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<040625> Numbers 6:25 (a) Lest we should be so occupied with our blessings that we forget the Blesser, our attention is called in this prayer to the fact that after we are made rich by the blessing of God, then we are to gaze upon His lovely face, and thus be occupied with Him. (See also <193116>Psalm 31:16; 67:1; 69:17; 80:3;
143:7.)
<192708> Psalm 27:8 (b) To seek the face of the Lord means to come into His presence in confession and contrition, to believe His word and to seek His fellowship until there is a consciousness in the heart that there is nothing between the soul and the Savior. Then one may commune with Him freely.
<230315> Isaiah 3:15 (b)The expression here refers to the suppressing of the poor until their faces show the anxiety and the distress that they are suffering from such oppression.
<232507> Isaiah 25:7 (a) This may refer to the shadow of death which hangs over all people. Or it may refer to the unbelief that shrouds people's hearts in darkness.
<260106> Ezekiel 1:6 (b) These four faces represent four aspects of the Lord Jesus Christ. These four figures were embroidered on the four banners which were displayed in the four camps of Israel as they encamped around the tabernacle, three on each of the four sides. These four aspects of Christ characterize the four gospels. Matthew explains the lion characteristics of Christ: Mark describes the
ox character; Luke presents the human character; and John represents the Deity of our Lord. (See also <261014>Ezekiel 10:14; <660407>Revelation 4:7.)
<263818> Ezekiel 38:18 (a) This is the picture of a man whose anger is seen in his countenance as the face reddens and the mouth tightens. God uses this picture to describe His feelings.
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<234007> Isaiah 40:7-8 (a) When the curse of God is on the people, all their blessings depart and drouth, pestilence and the sword destroy all signs of prosperity. The word "fade" is used here to describe that scene of desolation.
<236406> Isaiah 64:6 (a) This is a marvelous comparison of the autumn leaves with people who have reached old age. Some leaves fade into sear, yellow, curled, worm-eaten objects which no one admires. They are raked and burned. Other leaves fall and are more beautiful than when they were on the trees. The beautiful crimson, scarlet, or golden tints, the orange shades, the glossy surface, make some leaves a beautiful work of art. These leaves are often saved because of their beauty. So it is with people; some, as they grow older, become crabbed, sour, and most difficult to live with. When they die, they are hurried away. No one cares.
Others grow more beautiful and more delightful as the years go by. They are a joy to all who know them. When they die, they are sadly missed and their memory is cherished. (See also <230130>Isaiah 1:30.)
<264712> Ezekiel 47:12 (a) Here is a graphic picture of a church or a community in which the Spirit of God is working unhindered. The trees represent the Godly leaders, the preachers, the teachers, who are feeding the saints of God with heavenly manna, and whose testimonies (leaves) are bright, constant and unfailing.
<590111> James 1:11 (a) As the flower wilts and withers when there is no rain and the sun is hot, so the rich man will droop as age comes on and the pleasures of life fail.
<600104> 1 Peter 1:4 (b) This is an expression used to compare the earthly inheritance that shrivels and shrinks with the heavenly inheritance which grows brighter and better.
FALL — <170613> Esther 6:13 (a) This expression is used to describe the defeat of Haman at the hands of the Jews. He would be deposed from his high and exalted position in the kingdom. This of course took place soon. (See also <190510>Psalm 5:10; 141:10.)
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<170903> Esther 9:3 (a) The word is used to describe the great fear and apprehension that fell upon the people because of the power given to Mordecai, the Jew.
<202627> Proverbs 26:27 (a)This act is used to describe the conditions of that one who is caught in his own evil schemes and is injured by the plot which he intended for others.
<580606> Hebrews 6:6 (a)The action referred to in this passage has no reference whatever to a Christian. It refers to one who has attached himself to Christianity as glasses are attached to the face, or as earrings are attached to the ears. The ears never fall away, nor does the nose, for they are a part of the body. The Christian is a part of the body of Jesus Christ, as is described fully in Ephesians. Professing Christians are attached to the church, or the people of God, as Judas was, but they are not a part of that living group known as the Church of Jesus Christ, or the body of the Lord Jesus. There are those who profess to be saved but have never really been born again. They pretend to adhere to the doctrines of Christ, but under pressure and persecution they turn their backs on Christ and repudiate that which they pretended at one time to believe.
FAMILIAR — <092807> 1 Samuel 28:7 (a) It was generally thought that certain witches, necromancers, soothsayers, magicians and astrologers were in intimate association with certain spirits in the other world. This group of people taught that those with whom they communicated in the other world would listen to their call and come back to earth with a message. These folk claimed to be able to reach out into eternity and call for the appearance of anyone they desired. It was a devilish program which was condemned severely by God. The Lord said, "Should the living seek to the dead?" ( <230819>Isaiah 8:19). We cannot be on familiar terms with anyone who has died except our Lord Jesus Christ for He came back from the dead and called on us to have fellowship with Him.
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<421514> Luke 15:14 (b) The gifts of God may be used up, but the love of God never fails. This boy left his father's home, which is a type of walking with and loving our Lord, to seek his pleasures in the far-off country, which represents the world. He found that all that the world offered him soon failed. Nothing that the world gives can satisfy the craving of the human heart. The world with its pleasures and its pursuits fails to satisfy the craving of the heart. The person must return to God, he must come again under the protection of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, and thus enjoy fellowship with God.
<240411> Jeremiah 4:11 (a)This is not a constructive wind, as when the chaff is fanned out from the wheat, but it is a destructive wind to increase the damage, as when a wind causes the fire to scatter through the forest or to spread from house to house. The enemy would destroy Jerusalem.
<241507> Jeremiah 15:7 (b)This represents the great power of God's destructive wrath. As one fans a fire in order to make it burn more brightly, so the Lord will watch over His wrath to make it burn more fiercely upon those who forsake Him.
<245102> Jeremiah 51:2 (a)The process of punishment is reversed in this Scripture and the enemies of the Jews are being punished themselves. Babylon is conquered and scattered by her enemies. God really did wipe out that great city with a destroying wind. (See also <245101>Jeremiah 51:1.)
<420317> Luke 3:17 (b) This is descriptive of a farmer who, with his fan and the wind produced by it, separates the chaff from the wheat. So Christ will separate those who are His from those who are not, in the great day of judgment. (See also
<400312>Matthew 3:12.) The chaff referred to in this passage are those folk who are of no value at all to God. (See also under "CHAFF.")
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from food in itself evidently has little, if any, value in God's sight. It is the leaving of the duty of preparing and eating the meal, so that there may be time for serving others, for prayer for others, and for enriching the soul from God's Word. Several hours a day are consumed in preparing and eating meals. That time may well be used once in a while for more profitable service and devotion. From five to seven hours a day are consumed in preparing meals, eating them, and in cleaning up after them. Fasting eliminates the loss of that time, so that the person may devote himself fully to the things of God, both for his own blessing, and the blessing of others. (See also <400617>Matthew 6:17; <410219>Mark 2:19; <421812>Luke 18:12,
<441302>Acts 13:2.)
<232223> Isaiah 22:23 (a) God has set Christ securely in history and in prophecy, so that He can never be avoided, evaded, nor obscured.
<420420> Luke 4:20 (a) The audience gazed intently upon our Lord so as to miss nothing that was said or done by Him. (See also <441106>Acts 11:6.)
<014920> Genesis 49:20 (a) What Asher appropriated, received and enjoyed was for his blessing and profit. Because of this that which he gave out to others was profitable and helpful to them. The lesson for us is that if we would give out that which brings joy, gladness and help to others, we must ourselves feed on the Living Bread, and drink the Living Water.
<030316> Leviticus 3:16 (c)This may be taken as a type of the rich blessings of life, health, money, gifts and talents which may be the portion of a Christian. All these should be recognized as gifts belonging to the Lord and Savior, and not used or appropriated for ourselves.
<053215> Deuteronomy 32:15 (b) This word is used to express the fact that when Israel (Jeshurun) became powerful with a great army, then they rebelled against God, kicked over the traces, and began living a life of rebellion. (See also
<053120>Deuteronomy 31:20; <201304>Proverbs 13:4; 15:30, 28:25.)
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<090229> 1 Samuel 2:29 (a) These wicked sons were making themselves rich and wealthy by taking that which belonged to the Lord because it had been dedicated to the Lord. They were stealing from God. (See also <192229>Psalm 22:29.)
<100122> 2 Samuel 1:22 (b) Jonathan conquered the power of the enemy though they were great, strong, mighty and wealthy. (See also <230517>Isaiah 5:17.)
<230610> Isaiah 6:10 (a) This is a type or a picture of a good thing in a wrong place. Fat in or on or around the heart hinders its beating, and its proper operation. So when one's riches, power and position control the heart and life, that person is hindered in his service for and devotion to the Lord.
<233406> Isaiah 34:6 (a) Here we find a type of the success of God's avenging hand in destroying the land and the people who rebelled against Him.
<235811> Isaiah 58:11 (a) This is a beautiful type of the goodness of the great God of heaven in enriching the lives of those who walk with Him, and obey His Word. (See also <014518>Genesis 45:18.)
<263414> Ezekiel 34:14 (a) This is a figure of the blessing of God upon the fields, the homes, the business and the lives of those who love Him, walk with Him, and obey Him. (See also <041320>Numbers 13:20; <160810>Nehemiah 8:10; 9:25;
<232506>Isaiah 25:6; 28:1; 30:23.)
<199104> Psalm 91:4 (b)They represent the protecting care of God over His children as the hen covers her baby chicks.
<261703> Ezekiel 17:3, 7 (a) This is a picture of the fanciful spread, or gaudy show made by these two kings. They clothed themselves with pomp. The display of beauty and wealth on the outside covered the wickedness of their hearts on the inside.
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<071626> Judges 16:26 (c) Samson felt the pillars, he realized their strength and their strength and their size, but was not dismayed by that. He believed God, and because of his faith he accomplished his purpose. Let us also consider every situation in life, and then look to God to work the necessary miracle. (See also
<450419>Romans 4:19.)
<195809> Psalm 58:9 (b) Thorns were used to make a fire beneath the pots. They were fit for nothing but burning. The Lord is describing the suddenness with which His wrath would come upon His enemies. There would not be a gradual approach to the storm, as would be when the thorn fire gradually heats up the pot.
<441727> Acts 17:27 (a) Our Lord indicates that men are blind and therefore cannot see God as they should. They therefore reach out the hand of faith and find God by faith. Then He opens their eyes to see, and know, and understand Him.
<102234> 2 Samuel 22:34 (a) Here we find a picture of the way God equips His children for the rough paths of life. Sometimes He smoothes out the road.
Sometimes He removes mountains, exalts the valleys, and makes the crooked places straight. However, sometimes He leaves the road filled with stones, and the mountains steep and apparently inaccessible, but He fixes up His child to enjoy the difficulties, and to surmount them easily. The hind is a mountain deer with small feet. It feels quite at home among the cliffs and chasms of the mountain range, and has no difficulty traversing them. So the Lord equips His people to overcome obstacles, and to live happy lives in the midst of difficulties. (See also <191833>Psalm 18:33, 36;. <102237>2 Samuel 22:37; <350319>Habakkuk
3:19.)
<110205> 1 Kings 2:5 (a) This is a reference to the evil way of Joab in killing those whom he thought might hinder his leadership, and replace him as the general of the army.
