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Notes that are not verse specific
When we read the last verse of the book of Ruth, I think we gain an appreciation of why the book was written. It traces the ancestry of David through the time of the Judges.
God had made promises in Eden which He was going to keep. There was going to be a way back to the tree of life through a promised ancestor. The whole of the old testament, then, could be seen as a chronicle of the lives of one family line leading eventually to the promised man Jesus. It was important, therefore, to fill in the gaps, setting the scene for the emergence of David his ancestor.
It's quite amazing to see that despite the general immorality and turning away from God which the rest of the populous was experiencing, the line of David was not. All of Israel was of the lineage of Jacob, and so the promised ancestor Jesus could have come from any of that stock. However, through the faithfulness of this particular family God was working to bring the man David to birth, who would later receive further promises and have the old promises confirmed. A point worthy of consideration is how the faith of one gentile sinner (Rahab), and her marriage to a man of Israel (Salmon), produced such Godly offspring as Boaz, and in turn the faith of one Gentile widow (Ruth) combined with his faith to produce a fertile seedbed for the family of David to spring up from. We ought to consider in all our actions the effect they will have on generations to come. The rewards of devotion to God, and His ways, will benefit our families for many generations to come.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Rob
Naomi wasn't simply being a matchmaker for her daughter-in-law. She was attempting to fulfil the requirements of Deut 25:5
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Ken
3:18 The idea of patient endurance - being still and waiting for God to carry out his purpose - is found throughout scripture, perhaps most importantly in the exhortation to us in Psa.46:10 "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Ken
3:9 The idea of being covered by Boaz's garment is a token of an engagement to be married. A similar idea is expressed quite marvellously in relation to Israel, but by extension to us, in Ezekiel 16:8-9 "When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord GOD, and you became mine. Then I bathed you with water and washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil."
Both Ruth and we are gentiles and God has entered into a covenant with us, through Jesus. We are "engaged" to him, awaiting the marriage.
We've been bathed with the water of baptism and the blood of sin has been washed from us. Just as future Kings were anointed, the anointing points to the time when, God willing, we may serve in the Kingdom.
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Ken
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1. Then Naomi <5281> her mother in law <2545> said <559>(8799) unto her, My daughter <1323>, shall I not seek <1245>(8762) rest <4494> for thee, that it may be well <3190>(8799) with thee?
2. And now is not Boaz <1162> of our kindred <4130>, with whose maidens <5291> thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth <2219>(8802) barley <8184> to night <3915> in the threshingfloor <1637>.
3. Wash <7364>(8804) thyself therefore, and anoint <5480>(8804) thee, and put <7760>(8804) thy raiment <8071> upon thee, and get thee down <3381>(8804) to the floor <1637>: but make not thyself known <3045>(8735) unto the man <376>, until he shall have done <3615>(8763) eating <398>(8800) and drinking <8354>(8800).
4. And it shall be, when he lieth down <7901>(8800), that thou shalt mark <3045>(8804) the place <4725> where he shall lie <7901>(8799), and thou shalt go in <935>(8804), and uncover <1540>(8765) his feet <4772>, and lay thee down <7901>(8804); and he will tell <5046>(8686) thee what thou shalt do <6213>(8799).
5. And she said <559>(8799) unto her, All that thou sayest <559>(8799) unto me I will do <6213>(8799).
6. And she went down <3381>(8799) unto the floor <1637>, and did <6213>(8799) according to all that her mother in law <2545> bade <6680>(8765) her.
7. And when Boaz <1162> had eaten <398>(8799) and drunk <8354>(8799), and his heart <3820> was merry <3190>(8799), he went <935>(8799) to lie down <7901>(8800) at the end <7097> of the heap of corn <6194>: and she came <935>(8799) softly <3909>, and uncovered <1540>(8762) his feet <4772>, and laid her down <7901>(8799).
8. And it came to pass at midnight <2677> <3915>, that the man <376> was afraid <2729>(8799), and turned <3943>(8735) himself: and, behold, a woman <802> lay <7901>(8802) at his feet <4772>.
9. And he said <559>(8799), Who art thou? And she answered <559>(8799), I am Ruth <7327> thine handmaid <519>: spread <6566>(8804) therefore thy skirt <3671> over thine handmaid <519>; for thou art a near kinsman <1350>(8802).
10. And he said <559>(8799), Blessed <1288>(8803) be thou of the LORD <3068>, my daughter <1323>: for thou hast shewed <3190>(8689) more kindness <2617> in the latter end <314> than at the beginning <7223>, inasmuch as thou followedst <3212>(8800) <310> not <1115> young men <970>, whether poor <1800> or rich <6223>.
11. And now, my daughter <1323>, fear <3372>(8799) not; I will do <6213>(8799) to thee all that thou requirest <559>(8799): for all the city <8179> of my people <5971> doth know <3045>(8802) that thou art a virtuous <2428> woman <802>.
12. And now it is true <551> that I am thy near kinsman <1350>(8802): howbeit there is <3426> a kinsman <1350>(8802) nearer <7138> than I.
