The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. The total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A1-17&version=NIV (Mathew1:1-17).
Jesus came from a family lineage where kings were to be had. Enthroned majestic kings are to be found in His ancestry. Jesus Christ has a legitimate lineage of holiness and authority. Science, being it an exact body of knowledge could attest how the role of genes and familial disposition influence one’s preference, idealism, and mind-set. Also, a major factor contributing to the primacy of Christ is the Babylonian astrological studies, which is still widely practiced even today (PBS Television "The Magi" episode). However, kings and priests were esoteric echelons in history where this body of science was only available to their limited few.
A holiday season, I was at my aunt’s place in Norristown, Pennsylvania where I visited my mother, who, at that time was in America visiting me with her relatives. I would just like to share with you about one evening while I was there, I turned the TV on and a PBS program was on. It is unlike any other station like CBS or ABC or other major stations, since it usually televises documentaries and other kids-friendly related shows. And on that holiday season of 2002, a show entitled, “Magi,” in a rustic, fancy golden, majestic font, was right there on the TV screen. I was on a fluffy sofa chair comfortably lounging with my body crosswise with my neck on one arm of the chair and my leg hanging on the other (just feel like mentioning how comfortable I was- I like it when my feet are up). I knew at that very moment, that it was the program I would like to watch that afternoon. Since, at such a time, most TV shows, if not all are about Christ or the holidays-and I thought PBS is a good TV station. So, I decided to watch the documentary show.
Like the History Channel, this one is as riveting and compelling. The historians and science experts in the fields of astrology (side-by side with Bible Scholars) who delve their study about the “star”, which led to the three wise men, were remarkable. According to them, early sages, pundits, scholars, and priests who used astral/cosmic dimensions of the universe and its influence to life enabled the determination of the coming of the Messiah-the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings-Jesus Christ. And to me, the main reason, though, why they may have withheld this process of science responsible to the location of our Messiah, is because of prudence of not causing common people to incline and divert back to the old ways of pagan worship.
This particular TV program is the second biblical probing I have seen on TV. The first was in History Channel where historians and geologists were explaining natural eventualities that have taken place in the book of Exodus, particularly the ten (10) plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites. It was during a time when I haven’t yet started writing this book. Though, when I saw the Magi program on PBS station I already have begun and almost at the tail end of this book and was glad,and able to reinforce my belief, that scientific approach represented by the Three Wise Men was employed to find our Messiah.
Now, in this era of information superhighway I believe God through His Holy Spirit draws people to unravel truths of matters which would always work together for good because of our faith and submission to God. He is giving this information for utmost understanding that we may be able to clear all uncertainties, which have led people to apathy that is causing conflict among diverse beliefs.
Experts and scientists are coming up with factual findings behind incomprehensible biblical phenomena, which not only perplex some people but also most importantly, miss the real messages of accounts in the Holy Scriptures. Should these events not be explained and validated by the completeness of human standards and discipline--catastrophic repercussions are inevitable. Though, it is not to defame the integrity and the solemnity of the Holy Scriptures. But neither should the contents of the Holy Scriptures be the bases of perpetual religious conflict and unrest also.
We know for a fact the Holy Bible is where we find our Messiah’s life. At present, it is a translation from several languages. It is now written in almost all languages known to man. It is a fact that humans should and must know everything, especially about the words of God. We have been vested upon by God to subdue all things and have been given everything on earth as our possession http://niv.scripturetext.com/genesis/1-28.htm (Genesis 1:28-30). How then are we suppose to be at peace and able to take care of everything, if there are matters that are beyond our means to understand and explain. So much more when it is about the base of our innermost being-the Holy Scriptures.
I deemed it necessary for this book, the Iron Scepter to be a spiritual catalyst for all religious convictions and discipline to get understanding and enlightenment. Since I believe that in planting a tree, let’s say (even if I haven’t planted a tree yet) we have to have the roots, likewise in uprooting-from the grass roots level. And these my friends, are ways and means to renew our souls to better our understanding on the Holy Scriptures. In the hope, which I firmly believe would likewise start the renewal of the old heaven and old earth http://bible.cc/revelation/21-1.htm (Revelation 21:1).
