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The perverse tongue The soft tongue

The backbiting tongue


The stammering tongue


The fiery tongue


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must be done in God's way. (See also <052705>Deuteronomy 27:5; <110607>1 Kings 6:7.)


TOOTH <202519> Proverbs 25:19 (a)The unfaithfulness of a friend in time of need hurts the soul, breaks the heart, and causes mental pain.


TORCH <340203> Nahum 2:3 (c) Some think that this refers to the headlights used on automobiles, tanks and other vehicles. The real meaning is not clear.


<381206> Zechariah 12:6 (a) God is prophesying that the rulers of Jerusalem will some day destroy all their enemies, as the fire destroys the wood.


<431803> John 18:3 (c) We may understand that this is a type of human intelligence, research and reasoning by means of which men seek to find the Lord Jesus, who is the light of life. "Reason is the natural sun in the mental world." Men with the feeble light of their intelligence seek to find the One who made "the sun to rule by day, and the moon by night."


TOW <230131> Isaiah 1:31 (a) God is assuring the world that His enemies will be easily destroyed. No one can harden himself against God and prosper. God always will have the last word.


TOWER <102251> 2 Samuel 22:51 (b) The tower is a type of the high and safe place occupied by the children of God who hide in Christ and dwell in the secret place of the Most High. (See also <191802>Psalm 18:2; 61:3; 144:2;

<201810> Proverbs 18:10.)


<220704> Song of Solomon 7:4 (a) Ivory is very valuable and beautiful. A tower is firm and substantial. These qualities are evidently referred to as characteristic of


the bride. The tower of Lebanon was evidently a lookout tower, facing Syria where the watchman could discern quickly the coming of the enemy. It probably means that the bride had a great sense of discernment and could easily and quickly discern that which was evil or wrong, or was from the enemy.


<240627> Jeremiah 6:27 (a) Jeremiah was the center of God's work and power among the people of Israel. From him came the words of warning and entreaty. Through him God sent His messages, His commands, and made known His desires.


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<330408> Micah 4:8 (a) Mount Zion is a high, rocky fortress, quite difficult to ascent, very steep. It was recognized as the very center of the defense of Jerusalem and of Judah.


<402133> Matthew 21:33 (b) This tower probably represents Mount Zion in the midst of Israel, and of Jerusalem, and was a watch-tower from which the enemy could be seen for many miles away. Christ is referring partly to the history of Israel, and partly to the present time when He is away in the far country.


<421428> Luke 14:28 (b) This is a type of any great work of God which a man of God builds for the honor of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is illustrated in the great school built by Moody in Chicago, the great work in China built by Hudson Taylor, and the wonderful work in the Sudan built by R. V. Bingham. God would have all His children building something for His glory.


TRANSPARENT <662121> Revelation 21:21 (a)The gold which we see and use is far from transparent. It covers many sins, and evil motives. It is used


to bribe and to deceive. Gold plating is used to cover the iron that is beneath. It is hypocritical in many cases. Gold may make a man appear to be a wonderful citizen, when he really is a criminal at heart. The gold of heaven hides no hypocrisy, no sham, no evil. It is pure in its character, and transparent in its effects.


TRAP <062313> Joshua 23:13 (a) These evil people who should have been exterminated would by their charms, attractions and reasonings catch the people of God, and make them idolators, living in wickedness.


<196922> Psalm 69:22 (a) In this Messianic prophecy our Lord is telling us that His


presence should have been a blessing to them, but instead of that it excited their evil hearts and they became murderers of the One who loved them, and would have saved them. Their treatment of the Lord Jesus revealed their wicked hearts, and their hatred against the sweetest and best man in the world. (See also

<451109>Romans 11:9.)


TRAVAIL <190714> Psalm 7:14 (a)The wicked man has a tremendous urge in his soul to do wrong, and gets no relief until he executes his evil designs.


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<194806> Psalm 48:6 (a)The sons of Korah are describing the sudden outpouring of God's wrath on the nations, so that they are filled with fear and can find no relief. (See also <240624>Jeremiah 6:24; 13:21; 22:23; <330409>Micah 4:9.)

<210113> Ecclesiastes 1:13 (a) Solomon seems to indicate that all kinds of labor and investigation are a burden to men. They never seem to get the job done, and therefore never rest. He uses this expression all through this book of Ecclesiastes.