13. Tarry <3885>(8798) this night <3915>, and it shall be in the morning <1242>, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman <1350>(8799), well <2896>; let him do the kinsman's part <1350>(8799): but if he will <2654>(8799) not do the part of a kinsman <1350>(8800) to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman <1350>(8804) to thee, as the LORD <3068> liveth <2416>: lie down <7901>(8798) until the morning <1242>.
14. And she lay <7901>(8799) at his feet <4772> until the morning <1242>: and she rose up <6965>(8799) before <2958> one <376> could know <5234>(8686) another <7453>. And he said <559>(8799), Let it not be known <3045>(8735) that a woman <802> came <935>(8804) into the floor <1637>.
15. Also he said <559>(8799), Bring <3051>(8798) the vail <4304> that thou hast upon thee, and hold <270>(8798) it. And when she held <270>(8799) it, he measured <4058>(8799) six <8337> measures of barley <8184>, and laid <7896>(8799) it on her: and she went <935>(8799) into the city <5892>.
16. And when she came <935>(8799) to her mother in law <2545>, she said <559>(8799), Who art thou, my daughter <1323>? And she told <5046>(8686) her all that the man <376> had done <6213>(8804) to her.
17. And she said <559>(8799), These six <8337> measures of barley <8184> gave <5414>(8804) he me; for he said <559>(8804) to me, Go <935>(8799) not empty <7387> unto thy mother in law <2545>.
18. Then said <559>(8799) she, Sit still <3427>(8798), my daughter <1323>, until thou know <3045>(8799) how the matter <1697> will fall <5307>(8799): for the man <376> will not be in rest <8252>(8799), until <518> he have finished <3615>(8765) the thing <1697> this day <3117>.
1. Then went <5927> <0> Boaz <1162> up <5927>(8804) to the gate <8179>, and sat him down <3427>(8799) there: and, behold, the kinsman <1350>(8802) of whom Boaz <1162> spake <1696>(8765) came <5674>(8802) by; unto whom he said <559>(8799), Ho <1945>, such <6423> a one <492>! turn aside <5493>(8798), sit down <3427>(8798) here. And he turned aside <5493>(8799), and sat down <3427>(8799).
2. And he took <3947>(8799) ten <6235> men <582> of the elders <2205> of the city <5892>, and said <559>(8799), Sit ye down <3427>(8798) here. And they sat down <3427>(8799).
3. And he said <559>(8799) unto the kinsman <1350>(8802), Naomi <5281>, that is come again <7725>(8804) out of the country <7704> of Moab <4124>, selleth <4376>(8804) a parcel <2513> of land <7704>, which was our brother <251> Elimelech's <458>:
4. And I thought <559>(8804) to advertise <1540>(8799) <241> thee, saying <559>(8800), Buy <7069>(8798) it before the inhabitants <3427>(8802), and before the elders <2205> of my people <5971>. If thou wilt redeem <1350>(8799) it, redeem <1350>(8798) it: but if thou wilt not redeem <1350>(8799) it, then tell <5046>(8685) me, that I may know <3045>(8799): for there is none to redeem <1350>(8800) it beside <2108> thee; and I am after <310> thee. And he said <559>(8799), I will redeem <1350>(8799) it.
5. Then said <559>(8799) Boaz <1162>, What day <3117> thou buyest <7069>(8800) the field <7704> of the hand <3027> of Naomi <5281>, thou must buy <7069>(8804) it also of Ruth <7327> the Moabitess <4125>, the wife <802> of the dead <4191>(8801), to raise up <6965>(8687) the name <8034> of the dead <4191>(8801) upon his inheritance <5159>.
6. And the kinsman <1350>(8802) said <559>(8799), I cannot <3201>(8799) redeem <1350>(8800) it for myself, lest I mar <7843>(8686) mine own inheritance <5159>: redeem <1350>(8798) thou my right <1353> to thyself; for I cannot <3201>(8799) redeem <1350>(8800) it.
7. Now this was the manner in former time <6440> in Israel <3478> concerning redeeming <1353> and concerning changing <8545>, for to confirm <6965>(8763) all things <1697>; a man <376> plucked off <8025>(8804) his shoe <5275>, and gave <5414>(8804) it to his neighbour <7453>: and this was a testimony <8584> in Israel <3478>.
8. Therefore the kinsman <1350>(8802) said <559>(8799) unto Boaz <1162>, Buy <7069>(8798) it for thee. So he drew off <8025>(8799) his shoe <5275>.
9. And Boaz <1162> said <559>(8799) unto the elders <2205>, and unto all the people <5971>, Ye are witnesses <5707> this day <3117>, that I have bought <7069>(8804) all that was Elimelech's <458>, and all that was Chilion's <3630> and Mahlon's <4248>, of the hand <3027> of Naomi <5281>.
10. Moreover Ruth <7327> the Moabitess <4125>, the wife <802> of Mahlon <4248>, have I purchased <7069>(8804) to be my wife <802>, to raise up <6965>(8687) the name <8034> of the dead <4191>(8801) upon his inheritance <5159>, that the name <8034> of the dead <4191>(8801) be not cut off <3772>(8735) from among <5973> his brethren <251>, and from the gate <8179> of his place <4725>: ye are witnesses <5707> this day <3117>.