Going back to my visit with relatives in Pennsylvania, I was invited to attend a Catholic bible study right after the morning mass my Mom and Tita Doray attend every morning. The bible study at the beginning was presided by the parish priest. I was just feeling the ambiance and the situation because I think that was my first Bible study among Catholics. So anyway, but as soon as I started sharing, the priest as well as the group were encouraged, that the bible study turned out to be a teaching and me being the teacher.
Then, I felt I knew I had to apologize since I felt that what I was talking about was nothing the Catholic Church has ever taught or preached. The priest appreciated my “theologizing," as he has put it. And towards the end, since I think my topic overwhelmed the interest of the group-the bible study ended well. It felt good, I must admit because most of them, if not all, appreciated the topic.
Nonetheless, it was an experience I would like to avoid. Knowing that my desire to explain in a more realistic approach the biblical accounts that are rather magical in their context, I know that it is not always nice to free my thoughts in public, especially about "religion" and in a radical form, at that. Hence, I have decided to write my thoughts out through this book. But before I get carried away with so much stories, let me tell you now what I have shared with the Bible study group that day--it was about Joseph and Mary.
Joseph was accounted to have initially refused or was ashamed about Mary’s pregnancy for he was a righteous man and there was nott any apparent nuptial between the two. Belonging to the “house of David” as you see in the lineage chronologically stated above--kingly genealogy Joseph belongs to. The refusal of Joseph dawned on me to be a disgrace for having been a father out of wedlock, which is a disgrace to his clan. And Mary has been known to be with him constantly, which is why Joseph has been known to perform the role of a biological father to Christ. I told the group by giving them a scenario where a conservative type of family whose member has had child conception out of wedlock.
Often than not, families resort to untimely matrimony of the partners involved to save their families’ grace and stature in public. How much more to a family belonging to kings? That is my number one theory. Second theory, but equally important possibility (if not the sole purpose), is that, the teachers of old did not want to link any form of human conduct or vulnerability to sexual, or any related forms of topic pertaining to common human behavior patterns that might otherwise alter the highest degree of psychic center that men could possibly have for utmost spirituality when it comes to the Messiah. And the refusal of Joseph to take responsibility of the pregnancy was just to lead the common people to an amplified disregard to oblivion about the whole process of pregnancy, which involves sexual activity.
Spiritual pundits may have avoided controversy regarding matters that men might feel otherwise spiritual- in a primitive time when propagating and magnifying the Savior Jesus Christ. In like manner, if my former argument is true, all the more they have to divert the facts to arbitrate men’s penchant to disbelief and loss of confidence to the partners’ (Joseph and Mary) social conduct, especially if the child in the womb was determined to be the Messiah. They would have all the more, reason to cover up their actions out of wedlock. But for all of us, we would certainly like to favor the possibility that people rather be taught of Joseph and especially Mary, being ultimately enveloped by absolute spirituality. This is why the writings of Christ beginnings are all mystical in the hope that all men may glean utmost spirituality in every aspect of His life.
However, this account of Mary and Joseph is causing and harboring disputes and unrest among major religions. And as I said, clarity by way of enlightenment in the mind and soul of every man to understand and comprehend the Holy Scriptures shall make this world a better, peaceful place to live--more so, when it comes to anything that involves or pertains to how we may learn more about our Messiah. How can we even know his saving grace if we do not know Him-his beginnings. If people do not come together to accept Him. I feel its better if I make an outline of subjects I would like to discuss. Since I get myself into a story-telling streak. Nonetheless, I like it sometimes-telling a story or two. Below are certain accounts in history that can be found in the Holy Scriptures of major religions.
There are several events in the Holy Scriptures which seem to be miracles that otherwise have varying archaic degree in the way they were written to magnify Christ. And others possessing intolerance to the Roman Empire with the Pharisees and Sadducees that would be well shared using symbols, figures of speech and codes of old. But the events below explain a more realistic and comprehensible approach.
Lazarus: After already several days in the grave-this man was able to walk out of his tomb upon Christ’s command to do so. Three things here. First, Potent as it is already knowing who Christ is and His words, but what we may not know, though, is, 1.) the kind of “death” Lazarus’ family was speaking of, second, alongside with that of the writer’s thought. And third, the quality of medical diagnosis and assumption in those days. Lazarus is a kind of man who was very close to Jesus Christ, and as bible states that Christ did not arrive at the time the family expected Him to have saved Lazarus.
