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Witness of the Stars: CEPHEUS (The King)

3. CEPHEUS (The King)

Their Redeemer Coming to Rule.

Here we have the presentation of a glorious king, crowned, and enthroned in the highest heaven, with a sceptre in his hand, and his foot planted on the very Polar Star itself.

His name in the Denderah Zodiac is Pe-ku-hor, which means this one cometh to rule.

Plate 23: CEPHEUS (the Crowned King)

The Greek name by which he is now known, Cepheus, is from the Hebrew, and means the branch, and is called by Euripides the king.

An old Ethiopian name was Hyk, a king.

There are 35 stars, viz., three of the 3rd magnitude, seven of the 4th, etc.

The brightest star, α (in the left shoulder), is called Al Deramin, which means coming quickly. The next, β (in the girdle), is named Al Phirk (Arabic), the Redeemer. The next, γ (in the left knee), is called Al Rai, which means who bruises or breaks.

It is impossible to mistake the truth which these names teach. The Greeks, though they had lost it, yet preserved a trace of it, even in their perversion of it; for they held that Cepheus was the father of Andromeda, and that Perseus was her husband.

Yes; this is the glorious King of Israel, the “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” It is He who calls Israel His “son,” and will yet manifest it to all the world.

In Jer. xxxi., after speaking of Israel’s restoration, Jehovah says (v. 1):—

“At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel,

And they shall be My people….

For I am a father to Israel,

And Ephraim is My firstborn”

(v. 9).

As He said to Moses: “Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn” (Exod. iv. 22).

Here is the foundation of Israel’s blessing. True, it is now in abeyance, but “the Lord reigneth,” and will in due time make good His Word, for

“The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever.

The thoughts of His heart to all generations.”

(Ps. xxxiii. 11.)

This leads us up to the last chapter of the Second Book, which shows us the fulfilment of all the prophecies concerning the Redeemed and the sure foundation on which their great hope of glory is based.

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Understanding Biblical Warnings Against Superstitions

One of the commandments in the Old Testament is a command telling us not to be superstitious.

Leviticus 19:26

  • KJV
    • Ye shall not eat anything with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.
  • Amp version
    • ‘You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practice divination [using omens or witchcraft] or soothsaying.
  • Complete Jewish Bible
    •  “‘Do not eat anything with blood. Do not practice divination or fortune-telling.
  •  Christian Standard Bible
    • “You are not to eat anything with blood in it. You are not to practice divination or witchcraft.

Vocabulary words:

  • superstitious
    • of, relating to, or swayed by superstition
    • a superstitious ritual
  • observe tmes
    • עָנַן ʻânan, aw-nan’; a primitive root; to cover; used only as a denominative from H6051, to cloud over; figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. practise magic:—× bring, enchanter, Meonemin, observe(-r of) times, soothsayer, sorcerer.
  • enchantment
    • נָחַשׁ nâchash, naw-khash’; a primitive root; properly, to hiss, i.e. whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate:—× certainly, divine, enchanter, (use) × enchantment, learn by experience, × indeed, diligently observe.

Here are some more verses about superstitions.

  • 1 Timothy 4:7 ESV
    • Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;
  • Deuteronomy 18:10-12 ESV
    • There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
  • Leviticus 19:31 ESV
    • “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.
  • Colossians 2:8-10 ESV
    • See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
  • 1 Timothy 1:3-4 ESV
    • As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

We are called to walk by faith in the knowledge of our savior Jesus Christ. We are commanded in both the Old and New Testament to avoid all things connected with superstition. Superstitious actions are connected with witchcraft and idolatry. When you put your trust in anything or ritual you are not fully trusting in God.


Common superstitions include beliefs like avoiding black cats, not walking under ladders, and throwing salt over your shoulder, often rooted in cultural traditions and historical fears.