11. And all the people <5971> that were in the gate <8179>, and the elders <2205>, said <559>(8799), We are witnesses <5707>. The LORD <3068> make <5414>(8799) the woman <802> that is come <935>(8802) into thine house <1004> like Rachel <7354> and like Leah <3812>, which two <8147> did build <1129>(8804) the house <1004> of Israel <3478>: and do <6213>(8798) thou worthily <2428> in Ephratah <672>, and be famous <7121>(8798) <8034> in Bethlehem <1035>:
12. And let thy house <1004> be like the house <1004> of Pharez <6557>, whom Tamar <8559> bare <3205>(8804) unto Judah <3063>, of the seed <2233> which the LORD <3068> shall give <5414>(8799) thee of this young woman <5291>.
13. So Boaz <1162> took <3947>(8799) Ruth <7327>, and she was his wife <802>: and when he went in <935>(8799) unto her, the LORD <3068> gave <5414>(8799) her conception <2032>, and she bare <3205>(8799) a son <1121>.
14. And the women <802> said <559>(8799) unto Naomi <5281>, Blessed <1288>(8803) be the LORD <3068>, which hath not left <7673>(8689) thee this day <3117> without a kinsman <1350>(8802), that his name <8034> may be famous <7121>(8735) in Israel <3478>.
15. And he shall be unto thee a restorer <7725>(8688) of thy life <5315>, and a nourisher <3557>(8771) of thine old age <7872>: for thy daughter in law <3618>, which loveth <157>(8804) thee, which is better <2896> to thee than seven <7651> sons <1121>, hath born <3205>(8804) him.
16. And Naomi <5281> took <3947>(8799) the child <3206>, and laid <7896>(8799) it in her bosom <2436>, and became nurse <539>(8802) unto it.
17. And the women her neighbours <7934> gave <7121>(8799) it a name <8034>, saying <559>(8800), There is a son <1121> born <3205>(8795) to Naomi <5281>; and they called <7121>(8799) his name <8034> Obed <5744>: he is the father <1> of Jesse <3448>, the father <1> of David <1732>.
18. Now these are the generations <8435> of Pharez <6557>: Pharez <6557> begat <3205>(8689) Hezron <2696>,
19. And Hezron <2696> begat <3205>(8689) Ram <7410>, and Ram <7410> begat <3205>(8689) Amminadab <5992>,
20. And Amminadab <5992> begat <3205>(8689) Nahshon <5177>, and Nahshon <5177> begat <3205>(8689) Salmon <8009>,
21. And Salmon <8012> begat <3205>(8689) Boaz <1162>, and Boaz <1162> begat <3205>(8689) Obed <5744>,
22. And Obed <5744> begat <3205>(8689) Jesse <3448>, and Jesse <3448> begat <3205>(8689) David <1732>.
Notes that are not verse specific
CHOSEN BY GOD - Imagine the surprise, astonishment and awe that Cyrus must have felt when he was shown this prophecy. It was written by Isaiah long before Cyrus was named - or even born! It described Cyrus's life's work in such detail that Cyrus had no alternative but to sit up and take note of what God had to say to him about returning the Jews back into their land. He learnt that he was a chosen vessel in God's plan.
We too have been chosen before we were even born. Most of us have not been named in the Word as far as we can see, but we have certainly been chosen and predestined in the same way as Cyrus was. Paul tells us this in Ephesians, "God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ." (Eph 1 v 3 - 5)
And in Romans 8 v 28, we read that "for those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son."
And Peter also says in the introduction to his first letter, To God's elect ... who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God ... for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood." (1 Peter 1 v 1 - 2)
God chose Cyrus, and Cyrus completed the task God had set him. God has also chosen us to become like Jesus, to be holy and blameless and to obey. Let us make sure we complete the task God has given us.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
43:13 The way in which God speaks of the works of Cyrus demonstrate the truth – that God rules in the kingdom of men Dan 4:17
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Peter
Isaiah 45:7
‘I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things’.
CONCERNING the HEIRS of the KINGDOM...
These Elohim or Sons of Power, are to be developed from the earth-born seed of Abraham, upon the great moral principle of the intellectual universe, expressed in the two words "faith" and "obedience" -- an obedient faith, tested by trial. This principle necessitates the existence of evil in the system where the development of God is in progress; for there can be, no trial where evil does not exist.
The Eternal Spirit has, therefore, wisely created evil -- first as the punishment of sin and secondly, to afford scope for the manifestation of the approved. Upon this principle, Abraham's faith was tried and perfected; and upon the same principle, though not in the same way, the faith of all scripturally recognized as "his seed," is tried and perfected to this day.
----From Phanerosis - ‘Elohim developed from the seed of Abraham
Nick Kendall [In Isolation] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Nick
45:1 It is possible Cyrus was actually anointed by Daniel.
