

Rev 8:6 WEB The seven angels who had the seven trumpets
prepared themselves to sound.

Another warning of judgment came in 7 thunders.

Rev 10:3-4 WEB ... When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their
voices. When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but
I heard a voice from the sky saying, “Seal up the things which the
seven thunders said, and don't write them.”
THE DRAGON AND SEA BEAST EACH HAD 7 HEADS & THE DRAGON HAD 7
CROWNS

Rev 12:3 WEB Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great
red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads
seven crowns.

Rev 13:1 WEB Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast
coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads ...

THE PROSTITUTE SITS ON A BEAST WITH 7 HEADS.
Rev 17:3 WEB ... I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored animal,
full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns.

Rev 17:7 WEB The angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I will tell
you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her,
which has the seven heads and the ten horns.

THE HEADS CORRESPOND TO 7 MOUNTAINS AND 7 KINGS

Page 17


Rev 17:9-10 WEB Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven
heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. They are
seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come.
When he comes, he must continue a little while.

7 ANGELS ADMINISTER GOD'S JUDGMENTS.

Rev 15:1 WEB I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky:
seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath
is finished.

Rev 15:6-8 WEB The seven angels who had the seven plagues
came out, clothed with pure, bright linen… One of the four living
creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the
wrath of God... No one was able to enter into the temple, until the
seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.

7 BOWLS OF WRATH WERE POURED OUT ON THE EARTH
Rev 16:1 WEB I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the
seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God
on the earth!”

Rev 17:1 WEB One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls
came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the
judgment of the great prostitute …

Rev 21:9 WEB One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls,
who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke
with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb's
bride.”

SEVEN BEATITUDES IN REVELATION


Rev 14:13 WEB 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now

Page 18


on … that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with
them.

Rev 16:15 WEB “Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who
watches…”

Rev 19:9 WEB Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage
supper of the Lamb.

Rev 20:6 WEB Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first
resurrection. Over these, the second death has no power...

Rev 22:7 WEB Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy
of this book.

Rev 22:14 WEB Blessed are those who do his commandments, that
they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the
gates into the city.

SEVEN “I AM” SAYINGS IN REVELATION

Rev 1:8 WEB “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God,
“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Rev 1:17-18 WEB … “Don't be afraid. I am the first and the last and
the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.
Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

Rev 2:23 WEB … I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will
give to each one of you according to your deeds.

Rev 21:6 WEB He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the
Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is
thirsty from the spring of the water of life.

Rev 22:13 WEB I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the
Last, the Beginning and the End.

Rev 22:16 WEB I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things

Page 19


to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David;
the Bright and Morning Star.”

MORE SEVENS IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION
7 kinds of men hide from God’s judgment.

Rev 6:15-17 WEB The kings of the earth, the princes, the
commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free
person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the
mountains. They told the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us, and
hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the
wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath has come; and who
is able to stand?”

7 things the Lamb is worthy to receive.

Rev 5:12 WEB ... “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to
receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and
blessing!”

7 aspects of worship toward God.

Rev 7:11-12 WEB All the angels were standing around the throne …
and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God,
saying, “Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power,
and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
The message of the number 7 is that God is working – and he will
accomplish his purpose.

3½ DEPICTS SATAN'S ATTEMPT TO THWART GOD'S PURPOSE
The opposite of 7 in Revelation is 3½. 3½ is half of 7. That is no
accident. 7 depicts God accomplishing his will. 3½ is a period of
calamity and suffering waiting for God's deliverance.

Daniel envisioned a 3 ½ year oppression during a fourth kingdom

Page 20


Dan 7:25 WEB He shall speak words against the Most High, and
shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to
change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand
until a time and times and half a time.
The expression comes from a year (“time”) + two years (“times”) +
six months (“half a time”).

A TIME OF OPPRESSION AND PROVISION

It was the time of drought during the reign of Ahab

1Ki 17:1 WEB Elijah … said to Ahab, As Yahweh, the God of Israel,
lives … there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to
my word.

Jam 5:17 WEB Elijah … prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it
didn't rain on the earth for three years and six months.

It was also the time when God provided for Elijah

1Ki 17:3-6 WEB Get away from here, turn eastward, and hide
yourself by the brook Cherith … (6) The ravens brought him bread
and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he
drank of the brook.

