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BABE — <580513> Hebrews 5:13 (a)This is typical of the child of God who has not grown in grace through the years, but must be fed on the simplest things of the Scriptures because he cannot understand the deep things of God. The same truth is found in <460301>1 Corinthians 3:1-2.
BABYLON — <245014> Jeremiah 50:14 (b) Throughout chapters 50 and 51 of this book, the actual city of Babylon is directly in view, but what is said about that city indicates clearly that it refers to the great religions and idolatries of the world which seek to depose God and enthrone their own philosophies. This is particularly true of <245106>Jeremiah 51:6 and 8 which evidently refer to the same situation that we find in the New Testament.
<661705> Revelation 17:5 (b) This is plainly a type of the great false religious systems of the world, particularly Romanism, which know nothing of the grace of God, nor the blood of Christ, nor the personal ministry of the Holy Spirit. It refers to those religious sects and heresies which deny the faith of our fathers, and reject the truth of God. This Babylon is represented as a woman.
<661802> Revelation 18:2 (b)As in the above Scripture we see the religious side of false religions so in this verse we find the political aspect of those great apostate religions, the political religious world. Under this description we see the wickedness of the merchants, the politics of the church, and the filthiness of her society which are all to be brought under the judgment of God. We should note that in <661813>Revelation 18:13, the last two items of merchandise of this great apostate religious group consists of slaves (bodies and souls of men). This is particularly true of the false church, whose members are slaves in body, soul and spirit to their religious leaders. This Babylon is described as a city in verse 16.
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<243233> Jeremiah 32:33 (a)The word is used here to describe the attitude of Israel in refusing to listen to God or to bow to His commands.
are to learn from this that God is keeping a careful record of every sin, none are overlooked, none are forgotten. Each one is preserved by God against the record of the sinner unless all of them are blotted out by the precious blood of Jesus.
<370106> Haggai 1:6 (b) This represents a business that failed, stocks and bonds that lose their value, barrenness in the fields caused by crop failure, the loss of sheep and cattle-generally speaking, the failure of those enterprises into which God's people put their money instead of giving it to Him. Those who rob God of that which is His due, will not profit by that which they save.
<431206> John 12:6 (a) Judas was the treasurer for the disciples and was stealing from the fund entrusted to his care. It is a lesson to us not to misuse that which belongs to the Lord, and which is in our possession for safekeeping.
Jude 11 (b) The meaning is somewhat the same as mentioned above. Balaam was willing to go wrong and do wrong so long as he received ample payment for his services. This is typical of modern-day preachers who will promote and permit wicked, worldly things and who will teach error because of the pay they receive from those who like to hear them. (See also Numbers 22 and 23.)
<660214> Revelation 2:14 (b)Here we see a type of those in the church who invite
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<183106> Job 31:6 (b) This figure is used to illustrate the way God estimates man's activities and motives. Only He knows the true value of our lives.
<234012> Isaiah 40:12 (a) God must arrange the exact amount of weight in every part of the earth in order to keep an even balance, so that the earth may rotate on its axis evenly. He has done so and knows the exact weight of every mountain, hill and ocean.
<260501> Ezekiel 5:1 (b) Here we see how God notices the smallest person and the smallest sin. He is interested in every detail of life and knows how important each movement is, whether right or wrong.
<270527> Daniel 5:27 (b) This represents God's judgment in heaven wherein He weighed the life of the king on one side of the scales, and the just demands of the law on the other side. Of course, each life in every person is found wanting and not sufficient to meet God's holy requirements. We must have the imputed righteousness and righteous life which God gives to those who belong to Jesus Christ by faith.
<660605> Revelation 6:5 (b) Here is a symbol of God's careful adjustment of earthly supplies to man's needs. In this particular case the supply was greatly cut down as a punishment on the wicked people.
<232212> Isaiah 22:12.)
<230324> Isaiah 3:24 (a) This is a sign that God had forsaken His people and left
them to the will of their enemies. (See also <244705>Jeremiah 47:5; <231502>Isaiah 15:2; <260718>Ezekiel 7:18.)
<241606> Jeremiah 16:6 (b)This is a type of despair in sorrow for which there is no remedy.
<244837> Jeremiah 48:37 (b)This represents great sorrow and deep grief; the loss of the hair being used as a type of long, weary lamenting.
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<244611> Jeremiah 46:11 (a)Here we understand that there will come a time when God's healing ointment of His Word will not avail to mend the wounds of those who deliberately turn away from God.
<245108> Jeremiah 51:8 (a)We understand by this that God does have healing remedies even for His enemies, though they do not want His lovely provision for the needs of their hearts.
BANDS — <032613> Leviticus 26:13 (a)These are hindrances and restraints placed upon the people of Israel by their Egyptian taskmasters. (See also <19A714> Psalm 107:14; <240220>Jeremiah 2:20.)
<183831> Job 38:31 (a) There seems to be some strange, unknown influence issuing from these stars which we do not understand or comprehend.
<183905> Job 39:5 (b) Here we understand that there is no hindrance of any kind to the wickedness of the wicked as represented by the actions of this animal. This figure would indicate that there is no way of hindering the sinful actions of men except, of course, by the power and grace of God.
<190203> Psalm 2:3 (a) This is typical of the restraining laws and commandments of God wherein He curbs and retards the evil passions and cruel powers of wicked men. These heathen say that they will throw off all such restraint.
<197304> Psalm 73:4 (c) We learn from this that many wicked men die in peace with no fear of God, and no fear of punishment.
<210726> Ecclesiastes 7:26 (b) This is a figure of the tremendous, attractive power of the evil woman who holds in the chains of sin those who yield to her evil attractions.
<232822> Isaiah 28:22 (a) This solemn warning is to inform us that the evil habits of life will be made permanent if the evildoer persists in his path instead of coming to the Lord for salvation.
<235202> Isaiah 52:2 (b) These bands represent the things that hinder the child of God from being a free, happy servant of the Lord. (See also <235806>Isaiah 58:6.)
<263427> Ezekiel 34:27 (a) This is a type of the restraints and hindrances now imposed upon Israel throughout the world by their Gentile rulers.
<281104> Hosea 11:4 (a) These are love bands that hold us to our Lord with strong cords which nothing can break.
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<381114> Zechariah 11:14 (a) This possibly and probably refers to the influence of relatives either good or bad. Frequently relatives are like chains around the neck to keep one from running the race for the Lord, or walking with God.
<510219> Colossians 2:19 (b)This interesting use of the word teaches us that some of God's people have a ministry of restraint and hindrance which prevents enthusiastic leaders in the church from going too far, or getting out of joint. Every joint must move freely, but it must have ligaments and bands so that it will not move too far. This particular ministry is given to some of God's people.
BANNER — <196004> Psalm 60:4 (a) Evidently this is the confession which a Christian makes; it is the testimony which he bears to the truth of God and to his faith in his Lord. (See also <192005>Psalm 20:5.)
<220204> Song of Solomon 2:4 (c) This banner represents the leadership of the Lord in the lives of His people. Under His guidance they march along firmly convinced and fully persuaded that everything that happens to them comes from the loving heart of their Lord.
<220604> Song of Solomon 6:4 (c) In a war where the army is composed of many allies, each nation carries its own banner, thus displaying the great resources behind the forces. In this passage the banner indicates the many divisions of God's gracious provision for his own. There is the banner of His power and also of His love, and also of His sufficiency, and also of His grace.
<231302> Isaiah 13:2 (a) Probably this banner indicates that Babylon must be exposed and advertised in her true colors. Her character must be plainly manifested. It may refer actually to the city of Babylon, or it may refer to the false Babylon, which is the Roman church, and her daughters.
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<440105> Acts 1:5. We should note that it is never the element that is moved, but always the person. The water is not put on the person, but contrariwise the person is always put in the water. It is the person who is put in the Spirit, or in the body of Christ, which is the church. It is always the person who is moved and placed in baptism.
<420321> Luke 3:21 (c) The baptism of Jesus certainly had nothing whatever to do with salvation, nor the new birth, nor forgiveness. He said that He did it "to fulfill all righteousness." He took His place publicly by this rite with those who were to walk in newness of life and be known as Christians, believers or saints of God.
<420729> Luke 7:29-30 (b) A type of burial wherein the believer accepts God's condemnation of himself, admits that he had to die at Calvary, and therefore should be buried out of sight in a watery grave. Thus he justifies God's diagnosis of his case, and proves it by going through this symbolical burial. Those who refuse to be baptised thereby reject God's testimony about their wickedness and sinfulness. They refuse to admit that they are so bad that they should be put to death and buried.
<421250> Luke 12:50 (a) This is the baptism of our Lord Jesus which He endured on the cross when God poured out His wrath upon Him and engulfed Him as it were in the burning billows of His anger. He had already been baptised by John in the water. Now He is baptised in the mystic fire of God's wrath. It was said by Him in prophecy "all thy waves and thy billows rolled over me." That is the baptism that saves us. He went down under the flood instead of us. He was baptised there at Calvary in our place. He is the ark of safety into which we enter for protection from the deluge of God's anger against sin.
<450603> Romans 6:3 (b) This baptism seems to represent that mysterious and rich experience which any person enjoys in the Lord Jesus. Immediately upon trusting
Christ the believer is reckoned as having been baptised in or buried with the Lord Jesus in contrast with his former position of being buried in the world. The believer is said to be "in Christi' whereas, before, he was "in the world."
<461002> 1 Corinthians 10:2 (b)This is the baptism accomplished in the Red Sea when the walls of water on each side, and the cloud above hid Israel from the sight of the Egyptians. They went through what was apparently a tunnel, and this is called a baptism. They were set free from the domination
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of Pharaoh into the leadership of Moses. They were released from the bondage of Egypt and brought into the liberty of the children of God.
<461213> 1 Corinthians 12:13 (b)In this place the believer is in a mysterious way put into the body of Christ, the church, by the Holy Spirit as soon as he trusts his soul to Jesus Christ. In every case the word "baptism" is used to indicate that the change or the transfer is a complete transaction which involves the entire person and personality.
<510212> Colossians 2:12 (b) Here again baptism is a symbol of burial in order that the world may know that the Christian is dead and buried so far as the world is concerned. The Christian emerges from the watery grave to bear witness and testimony that he is "alive unto God" and is walking with Him.
<600321> 1 Peter 3:21 (a)We should note in this case that Noah and his family were not in the water at all. They were "in the ark,' which is a type of the Lord Jesus. Christ was baptised under the waves and billows of Gods wrath, and it is His baptism that saves, not our own baptism. The passage says, "in like figure." Those who stayed out of the water were saved by the ark which was in the water. Those who are "in Christ" are saved by the baptism of Christ on Calvary. He endured the wrath of God and we who belong to Him go free.
BARLEY — <080122> Ruth 1:22 (c) This is a picture of the rich blessings that await those who come back to the Lord from their backslidden state. In the New Testament this picture is seen in the return of the prodigal. They began to be merry, and there was no end to that merriment ( <421524>Luke 15:24).
yourselves treasures in heaven."
<290117> Joel 1:17 (c) We believe that this word indicates that God's curse will be upon His people for their disobedience, and no blessings will accumulate to their credit. Too many of God's dear people have empty barns.
<401330> Matthew 13:30 (c) This is symbolic of heaven where the Lord takes His own saved ones who are here described as wheat.
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<421218> Luke 12:18 (c) These barns represent selfish interests and activities for personal gain. This man thought that the barns were his barns and the grain was his grain, and that the increase belonged to him. He said, "Thou hast much goods laid up for many years." He was a fool in God's sight. So is everyone who lays up treasures for himself and is not rich toward God.
<050714>Deuteronomy 7:14; <120219>2 Kings 2:19; <19B309>Psalm 113:9; <220402>
Song of Solomon 4:2.)
<090205> 1 Samuel 2:5 (b) Hannah is telling us in this figure that those whose hearts are right with God, and who desire the glory of God will find that the life which has been barren will now become unusually fruitful.