Nigel Bernard [Pembroke Dock UK] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Nigel
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1. Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> to his anointed <4899>, to Cyrus <3566>, whose right hand <3225> I have holden <2388>(8689), to subdue <7286>(8800) nations <1471> before <6440> him; and I will loose <6605>(8762) the loins <4975> of kings <4428>, to open <6605>(8800) before <6440> him the two leaved gates <1817>; and the gates <8179> shall not be shut <5462>(8735);
2. I will go <3212>(8799) before <6440> thee, and make <3474> <0> the crooked places <1921>(8803) straight <3474>(8762)(8675) <3474>(8686): I will break in pieces <7665>(8762) the gates <1817> of brass <5154>, and cut in sunder <1438>(8762) the bars <1280> of iron <1270>:
3. And I will give <5414>(8804) thee the treasures <214> of darkness <2822>, and hidden riches <4301> of secret places <4565>, that thou mayest know <3045>(8799) that I, the LORD <3068>, which call <7121>(8802) thee by thy name <8034>, am the God <430> of Israel <3478>.
4. For Jacob <3290> my servant's <5650> sake, and Israel <3478> mine elect <972>, I have even called <7121>(8799) thee by thy name <8034>: I have surnamed <3655>(8762) thee, though thou hast not known <3045>(8804) me.
5. I am the LORD <3068>, and there is none else, there is no God <430> beside <2108> me: I girded <247>(8762) thee, though thou hast not known <3045>(8804) me:
6. That they may know <3045>(8799) from the rising <4217> of the sun <8121>, and from the west <4628>, that there is none <657> beside <1107> me. I am the LORD <3068>, and there is none else.
7. I form <3335>(8802) the light <216>, and create <1254>(8802) darkness <2822>: I make <6213>(8802) peace <7965>, and create <1254>(8802) evil <7451>: I the LORD <3068> do <6213>(8802) all these things.
8. Drop down <7491>(8685), ye heavens <8064>, from above <4605>, and let the skies <7834> pour down <5140>(8799) righteousness <6664>: let the earth <776> open <6605>(8799), and let them bring forth <6509>(8799) salvation <3468>, and let righteousness <6666> spring up <6779>(8686) together <3162>; I the LORD <3068> have created <1254>(8804) it.
9. Woe <1945> unto him that striveth <7378>(8801) with his Maker <3335>(8802)! Let the potsherd <2789> strive with the potsherds <2789> of the earth <127>. Shall the clay <2563> say <559>(8799) to him that fashioneth <3335>(8802) it, What makest <6213>(8799) thou? or thy work <6467>, He hath no hands <3027>?
10. Woe <1945> unto him that saith <559>(8802) unto his father <1>, What begettest <3205>(8686) thou? or to the woman <802>, What hast thou brought forth <2342>(8799)?
11. Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, the Holy One <6918> of Israel <3478>, and his Maker <3335>(8802), Ask <7592>(8798) me of things to come <857>(8802) concerning my sons <1121>, and concerning the work <6467> of my hands <3027> command <6680>(8762) ye me.
12. I have made <6213>(8804) the earth <776>, and created <1254>(8804) man <120> upon it: I, even my hands <3027>, have stretched out <5186>(8804) the heavens <8064>, and all their host <6635> have I commanded <6680>(8765).
13. I have raised him up <5782>(8689) in righteousness <6664>, and I will direct <3474>(8762) all his ways <1870>: he shall build <1129>(8799) my city <5892>, and he shall let go <7971>(8762) my captives <1546>, not for price <4242> nor reward <7810>, saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>.
14. Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, The labour <3018> of Egypt <4714>, and merchandise <5505> of Ethiopia <3568> and of the Sabeans <5436>, men <582> of stature <4060>, shall come over <5674>(8799) unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come <3212>(8799) after <310> thee; in chains <2131> they shall come over <5674>(8799), and they shall fall down <7812>(8691) unto thee, they shall make supplication <6419>(8691) unto thee, saying, Surely God <410> is in thee; and there is none else, there is no <657> God <430>.
15. Verily <403> thou art a God <410> that hidest <5641>(8693) thyself, O God <430> of Israel <3478>, the Saviour <3467>(8688).
16. They shall be ashamed <954>(8804), and also confounded <3637>(8738), all of them: they shall go <1980>(8804) to confusion <3639> together <3162> that are makers <2796> of idols <6736>.
17. But Israel <3478> shall be saved <3467>(8738) in the LORD <3068> with an everlasting <5769> salvation <8668>: ye shall not be ashamed <954>(8799) nor confounded <3637>(8735) world <5769> without end <5703>.
18. For thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> that created <1254>(8802) the heavens <8064>; God <430> himself that formed <3335>(8802) the earth <776> and made <6213>(8802) it; he hath established <3559>(8790) it, he created <1254>(8804) it not in vain <8414>, he formed <3335>(8804) it to be inhabited <3427>(8800): I am the LORD <3068>; and there is none else.
19. I have not spoken <1696>(8765) in secret <5643>, in a dark <2822> place <4725> of the earth <776>: I said <559>(8804) not unto the seed <2233> of Jacob <3290>, Seek <1245>(8761) ye me in vain <8414>: I the LORD <3068> speak <1696>(8802) righteousness <6664>, I declare <5046>(8688) things that are right <4339>.
20. Assemble <6908>(8734) yourselves and come <935>(8798); draw near <5066>(8690) together <3162>, ye that are escaped <6412> of the nations <1471>: they have no knowledge <3045>(8804) that set up <5375>(8802) the wood <6086> of their graven image <6459>, and pray <6419>(8693) unto a god <410> that cannot save <3467>(8686).