THE PICTURE COMES FROM MILITARY SIEGES
Sieges are described in months, not days. The Roman army would
completely surround a fortification, cutting off all supplies. While they
built their siegeworks, they waited for starvation and disease to
decimate the besieged. That is why invaders measured sieges in
months.

One example is the Jewish-Roman War. The Jewish-Roman War
began in 66 AD. Jerusalem fell about 42 months later in 70 AD. The
siege of Jerusalem lasted 3½ months (May 10 to August 29, 70 AD)
before the Temple fell.

Page 21


It is a time when Satan attempts to stop God’s work, but during
which God is in control!

3½ YEARS IN REVELATION 11
The Gentiles besiege God’s city for 42 months.

Rev 11:1-2 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, “Rise,
and measure God's temple, and the altar, and those who worship in
it. (2) Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and don't
measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the
holy city under foot for forty-two months.
That is the same time period during which the two witnesses
prophesy.

Rev 11:3 I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will
prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in
sackcloth.”

3½ DAYS IN REVELATION 11
The beast kills God's two witnesses, and it appears that he has
stopped God’s work in the world. After 3½ days, God raises them
from the dead. Satan can’t win! He has the power of death, but God
has the power of life!

Protection and provision are expressed in terms of days.

Mat 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
The invader may measure a siege in months, but to the besieged,
survival is day-by-day. How many days can they hold out before
starvation or disease decimate their population and force their
surrender?

3½ AS 1260 DAYS AND “A TIME, TIMES, AND HALF A TIME”

God cares for the woman for 1260 days.

Page 22


Rev 12:6 The woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a
place prepared by God, that there they may nourish her one
thousand two hundred sixty days.

Satan tries to get at the woman protected by God.

Rev 12:13-14 When the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the
earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child.
(14) Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she
might fly into the wilderness to her place, so that she might be
nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the
serpent.
He can’t get to her, because God is protecting her. The outcome is
always the same – God wins!

TWELVE SYMBOLIZES GOD'S PEOPLE
Twelve and its multiples (24, 12,000, 144,000) is the second most
prominent number in the Book of Revelation.

IN REVELATION 4 24 ELDERS SIT ON THRONES

Rev 4:4 WEB Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the
thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments,
with crowns of gold on their heads.
These likely represent the 12 patriarchs from the Old Testament, and
the 12 apostles from the New Testament. In other words, the 24
elders, stand for God’s people under both covenants.

IN REVELATION 7 THERE ARE 144,000 PEOPLE SEALED.
Rev 7:4 WEB I heard the number of those who were sealed, one
hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children
of Israel
These are the people with God’s seal of approval on their foreheads.
These consist of 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. This

Page 23


number is not to be taken literally.
JACOB'S 12 SONS & ISRAEL'S 12 TRIBAL LAND DIVISIONS WERE NOT
IDENTICAL

Jacob adopted Joseph’s sons in place of Joseph.

Gen 48:5 WEB Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land
of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and
Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine.
So there were two tribes associated with Joseph, and Israel literally
had 13 tribes.
There were only 12 land divisions because Levi received cities in the
other tribal lands.

Num 35:2 WEB Command the children of Israel that they give to the
Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in

WE COULD SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT THE APOSTLES.
Jesus had 12 apostles. But Judas was a traitor, and he was replaced
by Matthias.

Act 1:26 WEB They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias,
and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

With the addition of Paul, we have 13 apostles.

Gal 1:1 WEB Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man,
but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from
the dead)

Yet, we always speak of the 12 apostles and the 12 tribes.

HOW DOES JOHN GET 144,000 IF THERE WERE 13 TRIBES?

John gets to that number by leaving out the tribe of Dan. The point is
not that no one is redeemed from Dan, but that all of God’s people

Page 24


are accounted for! The number is to be taken symbolically, not
literally.
John is not being dishonest. Don’t judge the Biblical writers for
making numbers come out the way they wanted them to. It reflects a
difference between the way we and they use numbers.

THERE IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THIS IN MATTHEW 1.