<052817> Deuteronomy 28:17 (c) Here we find the opposite truth expressed, for if we refuse to listen to God, and to walk with Him, we shall find that God withholds the blessing, and leaves us with empty hands and desolate hearts.
<240609> Jeremiah 6:9 (b) The figure here is that of the enemy who invades the land and gathers into his own possession the persons and the properties of disobedient Israel.
<490526>Ephesians 5:26. The Word of God like water removes the dirt and the soil from our lives in order that we may live clean, upright lives before men.
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<233405> Isaiah 34:5 (c) This strange figure indicates that Gods judgment and wrath will be righteous in character and will have the approval of the God of heaven when He punishes the inhabitants of the earth.
<192408> Psalm 24:8 (b) The conflict mentioned here was between the Lord Jesus and wicked men; it was also between the Savior and Satan. It was fought on earth and Christ emerged victorious.
<195518> Psalm 55:18 (b) The word is used here to describe the conflict going on in David's life because his enemies sought to depose and dethrone him. It is also indicative of his fight with the atheists of his day, who decried and denied his religion and his God. This caused deep sorrow in David's soul.
<210911> Ecclesiastes 9:11 (b) This is a reference to any conflict taking place between those that are enemies of God and of the people of God. He is telling us that God and of the people of God. He is telling us that God gives the victory and we are not to depend upon our own wits, wisdom or resources.
<461408> 1 Corinthians 14:8 (b)The word here refers primarily to the fight between nations and peoples. It is used, however, as a figure of the warfare that is constantly being waged between the church and the world or between the Christian and Satan.
cut down, and to whip the nations of the earth.
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<240510> Jeremiah 5:10 (b)We understand from this that the world puts up barriers to prevent the Word of God from being preached to them, and to prevent the people of God from teaching the Word to them.
He does not see his own big fault, but he quickly sees the little fault in another. (See also <420641>Luke 6:41-42.)
<270705> Daniel 7:5 (b) This animal is used as a type of the Medo-Persian empire which was the second great world kingdom to appear following the fall of Babylon. The bear raising itself on one side indicated that one of this dual empire was to prevail-the Median. The three ribs probably refer to the three great kings
who had gone before, but now had been destroyed; Nebuchadnezzar, his son, and his grandson, Belshazzar.
<661302> Revelation 13:2 (b)This bear is a type of the Antichrist who will work quickly, slyly, smoothly, quietly and apparently with no anger or hatred even as a bear which seems to be docile upon first observance.
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<461532> 1 Corinthians 15:32 (a)The word is used here by the servant of God to indicate the character of the men who opposed Paul and persecuted him in Ephesus. We often use the term "beast" to describe men who are unusually cruel, fierce and heartless.
<560112> Titus 1:12 (a) Paul used the word "beast" to describe selfish men who lived for their own comfort and pleasure and oppressed others in order to obtain what they wanted for themselves.
<610212> 2 Peter 2:12 (b) The animal here is typical of ungodly men who live lustful, fleshly lives. They are not interested in cultivating the refining, ennobling things of life, but seek to gratify the lusts of the flesh.
<232820> Isaiah 28:20 (b) Here is a type of man-made religious programs and humanly devised schemes of salvation on which men rest their souls for eternity. They will find in the great judgment day that this bed was too short, and insufficient.
<235702> Isaiah 57:2 (a) The prophet is telling us that God's people who are the righteous ones will enter into perfect rest and peace throughout eternity.
<235707> Isaiah 57:7 (b) The Lord seems to be telling us that there are those who will be at ease and comfort while they are exalted by their sins, their pride and their rebellion. (See also <197304>Psalm 73:4-6.)
<262317> Ezekiel 23:17 (b)This reveals that Israel accepts all the offers and proffers of lust and profit offered by the Babylonians.
<280714> Hosea 7:14 (c)This is a picture of the rebellion of Israel even when in affliction and trouble. Though forced to their beds by illness they still rebelled against the God who could heal them.
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<300312> Amos 3:12 (b) This interesting passage indicates that Israel will be at ease in comfort and asleep in the midst of sin and trouble. The expression "corner of a bed" indicates that he is sleeping on the side of the bed to make room for a companion who will share his indifference to the evils that surround him.
<410421> Mark 4:21 (b) The teaching is that we should not hide our testimony under indolence and laziness. We should be active and zealous for God even in our business and in our social life. (See also <420816>Luke 8:16.)
<660222> Revelation 2:22 (a)The indication is that God will "rub their nose in it." He will bind these to their sins and will fulfill <662211>Revelation 22:11. They will receive all the consequences of their sin.
<19B812> Psalm 118:12 (b)David uses this figure to describe the multitude of his enemies who annoyed him and stung him, but could not destroy him.
<230718> Isaiah 7:18 (b) This is a type of the Assyrians who could annoy and injure Israel, but could not conquer them.
well of the oath." It is a type of the refreshing certainty of God's loving care and sufficient promises. (See also <012219>Genesis 22:19; 26:33; 46:1.)
<300814> Amos 8:14 (b) Israel is represented as committing the sin of presumption in believing that God will not punish them for their idolatry because of the oath that he made at the well of Beer-Sheba.
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<381420>Zechariah 14:20.)
<191714> Psalm 17:14 (b)The word is used to describe the innermost part of the soul which actually does feel a deep satisfaction and gratification for the blessings of life even though one does not acknowledge God, nor His claims.
<270232> Daniel 2:32 (a) The word is used here to represent the third great world kingdom mentioned in Daniel's image, Alexander the Great and his Grecian empire.
<430738> John 7:38 (b) The belly is that part of the bowels where the food, having been thoroughly mixed, saturated and changed by the juices of the digestive tract, passes through the bowel walls by the process of osmosis to be taken up by the lacteals to become blood. The Lord is telling us that what we take into our own souls, digest it, mingle and mix it with faith and trust, is ready to go forth to others and to bring the life-giving blessing to them. The ministry that we give out must first have become a very part of our own selves or else it will sound like tinkling cymbals.
<431406>John 14:6.)
<053312> Deuteronomy 33:12 (a) Here is a beautiful picture of the trusting and confident Christian who dwells in the presence of his Lord, is covered by God's gracious, protecting care, and like the Indian's papoose, rests securely and happily between the shoulders of his wonderful Lord. The papoose does not care how long the journey is nor how rough the road is,
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neither does the "Benjamin Christian" who dwells between God's shoulders.
<250204> Lamentations 2:4.)
<193714> Psalm 37:14 (a) Evidently the wicked have deliberately planned and prepared trouble for the godly. They intend to injure and harm God's people in every way that they can. (See also <230528>Isaiah 5:28.)
<250312> Lamentations 3:12 (a) Jeremiah seems to feel that God had planned trouble and sorrow for his own life for reasons which he could not understand.
<281107> Hosea 11:7 (a) The hearts of the people of Israel were inclined toward evil practices and were always ready and alert to go into things that displeased God.
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back to His Father. He wanted them to remember, and never forget, that only the Lord Jesus Christ can give life to those who are dead. (Example: Lazarus.) He also reminded them that only He Himself could dry the tears of deep and real sorrow. (Example: Mary and Martha at the grave.) He reminded them that only He Himself could cleanse from the leprosy of sin. (Example: Simon, the leper.) He would have them remember that only He Himself should occupy the heart's affections rather than the service which we render. (Example: Martha who was cumbered.) He wanted them to know that He desired worship above service. (Example: the woman who brought the alabaster box of ointment in <411403>Mark 14:3.) He wanted them to remember that they must endure the neglect of His children. (Example: He returned from Bethany hungry because no one invited Him home for breakfast.) He wanted them to be convinced that only He Himself could set the captive free from the bondage of tradition and habit. (Example: Lazarus brought out of the tomb though wrapped in grave clothes.)
<180518> Job 5:18 (b) This indicates the loving care of the Lord in graciously healing
His people who have been hurt and wounded in the tragedies of life. (See also
<236101>Isaiah 61:1.)
<182608> Job 26:8 (c) Here we see God's power to carry out His own will in regard to the great, restless sea, or any other great matters.
<183136> Job 31:36 (b) Job would value a book about his life because he thought it would vindicate his integrity and uprightness. It would bring glory to him as a model man. He would cherish it as a jewel which would adorn him.
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<19B827> Psalm 118:27 (b)This is a picture used to describe the firm decision of the believer in being completely consecrated to God, and firmly fixed in his decision to walk only with God.
<19E703> Psalm 147:3 (b) Here is revealed the wonderfully sweet influence of our Lord and His Word as He comes to help and comfort that one who has been overcome by grief and disappointment.
<234918> Isaiah 49:18 (b) God is promising Israel that all the riches of their enemies shall be theirs. The enemies shall become their slaves. All the glory of the enemy will be bestowed upon them. They will take that which the enemy has and use it to adorn and glorify themselves.
<401229> Matthew 12:29 (a) Here we find that Christ will defeat Satan, will conquer him, will make him helpless, and thus deliver from his grasp those whom He calls to be His children. (See also <410327>Mark 3:27.)
<401330> Matthew 13:30 (b) It seems that in eternity God will cause sinners of every kind to suffer together in groups. It may be that the gamblers will be punished together, the liquor dealers in their group, the various kinds of robbers, thieves, etc., who love to spend their time and energy together. They plan their sins together on the earth, ignoring God, and denying His claims, so God makes them suffer together in eternity. It probably refers also to those in false religions who will be punished together.
<401619> Matthew 16:19 (b)The teaching here is that the servant of God filled with the Spirit of God, and knowing the mind of God, will be led by the Spirit to the right person who is ready for the message. The Spirit will direct the soul winner to a husband who is to be won for the Savior, but will ignore the wife who may be near. The Spirit will lead the Christian to talk to one clerk in the store, and
leave the other clerks untouched by the Gospel. The Christian worker will lead one brother to Christ, and leave the other brother in his sins. The Spirit will lead a soul winner to the person with whom the Holy Spirit is dealing, and will keep him from talking to that one in whose heart the Lord is not working. It may mean also that the servant of God will be in such close communion with heaven that he will know God's thoughts, and will therefore do the things that have been decided upon in heaven, and will carry out the plan that has been devised in heaven.
<402213> Matthew 22:13 (b) This man was depending upon his own ideas about the wedding garment and thought that he could provide his own suit of
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clothes. It is a picture of that person who thinks that he can clothe himself in his own robe of righteousness by his good works, and his religious activities. With his hands he did good deeds; with his feet he ran on good errands. The works of his hands and of his feet are represented by the suit which he wore at the wedding. For this reason the Lord instructed the angels to tie those hands and feet to show that God would not have any of his deeds, nor his work, nor his walk as a passport to the king's palace and the wedding feast. We must wear the imputed righteousness of God in order to enter heaven. We cannot wear our own. (See also <450405>Romans 4:5-
6..)
<402304> Matthew 23:4 (b) Churches make rules for their members which are irksome, burdensome, and really have no value in God's sight. This Scripture refers to man-made commandments such as abound in false religions, particularly in Romanism. None of these have any value in God's sight. None of these are found in the Bible. These are not issued from God's Throne. These have no value in obtaining forgiveness, nor acceptance with God. They do not bring about favor from God. (See also <401509> Matthew 15:9.)
I Kings 17:4 (c) The raven is an unclean bird. It is very selfish. The Lord, however, chose it to be His servant and to give the food out of its own bill to Elijah. It was a converted raven, changed to be God's servant to man. So God changes unclean men into godly men who execute His plans and carry out His purposes.
<233105> Isaiah 31:5 (c) This passage may refer to the use of airplanes and was literally fulfilled when General Allenby captured Jerusalem in World War I.
<234611> Isaiah 46:11 (b) This represents the great and strong nation of cruel soldiers who would invade Israel and destroy the country.
<263904> Ezekiel 39:4 (b)A type of the cruel nations that pounced upon Israel and tore her to pieces. It refers particularly to the nations used by God to execute His wrath.