21. Tell <5046>(8685) ye, and bring them near <5066>(8685); yea, let them take counsel <3289>(8735) together <3162>: who hath declared <8085>(8689) this from ancient time <6924>? who hath told <5046>(8689) it from that time? have not I the LORD <3068>? and there is no God <430> else beside <1107> me; a just <6662> God <410> and a Saviour <3467>(8688); there is none <369> beside <2108> me.
22. Look <6437>(8798) unto me, and be ye saved <3467>(8734), all the ends <657> of the earth <776>: for I am God <410>, and there is none else.
23. I have sworn <7650>(8738) by myself, the word <1697> is gone out <3318>(8804) of my mouth <6310> in righteousness <6666>, and shall not return <7725>(8799), That unto me every knee <1290> shall bow <3766>(8799), every tongue <3956> shall swear <7650>(8735).
24. Surely, shall one say <559>(8804), in the LORD <3068> have I righteousness <6666> and strength <5797>: even to him shall men come <935>(8799); and all that are incensed <2734>(8737) against him shall be ashamed <954>(8799).
25. In the LORD <3068> shall all the seed <2233> of Israel <3478> be justified <6663>(8799), and shall glory <1984>(8691).
Notes that are not verse specific
YOUR FIRST LOVE
At a recent weekend family camp one of the topics of discussion was to compare courting days with our current marriage. During courtship we gave gifts, opened doors for our future partner, talked to each other, held hands and all the other things courting couples always do. The question was: Do we still do the nice things we did while we were courting now that we are married?. Why not? What has changed?
In the same way that many marriages change and have less spark as they grow older, so it can happen to our love for God. The same question applies. When we first gave ourselves to him we were enthusiastic, we read the Bible all the time, we were joyful for our salvation and had the peace of forgiveness. What has happened? Do we still do the things we did then? Why not? What has changed?
The church in Ephesus was troubled with loosing their first love and they didn't even realise it. The warning Jesus gave them is a warning for us as well"You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
Where can we find resources on various interpretations of Revelation so that with prayerful study we can be better informed?
There are a number of venues containing books on or promoting the continuous historical interpretation. There are books such as "Eureka" (5 volumes) by Dr John Thomas , "Thirteen lectures on the Apocalypse" by Robert Roberts, "The Book of Revelation" (Expositor Series) by H.P. Mansfield, "The Apocalypse and History" by W.H. Boulton, "The Revelation - Which Interpretation?" by Graham Pearce, etc.
A book on the futurist interpretation is called "Apocalypse for Everyman" by Alfred Norris. It is freely available online at the time of this posting at "http://god-so-loved-the-world.org/english/norris_apocalypse_for_everyman.htm". This listing contains the book in its entirety.
A book on the preterist interpretation is "Revelation - A Biblical Approach" by H.A. Whittaker. As I live in the USA, I found it locally available at the Detroit Christadelphian Book Supply under the category of controversial subject matter.
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Charles
Jesus Christ was seen by John in the middle of the 7 churches. From where he was imprisoned on Patmos, these were probably the nearest ecclesias. They obviously stand for the whole ecclesial world. Jesus had a long garment from head to toe, and the girdle was around his chest. Note that girdles used to be about the waist, but the Lord is now in Heaven, and has no nakedness to hide. So His breastplate, as it were, is a golden girdle. His head and hair are pure white, symbolising purity. Both His eyes and His feet look like fire. In His hand he holds the 7 messengers (or elders) of the 7 ecclesias. What a wonderful picture of Christ and his world-wide ecclesia!
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to David
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1. The Revelation <602> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, which <3739> God <2316> gave <1325>(5656) unto him <846>, to shew <1166>(5658) unto his <848> servants <1401> things which <3739> must <1163>(5748) shortly <1722> <5034> come to pass <1096>(5635); and <2532> he sent <649>(5660) and signified <4591>(5656) it by <1223> his <848> angel <32> unto his <848> servant <1401> John <2491>:
2. Who <3739> bare record <3140>(5656) of the word <3056> of God <2316>, and <2532> of the testimony <3141> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, and <5037> of all things <3745> that he saw <1492>(5627).
3. Blessed <3107> is he that readeth <314>(5723), and <2532> they that hear <191>(5723) the words <3056> of this prophecy <4394>, and <2532> keep <5083>(5723) those things which are written <1125>(5772) therein <1722> <846>: for <1063> the time <2540> is at hand <1451>.
4. John <2491> to the seven <2033> churches <1577> which <3588> are in <1722> Asia <773>: Grace <5485> be unto you <5213>, and <2532> peace <1515>, from <575> him which <3588> is <2258>(5713) <3801>, and <2532> which <3588> was <3801>, and <2532> which <3588> is <3801> to come <2064>(5740); and <2532> from <575> the seven <2033> Spirits <4151> which <3739> are <2076>(5748) before <1799> his <846> throne <2362>;
5. And <2532> from <575> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, who is the faithful <4103> witness <3144>, and the first begotten <4416> of <1537> the dead <3498>, and <2532> the prince <758> of the kings <935> of the earth <1093>. Unto him that loved <25>(5660) us <2248>, and <2532> washed <3068>(5660) us <2248> from <575> our <2257> sins <266> in <1722> his own <848> blood <129>,
6. And <2532> hath made <4160>(5656) us <2248> kings <935> and <2532> priests <2409> unto God <2316> and <2532> his <848> Father <3962>; to him <846> be glory <1391> and <2532> dominion <2904> for <1519> ever <165> and ever <165>. Amen <281>.