<120935> 2 Kings 9:35 (b) This is a three-fold picture. The skull represents the thoughts and the teachings which this wicked woman established in Israel. Her feet represented her evil ways and wicked walk which still were copied by the people of Israel after she was dead. Her hands represented her wicked works which still afflicted Israel.
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<181205> Job 12:5 (b) By this picture we may understand one who is willing to go astray in paths of sin and wants no one to enlighten him on the error of his way, nor warn him of its consequences.
<182915> Job 29:15 (a) Job is using this illustration to describe his ministry as a messenger to those who could not walk. He took food and supplies to those who could not otherwise obtain them. He is telling us that he was a friend, and a liberal friend, to the poor.
<183012> Job 30:12 (a) This describes to us those young people who were insulting the old servant of God, and who rejected both his company and his counsel.
<183311> Job 33:11 (a) God had so afflicted Job that he could not go about his business as he would like, nor enter into the activities of life.
<192515> Psalm 25:15 (a) David pictures himself as a bird caught and entangled by his enemies in great difficulties. God would save him out of these perplexities by His wonderful love and power. (See also <193108>Psalm 31:8 <250113> Lamentations 1:13.)
<194002> Psalm 40:2 (a) This is a type of the solid foundation for our faith and our safety, Christ Jesus, the rock of Ages.
<196609> Psalm 66:9 (a) By this is represented the safekeeping from God of those who walk with Him in fellowship and obedience.
<197302> Psalm 73:2 (a) Asaph was so confused by what he saw of the prosperity of the wicked that he contemplated going into wicked ways himself. God, however, preserved and kept him from following such a path, and revealed to him the end of the road which the wicked take.
<197403> Psalm 74:3 (a) This great singer is calling upon God to hurry to Jerusalem with His delivering power because of the dire need and the wretched condition of Israel.
<200613> Proverbs 6:13 (a)The wicked man leads others to walk in wicked ways with him. He invites his friends to go astray in paths of sin with him.
<200628> Proverbs 6:28 (a)This is a type of the damaging effects of sin in a man's life. The hot coals represent sinful deeds, and the one who plays with them will surely suffer from them.
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<201902> Proverbs 19:2 (a)This represents a warning to consider carefully the walk and the way in which we go as to whether it is right or wrong, and whether it has the approval of God.
<202606> Proverbs 26:6 (a) Here we find a picture of failure. If we want to accomplish our ends we must not commit the work to one who is irresponsible.
<202905> Proverbs 29:5 (a)This is an injunction to help our neighbor to live a good and useful life by not feeding his pride.
<220701> Song of Solomon 7:1 (a) By this we are taught that our walk must be made safe and comfortable, as well as beautiful and attractive through the death of our Savior. Shoes are made from the hide of a dead animal. So our natural walk must be covered over with the life of our lovely Lord, so that we may "walk with the Lord in the light of His Word."
<230602> Isaiah 6:2 (b) Even these heavenly beings felt that their walk and way were not fit to be seen by the Lord. How much more do we need to be covered by the blood of Christ and by His robe of righteousness.
<230720> Isaiah 7:20 (a) In this way God is warning Israel that He will send the King of Assyria to execute terrible vengeance on them, even to the smallest details of their lives.
<241316> Jeremiah 13:16 (a)This is a picture of the confusion and chaos that would come on Israel if they turned their backs on the God of heaven who is the light of life.
<260107> Ezekiel 1:7 (a) All of this passage depicts the Lord Jesus in several aspects. These feet are typical of the straight and sure and godly walk of Christ as He lived on earth. It may mean also that as the feet of the calf lead it to the altar for
sacrifice, so the feet of the Lord Jesus led Him to Calvary to die for us.
<261625> Ezekiel 16:25 (a) This figure is used to express the sinful lusts of Israel as they invited their neighbors, who were really their enemies, to come in and to bring with them evil pleasures for the enjoyment of Israel.
<263202> Ezekiel 32:2 (a) Pharoah provided for the people that which defiled them, and enabled them to live in wicked practices. (See also <263418>Ezekiel 34:18.)
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<270233> Daniel 2:33, 42 (a) These represent a kingdom ruled over by ten kings. This kingdom would be on an insecure foundation. It would be made up of elements that would not work together. It may be that this kingdom is the revived Roman Empire. If so, it is mentioned also in <270707>Daniel 7:7 and 19.
<271006> Daniel 10:6 (a) Here is a type of the perfect walk of our Lord. His walk and His way were bright in effect, solid and substantial in purpose. (See also
<660115>Revelation 1:15; 2:18.)
<340103> Nahum 1:3 (a) This is a figure from country life. When clouds of dust arise in the road, we know that someone is coming along the way. So, clouds of trouble in the life of a believer tell us that God is near. He said, "When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee." He also said, "I will be with him in trouble." He has not promised to keep His children out of trouble. He has promised to preserve us when we go through the trouble.
<340115> Nahum 1:15 (c)This indicates that the pathway of the gospel messenger was blessed of God to bring joy to many hearts. (See also <451015>Romans 10:15.)
Habakkuk. 3:19 (a)The prophet is telling us that the Lord fixed him up in such a way that difficulties, obstacles, and mountains in his path were easy to traverse and a delight to his heart as the mountain deer (hind) delights in the cliffs and chasms of the mountain.
<490615> Ephesians 6:15 (b)We cannot live the gospel. We can, however, and should, walk in such a way that people will listen to what we say. The feet are not shod with the gospel. That must come from our lips. The feet (our walk) should be of such a character that it will make it easy for people to believe what we say when we give them the gospel.
FEET (UNDER) — <102210> 2 Samuel 22:10 (a) This figure is used to describe the complete control that God will have and does have over His enemies. Noone can successfully fight against God. In His own good time, He triumphs completely and every enemy is crushed. (See also <191809>Psalm 18:9.)
<102239> 2 Samuel 22:39 (a) The thought in this passage is quite similar to the one above. God controls the actions of His enemies, as He pleases, and forces them to obey His will. This truth is to be seen in the case of the King of Babylon whom God described as His "battle ax" to subdue the nations.
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Having accomplished this purpose, God destroyed the Babylonian empire. (See also <199113>Psalm 91:13.)
<190806> Psalm 8:6 (a) God has made the Lord Jesus Christ the sovereign Lord over all creation. Every knee must bow to Him, and every tongue must confess to Him. Every voice is to acclaim Him Lord of all. (See also <461525>1 Corinthians 15:25- 27; <490122>Ephesians 1:22; <580208>Hebrews 2:8.)
<451620> Romans 16:20 (a) God will yet triumph over all the plans of the devil, and will subdue Satan and his hosts. (See also <010315>Genesis 3:15.)
<661201> Revelation 12:1 (a) Probably the description that is given is to inform us that this woman is the nation of Israel. This nation began with Jacob (Israel) as we read in <013707>Genesis 37:7, 9. In this passage, the sun represents Jacob, the father, the moon represents Joseph's mother, the stars represent the other brothers. For that reason in the passage before us, the Lord is identifying the woman as the one represented by those figures way back in Jacob's day.
FEET — (wash) <023019>Exodus 30:19 (c) Perhaps this figure indicates that our work and our walk must be clean as we enter into God's service.
(See Exodus 21; 40:31.)
<195810> Psalm 58:10 (b) This unusual picture describes the complete victory that God's people will eventually have over all their enemies. It may be that this refers definitely to the time when Israel will be the head of the nations, having conquered and subdued all her enemies.
<220503> Song of Solomon 5:3 (c) In this passage we may see the utter devotion of
the child of God to his Lord. He has removed his coat for whole-hearted work in the harvest field, and he has cleansed his feet from evil ways that he may walk humbly and softly with God. Certainly no other walk would be desirable nor permissible between these two lovers.
<431305> John 13:5-14 (b) By this service we are to learn that the Lord Jesus took the humble place, and so should we. He served the disciples in lowliness of mind, heart and position, and so we should serve each other. He indicated by this service that He would cleanse our ways for us, that we might walk in a clean path. He also assured Peter that He would continue this service from heaven and that we also should help to encourage each
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other in paths of godliness. (See also <19B909>Psalm 119:9; <490526>Ephesians 5:26; <540510> 1 Timothy 5:10.)
FELL — <400725> Matthew 7:25, 27 (a) Christ is warning us in this passage that if we build in this life on any other foundation than Himself, we shall not be able to stand in the Judgment Day. He is the Rock of Ages, the Cornerstone, the rock foundation. Good works, religious observances, church activities, gifts of money, and all other such activities, if depended on for salvation, will be like the sinking sand, and the sinner will not be able to endure the storm of God's judgment if he depends upon these. (See also <420649>Luke 6:49.)
<401304> Matthew 13:4 (a) This parable represents the ministry of God's Word by the servant of God. The action of the seed falling represents the Word of God, coming upon the ears of listeners. The various attitudes of heart to those messages are represented by the various kinds of soil on which the seed is placed. (See also
<410404>Mark 4:4; <420805>Luke 8:5.)
<421030> Luke 10:30 (b) This picture probably represents the treatment that the world gives to most of its own people. The world takes from its followers their money, their health, their time, and oftentimes their lives. The world gives nothing in exchange for this robbery, but leaves the victim half dead. The person is spiritually dead, but physically alive.
<440125> Acts 1:25 (a) Judas was in an exalted position, being called by Christ to be one of the twelve. When he turned against the Savior, denied Him, and sold Him, then he lost that exalted place, and became the world's worst.
<660613> Revelation 6:13 (a) Stars in the book of Revelation represent great personalities. There comes a time when God cleans out the heavens of all these powerful, wicked ones and they are cast to the earth. Satan himself is one of the
stars. Of his own free will he strikes down upon sinners from heaven as lightning strikes suddenly and destructively. (See also <421018>Luke 10:18.) God permits the devil to exercise his power from heavenly places so that he strikes as lightning strikes, but no one can possibly say, "I have him under control." In the passage under consideration, as also in
<660810> Revelation 8:10, we are informed that these mighty and wicked angelic beings are permitted to come upon this earth from their position of power to injure and harm the inhabitants.
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<181011> Job 10:11 (a) Because of Job's great troubles, trials and suffering, he wanted to die. He was not able to die, and so he describes the limitations of his body by this figure.
lob 19:8 (a) Job felt that his hope of escape could not be found. All his resources were gone, his friends failed him, his health had departed, and he was left alone. He describes these experiences as being a fence which held him to his ash pile.
<196203> Psalm 62:3 (a) There is some irony in this Scripture and some misery with it. David asks his enemies whether they regard him as a bowing wall or a tottering fence which they can easily destroy. He reminds them that this is not true, and that God will destroy them instead of they destroying him.
<230502> Isaiah 5:2 (a) This figure represents the protection that God gave to Israel when he brought them into the land of Canaan and put His fear upon the nations round about so that they could develop themselves into a mighty kingdom.
Instead of appreciating this wonderful protection, they discarded His care, and became followers of the idolatry of the neighboring nations.
<241520> Jeremiah 15:20 (a)God assured Jeremiah that when he stood as a warning against Israel and reproved them for their sins, he would be fully protected and preserved by the God who sent him on this mission.
difficulties which bother many hearts and hinder their usefulness. The touch of Christ on the life will bring peace. (See also <430452>John 4:52.)
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together in the field. The weeds will take the crop. (See also
<052209> Deuteronomy 22:9.)