Popular Superstitions

  • Walking Under a Ladder: Considered bad luck, this superstition stems from the triangular shape formed by a ladder against a wall, which was seen as sacred in ancient cultures. Breaking this triangle was thought to invite misfortune.
  • Black Cats: In many Western cultures, a black cat crossing your path is seen as a sign of bad luck, often associated with witchcraft. However, in some cultures, black cats are considered good luck.
  • Breaking a Mirror: This superstition suggests that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck, as mirrors were once believed to reflect not just one’s image but also one’s soul.
  • Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder: Spilling salt is thought to bring bad luck, but tossing a pinch over your left shoulder is believed to ward off evil spirits lurking there.
  • Opening an Umbrella Indoors: This is considered bad luck, possibly due to the practical dangers of opening an umbrella in a confined space, which could cause accidents.
  • Friday the 13th: Many people consider this day to be unlucky, stemming from various historical and cultural beliefs about the number 13 and its associations with misfortune.
  • Avoiding the Number 13: Many buildings skip the 13th floor, and some people avoid the number altogether due to its negative connotations in various cultures.
  • Never Stick Chopsticks Upright: In China and Japan, sticking chopsticks upright in rice is a taboo, as it resembles incense sticks used at funerals, inviting death.
  • Beginner’s Luck is a “Thing”: “Beginner’s luck” is the idea that people new to a sport or game are likely to win when they try it out for the first time. It could very well be that beginners simply do better because they aren’t as stressed out about winning. Experts say that too much anxiety can hamper performance.
  • Knock on Wood or “Touch Wood” To Prevent Bad Luck
    • Druids and Pagan cultures believed that knocking on wood would enlist the help of tree gods.
    • You have probably performed this ritual a thousand times: You just finished the sentence that you never get sick, or that your car never breaks down, then you immediately search for something that’s made of wood so you can give it a few taps with your knuckles.
    • There are several theories of where this originated, but most agree that this belief started with the Druids. Their idea of divinity involved nature and the trees were their gods. Knocking on wood was considered a form of physical contact with them, which brought along good fortune. Most Pagan cultures around the ancient world also believed that trees were inhabited by spirits, so it was thought that by simply knocking on the bark of a tree, you could stir the aid of the nature spirit residing within. It’s unlikely that knocking on wood does little more than send people to the front door looking for the pizza guy.
  • Crossing Your Fingers Brings Good Luck
    • Ever wish or hope for something and then cross your fingers? The reason for this was that it is believed that bad luck is trapped at the point where the two fingers meet so when we cross our fingers, we stop the bad luck from escaping and allow our wishes to come true. Not very likely, but it’s still one we almost all practice.


If you are guilty of any of these, repent today. We are called to follow God not superstitions.

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Elijah and Enoch are the two Witnesses in Revelation

Elijah and Enoch are the two Witnesses in Revelation.
There is little question that Elijah the Old Testament prophet was caught up alive to heaven and is one of the two witnesses. The second witness is regarded as either Moses or Enoch. Since it is appointed once for every man to die, the other witness must be Enoch.

  • Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Enoch was the only other man in history that has never died physically. He was caught up to God at age 365 (Gen. 5:23-24).

Here is the evidence for these two being the witnesses.

Both are Old Testament Prophets
* Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
* 2 Chronicles 21:12 And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,		Rev. 11:10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
Both have never died physically.
Gen 5:23-24 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
2 Kings 2:1 And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.		Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Elijah called fire down from heaven
2 Kings 1:10  And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.		Rev. 11:5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
Elijah closed the heavens for 42 months
James 5:17 (ESV) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.		Rev. 11:3, 6 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
Enoch prophesied about the Lord returning.
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 		Enoch spoke about God’s Judgement
Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Malachi said Elijah would return.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:		Elijah comes before the day of the Lord.

Christ taught that Elijah must reappear and restore all things.