7. Behold <2400>(5628), he cometh <2064>(5736) with <3326> clouds <3507>; and <2532> every <3956> eye <3788> shall see <3700>(5695) him <846>, and <2532> they also which <3748> pierced <1574>(5656) him <846>: and <2532> all <3956> kindreds <5443> of the earth <1093> shall wail <2875>(5695) because <1909> of him <846>. Even so <3483>, Amen <281>.
8. I <1473> am <1510>(5748) Alpha <1> and <2532> Omega <5598>, the beginning <746> and <2532> the ending <5056>, saith <3004>(5719) the Lord <2962>, which <3588> is <3801>, and <2532> which <3588> was <2258>(5713) <3801>, and <2532> which <3588> is <3801> to come <2064>(5740), the Almighty <3841>.
9. I <1473> John <2491>, who <3588> also <2532> am your <5216> brother <80>, and <2532> companion <4791> in <1722> tribulation <2347>, and <2532> in <1722> the kingdom <932> and <2532> patience <5281> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, was <1096>(5633) in <1722> the isle <3520> that is called <2564>(5746) Patmos <3963>, for <1223> the word <3056> of God <2316>, and <2532> for <1223> the testimony <3141> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
10. I was <1096>(5633) in <1722> the Spirit <4151> on <1722> the Lord's <2960> day <2250>, and <2532> heard <191>(5656) behind <3694> me <3450> a great <3173> voice <5456>, as <5613> of a trumpet <4536>,
11. Saying <3004>(5723), I <1473> am <1510>(5748) Alpha <1> and <2532> Omega <5598>, the first <4413> and <2532> the last <2078>: and <2532>, What <3739> thou seest <991>(5719), write <1125>(5657) in <1519> a book <975>, and <2532> send <3992>(5657) it unto the seven <2033> churches <1577> which <3588> are in <1722> Asia <773>; unto <1519> Ephesus <2181>, and <2532> unto <1519> Smyrna <4667>, and <2532> unto <1519> Pergamos <4010>, and <2532> unto <1519> Thyatira <2363>, and <2532> unto <1519> Sardis <4554>, and <2532> unto <1519> Philadelphia <5359>, and <2532> unto <1519> Laodicea <2993>.
12. And <2532> I turned <1994>(5656) to see <991>(5721) the voice <5456> that <3748> spake <2980>(5656) with <3326> me <1700>. And <2532> being turned <1994>(5660), I saw <1492>(5627) seven <2033> golden <5552> candlesticks <3087>;
13. And <2532> in <1722> the midst <3319> of the seven <2033> candlesticks <3087> one like <3664> unto the Son <5207> of man <444>, clothed with a garment <1746>(5765) down to the foot <4158>, and <2532> girt <4024>(5772) about <4314> the paps <3149> with a golden <5552> girdle <2223>.
14. His <1161> head <2776> and <2532> his hairs <2359> were white <3022> like <5616> wool <2053>, as white <3022> as <5613> snow <5510>; and <2532> his <846> eyes <3788> were as <5613> a flame <5395> of fire <4442>;
15. And <2532> his <846> feet <4228> like <3664> unto fine brass <5474>, as <5613> if they burned <4448>(5772) in <1722> a furnace <2575>; and <2532> his <846> voice <5456> as <5613> the sound <5456> of many <4183> waters <5204>.
16. And <2532> he had <2192>(5723) in <1722> his <848> right <1188> hand <5495> seven <2033> stars <792>: and <2532> out of <1537> his <846> mouth <4750> went <1607>(5740) a sharp <3691> twoedged <1366> sword <4501>: and <2532> his <846> countenance <3799> was as <5613> the sun <2246> shineth <5316>(5719) in <1722> his <848> strength <1411>.
17. And <2532> when <3753> I saw <1492>(5627) him <846>, I fell <4098>(5627) at <4314> his <846> feet <4228> as <5613> dead <3498>. And <2532> he laid <2007>(5656) his <848> right <1188> hand <5495> upon <1909> me <1691>, saying <3004>(5723) unto me <3427>, Fear <5399>(5732)(5737) not <3361>; I <1473> am <1510>(5748) the first <4413> and <2532> the last <2078>:
18. <2532> I am he that liveth <2198>(5723), and <2532> was <1096>(5633) dead <3498>; and <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), I am <1510>(5748) alive <2198>(5723) for <1519> evermore <165> <165>, Amen <281>; and <2532> have <2192>(5719) the keys <2807> of hell <86> and <2532> of death <2288>.
19. Write <1125>(5657) the things which <3739> thou hast seen <1492>(5627), and <2532> the things which <3739> are <1526>(5748), and <2532> the things which <3739> shall <3195>(5719) be <1096>(5738) hereafter <3326> <5023>;
20. The mystery <3466> of the seven <2033> stars <792> which <3739> thou sawest <1492>(5627) in <1909> my <3450> right hand <1188>, and <2532> the seven <2033> golden <5552> candlesticks <3087>. The seven <2033> stars <792> are <1526>(5748) the angels <32> of the seven <2033> churches <1577>: and <2532> the seven <2033> candlesticks <3087> which <3739> thou sawest <1492>(5627) are <1526>(5748) the seven <2033> churches <1577>.