<199612> Psalm 96:12 (c) This probably is a picture of the blessed condition of this earth during the millennial reign of Christ. There will be no weeds, no burrs, no poison ivy, but the fields will be fertile, and will abound with flowers, grains and those things which bring joy to the heart of man.
<231610> Isaiah 16:10 (c)This probably is a picture of the famine, dearth and drouth that would overtake Israel, or Moab, or any other nation when they become worshippers of idols and have no love for the God of heaven.
<261705> Ezekiel 17:5 (a) Babylon in this case is represented as a field into which the King of Babylon took the leaders of Israel and most of the people. There they were to grow and become strong again before returning to Israel.
<401338> Matthew 13:38 (a) This is a name given to the various countries of the earth in which there is a harvest of souls to be gathered for the Lord.
<430435> John 4:35 (c) It is used here to describe the crops of grain upon which the reaper was to work. The grain represents people with whom the Spirit has been dealing and has made ready for salvation.
<192109> Psalm 21:9 (a) By this picture we learn that God will punish His enemies eternally in the lake of fire. Even in this life the ungodly suffer the consequences of their disobedience to God. They will be in pain as a burning from the results of
their sins. (See also <581027>Hebrews 10:27.)
<231429> Isaiah 14:29 (a) Though the King of Assyria should depart from them, his posterity would yet pursue and injure Israel, destroying their land, and appropriating their property.
<270709> Daniel 7:9-10 (a) This is a type of the severity and certainty of God's judgments wherein He executes wrath upon all the guilty.
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<340203> Nahum 2:3 (a) Some think that this is a definite reference to the operation of motor vehicles by electricity. It may refer to the speed with which they would operate, as well as the power of operation.
<490616> Ephesians 6:16 (a) Here is a picture of the fierce attacks which Satan will make on God's people by the malicious tongues of his followers, and by persecution.
<600412> 1 Peter 4:12 (a) By this is indicated the time of suffering and persecution that awaits God's people from Satan and his followers.
FIG — (leaves) <010307>Genesis 3:7 (c) These leaves may be a type of human righteousness which is used as a shield to hide human sins. The fig tree produces beautiful, large, soft, velvety leaves which are very attractive and lovely to feel. Man's religion is quite like that. He knows he is not fit to stand in the presence of God, and so he manufactures a religious program and thinks that this will be sufficient. Fig leaves shrink very quickly and reduce in size to about one-fourth their original size. Thus they fail to hide the parts as they should. So it is with human religions. They are not sufficient to cover man's sin and need. Only the blood of Christ is sufficient as a covering that satisfies the demands of God.
FIG — (tree) <070910>Judges 9:10-11 (b) This is an allegory. Gideon was the fig tree. Jotham his son was the vine, Abimelech was the bramble. Jotham in speaking to Israel reminded them that while both he and his father really cared for the blessing and the good of the nation, Abilmelech would not be a blessing, but would be to them a curse and would bring only sorrow and trouble to them.
<110425> 1 Kings 4:25 (c) This is an interesting type of general prosperity. There would be no mortgages and no debts, but each man would own his own property and be able to recline at ease in his own home. (See also
<330404> Micah 4:4; <380310>Zechariah 3:10.)
<121831> 2 Kings 18:31 (b) This is a promise from the King of Babylon that if the Jews would come over to him, surrender to him, and yield themselves to him, he would take them away to a fruitful land and give them their freedom. (See also
<233616>Isaiah 36:16.)
<220213> Song of Solomon 2:13 (a) This is a type of the prosperity of Israel as a nation. Their fruit trees would abound in fruit, and their fields would be fertile and productive.
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<233404> Isaiah 34:4 (a) This represents the result of God's curse on the nation. He will cause all blessings to cease so that the land will be barren. (See also
<240813> Jeremiah 8:13; <350317>Habakkuk 3:17.)
<340312> Nahum 3:12 (b)This is a type of the curse that is to come upon Nineveh. Their riches and their treasures would fall an easy prey to the invader.
<280910> Hosea 9:10 (a) God chose Israel in the beginning as a nation which would be full of possibilities for His glory; it would be a nation giving Him an opportunity to manifest His wisdom, His power, and His grace.
<290107> Joel 1:7 (b) The Lord uses this type to describe the action of the enemy in their damage to Israel so that she could not, and would not, bring forth fruit unto God. However, in <290222>Joel 2:22 God promises a restoration.
<350317> Habakkuk 3:17 (b) Here we find a picture of utter desolation. The lack or the absence of flowers was certain evidence that there would be no fruit in the future. The lack of grapes on the vines indicated a present need. The efforts of the olive trees to become fine fruitful trees would fail, and there would be no oil for the use of the owner. The barren fields would tell the story of dearth and drouth.
The flock cut off from the fold would indicate either the invasion of the enemy who would steal the cattle, or else the prevalence of a disease which would kill off the animals. The empty stalls would assure them that there would be no milk, no meat, and no supply for their needs. In spite of this absence of all prosperity, the heart of this servant of God would still sing and rejoice in God. (See
<370219>Haggai 2:19.)
<402119> Matthew 21:19 (b) Here as usual the fig tree is a type of the nation of Israel in its political aspect. The Lord cursed the fig tree, but not an olive tree. The olive
tree represents Israel from the religious viewpoint. Paul tells in his epistle that the believers are grafted into the olive tree, not into the fig tree. We do come to Israel's God, but we do not become a part of the nation of Israel. You will note that this passage does not say that Christ expected to find figs, but it says "if haply He might find." It was not the season for figs actually, and neither was it the season for blessing in Israel, for they were slaves to Rome, and were living in rebellion and hypocrisy to God. The cursing of the fig tree was really not a curse. All the Savior said was, "No fruit grow on thee." Peter considered this a curse.
This was really a type of the coming destruction of the nation of Israel as a political power. This was accomplished at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem.
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<402432> Matthew 24:32 (a) The budding of this tree refers to the beginning of the restoration of the nation of Israel as a political power. We see these "buds" appearing today. The nation has been formed in Palestine. A good part of the country is controlled by the Jews. They have their own government, postage, coinage and educational institutions. All of this is just an evidence of the coming greatness of that great nation. One day they will conquer Jerusalem entirely, will expel all foreign influences, will destroy the Mosque of the Mohammedans, and will establish their king again upon his throne in that great city. (See also
<422129>Luke 21:29.)
<421306> Luke 13:6 (a)This fig tree represents Israel as a political nation. During the three years that Christ was preaching on the earth, He sought to bring them back to God by His ministry. He sought to restore the real worship of the true God.
<440539> Acts 5:39 (a) This figure is used to describe the persecution of God's people by their enemies, and the refusal of these enemies to bow to God's Word through the teaching of Christ and His disciples. (See also <442309>Acts 23:9.) Fighting
God's people is fighting God. (See also <402545>Matthew 25:45.)
<460926> 1 Corinthians 9:26 (a) By this strong word, Paul describes his resistance to sin, to Satan and to the world. Paul had strong convictions about living a holy and godly life. He would battle with Satan, and in every possible way win the victory through Christ.
I Timothy 6:12 (a) The figure is used here to describe the firm stand that Christians should take for that which is right, and that which is true. We
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FILTHY — <510308> Colossians 3:8 (a) The word here describes lewd language, contaminating conversation, "racy" stories, and all evil communications. (See also <610207>2 Peter 2:7.)
<540303> 1 Timothy 3:3 (a) By this word we understand "tainted" money. This refers to money used for wrong purposes, or to obtain evil ends. (See also <540308> 1 Timothy 3:8; <560107>Titus 1:7, 11; <600502>1 Peter 5:2.)
Jude 8 (a) This is a figure of men who imagine evil things about God's people to further their own lustful desires. (See also <662211>Revelation 22:11.)
<102120> 2 Samuel 21:20 (a) The presence of six fingers and six toes would mark this man as a "superman." Six in the Bible represents the number of man's sufficiency and supremacy.
<111210> 1 Kings 12:10 (a) The king by means of this figure told the people that the
least of his laws of oppression would be worse than the greater laws of oppression which were enforced by his father Soloman. He assured the people that he would be more oppressive and more cruel than his father had been.
<235809> Isaiah 58:9 (a) The pointing of the finger was a gesture of impudence and scorn against God. This was to be discontinued entirely, and the attitude of Israel was to be completely changed into one of devotion, acceptance and friendliness.
<270505> Daniel 5:5 (c) This is a picture to show that God uses human instruments to present divine truths. He used only a man's fingers because
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He did not need man's brains, nor his mind in order to make or reveal His decisions. The man's fingers simply wrote the story that God had devised in His own heart.
<421120> Luke 11:20 (a) Probably the Lord Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit as a part of Himself. He said on one occasion that He cast out demons by the Spirit of God. It may be also He used the finger to indicate that this was only a very little of His power. When He uses greater power the demons and the Devil himself will be cast into the lake of fire to be forever punished.
FIR — (tree) <121923>2 Kings 19:23 (b) This is a type of the finest and best of Israel's men. (See also <233724>Isaiah 37:24.)
<231408> Isaiah 14:8 (b) Probably this refers to the millennial time when Satan will be cast down and will be unable to bring trouble on the earth. The fir tree is a type of the happy life of a believer. It is a picture of joy particularly when found in the life of a leader. So these leaders may rejoice in peace when Satan is cast out of the earth and chained for the thousand years.
<234119> Isaiah 41:19 (c)This is a picture of the joy of the Lord that fills the believer's heart when he is in the midst of distressing and disturbing conditions.
<263108> Ezekiel 31:8 (a) This is a type of the great men of Assyria who excelled in might, power, pomp and dress. They were not like the great men of Israel, but were more beautiful and attractive in their appearance and demeanor.
<281408> Hosea 14:8 (c) By this figure is represented a happy Christian life, a life of usefulness for the Lord, and a happy situation.
<340203> Nahum 2:3 (b) By this figure is indicated that the great men of Israel, the
leaders of their worship and service, were to be humbled and defeated by God's command.
<381102> Zechariah 11:2 (b) The comparison here is between the size of the little fir tree and the great cedar tree. The lesser person weeps and grieves when the greater person dies or falls in the battle. This Scripture was used at Spurgeon's funeral.
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son. Isaac in this case represents the sinner. The fire and the wood represent God's wrath poured out at Calvary. The ram represents the Lord Jesus who took the place of Isaac (the sinner) and died in his stead. Fire when used as a type usually indicates wrath, judgment, punishment or other expressions of anger. (See also <041101>Numbers 11:1-2; 21:28; <070621> Judges 6:21; <231016>Isaiah 10:16;
66:15; <240404>Jeremiah 4:4.)
<020302> Exodus 3:2 (c) This may be taken as an illustration of the fact that Israel, though under the judgment of God from time to time, was not and would not be destroyed by the Lord. He punished them severely with the fire of His wrath many times, but He has never cast them off completely nor caused them to cease from being His own people.
<021208> Exodus 12:8 (c) We may understand this to represent the judgment of God on the Lord Jesus at Calvary when He went through the burning billows of God's wrath against sin and sinners. When fire is mentioned in connection with sacrifice, it represents the judgment of God upon the animal for our sakes. The animal in each case represents in some manner the Lord Jesus who is the Lamb of God. (See also <030108>Leviticus 1:8, 12, 17; 3:5; 9:24; <070621>Judges 6:21.)