  • Matthew 17:11
    • And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

In Jewish tradition, Elijah is expected to appear during Passover, announcing the Messiah and revealing each Jew’s tribal lineage. Today, devout Jews believe Elijah will come before the Messiah’s arrival. Alongside another prophet, he will wield great power—sending plagues, stopping rain, and calling down fire from heaven on those who reject their mission.

  • Rev. 11:6
    • These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

For forty-two months, no one can harm them, but after 1,200 days, the Antichrist will kill them.

  • Rev. 11:7
    • And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

This takes place around the middle of the Tribulation, leading the Antichrist to halt Temple offerings

  • Dan. 9:27
    • And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

He seizes control of half of Jerusalem (likely Arab East Jerusalem) and forces the Jewish section into captivity, where his followers loot homes and commit atrocities.

  • Zech 14:2
    •  For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

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The Lukewarm Church: A Warning

To the Church at Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-11

  • And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
  • I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
  • So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
  • Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
  • I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
  • As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
  • Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
  • To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
  • He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

History

Laodicea was located about 50 miles southeast of Philadelphia, in the Lycus River
valley near Colossae and Hierapolis (cf. Col. 4:13-16). It was also located forty miles from Ephesus and was steeped in Greek culture. The city (and region) had experienced many earthquakes over the years.

The city was a cultural center with schools, libraries, and a banking center that brought strong economic and financial resources.
Two widely used eye and ear salves were produced in the city, as it was also a well-known medical center of its day. Its name means “People Ruling,” and represents the unbelieving, materialistic church of all ages.

Notes

  • Christ is the beginning of the creation of God in the sense that He is the origin and source of God’s creation
    • Col. 1:15-18
      •  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
      • For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
      • And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
      • And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
  • Christ is the head of the new creation
    • 2 Cor. 5:17
      • Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
  • The church is likened to lukewarm water, or as being virtually worthless, Christ says He will “spew them out,” or eject them from His company.
    • The hot waters of nearby Hierapolis were known for their medicinal qualities
    • Colossae was known for its cold, pure water.
    • Laodicea was forced to receive water by aqueduct from other areas. By the time it arrived at Laodicea it was lukewarm and provoked nausea.
      • The works of the Laodicean church were as worthless as the city’s lukewarm water.
        • The description does not refer to a backslidden condition, but rather to their lack of genuine faith.
  • Laodicea was famous for its wealth, its bankers, its medical school, its popular eye salve, and its textile industry.
    • Christ says that spiritually the people of the church are poor, blind, and naked.
    • True wealth is found only in God’s grace. This church had no spiritual value (gold), virtue (white raiment), or vision (eye salve).
      • He urges the Laodiceans to repent of their lack of genuine faith and of spiritual understanding.
  • In light of the spiritual condition of the Laodiceans described in verses 17, 18, the invitation of verse 20 seems to be evangelistically addressed to individual members of an apostate church, so they might receive Christ genuinely as Savior and Lord.
    • To sup (dine) means to have fellowship (cf. ; ) and to enjoy Christ’s blessings.
      • Luke 22:30
        • That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
      • John 14:23
        • Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
    • The promise to sit with Christ in His throne refers to reigning with Christ in His kingdom.
      • Matt. 19:28
        • And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
      • Rev. 20:4
        • And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

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Strength in God: Armor of Faith

I love you O Lord, you are my strength.  You are my rock and my deliverer. You are my light and my saver, who should I fear?

You, God, set my feet on the rock. You Shield me with love; I put my faith in you; So, I may quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked one.

You help me. Stand with the belt of truth, and the breast plate of righteousness.

I stand in your word, I hid it in my heart, I will stand ready to tell others of you, God. You help me put on the shoes of the Gospel of peace.


I will call upon your name God for your name is worthy to be praised
I will stand for you, for you, are my saver, I will put on the helmet of salvation.

And I will stand with the sword of the spirit, which is your word, that I have hid in my heart.


That I may stand in your light and love.