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<280911> Hosea 9:11 (b) The actions of the bird in flying away are compared to the way in which the pomp, power, glory, and wealth of Israel was to pass away. (See also <202305>Proverbs 23:5.)
<401332> Matthew 13:32 (b) Satan and his angels are compared to birds in this place. They are at home in the great apostate church where the devil and his angels rule and reign.
<661802> Revelation 18:2 (b)As described under "BABYLON;' this passage represents the great religious and political combination which has spread over the whole earth--a mixture of religion and politics in which evil spirits (birds) of every kind revel and dwell. It is a well-known fact that "wicked spirits are in heavenly places." In many pulpits where God should be honoured, wicked spirits (the "birds") teach their doctrines and bring destruction to human souls.
BIRTH — <121903> 2 Kings 19:3 (b) The figure is used to describe the great distress of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem when they were surrounded by their enemies. They should have deliverance, as the mother has deliverance when her baby is born; however, they were still harassed and persecuted by their enemies. They were praying to God to deliver them out of their present difficulties, and this is compared to the birth of a child. (See also <233703>Isaiah 37:3.)
<195808> Psalm 58:8 (b) In this place is a plea that the plans of the wicked not be allowed to prosper, but rather to be defeated before they were put into practice.
<210603> Ecclesiastes 6:3 (b) The frustration of a life of disappointment is compared to a baby that is born dead. That little one has less trouble than the one who lives a life full of trouble.
<236609> Isaiah 66:9 (b) God in this place is promising a full deliverance eventually for Israel so that she will emerge from her captivity as a full- grown nation.
<430303> John 3:3 (a) This figure is used to describe the miraculous change which takes place when a person is saved by the Lord Jesus Christ. The Christian is brought out of bondage into liberty, out of darkness into light, out of helplessness into usefulness, out of death into life.
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<480419> Galatians 4:19 (a)The soul exercise of Paul over the needs of the Galatians for full consecration to the person of Jesus Christ is compared to a birth. Works, deeds and philosophies were occupying the minds and hearts of those in the church at Galatia while Christ was being ignored and displaced from His lordship. Paul wanted Christ to be reinstated in their thinking so that He would be paramount in their love and devotion.
<661202> Revelation 12:2 (b) This difficult passage may refer to the sorrows of Israel in their slavery under the Romans at the time that Jesus was born.
good. If bitterness comes out, it is because the heart is contaminated.
<220105> Song of Solomon 1:5 (c) This probably represents the Savior as He appears to unsaved people. To them He is unattractive, with no beauty and no value.
<220511> Song of Solomon 5:11 (c) This black hair is probably a type of the eternal youth, vigor and strength of our Lord as a young king 33 years old. (See also
<220705>Song of Solomon 7:5; <660114>Revelation 1:14.)
<250408> Lamentations 4:8 (b) Here is described how completely the Nazarites of Jerusalem had turned away from the beautiful life they were supposed to live, and had become sinful and wicked in their manner of living. The black is descriptive of their character.
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<240821> Jeremiah 8:21 (a)Here is described Jeremiah's feelings concerning Israel's relationship to him. He thought that Israel despised him, had no use for him, and saw no beauty in him, which probably was true. He reproved them for their sins, and warned them of their punishment. This, of course, made the nation despise him.
<241402> Jeremiah 14:2 (c) If the Word "they" refers to the gates, it would indicate that they were damaged by fire, and were being destroyed. If, however, the word refers to the people then probably the famine and the sufferings had brought about the blackened condition of their skin.
<380602> Zechariah 6:2 (b) These horses probably represent war and famine with the terrible results of both. They are described as being "black" because of the fearful condition of the people under those circumstances. It is said that these also are the four winds (RV) as described in verse 5. It may be that the black horses represent the power of God in causing wars, tumults and famine to rage upon the earth. It seems as though this power was against the enemies of God.
<660605> Revelation 6:5 (b)This black horse probably represents the famine and the sorrow which would prevail on the earth as a punishment for the wickedness and the evil being practiced. You will notice that the balances are for weighing the food because it is so scarce. This seems to be confirmed in verse 6.
<610213> 2 Peter 2:13 (b) This reference is to those people who are unsaved and therefore untaught in the Word of God who come among God's people bringing
damage, hurt and injury to God's program.
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hands and her eyes are blindfolded. This is to teach us that justice takes no bribes, and is not affected by the standing or the relationship of the person who is being judged.
<031914> Leviticus 19:14 (c)This describes the condition of those who teach wrong doctrines or evil practices, especially those who are ignorant of God's Word and God's ways.
<232918> Isaiah 29:18 (b) These people are those who have eyes to see, but do not have the necessary information nor understanding. Somehow or sometime they shall have their understanding enlightened so that they can see and know God's truth. (See also <233505>Isaiah 35:5; 42:7.)
<234216> Isaiah 42:16 (a) We learn here that God leads those who do not see clearly. They have willing spirits and honest hearts, but they have not been taught nor informed by godly teachers. These are described further in verses 18-19.
<234308> Isaiah 43:8 (b) This figure describes those who have heard the Word of God, have been reared in Christian surroundings, but have failed to see either their own need or the provision that the Lord has made.
<235610> Isaiah 56:10 (a)These people are religious leaders who are ignorant of God's plans and do not understand God's words. (See also <401514>Matthew 15:14; 23:16; <420639>Luke 6:39.)
<430939> John 9:39 (a) The time may come in a human life, or in national life when God will hide Himself because of the constant and definite rejection of His Word. He binds men to their decisions. He hides Himself from those who continually reject Him.
<431240> John 12:40 (a) God closes the mind and the understanding of those who willingly remain ignorant of God's truth, and do not want God's revelations. (See
<451107>Romans 11:7, 25.)
<450219> Romans 2:19 (b)This describes those who are groping for the light and need someone to teach them the truth and to guide them to Jesus Christ.
<610109> 2 Peter 1:9 (b) This is the description of one who has been instructed in the way of righteousness, has learned the precious provisions of the Lord but has failed to take advantage of the blessings thus offered.
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<660317> Revelation 3:17 (a)There are those who pretend to know God's truth, and yet are in the darkness of ignorance. These invent new religions based on their own philosophies. They have never seen the light of life.
BLINDNESS — <451125> Romans 11:25 (a) This describes the condition of the minds of Israel in that they could not and did not understand the person and the work of Christ and the fulfillment of the provision made by God. The same meaning applies in <470314>2 Corinthians 3:14.
<490418> Ephesians 4:18 (b) As in the former Scriptures, their minds were blind so that their thoughts were perverted. In this passage, the heart did not understand the things of God, therefore the feelings were perverted.
<470404> 2 Corinthians 4:4 (b)This is a picture of the effect that Satan produces on the minds of people when he presents to them false teachings, erroneous doctrines, and baseless theories.
<021213> Exodus 12:13 (a)Here is a proof that those in the house had believed God's Word and had offered the proper sacrifice. The lamb and its blood are types of Christ and His blood. (See <460507>1 Corinthians 5:7.)
<032009> Leviticus 20:9 (a)Here is pictured the fact that God will fasten upon the guilty person his guilt and his punishment, The lawbreaker shall receive the due reward of his deeds. (See also <032013>Leviticus 20:13, 27; Ezekiel. 18:13; 33:5.)
<051708> Deuteronomy 17:8 (a) The words used here refer to relatives who are
quarreling among themselves. Those of the same blood are brought before the judgment seat for the adjustment of their difficulties. (See <141910>2 Chronicles 19:10.)
<181618> Job 16:18 (a) Job is making a call for a great inventory of his own life. He is inviting an investigation of his own character. He is really asserting that he has lived a righteous life.
<195810> Psalm 58:10 (b) This is a description of the joy of God's people when the wicked are conquered and the enemy is under the feet of the Lord. (See also
<196823>Psalm 68:23.)
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Isaiah I:15 (a) Probably this is a figure which describes the guilt of these people in murdering their fellowmen and murdering their children for idol worship.
<261606> Ezekiel 16:6 (a) This probably refers to the early days of Israel's history in the time of Abraham followed by the times of Isaac and Jacob. The nation was formed with difficulty and trouble which is compared to the birth of a baby whereby blood is shed.
<290231> Joel 2:31 (c) It is not clearly understood whether the moon will actually become red, or whether men because of strained eyes see the moon as red, or whether the tumult of earth's sorrows changes man's vision. Evidently it is refers to a time of great and miraculous happenings because of the powerful operation of the Spirit of God in human affairs. (See also
<660612> Revelation 6:12; 8:8; 16:3.)
<401617> Matthew 16:17 (a) This represents human reasonings, philosophies and deductions or conclusions. Nothing within the human heart or mind ever reveals anything of God or of the Deity of Christ.
<430113> John 1:13 (a) This is a definite statement that no one becomes a child of God because of his parents, or through any blood stream. Salvation or Christianity is not passed down to the children through the blood stream of the father or the mother. Each child and each relative must experience the will and the power of God in his own personal case in order to become a child of God. This relationship only comes about through personal faith in Jesus Christ.
<430654> John 6:54 (a) The blood in this case is a type or a picture of the life and death of Christ and the Person of Christ appropriated by the believer for salvation. It represents the receiving by faith of the sacrifice of Christ for forgiveness and cleansing. It is a figure of speech which we commonly use when one expresses
his love for another by saying, "I could eat you up" Sometimes the expression is used, "I lapped it up as a cat laps milk" The thought is the same. The believer embraces by faith with no question or doubt the value of the person of Christ and the efficacy of His work for our souls. See also <461125>1 Corinthians 11:25-26.
<441726> Acts 17:26 (a) This blood is a type or a symbol of the universal character of human beings as distinguished from all animal life. All human beings are made of the same kind of blood. It is different from animal blood, but it is always human blood. This links all human beings together
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as a separate group from all the animal creation and proves the fallacy and the false character of the hypothesis of evolution.
<442026> Acts 20:26 (a) The word in this case is used to represent the fact that Paul would not be held responsible for the death, the second death, of any of those whom he had contacted in his travels and preaching. The appearance of blood indicates death. Paul so preached Christ and the Gospel that none of those who heard His Word need never die in their sins and be sent to the Lake of Fire, which is the second death. Paul felt that he had completely cleared himself of all responsibility in connection with the salvation of those people.
<620107> 1 John 1:7 (a) The blood here represents the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary with all the saving power connected with it. When we believe in and trust the Lord Jesus Christ, God and Christ apply His sacrifice to our record of sins, and to ourselves in order to blot out all these sins and iniquities. God has made a "blood bank." Any person who believes in and accepts the Lord Jesus Christ may and does receive the benefits of that precious blood.
<661420> Revelation 14:20 (c) This is a picture of the complete victory of the Lord Jesus over all His enemies and the vindication as well as the culmination of the wrath of God against all His opponents.
<661706> Revelation 17:6 (b) This blood represents the death of multitudes who have been slain by this wicked church under the guise of serving God. That evil monster, the apostate church, was and is responsible for the death of many thousands of true believers who were burned at the stake, tortured in cages, torn by the rack, and otherwise killed by extremely cruel means. This church revelled in this carnage and rejoices in every opportunity to injure and destroy true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. (See also
<661824> Revelation 18:24.)
<232706> Isaiah 27:6 (b) The restoration of Israel is to be a slow process as in the formation of fruit. First, there is the bud, then the bloom, and then the fruit.
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<260710> Ezekiel 7:10 (b)As the blossom is an evidence of future fruitfulness, so on a rod it indicates the coming of God's punishment on His people. It presages fruit.
In this case it is foretelling that the fruit will be of the kind that hurts and harms Israel.
<350317> Habakkuk 3:17 (b)Flowers always indicate that fruit is to follow. Flowers raise the hope of the farmer for a bountiful crop. In this case since there were no flowers it would indicate clearly that there would be no future fruit, but rather famine and sorrow. Even though this was the case, the prophet would rejoice and sing.