<235311> Isaiah 53:11 (a) Christ's terrible sufferings and sorrows are compared to the pains of a woman in childbirth.


<235401> Isaiah 54:1 (a) There is a comparison here between the Law and Grace, between Israel and the Church, between the bondage of the Old Testament, and the freedom of the New. Hagar gave birth to a child through the scheme and plan of Abraham. In contrast with this, Isaac was the child of Sarah by promise and by miracle. So it is with the Old Testament plan. Men sought by many ways (given by God) to better themselves and increase their usefulness. They failed and were set aside. Then Christ Jesus came to bring betterment, goodness, and the salvation of the soul by the sacrifice and the resurrection of Himself. Millions have been set free by the Savior, far in excess of that which came from Israel.


<236607> Isaiah 66:7 (b) Christ Jesus came to Israel, but they were not ready for Him, and did not want Him. The nation of Israel was formed in a day, but they did not want their King, they were not ready for their Messiah.


<450822> Romans 8:22 (a) All of nature is indeed suffering with the things that exist on the earth. Plant life and animal life suffer the depredations of enemies, and are finally overcome by death. All human beings have sorrow, the wealthy as well as the poor. All minerals and metals suffer with rust and decay. Nothing improves with age. Sorrow abounds in every realm.


<480419> Galatians 4:19 (a) Paul was deeply exercised in his soul about the spiritual welfare of the Galatians. They had become so occupied with lawkeeping, that they had forgotten the precious presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wanted them to make Christ Jesus Lord of all, and preeminent in their thinking and their worship. His soul was deeply exercised about this.


I Thessalonians 2:9 (a) Paul was a marvelous example of one who accompanied his faith by his works. He worked with his hands day and


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night to pay all of his own bills, and also the expenses of the nine men who were with him. He demanded no salary, and took no offerings from these people. It was not an easy task. It was most burdensome and difficult, as he indicates by using the word travail.


TREASURE <021905> Exodus 19:5 (a) The people of Israel were especially precious to God. They were His valued possession. He cared for them as the merchant cares for his diamonds. In them and through them He was to reveal His wonderful character, His patience, His longsuffering and His marvelous power.

He therefore considered them priceless.


<052812> Deuteronomy 28:12 (a) God Himself calls the blessings which He gives as treasures from Him. It is a good name for them, for what would we do without the sunshine, and what would we do without the rain? (See also


<191714> Psalm 17:14.)


<233306> Isaiah 33:6 (a) It certainly is true that the fear of God makes one rich in his life. It is not riches that can be stolen by another, nor does it decrease in value with time. The man who fears God is rich in faith, in character and in good works.


<400620> Matthew 6:20:21 (b) This describes the gracious gifts for the Lord's work which are done in the name of the Lord Jesus, and for His glory. God records these in heaven, for they have great value to Him. The money that we send to the Lord, and give for His service is also included in the treasure, and this is recorded in heaven. The money we give, as well as the time and talents we expend for our Lord, reveal the attitude of our hearts.


<401344> Matthew 13:44 (b) This type represents the Kingdom of God, which


consists of love, joy, peace, salvation and righteousness. These virtues are found in the hearts of God's people who are scattered and hidden throughout the earth. Throughout the world there are those who are called according to His purpose.

There are the "other sheep;' those who "should be saved," those who are "ordained unto eternal life." All of these, together with the blessings that accompany God's gospel, are referred to as "a treasure" (See also under "KINGDOM.") The Kingdom of God is the church, His family.


<470407> 2 Corinthians 4:7 (a)The treasure is the gift of eternal life, divine grace, the knowledge of God, and belonging to Jesus Christ, the Savior.


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TREE This beautiful plant of God's design and creation is used in many ways in the Scripture. Each type of tree represents a different truth. Trees are also used to represent positions of great power, or of lesser power. Trees represent God's people in some cases, while they represent Satan's product in other cases.


<010217> Genesis 2:17 (c) It has been suggested that this tree represents human reasonings, searchings and conclusions about God's matters. Men today prefer psychological investigations and mental processes rather than to believe God and His Word. The Devil offers many philosophies and theories which men eagerly grasp and prefer them to God's revealed truth. (See also <010303>Genesis 3:3.)