<021918> Exodus 19:18 (c) Probably we may take this to mean that God dwells in the midst of the holiest of judgment. His glory, His brightness, His justness destroy all evidence of sin, evil, wickedness and every other thing that does not conform to His holy character. (See also <050411>Deuteronomy 4:11; 9:15; 18:16;
<234714>Isaiah 47:14.)
<030609> Leviticus 6:9-13 (c) Our Lord is telling us by this message that Calvary was to be always effective day and night. Any time any person wants to come to the Lord Jesus to be saved, He will find that He is ready any hour of the day or night, and that the precious blood of His sacrifice is available on every occasion, no
matter when nor where.
<031001> Leviticus 10:1 (c)We may understand from this expression "strange fire," human energies, human devices, human judgments, human exercises, human decisions which did not come and do not come from God. We see this graphically displayed in the expression, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service" (
<431602>John 16:2). The true fire is mentioned in
<041646> Numbers 16:46. That fire was taken from off the altar of incense for that fire came down from God, and was holy fire. The two sons of Aaron
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should have used that fire for their censors. Instead of this they rebelled against God, they refused to obey God's rule and follow God's order. They substituted their own judgment and desires for the plain command of God. They were earnest, they were zealous, they were apparently doing that which priests should do, but the fact that they used unlawful fire, strange fire, proved that their hearts were wrong.
<031002> Leviticus 10:2 (c)It is only natural that the judgment of God should have fallen on these two men who, as leaders of Israel, were apparently carrying out God's will, and yet in their hearts were rebels against God's law. God will not have as a substitute for His Word any of our schemes, plans and zealous efforts. When we substitute our judgment for God's judgment, we may expect only the wrath of God. (See also <040304>Numbers 3:4; 26:61; <120110>2 Kings 1:10, 12.)
<031613> Leviticus 16:13 (c)Here we see the sweet savour of the sacrifice of Calvary. This lovely perfume caused by the offering up of Christ Himself on the Cross fills heaven, the holy of holies. It also fills the hearts of those who have enthroned Christ as Lord and King.
<041646> Numbers 16:46 (c)This unusual passage reveals in more detail the same truth that we found in <031002>Leviticus 10:2. We find in <041606>Numbers 16:6- 7, that the rebellious men took censers, placed in them incense of their own making, and fire of their own procuring. Aaron took his censer, placed the holy incense in it, and put the holy fire from off the altar in it. All those with the false fire and the false incense were killed, while Aaron with the true incense and the true fire, lived.
Notice this same truth also described in <131513>1 Chronicles 15:13. Judgment fell upon Uzza as described in <131310>1 Chronicles 13:10, because he and David
imitated the Philistines in handling the ark of God. In <131513>1 Chronicles 15:13 David discovered his mistake in following the plan of the heathen in doing the work of God. He therefore corrected it.
<070621> Judges 6:21 (c) This fire indicated the judgment of God expressed through Christ Jesus, the Rock, which tries every man's work to see of what sort it is, and this takes place at the judgment seat of Christ. (See also
<460313> 1 Corinthians 3:13.)
<111912> 1 Kings 19:12 (c) Three great calamities are mentioned in this passage, and each one represents some form of the judgment of God. The Lord is telling us that He does not speak to people through such calamities, but
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rather through His Word. It is the Word of God which brings conviction of sin. Calamities only bring the fear of death and the fear of punishment. Great calamities cause "the cry of distressed nature." The Word of God causes the cry of a convicted soul who realizes his sin against God.
<120211> 2 Kings 2:11 (c) This strange picture probably teaches us that those of us who go to heaven go because of and by virtue of the wrath of God which fell upon the Savior, thereby bringing to us forgiveness, cleansing and fitness.
<181805> Job 18:5 (c) This probably refers to the usefulness and the ministry of wicked men, all of which shall be brought to an end, and their works burned up.
<184119> Job 41:19 (c) This metaphor may describe the terrific power and the force of the jaws of this tremendous animal. Or it may refer in prophecy to modern weapons of war which actually do spout fire, both from the front and from the rear.
<193903> Psalm 39:3 (b)This is a type of the strong desire in the heart of the psalmist to make known God's goodness, and His grace. He just could not keep still.
<196612> Psalm 66:12 (b) Here is described the great sufferings and tribulations of the people when they disobeyed the Lord.
<200627> Proverbs 6:27 (b)In this way the Lord is telling us that the secret life is revealed by its effects on the outward life. That which men see outwardly is a result of what is done secretly. (See also <230918>Isaiah 9:18.)
<201627> Proverbs 16:27 (b) By this figure we understand that the words of this person injure and harm the hearer.
<230905> Isaiah 9:5 (b) Here is indicated the fact that the coming of Christ would
mean sorrow, division and trouble on the earth. (See also <401034>Matthew 10:34.)
<233109> Isaiah 31:9 (b) This is a type of the judgment of God which rested in Zion, the place where God put His Name. God deals with the nations according to the manner in which they dealt with Israel. (See also
<402541> Matthew 25:41-46; <233314>Isaiah 33:14.)
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<233314> Isaiah 33:14 (a) No doubt this is a plain reference to the fires of hell. Men have made a type out of it saying it refers to a burning conscience. Nowhere is this indicated in the Scripture. The fire is always presented to us as real flame, both in hell and in the lake of fire.
<234302> Isaiah 43:2 (b) Here the word is a genuine type and it refers to earthly sorrows, sufferings and difficulties. God has not promised to keep us out of the fires of difficulty. He has promised to preserve us from any injurious effects when these tragedies come into our lives.
<235011> Isaiah 50:11 (b) This is a type of self-illumination, home-made philosophy, individual reasonings. All such end in disappointment, for only God's Word and God's plan would endure.
<236624> Isaiah 66:24 (a) No doubt this actually represents the eternal judgment of God in the lake of fire. There is literal fire in hell, which is in the heart of this earth. There is literal fire in the lake of fire, where sinners are sent after the judgment of the Great White Throne. Here is expressed to the fullest extent the righteous justice and judgment of God, whereby the sinner suffers forever because of his wickedness, his rebellion, and his refusal to believe God.
<240514> Jeremiah 5:14 (a)This is a type of the power of the Word of God when spoken by a servant of God in the power of the Spirit of God. The Word of God destroys the enemy. The word spoken by the Savior in Gethsemane caused the enemy to fall backward to the ground. The Word of God spoken by Peter caused Ananias and Sapphira to die. (See also <022019>Exodus 20:19;
<050525>Deuteronomy 5:25; <580202>Hebrews 2:2-3.)
<242009> Jeremiah 20:9 (a)When Jeremiah decided that he would not speak again for God, he found that the Word of God hidden in his heart and mind was just too
valuable and too precious to keep. He must speak to be refreshed. It was a burning in his soul. (See also <193903>Psalm 39:3.)
<244845> Jeremiah 48:45 (a)Here is a type of the hatred of the enemies of Moab who planned the destruction of that nation.
<245158> Jeremiah 51:58 (c) Probably this represents the vain labors of the inhabitants of Babylon as they sought to prevent its destruction by the invading enemy.
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<260104> Ezekiel 1:4 (b) This may be a picture of the mighty power, the destroying force of God in His righteous anger and judgment. The four living creatures are four symbols or types of Christ. (See <260113>Ezekiel 1:13.)
<261006> Ezekiel 10:6-7 (b) No doubt this fire represents the consuming power and judgment of God which was to be poured out on disobedient Israel. (See also
<262131>Ezekiel 21:31; 22:20; 24:12; 28:18; <300506>Amos 5:6; 7:4.)
<263605> Ezekiel 36:5 (a)This is a type of God's wrath against the enemies of Israel for their hatred of His people. (See also <263819>Ezekiel 38:19.)
<270709> Daniel 7:9 (a) Wheels always represent motion or progress. This fire must represent the action of God in judging the people. His righteousness and His holiness destroy all pretense, hypocrisy and sin before Him.
<271006> Daniel 10:6 (a) By this is represented the piercing look of our Lord in the day of judgment, He destroys all hypocrisy by the look of His eye. (See also
<660114>Revelation 1:14.)
<280706> Hosea 7:6 (a) This is a type of the burning passion of sin which ruled the lives of the people of Israel.
<310118> Obadiah 1:18 (a) By this is represented the wrath of Israel against the people of Esau, their enemies. This same kind of truth is found in
<381206> Zechariah 12:6, where Israel punishes all her foes.
<350213> Habakkuk 2:13 (a) By this figure God is telling us that those who build up violence and hatred in their sinful rebellion shall not see their labor succeed.
<380302> Zechariah 3:2 (a) The unclean sinner (Joshua) is taken out of the company
of those who are under the wrath of God, and who are to be punished by God. He is clothed in God's righteousness after being delivered, and becomes one of God's servants, a priest of and for God. It is a picture of that blessed experience which we call the "new birth"; we too are made priests of God.
<381309> Zechariah 13:9 (c) Probably this is a picture of the destruction of Jerusalem when most of Israel were slain and only a few survived. Titus slaughtered the Jews on that terrible occasion. Those living in the country districts escaped.
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<390302> Malachi 3:2 (a) This is a type which represents the way God puts His people through trouble and sorrow in order to make them pure, in order to remove evil from their lives.
<400310> Matthew 3:10 (b) Here is a real type of the genuine and real fire in hell into which all hypocrites and professing Christians will be sent for eternal punishment. (See also <400719>Matthew 7:19; 13:42, 50.)
<402541> Matthew 25:41 (a)This fire is not a type but is real, literal fire of hell. (See also <401808>Matthew 18:8; <410944>Mark 9:44.)
<422256> Luke 22:56 (c) This may be taken as a type of a backslider who having lost his love for the Lord seeks to warm himself by the attractions of the world. He seeks satisfaction in the pleasures, the business, and the various pursuits of the men of this world.
<431506> John 15:6 (a) This fire is used by the Lord Jesus to describe the fierce criticism and the repudiation which fellow-men will give to those who profess to be Christians, but live like sinners. Such men who take the place of belonging to Christ, but do not walk with the Lord, are repudiated as Christian leaders. It is men who gather them, and men who burn them. This has nothing whatever to do with the salvation of the soul, nor with eternal conditions. It relates entirely to this life, and to the rejection which is given to a Christian leader who lives for the Devil.
<440203> Acts 2:3 (b) This may be taken as a symbol of the power and the anointing of God by the Spirit. This purging, cleansing power is for both saint and sinner, therefore the tongues are cloven. The Spirit of God convicts both the sinner and the Christian and He reveals the will of God to both.
<460315> 1 Corinthians 3:15 (a) People are saved by grace alone, with no reference of any kind to merit or to good works. There are those whose works after they are saved are not what they should be. Sometimes the works are really wicked, sometimes they are just injurious, and sometimes they are just of no value at all to God or man. Sometimes these works are works of charity, in which God is omitted, and therefore have no value to God. At the judgment throne, all such works are burned up. The person, however, is saved (by the skin of his teeth). He gets into heaven because he trusted the Lord Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice of the Savior made it possible for God to blot out his sins. He lives in heaven with no crown, no
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reward, no works to his credit. He is there wholly on the basis of God's grace, but receives no reward for service rendered.
<580107> Hebrews 1:7 (a) The angels of God permit no foolishness nor pretext. They demand honesty and genuineness. Therefore, they are compared to flaming fire which destroys all dross, and leaves only that which has God's approval.