Bible verses:

  • Psalm 18:1
    • I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
    • The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower
  • Psalm 27:1
    •  The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
  • Ephesians 6:16
    • Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
  • Ephesians 6:14
    •  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
  • Psalm 119:11
    • Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
  • 2 Timothy 4:2
    • Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
  • 1 Peter 18:3
    •  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

By Bell

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Weekly Recap of Articles for Christians Jan 25th to Jan 31st

Bible

Education

Cooking/ House Keeping

Estudio Bíblico en Español

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Witness of the Star: ANDROMEDA (The Chained Woman)

2. ANDROMEDA (The Chained Woman)

The Redeemed in their Bondage and Affliction.

This is a peculiar picture to set in the heavens. A woman with chains fastened to her feet and arms, in misery and trouble; and bound, helpless, to the sky. Yet this is the ancient foreshowing of the truth.

In the Denderah Zodiac her name is Set, which means set, set up as a queen. In Hebrew it is Sirra, the chained, and Persea, the stretched out.

Plate 22: ANDROMEDA (the Chained Woman)

There are 63 stars in this constellation, three of which are of the 2nd magnitude, two of the 3rd, twelve of the 4th, etc.

The brightest star, α (in the head), is called Al Phiratz (Arabic), the broken down. The star β (in the body) is called Mirach (Hebrew), the weak. The star γ (in the left foot) is called Al Maach, or Al Amak (Arabic), struck down.

The names of other stars, not identified, are Adhil, the afflicted; Mizar, the weak; Al Mara (Arabic), the afflicted. Aratus speaks of Desma, which means the bound, and says—

“Her feet point to her bridegroom

Perseus, on whose shoulder they rest.”

Thus, with one voice, the stars of Andromeda speak to us of the captive daughter of Zion. And her coming Deliverer thus addresses her:—

“O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted,

Behold, … in righteousness shalt thou be established:

Thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear:

And from terror; for it shall not come nigh thee.”

(Isa. liv. 11-14.)

“Hear now this, thou afflicted….

Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion;

Put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem….

Shake thyself from the dust;

Arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem:

Loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought;

And ye shall be redeemed without money.”

(Isa. li. 21-lii. 3.)

“The virgin daughter of My people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow” (Jer. xiv. 17).

The picture which sets forth her deliverance is reserved for the next chapter (or Sign), where it comes in its proper place and order. We are first shown her glorious Deliverer; for we never, in the heavens or in the Word, have a reference to the sufferings without an immediate reference to the glory.

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The 400-Year Prophecy and Israel’s Journey

Exodus 12:40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.

This seems like a contradiction because the children of Israel only lived in Egypt for about 3 generations. However, it is helpful to look at the original prophecy of the 400 Years prediction.

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years. (KJV, Genesis 15:13)

It basically says that the seed (descendants) of Abraham would be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall server them and afflicted them 400 years.

If we call the year of Ishma’el’s birth “0,” as he is Abram’s first seed, we can then use various passages to calculate how many years from then until Israel entered the land of Canaan.

Birth of Isaac: 

  • Abraham is 100 (Gen 17:17; 21:5)
  • Ishmael is 13 the year before Isaac’s birth (Gen 17:25)

Birth of Jacob: 

  • Isaac is 60 (Gen 25:26)

Birth of Joseph: 

  • Jacob is 91 – Jacob was 130 when entering Egypt (Gen 47:9)
    • Joseph was 30 when entering Pharoahs service (Gen 41:46)
    • 7 years of plenty (Gen 41:53,54)
    • 2 years of famine when Jacob came to Egypt (Gen 45:6)
    • Joseph was 39 (30+7+2) when Jacob entered Egypt
    • Jacob was 91 at birth of Joseph (130-39)
  • Birth of Levi: Jacob is 87
    • Jacob is 91 at birth of Joseph who was born in the 14 year of service to Laban (Gen 30:25,26)
    • Jacob is 77 when arrives at Labans (91-14)
    • Jacob serves 7 years and recieves Leah (Gen 29:27) who bears Levi, her third son approximately 3 years after being with Jacob.
    • Jacob is approximately 87 at birth of Levi (77+7+3).
  • The Children of Israel enter the land of Egypt 17 years before the death of Jacob (Gen 47:28) and when Levi is 87 years old.

