Seeking Rest

Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

Naomi knows the Law. She knows that Boaz is a near kinsman, and a man of great honor and wealth. And she recognized the hand of God in bringing him into their lives at this time. Maybe she does not see that God drew them to Boaz. They are the ones who moved, not Boaz.

But knowing the Law, Naomi also knows the responsibility of family members in Israel.

Deuteronomy 25:5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.
25:6 And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.

Naomi wants Boaz to marry Ruth, and begins to tell her how to get things started in that direction.

Ruth 3:2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
3:3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.

It is interesting what Naomi tells Ruth to do. First she explains again just who Boaz is in terms of family relations. She already made that known back in 2:20. She then instructs Ruth to get cleaned up, dressed up, and smelling good, and go to the place where Boaz is working: but then strategically wait for the best opportunity to get his undivided attention.

What she tells Ruth to do then is perplexing. After Boaz lays down to sleep, she is to approach him and uncover his feet. Then she is to lay down and wait for him to instruct her as to what she should do. What is this thing with the Bible and feet?

Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Luke 8:41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

John 11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

It obviously has something to do with submission. Ruth was to place herself in a position that graphically expressed her submission to Boaz. Exposing his feet and then lying down was an unmistakable picture and Boaz would not miss the meaning. Ruth, at the direction of Naomi, is going to propose to Boaz.

Naomi hopes to gain a husband for Ruth, and a good one at that; maybe what we would consider too old, but a noble man, an honorable man, a wealthy man. Ruth would be in good hands with Boaz. And Naomi calls this, seeking rest.

We who know the rest of the story also know what happens. Ruth enters into that rest. It is interesting that marriage is considered rest.

Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.


Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

True rest: It begins at the feet of Jesus Christ.

God's Hand

Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

Not so very long ago, Naomi had other things to say concerning the LORD.

Ruth 1:21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

Now she sees the hand of God working on her behalf. There is something to be learned here, and we can take this lesson and apply it to our own lives.

God was at work in Naomi's family from the beginning. He who works all things according to His purpose had a plan, and Naomi was living out part of that plan through her suffering. Many of the things we view negatively in this life are actually good and precious in God's sight. And while Naomi may not have appreciated that through her affliction, she did recognize God's hand working on her behalf through Boaz.

Ruth 2:21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Here is where we need to pay attention: Naomi acted upon her recognition of God working in her life. She saw God at work, and she began to join Him in what He was doing. The LORD extended His hand, and Naomi took it.

This passage also seems to reveal something about Ruth, possibly by way of her human weakness. Ruth had no man in her life, for the one she had was now dead. Loneliness can take a toll on any person. Most of us desire companionship, particularly from the opposite sex. Ruth was no different.
Notice what she told Naomi:

Ruth 2:21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

Let's go back a few verses and see what Boaz really told her:

Ruth 2:8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:

Ruth has a will of her own, and she has desires. But as I continue to read this story, and watch as Ruth is obedient to her mother-in-law and listens to her rather than her own will, I am reminded of One who said, For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. (John 6:38}

Ruth 2:15-20 The Beginning of the Harvest

The Beginning of the Harvest

Ruth 2:15 And she rose up to glean. And Boaz commanded his young men, saying, She shall glean even between the sheaves, and you shall not cause her to be ashamed.
Ruth 2:16 And pulling you shall also pull out for her of the bundles, and shall leave; and she shall glean, and you shall not restrain her.
Ruth 2:17 And she gleaned in the field until the evening, and beat out that which she had gleaned. And it was about an ephah of barley.
Obviously these instructions went far beyond the normal generosity toward the poor. Boaz permits Ruth not only to glean among the sheaves (normally they would follow and pick up what was left behind), but he instructed his men to pull out extra for her. Boaz had his eye on Ruth, and she was getting far more than she expected from his hand.

An ephah of barley: roughly 20+ pounds!

Ruth wasn't a beggar. She worked for what she received, and that not for herself.

Ruth 2:18 And she took it up and went to the city. And her mother-in-law saw that which she had gleaned. And she brought out and gave to her that which she had reserved after she was satisfied.

Ruth's concern was Naomi. Whatever drew Ruth to love this woman so much? What kindness had Naomi demonstrated before her great sorrow? Was she once filled with joy that overflowed into the lives of those around her? Scripture does not reveal much here. Ruth is the focus, and we see her at work loving someone else more than her own life.

And she is blessed.

And she shared her blessing. She shared it with Naomi, who could not possibly pay her back. Or could she?

Remember how Naomi told both of those girls to return to their own land? Remember how she told them that she had no other sons for them? You would think Naomi had nothing to offer. Blessings can come from seemingly empty places.

Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where have you gleaned to day? and where have you worked? blessed is he that did take knowledge of you. And she told her mother in law with whom she had worked, and said, The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.

I suppose somewhere in that empty waste that Naomi thought of her life, something began to live again. One word, and bright beams of radiance began to fill her being. Let there be light.

Ruth 2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

The Blessing Begins

Ruth 14 Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, “Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back.

Boaz has a place for Ruth at His table. She does not expect it, nor does she have the audacity to attempt to sit at his table. But He has his eye on her. He knows her heart, and He has a place for her. She is invited to sit among the reapers. That would be the equivalent to sitting with Jesus among His angels, if you can read between the lines.

Many attempt to claim the name of Jesus for themselves, and only end up taking his name in vain. It is where your heart is that will determine where you end up. Ruth cared for her mother-in-law. She chose the God of her mother-in-law over the gods of her own kinfolk. And the story of Ruth reached the ears of Boaz (whose name means "Strength").

What is your story? What kind of news does the King have concerning you? Will you be invited to His table? Ruth is the example of one who is pleasing to her Redeemer. Take note of Ruth.

Notice that she even saves some of the food to take to Naomi. Even as she receives her blessing and is satisfied, Naomi is on her mind. Ruth is going to share her blessing with Naomi.

15 And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.
16 Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.”

Ruth started off gleaning after the reapers. Now Boaz is going to increase her blessing. Ruth has the favor of Boaz. Again, Ruth is the example to follow if you desire the favor of our Redeemer.

Ruth 2, Continued: To Be Different

Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

What Ruth did was known. And the things she did were good. And the goodness of Ruth reached the ears of one in a position of power and wealth. Boaz heard about Ruth and the good that she bestowed upon Naomi.