<220416> Song of Solomon 4:16 (b) This is symbolical of the ministry of the Spirit in giving or withholding or in providing what is needed to make the garden fruitful. The "wind" is a type of the Holy Spirit in His ministry. (See also <430308>John 3:8.)
<370109> Haggai 1:9 (b) Here we see a type of God's punishment and curse upon that which disobedient Israel sought to accomplish. (See also <234007>Isaiah 40:7, 24;
<262131>Ezekiel 21:31; 22:21.)
destination was heaven. The color "blue" is used throughout the Scripture to remind the people of their heavenly character. The blue yarns were woven in with the red yarns to remind Israel that they were forgiven and were made fit for heaven by the shed blood of the sacrifice. Linen yarns also were woven with these to remind the people of God of God's righteousness given to them as a gift to make them acceptable to God. Purple yarns were to remind Israel that they were a part of the royal family of heaven. The cherubims were to remind them that one day they would be associated with angels. (See also <022601>Exodus 26:1; 39:3.)
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<022631> Exodus 26:31 (c) The colors in the veil were to remind Israel that they could not enter the holy place, nor have the full enjoyment of God's fellowship except by the graces and privileges represented by these.
<022636> Exodus 26:36 (c) The blue in these door curtains was to remind Israel that they could always enter into God's house and God's fellowship by means of that heavenly revelation and heavenly salvation provided through the blood of the lamb.
<022831> Exodus 28:31 (c)This color on Aaron was to remind him that he was always to be enveloped with a heavenly deportment. It would also remind him and Israel that he was a heavenly man living in heavenly places and occupied with heavenly business.
<041538> Numbers 15:38 (c) The sabbath breaker had just been stoned (v. 35), so God told His people to put this ribbon of blue on the bottom of their garments to ever remind them that they were to obey the message from heaven, and not live by their own ideas, and conclusions.
<170106> Esther 1:6 (c) The wicked king seeking to justify his sins had the blue woven in the curtains so as to connect his evil orgies with something of heaven and heaven's business. Most wicked practices have in some way a religious tinge to their ceremonies. The most wicked institution in the world, the apostate church, has a great religious program in order that they may cover up their evil doings by it.
<170815> Esther 8:15 (c) It is evident that Mordecai was God's man for that particular time. The blue would remind all who saw him that he was carrying out God's plan, and accomplishing God's purposes.
<262306> Ezekiel 23:6 (c) The Assyrians clothed themselves in garments of blue
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( <490222>Ephesians 2:22). So it is with the sinner. He must be cut down. He must die in the person of his Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ. He must go with Christ through the sufferings of Calvary, his burial and resurrection, and then be clothed with the golden robe of righteousness, the beauty of his Savior. He must rest on redemption ground and be joined to the other "boards." Then he helps, with them, to form "a habitation of God by His Spirit."
<220809> Song of Solomon 8:9 (b) The board here represents a type of all believers standing together "fitly joined together" ( <490416>Ephesians 4:16) in order to make a Church which is God's dwelling place.
<450606> Romans 6:6 (b) Here the word is used as though sin itself owned the body as, in fact, it does in some instances. The entire body, from head to foot, is used by some to serve sin.
<451205> Romans 12:5 (a) All the Christians bound together by the Holy Spirit are
referred to here as forming the body of Christ. The believers on earth are called His very body because they are so precious to Him, and because of His utmost care for them. His life indwells all His church.
<490123> Ephesians 1:23 (a) The body is used here in the sense that all the members of the body of Christ, those who are saved by grace, belong to one another. As the parts of the body belong to one another and are made to serve one another so each member of the body of Christ serves each other member. No part of the body is independent of any of the rest of the body and so it is among true believers.
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The grave clothes of death held him as the old habits and ways of people hold them. Christ sets free.
<240505> Jeremiah 5:5 (b)The bonds in this passage are the legitimate and rightful laws of God in His path, but the leaders had thrown away these restraining influences of the work of the Lord.
<421316> Luke 13:16 (b) The sickness which this woman suffered is described as a bond because it hindered her from living a normal life.
<440823> Acts 8:23 (b) This man, because of avarice and desire to buy spiritual power, was said to be bound by the bond of iniquity--an unholy desire.
<510314> Colossians 3:14 (b) Love is described as a bond which holds us in the right relationship to God and to others and makes us what we should be.
<480501> Galatians 5:1 (a) Here we see the burden of trying to keep the law to be saved when there is always a conscious knowledge that it is being broken.
being taken out of him as a very part of him, is a type of the church which owes her very existence to the pains, the suffering and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. This refers only to the true Church of true born-again believers, and not to the great false church which has been made by men.
<041916> Numbers 19:16 (c)Here is a type of anything that is dead. God does not want His people to be occupied with the dead things of this world, but with the living things of heaven. The pleasures and the processes of this world
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are dead in the sight of God and have no spiritual value whatever in the Christian life. We are no longer dead in sins, but alive unto God.
<070902> Judges 9:2 (b) Abimelech is telling the people that he is related to them by blood, being born of and in the nation of Israel. It is a type of intimate relationship. (See also <100501>2 Samuel 5:1; 19:13; <131101>1 Chronicles 11:1.)
<193803> Psalm 38:3 (a) The innermost being of the psalmist would rejoice in God's delivering power but, instead, he was filled with sorrow.
<194210> Psalm 42:10 (a)David felt it deeply and keenly that God's enemies should be able to question God's care for him.
<195108> Psalm 51:8 (a) By this figure David describes the misery of his heart because of his sin. He is hurt by his conscience as the pain of a broken bone hurts the body. (See <190602>Psalm 6:2; 31:10; 32:3; 102:3.)
<19E107> Psalm 141:7 (b) This is a picture of the utter desolation and hopelessness of Israel when they turned their backs on God.
<200308> Proverbs 3:8 (a) By this symbol Solomon assures that if they will walk with God they will be a strong, vigorous, active people, a nation of conquerors.
<201204> Proverbs 12:4 (a)The sorrow caused by the unfaithfulness of the wife is compared to a disease that eats away the very vitals of the blood stream, and weakens the whole person.
<201430> Proverbs 14:30 (a)Envy is compared to a disease which destroys the very foundations of faith and leaves the person spiritually sick and weak. Since the red blood cells come from the marrow of the bones, so rottenness in that substance destroys the vitality of the body. Envy has the same effect on the soul. It is a
hidden malady in the life.
<201530> Proverbs 15:30 (a)Good news is compared here to the life-giving effect and power of healthy bones. The good news brings new life and strength into the heart and soul. (See also <201624>Proverbs 16:24; <235811>Isaiah 58:11; 66:14.)
<201722> Proverbs 17:22 (a) Diseased bones are a type of the bad news that causes the heart to faint, the strength to fail, and joy to cease. This is also a picture of the unhappy effect upon a person who is wholly occupied with his deep sorrows and his broken spirit.
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<202515> Proverbs 25:15 (b)Here is indicated that a kind answer will soften the hard heart of an enemy and will break down his resistance.
<233813> Isaiah 38:13 (a) The pain which the king suffered, both physical and spiritual, hurt him so deeply he felt as if his bones were broken.
<242009> Jeremiah 20:9 (a)The prophet was so obsessed with a desire to serve God and to testify of and for Him that it stirred his whole being and he felt it as though the bones of his body were affected.
<242309> Jeremiah 23:9 (a)The prophet's whole body, as well as his mind, was deeply moved by the words of God given in power. He felt it especially because of the great failure of the prophets of Israel.
<245017> Jeremiah 50:17 (a) These bones represent the elders and rulers of Israel who were conquered by Nebuchadnezzar.
<262404> Ezekiel 24:4 (b) This figure is a prophecy that God will gather the choice men, the leading men of Israel, together for judgment because they forsook Him.
Ezekiel 37:I 1 (a) These dry bones are used as a type of the condition of Israel when she had departed from God. The bones were dead, dry, useless, ugly and disjointed. God saw them as though they were all in one valley, though actually Israel was scattered over the world. All the bones were there, even the tiny ear bones. No bone was missing. This is a type of the fact that throughout the world God has His people in training so that when the nation is revived under God's hand and restored to His favor there will be every kind of person there necessary for the operation of the fully equipped empire. He will have electricians, printers, teachers, scientists, physicians, dentists, navigators, farmers, machinists and every other form of human activity. When these bones come to life through the
operation of the Spirit of God they become mature men, fully equipped for the purposes of God. Every bone must be there in order to produce this result. These bones represent the fact that there was a former life which had disappeared. We do not read of the bones of any other nation. God still reckons that the Jewish people are one nation, one people, and are to be again His own chosen people.
<360303> Zephaniah 3:3 (a) The prophet uses this figure to tell us that the rulers of Jerusalem were deliberate in their wickedness and went about their sinful practices leisurely.
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<402327> Matthew 23:27 (a) These bones represent the old dead traditions of Israel which were worthless and useless as a means of godliness, but which were handed down from generation to generation for strict observance.
<490530> Ephesians 5:30 (a) This indicates the very intimate and sweet relationship which exists between Christ and His church.
<261604> Ezekiel 16:4 (a) This expression is really an allegory to tell how God found Israel in Egypt a confused mass of inexperienced slaves with no order and no political standing. Then God delivered them from that condition and changed them into an orderly and powerful nation. It may be taken as a picture of the experience of a lost, undone and unclean sinner living in the bondage of his sin and afterward delivered by the Lord through the Gospel to become a useful servant of God.
<430303> John 3:3 (a) The transformation which takes place when a lost sinner trusts Jesus Christ is compared to the birth of a child. A new life is given him, with new desires, new knowledge, new hope, new habits, and a new nature. Now he is able to know and to understand God. The inward change is revealed by the outward actions.
<600123> 1 Peter 1:23 (a) This also is a statement concerning the wonderful transaction that takes place when the Word of God reveals to a soul the value of Christ Jesus the Lord.
<250507> Lamentations 5:7 (b) This figure evidently represents the fact that the children suffered the effects of their fathers' sins.
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<402304> Matthew 23:4 (b) Here is described the great difficulty which the people had in trying to be good, and to observe all the traditions of the scribes and Pharisees in order to be saved. They made their religious life a burden and a grief instead of a joy and a blessing.
<234011> Isaiah 40:11 (a) This represents the daily care of God for the people of Israel, His own lambs.
<420638> Luke 6:38 (b) This is just a sweet way of saying that kindness shown to those who have shown kindness fills the heart with sweet joy.
<430118> John 1:18 (a) Christ uses this figure to tell how near He is to God's heart and how welcome He is in God's presence.
BORROW — <020322> Exodus 3:22 (a) The Hebrew word for "borrow" is rendered "ask" eighty-five times and is rendered borrow five times. The real word for "borrow;' as we understand the meaning of it, is found in <052812> Deuteronomy 28:12; <160504>Nehemiah 5:4; <193721>Psalm 37:21. Israel did not "borrow" from the Egyptians only that to which they were entitled as wages for four hundred years of slavery. There was no indication nor suggestion that repayment would be made. It was a plain solicitation of that which was rightly their due for years of service with no pay.
Spirit.
<183837> Job 38:37 (a) This is a type of the storehouse of the sky from which the rain pours upon the earth from time to time.
<195608> Psalm 56:8 (b) This is a very sweet request for the Lord to keep a record of all the tears that David shed for the people of God, and the work of God.
<241901> Jeremiah 19:1 (a)This vessel represents the believer. The potter represents the Lord. First, He finds us just as a shapeless lump of clay.
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Then He takes us and puts us on the wheels of adversity and of strange experiences, molds us and makes us into a vessel fit for His use.
<244812> Jeremiah 48:12 (b)Here is a symbol of the granaries, wine vats and other depositories of food products, all of which were to be destroyed and emptied by the enemies of Israel.
<19A710> Psalm 107:10 (b) Here is described the hindering effects of sorrow and trouble in the life which prevent one from doing many things that he would like to accomplish.