Birth of Kohath: 

  • Levi is ~35 – Levi was younger than 40 when Kohath was born as Levi was 43 when he went to Egypt with his 3 sons (Gen 46:8,11)
    • if this is correct Kohath would be 8 when entering Egypt.
    • Birth of Amram: Kohath is ~40 (an average generaton)
    • Birth of Moses: Amram is ~40 (an average generaton)
    • Israel leaves Egypt when Moses is 80 years old.

The children of Israel enter the land of Israel after the 40 years of wandering, which is 400 years after the birth of Ishmael.

These numbers are approximate calculations. The other 30 years can be time getting to the promise land and how much time that it should have taken to take the land. Instead, they are wandering in the wilderness for 40 Years. They still were journeying in a land that was not their own.

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Discovering Naphtali: Leadership and Legacy in the Bible

Naphtali was born to Rachel’s handmaid, Bilhah.

  • Genesis 30:8
    • And Bilhah Rachel’s maid conceived again, and bare Jacob a second son. And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

Naphtali had four sons:

  • Jahzeel
  • Guni
  • Jezer
  • Shillem

When the census was taken in Numbers 26:48-49, the descendants of Naphtali was great.

  • Of the sons of Naphtali after their families:
    • of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites:
    • of Guni, the family of the Gunites:
    • Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites:
    • of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.
  • These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.

Jacob gave a prophecy of Naphtali’s descendants in Genesis 49:21.

  • Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.

He Giveth goodly words is an interesting prophecy.

Goodly

  • שֶׁפֶר shepher, sheh’-fer; from H8231; beauty:—× goodly.

Words

  • אֵמֶר ʼêmer, ay’-mer; from H559; something said:—answer, × appointed unto him, saying, speech, word.

Naphtali was the northern most tribe of Israel occupying a long, narrow piece of land about 80 kil. (50 miles) north to south and 16 to 24 Kil (10 to 15 miles) from east to west. The land of Naphtali was mountainous and very fertile.

Isaiah 9:1-7

  • Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
  • The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
  • Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
  • For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
  • For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
  • For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
  • Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy about Nathali seeing a great light when Jesus spent most of his ministry in the land that Nathali was given after the Exodus.

Matthew 4:12-6

  • When Jesus learned that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 
  • Departing from Nazareth, he settled in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 
  • in order that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
    • “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the passageway to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:
    • The people who lived in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who dwell in a land darkened by the shadow of death light has dawned.”

Naphtali was a tribe of brave warriors people.

  • Members of the tribe fought bravely under Deborah.
    • Judges 4:4-6
      • Now Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, a prophetess, was then a judge in Israel.  
      • She used to sit underneath the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites would come up to her for judgment there. 
      • She summoned Barak, the son of Ahinoam, from Kadesh of Naphtali, and she said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take ten thousand men from Naphtali and Zebulun with yourself and march toward Mount Tabor.
    • Judges 4:10
      • Barak had summoned Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh. Ten thousand men were under his command, and Deborah went up with him.
    • Judges 5:18
      • The people of Zebulun risked their lives, as did Naphtali on the heights of the field.
  • They responded to Gideon’s Call
    • Judges 6:35
      • He sent messengers all throughout Manasseh, summoning them to follow him. He also sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, so that they too gathered around him.
    • Judges 7:23
      •  The men of Israel from out of Naphtali, from out of Asher, and from out of Manasseh gathered together and pursued the Midianites. 
  • When Saul’s son Ishbosheth challenged David for the throne 37,000 fighting men who were led by 1,000 captains joined David.
    • Chronicles 12:34
      •  From Naphtali there were one thousand captains along with thirty-seven thousand men armed with shield and spear. 