Any person we know who are dying are always in a very serious and sickly condition-very weak, in other words. Lazarus was no exception as he was even put to his tomb already. My inquisition comes in, at this angle: He has lost motivation to do anything even eat nor drink. Yes, eat-which could cause a person to not function at all. Not to mention hygiene if the person is really too weak- in the case of Lazarus' family, that they think he was really fading away. Imagine all factors that lead to immobility to a point of deciding to put a person in a tomb. Like, there was no hope or any resolve for Lazarus’ life anymore. And that's what may have happened with this man. He was sick-yes.... Dying-yes.... was buried in the tomb-yes.
I also believe that people of long ago take the bodies in a tomb and not under the ground because they know they still have some kind of life in them, but people were not sure, medically speaking, if they were already completely passed. Equally important to consider that, in those days, the practice of handling cleanliness was holiness. When a person starts to excrete bodily waist beyond their capacity to remain hygienic, it was already questionable and regarded as unclean. And therefore, one of the reasons why people at that time may have put bodies in walk-in tombs was because they knew that somehow,the dying still has life left in them.
Regardless, however, Lazarus was a person who has been redeemed by Christ from out of his death. No question there. He may be so down and out and people around him find it so, and even Lazarus himself. But Christ was the only person who has brought him out from his certain death.
Blind Man: Only through Christ shall all people see the real life on earth-to enlighten all of humanity. Through Him, God is delivering everything what I’m saying or writing to you now. Without Him, I really do not know how I’d be able to share God’s grace to humanity-the Holy Spirit which is intangible. The reason why I had to mention intangible because how will we be able to feel if we are just by ourselves. People shall always need people. Just like nations, which rely on persons who stand by them.
Christ is the person who has the legitimate spirit-who has the Holy Spirit. And all about this book is inspired by Him, practically speaking-but then again, the Holy Spirit of God move me through Him. Just like this blind man. I’ll tell you how all of us are like this blind man until the Son of God showed up as we uncover more the Iron Scepter.
Simon Peter: Church is always for preaching and teaching by way of how to go through life properly. A counter part of which is the government as I have so saturated you by now, with reiteration. However, not quite, so in the time of Christ as it was the time when government is coming on very strong with all its terror and barbarism reflective of men of long ago, as opposed to a more diplomatic and humane society we have today. A foundation Christ has found in the infancy of good governance of the Greco-Romano imperialism. The Messiah needed to root His perpetuity at that current situation. Meaning, to be able to propagate the kingdom of God http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A13-16&version=KJV (John 2:13-16). But people of long ago did not know the gravity of the negative repercussion Christ was preventing---remember, the market place by the synagogue incident.
Representing this issue about Peter being called the rock by Christ is when He knew and said, “you will betray me thrice before the cock crows (Luke 21:31-38; John 13:38).” Jesus knows how Peter’s cunning intelligence, even to a point of denying Him. My theory to this is-just so Peter could be around Christ, at any given time possible, and be with each other. And be like the next spectator of the spectacle about the Christ. In other words, He has been called the rock for He knew how strong his convictions to follow Him and live to tell His good news.
However, this is one probing I need to tell you. Premise: Vatican says Peter founded the Vatican. Vatican is in Rome. Therefore, for some reason, the Roman Empire had something to do with the propagation of Christianity all along even the time before Constantine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_Great. Peter was called a rock for he could deny Christ and possess an unflinching character to do whatever it takes to advance the kingdom of God through Christ.
Judas Iscariot: All the disciples call Christ their Master. A Master, in any tongue, is from where all actions or ideas emanate. Judas was designated to take charge of the group’s financial dealings. As Master, Jesus very well appointed Judas for this undertaking...and much more. Overwhelming as it may sound, but Jesus orchestrated everything-for He knew all the events that would come to Him. Judas like the rest of His disciples is one that was selected to complete the twelve followers of Christ http://bible.cc/john/13-26.htm (John 13:26). And sooner or later Jesus had to commit Himself to both authority and to make a mark in history to advance the Kingdom of God. He made this possible through Judas. Jesus and the disciples were in hiding from the authorities after sometime when the incident at the market place happened. Not to mention the ongoing opposition of Christ against the Pharisees and Sadducees that made Christ wanted by the authorities too.