There is One who knows you, and all that you do is fully (completely) revealed to Him. From the intent of your heart, He knows even the why's of your works.

Ruth cared for Naomi more than for her own life. That is commendable in the sight of God.

There is a New Testament example of one who was very much like Ruth. His name is Epaphroditus. We are introduced to him in Paul's letter to the Philippians, in the second chapter.

Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
2:28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

We read about a man who placed the work of Christ, and a man named Paul in particular, ahead of his own life. Epaphroditus was sick and nearly died. Yet his regard for the things of God and the needs of one of God's children superceeded his very life and existence. Indeed, it was precisely for the things of God and the family of God that this man existed at all. And the Holy Spirit, through the apostle's writing tells us today to hold such people as these in reputation. We are to regard these folk, who so often go unnoticed.

So Boaz commended Ruth for her kindness, and adds a special blessing: an invocation to the LORD to move on her behalf.

2:12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Have you yet trusted in the LORD?

When Ruth left her home and her family and all that she knew, she walked into a new realm. What did she learn from that family of Bethlehem? We don't know the conversations of the different belief systems and worldviews that must have occurred then as they so often do now. Scripture does not reveal that much to us. But Moab had its religion, and Ruth chose to leave it. She made that known to Naomi back in first chapter:

Ruth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Ruth left everything she believed. She became one of God's own. Of course that happened sometime before she confessed that to Naomi, because her belief was reflected in her character.

Have you left everything for Christ? Or are you still hanging on to vestiges of an old belief system? Ruth left it all. She is commended, and blessed. Do you want to be commended and blessed before God? Then follow the Biblical example.

Boaz blessed Ruth. He told her to stay in his field and he would provide her needs. He bestowed favor and kindness to this stranger from Moab. So Ruth responds:

2:13 Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

Isn't it interesting that Ruth finds it strange to gain the favor of Boaz because she is not like the other women? Maybe it did not dawn on her that it is precisely because of this that she gained his favor.

How often do people try to blend in with the group? They want to be accepted by the crowd and go to great lengths to be like the others. Ruth was not like that. She cared for Naomi, not the acceptance of the majority. She was different.

Are you different? Or are you like the others? Do you fit in with the rest of the group, or is that your goal? Dare to be different! Be different for God. Set your affections on His family: your brothers and sisters in Christ.

And consider this one phrase in all that you do:

Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Ruth 2: It has fully been revealed.

Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said to her, It has been fully revealed to me all that you have done with your mother-in-law after the death of your husband. And you left your father and your mother, and the land of your birth, and came to a people which you had not known before.

This verse records the response of Boaz. Ruth had been elevated by this man in the presence of everyone at that house. She had no idea why this man should bestow that degree of kindness in her direction. Why, she asks, have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou should take knowledge of me, a stranger?

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It has been fully revealed to me all that you have done....

Where can we go with this? Can we go to Jesus as He watched the widow give all her substance of two mites to the treasury of God's Temple? She did not go unnoticed; no, the King Himself was watching. It was fully revealed to Him. She did not know Who was watching her that day, yet He commended her and we have that in our Bibles.

And what about you? He has the full report. How will it be for you when you stand before the Throne? Will He tell you how you fed Him when He was hungry? How you clothed Him or provided shelter for Him from the weather? Will He tell you of the times you visited Him and comforted Him? Or will He say something different? Perhaps you have not properly represented your Father. Maybe your actions reveal you to be something other than an ambassador for Christ.

I fear that there are too many Christians by name, who are really about their own names. How will it be for those who go through life looking for their own blessing? Will they name it and claim it at the feet of the King in the presence of His holy angels? Or will they be singing a different tune: If only I had known it was You, Lord! I would have given my right arm! If only had known! as they are carried off to the everlasting fire.

Boaz had the full report on Ruth. It was a good report.

Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said to her, It has been fully revealed to me all that you have done with your mother-in-law after the death of your husband. And you left your father and your mother, and the land of your birth, and came to a people which you had not known before.

The full revelation of what Ruth did for one person reached the ears of him whose name means Strength. What one person has God placed in your path, and you have the power to be a blessing to that one person? He will have the full report of what you did, or did not do. Is Ruth an example or what?

What Ruth did, she did since the death of her husband. Before Ruth could do the works, there was a death, and that death involved her own flesh. For two, Scripture tells us, shall be one flesh.

This goes deeper, for the flesh to which she was joined and became a part of was under the Law. And that flesh died. Then began her works, for which she would be praised and rewarded by him whose name means Strength.

And you left your father and your mother, and the land of your birth, and came to a people which you had not known before.

This looks familiar. Didn't Jesus say something like that one time?

Mar 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
Mar 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Ruth 2: Why have I found grace in thy sight?

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thy sight, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

She fell down. She bowed before him whose name is Strength (Boaz).

Ruth will be this man's bride. We already have the whole story. We know how it ends. But right now, this man has bestowed unexpected kindness on her behalf. She is not of his people. She is a stranger on his turf. Less than a stranger, she is from Moab: marked by the LORD.

Deuteronomy 23:3 An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation shall none belonging to them enter into the assembly of the LORD for ever:
23:4 because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

It was her love for her mother-in-law Naomi that brought Ruth to Bethlehem. And it was her love that moved her to glean the fields after the reapers to provide food.

Ruth was not about Ruth. Ruth wasn't looking for her blessing. Ruth was about Naomi's well being. She cared for Naomi, even to the point of her own loss. Ruth emptied herself. She is about to be blessed. She isn't looking for it.


Why have I found grace in thy sight?

How many times have I asked that question to Him whose name is Strength? Yet grace is extended to me. And it is extended to you. Like Ruth, we come into His presence as strangers. Less than strangers, we are marked. Worse than the Moabites who desired to curse God's people, we came as rebels and enemies of God Almighty Himself.

Yet grace is extended.

And when we say yes to God, we feel that we are so smart for making the right choice.

Later we may come to realize who actually did the choosing. And then, how can you not ask:

Why have I found grace in thy sight?

And again, as saved; yet a failure by human standards, how much less by God's standards?

Why have I found grace in thy sight?