1. Unto the angel <32> of the church <1577> of Ephesus <2179> write <1125>(5657); These things <3592> saith <3004>(5719) he that holdeth <2902>(5723) the seven <2033> stars <792> in <1722> his <848> right hand <1188>, who <3588> walketh <4043>(5723) in <1722> the midst <3319> of the seven <2033> golden <5552> candlesticks <3087>;
2. I know <1492>(5758) thy <4675> works <2041>, and <2532> thy <4675> labour <2873>, and <2532> thy <4675> patience <5281>, and <2532> how <3754> thou canst <1410>(5736) not <3756> bear <941>(5658) them which are evil <2556>: and <2532> thou hast tried <3985>(5668) them which say <5335>(5723) they are <1511>(5750) apostles <652>, and <2532> are <1526>(5748) not <3756>, and <2532> hast found <2147>(5627) them <846> liars <5571>:
3. And <2532> hast borne <941>(5656), and <2532> hast <2192>(5719) patience <5281>, and <2532> for <1223> <0> my <3450> name's sake <1223> <3686> hast laboured <2872>(5758), and <2532> hast <2577> <0> not <3756> fainted <2577>(5758).
4. Nevertheless <235> I have <2192>(5719) somewhat against <2596> thee <4675>, because <3754> thou hast left <863>(5656) thy <4675> first <4413> love <26>.
5. Remember <3421>(5720) therefore <3767> from whence <4159> thou art fallen <1601>(5758), and <2532> repent <3340>(5657), and <2532> do <4160>(5657) the first <4413> works <2041>; or else <1490> I will come <2064>(5736) unto thee <4671> quickly <5035>, and <2532> will remove <2795>(5692) thy <4675> candlestick <3087> out of <1537> his <846> place <5117>, except <3362> thou repent <3340>(5661).
6. But <235> this <5124> thou hast <2192>(5719), that <3754> thou hatest <3404>(5719) the deeds <2041> of the Nicolaitans <3531>, which <3739> I also <2504> hate <3404>(5719).
7. He that hath <2192>(5723) an ear <3775>, let him hear <191>(5657) what <5101> the Spirit <4151> saith <3004>(5719) unto the churches <1577>; To him <846> that overcometh <3528>(5723) will I give <1325>(5692) to eat <5315>(5629) of <1537> the tree <3586> of life <2222>, which <3739> is <2076>(5748) in <1722> the midst <3319> of the paradise <3857> of God <2316>.
8. And <2532> unto the angel <32> of the church <1577> in Smyrna <4668> write <1125>(5657); These things <3592> saith <3004>(5719) the first <4413> and <2532> the last <2078>, which <3739> was <1096>(5633) dead <3498>, and <2532> is alive <2198>(5656);
9. I know <1492>(5758) thy <4675> works <2041>, and <2532> tribulation <2347>, and <2532> poverty <4432>, (but <1161> thou art <1488>(5748) rich <4145>) and <2532> I know the blasphemy <988> of them which <3588> say <3004>(5723) they <1438> are <1511>(5750) Jews <2453>, and <2532> are <1526>(5748) not <3756>, but <235> are the synagogue <4864> of Satan <4567>.
10. Fear <5399>(5732)(5737) none <3367> of those things which <3739> thou shalt <3195>(5719) suffer <3958>(5721): behold <2400>(5628), the devil <1228> shall <3195>(5719) cast <906>(5629) some of <1537> you <5216> into <1519> prison <5438>, that <2443> ye may be tried <3985>(5686); and <2532> ye shall have <2192>(5692) tribulation <2347> ten <1176> days <2250>: be thou <1096>(5737) faithful <4103> unto <891> death <2288>, and <2532> I will give <1325>(5692) thee <4671> a crown <4735> of life <2222>.
11. He that hath <2192>(5723) an ear <3775>, let him hear <191>(5657) what <5101> the Spirit <4151> saith <3004>(5719) unto the churches <1577>; He that overcometh <3528>(5723) shall <91> <0> not <3364> be hurt <91>(5686) of <1537> the second <1208> death <2288>.
12. And <2532> to the angel <32> of the church <1577> in <1722> Pergamos <4010> write <1125>(5657); These things <3592> saith <3004>(5719) he which hath <2192>(5723) the sharp <3691> sword <4501> with two edges <1366>;
13. I know <1492>(5758) thy <4675> works <2041>, and <2532> where <4226> thou dwellest <2730>(5719), even where <3699> Satan's <4567> seat <2362> is: and <2532> thou holdest fast <2902>(5719) my <3450> name <3686>, and <2532> hast <720> <0> not <3756> denied <720>(5662) my <3450> faith <4102>, even <2532> in <1722> those days <2250> wherein <1722> <3739> Antipas <493> was my <3450> faithful <4103> martyr <3144>, who <3739> was slain <615>(5681) among <3844> you <5213>, where <3699> Satan <4567> dwelleth <2730>(5719).