Finally, the closing stages of His teaching had to be punctuated by the Truth behind the Spirit He manifested about outrage on systems of life, in general. Judas, after learning what happened to Christ-he was shattered. Take note that Judas did not turn his back or went far away with the money he earned as what we all knew he wanted. But instead, Judas was devastated after the fact when he knew Christ has suffered flogging and spiteful treatment from the Roman authorities-that Judas even killed himself!
I know that this revelation is a real radical. But it really is--so brace yourselves. Christ is the Master. He knows what to do and when to do it. He knew when it was going to come. Why then were Mark, Mathew and Luke think Christ was betrayed. Answer: Because Jesus wanted them to write it as such. And that Christ have only spoken the detailed matters of instructions with Judas http://bible.cc/john/13-26.htm (John 13:26). It is not at all to deceive His disciples or even the rest of the world. But there is a real significance of the role of the pieces of silver/money, His life, and His suffering-all has a divine purpose and meaning as this radical revelation shall have more meaning as we continue to unfold the Iron Scepter in the coming chapters.
Walk on the Water: Christ's good news is always good. Good in every point of geographic location they go to. Every place they went He was received. The possibilities of archaic form of language, in its composition, and translation of the Holy Scriptures may make the narrative incomprehensible, at times. Christ knew Peter’s doubts from the weaknesses Peter manifested. Feelings which reflected his own human limitations where he could only relate and come from. Like, one of scientific determinants of behavioral pattern, the role of experience is Peter's only ammunition.
Christ and His disciples have walked their way through geographical borders. In plains and hills to cross one territory to another. At the beginning of His discipleship, the books of Mathew and Mark, Christ has sought fishermen and made them “fishers’ of men.” Eventually, there came a subsequent account where He walked on the water and never sunk and called upon Peter to follow, who later on sunk after a while. Just let me tell or remind you of the association of water with life in ancient philosophy. Water = Life.
To me, this is an allegorical narrative depicting how Christ showcased uncontested views and conviction about God and His kingdom. Wherever He and His followers have gone and preached the kingdom of heaven-Christ have always been listened to. Whatever lives they have gone across with, He has always surfaced in their midst and has risen above the occasion-“afloat” in peoples‘ lives. Hence, walking on the water.
Turning Water into Wine: “For my time has not yet come http://bible.cc/john/2-4.htm (John 2:4),” says the Lord in this passage, where He was faced in a situation where they were lacking wine. Social gathering has been practiced by men ever since. For some, especially in the olden times and even today, wine and dine- a common practice whenever their is a gathering or a social event. In formal cocktails, always-there are a variety of beverages being served. Just to name a few, I remember always taking red wine, all the time during those events and Zinfandels, and Chardonnay nowadays, on occasion. Similarly, even when we talk of congregations, diplomat cocktails, and the like, we may associate fine wine being served, or at one’s disposal to take.
In connection to the previously mentioned ancient association of water with “life,” here, in this event of the Holy Scripture, an aspect where wine is associated with social events. Apparently, in this biblical account the people had run out of wine and Jesus Christ turned water into wine. First, there was already a social event taking place and Christ may have took the gathering by storm with His teaching and presence and became the life of the party. Therefore, the people at the party having “a life” at that time, which is on a wedding-a social event and Christ has taken over and became the limelight. This is why He said to His mother His time has not come yet. But nonetheless, He was there to have gotten peoples’ attention. This event also suggests that Mary was an encouraging factor for Christ to start His mission in life. Here, Jesus Christ has begun being the object of celebration than that of the ordinary life they may otherwise have had, it not for Christ being there. It was the christening, so to speak, of His teaching http://bible.cc/john/2-11.htm (John 2:11). He turned the ordinary life (water) into His own teachings/presence (celebration = wine).
Burning Bush: The book of Daniel in the Holy Scripture tells us about how the holy seat triumph over the ancient of days http://bible.cc/daniel/7-27.htm (Daniel 17:27). Which is why a handful of ancient methodology and approach I am putting into consideration at a balanced proportion in both practice and religious conviction.