Ruth 2, Continued: Ruth and the Law

Deuteronomy 23:3 An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation shall none of them enter into the assembly of the LORD for ever;

It is very important that we keep that passage from the Law in mind as we consider Ruth's situation. Ruth was a Moabitess, making her a woman marked by the Law. She was probably shunned.

Yet Boaz says:

Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Ruth 2:8-9

Boaz essentially tells Ruth that so long as she stays in his fields, she will be taken care of. Ruth is overwhelmed. And her response is perfectly natural:

Rth 2:10 And she fell on her face and bowed to the earth, and said to him, Why have I found grace in your eyes, that you should notice me, and I a foreigner?

We are not from heaven. We are of the earth. Here and now as we experience the grace of God through our own Kinsman (He became one of us), we can become overwhelmed upon contemplation of our own unworthiness and His choosing of us in spite of ourselves. Falling down before Him is the natural thing to do.

Today we know in our hearts that we belong to Him. But today we walk by faith, and fail Him all too often. Today we see in that glass darkly. How will it be for you on that Day when you literally stand before the throne of the King? How will it be for you when He declares His favor toward you at that time after all is said and done? I'll tell you how it will be: You will fall down.


Deu 23:3 An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation shall none of them enter into the assembly of the LORD for ever;

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Perez, Hezron, Aram, Aminidab, Nahshon, Salmon: That's ten generations in the assembly of the Lord; or genealogy of Jesus Christ who is Lord. And as certain as God is to His Word, there will be no Moabite found there. But in the first Fourteen Generations listed in the 1st Chapter of Matthew, we find that a Moabite entered in. At number 11: and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth

Ruth 2 Continued: Boaz speaks to Ruth

After listening to the reaper supervisor and finding out the exact identity of this person Ruth, Boaz is smitten.

Rth 2:8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:
Rth 2:9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

He does not want to lose this one! He charged her not to glean any place else! In the presence of all, he took her from the place of gathering whatever was left after everyone else was finished, and placed her alongside his own maidens. Boaz promoted Ruth. He lifted her up.

The young men present heard his words: they were not to lay a hand on this one. And if she got thirsty, they were to provide her drinks.

God recognizes those who seek Him. He knows those who glean the fields after the reapers. He asks if we hear Him (faith cometh by hearing). And if we hear Him, will we do what He tells us, and abide? Will we stay close by His maidens? He has charged his angels not to harm us. In fact, they will serve us. They are ministers to the heirs of salvation.

Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Ruth 2:5-7: Who is this woman?

Rth 2:5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?

This is close to a parable of Jesus Christ in Matthew 22 regarding the king and the wedding feast. Someone is present that the king does not know. In that case, the outcome for the stranger was not desirable.

So here we have Boaz (the meaning of his name is disputed, but it likely carries with it a meaning of strength, or force), asking the reaper supervisor about this strange woman. She was there at the house with the reapers.

Interesting.

Will you be with the reapers at the harvest? Will you be found among the angels in the mansion of Him whose name is Strength? And if during this time of rest, you are found there, what will be said of you?

Rth 2:6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:

When Moab was born, he was so named because Moab means, of his father. Ruth (companion) accompanied Naomi (my delight). Would it be wonderful to be said of you are of the Father? Have you been a true companion to the One whose name is My Delight?

Do these verses overflow or what?

Rth 2:7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

Here is where we know about the house that was there that I mentioned earlier.

Here we get what Ruth told the head reaper as he relates to Boaz what she said. Being among the poor, she asked for the leftover and forgotten sheaves, which were also hers by God-given right.

There is a message here for those who get left out and for those who go unnoticed. There is a Companion, who is of His Father, and is also the Father's Delight. He specializes in seeking out such as these. Do you qualify?

1Cor 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Cor 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1Cor 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Ruth 2: Ruth in Boaz Territory!

I guarantee if you aren't reading this stuff, you are missing out!

We left off in Chapter 2 and verse 3, where Ruth just happened upon the field of the man to whom we were introduced in the first verse:Boaz. So let's revisit that verse as we enter into verse 4.

Rth 2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.


What does it mean to glean after the reapers? Someone has to pick up the pieces. Naomi's wound is deep. She is probably numb. Ruth is doing what she can to hold things together in spite of her own loss. She is gleaning the fields after the reapers in more ways than one. Do you suppose Ruth was a comforter to Naomi?

It was her hap to come upon that part of the field belonging to Boaz (whose name means strength). She entered the land of Strength, a close relative to him whose name means God is King.

Do you see a message here for those who pick up the pieces, and are companions to the weak and heavy laden?

Rth 2:4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.

Strength came from Bethlehem. I suppose that would be one of the understatements of eternity.

Interesting meanings in those names.

The Companion of My Delight, from the family of him who is Of His Father went to glean after the reapers. It was her hap to light upon the part of the field belonging to Strength, who was of the family of God is King.

Ruth Chapter 2: A Strange Coincidence

Rth 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

Up to this point Naomi has been the main topic of discussion. Let's turn to the title character, Ruth.

The name Ruth means friend or companion. While Naomi was wailing how the hand of God was against her, while she moaned how the LORD had afflicted her, she had a companion right beside her: one who completely identifed with her in her suffering, and who would never leave nor forsake her. Does anybody see Jesus?

And Ruth is going to do what she can to care for Naomi. She is going to go to provide for their needs.

In this we find a provision from God, and not only in Ruth. God had commanded the Israelites to care for their widows and orphans, and also the stranger in the land. Naomi was a widow. Ruth was both widow and stranger.

One of the ways they were to care for them was to leave a portion for them during harvest. Note God's wellfare state: these people still had to work for their provision! Do you think we could learn something here?

Deu 24:19 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

Do you ever wonder if there is a reason why you forget some things? And later it turns out to be a good thing you forgot. God knows how to take care of those who depend on Him, and sometimes there are reasons for forgetfulness.

So Ruth is going to look for someone in whose sight she can find grace.
What do you suppose she'll find?


Rth 2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

So Ruth goes out, and as the LORD would have it, she happened to light upon a part of the field belonging to Boaz.

How many times has God done that? How many times in your life, saint? I can testify over and over again how God has worked exactly in this manner not only in my own life, but also in the lives of people I know personally. What a testimony to the providence of God! He's in control, and he orchestrates all things, both bad and good, incorporating it all to His overarching purpose for good to those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose.