<021525> Exodus 15:25 (c) Perhaps this tree represents the Lord Jesus Christ who certainly does sweeten the bitter things of life, and make the sorrows of earth a blessing to the soul.


<021527> Exodus 15:27 (c) Strangely enough, these trees may, and possibly do, represent the seventy persons who came down to Egypt from the land of Israel. The twelve springs may represent the twelve tribes. Certainly they were to be a blessing to the whole earth.


<042406> Numbers 24:6 (a) It is a type of the people of God seen in the light of God's thoughts, as His own choice planting, and bearing fruit for His glory. (See also

<241708>Jeremiah 17:8.)


<181407> Job 14:7 (c) The teaching of this passage is that though a man may fail in business, and fall as a sinner, it is quite possible for him to be restored and to recover and to end his days in blessing, and with God's approval.


<190103> Psalm 1:3 (a) This is the child of God who is rooted and grounded in the Word of God, and is having his soul and life permeated by the Holy Spirit (the


river). He is not planted in the river, but by the river. The finest tree will not grow in the best of soil unless there is water available. The water represents the Holy Spirit.


<200318> Proverbs 3:18 (a)God is giving us here a picture of "wisdom." Those who exercise this virtue certainly save themselves from much trouble, and become a rich blessing to many. Christ bears this name.


<201130> Proverbs 11:30 (a)The tree represents a fruitful life lived for the glory of God and the blessing of men.


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<201312> Proverbs 13:12 (a)The Lord uses this picture to illustrate the blessings of answered prayer, and the receiving of the desires of the heart.


<201504> Proverbs 15:4 (a)Good talk and wise words certainly do bring the blessings that a tree of life would bring. The Lord tells us to let our conversation be always with grace. The psalmist also requested that "the words of my mouth" might be acceptable to God.


<235603> Isaiah 56:3 (a) The eunuch had no power to propagate himself, he could have no posterity. He is like the dry tree in that there would be no fruit in his life that might produce posterity.


<236617> Isaiah 66:17 (b) Probably this tree represents some particular wicked religion which permits abominations and wicked practices. The self- righteous person is satisfied with that kind of arrangement.


<261724> Ezekiel 17:24 (a) God uses this strange illustration to describe His power in bringing down the important men of the nation, and exalting the obscure man. He wrecks the life of the great man, and promotes the welfare of the small man. The trees here represent people. (See also


<262110> Ezekiel 21:10.)


<263108> Ezekiel 31:8 (a) This allegory describes Satan in his original beauty and glory. The description of Satan begins at verse 3. It runs through verse 9.


<270410> Daniel 4:10 (a) This tree is King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel explains this fully.


<400310> Matthew 3:10 (b)The primary application of this type is to Israel. The application is also to the individual. God did lay the ax to the root of Israel and


destroyed the nation. The roots, however, remain in the earth, and are even now producing a new tree. This happens also to individuals who, because their lives are so utterly given over to the Devil and there is no fruit for God, that one is cut off and sent to hell. (See also <420643>Luke 6:43.)


<401233> Matthew 12:33 (a) The Lord is propounding here a very deep truth, which should stir every heart. The individual must be born again to become a good tree, which will bring forth good fruit. No man is naturally a Christian. The tree itself must be made before the fruit can be right. An unsaved person lives the life of an unsaved person. If he is transformed by the power and grace of God, then he becomes a Christian and lives the life of a Christian. (See also <420644>Luke 6:44.)


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<401332> Matthew 13:32 (a) Mustard does not grow on trees. There is no such things as a mustard tree. The mustard grows on a bush. Therefore, this tree is an unnatural thing, and it represents the great, unnatural religious system, which consists of many denominations having a multitude of beliefs, many of them grotesque, and even wicked. God never intended that His church should be of this sort. Those who really trust Jesus Christ and are true Christians form only a very small part of that great institution we call Christendom. The birds in this story represent evil spirits. They are made to feel at home in this great unnatural religious system, which is a curse to the earth. (See also <421319>Luke 13:19.)