Mat 1:17 WEB So all the generations from Abraham to David are
fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen
generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ,
fourteen generations.
Yet, the numbers don't quite add up. In the first group, you count
both Abraham and David to get 14. The second group has 15
names, unless you omit David to reach 14. However, in the third
group, you have to include both Jeconiah (the last name in the
second group and the first name in the third) and Jesus, in order to
reach 14.

THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH MATTHEW 'S GENEALOGY.

Matthew omits Ahaziah, Joash and Amaziah.

Mat 1:8 WEB … Joram became the father of Uzziah.
The actual line was: Joram, Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, Azariah/
Uzziah.

Matthew dropped Jehoiakim.

Mat 1:11 WEB Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his
brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon.

Josiah was the father of Jehoiakim, who was deposed in favor of his
son Jehoiachin. Matthew doesn't mention Jehoiakim, but only refers
to Jehoiachin, calling him Jeconiah.

Page 25


He says Zerubbabel was Shealtiel's son.

Mat 1:12 WEB After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the
father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel.
Zerubbabel was actually the son of Shealtiel's brother, Pedaiah.

1Ch 3:19 WEB The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel, and Shimei.
WHY WOULD MATTHEW MAKE THESE CHANGES AND DELETIONS?

Was he being dishonest? Not at all! To the ancient writers numbers
were not so much a matter of precise calculation as they were a
representation of important concepts. In the case of Matthew 1, the
key is found in the name of David.

ANCIENT ALPHABETS WERE NOT LIKE OUR MODERN ALPHABETS.
We have separate sets of characters to represent numerals (1, 2, 3,
etc.) and letters (a, b, c, etc.). Ancient languages, including Hebrew
and Greek, had alphabets composed of characters that served a
dual purpose as letters and numbers. Thus “a” could either serve as
a letter, or it could be the numeral “1”, “b” could be used as the
numeral “2”, etc.

ANCIENT WRITERS ENGAGED IN “GEMATRIA” (GREEK ISOPSEPHIA).

They added up the values of letters in a name, with the sum
becoming the "number" of the name. They used that number to
represent the name, especially when they wanted to reveal the
identity to some, but conceal it from others. This will be important to
understanding “666” in Rev 13:18, so we will go into it in detail later.

Archaeology has found ancient examples of gematria.

Graffiti in Pompeii: “I love her whose number is 545.” Only the
couple would know about whom he was writing.
A Roman inscription describes one Gaius as a holy and good man. It

Page 26


combines three words with the numerical value 284:
Gaios = 3 + 1 + 10 + 70 + 200 = 284
(Ha)gios = 1 + 3 + 10 + 70 + 200 = 284
Aga(th)os =1 + 3 + 1 + 9 + 70 + 200 = 284
The words are gematrically interchangeable, because they are of
equal value.
“DAVID” CONSISTED OF THREE LETTERS – EQUIVALENT TO “DVD”.
“D” was the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with a value of “4”;
“v” was the sixth letter, with a value of “6”. (Ancient Hebrew had no
vowels.) So the number of “David” is 14. (d+v+d = 4+6+4 = 14)
Matthew wants us to see Jesus as the Son of David, so he points
out 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 among the Davidic
kings, and 14 from the end of the Davidic dynasty to the coming of
the Son of David!
In Revelation, John also follows an accepted practice of ancient
writers – one familiar to his readers – when he uses numbers as
symbols to represent broad concepts.

THE RADIANT WOMAN WEARS A CROWN OF TWELVE STARS.

Rev 12:1 WEB A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed
with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown
of twelve stars.
We recognized this woman earlier as an idealized picture of Mary.
Now, we can see that the twelve stars represent God’s people – her
crowning glory.

12 DOMINATES THE DESCRIPTION OF THE HOLY CITY.

Rev 21:10-17 WEB He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and
high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming
down out of heaven from God … having twelve gates, and at the

Page 27


gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the
names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. … The wall of the
city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve
Apostles of the Lamb … Twelve thousand stadia. Its length, breadth,
and height are equal. Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the
measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

THIS IS THE CITY WHERE GOD’S PEOPLE LIVE!
It is a cube 12,000 stadia on each side, with 12 gates, having walls
144 cubits thick. So the city has access for all of God's people
(gates); it has plenty of room for all of God's people (dimensions); it
has plenty of security (angels at the gates) and plenty of protection
for God's people who live there (walls).