The wood, in ancient philosophy is a symbol of positive growth. And liken to any timber, wood comes from trees. Trees have a certain natural process from its inception until we harvest its fruits or make use of its timber, as the case may be. What it tells us is that there is a certain amount of fact which is absolute in trees-they grow, it bears fruit.
A burning bush, which is not being consumed by the fire that causes timber to disintegrate was the figure of approach, the book of Genesis conveys. Before I continue, so far, we have covered water as a symbol of life, and wood as a symbol of positive growth. The reason why I made a run down of these symbolical elements is because they play a vital role in understanding the context of the passages where they are being mentioned.
The idea when Moses was summoned by God in Mt. Sinai with the burning bush is simply symbolical yet the story has an equally compelling reverence. Moses was told to save the Israelites from slavery and out of the cruelty of Egyptian rulers. Burning-fire is a symbol of education and pondering or studying. And in all fronts, at that time, the Israelites were enslaved which even today slavery is morally and socially unacceptable. The thrust here is the kind of analysis Moses had to ponder about weather to turn back and return to Egypt not as a prince but as a dissident-opposing the Pharaoh of slavery. The times could attest to this day that slavery, forced labor, and the like is being denounced in practice.
The “bush” which signifies positive growth and the “fire” that signifies the pondering of Moses to free the Israelites was just the tip of the ice burg. The whole ice burg itself is the fact, that the burning bush not being consumed at all. Going back to the elements basal characteristics that fire consumes wood. But in this case, the thought process in the subject at hand, which is slavery, is undoubtedly worth opposing. The idea of freeing God’s people from slavery is absolutely productive without question-which is the wood's significant symbol and that no pondering or any form of scrutiny shall ever consume the positive productive idea about the Israelites’ redemption.
Medrach, Shadrach, and Abednigo: Faith was tested in the lives of these three men who pronounce their absolute obedience to God. The “furnace” where they were allegedly put through, were actual interrogations questioning, the very litigation before the magistrates, satraps, and other high ranking officials. they were being studied and put under fire, so to speak. The charges set before the three having a different God other than what the king and kingdom has, is a very serious problem.
By way of amplifying the gravity and the process of determining their stand on their faith in our God, the fiery furnace was, again, an archaic narrative-a method disposed to figuratively describe the proceedings of Medrach, Shadrach, and Abednigo. The signs of Elija along the way, was an analogy of the time Elija was the same as these three men professing the God of all men. Eventually, along the way of their presence before the high ranking officials all of them who were present, have seen the “figure” of Elija. Besides, if you notice, there are no detailed and verbatim accounts of any proceedings in the Old Testament. The accounts are almost always, if not all, in statements associated with ancient elements. When the king ordered for the furnace to be more than the usual heat it produces, were the king's high ranking officials with their questions and inquisitions. The king’s cabinet members lavish on “cooking” by litigating the three men of their opposition, so to speak. Now, modern times, such slang terms are being used as well. You may wander, where they may have come from. Though, casual slang words, as they may seem, it is an expression borne from the past, which was handed down to us.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den: Notice how the highest echelons of government and church could make holiness permeate in the midst of any crisis, even if the predicament is amongst themselves. However, because of the innate qualities of these major institutions founded by and for the greater good of the governed, still, goodness persists. Daniel is one of the good examples where influence of integrity of his stature with the incumbent ruler showed mutual reverence towards one another. A mutual respect and concern between two people, King Darius and Daniel who were caught up in an established structure of governance, where envious people inside the same circle of incumbency took advantage of a weak mandate. A mandate which is mediocre than that of Daniel’s faith in God, wherein, even the King himself has been documented to be distressed and was finding ways to save Daniel from the Lion’s Den http://bible.cc/daniel/6-14.htm (Daniel 6:14).
Do we really think or believe, the King with his belief, submission, and acknowledgment to the God of David, did not do his part in saving Daniel? The power of king, as it is also written, is absolute. However, King Darius also has affiliations with those who want Daniel punished to death. The only next thing for the king to do is to make "certain" arrangementshttp://niv.scripturetext.com/daniel/6-21.htm (Daniel 6:21-22) for Daniels safety. In this way, the king was saving his stature and mandate on an established structure where his integrity could not and must not be compromised by any of his subjects, and at the same time, by saving Daniel behind the scenes.
The king was able address his distress over the safety of Daniel-a person who has been phenomenal in the kingdom and with the king.