<421706> Luke 17:6 (b) The reference is to any trouble or difficulty in the life, which seems like a mountain that cannot be moved by any human means. Our Lord is able to do it, and therefore he gives us the privilege of bringing the problem to Him. (See also under "SEED.")


<660207> Revelation 2:7 (b)We find no indication of the meaning of this type, but we may assume that it refers to the blessings that come from the Lord Jesus Christ to those who walk with God, dwell in His presence, and are planted in His courts.


TREES <051621> Deuteronomy 16:21 (b) These groves were very immoral and vile inventions of wicked men. They were not groves of trees, as we understand a grove. They were human creations to arouse the passions and lead to vile immoralities. (See also under "GROVE.")


<070908> Judges 9:8 (a) This is an interesting allegory. The olive tree represents a leader who was wise, kind, helpful and fruitful. The fig tree represents an Israelite who was busy and useful in the service of his people. The people could not find a worthwhile man to rule over them, and so they took the bramble, which was Abimelech, to be their King. They chose a man who brought them into terrible trouble.


<131633> 1 Chronicles 16:33 (b)This is a poetic picture of all the people of Israel who would rejoice and sing when their King, the Messiah, returns to be their Lord and leader. (See also <199612>Psalm 96:12.)

<197405> Psalm 74:5 (b) This is a case of irony. It is equivalent to the woman who boasted that she had made more quilts in the sewing circle than anybody else. When questioned about her spiritual condition, she had never been born again, knew nothing about the Scriptures, and had no spiritual


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experience. It is like the man who wore forty-two Sunday school medals on his coat for faithful attendance, and yet could not quote a verse of Scripture, and had no experience of meeting the Savior.


<19A416> Psalm 104:16 (b) It is quite evident that those who are the "planting of the Lord" and know the Holy Spirit are vigorous, active Christians as a tree is filled with leaves and fruit when the sap is flowing.


<19E809> Psalm 148:9 (b)Those praise God in song and worship who are living fruitful, useful, valuable lives for their Lord.


<220203> Song of Solomon 2:3 (a) Christ is the apple tree in this verse. Those who love Him love to be with Him, and to partake of the riches of His grace which He gives so freely.


<231019> Isaiah 10:19 (b) God promises to destroy the leaders of Israel until they are few in number. The leaders are the trees.


<235512> Isaiah 55:12 (b) These trees represent the happy people of God and their leaders because of the restoration of Israel under the good hand of their God. As there are many kinds of trees, and many sizes of trees, so the verse indicates that all kinds of people in the nation of Israel will enjoy the presence of the Lord and His blessings.


<236103> Isaiah 61:3 (a) The people of God are called "trees of righteousness" when they are restored, and are again a growing, fruitful nation.


<264707> Ezekiel 47:7 (b) The river which represents the Holy Spirit, when operating freely, produces converts, saved people who become trees of righteousness, planted by the river, and bearing fruit. This should be true in every orthodox, evangelical church.


<400310> Matthew 3:10 (b) Our Lord indicates in this verse that God gets at the bottom of things and examines thoroughly the motives and purposes of those He judges. (See also <420309>Luke 3:9.)

<410824> Mark 8:24 (a) In Oriental countries where the houses are made of branches of trees, men go to the water courses, cut down branches of willows, and other trees, and carry these home to be used for thatch. As the men walk along the road carrying these great masses of leafy branches, it is difficult to see their feet or legs. This blind man had never seen such a sight. When he saw the mass of trees going down the road, and could not see the legs of the carriers, he thought that the trees were walking. As he


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became more accustomed to looking, he finally discerned beneath the branches the bodies of the men who were carrying them. This is a picture of the way untaught Christians misinterpret the Scriptures. Not knowing the Holy Spirit as their teacher they get wrong impressions from various portions of the Word, and so come to wrong conclusions. This leads to the establishment of false religions.


<411113> Mark 11:13 (b) The fig tree always represents Israel in her national position. (The olive tree represents Israel from the religious viewpoint. See under "FIG.") Our Lord had come to Israel expecting to receive from them a royal welcome as their King. They should have rendered to Him praise, worship and obedience. He found nothing but a profession of faith in God (the leaves). He therefore cursed the nation of Israel, and they became dispersed throughout the whole world.