<182920> Job 29:20 (b) Here we find a figure of the strength and power which once belonged to Job when he had many possessions and a position of honor.
<191102> Psalm 11:2 (b) The reference is to the attacks his subject constantly made against David both by their subtle intrigue, and by their wicked words.
<660403> Revelation 4:3 (b)This rainbow is all green. Only one color is left now because the days when God's people need His care have gone forever and they are now at home with Him. The rainbow tells of His mercy and grace which is now to be everlasting in its duration. The green tells of perpetuity. This is the only full rainbow of which there is any record. So far as known a complete rainbow has probably never been seen on earth. There is always a break somewhere near the bottom. The reason for this is that no one on earth has ever seen or known all the fullness of God's grace and mercy. The
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rainbow is a testimony, a proclamation of the grace and goodness of God toward evil men. In eternity, however, this fullness will be known and therefore the rainbow is seen in its completeness. It is around God's Throne--not any other throne--because He only is the author of grace, mercy and peace.
<660602> Revelation 6:2 (b)This is a type of the strength and power given to this world ruler. It is not a rainbow.
<250120> Lamentations 1:20 (b) This refers to the deep trouble in his innermost soul. Because of Israel's condition, the very vitals of his life were touched.
<500108> Philippians 1:8 (b) Here is a reference to the deepest Christian experience which Paul manifested in his earnest love for these Christians.
Philemon 7 (b) The expression in this passage refers to a full-hearted joy which the saints experienced when Philemon ministered to them and brought a blessing from God to them.
<620317> 1 John 3:17 (b) Here the word is used to express feelings of sympathy, not on the surface, but deep in the heart. Much of so-called Christian living is a surface matter. The word "bowels" indicates in all these passages the very deepest feelings of the believer.
ministry to give to God's people at all times.
<261611> Ezekiel 16:11 (b)This is descriptive of the beautiful adornment that is given to one who trusts the Savior and who becomes wonderfully useful in the service of the King.
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<233413> Isaiah 34:13 (b) This is a graphic picture of the deserted and forsaken land when God's curse fell upon it. In figure, it represents the wretched, unhappy, miserable condition of one who shuts God out of his life. (See also under "THISTLE.")
<201128> Proverbs 11:28 (b)The righteous will flourish from his union with God as a branch flourishes from its union with the vine.
<230402> Isaiah 4:2 (a) The prosperity of Israel in the day of the Lord is compared to the beautiful growth and rich fruit of the branch of a fruit tree. Christ also is called "the branch" in five Scriptures. In each of these passages He is called the "branch" for a different reason. In this particular Scripture Christ is the "branch" springing from the Father to reveal in His life, His actions and His words the beauty and the glory of the Father. Christ is more beautiful than any of the things which He has made. He is the express image of the beauty of the unseen God.
<230914> Isaiah 9:14 (a) Here the "branch" represents the affiliations, relationships and associations of the people. The entire "plant" of Israel was to be cut down.
<231101> Isaiah 11:1 (a) The Lord Jesus is compared to a "branch" of the tree, and
Jesse is the trunk of the tree, for Jesse was in the direct line of Christ, one of His ancestors. The Lord Jesus came from Jesse, and yet as the root down out of sight, He was before Jesse, and Jesse came from Him. The "branch" here reveals the eternal character of Christ. He is like the Father in this respect. The "branch" is always of the same character, appearance, substance and essence as that from which it comes. So Christ in every respect is exactly like His Father. He was before Jesse in His deity, and He came from Jesse in His humanity.
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<231709> Isaiah 17:9 (b) Several lessons may be learned from this "branch." One is that the cities of Israel would be completely destroyed. There will be ruin but not extermination. Another lesson may be that some of the principal men of Israel will be left alive to continue the testimony of Israel.
<236021> Isaiah 60:21 (b) Israel here is represented as a remnant. The tree is largely gone, and only a small "branch" remains. The Lord will plant that "branch" so that it may become a tree again.
<242305> Jeremiah 23:5 (b)Again Christ Himself is compared to a branch, David being the tree, and the Lord Jesus springing out of the line of David. It reveals His union with David. (See also <243315>Jeremiah 33:15.) In this place also Christ is represented as being exactly like His Father in His righteous character. He is absolutely holy and pure, as is God the Father. This "branch" has all the characteristics of the tree (the Father) in being perfectly sinless, perfectly righteous in every thought, word and deed.
<243315> Jeremiah 33:15 (b) Strangely enough in this Scripture Israel is said to have the same name and the same character as the "branch" of <242305>Jeremiah 23:5. You will note that the passage records "this is the name whereby SHE will be called." The reason for this is that the bride always takes the name of the one she marries and becomes a partaker of his character, his riches in glory, and h is position. The queen rules in equality with the king. The passage reveals the wonderful union between Christ and His church. It reminds us of the marvelous truth of imputed righteousness. (See also
<450406> Romans 4:6.)
<261722> Ezekiel 17:22 (b) The word in this passage indicates the king of the country, the one who is the highest among the people.
<380308> Zechariah 3:8 (a) This gives us another picture of the beauty of Christ Jesus our Lord. God Himself is the tree and the Lord Jesus is the "branch." The type in this passage represents Christ as being the servant of God who will do everything that the Father wants done, and in the way the Father wishes to have it done. By His words and His work He reveals exactly the character and conduct of the Father. The "Branch" is of course, as in the previous references, exactly the same in essence, in substance, in character, and in appearance as His Father.
<380612> Zechariah 6:12 (a) Again the Holy Spirit is revealing to us that the Lord Jesus, the "branch" is the one who carries out exactly and in detail the will of His Father. What the Savior did in building His church is exactly
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what the Father wanted done. He is a priest upon His throne. The priest is from the tribe of Levi, and the king is from the tribe of Judah. No one is Israel could be both a priest and a king, for the tribes were not permitted to cross with each other. The Savior brought in a new dispensation. God the Father made Him head of the church, and also the King of the Kingdom of God. This was God's will. It is beautifully illustrated in the picture of the "branch" and the tree.
<431502> John 15:2 (a) This branch is a picture of the Christian, who, because he is joined to Christ Jesus the vine, lives the kind of a life that Christ the vine lived. The branch lives because the vine lives ( <431419>John 14:19). When any person trusts Christ Jesus with his soul and receives Him ( <430112>John 1:12), he becomes at once a member of God's church, a part of Christ's body. The Holy Spirit accomplishes this miracle. Uzziah tried to be both a priest and king, and God smote him with leprosy as a punishment ( <142616>2 Chronicles 26:16). King Saul tried to be both a priest and a king, and God punished him by taking away the Kingdom of Israel from him ( <091309>1 Samuel 13:9).
BRASS (BRAZEN) — <022702> Exodus 27:2 (a) This metal is used as a type of severe judgment in righteousness. In this Scripture, the righteous judgment of God upon the sinner is pictured by the punishment of the animal as a substitute. God's righteous wrath against the sinner's sin was satisfied by the suffering and death of the animal. We should note that the brass covered the acacia wood which was beneath it. The wood represents the humanity of Christ which in itself might
not be able to stand fiery judgment. The brass representing the character and righteous judgment of eternal God is a picture of the deity of the Lord Jesus combined with His humanity.
<032619> Leviticus 26:19 (c) Probably the meaning of this picture is that the earth will become hard, fruitless and unresponsive to the efforts of men so that no crop can grow, even as nothing could grow on brass. By using the
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metal "brass" the lesson probably is that the drouth and the dearth are a result of God's judgment on the land for the sins of the people.
<042109> Numbers 21:9 (a)This serpent was made of brass to represent the Lord Jesus who, under the divine judgment of the God of heaven, was made sin for us on the cross. It was made of brass to inform us that the judgment which He endured was right and true, and came from the God of heaven. (See also
<430314>John 3:14; <470521>2 Corinthians 5:21.)
<052823> Deuteronomy 28:23 (a) The Lord is informing us by means of this metaphor that the ungodly, the disobedient, the rebellious will not be able to send their prayers through to God. He will not hear when they cry to Him. The heavens will not respond to their petitions.
<053325> Deuteronomy 33:25 (b) This is a very apt description of the way our Lord prepares us for life's travel over rough roads, sharp thorns and stones. He equips us with the kind of disposition and nature, with that kind of faith and trust which does not mind the roughness of the way.
<180612> Job 6:12 (a) Job was pleading for relief and reminding his enemies that he could feel the shame and could suffer physical pain. He was not made of hard metal, that had no feelings.
<19A716> Psalm 107:16 (a) God is affirming to His people that He had performed many wonderful miracles for them, and had delivered them from many embarrassing situations. (See also <234502>Isaiah 45:2.) He also made the same statement about Cyrus.
<234804> Isaiah 48:4 (b) This represents a bold, heartless condition of soul which rebels against the will of God.
<236017> Isaiah 60:17 (a) God is reminding His people that He will add greatly to the blessings of His people, bringing to them valuable treasures instead of less consequential things. He promises to make their blessings to increase in quantity and in quality.
<240118> Jeremiah 1:18 (a)God has promised to His servant that he would be strong, invincible and unmovable in the presence of his enemies. He would be able to withstand all their assaults against him. (See also <241520>Jeremiah 15:20.)
<270719> Daniel 7:19 (a) The metal in this place indicates that the fourth beast which was the Roman empire would be a grasping, destructive nation with
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hard, cruel power over all her enemies. History proved that this was the case.
<271006> Daniel 10:6 (a) In this vision it may be that we are given a description of the Lord Christ as to His power, purity and position. His arms would tell us of His service, His feet would represent His accomplishments. The fact that they were polished would indicate that all His word, His way, His will and His walk would be true and perfect in every respect.
<461301> 1 Corinthians 13:1 (a)The use of the metal here evidently indicates that there are those hypocrites who would be bright, beautiful and vocal, but would have no true value.
<660115> Revelation 1:15 (a) The feet of the Lord Jesus are represented by this metal because He walked in a righteous path of pure and perfect judgment. (See also
<660218>Revelation 2:18.)
<19A623> Psalm 106:23 (a) Israel by their sins had opened the way for God to come in and punish them; then Moses prayed and prevailed for them. (See <233013> Isaiah 30:13, 26; <250213>Lamentations 2:13; <241417>Jeremiah 14:17.)
<201504> Proverbs 15:4 (b)An evil tongue opens the way for the human spirit to get in trouble. It disturbs and distracts the heart.
<235812> Isaiah 58:12 (b) Those who prevail with God in prayer and walk with Him in fellowship will mend a rift in the church and will bring God's divided people
together.
<300403> Amos 4:3 (b) The Lord is telling Israel here that He will break open the defenses of Samaria, and the idolatrous inhabitants would be made to flee for their lives.
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multitude of interesting and profitable things which would be useful in his daily life.
<041409> Numbers 14:9 (a)We are to learn here that the enemies of Israel would be easily whipped and would be consumed as bread is consumed by the hungry man.
<070713> Judges 7:13 (b)This cake of barley bread represents Gideon who, though weak and lacking in military skill, would win a great victory for Israel and for God.
<091003> 1 Samuel 10:3 (c) Probably in this passage the Lord is referring to King Saul, that all his needs will be met by the Father, the Son and the Spirit which are represented by the three loaves. We know that Christ is the bread of life. We also understand that both the Father and the Spirit meet the heart hunger of the one who belongs to them. Certainly three loaves were more than Saul could eat at one meal, and he would have enough left over for future needs. It is a beautiful picture of the sufficiency that we find in the triune God.
<198005> Psalm 80:5 (a) There are those who feed upon their sorrows. They continue to weep over former griefs. They meditate on their afflictions and talk about them to others. Because of Israel's disobedience, He permitted them to have plenty of tears, and plenty of cause for tears. They would not have God's comforting care.
<200917> Proverbs 9:17 (b)This is probably a type of some sin or sins which at first seem pleasant and satisfying but afterwards result in punishment. (See also
<202017>Proverbs 20:17.)