The New American Standard Bible misses the point. It gives the
length of all sides as 1,500 miles. On the surface of the earth, this
would be the equivalent of a city stretching from San Diego, to
Houston, to Winnipeg, to Vancouver, British Columbia. Adding the
dimension of height yields a volume 85% as large as the moon! It
should be apparent that John isn’t giving literal dimensions. He is
showing the reader that this city that is big enough to house, provide
for and protect all of God’s people. It follows the use of the "12" in
the rest of the book.

6 SYMBOLIZES REBELLION AGAINST GOD
It is a number that depicts man’s attempt to dispense with God. It is
no accident that six is half of twelve, any more than it is an accident
that three-and-one-half is half of seven.

THE CONTRAST BETWEEN SIX AND TWELVE
Twelve depicts the people of God, loyal to him and protected by him,
while six depicts man in rebellion against God and attempting to
usurp God’s throne. Just like Satan’s attempts to stop God in his
tracks (seen in the figure of three-and-one-half), man’s attempts to
eliminate God always result in failure.

Page 28


THE MOST INFAMOUS USE OF SIX IS FOUND IN REV 13:18.

Rev 13:18 WEB … He who has understanding, let him calculate the
number of the beast ... His number is six hundred sixty-six.
666 is rebellion, compounded by rebellion, compounded by
rebellion! 666 is man’s attempt to usurp God’s throne!

666 in Rev 13:18 is clearly a gematria. Behind the number is
concealed a name known to the hearers and readers of the text of
that time. Within a century of the writing, the name behind the
number was lost. Irenaeus, a 2nd Century Christian posed several
possibilities, but he was unable to determine exactly what name was
behind the number.

POSSIBLE NAMES THAT MAKE SENSE IN LIGHT OF THE HISTORICAL
SETTING

Lateinos = “Latin” (e.g. Rome, the city or the empire) =
30+1+300+5+10+50+70+200 = 666
Teitan = “Titus” (the common name of the three Flavian Emperors:
Vespasian,Titus and Domitian. Vespasian was the emperor at the
time Revelation was written. Titus came to the throne shortly
thereafter. Domitian began the first empire-wide persecution of
Christians.) = 300+5+10+300+1+50 = 666
Kaisarsebaston = “Caesar Augustus” (“worshipful Caesar”). The
imperial name = 20+1+10+200+1+100+200+5+2+1+6+70+50 = 666
(Note: this calculation requires using the obsolete letter stigma (= 6)
in the place of the letters sigma (= 200) and tau (= 300). I do not
regard this as particularly objectionable, since the book was
intended to be read aloud. The hearers would be used to associating
the “st” sound with the value of 6.)

EIGHT CONTRASTS WITH SIX IN OTHER APOCALYPTIC WRITINGS.
Eight symbolizes resurrection. It is not used symbolically in

Page 29


Revelation.
Early writers mentioned that Christians met on”the eighth day of the
week, which is also the first”, because of Jesus resurrection from the
dead!

In contrast with “666”, Jesus is “888”. In the 2nd Century, the Sybilline
Oracles say that Jesus is 888. The gematrical value of
“Jesus” (Ieesous) is 888. The writer pointed out that 8 symbolized
resurrection. Thus, Jesus is truly 888. The one who is 666 can never
measure up to the one who is 888!

1/3 SYMBOLIZES GOD’S RESTRAINT IN JUDGMENT
Rev 8:6-12 WEB The seven angels who had the seven trumpets
prepared … to sound. (7) The first sounded, and there followed hail
and fire, mixed with blood... One third of the earth was burnt up, and
one third of the trees were burnt up … (8) The second … sounded,
and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the
sea. One third of the sea became blood, (9) and one third of the
living creatures … in the sea died. One third of the ships were
destroyed. (10) The third … sounded, and a great star fell from the
sky … and it fell on one third of the rivers … (11) … One third of the
waters became wormwood … (12) The fourth … sounded, and one
third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third
of the stars; so that one third of them would be darkened, and the
day wouldn't shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way.