14. But <235> I have <2192>(5719) a few things <3641> against <2596> thee <4675>, because <3754> thou hast <2192>(5719) there <1563> them that hold <2902>(5723) the doctrine <1322> of Balaam <903>, who <3739> taught <1722> <1321>(5707) Balac <904> to cast <906>(5629) a stumblingblock <4625> before <1799> the children <5207> of Israel <2474>, to eat <5315>(5629) things sacrificed unto idols <1494>, and <2532> to commit fornication <4203>(5658).
15. So <3779> hast <2192>(5719) thou <4771> also <2532> them that hold <2902>(5723) the doctrine <1322> of the Nicolaitans <3531>, which thing <3739> I hate <3404>(5719).
16. Repent <3340>(5657); or else <1490> I will come <2064>(5736) unto thee <4671> quickly <5035>, and <2532> will fight <4170>(5692) against <3326> them <846> with <1722> the sword <4501> of my <3450> mouth <4750>.
17. He that hath <2192>(5723) an ear <3775>, let him hear <191>(5657) what <5101> the Spirit <4151> saith <3004>(5719) unto the churches <1577>; To him <846> that overcometh <3528>(5723) will I give <1325>(5692) to eat <5315>(5629) of <575> <1537> the hidden <2928>(5772) manna <3131>, and <2532> will give <1325>(5692) him <846> a white <3022> stone <5586>, and <2532> in <1909> the stone <5586> a new <2537> name <3686> written <1125>(5772), which <3739> no man <3762> knoweth <1097>(5627) saving <1508> he that receiveth <2983>(5723) it.
18. And <2532> unto the angel <32> of the church <1577> in <1722> Thyatira <2363> write <1125>(5657); These things <3592> saith <3004>(5719) the Son <5207> of God <2316>, who <3588> hath <2192>(5723) his <848> eyes <3788> like <5613> unto a flame <5395> of fire <4442>, and <2532> his <846> feet <4228> are like <3664> fine brass <5474>;
19. I know <1492>(5758) thy <4675> works <2041>, and <2532> charity <26>, and <2532> service <1248>, and <2532> faith <4102>, and <2532> thy <4675> patience <5281>, and <2532> thy <4675> works <2041>; and <2532> the last <2078> to be more than <4119> the first <4413>.
20. Notwithstanding <235> I have <2192>(5719) a few things <3641> against <2596> thee <4675>, because <3754> thou sufferest <1439>(5719) that woman <1135> Jezebel <2403>, which <3588> calleth <3004>(5723) herself <1438> a prophetess <4398>, to teach <1321>(5721) and <2532> to seduce <4105>(5745) my <1699> servants <1401> to commit fornication <4203>(5658), and <2532> to eat <5315>(5629) things sacrificed unto idols <1494>.
21. And <2532> I gave <1325>(5656) her <846> space <5550> to <2443> repent <3340>(5661) of <1537> her <848> fornication <4202>; and <2532> she repented <3340>(5656) not <3756>.
22. Behold <2400>(5628), I <1473> will cast <906>(5719) her <846> into <1519> a bed <2825>, and <2532> them that commit adultery <3431>(5723) with <3326> her <846> into <1519> great <3173> tribulation <2347>, except <3362> they repent <3340>(5661) of <1537> their <848> deeds <2041>.
23. And <2532> I will kill <615>(5692) her <846> children <5043> with <1722> death <2288>; and <2532> all <3956> the churches <1577> shall know <1097>(5695) that <3754> I <1473> am <1510>(5748) he which <3588> searcheth <2045>(5723) the reins <3510> and <2532> hearts <2588>: and <2532> I will give <1325>(5692) unto every one <1538> of you <5213> according to <2596> your <5216> works <2041>.
24. But <1161> unto you <5213> I say <3004>(5719), and <2532> unto the rest <3062> in <1722> Thyatira <2363>, as many as <3745> have <2192>(5719) not <3756> this <5026> doctrine <1322>, and <2532> which <3748> have <1097> <0> not <3756> known <1097>(5627) the depths <899> of Satan <4567>, as <5613> they speak <3004>(5719); I will put <906>(5692) upon <1909> you <5209> none <3756> other <243> burden <922>.
25. But <4133> that which ye have <2192>(5719) already hold fast <2902>(5657) till <891> <3739> I come <302> <2240>(5661).
26. And <2532> he that overcometh <3528>(5723), and <2532> keepeth <5083>(5723) my <3450> works <2041> unto <891> the end <5056>, to him <846> will I give <1325>(5692) power <1849> over <1909> the nations <1484>:
27. And <2532> he shall rule <4165>(5692) them <846> with <1722> a rod <4464> of iron <4603>; as <5613> the vessels <4632> of a potter <2764> shall they be broken to shivers <4937>(5743): even <2504> <0> as <5613> I <2504> received <2983>(5758) of <3844> my <3450> Father <3962>.
28. And <2532> I will give <1325>(5692) him <846> the morning <4407> star <792>.
29. He that hath <2192>(5723) an ear <3775>, let him hear <191>(5657) what <5101> the Spirit <4151> saith <3004>(5719) unto the churches <1577>.