<203127> Proverbs 31:27 (b)This probably represents those who think that it is sweet, good and profitable to sit around doing nothing. They are lazy and useless. God condemns this form of life.
<211101> Ecclesiastes 11:1 (b) Here the figure is used to represent good desires, acts and words. As these are given out to the needy, a full reward will return to the one who is so doing even though it may be after a long time. The waters represent all kinds of people. As we do good to others the blessing will return upon our own heads in the coming days.
<233020> Isaiah 30:20 (a) God makes trouble and sorrow to be like a loaf of bread. It must be eaten. We must partake of it as we journey through life.
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God sees that we have this loaf, and plenty of it. It should strengthen our faith, increase our confidence in God, and keep us from seeking to build a nest in any earthly tree.
<235502> Isaiah 55:2 (a) The things that most people seek for and think that they will be satisfied when they obtain them, find that these are not bread at all, but only look like bread. Christ is the bread of God, nothing outside of Him, nothing that omits Him, can ever satisfy the need of the human heart and life. God the Father provides in the triune God that which is needed by the triune man, his body, soul and spirit. This truth is illustrated by the Lord Jesus in <421111>Luke 11:11.
<421103> Luke 11:3 (b) This must primarily refer to the physical bread which we eat, and which must be given to us through the kindness, wisdom and goodness of God. It may also refer to every other ministry from heaven which we need for the many exigencies that arise in our lives from day to day.
<421111> Luke 11:11 (a) In our prayers we often ask for that which we think is good for us and will be a blessing to us. We go by the sight of our eyes and the reasonings of our minds in deciding what is best for us. The gracious Father in heaven, however, knows exactly the condition and the character of that for which we ask. In some cases He sees that the thing we request is like a stone. It would not harm us, nor hurt us, but it would be of no value whatever to us. We could not eat it, we could not use it, we would not be blessed by it. For this reason, He has to say "no" to our request.
<430633> John 6:33 (a) Throughout this chapter bread is typical of the Lord Jesus Himself.
When He is received by faith into the heart, soul and life of a believer, He
satisfies, gratifies, strengthens, blesses and gives life more abundant to those who feed upon Him and rejoice in His love and grace. It is not enough just to know about Christ, nor even to believe all that may be read about Him. The baker would die of starvation in the midst of his breads, cakes and pies if he did not eat them. It is the personal appropriation of the Lord Jesus that conveys and imparts eternal life to the soul.
<461017> 1 Corinthians 10:17 (a)This bread as a loaf represents the true Church of God on earth. As the loaf contains many grains (no one knows how many), so the Church contains many members, and no one knows how many. It is true, however, that the loaves contain nothing but wheat. No
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<022927> Exodus 29:27 (c) This part of the animal is typical of our affection and love offered to God, waved before Him as a memorial, and to remind Him that we love Him above all others. We believe that all the "burnt" offerings teach this same truth.
<182124> Job 21:24 (a) We are taught by this figure that this person retained his vigor, power and resourcefulness until the end of his days.
<220113> Song of Solomon 1:13 (b) Here is a picture of the perfect love, sweetness and satisfaction which exists between the Lord and His bride, the children of God.
<220405> Song of Solomon 4:5 (b) This will remind us of the sufficiency, devotion and activity of the love of the children of God for the Lord Jesus Christ. (See also
<220707>Song of Solomon 7:7-8.)
<220808> Song of Solomon 8:8 (b) This peculiar picture will remind us that the Christian may lose his love and affection for the bridegroom, the Savior. Or it may be that this bride is a very young bride who has not yet learned to love,
worship and adore as she should. Love grows as it is practiced. It may also be that this is the Christian who has lost his first love, and is not now as affectionate as she should be. Evidently this lack is made up and is restored as described in verse 10.
<232809> Isaiah 28:9 (a)We learn from this comparison that some of God's people grow up to maturity as Christians. They no longer need to feed on milk, but are able to eat and digest strong meat. Paul mentions this same truth in <460302>1 Corinthians 3:2. Christians should grow in the knowledge of
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the things of God until they become matured Christians. (See <490413>Ephesians 4:13.)
<236016> Isaiah 60:16 (a) God's people were to obtain the best and richest treasures of their enemies. Their enemies would be made to give up their very living to Israel.
<236611> Isaiah 66:11 (a) This is a prophecy of the restoration of Jerusalem when Israel will again rejoice in the abundant blessings of God as the babe is satisfied with the mother's milk.
<262303> Ezekiel 23:3 (a) This is a terrible accusation against Israel because they had permitted the wicked people around them to take liberties with them to satisfy all their evil desires. Israel committed horrible sins with the wicked nations around them. In verses 8 and 34 we find that these same nations punished Israel severely.
<280202> Hosea 2:2 (a) God presents to us a graphic picture of the wicked associations of Israel with the idolatrous nations around her. God would not ignore these evil associations. We find this same sin presented in all of its evil in the church of Rome today. They have partaken of the idolatrous practices of almost every known evil religion. They nourish every from of evil and sin and promote every kind of wicked association with the world.
<280914> Hosea 9:14 (a) God is warning Israel that He will punish them by preventing the blessings which they expected to receive and would dry up their natural resources of sustenance.
<340207> Nahum 2:7 (b) Here we find revealed that in the day of God's judgments many will be calling for help and will cry out for relief when none is available.
<661506> Revelation 15:6 (a) This probably teaches us the fact that these angels had
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<235917> Isaiah 59:17 (c) Here as in <490614>Ephesians 6:14 (a), the breastplate is a type of a righteous life. Those who live right fear no wrong. Their hearts are protected. Their feelings are protected. They have done that which is just and they are not afraid of evil consequences.
<520508> 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (a) This breastplate of faith and love guards the believer from being hurt or hindered by the shafts that may be shot at him from enemy sources. Faith in God and love for his fellowmen keep him from getting his feelings hurt.
<660909> Revelation 9:9 (c)The references here may be to the modern tanks used in battle. They are protected with great plates in front. Their motors make a terribly loud sound. They have cannon in the rear as a tail. It is no doubt a figure of speech with regard to the great tribulation day when terrible damage will be done by men against the people of God.
BREATH — <102216> 2 Samuel 22:16 (a) The wrath of God is compared to His breath. No special effort is required to breathe. Wrath is a natural attribute of God which is continually manifested against sin and sinners. In anger the breath comes strong and vigorous. (See also <180409>Job 4:9;
<191815> Psalm 18:15.)
<231104> Isaiah 11:4 (b) The wrath of God is executed by the Holy Spirit. (See also
<234007>Isaiah 40:7.)
<233028> Isaiah 30:28, 33 (b) The Holy Spirit is compared in these passages to a river. He is constantly operating. He is always in the divine channel. He is always bringing the purpose and plans of God into human hearts. (See also
<264705> Ezekiel 47:5; <430738>John 7:38.)
<233311> Isaiah 33:11 (a) Israel will destroy themselves by the way they live. Their sins and their daily activities will bring destruction upon them. (See also in
<281309>Hosea 13:9.)
<263709> Ezekiel 37:9 (a) The breath also in this place is a type of the Holy Spirit. Breath is often associated with this Person, as when Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Spirit." (See also <183304>Job 33:4; 37:10; 41:21;
<193306>Psalm 33:6.)
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<264418> Ezekiel 44:18 (b)This garment is a type of human righteousness, self- made and self-applied. We are not to confess that we are saved by grace but kept by works. These are not to be mixed. Sweat is a product of the exertion of the human body. God wants nothing that comes out from us spiritually when we take the place of being His servant. We must display for Him only that which He has given us. God's righteousness and our own righteousness are not to be mixed in our conversation and profession. See also <052211>Deuteronomy 22:11. There are those religions which teach that we are saved by grace, but we are kept saved by works. Other religions teach that we are saved partly by faith, and partly by works. Both of these theories are false in God's sight, and are not to be believed nor accepted by any who want God's favor, His salvation and His approval.
Nothing that emanates from our own spirits or originates in our own minds is
acceptable with God when it is a matter of salvation or of our relationship to God. (See also <236406>Isaiah 64:6.) Just as nothing that comes out of our bodies can be pleasing to another person, so nothing that emanates from our spirits is acceptable to the great Spirit.
<230910> Isaiah 9:10 (b) Israel found that if their first efforts in following idols should fail, then they would devise ways and means of sinning in a more durable and lasting way.
<236503> Isaiah 65:3 (b) Here we find a picture of the wickedness of Israel. They
should have made altars of stone. Stones are made by God. Instead of that they made altars of brick, and bricks are made by men. They substituted their own works (bricks) for and instead of God's works (stones). (See also
<022025> Exodus 20:25.)
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<430329> John 3:29 (a) This is a picture of the Lord's disciples and Himself.
<662102> Revelation 21:2 (a)This is a picture of the whole church of God gathered together in glory for the wonderful meeting with her Lord, the Bridegroom.
<402501> Matthew 25:1.)
BRIDLE — <121928> 2 Kings 19:28 (a) This is a figure to represent the restraining, guiding and compelling power of God in making nations obey His will. (See also <245009>Jeremiah 50:9; 51:7, 11, 20.)
<183011> Job 30:11 (a) Perhaps this represents the criticism which Job's friends loosed upon Him without restraining. These friends wanted Job to express himself freely without hindrance, hoping thereby to catch him in his words.
<184113> Job 41:13 (a) If this has a typical meaning, it might refer to God's restraining power over both the body and the soul.
<193901> Psalm 39:1 (b) This represents the restraining influence which David brought to bear upon his own mouth in order to prevent him from saying things which should not be said.
<233028> Isaiah 30:28 (a) The bridle represents the power of God to make men do His will. He binds men to the choice which they make. The bridle reveals God's control over His enemies in making them continue in a path of disobedience. (See also <236604>Isaiah 66:4; <530211>2 Thessalonians 2:11.)
<233729> Isaiah 37:29 (a) This indicates God's warning to Sennacherib that He would take charge of the affairs of this king in such a way that he would be forced to turn away from Jerusalem and return to his own land. God's methods, means and plans are referred to as a bridle.
<590126> James 1:26 (a) Men are expected to control and to hold in check the tongue and the talk. No one should speak loosely and carelessly. The speech should always be with grace, seasoned with salt.
<590302> James 3:2 (a) God expects that man will control all the notions, desires and motions of the flesh.
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<230723> Isaiah 7:23; 32:13; <262824>Ezekiel 28:24.)
<230918> Isaiah 9:18 (b) God's wrath is to be kindled so greatly that He would cease dealing with His people by small punishments, but rather would abandon them to their enemies. (See also <231017>Isaiah 10:17.)
<232704> Isaiah 27:4 (b) Man's antagonism to God is compared to the little brier which is so easily destroyed, and which is so inconsequential. (See also <260206> Ezekiel 2:6.)
<235513> Isaiah 55:13 (c) Here the brier is a type of human troubles which are to be replaced by God's blessings. (See also under "THISTLE.")
<330704> Micah 7:4 (a) The brier in this case represents a little, weak, frail man who thinks he is somebody, when he really is a cipher ( <480603>Galatians 6:3). This man sets himself up against God, and God in derision compares him to the little, weak, troublesome brier that is soon destroyed.
<580608> Hebrews 6:8 (b) Briers in this case represent hateful, harmful and hurtful expressions that come from the heart of one who knows better, and who should be producing fruit and flowers for God. God does not bless briers. The one who produces them will surely come under the curse of God.
character of this Person, the Holy Spirit.
<662216> Revelation 22:16 (a) Describes the beauty, the sinlessness, and the glory of Christ.
<660917> Revelation 9:17 (b)Here is a picture of the fierce anger and destructive power of God's army as they attack their fellowmen who are enemies of God.
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<400713> Matthew 7:13 (a) Here is indicated the widespread popularity of the path that leads to hell.
<402305> Matthew 23:5 (a) This indicates the desire of the hypocrite to advertise his pious character.
<182209> Job 22:9 (a) This is a picture of the helplessness of orphans when some cruel man has taken from them their living.