<530108> 2 Thessalonians 1:8 (a) The Lord Jesus is described in this passage as returning to earth with omnipotent power, with holiness and purity. His presence will destroy every form of evil, wickedness and sin. His righteousness will take vengeance on the unrighteous sinners who had no use for Him on the earth. This will be a terrible day of judgment when sinners receive from the reigning Christ that just due which rebels should receive.
<581134> Hebrews 11:34 (a) This type reveals the severe persecution which was endured by faithful men of God in the Old Testament. (See also <270317>Daniel 3:17.)
<590306> James 3:6 (a) By this type there is revealed the destructive power of an evil tongue. The tongue of the ungodly, and sometimes the tongue of the godly, sears and injures the hearts, the souls and the lives of others. Words are sometimes like poisoned arrows. They injure and destroy those who hear them.
<590503> James 5:3 (a) This represents the terrible remorse that shall burn the heart and the soul of the one who rebels against God.
<600107> 1 Peter 1:7 (a)Here is represented the persecution which is to be endured in the life of that one who will live godly in Christ Jesus. The world does not want him. Society will not receive him. The business world sneers at him.
<650123> Jude 1:23 (a) Probably the meaning of this is that there are those who are
close to eternity, very near to being sent to hell. They are about through with this life. These are to be reached for the Lord, even though their lives have been wasted. Let us remember that in the Gospel work, as long as there is life there is hope.
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<660318> Revelation 3:18 (a)The Lord is telling us by this picture that all the blessings which He is offering to us have been tested through the centuries, and are worthy of our complete trust.
<660405> Revelation 4:5 (a)The Holy Spirit is presented to us in this manner, both because of the illumination which He gives in a sevenfold manner, and also because of His power which is seen in seven ways. (See also
<660104> Revelation 1:4.)
<660805> Revelation 8:5 (c) This may represent the terrible judgment of God, and His fierce wrath against sin and sinners. He sends His angels to execute His decrees upon men. The mountains in verse 8 are a figure to represent the amount and the stupendous volume of the wrath of God which men must endure who reject him.
<660917> Revelation 9:17 (b)By this type there is probably conveyed to us some idea of the burning and destroying power of these messengers of God. The breastplate was for keeping God's servants from being injured. The fire from the mouth describes the withering power of their words as they spoke God's messages. (See also <661105>Revelation 11:5.)
<661502> Revelation 15:2 (b)By this type is described the transparent judgments of God. There is no trickery or hidden evidence here. There is no hypocrisy in God's presence. God's fierce anger is displayed in all its justice, righteousness and purity.
<662010> Revelation 20:10 (a)This reference, as all other references to fire in hell, indicates literal, actual fire. This is not a type. (See Revelation 14-15; 21:8. The fire described in <421624>Luke 16:24 is literal fire. Those who seek to spiritualize
FIRE (KINDLE) — <053222> Deuteronomy 32:22 (a) The evil actions of men provoke the burning wrath of God into severe action. (See also <241514> Jeremiah 15:14; 17:4.)
<102213> 2 Samuel 22:13 (c) It may be we are to be impressed with the tremendous brightness of God which would dispel all darkness, and would bring judgment upon all that this fire would reveal.
<195704> Psalm 57:4 (a) The wrath and the hatred of Saul and his army is thus described by David.
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<197821> Psalm 78:21 (a) This is a type of God's anger and wrath against His own people of Judah and Israel because of their sins. (See also <231016>Isaiah 10:16; 42:25; <240601>Jeremiah 6:1; 11:16; 17:27; 21:14; <250411>Lamentations 4:11;
<262047> Ezekiel 20:47; 24:10; <280814>Hosea 8:14; <300205>Amos 2:5.)
<235011> Isaiah 50:11 (a) This is a type of man's wits and wisdom, wherein he seeks to build up a religion and a line of "thinking" that is contrary to the will and the word of God.
<244312> Jeremiah 43:12 (a)Here we find a splendid type of God's power to punish all His enemies and especially those particular enemies which are mentioned in each of the following passages: <244927>Jeremiah 49:27; 50:32; <263008> Ezekiel 30:8, 14, 16; Amos 1:4, 14; 2:2.
<421249> Luke 12:49 (a)This is a striking illustration of the trouble that comes into a home, a family, or a society when Christ is received into the heart by any person. When the Lord Jesus takes possession of a person's soul, then trouble begins.
There is a division at once in the family between the saved one who wants to live for God, and those in the family who have no interest in Christian things. The house is divided, enmity of a real kind develops. The Christian who wishes to walk with the Lord in business finds there is a gulf between his manner of life and the lives of the others who wish to have their wild parties, gain customers by liquor, and spend their time smoking or playing cards, and other things which the world offers to the Devil's children.
<590306> James 3:6 (a) The tongue that is inspired by Satan to speak and say things that are cruel, hateful and sinful is described as a burning flame that injures, harms and hurts those who hear it. How careful we should be that the words we speak are full of grace and truth.
FIRE — (send) <250113>Lamentations 1:13 (a) The deep sorrow and trouble that filled the life of the prophet in the midst of a disobedient and hostile Israel is compared to the burning pain caused by the flame.
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desire was to leave behind them only the debris of God's wonderful kingdom of Israel.
<300411> Amos 4:11 (a) Israel was so sinful and rebellious that she should have been punished as a firebrand. Instead of this, God sent mercy, goodness and grace many times so that He saved them, instead of destroying them.
<262904> Ezekiel 29:4 (b) The king and his people are compared to fish. They will adhere to their king in his disobedience to God; all of them together will be destroyed.
<264709> Ezekiel 47:9 (b) By this is indicated that where the Spirit of God has His own way, many souls will be saved. The fish represent the unsaved who are caught by the Gospel and thereby are brought to the Lord.
<320117> Jonah 1:17 (c) This is a type of the Gentile nations who have absorbed, but have not digested, the Jewish people.
<350114> Habakkuk 1:14 (a) By this is described men and women who are caught by the sophistries of wicked leaders and are thus deceived and led away from God.
<400710> Matthew 7:10 (b)This figure represents something which, in our estimation, seems to be very good and profitable for us to possess, but which God sees would be injurious and harmful to us. (See also <421111>Luke 11:11.) The child saw a snake and thought it to be an eel and good to eat.
<432106> John 21:6 (c) Some say that these fish represent the miracles performed by our Lord Jesus Christ while He was on the earth. Others think that the giving of the number of the fish indicates the care with which God looks after each deed that we do for Him. Still others think that these fish, and the number of them, represent God's abundant care for His own. There were far more fish than the seven men could possibly eat for themselves. This of course is true of God's provisions for us.
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<264710> Ezekiel 47:10 (a) This is a striking illustration of the power of the Spirit of God to make soul winners out of those who permit Him to dominate their lives. These fishers are men who, with the story of God's grace and love, are raised up in those happy surroundings where the Holy Spirit is Lord, is recognized and is trusted. In those churches where the Holy Spirit is free to work, men and women develop into personal workers who are successful in catching men and women for Christ. (See also <400419>Matthew 4:19; <410117>Mark 1:17; <420510>Luke 5:10.)
FISH GATE — <160303> Nehemiah 3:3 (c) This may be taken as a figure of the fruitful life of the one who has entered through the sheep gate into God's Kingdom. (See also <161239>Nehemiah 12:39; <360110>Zephaniah 1:10.)
For example:
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Genesis 5: Although men lived many years, they must eventually die.
Exodus 5: God's people in their weakness were crushed under their oppressors.
Leviticus 5: God recognizes the poverty and inability of His children and gives them the privilege of bringing turtle doves which cost nothing instead of larger offerings which cost much.
Esther 5: The weakness of Haman is revealed in his inability to conquer Mordecai.
Mark 5: Men were too weak to conquer or control the man in the tombs.
John 5: The man at the pool was too weak to enter and his friends were too weak to help.
Revelation 5: No man was found who was able to open the book.
All the other chapters in the Bible numbered five contain some mark and proof of human weakness and inability.
<401417> Matthew 14:17 (c) The five loaves were certainly an insufficient supply to feed the great multitude.
<402515> Matthew 25:15 (c) The five talents only produced another five talents. They
represent an insufficient amount in the hands of an insufficient amount in the hands of an insufficient man. He only produced an amount equal to that which he began. Man cannot be trusted with very much.
<421628> Luke 16:28 (c)These five brothers were helpless to keep themselves out of hell.
<430418> John 4:18 (c) The five husbands were not enough to satisfy this woman and to fill her heart with the peace and the joy that she craved.
<461419> 1 Corinthians 14:19 (c) Five words fitly spoken are valuable but it takes a great many more than that to reveal God's will and to instruct the Christian properly. Man has five fingers on the hand, five toes on the foot, and five senses. He is weak and impotent.
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<181530> Job 15:30 (a) By this figure is represented the calamity which did overtake him and the terrible curse which did destroy his work and his efforts.
<184121> Job 41:21 (b) It may be that this is a prophecy of the modern tank with its power to destroy both from the guns in front and those in the rear. Or, it may be just a poetic form of expressing rage.
<231017> Isaiah 10:17 (a) This terrible figure is used to describe the wrath of God against Jerusalem when He directed the enemies of God to burn and destroy the city. (See also <232906>Isaiah 29:6; 47:14; <262047>Ezekiel 20:47.)
<233030> Isaiah 30:30 (a) This represents the outpouring of God's wrath against Assyria.
<234302> Isaiah 43:2 (a) The Lord is telling us that great troubles and sorrows shall not destroy Israel, for God will bring them through it all safely.
<244845> Jeremiah 48:45 (a)By this type is represented the fierce, burning anger and power of the enemies of Moab.
<270709> Daniel 7:9 (a) This figure indicates God's justice and righteousness against all evil, sin and hypocrisy.
Obad. 18 (a) God will make His people a powerful scourge to defeat the people of Esau.
<580107> Hebrews 1:7 (a) This is typical of the destroying power of angels as God's messengers of judgment. (See also <121935>2 Kings 19:35.)
<660114> Revelation 1:14 (a)This type is used to reveal the power of the Lord to
discern the thoughts, motives and intents of the people when brought to the judgment. (See also <660218>Revelation 2:18; 19:12.)
<231308> Isaiah 13:8 (a) Hatred and fierce cruelty shall characterize the people who besiege and destroy Babylon.
<236615> Isaiah 66:15 (a) By this we are told that God's burning anger will be poured out upon all the enemies of His people. (See also <262047>Ezekiel 20:47.)
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but is not doing it very well. This one is not to be discouraged by those who are better taught. (See also <401220>Matthew 12:20.)
FLEA — <092414> 1 Samuel 24:14 (a) David thus describes his own insignificance, weakness and worthlessness in his own sight. (See also <092620>1 Samuel 26:20.)
<400307> Matthew 3:7 (a) John is warning the people to make haste in getting to the
<196301> Psalm 63:1 (b) David uses this expression to describe the longing of his soul for the fellowship of God, and to see God develop His purposes and plans.
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<241705> Jeremiah 17:5 (b)This figure refers to human power, man-made expedients and remedies, as well as the results of human effort in contrast with the deliverances that God prepared for His people.
<261626> Ezekiel 16:26 (b) This term is used to express the great lustfulness of the Egyptians and also of the Israelites. Their immoral practices were the prime occupation of their lives. It represents the natural evil human heart, as in
<263626>Ezekiel 36:26.)