Let me also incorporate on this note the accounts where “angels” are being mentioned in the midst of events where interests of government or church interfere to the safety of major characters in major events http://bible.cc/daniel/6-22.htm. There is not enough words to fit and explanation for any eventualities where the incumbency is in itself divided among their own. Even at a time when government and empire was considered heaven and its rulers gods. Men who have written the Holy Scriptures recognize the supremacy of the incumbent with all respect and ardor. And for reasons of protecting both society and certain esoteric circle, the people behind the scenes who help everyone, including Christ, are termed “angels.” You would notice this word in scenarios where conviction was imminent on a holy person, yet were freed. A conviction coming from authority, yet at the same time, is able to escape from authority. Features of angels as we have been taught, are people with wings (for flying), wearing white clothes (as in clear). These actual people are really swift, clear of its intent and purpose, like what they say about angels. Just like in the military, awe and respect to authority and protocol, coupled with the convenient qualities of the need-to-know basis for classified operation, which are all suitable for a sure success in any kind of operation. This is most convenient, especially if the operation is within one’s empire or kingdom, just like the stories we have in the Holy Scriptures.
Rod and the Snake: You may be well aware of this incident along with the other successive events where Moses tried to convince the Pharaoh to free the Israelites. Like our subject earlier on ancient philosophy where elements’ characteristics were used to convey issues of events, same goes with the rod and the snake. The rod even is mentioned to be used for measurement. Let me just remind you one more time the reason why ancient civilization used elements to express interests and concerns: People of olden age were only exposed to their natural surroundings where they have constant contact and familiarization with. From which they have learned to assimilate its characteristics to that of their own personal situation. Profound as it may seem as it is rhetorically baroque. But it is purely and fascinatingly fundamental.
The Rod and the Snake, which is our topic, I have deduced, by grace of God, to be along with the primary cause and intent of Moses. What he offered to Pharaoh was a constructive proposal opposing the harrows of slavery. The constructive or "positive growth" we’re talking about here is Moses’ proposal to Pharaoh, which is represented by the rod, which plays a vital role in symbolizing his intent. What about the snake?
Now my friends, it is now time for me to “strike the sickle for the harvest is plentiful.” After all that I have said and discussed with you, it is high time to reveal the conjunction of the snake’s mystical origin. From the books of the Holy Scriptures of any major religious faiths, the snake has pervaded in the mindset and soul of the human race. I can feel at this point that this book is already on its way to completion. Since the explanation of the age old dreaded snake, which Satan has allegedly, took the form, to deceive Eve and Adam will be brought to its doom.
This is my third time to encounter this topic and was pondering from the very start as to where the explanation is best suited to fit coherence. Whether at the beginning when I was discussing Genesis, then while in Exodus and now. Since, by the way, I have allotted a chapter entitled “Satan’s Doom.” And may this be a little prelude to it.
To begin with, in the realm of religion, the snake is always associated with which “Satan” has taken its form. The wise approach to theologize the significance of the snake in the Holy Scriptures, is to know the characteristics of a snake-in relation to what men have derived from its basic traits. Practical associations such as, it slithers on its belly, insidious, fatal.
When Moses went to Egypt where he has been a prince and talked to Pharaoh to release the Israelites from the bondage of slavery, he was always certainly accommodated, as represented by the accounts, where the book of Exodus says, he was able to go back and forth to convince the Pharaoh of the Israelites release. Now, during this particular incident the “rod” which means: his beneficial (positive growth for Israelites) intent for the Israelites who are in the bondage of slavery. The “snake” on the other hand, is a figure of ancient philosophy, which pertained to being low-down to the ground-as in dying. This could be best illustrated by anything we know that has life, which is dying. A life fading away. Always, when any living thing is dying or dead it would surely fall to the ground. Similarly with the case of the people whom Moses want to free. He sees what is coming for them and their ordeals.
Now, the interesting part, even if Moses at that time, had saved them from the bondage of slavery, the Israelites would still suffer. Magicians’ were included in this passage. This is where Moses and the other magicians were in some kind of an intramural or competition over their snakes. They both have rods (intent) and both turned into snakes (downside). The rod of Moses which turned into snake although it’s still a snake have eaten that of the Pharaoh‘s advocate. In other words, even if Moses intention of freeing the people and leave Egypt would have its downside, the motion would be more favorable for the Israelites than that of the downside slavery they have in Egypt, should they stay.