It gets tough here in Opposite Land. Right now I'm rejoicing! My van just cost me three hundred bucks! And that was just to learn that it has to go to the transmission shop! Praise the LORD!

Jas 1:2 My brothers count it all joy when you fall into various trials

So I am learning how to rejoice in times of trouble, though expensive car repairs may be small compared to other things. I hate to see what He's preparing me for! But I really rejoiced. I took the family out to dinner! I'm serious about this thing! Oh the Joy!

But where else do we find a situation like Ruth just happening onto a field belonging to Boaz?

Est 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
Est 6:2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
Est 6:3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
Est 6:4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

It just so happened the king couldn't sleep that night. Or did it just so happen? It just so happened that the king learned about Mordecai's unrewarded deed. Or did it just so happen? It just so happen that Haman was in the court at just the right time.

If you don't know where that one is going, read Esther!

And it just so happened that Ruth happened onto a part of the field belonging to Boaz.

Ruth: Chapter 2 - The Beginning of Hope

We left off with Naomi in misery. God had dealt bitterly with her, or so it seemed.

I call this life Opposite Land. Because here we esteem men of power for greatness, while Jesus tells us that just the opposite is true in God's Kingdom. Those who desire greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven must be servant of all here on earth. And when trials come our way, we are told to do what? Rejoice? Get real! But if this life is not the true reality, then to rejoice in times of trial is more real than you may think! Do you want to get rich? Sell what you have and give alms! What about investment? You ARE investing!

So maybe things aren't as bad as Naomi's misery makes them out to be. That doesn't change the tragedy she has to endure. That doesn't stop the pain. And here again there is a saying among athletes: No pain, no gain.

So Naomi is at the bottom of her valley. But the last words of the first chapter give us a glimpse of things to come:they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

And now at the beginning of Chapter 2, we who sit on the sidelines, we the audience, get a piece of narration that Naomi knows nothing about:

Rth 2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

We're privy to a piece of information here, and you know that there is a reason for telling us this. This Boaz is going to be a major player.

The casual reader will miss the import of the term, kinsman in this passage. For an Israelite widow in ancient times, it meant the difference between withering away to nothing, and a new beginning.

In our day and age, we've lost much of the meaning here. But if we try to understand what was at stake in those days, we might understand the daughters of Lot, and why they did what they did with their father in that cave.

Gen 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the mount. And his two daughters were with him. For he feared to live in Zoar. And he lived in a cave, he and his two daughters.
Gen 19:31 And the first-born said to the younger, Our father is old, and there is no man in the land to come in to us as is the way of all the earth.
Gen 19:32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and let us lie with him, that we may keep alive seed of our father.

This thing about preserving the family name through the offspring was extremely important in those days. And of course, Ruth would never have existed had they not done what they did, for Ruth was a Moabitess.

Gen 19:36 And both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father.
Gen 19:37 And the first-born bore a son and called his name Moab; he is the father of Moab to this day.

The daughters of Lot provide a glimpse into the mindset of that time, when keeping alive the seed of the father was held to be a matter of life and death.

And then there was Tamar:

Gen 38:11 And Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, Live as a widow in your father's house until my son Shelah is grown. For he said, Lest he also die like his brothers. And Tamar went and lived in her father's house.
Gen 38:12 And the days were many, and the wife of Judah, the daughter of Shuah, died. And Judah was comforted, and he went up to the shearers of his flocks, he and his friend Hirah of Adullam, to Timnah.
Gen 38:13 And Tamar was told, saying, Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his flocks.
Gen 38:14 And she took off her widow's robes from her, and veiled herself with a veil, and disguised herself. And she sat at the entrance of Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that Shelah had grown up, and she had not been given to him for a wife.
Gen 38:15 And Judah saw her. And he thought her to be a harlot, because she had veiled her face.

In both cases, the widows sought to be the avenue through which the seed and legacy of their family would continue. This is ancient stuff! But it is interesting to note that through the actions of these women, they have a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

So the kinsman, the brother of the deceased, had the right to restore the name of his brother, and continue the legacy of his house. Of course he did not have to do it. There was sacrifice involved. Why carry on your brother's name at your own expense?

Looking back to the story of Tamar, we find a brother who wouldn't do it.

Gen 38:8 And Judah said to Onan, Go in to your brother's wife and marry her, and raise up seed to your brother.
Gen 38:9 And Onan knew that the seed would not be his. And it happened when he went in to his brother's wife, he wasted his semen to the ground, not giving seed to his brother.

The rest of that text tells us that God killed Onan for the evil he had done. That could possibly be due to the fact that Judah told Onan to perform the duty, and Onan disobeyed his father. Onan was under a direct obligation, which he refused.

Back to Ruth. Naomi's hope is gone. She is old, and Ruth is not even an Israelite. It seemed the only thing left to do was go and live out what was left of her life with no hope of seeing any grandchildren.

But God is at work, isn't He? He has plans in the works, and we are introduced to Boaz, the close relative who is able to restore the hope that no longer exists as far as Naomi is concerned. And God is at work in your life as well.

You might think things could not get worse. Maybe that is true. But behind the scenes of Opposite Land, there is something going on that is very positive on your behalf. You don't know what God is preparing. The heir of salvation, while yet unsaved, has a Boaz who is able to save, and will receive a harvest of abundance. Of course, this Boaz is Jesus Christ, the True Redeemer. And one that is already a child of God has the promise that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit! For theirs is the kingdom of the Heavens.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are the ones mourning! For they shall be comforted.

Although she doesn't know it, Naomi is about to be comforted.

Rth 2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

Ruth: Chapter One - The Tragedy

Rth 1:1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.
Rth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

God works in the small things. Our tendency is to look for Him in greatness. The history of His works show an occasion for this, but more often His plans are at work where nobody is looking. God had plans, and He prodded Elimelech, and Elimelech moved to Moab.

This is along the progression of the seed of the woman, mentioned in Genesis 3:15. What unknown warfare took place in Moab then? And the result? 3 dead, no seed.

Rth 1:3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
Rth 1:4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
Rth 1:5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

Where's God when things go so badly? I lost a son, myself. He was 5. A victory for Satan? It ain't over till it's over.

It appears that whatever happened to the two young men must have been simultaneous, or at very close intervals. This is a tragedy. And God is at work.