<401617> Matthew 16:17 (b) This term is used as a reference to the human mind, the educational values of the mind, and human religious reasonings.
<430113> John 1:13 (b) Salvation is not a decision on the part of a human being wherein with his mind he decides to become a Christian and step out of darkness into light. Salvation is of God, and only God can save by revealing Himself to the soul. No action of the person (the flesh) can give eternal life to a lost man. .
<430306> John 3:6 (a) This refers to all that pertains to the human body. The body is never transformed, nor born again, nor converted. It remains "flesh" until it dies, or until the Lord returns in person to change our bodies.
<430652> John 6:52 (b) This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It refers to an appropriating of the Lord Jesus by faith so that the soul, the mind, and the heart are filled with His own lovely Person, and the heart is satisfied with Him.
That interpretation which causes men to try to turn bread into the physical body of Jesus is utterly false, is an invention of the Devil, and is being used throughout the world to deceive the ungodly.
<450705> Romans 7:5 (a) This expression is used to describe those who do not have the Spirit of God, are not saved, and are called "sensual" in the book of Jude.
Their flesh dominates their lives, and they are occupied with what they can see, hear, taste, smell and feel. (See also <450808>Romans 8:8-9; <471003>2 Corinthians 10:3.)
<450812> Romans 8:12 (b) This is a type which describes the lusts, desires and affections created by the human body. (See also <451314>Romans 13:14; <471002>2 Corinthians 10:2; <480513>Galatians 5:13-17; 6:8; <490203>Ephesians 2:3;
<610210>2 Peter 2:10; Jude 23.)
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<490530> Ephesians 5:30 (a) This figure indicates that we are joined to Christ in a very real and eternal union by faith in Him.
<590503> James 5:3 (a) Probably this represents the remorse felt by a lost man because of a greedy and avaricious life.
<230718> Isaiah 7:18 (a) This type is used to describe the army of Egypt which would persecute and annoy Israel.
<053213>Deuteronomy 32:13; <19B408>Psalm 114:8.)
<235007> Isaiah 50:7 (a) By this term the Lord is telling us of His determination to go to the limit for our salvation and our blessing. Nothing would swerve Him from this purpose.
FLOCK — <197720> Psalm 77:20 (a) The people of Israel are compared to sheep under the leadership of the Lord God of heaven. (See also <234011>Isaiah 40:11; 63:11; <241317>Jeremiah 13:17; 23:2; 25:34; <262405>Ezekiel 24:5; <330212>Micah
2:12; <402631>Matthew 26:31.)
<421232> Luke 12:32 (a)This refers to the followers of the Lord Jesus. He is the shepherd, those who love Him are His sheep.
<442028> Acts 20:28 (a) In this passage the church is compared to sheep. It refers to the true church of God, consisting only of believers, born-again people. It does not refer to those great national and international organizations which call themselves "The Church." (See also <600502>1 Peter 5:2.)
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FLOOD — <010617> Genesis 6:17 (c)This is emblematic of the great judgment of God upon those who are out of Christ, even as this flood came upon those who were out of the ark. (See also <199005>Psalm 90:5.)
<192910> Psalm 29:10 (c) Perhaps this indicates the great, surging mass of humanity over which our Lord Jesus rules, reigns and controls.
<232802> Isaiah 28:2 (a) This word graphically describes the overwhelming wrath and power of God in punishing Israel.
<235919> Isaiah 59:19 (b) From this we understand something of the great force and power of the wicked who seek to overthrow God's people and to hinder God's work
<244607> Jeremiah 46:7 (a)The power of Egypt is thus described. (See also
<244608> Jeremiah 46:8; 47:2; <300808>Amos 8:8; 9:5.)
<270926> Daniel 9:26 (a) By this we understand the power of the army of the Romans who destroyed Jerusalem.
<271122> Daniel 11:22 (b) This type describes the power of the Antichrist as he seeks to destroy all that belongs to Christ Jesus, and to establish Satanic rule.
<340108> Nahum 1:8 (a) Thus is described the power of the invading army that conquered the city of Nineveh. Jonah was sent to Nineveh with a warning, and the people repented. About seventy-five years later Nahum wrote his prophecy of the destruction of Nineveh because they had returned to their wicked ways.
<400727> Matthew 7:27 (a) This word is a type of the adversities, oppositions and sorrows which suddenly overwhelm and overcome those who are not resting on
the Rock of Ages, Christ Jesus. (See also <420648>Luke 6:48.)
<661215> Revelation 12:15 (a) This word describes the terrible persecution of Israel by satanic forces which made them slaves for many years, and finally scattered them throughout the world. During the tribulation Israel will again suffer persecution.
FLOODS — <102205> 2 Samuel 22:5 (a) This is a prophecy concerning the mob that surrounded Jesus at the trial and at Calvary. (See also <191804>Psalm 18:4.)
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<192402> Psalm 24:2 (a) By this we understand that God's Word is made permanent and sure for all peoples, nations and tongues.
<193206> Psalm 32:6 (b)The Lord is telling us here that in times of great trouble God will protect and preserve His people.
<196902> Psalm 69:2 (a) Thus Christ describes in prophecy His own deep and severe trouble at Calvary.
<199303> Psalm 93:3 (b) The word is used to describe the volume of difficulties, sorrows and troubles raised by the enemies of God.
<199808> Psalm 98:8 (b) This is a call for all people to join in praising God for His righteous judgments.
<234403> Isaiah 44:3 (a) This word beautifully illustrates the way that God will pour out His abundant blessing upon the soul and the heart that is thirsty for Him.
<232110> Isaiah 21:10 (c)This is a heart cry concerning the loss of that which had been gathered in from the harvest, but was never enjoyed.
<245133> Jeremiah 51:33 (a)Here is a type of the severe threshing that God would give Babylon when He sent the enemy to destroy it.
<270235> Daniel 2:35 (a) This is typical of the day of God's judgment when the saved and the unsaved will be separated as the farmer separates the wheat and the chaff
on the threshing floor. (See also <400312>Matthew 3:12.)
<281303> Hosea 13:3 (a) The judgment of Israel is described by this figure. The people are the chaff to be destroyed because they are of no value to God, and have no interest in God's affairs. (See also <330412>Micah 4:12; <420317>Luke 3:17.)
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FLOW — <290318> Joel 3:18 (a) This is a picture of the abundance of God's blessings poured out on the people from the living God when the Holy Spirit is loved, honored and trusted. (See also <020308>Exodus 3:8; 13:5;
<032024> Leviticus 20:24; <060506>Joshua 5:6; <262006>Ezekiel 20:6.)
FLOWER — <022533> Exodus 25:33 (b) By this figure is represented the beauty of the testimony of the church, of the individual Christian, and of the Holy Spirit. Those who testify to the things of God should live beautiful lives and thus exemplify the doctrine. (See also <023719>Exodus 37:19; <110618> 1 Kings 6:18.)
<181402> Job 14:2 (a) Man's birth is thus compared to the development of the flower. After certain processes the full bloom appears. First there is the development of the bud in various stages, and finally the full bloom.
<181533> Job 15:33 (a) In this way the Lord describes the failure of the hypocrite to succeed in life, and to develop into that which God would like him to be.
<231805> Isaiah 18:5 (a) In this way God describes the destruction of Egypt in her industries and in her efforts to build up a world-wide power.
<232801> Isaiah 28:1-4 (a) This is a promise from God that He will destroy the beauty of Israel, the cities, villages, valleys and fields because of their evil doings.
<234006> Isaiah 40:6-8 (a) This word is used to describe man's best works, and his greatest achievements. (See also <590110>James 1:10-11; <600124>1 Peter 1:24.)
<191810> Psalm 18:10 (a)This figure represents the speed with which God will come to the rescue of David when in trouble. (See also <270921>Daniel 9:21;
<230606> Isaiah 6:6; 60:8; <421520>Luke 15:20. Some think this passage may refer to the airplane.)
<202305> Proverbs 23:5 (a) Here is a very fine picture of the way that our money and other assets disappear. Usually it is a slow disappearance. When the eagle flies away toward heaven it gets smaller and smaller to our vision
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until finally it disappears. So sometimes our health and our wealth gradually disappear until we are left hopeless, hapless and helpless.
<244840> Jeremiah 48:40 (a)By this expression the Lord is describing the speed with which He would destroy the country of Moab.
<261320> Ezekiel 13:20 (c) This may represent the wiles of evil women who would and did lure men from God's path of righteousness.
<350108> Habakkuk 1:8 (a) This is the way God describes the speed of the Chaldeans when they invaded Israel.
<380501> Zechariah 5:1-2 (b) This represents the great volume and power of God's wrath which will come upon all the earth from heaven. The roll contains the records of God's decisions and judgments. The little book in <661002> Revelation 10:2 contains the description of His wrath which is to be executed against the ungodly of all the earth.
<191401> Psalm 14:1 (a)This indicates God's thought about the man who, in spite of all the evidence available, denies the existence of a personal God.
<201215> Proverbs 12:15 (a)The one who rejects the revelation of God and assumes his own thoughts and deductions about his path of life is a fool in God's sight.
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<400522> Matthew 5:22 (a) The man who mocks at the Christian who desires to live all out for God, and out and out for Christ in separation and consecration, and calls that Christian a fool for doing so, is condemned by God. He is opposed to God's plans.
<053324> Deuteronomy 33:24 (a) By this we learn that the walk of the Godly man shall be a spiritual one filled with the richness and sweetness of God's blessings.
<196823> Psalm 68:23 (a) This type is used to describe the victory over their enemies of those who walk in fellowship with God.
<199418> Psalm 94:18 (b) David uses this type to describe his feeling that he was drifting away from God's path.
<210501> Ecclesiastes 5:1 (b) By this figure we are admonished to watch the walk and the manner of life.
<230106> Isaiah 1:6 (c) The whole person is evidently wicked and vile in God's sight. Men are mad in their walk and their thought. The feet represent our walk, the head represents the thought. There is nothing at all in a human being that is acceptable to God until we trust Jesus Christ and become God's children.
<260107> Ezekiel 1:7 (b)These are types of the walk of our Lord Jesus Christ. The calf is sure-footed and leaves a definite imprint where it steps. So Christ Jesus walked in a sure and certain path without sin, and left the imprint of His holiness wherever He went.
<400513> Matthew 5:13 (a) Here we find a type of the actions of the world against
the professing Christian who claims that he belongs to the Lord, yet shows no proofs of it in his daily life. Neither the world nor the church has any confidence in that man, and refuses to receive his testimony. This truth is also found in
<431506>John 15:6.
<401808> Matthew 18:8 (b) In this way the Lord is telling us that if we want to walk in the ways of the world so that the feet take us astray to the picture show, the tavern, the dance, it is best to cut off that foot so that such desires cannot and will not keep us away from Christ. (See also <410945>Mark 9:45.)
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<402213> Matthew 22:13 (c) In many places in the Bible what we do, what we say, and how we walk and work are compared to garments or robes. Evidently the teaching in this passage is that this man wanted to be at the king's banquet in his own self-righteousness. Since this self-righteousness comes from the hands (what we do), and from the feet (how we walk), the Lord is indicating how worthless these are by telling the servant to bind him "hand and foot" and to cast him out of His presence.