<422129> Luke 21:29 (a) Our Lord describes in this passage the beginning of the restoration of Israel which we see today. The fig tree is Israel. It has been revived as a nation. All the other nations are busy seeking to reject Israel as a nation, and refuse all her claims.


<650112> Jude 1:12 (a) By this figure the Lord is telling us of His hatred of the hypocrite who intrudes himself into God's church and infiltrates the people of God with his hypocrisy. He produces no fruit for God. His influence wanes. He is dead to God and useless to his fellowmen, and has no posterity.


Each type of a tree represents a different truth as follows:


Palm tree It represents the individual Christian life living for God in the midst of adverse conditions such as the palm tree has in the desert. It sends its tap root down a great distance until it finds water, and then flourishes. So the Christian


finds the secret place of fellowship with God, drinks the water of life from the Word of God, walks with the Spirit of God, and so is a radiant believer. (See also

<199212>Psalm 92:12.)


Cedar tree It represents the collective Christian life, for cedars grow in forests and not as the palm tree which dwells almost alone. Cedars help each other. They support each other. They protect each other. So Christians seek the fellowship of other Christians.


Fig tree It represents Israel from the political standpoint as a nation.


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Olive tree it represents Israel from the religious standpoint as the people of God.


Willow tree It represents the sorrowing believer because of separation from loved ones, or from the homeland.


Oak tree It represents sorrow because of death. Deborah was buried under an oak tree ( <013508>Genesis 35:8). Absalom died in an oak tree ( <101814>2 Samuel 18:14). Saul was buried under an oak tree ( <131012>1 Chronicles 10:12). The bitterness of the oak tree is compared to the bitterness of death.


Fir tree It represents the happy, radiant Christian life under every circumstance and throughout the year.


Myrtle tree It represents joyous experiences in the Christian life.


Pine tree It represents prosperity for those who walk with God, and believe Him.


Thorn tree It represents the disagreeable life filled with antagonisms, criticisms and hatreds.


TRIM <240233> Jeremiah 2:33 (b)This expression is used to describe the preparations which men make to obtain that which they desire.


<402507> Matthew 25:7 (c) This illustrates the way that the Lord's people should remove from their lives anything that would keep their testimony from shining


out brightly for the Lord.


TURTLEDOVE <030114> Leviticus 1:14 (c)This bird probably is used to indicate a very small and narrow view of the person of Christ as our sacrifice. It is almost the smallest of all the offerings. The sparrow is the only one that is smaller. The lamb was a larger offering and indicates a more comprehensive view of the value of Christ in His sacrificial work. The bullock is the largest of the offerings, and indicates a wide and deep knowledge of the work and the person of the Lord Jesus in His sacrifice for us. Thus the Lord makes provision for every kind of person, none needs to be excluded.


<197419> Psalm 74:19 (b) It is typical of the weakness felt by God's people in the presence of their enemies.


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TWELVE (c) This number denotes God's governmental control of His people. In the twelve tribes, He controlled their politics; in the twelve loaves, He sustained and provided enough for all; in the twelve spies, He controlled their knowledge and information, even though some disobeyed; in the twelve disciples, He showed His lordship over the church and His ability to provide the gifts the church needs; in the twelve gates to Jerusalem, He manifested His control over who and what entered the kingdom.


Twelve Patriarchs. <014213>Genesis 42:13 (c)The meanings of the names of these twelve men constitute a wonderful story of God's dealings with His people.


TWELVE STONES IN THE BREASTPLATE OF THE HIGH PRIEST: ( <022817>Exodus 28:17-20) (c)


Reuben means sonship. Simeon means scholarship. Levi means lordship.

Judah means worship.


Dan means judgeship.


Naphtali means workmanship.


Gad means companionship.


Asher means fellowship. Issachar means partnership. Zebulon means comradeship. Joseph means leadership.

Benjamin means heirship.


1. Sardius, the ruby or red stone on which was placed Reuben's name. As we hear about the blood and accept the Savior, we become children of God.


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2. Topaz, a greenish, yellow stone on which was engraved the name of Simeon. The revelations he received from God were to be eternal in duration and divine in character.


3. Carbuncle, a green stone really known as the "emerald" on which was engraved the name of Levi. The lordship of God continues forever and ever is the means of producing blessing in this life and in the next.