<193112> Psalm 31:12 (a) This is descriptive of the feelings of one who is reproached, neglected and laid aside.
<201513> Proverbs 15:13 (a) Here is a crushed spirit from which pride and antagonism have been removed.
<211206> Ecclesiastes 12:6 (b)This described the end of life when the hand and the heart fail. In this passage we many consider that the silver cord is the spinal cord, the bowl is the brain, the pitcher is the heart, and the wheel is the nerve center.
<111705> 1 Kings 17:5 (c) This may be taken as a picture of the temporary character of the pleasures and programs which the world offers to the soul.
<180615> Job 6:15 (b) Here we have an indication of the vacillating character of human relationships. The best of friends separate. The sweetest fellowships often turn to bitter animosities.
<194201> Psalm 42:1 (b) This is a type of the rich blessings found in the Word of God, and in His fellowship by those who seek Him with the whole heart.
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<19B007> Psalm 110:7 (b) Possibly this brook refers to the intimate fellowship that Jesus had with His Father as He communed with Him in prayer, and learned of Him in His study of the Word.
<201804> Proverbs 18:4 (b)Here is described the refreshing, life-giving character of man's helpful counsel to his fellowmen.
<231507> Isaiah 15:7 (c) Possibly this is a reference to the transient character of possessions which will soon be carried away by the stream of time. We too should remember to keep short accounts with God. When we fail or falter, when we drift around and wander, let us come back to Calvary and look up to that precious One who is living on the Throne and whose blood cleanseth from all sin. There is no excuse for any Christian remaining out of fellowship with God.
Christians are children of God, while the unsaved are children of Satan. God cursed Ahab for his action in this matter.
<183029> Job 30:29 (a) Job felt so disgraced, so discouraged, and so wretched that he claimed kin with animals. He felt that he was not worthy to be called even a human being.
<194907> Psalm 49:7 (b) The word is used to describe any friend or relative who shows a helpful interest in time of distress. The passage particularly refers to the
false teachings of Romanism, with its masses for the dead, and Mormonism with its baptism for the dead. No human being can do anything whatever to help the souls of those who have died.
<201717> Proverbs 17:17 (c)This title refers to any person who loves, cares and shares with one who is in adversity, trouble or sorrow. God always provides someone who will help in time of sorrow.
<400522> Matthew 5:22 (b) The teaching evidently is that if any person should mock at or scoff at a Christian who is seeking to live a separated life, and
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thereby fulfill God's will, that person is in danger of eternal punishment because he sides in with Satan and takes sides against God.
<400703> Matthew 7:3 (a) This name is applied to any person with whom one is in close association and fellowship.
<401250> Matthew 12:50 (a) This person is a true believer in the Lord Jesus, who has received the gift of eternal life, and thereby has entered the family of God. It also describes the very close and precious relationship which Jesus maintains toward those who love Him and obey the Father.
<451410> Romans 14:10 (a) In this passage the word refers to any believer or even one who claims to be a believer against whom another Christian may show a hostile attitude.
<620209> 1 John 2:9 (b) This title is given to any real believer, a true Christian, one who has been born again, and is really a child of God.
<121821> 2 Kings 18:21 (b) Here is described some of the weaknesses of the armies of Egypt, which were not always to be invincible. The Lord was indicating clearly that already Pharaoh's armies were injured and hampered.
<230106> Isaiah 1:6 (b) The word indicates the damage to the life and character of Israel caused by the storms, the wars and the conflicts which they suffered in their daily experiences. The word indicates that Israel has had many tragic experiences that have injured the country, wrecked the morals of the people and caused a condition of sinfulness that is obnoxious to God.
<234203> Isaiah 42:3 (b) Here is presented a beautiful revelation of the tenderness of the Lord Jesus. He would not hinder any believer who was struggling in grace and usefulness. He would not speak disparagingly of anyone whose service was not perfect. He would not hinder nor crush any person who was trying to do his best.
<243012> Jeremiah 30:12 (b)This is probably a type of deep-seated wickedness in Israel's manner of living.
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<262303> Ezekiel 23:3, 8 (b) This indicates clearly that the people of Israel when carried into Egypt were permitting and promoting lustful and wicked relations with the Egyptians.
<270240> Daniel 2:40 (b) This informs us that the fourth kingdom, the Roman Empire, would injure and damage many nations, but would not completely destroy them.
Nahum 3:19 (b) This word is used to describe the permanent and deep- seated wickedness in the hearts of the men of Nineveh which caused God to utterly destroy the city.
<420418> Luke 4:18 (a) This is a type of the injury caused by sin in the lives of men and which would be healed and mended by the wonderful grace and power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
<451620> Romans 16:20 (a) This expression is used to inform us that God will enable His people to keep Satan in subjection, although we are not able to destroy him.
<340319> Nahum 3:19 (b) Here is a graphic description of the howling, wailing, and crying of Nineveh in her judgment.
<245117> Jeremiah 51:17 (b)This indicates that man's whole thought and desire is for earthly things.
<610212> 2 Peter 2:12 (a) By this is described leading men of the church who desire only those things which satisfy the natural cravings of the human heart and mind.
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<234015> Isaiah 40:15 (b) In this way is described the insignificant character of the great nations of the earth. The earth is compared to a bucket.
<181526> Job 15:26 (b) This may refer to the excuses, reasonings and arguments of the ungodly who want none of God in their lives.
<191802> Psalm 18:2, 30 (a) This is a description given by David of the Lord who was protecting and preserving him from the attacks of his enemies.
<199104> Psalm 91:4 (a) God's Word was Moses' buckler. He hid himself behind and within God's faithful promises and invites us to do the same. (See also
<200207> Proverbs 2:7.)
<19D217> Psalm 132:17 (b) Here is a beautiful way of saying that the throne of David would again be set up and dead Israel would again become a living nation.
<232706> Isaiah 27:6 (a) This is another prophecy that the nation of Israel which has been crushed and made fruitless will again flourish and bring forth fruit. (See also
<262921>Ezekiel 29:21.)
<260710> Ezekiel 7:10 (a) Evidently Israel was boasting and exhibiting pride of position and power. It is compared to the budding of a plant which would afterwards become fully developed.
<261607> Ezekiel 16:7 (a) Here is a type of the freshness and loveliness with which God endowed the nation of Israel under the reign of David and Solomon.
<19C701> Psalm 127:1 (a) This is a plain statement that God must work in any church or Christian movement or nation if the desired results are to be obtained.
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<200901> Proverbs 9:1 (c) Probably this is a type of the Lord Jesus under the name of "Wisdom." He causes individuals to grow up into full maturity as Christians and nations to develop fully as godly nations.
<220404> Song of Solomon 4:4 (c) This may represent or describe the firm conviction of the church, her stamina, and her purpose of heart to serve God only.
<236601> Isaiah 66:1 (a) The thought expressed in regard to this building is found also in <182223>Job 22:23, <440749>Acts 7:49 and 20:32, <460312>1 Corinthians 3:12, and <510207>Colossians 2:7. It is the thought of developing in the life all various departments that make for a full, mature, Christian growth. There must be a good foundation and then a heating plant to keep the soul warm for God. There must be a place for meals, the dining room, for we must feed on the bread of life. A music room should be built, so that the heart will keep singing. Of course, there will be a library, for we are to keep studying, learning and reading. A bedroom is necessary so that we may rest, as He invites us to do. Besides this, there must also be light, water, the bath and the attic for storage. We should see that all these are developed as we grow in the knowledge of God and the service of the King.
<400724> Matthew 7:24 (a) We have a picture here of man's faith and works founded only upon the Lord Jesus, the Rock of Ages. In verse 26 the opposite is true.
<402661> Matthew 26:61 (b) Here the reference is to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, wherein His body, so badly disfigured on the cross, would be restored in three days to full strength and power.
<421428> Luke 14:28 (a) God expects that each of His children will endeavor to serve Him so that definite accomplishment will be left behind in that Christian life.
Moody built a tower, the Moody church and school. Livingston built a tower in Africa, the opening up of the dark continent to God. Dr. Bingham built a tower,
the Sudan Interior Mission. Hudson Taylor built a tower, the China Inland Mission. What tower are you building for God?
<451520> Romans 15:20 (a) Paul describes his work and ministry as a work of building. Those who heard him speak grew in grace as a building grows under the hand of the workman.
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<480218> Galatians 2:18 (b) This is a reference to the growth in grace and knowledge, as well as in fellowship and service which these people enjoyed to whom Paul preached. He said that he was not rebuilding the old faith of Israel, but was really building the new faith of the church.
<490222> Ephesians 2:22 (a) Here is represented the work of the Spirit of God wherein Christ is revealed to the heart, and the individual becomes one of God's children, a stone in the building of His mystical church.
<580303> Hebrews 3:3 (a) It is evident that Christ planned Israel's program and outlined the course they were to pursue in history.
They refused to have Christ as the cornerstone for the life of faith, they despised Him and rejected Him. (See also <402142>Matthew 21:42; <411210>Mark 12:10;
<422017>Luke 20:17; <440411>Acts 4:11; <600207>1 Peter 2:7.)
<262704> Ezekiel 27:4 (c) The city fathers planned the building of the city of Tyrus, but did not take God into their consideration. They built without the Lord, and the Lord destroyed their works.
<460310> 1 Corinthians 3:10 (a)Paul was the builder of churches. He did not carelessly organize these churches, he planned them carefully and according to the will of God. The word "church" does not refer to a building of wood and stone, but refers rather to the people who constitute the Church of God.
<581110> Hebrews 11:10 (a)The Lord Jesus said, "I will build my church." He is both
<402740> Matthew 27:40 (a) The enemies of the Lord Jesus were referring to His own statement which they quoted in regards to the raising up of His own body from the grave after the enemy had so cruelly disfigured it.
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BUILDETH — <201401> Proverbs 14:1 (a)This figure is used to describe definite planning in the home so that there will be provision for the knowledge of God, education, culture, food, rest and pleasure. (see also <242213> Jeremiah 22:13.)
<300906> Amos 9:6 (a) Only the eternal God with His unlimited and indescribable power could have made the heavens, and the heaven of heavens, so intelligently and so perfectly. He made everything with design. We read, "He made the stars also"
<460309> 1 Corinthians 3:9 (a) This is plainly a type of the church of God, which is the dwelling place of God on the earth. It does not refer to any denomination, nor any building of wood or stone. It refers to the gathering together of those who are saved by grace, washed in the blood of the Lamb, redeemed by power, and are actually and truly the children of God.
<470501> 2 Corinthians 5:1 (a) This type is used to describe the new body which each believer will have after the resurrection.
<490220> Ephesians 2:20-21 (a) In this place the building is used as a type of the church which the Lord is constructing by saving souls, bringing them into His family, and attaching them to each other by invisible bonds. Christ is constructing
for Himself a dwelling place on earth among His own children. This is called "the church" of which He Himself is the cornerstone, He is the architect and the contractor.
<580911> Hebrews 9:11 (a) The type here evidently refers to the personal body of the Lord Jesus. He calls it a temple which men would seek to destroy, but which He would raise up in three days. (See also <430219>John 2:19.)
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known before. God's mercy is always like the ocean for its fullness, but we must learn to understand it, appreciate it, and appropriate it more fully.
<243104> Jeremiah 31:4 (a)In this graphic way the Lord assures Israel that He will restore their national position and power by making their land again the "glory of all lands."
<261310> Ezekiel 13:10 (a) This figure represents the building of false claims in a false religion by false leaders. Examples are Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, Unity, Christian Science, Unitarianism, and many others.
<460314> 1 Corinthians 3:14 (a)Here we find represented a substantial work of God erected by a saint of God on the person and work of Jesus Christ. An example of this is the Sudan Interior Mission by Dr. Bingham, and the China Inland Mission by Hudson Taylor.
<600205> 1 Peter 2:5 (a) By this figure we see the work of God in constructing for His glory a group of Christians both local, national and international, which will be known as "His body, His house, His church, His family."