<461215> 1 Corinthians 12:15 (b) This is a type of a Christian, any Christian. The Lord is telling us here that no part of the body is independent from the rest of the body. Every Christian is essential to the entire church of God. No believer, no matter how humble or obscure, is overlooked by the Lord, either as to his care or his usefulness.
<581029> Hebrews 10:29 (b) Here is a picture of the hatred that some had and some now have toward the person of our Lord Jesus. It is a picture of utter contempt for Christ, and a desire to crush Him.
<661002> Revelation 10:2 (b)This figure represents the absolute power and authority of our Lord over all nations and His ability to punish all people.
FOOTED — <031103> Leviticus 11:3 — (c) The divided hoof is a symbol of a separated walk. Chewing the cud is a symbol of Godly conversations and confession. Both must go together. Our walk and our talk must agree. If we walk well in a path of separation, but our conversation and language does not honor the Lord, we will not be accepted by God. If we talk well, but we walk contrary to the Word of God, we shall likewise be rejected. The walk and the talk must both be acceptable to God.
<032119> Leviticus 21:19 (c)This figure represents the man whose walk is not
pleasing to God, is not upright and Godly.
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<197719> Psalm 77:19 (b)The Lord uses this figure to reveal the fact that God's ways are not known to men, for He does not reveal them to men. These are the secrets of His own heart. Read the special case about Moses in
<19A307> Psalm 103:7. Here we find that the people saw what He did, but Moses understood why He did it. (See also <183313>Job 33:13.)
<198951> Psalm 89:51 (b) Here we learn that the ungodly scorn the way of the righteous and sneer at the Godly.
<220108> Song of Solomon 1:8 (c) This is probably a call for Christians to walk together in happy fellowship.
<199905> Psalm 99:5 (b) This figure represents the attitude of one who comes into the presence of God to pray, to worship and to commune. It is a picture of one kneeling at the foot of the king on the throne seeking some favor from him. (See also <19D207>Psalm 132:7.)
<19B001> Psalm 110:1 (a) By this type the Lord is informing us that He will subdue all His enemies and will put His feet on their necks in derision, in the day of judgment. (See also <402244>Matthew 22:44; <411236>Mark 12:36;
<422043> Luke 20:43; <440235>Acts 2:35; <580113>Hebrews 1:13; 10:13.)
<236601> Isaiah 66:1 (a) This earth which seems so great to us is only as a small cushion in the sight of God on which His feet. (See also Matthew 5: 35; <440749> Acts 7:49.)
<250201> Lamentations 2:1 (a) The land of Israel is thus compared. God cursed the land.
FOREHEAD — Exodus — 28:38 (c) This type describes the open confession and open acknowledgment of one's condition or position. (See also
<661409>Revelation 14:9.)
<240303> Jeremiah 3:3 (a) God compares the people of Israel to a wicked woman who is bold, brazen and unashamed in her sins.
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<260308> Ezekiel 3:8 (b) God promised to His prophet Jeremiah that strength would be given Him and courage to stand against the looks and the words of his enemies.
<261612> Ezekiel 16:12 (a) A picture of the loveliness and the beauty which God put on Israel when He gave them to be the head of the nations, and placed them in Canaan which He calls the glory of all lands. (See also <262006>Ezekiel 20:6.)
<660703> Revelation 7:3 (a) Probably this is a literal mark put on the literal forehead. We do not usually consider this as a type, but rather as an actual fact. God will mark His children for public identification. The Devil uses this same plant to identify his children. (See also <660904>Revelation 9:4; 13:16, 14:1-9; 17:5; 20:4;
<011711>Genesis 17:11; <051016>Deuteronomy 10:16.)
<234423> Isaiah 44:23 (b) This is a picture of the rich blessing that the earth will enjoy when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to earth to reign on the throne of David.
(See also <192909>Psalm 29:9.)
<240506> Jeremiah 5:6 (c)The forest is probably a type of the great group of nations of the world, out of which would come a conqueror. (See also Ezekiel 15:6.)
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world, and of false gods. (See also <232317>Isaiah 23:17; <261615>Ezekiel 16:15, 29; Jude 7; <660221>Revelation 2:21.)
<661702> Revelation 17:2-4 (a) God thus describes the wickedness of that which claims to be the Church of God as it supports and invites wicked men of the world to join with them, and to partake of their religious exercises. (See also
<661803>Revelation 18:3; 19:2.)
FORTRESS — <102202> 2 Samuel 22:2 (a) This describes a blessed hiding place in God, which the believer enjoys when he goes to the Lord in prayer and commits his case into His hands. (See also <191802>Psalm 18:2; 31:3; 71:3; 91:2;
144:2; <241619>Jeremiah 16:19.)
<240627> Jeremiah 6:27 (a)God promised to Jeremiah that he would be a strong and fearless witness which his enemies could not overcome.
<010704> Genesis 7:4 (c) Noah's faith was tested and found to be all that is should be.
<021635> Exodus 16:35 (c) God's faithfulness was tested and found to be sufficient for all the needs.
<022418> Exodus 24:18 (c) Israel's faith and trust were tested and failed. (See also
<023207>Exodus 32:7.)
<090418> 1 Samuel 4:18 (c) Eli was tested. He had judged Israel and failed at the end.
<091716> 1 Samuel 17:16 (c) Israel was challenged and was proved to be utterly unworthy and cowardly. Saul reigned forty years and was deposed as a failure.
<100504> 2 Samuel 5:4 (c) David reigned forty years and ended his rule gloriously.
I Kings 11:42 (c) Solomon reigned forty years and ended his period of testing in idolatry.
<400402> Matthew 4:2 (c) Jesus was tested forty days and forty nights. He came back more than a conqueror. Jesus revealed Himself to His own for forty days after His resurrection so that they could endure the tests through the years. (See also
<440103>Acts 1:3.)
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FOUNDATION — <102208> 2 Samuel 22:8 (b) This is a poetic picture from David's fertile mind of the great answer he received from God to his petition. (See also <102216>2 Samuel 22:16; <191807>Psalm 18:7, 15.) <191103> Psalm 11:3 (b)This
is a type of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith on which the believer rests his soul for eternity.
<198701> Psalm 87:1 (b) Probably this represents the central truth, and the basic reasons for God's activities on the part of Israel.
<201025> Proverbs 10:25 (a)This is a picture of the eternal safety of one who has been made righteous by the living God. (See also <490220>Ephesians 2:20.)
<232816> Isaiah 28:16 (a) God has appointed the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son, to be the One on and in whom all His works rest. Christ is the beginning, the author, the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega, and the hope of God's people. The whole structure of the Church rests on Him (See also
<19B822> Psalm 118:22; <420648>Luke 6:48; <490220>Ephesians 2:20.)
<451520> Romans 15:20 (a) The pioneer work of a missionary or a Christian worker is compared to a foundation upon which he builds and prepares the people for further development in the Christian life.
<460310> 1 Corinthians 3:10 (b)No doubt this refers to the gospel that Paul preached and to the doctrines which he ministered. By these the
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Corinthians were established in the faith. Other men of God came along and added to the knowledge and the faith of these believers.
<540619> 1 Timothy 6:19 (a) By this is meant the true faith, intelligent trust and a clear understanding of God's truth on the part of God's children.
<550219> 2 Timothy 2:19 (a) By this type we are assured that those who belong to Christ Jesus may rest safe and secure on God's Word about us, and to us.
<580601> Hebrews 6:1 (a)The six experiences mentioned here represent the bedrock of Christian faith. From these we grow up into a greater temple of God as we learn additional truths, and enter more and more into the knowledge of God's work, His Word, and His way.
<235411> Isaiah 54:11 (b) This seems to be a beautiful and poetic description of the coming glories of the nation of Israel when restored to their own land, and to their power and authority.
<263004> Ezekiel 30:4 (a) This is a prophecy concerning the destruction of Egypt. It was certainly fulfilled to the letter.
<581110> Hebrews 11:10 (b)Here is a reference to the eternal character of the heavenly Jerusalem in contrast with the transient character of the cities of the earth.
<662114> Revelation 21:14, 19 (a)The new city, the eternal state, the eternal dwelling place of God's people, will be characterized by solidity, beauty, holiness and purity. It will rest upon the teachings and the experiences of the twelve tribes of Israel, and also upon the experiences and teachings of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
<053328> Deuteronomy 33:28 (a) By this type we understand the continual, abundant harvest of grain and fruits.
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<193609> Psalm 36:9 (a) This is a prophecy, or a picture, of the blessed source of both our physical and our spiritual life. (See also <196826>Psalm 68:26.)
<200516> Proverbs 5:16 (a)The Lord is using this figure to express His desire that each one of us who knows our Lord should be a source of blessing, comfort, help and joy to those around us.
<200518> Proverbs 5:18 (a) Here is probably a reference to the fertility of a normal man in his martial relationships.
<201314> Proverbs 13:14 (a)By this figure we are instructed to observe God's rules, and His desires toward us so that we may enjoy life to the full. (See also
<201427>Proverbs 14:27.)
<202526> Proverbs 25:26 (a)This situation is unnatural and breeds trouble in a home, or in a nation.
<211206> Ecclesiastes 12:6 (c) This may be taken as a picture of the end of life. The silver cord may refer to the spinal cord which no longer operates normally. The golden bowl may be the brain which is no longer active. The pitcher may refer to the heart which no longer pours out the blood. The fountain may refer to the blood stream in the arteries and the veins, as well as the heart. The wheel probably refers to the inability of the nervous system to function properly. All of this is a picture of old age.
<234118> Isaiah 41:18 (a) The Lord is telling us that in the valleys of despair and sorrow He will bring sweet rich blessings for the heart. He will cause His mercy, love and grace to fill the soul of that one who in the hour of need turns to Him for solace. It is also a picture of the great blessings that God will send upon this earth in the millennial age.
<240213> Jeremiah 2:13 (a) Here is a type, a splendid picture of God as the source of life and all things that pertain to life and godliness. We should never turn away from the living God. (See also <241713>Jeremiah 17:13.)
<281315> Hosea 13:15 (a) The curse of God will cause the blessings of Ephraim to cease. <290318>Joel 3:18 (a) By this we see the abundant blessings that God will pour out on His people in a coming day. It may be a prophecy concerning the coming of Christ, as in <381301>Zechariah 13:1.
<662106> Revelation 21:6 (a)This fountain represents the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus is the giver of that lovely Person. He is also referred to in John 4 as a well of water, which has the same meaning (See also <430414>John 4:14).
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FOUR — This number denotes God's government of men and affairs upon the earth. Israel was to encamp in the form of a square. The tabernacle rested in the center with three tribes on each of the four sides. This indicated God's governing power and care over the nation of Israel. In the Scripture, the eternal city, the everlasting abode of the saints, is a city four-square because there God alone is the Lord, and there is no other ruler. (See <662116>Revelation 21:16)
<111833> 1 Kings 18:33 (c) This number of barrels probably was intended to remind Israel that God was sovereign Lord, and able to reveal His power in sending down the fire. (See also under "TWELVE.")
<203015> Proverbs 30:15 (c)These four things represent God's sovereignty in earthly affairs and their inability to satisfy the heart.
<203018> Proverbs 30:18 (c)These four things represent God's sovereignty in controlling actions.
<203021> Proverbs 30:21 (c)These four things represent God's sovereignty in His permissive will.
<203024> Proverbs 30:24 (c)These four things represent God's sovereignty in leadership.