THIS HAS OLD TESTAMENT ROOTS IN EZEKIEL
Eze 5:1-2 WEB You, son of man, take a sharp sword; You shall take
it as a barber's razor to you, and shall cause it to pass on your head
and on your beard: then take balances to weigh, and divide the hair.
(2) A third part you shall burn in the fire in the midst of the city … and
you shall take a third part, and strike with the sword around it; and a
third part you shall scatter to the wind ….

Eze 5:12 WEB A third part of you shall die with the pestilence, and

Page 30


with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of you; and a third
part shall fall by the sword around you; and a third part I will scatter
to all the winds, and will draw out a sword after them.

TWO SYMBOLIZES TESTIMONY
Emissaries are often sent in pairs.

Mar 6:7 WEB He called to himself the twelve, and began to send
them out two by two …
Mat 11:2-3 WEB … John … sent two of his disciples (3) and said to
him, “Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?”

The Jewish law of evidence required two witnesses.

Deu 17:6 WEB At the mouth of two … or three witnesses, shall he
who is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall
not be put to death.

Deu 19:15 WEB One witness shall not rise up against a man for any
iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two
witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be
established.

THE ONLY SIGNIFICANT USAGE OF TWO IN REVELATION IS IN CHAPTER 11

Rev 11:3-11 WEB I will give power to my two witnesses, and they
will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days…” (4) These are
the two olive trees and the two lampstands, standing before the Lord
of the earth. ... (7) When they have finished their testimony, the
beast … will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.
… (10) Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will
be glad … because these two prophets tormented those who dwell
on the earth. (11) After the three and a half days, the breath of life
from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear
fell on those who saw them.

THE IMAGE COMES FROM ZECHARIAH 4

Page 31


Zec 4:2-3 WEB He said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I have
seen, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of
it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes to each of the
lamps, which are on the top of it; (3) and two olive trees by it, one on
the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it.”

Zec 4:11-14 WEB Then I asked him, “What are these two olive trees
on the right side of the lampstand and on the left side of it?” … (14)
Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the
Lord of the whole earth.”

THE TWO REPRESENT THE TESTIMONY OF THE LAW AND PROPHETS
Moses and Elijah were sent to strengthen Jesus at the
Transfiguration.

Mat 17:1-3 WEB After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James,
and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by
themselves. (2) He was transfigured before them. His face shone
like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. (3)
Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.

In Revelation 11, they are sent to proclaim God's word.

FOUR SYMBOLIZES THE ENTIRE EARTH AND UNIVERSE
The symbolism of the number 4 is derived from the 4 points of the
compass and the 4 directions of the wind, and also from the 4
seasons.
In Babylonian mythology the 4 signs of the Zodiac, Taurus, Leo,
Scorpio and Aquarius, appear as powerful figures which support the
firmament of heaven by its 4 corners, or as the beasts of burden of
the 4-wheeled heavenly chariot. The number 4 thus symbolizes the
entire earth and universe.
EZEKIEL DESCRIBED 4 CREATURES WHICH FORMED GOD'S HEAVENLY
ENTOURAGE.

Page 32


Eze 1:4-28 WEB I looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of
the north, a great cloud, with flashing lightning… (5) Out of its midst
came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their
appearance: they had the likeness of a man. (6) Everyone had four
faces, and each one of them had four wings. … (10) As for the
likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man; and they four had
the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an
ox on the left side; they four had also the face of an eagle. …(28) …
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh.
JOHN SAW 4 CREATURES AROUND GOD'S THRONE WORSHIPING HIM.

Rev 4:6-8 WEB … In the midst of the throne, and around the throne
were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. (7) The first
creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the
third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying
eagle. (8) The four living creatures, each one of them having six
wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and
night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who
was and who is and who is to come!”

THE 4 CREATURES WORSHIP THE LAMB, AS WELL.

Rev 5:6-14 WEB I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four
living creatures … a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain …
(8) Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures … fell
down before the Lamb … (9) They sang a new song, saying, “You
are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals … (11) I saw, and I
heard something like a voice of many angels … (12) saying with a
loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb …” (13) I heard every created thing
… saying, “To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the
blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever!
Amen!” (14) The four living creatures said, “Amen!”
THROUGHOUT REVELATION THE 4 CREATURES WORSHIP & SERVE GOD

Rev 7:11-12 WEB All the angels were standing around the throne,
the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces

Page 33


before his throne, and worshiped God, (12) saying, “Amen! Blessing,
glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God
forever and ever! Amen.”