<196830> Psalm 68:30 (b)This is a type used to represent the strong, active, vicious enemies of Israel. (See also <233407>Isaiah 34:7.)
<235120> Isaiah 51:20 (a)The type here is used to present the people of Israel who were furious against God because He had poured out His wrath upon Jerusalem.
<245011> Jeremiah 50:11 (a)The enemies of God are compared to these violent wild animals who would gloat over Israel in their victorious march through the land.
Some who have been raised
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in Christian circles have heard much about Christ, and have read their Bibles more often so that they have a very large conception of His sufficiency--the bullock aspect. In this passage the animal represents the Lord Jesus as a sin offering. No other sacrifice is acceptable for sin except the perfect Lamb of God who perfectly met our need at Calvary. (See also
<470521> 2 Corinthians 5:21.) In <030105>Leviticus 1:5 the burnt offering also is typical of Christ offered for us. (See also under "OFFERINGS.")
<031627> Leviticus 16:27 (c)The animal here is a type of the Lord Jesus in His greatness and completeness. Because of this He is able to make the believer fit for heaven, and heaven fit for the believer.
<051701> Deuteronomy 17:1 (c) This animal is a picture of Christ Jesus in His sacrificial office as burnt offering. He is the only perfect one who could make a perfect sacrifice. All other sacrifices made by men are tainted and defiled with sin. God will have only a perfect offering. None can provide this except Jesus Christ Himself.
<243118> Jeremiah 31:18 (b)The speaker is Ephraim which is a name given to Israel when they were in a backslidden condition and were walking in disobedience to God. They complained of the punishment God was sending upon them, although they brought punishment upon them, by their own disobedience. They compared themselves to the bullock, which was being beaten for its idleness. It should have been in the yoke serving God.
<244621> Jeremiah 46:21 (a)Here we find a type of the leaders of Egypt. They had grown rich, proud and strong, but their end was to be punishment from God.
head, the heavy heart, and the distressed spirit of one who has been crushed by his circumstances.
<220113> Song of Solomon 1:13 (c) All of God's gracious lovingkindness and mercies are grouped by the psalmist, as a bundle is wrapped together.
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<401330> Matthew 13:30 (a)This represents unsaved people bound together according to their associations on earth-gamblers with gamblers, thieves with thieves, harlots with harlots, etc. Each kind is bound together and made to suffer together in hell. They fellowshipped together on earth in their sins, and now they are bound for punishment in eternity.
Perhaps this is also a beautiful illustration of the Lord Jesus. He too bowed down to bear the burden of God's relationship to the people and the relationship of the people to God. He bore God's righteous character and revealed God's judgments while He made provision for man's terrible need because of his sins.
<040415> Numbers 4:15-19 (c) This was a God-given load to bear for the glory of the Lord. Some burdens are liabilities-some are assets.
<050112> Deuteronomy 1:12 (b) Moses thus describes the great weight of responsibility that was upon him because of the problems connected with the tremendous host he was leading to the promised land.
<193804> Psalm 38:4 (b) The word is used to describe the load of sin which crushed David's spirit.
<195522> Psalm 55:22 (b) This is a description of any weight of grief or sorrow, any
distressing problem or situation which should be brought to the Lord for His sustaining grace and power. (See also <211205>Ecclesiastes 12:5.)
<198106> Psalm 81:6 (b) This is a beautiful way of saying that God sometimes leaves the load of grief, sorrow and trouble which weighs down the heart and spirit, but removes the person from under the weight of it. In this case, the burden was left but the person was removed from it, and became a singing, rejoicing believer even though the burden remained. This is one of the three ways in which the Lord relieves His distressed children. As an example, we may think of the father and mother who have an afflicted child. There is no way of removing that burden, but God does provide that
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the hearts of the parents may be radiant, happy and trustful even though the sorrow remains.
<230904> Isaiah 9:4 (b) Here we find that God delivers His people from the grievous yoke of the enemy so that they may be free to serve Him.
<231501> Isaiah 15:1 (a) Here the burden is the sad story of God's judgments upon Moab. Frequently when God told of the punishment He was preparing to mete out to the enemy, the story is described as a "burden." (See also <231701>Isaiah 17:1; 19:1; 21:1, 11, 13; 22:1, 25; 23:1; 30:6.)
<234601> Isaiah 46:1-2 (b) Probably the Lord is telling us that the sins, sorrows and sufferings of these wicked people were like a heavy load on the hearts and the lives of every living thing in the land.
<242333> Jeremiah 23:33 (b)The question is asked concerning what message there is from the Lord about punishment and retribution. (See also <242336> Jeremiah 23:36, 38.)
<250214> Lamentations 2:14 (b) The word is used here to describe the false information given by false prophets to bring fear upon the people.
<261210> Ezekiel 12:10 (b) Here is a message concerning punishment and judgment against the leaders of Israel. (See also Hosea. 8:10; <340101>Nahum 1:1;
<381201>Zechariah 12:1; <390101>Malachi 1:1.)
<402304> Matthew 23:4 (b) The word is used in this case concerning religious laws, rules and programs formulated by false religions and forced upon the worshippers in that faith. (See also <421146>Luke 11:46.)
<020302> Exodus 3:2 (c) This expression is a picture of God's presence and power in the midst of Israel and also in the midst of His church. God's people are really blessed by His presence and are not destroyed.
<183030> Job 30:30 (b) Job let his extreme pain and suffering as he sat in the ashes as though a fire was kindled in his body.
<193903> Psalm 39:3 (b)The spirit was thoroughly aroused and stirred because the feelings were repressed and held in.
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<198946> Psalm 89:46 (b) The psalmist did not want God's anger to be increased and poured out upon the people.
<230131> Isaiah 1:31 (b) This is a description of the fierce wrath of God which will destroy the enemies of Israel.
<230324> Isaiah 3:24 (b) This is a description of the fever, the pain and the sorrow in the human body that destroys its beauty.
<230404> Isaiah 4:4 (b) This undoubtedly refers to the cleansing power of the Spirit of God when He comes forth in judgment. (See also <400311>Matthew 3:11;
<440203>Acts 2:3.)
<231017> Isaiah 10:17 (a) Here is described the punishment which God would execute upon the King of Assyria.
<232704> Isaiah 27:4 (b) Here is a picture of the destructive power of the Lord God Almighty who will conquer every enemy.
Isaiah 40:I 6 (b) This wonderful passage tells us the story of the insufficiency of all man's sacrifice and offering. Lebanon is a mountain six miles wide and fifty miles long. It was covered with a very thick forest of trees of many kinds, principally cedars. It was a hunter's paradise, for the thick undergrowth harbored many kinds of wild animals. In this Scripture the Lord is telling us that if all the burnable materials on that mountain, trees, bushes, vines and grasses, were to be piled up to make one great bonfire and then if all the animals were killed and placed upon the top of that bonfire to be offered as a sacrifice to God, this would not be sufficient to put away the sins of Israel. The greatest thing that any man can do is not sufficient to save his soul. Only the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient to satisfy God's demands.
<250203> Lamentations 2:3 (b) God is informing us that He was filled with just anger against the evil doings of His people.
<390401> Malachi 4:1 (b) We learn from this type that a terrible day of retribution and judgment is ahead when God will come forth in power to punish His enemies. It has no reference whatever to the "annihilation of the wicked" in eternity. It refers to the destruction of nations from this earth. This was done in the case of the Canaanites, Philistines, Amalekites, Jebusites and other enemies of Israel. They have been blotted from the earth, and so far as we know there are no descendants to be found.
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<400312> Matthew 3:12 (a) This refers to the literal fire of hell in which sinners must spend eternity.
<421235> Luke 12:35 (a) This term is used to describe a clear, bright testimony for God, which would illuminate and inspire those who came under its influence.
<422432> Luke 24:32 (a) The warm and delightful feeling produced in the heart when God speaks words of comfort and love to His people is thus described.
<430535> John 5:35 (a) This refers to the active, forceful testimony of John the Baptist. His messages entered into the souls and hearts of the people and left a permanent impression.
<450127> Romans 1:27 (a)The word is used here to indicate a wild, unrestrained desire that was fed and nourished by the sinner.
<460709> 1 Corinthians 7:9 (b) In this way is described the torment or unsatisfied passion in the body.
<471129> 2 Corinthians 11:29 (b)The word in this passage describes the deep desire in the soul of the servant of God for the blessing of others.
<030104> Leviticus 1:4 (c)The offering in this Scripture is the first in the five offerings. It represents our entire self being acceptable to God in the person of the perfect Lord Jesus Christ. He makes us acceptable to God by the sacrifice of Himself, and then our service can be acceptable to God. Christ had to die for our character as well as our conduct.
<150302> Ezra 3:2 (c) Here this offering represents the person and work of the Lord Jesus offered to God for the nation of Israel. By this sacrifice the nation would be acceptable to God in the new enterprise of rebuilding Jerusalem.
<195119> Psalm 51:19 (c) By this means David indicated that after confession and cleansing he would be acceptable to God--this is typical of the perfection of the Savior offered in our stead.
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<234016> Isaiah 40:16 (c) If all the thousands of animals on the broad slopes of Lebanon were gathered together to make a burnt offering to God, this tremendous sacrifice would not be sufficient to put away one sin, nor would it equal the offering of the Lord Jesus Christ for our sins. (See also under "OFFERING.")
<240220> Jeremiah 2:20 (b)Here is a figure to represent God's delivering hand for Israel from her enemies, the Assyrians. (See also <243008>Jeremiah 30:8; <340113> Nahum 1:13.)
<240505> Jeremiah 5:5 (b) Here is the story of the great men of Israel who refused to bow to the law of God and threw off the yoke of the Lord that they might be joined to idols.
BURY — <450604> Romans 6:4 (b) This probably means that the convert is placed under the waters of baptism as a public confession that he died with Christ, was placed in the tomb with Him, and rose again with Christ to walk in newness of life. It is a testimony of identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. (See also <510212>Colossians 2:12.)
<053316> Deuteronomy 33:16 (b) It refers to the unusual character of God's presence on the earth as contrasted with the greatness of heaven.
<420644> Luke 6:44 (b) This is descriptive of a small character who never gives out
blessing but injures and damages those who come near him.
BUSHEL — <400515> Matthew 5:15 (b) A type of business affairs under which some Christians bury their testimony. (See also <421133>Luke 11:33.)
<420249> Luke 2:49 (a) The work of serving His heavenly Father and doing all the things His Father sent Him to do is thus described.
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<451211> Romans 12:11 (a) It may refer to one's secular occupation but more likely refers to the work of the Lord in all of its many phases.
<520411> 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (a) This refers to any work which is honest and honorable and through which remuneration is received for living expenses.
<182906> Job 29:6 (b) This is a type of great prosperity and abundant riches in the things of earth. These are had because the living Lord of heaven commands His daily blessing of His obedient child.
<195521> Psalm 55:21 (a) This is a type, because of its slippery and greasy character, of the deceitful and clever statements made by the ungodly in order to mislead the hearer.
<230715> Isaiah 7:15 (b) This rich food here represents the abundant blessings which Jesus received from His heavenly Father in great quantity even while a child on earth.
<660318> Revelation 3:18 (b)Here is described the attitude of helpless dependence upon God for those blessings which will transform the life and make it worthwhile.
BYWORD — <052837> Deuteronomy 28:37 (a) Here we find that in the day of Israel's rejection and disobedience she would be called by hateful names which the natives of different countries would apply to her in the various places where she would be scattered. (See also <242409>Jeremiah 24:9.)
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<110907> 1 Kings 9:7 (a) Here is another prophecy from God that the Jews would receive sneers and be called hateful names by their neighbors. (See also <140720>2 Chronicles 7:20; <194414>Psalm 44:14.)
<181706> Job 17:6 (b) Job's name was ridiculed among his acquaintances because of his misfortunes. See also <183009>Job 30:9.
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