<203029> Proverbs 30:29 (c)These four things represent God's sovereignty in power, and also these are four aspects of Christ's superiority.
<241503> Jeremiah 15:3 (c) By this we may understand that God intended to reveal His eternal power as sovereign Lord in punishing His enemies. (See also
<261421>Ezekiel 14:21)
<260105> Ezekiel 1:5 (b) These creatures represent four aspects of Christ Jesus as the Lion, the Ox, the Man and the Eagle. In all four of these aspects Christ Jesus is supreme Lord. As the lion, the Lord Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He rules over all other powers and enemies. He is the Supreme Commander, the Chief, the Almighty One. He is unconquerable and unavoidable. Matthew describes Christ in this aspect. As the ox, Christ is the servant of God, and the servant of men. God calls Him his servant. This is illustrated in the story of the washing of the feet in John 13. Jesus said, "I am among you as one that serveth." The ox exists only to serve men. Mark describes Christ in this aspect.
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As the man, the Lord Jesus is a lover, a friend, a companion, an associate, and a leader. He was made man so that we could have fellowship with Him, and He could mingle with men in all their human experiences. Luke describes Christ in this aspect. As the eagle, the Lord Jesus is God Himself. He is Deity, eternal, all- powerful, and rising above all obstructions, hindrances, storms, in complete control of every force. His deity is fully described in the Gospel of John. These four aspects of the Savior are revealed again in <261014>Ezekiel 10:14;
<660406>Revelation 4:6.
<263709> Ezekiel 37:9 (c) This is emblematic of God's power to give life even in hopeless cases. In this particular case it reveals the power of the Holy Spirit to bring Israel back into true fellowship with God, giving them the gift of eternal life when they accept Jesus Christ, and trust Him as their Messiah and their Savior.
<270325> Daniel 3:25 (c) The number here represents God's power to overrule the king, and to quench the violence of fire, and to deliver His own children.
<270702> Daniel 7:2 (c) By this we understand that God had power to raise up kingdoms, and to destroy kings as He wills. (See v. 3.) All the kingdoms were destroyed by God's Word. They were enemies of Israel, and of the God of Israel. (See also <270717>Daniel 7:17.)
<270808> Daniel 8:8 (c) The great horn was Alexander the Great. The four horns were his four generals who took over the kingdom when he died. God overthrew all of these, but saved Israel, His people, from destruction. (See also
<270822>Daniel 8:22; 11:4.)
Amos. 1:3 (c) In each of the eight times (two times four) that this expression occurs in chapters 1 and 2, God is showing His supreme power to punish every
enemy, including these who are named in each instance. Notice that Judah and Israel are included in the list, for they had rebelled against God and were following the ways of the heathen around them.
<380118> Zechariah 1:18 (c) The number in this case reveals that God had supreme power to send other nations to punish His own people.
<380120> Zechariah 1:20 (c) By this we learn that God had the power to mend and build up that which He Himself had destroyed. The fourfold destruction in verse 18 was to be repaired by the four carpenters in verse
20.
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<380601> Zechariah 6:1 (b) The number in this case represents God's supreme power to punish Israel in four different ways, as described or illustrated by the four horses. (See also under "HORSES.")
<402431> Matthew 24:31 (c) The number in this case reveals that God is the Lord and Master of every part of the world. (See also <411327>Mark 13:27.)
<431117> John 11:17 (c) Here we see God's power over death, the greatest enemy of all. The Jews thought that after four days the spirit of the dead person left, never to return. They thought that this spirit hovered around the person for three days before leaving permanently on the fourth day.
<431923> John 19:23 (c) The garment torn into four pieces is just a figure of their utter disregard for His claim to Lordship in their lives.
<660701> Revelation 7:1 (c) By this is revealed the power of God over angels, and over the earth.
<660913> Revelation 9:13 (c)In this way we understand God's power over all forms of religion.
<662116> Revelation 21:16 (c)As in the old days Israel camped four-square to reveal God's authority and power over them, so in the new world the city four-square reveals to us that God the Lord will have absolute control and authority in this new life.
<013141> Genesis 31:41 (c) It may be used as a type of the wonderful and complete service of our Lord in calling, preserving, and maintaining both Israel and the church.
<110865> 1 Kings 8:65 (c) This indicates that the worship of God's people was full and complete both for their salvation and their preservation.
<400117> Matthew 1:17 (c) This reveals God's great accuracy and perfection in controlling the genealogy of Christ.
<480201> Galatians 2:1 (c) This reveals that Paul was unusually careful to take the full time necessary to prepare himself adequately for the service of his Lord.
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<270706> Daniel 7:6 (b) Here is a type of the swiftness with which Alexander's four armies and generals would progress in their campaign to conquer the earth.
<400626> Matthew 6:26 (b) The Lord calls our attention to His care for the bird family so that we may realize His care for us. We are more precious than the birds, and all of the children of God have His promise that He will preserve and provide for them.
<401304> Matthew 13:4 (a) Here is a type of evil spirits who pounce upon the Word of God when the sinner hears it in order to take it out of his heart and mind. (See also <410404>Mark 4:4; <420805>Luke 8:5.)
<410432> Mark 4:32 (b) These birds represent evil spirits who make their home and perform their activities in religious systems. (See also <401319>Matthew 13:19.)
<441012> Acts 10:12 (b) These birds represent unclean people who were saved by grace, washed in the blood of the Lamb, and thereby made fit to live in heaven. The Lord is telling us that when He saves any kind of a wicked person, He makes that person a fit subject for heaven, the company of angels, and the presence of God. (See also <441106>Acts 11:6.)
<661921> Revelation 19:21 (b)By this type we understand the destructive and
consuming power of the armies who would destroy their enemies.
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FROG — <020802> Exodus 8:2 (c) Probably this is symbolical of those wicked, filthy, repugnant habits and ways which Satan brings into men's lives for dishonorable purposes. (See also <661613>Revelation 16:13.)
FRUIT — <010129> Genesis 1:29 (c) This type may be used as a symbol of the blessed results which come from preaching the gospel. The tree bearing fruit may represent great Christians with great visions and talents. The bushes and herbs may represent lesser ones not so widely known but who also bear fruit after their kind. The grass may be taken to mean the great mass of obscure Christians who tell the story in their own way and win hearts for Christ in their own sphere. The fruit is those who are saved. (See also <010111>Genesis 1:11-12.)
<010403> Genesis 4:3 (b) By this type we probably understand that it represents our own self-made righteousness. It was the product of his own efforts.
<041326> Numbers 13:26 (c) We may understand this to be a type of the blessed results of walking with God in the promised land.
<121930> 2 Kings 19:30 (a) By this type is revealed that in the restoration Israel will be firmly rooted and grounded in their relationship to God, and they will be useful and fruitful in their relationships to the other nations.
<199214> Psalm 92:14 (a)This is a word of encouragement to those who have come to advanced age in that they will still be useful, and be blessed in their ministry as they come to the end of the journey.
<200819> Proverbs 8:19 (b)We may understand from this picture the spiritual graces which God gives to the believer. It may also include rich and fruitful work in which the Christian engages, such as soul winning, Christian edification, missions and other ministries which flow from the hearts of those who are saved by grace.
<201016> Proverbs 10:16 (b)By this type God describes the results of wicked living and sinful practices.
<201130> Proverbs 11:30 (b)In contrast to the above, the Lord uses this type as a picture of the results of Godly living and Christian practices.
<220203> Song of Solomon 2:3 (b)This is a symbol of the precious fellowship and the gracious results which come from feeding on Christ and His Word.
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<241708> Jeremiah 17:8 (a)This wonderful type is used to reveal the success that will follow a Godly walk in fellowship with the Lord, and a constant abiding in the Holy Spirit, and a constant feeding on the Word of God.
<400308> Matthew 3:8 (a) This is a type of those works which prove that one is born again and has received the gift of eternal life. (See also <420308>Luke 3:8.)
<401233> Matthew 12:33 (b) Here is a type of the Godly actions and desires that emanate from the heart of the Christian.
<401323> Matthew 13:23 (a) By this type is meant a Godly, fruitful life which brings glory to God and blessing to others.
<401326> Matthew 13:26 (a) Here we see the Christian life in full bloom, so that it is well recognized. The hypocrites, however, are exposed and denounced.
<402119> Matthew 21:19 (b) By this type the Lord is revealing His disappointment in the useless life lived by the nation of Israel. No good results followed in their train.
<402134> Matthew 21:34 (b)This type represents good and blessed results that should have been found in the experience of Israel when the Lord Jesus came to live among them. Instead of being thus welcomed, exalted and received, He was rejected and despised.
<421306> Luke 13:6 (b) By this type we learn that there should be more in the life of the professing Christian than merely a profession. There must be the manifestation of the life of the Lord in our souls.
<430436> John 4:36 (a) Fruit in this place is also a type of the good results which follow in the service of the King. (See also <410420>Mark 4:20; <450113>Romans
1:13; 6:21; 15:28; <500417>Philippians 4:17; <590318>James 3:18.)
<431224> John 12:24 (a) This type represents the wonderful results that have come through the centuries from the death of the Lord Jesus at Calvary. Many have been saved, lives and homes have been enriched, the gospel has been preached, the poor and the unfortunate have been relieved.
<431502> John 15:2, 4, 8 (a)In this case, "fruit" is a type and an emblem of good and profitable works, holy endeavors and Christian activities which should normally come from the life, the heart and the soul of a saved person. (See also
<400310>Matthew 3:10; 7:17, 19; <420309>Luke 3:9; 8:14.)
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<450113> Romans 1:13 (b)This symbol represents the salvation of souls, the upbuilding of Christians, the restoration of the backslider, and the teaching of God's people.
<470910> 2 Corinthians 9:10 (a)This type indicates the good results of the labors and the efforts of Christians. By their prayers, their activities, their gifts, and their influence, they bring glory to God, and blessings to men. (See also
<500111>Philippians 1:11.)
<480522> Galatians 5:22 (a) Here we find a type of the results which are manifest in the Spirit-filled life wherein the Holy Spirit has His place as the Lord of the life. Thereby He is permitted to produce the results God desires to have manifested.
<581211> Hebrews 12:11 (a) This type represents the results of godliness and godly living. It is a pleasing to God, it brings glory to His Name, and brings blessing to our fellowmen. (See also <510106>Colossians 1:6.)
<190917>Psalm 9:17; Ezekiel 15:4-6.)
<110851>1 Kings 8:51; <241104>Jeremiah 11:4.)
<050420> Deuteronomy 4:20 (a) Here again the Word is used to describe the sorrows of Israel which they suffered through the four hundred years of their slavery.
<191206> Psalm 12:6 (a)This symbol represents the testings and examinations of the Scriptures by wicked, hostile men as they sought to destroy God's words. It is a picture also of the carefulness and thoroughness with which God chose His words as they were placed in the Scriptures.
<233109> Isaiah 31:9 (a)This picture is used to illustrate the terrible destruction which Judah and Jerusalem would bring upon Assyria.
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<234810> Isaiah 48:10 (b)The type in this place describes the great trials and sorrows that Israel would experience through and during her national history.
FURROWS — <19C903> Psalm 129:3 (a) This is a remarkable type used to describe the beating, which the Lord Jesus received on His back when He was tormented before He went to Calvary. (See also <281010>Hosea 10:10.) Let us notice that Israel and Judah were to be punished together.
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