4. Emerald, not the emerald of today. The word was used for several brilliant red stones probably the garnet. On this stone was engraved the name of Judah, for worship is based on the efficacy of the blood.


5. Sapphire, beautiful, clear, and sparkling on which was engraved the name of Dan, for the throne of judgment must be transparent with no taint or stain upon it.


6. Diamond, not the diamond of our day, for records would indicate that the Hebrews had no means of engraving on this hard stone. It probably was alabaster for the name of Naphtali was engraved upon it and this unusual workmanship made it most attractive.


7. Ligure, probably the opal on which appeared the name of Gad. Companionship involves so many beautiful attributes and attitudes that the flashing colors of the opal beautifully represent it.


8. Agate, beautifully striped with white, red and green. On this was placed the name of Asher for fellowship is white in its character, green in its perpetuity and


red in its fidelity.


9. Amethyst. This beautiful blue stone had the name of Issachar upon it for in every partnership, there is true fidelity and faithful devotion.


10. Beryl, sometimes called the arrow stone. It was the hardest substance for cutting known to the ancients. The name Zebulon was engraved upon it for comradeship is to be firmly fixed and not easily disappointed.


11. The onyx, the banded carnelian, beautifully striped with black and white, and brown and white. Upon this was engraved the name of Joseph for leadership is certainly varied in its character and diversified in its expressions.


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12. Jasper, the chalcedony, a dark green stone. Upon this was the name of Benjamin for we are to be eternally heirs of God and to enjoy in perfect bliss the blessings of that happy relationship.


It is interesting to note that in <662119>Revelation 21:19 these stones are found in the foundation of the New Jerusalem, while the names of the twelve patriarchs are found upon the pearls which constitute the gates (vv. 12,

21). Pearls are the result of suffering. They are produced by the anguish of the oyster. Thus we see that the twelve patriarchs through their sorrows and sufferings were promoted and elevated to be pearls when the Lord had finished with their training. The meaning of the names is given here:-


The Twelve Disciples:


<410316> Mark 3:16-19 (c)


1. Simon: hearing with acceptance. Evidently it is hearing the gospel message about the Lord Jesus which saves the soul. This is the beginning of the Christian life and is the beginning of the story of the Twelve.


Peter : a rock. As soon as one hears with acceptance, he immediately becomes a part of the body of Christ and partakes of His nature.


Cephas : a stone. The one who hears acceptably becomes united to Christ and is at once useful in the house that God is building.


2. James: supplanter. The things of God have supplanted the things of earth and the path of separation is begun. This first James is the Son of Zebedee.


3. John: the Lord hath begun to speak. How true it is that when one is delivered from the world and the devil, he becomes God's mouthpiece to carry God's message.


4. Andrew: a strong man. God gives strength to His children to continue in the service of the King and in the path of separation.


5. Philip: loving. The Christian loves his Lord, loves the Word of God, loves the people of God, and loves the service of God.


6. Bartholomew: son of his father. Those who are separated to the Lord and love the things of heaven are soon known as members of God's family for they become more and more like their Lord.


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7. Matthew: gift of the Lord. It is true that God's people are gifted from God for the various works which they are privileged to do.


8. Thomas: a twin. It speaks of companionship and comradeship for the Lord sent them out two and two. He said, "Two are better than one" (

<210409>Ecclesiastes 4:9).


9. James, the son of Alphaeus: the supplanter. In this case, it is a godly Christian supplanting what may have remained of the old life with the blessed provisions of the new life.


10. Thaddeus: Lebbeaus, Judas, the brother of James, son of Alphaeus. The word means praise of God. The one who is wholly devoted to the Lord finds much occasion for praise, worship, gladness and thanksgiving.


11. Simon: Zelotes, also Simon the Canaanite. Again the word means "hearing acceptably." In this instance, it is hearing God's voice in directing the path, guiding the way, revealing His will, and instructing the Christian concerning his service.


12. Judas Iscariot: the traitor. He is always named last. It is always said of him, "who also betrayed Him." The outstanding sin of rejecting Christ marks him for time and eternity.


The Twelve Spies:


<041304> Numbers 13:4, 15 (c)


1. Shammuah: hearing of the Lord. This is the beginning of the life of faith. The ears are closed to other voices to hear and believe the call of God.