It is what the battle of rods and snakes coiled into a fascinating array of symbolism. And I shall tell you as we go along why the “New Song” of Moses http://bible.cc/revelation/15-3.htm (Revelation 15:3) in the New Testament can be traced back to the Old Testament http://niv.scripturetext.com/exodus/15.htm (Exodus 15), as we go through the remaining few chapters of this book wonderful book, if I may.
Water from the Rock: If you look at the map showing the Exodus, you would find places called Elim, Dessert of Sin and Mt. Sinai-prominent locations where Moses and the Israelites traversed-places of close vicinity of each other. Now, speaking of “water” we have said it to be associated with life, as a metaphor used in ancient days and used even today. Listen closely: The book of Exodus chapter 16 mentions the grumbling of the Israelites on Moses-distressed and loosing hope of their plight in the dessert-Exodus 16:3.
The preceding chapter though it came first in writing tells us about how they surmounted their ordeals when they came from Marrah and eventually found good water to drink at Elim http://niv.scripturetext.com/exodus/15-22.htm (Exodus 15:22-27). Marah was the place Moses started to feel he had to purge the people from unfaithfulness through their grumbling and was fervently patient as far as purging the people, as was depicted by the “piece of wood” Moses threw in the water. The water they are pertaining to in Elim with the twelve springs and seventy palm trees, was the location Moses had to have the Ten Commandments and it was so clinched when they were about Desert of Sin. In some maps, the Dessert of Sin is also Dessert of Sinai, which (Dessert of Sin is right next to Mt. Sinai. Making the dessert the foot of Mt Sinai where it was mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. It is where Moses, after returning from the mountain, found his people worshiping a golden calf and practicing ungodliness (remember the earlier chapters).
In other words, from Egypt went passed Elim to the foot of Mt. Sinai/ Dessert of Sin/Horeb http://bible.cc/psalms/106-19.htm-then Moses went to the Mountain-back to the foot of the mountain-saw the bull and their “bull shit”-then purged his people. The twelve streams (also a form of water) is a depiction of life, which the Israelites have gone through. Most importantly, the standards of living we also have enjoyed all these time with the Ten Commandments. Not just water but a stream-a long and flowing water. Also, not just a stream but streams-twelve streams. The continuity of its benefits and effects is that of a stream-twelve streams at that-a number believed and used to illustrate completeness.
The reason why Exodus chapter 15:22-27 http://niv.scripturetext.com/exodus/15-22.htm has a combination of both distress and triumph is because they have passed in the dessert where they have spent forty years.
Deaths of the First Born: As we all know first born children are of great blessings. Biblical characters attribute such an endowment as grace from God in the early ages and even today among those who know the qualities of a a first-born son. The same graces that people even today who live by the Holy Scriptures enjoy. While the Exodus was taking place, as it was happening, the author was as absolute as how the importance of first-born children, in connection to Moses’ pursuit to convince the Pharaoh to free the Israelites.
Moses had been a political material in the land of Egypt for a long time and in his visits to Egypt, he may have had the liberty to rekindle good rapport he established with his community, being an Egyptian prince for years at some point. With this in mind, what the holy scriptures, with some of its philosophical symbols represent, tell us how Moses won the hearts of first born children of his convictions to free the enslaved and mistreated Israelites. Just to give you an overview of the importance of the first born in society, look in the book of Hebrews 12:23 http://bible.cc/hebrews/12-23.htm and see the impact and importance of a first-born. What the Holy Scriptures depicts when it mentions “death” was about the triumph of Moses over the hearts of first born children and thereby emotionally and spiritually paralyzing the Egyptians-remember the Pale horse and how we say "death" is renewed spirit from old to a new and better spirit. This is best viewed when the Pharaoh’s son was taken. As well as the rest of them who have first born children http://niv.scripturetext.com/exodus/11.htm (Exodus 11).
Lastly, on the account of the "great sound of wailing" was when when families may have already destabilized because of conflicting ideologies within Egyptian households. Arguments and unrest ensued that was triggered and set forth by Moses’ conviction to end slavery.
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