Rth 1:6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

Don't you love the perspective here? The LORD visited His people in giving them bread. How blessed we are when we have bread! The Lord has visited us!

Rth 1:7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.
Rth 1:8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Naomi hears about the bread and heads back to her homeland. Her daughters-in-law begin to follow along, but she has nothing to offer them, and bids them to stay with their own people. But don't miss the blessing here: the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.

dealt with the dead: There is a theme running through this book regarding the dead. You don't want to miss that. We'll see more about the dead later in the story. Christ dealt with the dead, didn't He?

Rth 1:9 The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.
Rth 1:10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.

Initially, both were willing to accompany their destitute mother-in-law. The love between the members of that family must have been great.

Rth 1:11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
Rth 1:12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;
Rth 1:13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.
Rth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

Orpah did the right thing, as far as she knew. It made sense. It was practical. I would not condemn Orpah for turning back, considering the situation. But this is where Orpah's story ends, and Ruth's begins.

And here is a lesson for us. Ruth was told to leave. She was told that there was nothing for her. Nothing to gain, as far as Ruth was concerned.

Ruth is willing to go, because Ruth is more concerned about Naomi than her own well being. She's not going to leave Naomi. Naomi insists that she go back. Ruth says no.

Where is your faith? Is your love for Christ conditional on what you get from Him? Like so many today, are you looking for that blessing? Or is there something inside you that clings to Him in spite of the storm? Even though He bids you to leave, as it may seem at times, where is your heart?

Consider this woman:

Mark 7:26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

"Okay," says the woman, "so the Savior of the world just called me a dog. What do I do with that?"

Mark 7:28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
Mark 7:29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

So the lesson for us is to hang on to God. Like Ruth forsook all and clung to Naomi, and partook of her suffering, we are to forsake all and cling to Christ, and partake of His suffering. Ruth had no idea what was around the next corner. Isn't that how God leads us? We have no idea where following Him will lead, not while we are in this world. All we know is that we need to be with Him.

Rth 1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
Rth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Rth 1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Rth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

I chose the book Ruth because it gets overlooked a lot, yet there is a lot in it.

Here you have a story of a famine that leads a man to take his wife and two sons to live in another land.

It is in these small things that so often go unnoticed that God is at work. You read the story and find Naomi left destitute, saying call me Mara, for God has dealt bitterly with me!

So God is at work in the deepest pits of human suffering and anguish. When did God raise up Moses? While the Jews were partying in the streets? No they were in bitter bondage, and their children were in constant danger of being killed. But God was at work. God had plans, and was about to do something very great.

But the beauty of the story, and one which we can all learn, is the beauty of sacrifice.

Ruth just sacrificed everything she knew to be with this woman, Naomi. Her love for this woman, her mother-in-law, poured deep.

Rth 1:19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
Rth 1:20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
Rth 1:21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

What a joy to see Naomi again! Or was it? Call me Mara, she says.

Did you ever know someone going through hell? They lift up a few choice words directed against the Almighty.

Job is a rare bird. Not everybody is a Job, and God knows that.

So Naomi didn't curse God, but she definitely laid the blame for her suffering at His door. And rightly so, for even Satan cannot touch God's people unless permission is granted from On High. I call it the bottom line signature. Whatever suffering you experience, whether it is a direct consequence of sin, or a trial God has brought into your life, the bottom line is that God is in charge, working all things for good to those who really love Him (Regardless of those few choice words, where is your heart really? God knows.). And God is at work here even at the bottom of the Valley of Naomi.

I was once confronted with a question by a philosophy teacher. Where does the mountain begin and the valley end? Later I understood that the mountain begins at the bottom. When you're at your lowest, the only way to go is up.

So here's another analogy. When does the harvest begin?

Rth 1:22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Things are looking up.

End of the World Part 5

To this point we have seen that the end of the world, according to Daniel chapter 2, could not have happened during the empires of the Babylonians, the Medes, the Persians, the Greeks, or even during the Roman Empire. It was clear, however, that during the time of the fragmented empire that was once Rome, the kingdom of God would be established. We have been in that era for approximately 1500 years.

In Daniel chapter 7 we gained further information of this last empire. It would tread down the whole earth and break it into pieces. Ten notable kings would emerge from this empire, and that after those ten, another king would become prominent. This king (or kingdom) would subdue three kings.

The period of European colonialism (or imperialism) is behind us now. The kingdoms of the shattered Roman Empire (known as the Holy Roman Empire) have already trodden over the whole earth. They have already broken it into pieces (colonies, then liberated into the nations of today). That period is over, having lasted from approximately 1500-1900.

We are well into the days of the shattered fourth world empire. We are beyond the days of the breaking up of the earth by the fourth beast of Daniel 7. Regarding the church, we have entered the days of the last church listed in Revelation: the lukewarm church. The days of the Philadelphia church, marked by widespread missionary activity and evangelism, sound Bible teaching, leaving names such as John and Charles Wesley, George Whitfield, Andrew Murray, William Carey, Adoniram Judson, George Mueller, Mary Slessor, Charles Finney, D. L. Moody, Billy Sunday, Donald Grey Barnhouse, G. Campbell Morgan and the like are now slipping away. The last of them, D. James Kennedy, Jerry Falwell, J. Vernon McGee, Oliver Green, Adrian Rogers are gone now, with others on their way out: Billy Graham, James Dobson.

Today's church is marked by liberalism: with gay clergy and women pastors. The Bible is no longer the final authority, but how one decides to interpret its words. Church members live in fornication outside of wedlock. Laodicea is the order of the day. Lukewarm is a very apt description for many leaders in our churches today. Jesus is at the door.

But before the end, there are several items of interest that have yet to be fulfilled. The restoration of Israel in 1948 set the stage for it. The restoration of Jerusalem to Israel in 1967 brought us closer to it. But today there is no Temple in Jerusalem. Look at 2nd Thessalonians 2:3-4.

2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

IF the "falling away" is a reference to the apostasy of the church, then that is happening. People have fallen away from Christianity in our times in proportions greater than any other time in history.

But the "man of sin" has not yet been revealed. This fellow probably corresponds to the "little horn" of Daniel 7. He will oppose God, and exalt himself above God, or anything that is worshipped. That has not happened yet. But as certainly as everything we have covered so far has happened, if I were a betting man, I'd put my house on it. He's coming. The last thing it says here in 2nd Thessalonians 2:4 is that he will sit in the temple of God. There is no Temple in Jerusalem. Not yet.