When the tribes divided into 2 kingdoms, it was part of the 10 Northern Tribes.

Descendants

The speculative descendants of Naphtali include:

  • Ethiopian Jews, or Beta Israel, trace their ancestry to the Tribe of Dan, whose members, along with those from the tribes of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali, migrated south to the Kingdom of Kush—present-day Ethiopia and Sudan—during the destruction of the First Temple.
  • The Mountain Jews of the Caucasus.
  • The Bukharian Jews of Central Asia.
  • Nordisk Israel identify the Tribe of Naphtali with Norway.
  • Pacific Islanders (Cook Islands, Samoans, Hawaiians, Tongans, Fijians, etc.).

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Idolatry in the Bible: Old vs New Testament part 3

What does the Bible say about Idolatry and paganism in the Old Testament? How does that compare to what the New Testament Says? Read on to find out. This is part 3 of a multiple part series.

Laws of Idolatry and Paganism

  • Not to prophesize in the name of idolatry, Not to listen to a false Prophet, Not to prophesize falsely in the name of God, and Not to be afraid of killing the false prophet
    • Deut. 18:20 (ESV)
      • But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’
    • Deuteronomy 18:20-22 ESV
      • But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.
    • Matthew 7:15 ESV
      • “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
    • 2 Peter 2:1 ESV
      • But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
    • 1 John 4:1 ESV
      • Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
    • Acts 20:29-30 ESV
      • I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
    • 1 Timothy 4:1 ESV
      • Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
    • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 ESV
      • For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
    • Galatians 1:8-9 ESV
      • But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
  • Not to swear in the name of an idol
    • Exodus 23:13 ESV
      • “Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips.
    • Matthew 5:34-37 ESV
      • But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
    • James 5:12 ESV
      • But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
    • 1 Corinthians 10:14 ESV
      • Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
    • 2 Corinthians 6:16 ESV
      • What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
    • 1 John 5:21 ESV
      • Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
  • Not to perform ov (medium)
    • Leviticus 19:31 ESV
      • “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.
    • Leviticus 20:6 ESV
      • “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.
    • Deuteronomy 18:10-12 ESV
      • There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
    • Acts 16:16-18 ESV
      • As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
  • Not to perform yidoni (magical seer)
    • Leviticus 19:31 ESV
      • “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.
    • Acts 19:19 ESV
      • And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.
    • Galatians 5:19-21 ESV
      • Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
  • Not to pass your children through the fire to Molech
    • Leviticus 18:21 ESV
      • You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.
    • Leviticus 20:2-5 ESV
      • “Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. I myself will set my face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given one of his children to Molech, to make my sanctuary unclean and to profane my holy name. And if the people of the land do at all close their eyes to that man when he gives one of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death, then I will set my face against that man and against his clan and will cut them off from among their people, him and all who follow him in whoring after Molech.
    • For information on this topic please read: The Truth About Abortion.
  • Not to erect a column in a public place of worship and not to plant a tree in the Temple courtyard
    • Deut. 16:21-22
      • “You shall not plant for yourself an Asherah of any kind of tree or wood beside the altar of the Lord your God, which you shall make. You shall not set up for yourself a sacred pillar which the Lord your God hates.
    • Deuteronomy 12:3 ESV
      • You shall tear down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and burn their Asherim with fire. You shall chop down the carved images of their gods and destroy their name out of that place.
    • Leviticus 26:1 ESV
      • “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.
    • For more information please read: Understanding Deuteronomy 16:21-22: A Message for Worship
  • Not to bow down on smooth stone
    • Lev. 26:1
      • You shall not make idols for yourselves, nor shall you erect an image, a sacred pillar or an obelisk, nor shall you place any figured stone in your land so that you may bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God.
    • Acts 17:29 ESV
      • Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.
    • 1 Corinthians 10:14 ESV
      • Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

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