Rev 14:3 WEB They sing a new song before the throne, and before
the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song
except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been
redeemed out of the earth.

Rev 15:7 WEB One of the four living creatures gave to the seven
angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever
and ever.

Rev 19:4 WEB The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures
fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, “Amen!
Hallelujah!”
ZECHARIAH SAW A VISION OF 4 NATIONS BEING BROKEN BY 4 OF GOD'S
SERVANTS.

Zec 1:18-21 WEB I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four
horns. (19) I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these?”
He answered me, “These are the horns which have scattered Judah,
Israel, and Jerusalem.” (20) Yahweh showed me four craftsmen. (21)
Then I asked, “What are these coming to do?” He said, “These are
the horns which scattered Judah, so that no man lifted up his head;
but these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the
nations, which lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter
it.”

A VISION OF 4 CHARIOTS DEPICT GOD'S OMNIPRESENCE & OMNISCIENCE.

Zec 6:1-8 WEB Again I … saw … four chariots came out from
between two mountains ... (2) In the first … were red horses; in the
second … black horses; (3) in the third … white horses; and in the
fourth … dappled horses … (5) … “These are the four winds of the
sky, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. (6)
The one with the black horses goes out toward the north … and the

Page 34


white went out after them; and the dappled went forth toward the
south …” (7) … So they walked back and forth through the earth. (8)
Then he … spoke … saying, “Behold, those who go toward the north
… have quieted my spirit in the north ...”

THE 4 CREATURES ANNOUNCE 4 HORSES WITH THE OPENING OF 4
SEALS.

Rev 6:1-8 WEB I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals,
and I heard one of the four living creatures saying … “Come and
see!” (2) And behold, a white horse ...(3) When he opened the
second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come!” (4)
Another came forth, a red horse ... (5) When he opened the third
seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come and see!” And
behold, a black horse … (7) When he opened the fourth seal, I
heard the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see!” (8) And
behold, a pale horse ...
THE OT MENTIONS THE 4 WINDS & THE 4 CORNERS OF THE EARTH.

Isa 11:12 WEB He will set up a banner for the nations, and will
assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of
Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Jer 49:36 WEB On Elam will I bring the four winds from the four
quarters of the sky, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and
there shall be no nation where the outcasts of Elam shall not come.
REVELATION HAS 4 ANGELS AT 4 CORNERS OF THE EARTH HOLDING BACK
JUDGMENT.

Rev 7:1 WEB After this, I saw four angels standing at the four
corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no
wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.

Rev 9:13-15 WEB The sixth angel sounded. I heard a voice … (14)
saying to the sixth angel who had one trumpet, “Free the four angels
who are bound at the great river Euphrates!” (15) The four angels

Page 35


were freed who had been prepared for that hour and day and month
and year, so that they might kill one third of mankind.

GOD'S ENEMIES COME FROM THE 4 CORNERS OF THE EARTH.
Rev 20:7-8 WEB And after the thousand years, Satan will be
released from his prison, (8) and he will come out to deceive the
nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog,
to gather them together to the war; the number of whom is as the
sand of the sea.

TEN SYMBOLIZES LIMITS
The connection between the number ten and limits probably has to
do with anatomy: ten is the number of fingers on the human hand.
Once you have counted to ten, you have exhausted all of your
fingers, and hence, all of your chances. There are a number of
places in the Bible where a person, in essence, counts to ten and
then says: “Enough!” We will just consider a few of them.

TEN YEARS WAS LIMIT OF ABRAM'S PATIENCE WITH GOD'S PROMISE.

Gen 13:16 WEB I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth,
so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then your seed
may also be numbered.

Gen 16:3 WEB Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her
handmaid, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan,
and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife.

TEN WAS THE LIMIT OF GOD'S PATIENCE WITH SODOM.
When Abraham bargained with God to spare Sodom, he tested
God’s limits till he reached the number ten. God said ten people
would be enough for him to spare the city.

Gen 18:32 WEB He said, “Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will
speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I will
not destroy it for the ten's sake.”

Page 36


TEN WAS THE LIMIT OF JACOB'S PATIENCE WITH LABAN.