More to come? We'll see.

The End of the World, Part 4

We left off at the prophecy of Jesus Christ concerning the Church at Thyatira, in Revelation chapter 2. Thyatira represents the Church in prophecy during her downward trend resulting from compromise with the world. Pagan holidays were converted and given Christian meaning. Easter (an English corruption of Astarte, or Ashtoreth, or Ishtar: a fertility godess) replaced Passover, bringing with it acceptance for fertility rites using eggs and bunnies (reproduction). Christmas was advanced from its celebration at the Feast of Tabernacles on September 25th three months ahead to December 25th, a compromise with the sun worshipers who moved their day of celebration from December 21st (the winter solstice).

This was Thyatira, the Jezebel church.

Rev 2:20 But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.


Who was Jezebel? Literally, she was the wife of King Ahab back in the Old Testament. The following describes her influence on King Ahab:

1Ki 16:31 It wasn't enough that he committed the same sins as Jeroboam (Nebat's son). He [Ahab] also married Jezebel, daughter of King Ethbaal of Sidon. Ahab then served and worshiped Baal.
1Ki 16:32 He built the temple of Baal in Samaria and set up an altar there.
1Ki 16:33 Ahab made poles dedicated to the goddess Asherah. He did more to make the LORD God of Israel furious than all the kings of Israel who came before him.

Upon marrying this woman, Ahab caused his nation to sin against God. The reference to Asherah is interesting when one takes into account the compromise that brought Easter [the day originally dedicated to Asherah] into the Church.

The compromise of Pergamum led to its logical conclusion here at Thyatira. But it had not worked itself to completion yet. Sardis was next.


Rev 3:1 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead.
Rev 3:2 Be thou watchful, and stablish the things that remain, which were ready to die: for I have found no works of thine fulfilled before my God.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev 3:4 But thou hast a few names in Sardis which did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

The Church basically died. It had a name as if it lived, but was dead. Had you been there at the time, you might have seen the beautiful cathedrals that were built in the days of this prophecy. They still stand today as wonders of the world. But again, had you been there then, you would have witnessed the crusades. You would have seen heretics tortured, and burned alive. You would have seen heads on the ends of poles. You would have heard of the abuse of power by priests and popes. It may have had an appearance of grandeur, but death was everywhere.

Yet there was a few names that stood out. John Huss was burned for preaching to his congregation in a language they could understand. He will walk in white. John Wycliffe was another. And God was working in the hearts of Luther and Zwingli. Other names include Michael Sattler, Conrad Grebel, Menno Simons and others who would ultimately break away from that which had died and return to the Word of God.


Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and none shall shut, and that shutteth, and none openeth:
Rev 3:8 I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name.
Rev 3:9 Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them which say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Rev 3:10 Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Rev 3:11 I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
Rev 3:12 He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name.
Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

Here is a church with no condemnation. It is a persevering church, holding on to the word of God's patience. This church has a promise that it will be kept from the time of trial that will come upon the earth.
It could probably date roughly from the time of the First Great Awakening (1700's?) through the missionary movement of the 1800s and my estimation is that it is over, or very close to its end. Such names as D.L. Moody, John Wesley, Charles Finney, C.H. Spurgeon, George Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, Billy Sunday are among those who represent the Philadelphian age of the Church. Recent names who have been part of it and will be kept from the time of trial include Jerry Falwell (recently deceased), Billy Graham (soon to pass), James Dobson (already had a stroke), J. Vernon McGee (radio gospel preacher, deceased), Oliver Green (radio gospel preacher, deceased).
The Philadelphian generation is about over. Those who were part of it, and are part of what is left will be kept from the time of trial yet to come.

But the last age of the Church has already begun. There is no promise of relief for those numbered in the modern liberal crowd: the church at Laodicea represents the last age of the Church.


Rev 3:14 And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 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.
Rev 3:21 He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

Lukewarm is the order of the day. We call that "Politically Correctness" here in America. You can no longer call homosexuality an abomination. It might be considered a hate crime. Drunkenness is no longer a sin, it is a disease called alcoholism. And sex between a man and a woman is nobody's business except the two involved: even if it is the President of the United States. These days bad is good and good is bad. Moral relativity is the norm. And the Church is right in the middle of it all.
Gay ministers, women pastors, members living with mates outside of wedlock: yet they proclaim to know Jesus.
Jesus says He doesn't know what these people are. They are neither hot nor cold. And He spews them out of His mouth, and says there is going to be a trial by fire, and chastening is going to happen.

We are on the edge of the end of the world. We have reached the age of the Church where Christ is standing at the door.

Mat 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Mat 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

And people act just like the did when Noah entered the ark. And the flood came and took them all away.

More to come? We'll see.

The End of the World, Part 3

From the previous articles, we have seen from the Bible that from the time of the Jewish exile, beginning at Babylon, there had to be four world empires before the coming of God's Kingdom to this earth. Babylon was first, followed by the Medes and Persians who shared their empire.

Then came Alexander the Great. In Daniel 8: the he-goat with Alexander represented by the single horn, followed by the division of his kingdom by his four generals: expressed by the four horns that came up after the first. Here is the text:

Dan 8:8 After this, the goat became even more powerful. But at the peak of his power, his mighty horn was broken, and four other mighty horns took its place--one pointing to the north and one to the east, one to the south and one to the west.

After these kingdoms the fourth comes into play: the Roman Empire. It was never replaced by a subsequent world kingdom. It crumbled into what are now known as the nations of Europe; yet still bound together by the Roman Catholic Church.

1492 began the days of European colonialism, or imperialism as some might put it. Since the days of the Romans, no other nation had ever done this. Certainly there were wars and conquerors, but no other nation colonized in the way of the Europeans, not since Rome. And Europe was still considered the Holy Roman Empire when it all began.

So the clock is running, and time is running out. According to Daniel 2, it is in these days of the feet and toes, the iron and clay, a partly divided and partly unified empire, that the Kingdom of God is to be established. We are here, folks.

While the fourth beast of Daniel 7 might be hard to understand, it is certainly evident that something about that symbolic animal has also been fulfilled:

Dan 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

The entire planet was explored, trampled, colonized, and divided. This is now history. It is behind us. What is next?