2. Shaphat: a judge. As soon as one listens to God, he judges his path, and turns from evil to obey God.


3. Caleb: as the heart. Out of the heart proceed the issues of life. Those whose hearts are right with God will receive God's blessings.


4. Igal: whom God will avenge. The believer whose heart is right with God leaves his judgments in God's hands.


5. Joshua: a savior. Those who listen to God, have their hearts filled with God's love, and have turned their lives over to the Lord, become interested in the salvation of others.


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6. Palti: deliverance of the Lord. Those who go about as saviours of men by their ministry and service are delivered by the Lord from their enemies and from want.


7. Gaddiel: the Lord is my happiness. Those who listen to God and are busy in His service find their joy in the things of God.


8. Gaddi: a troop of God. God's servant is entitled to receive and does receive his assets and reinforcements from heaven.


9. Ammiel: one of the people of God. Those who are walking with the Lord and are busy in His service soon get a reputation for being one of God's children.


10. Sethur: mysterious or hidden. This is the only man among the spies whose name is not a glorious one revealing some blessing from heaven.


Strangely enough, the Hebrew letters making up his name produce the number 666. It may be that this man headed up the insurrection of the ten spies and instigated the evil report.


11. Nahbi: hidden of the Lord. How true it is that those who are persecuted for the Lord's sake are hidden by Him in His pavilion from the strife of tongues.


12. Geuel: majesty of God. After all the walk of faith represented by these names, God is victorious at the end and His glory will fill heaven and earth.


Twelve Sons of Ishmael:


<012513> Genesis 25:13-15 (c)God told Abraham in


<011720> Genesis 17:20 that Ishmael would be blessed with twelve princes. This is an unusual case in which God foretold how many sons a man would have. This prophecy was fulfilled.


1. Nebajoth: high places. This is one of the marks of the ungodly. They are filled with pride, and desire to run their own lives, and the lives of others as well.


2. Kedar: black skinned. Those who are unsaved are black in God's sight and need to be washed in the blood of the lamb to make them whiter than snow.


3. Adbeel: miracle of God. It is indeed a miracle of God that He supplies the needs of the ungodly and particularly that He has


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preserved the Ishmaelites through all the centuries until this present day.


4. Mibsam: sweet odor. Frequently there is found among the unsaved and the ungodly attractive qualities which make them delightful citizens though they are strangers to the grace of God.


5. Mishma: report. Strangely enough the believers of false religions are unusually busy propagating their faith in far greater measure than the true Christians.


6. Dumah: silence. Among the ungodly there is only silence regarding the grace of God, the loveliness of Christ, the value of the blood, and all those precious themes which are loved by the Christians.


7. Massa: burden. The unrighteous are constantly burdened for they have no one to lift the load and no means of getting rid of their sins.


8. Hadar: enclosure. Those who are strangers to God live for themselves and shut out the Word of God, the love of God, and the people of God. They surround themselves with darkness and erect bars lest the gospel should intrude into their lives.


9. Tema: a desert. Truly the unrighteous do live in a desert. Their voices are fleeting, their happiness is transient, their way is a way of tears and they know not the river of the water of life nor the green pastures provided by the good Shepherd.


10. Jetur: an enclosure. As the social life of the unsaved is enclosed in order to eliminate and exclude God's religion, God's Word, and God's people, so the mind also is closed lest they should see, hear, understand and be saved.


11. Naphish: cheerful. The world of the ungodly is filled with multitudinous and multivarious methods of providing happiness for those who have shut out God and desire not the blessings of Christianity.


12. Kedemah : eastward. The sun rises in the east. They imitated Isaac as sinners often imitate Christians in their religious activities. The Mohammedans who are the descendants of Ishmael always face eastward when they pray.


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<261704> Ezekiel 17:4 (b) This is typical, because of their position in the top of the tree, of the kings, nobles, and the rulers of Israel. In their size as twigs, they are emblematic of weakness and helplessness.


TWO <010224> Genesis 2:24 (c) This is an emblem of union in that the husband and wife are made one. The number also denotes division. It divides because it is the smallest number that may be divided. Israel was divided into two camps; the spies were divided into two groups. Even the two brothers, Cain and Abel, were divided and separated from each other.


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