Gen 31:41 WEB These twenty years I have been in your house. I
served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for
your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS WERE THE LIMITS GOD SET ON ISRAEL'S
CONDUCT.

Exo 34:28 WEB He was there with Yahweh forty days and forty
nights; he neither ate bread, nor drank water. He wrote on the tablets
the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
The fact that God was in the habit of giving people ten chances is
seen in at least two other events in during the life of Moses.

TEN PLAGUES SHOWED THE LIMIT OF GOD'S PATIENCE WITH EGYPT.
Israel's release from Egypt comes at a high price— not for those
who are seeking freedom, but for those who would deny it. Egypt
suffers for Pharaoh's obstinate refusal to let Israel go. In spite of
plague after plague, Pharaoh continues to harden his heart. Not until
the tenth plague does Pharaoh finally release Israel. And it is the
tenth plague that results in the decisive judgment on Egypt.

TEN REBELLIONS TEST THE LIMITS OF GOD'S PATIENCE WITH THE
EXODUS GENERATION.

Num 14:20-23 WEB Yahweh said, I have pardoned according to
your word: but in very deed, as I live, and as all the earth shall be
filled with the glory of Yahweh; because all those men who have
seen my glory, and my signs, which I worked in Egypt and in the
wilderness, yet have tempted me these ten times, and have not
listened to my voice; surely they shall not see the land which I swore
to their fathers, neither shall any of those who despised me see it

The rabbis listed Israel's rebellions as follows:

(1) AT THE RED SEA

Page 37


Exo 14:11-13 WEB They said to Moses, “Because there were no
graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?
Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt?
(12) Isn’t this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave
us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?’ For it were better for us
to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the
wilderness.” (13) Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand
still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you
today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never
see them again.

(2) AT MARAH

Exo 15:23-25 WEB When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink
from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter … (24) The people
murmured against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" (25) Then
he cried to Yahweh. Yahweh showed him a tree, and he threw it into
the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a
statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them;

Marah, also known as manroot, is a very bitter wild cucumber
thought to be the reason for the bitter waters at Marah. Touch your
tongue to a cut root and your jaw will lock. Natives threw crushed
root into water bodies to stun fish.

(3) IN THE WILDERNESS OF SIN
Exo 16:2-4 WEB The whole congregation of the children of Israel
murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness; (3)
and the children of Israel said to them, “We wish that we had died by
the hand of Yahweh in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat
pots, when we ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into
this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” (4) Then
said Yahweh to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for
you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every
day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law, or not.

(4) HOARDING MANNA

Page 38


Exo 16:19-20 WEB Moses said to them, “Let no one leave of it until
the morning.” (20) Notwithstanding they didn't listen to Moses, but
some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and
became foul: and Moses was angry with them.

(5) GATHERING MANNA ON THE SABBATH

Exo 16:27-29 WEB It happened on the seventh day, that some of the
people went out to gather, and they found none. (28) Yahweh said to
Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my
laws? (29) Behold, because Yahweh has given you the Sabbath,
therefore he gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days.
Everyone stay in his place. Let no one go out of his place on the
seventh day.”

(6) AT REPHIDIM

Exo 17:1-7 WEB All the congregation of the children … encamped in
Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. (2)
Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water
to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do
you test Yahweh?” … (5) Yahweh said to Moses, “…(6) Behold, I will
stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the
rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Moses
did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. (7) He called the name of
the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel
quarreled, and because they tested Yahweh, saying, “Is Yahweh
among us, or not?”

(7) AT HOREB

Exo 32:1-6 WEB When the people saw that Moses delayed to come
down from the mountain, the people gathered … to Aaron, and said
… “Come, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this
Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don't
know what has become of him.” (2) Aaron said … “Take off the
golden rings … and bring them to me.” (3) All the people took off the
golden rings … and brought them to Aaron. (4) He … fashioned it

Page 39


with an engraving tool, and made it a molten calf; and they said,
“These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of
Egypt.” …

(8) AT TABERAH
Num 11:1-3 WEB The people were complaining in the ears of
Yahweh. When Yahweh heard it, his anger was kindled; and
Yahweh's fire burnt among them, and consumed some of the
outskirts of the camp. (2) The people cried to Moses; and Moses
prayed to Yahweh, and the fire abated. (3) The name of that place
was called Taberah, because Yahweh's fire burnt among them.