Dan 7:24 And as for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise: and another shall arise after them; and he shall be diverse from the former, and he shall put down three kings.

If the ten kings represent leaders of the various European nations at the height of their prominence (such as Spain in the 1500s), then there is to follow another king. This leader will come to power at some point in time after the first ten have come and gone. This is a different beast than the one in Revelation 17. The horns and kings on Daniel's beast are chronologically different. The horns and kings of Revelation 17 are simultaneous, whereas Daniel states former and latter reigns in this regard.

The eleventh king has not emerged yet. At least not obviously, if he is now in power. He must subdue three kings (nations). But we are getting ahead here. Regarding where we stand in relation to the end, there are yet other indicators to consider.

In the prophecy known as Revelation, Jesus Christ foretold church history using seven local churches in Asia minor as representatives. His messages to these churches were real at the time He gave them, and they also apply to many local assemblies today as they have throughout history. But like so many other prophecies of God, they represented the Church as it would appear at various stages in the future. Hindsight is 20/20. We can now look back and marvel at the accuracy of God's Word in foretelling events as they would literally occur in their due season.

Rev 2:1 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:
Rev 2:2 I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them which call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false;
Rev 2:3 and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name’s sake, and hast not grown weary.
Rev 2:4 But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.
Rev 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.


Ephesus represents the Church in its earliest phase. Reference to false apostles is telling. That Paul wrote of false apostles in 2nd Corinthians is no coincidence. Nor is it coincidental that the early church had to discern many of the writings that attempted to pass for Scripture under the name of some apostle.

Again, leaving the first love: Galatians, Colossians, 2nd Corinthians, Peter, John and Jude, 2nd Thessalonians, and others warn of the false teachings that were already filtering into the churches.

The early attempts of a professional clerical class to dominate the Body of Christ were rejected (the Nicolaitans).

Rev 2:8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and lived again:
Rev 2:9 I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Rev 2:10 Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

The 2nd stage of Christ's prophecy: The church in persecution. For the first three centuries, Christians endured intense persecution in the Roman Empire. While some hav attributed the ten-day tribulation to ten particular Roman Emperors, those who came out of those days remember 10 waves of intensity.

Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write; These things saith he that hath the sharp two–edged sword:
Rev 2:13 I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is: and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.
Rev 2:15 So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner. Rev 2:16 Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.

Pergamum represents the Church at the beginning of her rise to prominence. These were the early days on the road to Roman Catholicism and Papal domination. Here began the compromises with pagan religions, the exaltation of saints and the beginnings of the professional clergy which ruled over the people (Nicolaitan: Nico: to conquer; laitan: the people = to conquer the people). The subjection of the masses, or laity under a priestly order began here.


Rev 2:18 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass:
Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.
Rev 2:20 But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I do cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
Rev 2:24 But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, which know not the deep things of Satan, as they say; I cast upon you none other burden.
Rev 2:25 Howbeit that which ye have, hold fast till I come.
Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations:
Rev 2:27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father:
Rev 2:28 and I will give him the morning star.
Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.


Further in the future from Christ's prophecy is the church as represented by the Thyatira congregation. Here we find that the church is still about doing the Lord's business. But we also see where the beginnings of compromise had led. Exaltation of saints had led into idolizing them. To this day saints are prayed to, when Scripture tells us that there is but one Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. The Pope was becoming God's repesentative on earth, the priests were exalted beyond their proper authority. Christians were even celebrating pagan holidays, as they renamed them to accomidate their lusts.


All of this is now hind-sight. Clearly we can look back and see the overall trend as we study church history. The likeness cannot be denied. It can be downplayed, and has been, but it cannot be denied.

More to come.

The End of the World: Part 2

From Daniel 2 we found that from the time that Israel was carried into Babylon to the time of God's Kingdom, or the end of this world as we know it, there would be four world empires.

Babylon was first: the head of gold in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The second was the shared alliance of the Medes and Persians. The third was the Greek Empire. Each of these empires fell to the subsequent world power. The fourth and last was Rome. It was never overthrown and replaced by a subsequent empire. It fell apart, yet was held together loosely by the power of the Roman Catholic Church: the Holy Roman Empire.

According to Daniel 2, it is during the time of the shattered fourth world empire that God's kingdom would be established (see previous entry). We have been living in those days since the fall of Rome. So again: how close are we to the end?

Once again, Daniel has something to say about this. Daniel chapter 7:

Dan 7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.
Dan 7:2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.
Dan 7:3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
Dan 7:4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
Dan 7:5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
Dan 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
Dan 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Dan 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Dan 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Dan 7:11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
Dan 7:12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
Dan 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
Dan 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Dan 7:15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
Dan 7:16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
Dan 7:17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
Dan 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
Dan 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
Dan 7:20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
Dan 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
Dan 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Dan 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
Dan 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
Dan 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Dan 7:26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
Dan 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Dan 7:28 Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

Again there are four kingdoms. There is no emphasis on what the first three represent. The first was revealed in Daniel chapter 2, where Babylon is specifically named as the head of gold on the image of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Chapter 8 reveals the next 2 as the Media/Persian Empire, which is followed by the Greek Empire.

So here in Chapter 7 the interpretation of the vision centers on the fourth beast. Chapter 2 tells us that in the days of the divided kingdom, God's kingdom would be established. Here in chapter 7 we get a closer look, and some more accurate indicators to look for that might aid our understanding on the subject.

Dan 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

The fourth kingdom would be different from the other kingdoms. How was Rome different? One way is that it was never overtaken and replaced. How could Rome devour the whole earth? Remember the feet and toes prophecy of Daniel 2. The kingdom would be divided. It was the divided Roman empire that became the nations of Europe. When Columbus discovered America, it was the European nations that began colonizing the world. It was the fragmented Roman Empire that began colonizing the world. Read on.

Dan 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

This is the interpretation of this previous verse:

Dan 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

So now we have 10 horns, symbolizing 10 kings (or possibly kingdoms): remember that Daniel is not necessarily speaking of human beings. These kings could be the spiritual rulers of the nations (Daniel 10).

10 kings/kingdoms. Simultaneously or at different times? We don't know. What could identify them so that we can understand who they are/were? An interesting study within this topic is on the European nations that were prominent in global colonization. There were approximately 10 that I counted: Spain, France, England, Portugal, the Dutch, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Denmark and Sweden. I am very cautious here. There are many manipulations of historic events made to fit into prophecy, and I put this forward as no more than a theory.

But it is interesting that of the three dominant world powers of the colonial period, Spain, France and England (three horns?) one nation emerged: the United States (little horn?). Just an idea.

At any rate, the days of global colonization by the fragmented Roman empire are behind us. We are living in the days of the whole world (planet) having been trampled under the feet of this fourth beast.

Dan 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

more to come

The End of the World

Topics on the end of the world are always popular. Down through the ages people have discussed the end of the world. Different religions, both ancient and modern have something to say about the end of the world.

Of course, this is the Bible Text blogspot, and as such we are biased. We will not be looking at the Upanishads or the Bhagavad Gita. The ancient Mayans, popular as their prophecies are of late, will be utterly ignored. We do not need them here. The Holy Bible, the Word of God which glorifies the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is God's ONLY provision for access into HIS kingdom, is all that we need. In the Bible, we can know exactly where we are in the greater scheme of God's plan for this earth. And while we may not at THIS time know precisely when the end will be, we can certainly know that it is close.

There are those who continually harp that we cannot know the time of His coming and the end of this age. They will normally quote some distorted form of the following passage:

Act 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Act 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

In the proper context, the disciples asked Jesus about the restoration of Israel. We have 2000 years of history to account for the answer Jesus gave them. It was not for them to know the times or the seasons, because they would not be alive then. Theirs was to begin a discipleship program for God's kingdom. Remember what Jesus told them in Matthew:

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

They were to make disciples in all nations. These disciples were to be baptized and taught the things that Jesus commanded (as in Matthew 5-7). Today we have the teachings and commandments of Christ in the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We also have His teachings passed to us through His apostles and brethren in the rest of the writings of the New Testament.

No, it was not for them at that point in time to know the times or the seasons. But some things were revealed to them later, which would be written for our benefit to whom the very end of these last days has fallen.

So for us, and those who are soon to join us, Jesus has these words:

Mat 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Mat 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

According to these words, Jesus knew that someone would see all the things that He mentioned pertaining to the end of the age.

So while the disciples in the 1st chapter of Acts were not going to see the things pertaining to the end, Scripture acknowledges that there will be those at some point in time who WILL see them, and they are told that when they see certain things come to pass that the end is near, even at the doors.

So let's take a look at Scripture: The Holy Bible. We begin with the prophet Daniel.


Dan 2:1 And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.
Dan 2:2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.
Dan 2:3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.
Dan 2:4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.
Dan 2:5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.
Dan 2:6 But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.
Dan 2:7 They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.
Dan 2:8 The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.
Dan 2:9 But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.
Dan 2:10 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.
Dan 2:11 And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.
Dan 2:12 For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
Dan 2:13 And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.
Dan 2:14 Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:
Dan 2:15 He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
Dan 2:16 Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.
Dan 2:17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
Dan 2:18 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
Dan 2:19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
Dan 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
Dan 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Dan 2:22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
Dan 2:23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.
Dan 2:24 Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.
Dan 2:25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.
Dan 2:26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
Dan 2:27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;
Dan 2:28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;
Dan 2:29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.
Dan 2:30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
Dan 2:31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.
Dan 2:32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,
Dan 2:33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.
Dan 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
Dan 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Dan 2:36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.
Dan 2:37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
Dan 2:38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.
Dan 2:39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.
Dan 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
Dan 2:41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
Dan 2:42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
Dan 2:43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Dan 2:45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
Dan 2:46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.
Dan 2:47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
Dan 2:48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.
Dan 2:49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

This 2nd chapter of Daniel is astonishing. Here we have the account of the king of Babylon, who was about to massacre all the psychics and astrologers of his time in a fit of rage because they could not tell him what he had dreamt. God used the opportunity to glorify Himself through Daniel and told the king not only his dream, but what it meant.

What is important to us is what the dream meant, so we will dwell on that part of the passage:

Dan 2:37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
Dan 2:38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.

No problem with the interpretation here. Babylon is the first kingdom. It has come and gone, overtaken by the Medes and Persians.

Dan 2:39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

A quick reference to two kingdoms: The Medes and Persians overtook Babylon. Combined, they are the inferior kingdom after Babylon. Alexander the Great conquered the Persians. The Greek empire is the kingdom of brass. But for further Scriptural support, there is another text of Daniel verifying that the Medes and the Persians would be followed by the Greeks. Daniel chapter 8 has the entire context but here a passage from that:

Dan 8:20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.
Dan 8:21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
Dan 8:22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.

The Bible is specific here. Babylon is first (first empire of the Jewish exile), followed by the Medeo-Persian Empire, with the Greek Empire next in line.

Had you lived during those times, and knew what Daniel had written, you might have won some bets on wars had you been a gambling person.

So now we come to Rome, the empire that conquered all the others. Rome is the fourth kingdom.

Dan 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
Dan 2:41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
Dan 2:42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

Interesting how the fourth kingdom was not subdued by a fifth kingdom, isn't it? That is because God is in control, and Daniel is a prophet of God. The fourth kingdom becomes divided (2:41). The Roman Empire was not overthrown by another world power. It crumbled. Although it was divided into separate kingdoms, they all had a unifying tie that still bound them together: like chunks of iron in a ball of clay: the Catholic Church. Thus for a thousand years the empire still stood, while yet divided, under the name of Holy Roman Empire.

Dan 2:43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

It would be interesting to know who the "they" refers to in this passage. Whoever "they" are, "they" are not men. "They" shall mingle "themselves" with the seed of men. Maybe it is the idealisms, or philosophies of the times. Or spirits.


Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Dan 2:45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

How long have we been living in the days of the fragmented Roman Empire? We have been a long time in the days of these kings, and Scripture tells us that it is in these days that God shall set up His Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.

It is coming. It is coming soon.

All who lived from Daniel's time to the time of Jesus at His first advent could never say that the end would happen during their days. Four world empires: Babylon, the Medes and Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans had to come and go first. The Roman empire during the time of Christ was still solid. The end could not yet take place.

But now we are living in the days of the "feet and toes." It is in these days, according to Daniel 2, that God will establish His kingdom.

More to come.