(9) AT KIBROTH HATTAAVAH

Num 11:4-20 WEB …The children of Israel also wept again, and
said, “Who will give us flesh to eat? (5) We remember the fish, which
we ate in Egypt for nothing; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the
leeks, and the onions, and the garlic; (6) but now we have lost our
appetite. There is nothing at all except this manna to look at.” … (18)
Say to the people, …"Yahweh will give you flesh, and you will eat.
(19) You will not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten
days, nor twenty days, (20) but a whole month, until it come out at
your nostrils, and it is loathsome to you; because that you have
rejected Yahweh who is among you, and have wept before him,
saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?”

(10) THE LAST STRAW IS KADESH BARNEA!

Num 14:1-24 WEB … (2) All the children of Israel murmured against
Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said to them,
Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would that we had
died in this wilderness! (3) Why does Yahweh bring us to this land, to
fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be a prey:
wouldn't it be better for us to return into Egypt? … (20) Yahweh said,
… (22) … all those men who have seen my glory, and my signs,
which I worked in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tempted me
these ten times, and have not listened to my voice; (23) surely they

Page 40


shall not see the land which I swore to their fathers, neither shall any
of those who despised me see it ...

THE USES OF “TEN” IN REVELATION
The church at Pergamum was going to suffer ten days, at the end of
which, God would say, “Enough!”

Rev 2:10 WEB Don't be afraid of the things which you are about to
suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison,
that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days.
Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
When the devil has done his worst, he is still limited by what God
allows him to do!

THE DRAGON AND THE SEA BEAST HAVE 10 HORNS.

Rev 12:3 WEB Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great
red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads
seven crowns.

Rev 13:1 WEB Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast
coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his
horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names.

They have power, signified by the horns (as we'll see later), but they
only have the power God gives them – in other words, God sets
limits to their power.

10 HORNS ARE 10 KINGS – GOD SETS LIMITS ON THE BEAST'S POWER.
Rev 17:3 WEB … I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored animal,
full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns.
Rev 17:7 WEB The angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I will tell
you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her,
which has the seven heads and the ten horns.

Page 41


Rev 17:12 WEB The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have
received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings, with
the beast, for one hour.

1,000 SYMBOLIZES LIMITLESSNESS
1,000 is used for “all” of something.

Begin with something simple.

Psa 50:10 WEB For every animal of the forest is mine, and the
livestock on a thousand hills.
It is obvious that God is not exempting the livestock on other hills,
nor the livestock in valleys. What he’s saying, quite simply, is that all
livestock belongs to him.

APPLY THAT REASONING TO OTHER PASSAGES:

Deu 7:9 WEB Know therefore that Yahweh your God, he is God, the
faithful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with them
who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand
generations,
The point is that God shows steadfast love to everyone who loves
him and keeps his commandments.

Psa 68:17 WEB The chariots of God are tens of thousands and
thousands of thousands. The Lord is among them ….

The message is: God has immeasurable power.
And when we come to that troublesome text about 1,000 years,
remember that time is insignificant to God. An eon to man is a
moment to God.

Psa 90:4 WEB For a thousand years in your sight are just like
yesterday when it is past, like a watch in the night.
God’s schedule is not to be judged by man's.

Page 42


2Pe 3:8 WEB But don't forget this one thing, … that one day is with
the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
REMEMBER THE SYMBOLIC USE OF 1,000 WHEN WE GET TO REV 20:2-7

He seized the dragon … and bound him for a thousand years, and
cast him into the abyss …that he should deceive the nations no
more, until the thousand years were finished … I saw the souls of
those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus … They
lived, and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the
dead didn't live until the thousand years were finished. This is the
first resurrection … they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will
reign with him one thousand years. And after the thousand years,
Satan will be released from his prison …

The devil’s power is limited (10 horns), but God’s dominion over the
devil is unlimited (1,000 years).

Page 43

Chapter 01 the alpha and the omega (part1)

More Related Content

What's hot (19)

Viewers also liked (7)

Similar to Chapter 01 the alpha and the omega (part1) (20)

More from Palm Desert Church of Christ (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

Chapter 01 the alpha and the omega (part1)