RevelationHeading.jpg (12428 bytes)

Answer to Question #1
Footnote on Biblical Symbols

 

Biblical Symbol Chart

 

SymbolSun.jpg (6638 bytes) Sun represents the Gospel.

Sunshine cheers us. Sunshine warms us. The sun's rays have the power to heal. What better picture could we have of the joy of the Gospel Good News of salvation and God's planned Kingdom of Righteousness? It provides us with spiritual health and gladdens our hearts.

Even now, God has blest the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). In his Kingdom, he will give all mankind the opportunity for everlasting life on a perfect earth, demanding only their obedience.

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SymbolSun2.jpg (6066 bytes) Sun of Righteousness  represents Christ and his faithful followers in heavenly glory.

 The scripture that speaks of the "sun of righteousness" is different from the more general symbol of "sun" meaning "Gospel."  Jesus is the center of the Sun, the Gospel, the Good News.  His faithful Church, his joint-heirs, will be there with him to heal the nations, the people of the world. 

"But unto that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."  Malachi 4:2

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SymbolMoon.jpg (4100 bytes) Moon represents the Mosaic Law.

When Jesus died on the cross, the literal moon was at its full. This represents the fact that the Jewish nation could have then been ready to accept their Messiah. Their Law had led them to Christ.

Because Israel rejected their Messiah, the symbolic moon began to wane, just as the literal moon became smaller at that time of the  month.

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SymbolStars.jpg (6661 bytes) Stars represent those who radiate light, spiritual instruction.

The twelve stars in Revelation 12 represent the twelve apostles. In the new Jerusalem, the wall will have twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The words of the apostles still speak to us, of Christ as Redeemer, as Savior, as Messiah.

The seven stars of Revelation 1:20 represent seven special  servants of Christ's Church during the Gospel Age. "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches." Revelation 1:20 A different angel [messenger] received a message from the glorified Jesus during the existence of each of the seven churches of history. "I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets." Revelation 8:2

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SymbolEarth.jpg (11949 bytes)

Earth represents society, not literal dust or mud.

Ecclesiastics 1:4 correctly states: "The EARTH [meaning the land, the country, the field, the ground] will abide forever." But Psalms 46:1-3 says, "Though the earth be removed," and as we look around we see that things on the earth are indeed unsettled, disorganized, troubled, and in the process of disintegrating.

Isaiah 1:2 speaks to the earth not that the land could hear or respond to his proclamations; he speaks to the PEOPLE of the earth.

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SymbolAir.jpg (3686 bytes) Air represents spiritual powers.

Satan is the prince of earth's religious systems, which are sometimes symbolized by the term "heavens."

In God's Kingdom, there will be a new "heavens" and a new "earth." They will replace and destroy the present powers of Satan.

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WatersLife2.jpg (17954 bytes) Water represents truth.

"Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and CLEANSE it with the WASHING of WATER by the word." Ephesians 5:25,26

"Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."  John 4:14

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SymbolSea.jpg (2062 bytes)

Sea represents restless masses of society, usually unruly and lawless.

"The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."  Isaiah 57:20

"The abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee."   Isaiah 60:5

Isaiah is speaking to Israel spiritual Israel, another name for the heavenly Church, and also natural, fleshly Israel, which will then be the capital of the world, as God's chosen people, repentant and reformed for the sin of crucifying their Messiah.

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SymbolMtn.jpg (8578 bytes)

Mountains represent kingdoms or strong, powerful governments.

THE mountain usually refers to THE Kingdom of God.

"It shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains." Isaiah 2:2-4

Mountains in general often refer to worldly kingdoms.

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SymbolHills.jpg (11179 bytes) Hills similar to mountains,  represent smaller kingdoms.

More specifically, "hills" sometimes mean a lesser government or kingdom than "mountains" possibly less powerful kingdoms, or less dictatorial [like republics].

The "hills" of Satan's dominion will be humbled and made low. Sometimes "hill" is used in a phrase like "the hill of the Lord" or "my holy hill of Zion." THAT "hill" will NOT be made unimportant in God's Kingdom.

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SymbolValley.jpg (6115 bytes)

Valleys represent the lowly and meek, whom God loves, so it sometimes means a place of blessing.

Sometimes the meek and humble become discouraged. God will lift them out of their degradation or despair by encouraging and rewarding their obedience to Him. The conditions of society will be leveled.

"Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain."  Isaiah 40:4

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SymbolIsland.jpg (9618 bytes) Islands represent republican governments, organizations of people.

Islands are slightly above the "sea" level.   The "sea" represents unorganized masses of people. While kingdoms ("mountains") give place to republics ("islands"), so the islands shall also in due time flee away.  The spirit of liberty will overleap all bounds and order and end in anarchy.

"And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found." Revelation 16:20

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SymbolWilderness.jpg (11898 bytes) Wilderness represents unfertile wilds, not cultivated as farmland nor industrialized as a city.

The nation of Israel had to travel through the wilderness for forty years before entering the Promised Land.

The TRUE Church was taken into a "wilderness" condition for protection during the Dark Ages.

"And to the woman [church class] were given two wings of a great eagle [the support of the Old and New Testaments], that she might fly into the wilderness [of separation from the world], into her place [condition], where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time [1260 years from CE 539-1799], from the face of the serpent [civil Roman authority]." Revelation 12:14   00GoldSquare.jpg (705 bytes)

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SymbolCity.jpg (3234 bytes) Cities represent religious governments.

The established Kingdom of God, the new Jerusalem, is referred to as a city wherein dwell those who do God's commandments.

Babylon is called "that great city which rules over the kings of the earth" BEFORE God's kingdom takes its rightful power. (Revelation 17:18)

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SymbolTrees.jpg (7049 bytes)

Trees represent prominent men.
Grass represents masses of mankind.

"The first angel sounded...and the third part of the trees [prominent men] was burnt up [were converted], and all green grass [men sufficiently alive to receive or absorb the water of truth] was burnt up [were converted]."  Revelation 8:7  

Trees represent prominent leaders that stand above the grass, the masses of mankind.  The righteous man is likened to a tree:   "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water..." Psalms 1:3  The wicked are likened to the "green bay tree."  Psalms 37:35

Grass represents the common masses of men. "The grass withers, the flower fades...surely the people is grass."  Isaiah 40:7  It will require only a breath from the Lord to scatter all the might and glory and power of earthly institutions.   All who oppose His plan will fade in the great Day of Wrath.

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SymbolWheatFld.jpg (15032 bytes) Field represents the civilized world.

Jesus said, "The field is the world." Matthew 1:38  The wheat and the tares both came from the world of mankind. After the true Church is glorified in heaven, the work must be done to clear, plow, and prepare the field [the world] for the next age.

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SymbolWheat.jpg (9454 bytes) Wheat represents the children of the Truth.

In the parable of the wheat and the tares [Matthew 13:24], Jesus said the good seed [the wheat] are the children of the Kingdom, the product of Truth which the sower had sowed.

The wheat are the TRUE church, gathered with the sickle of Truth. "Gather MY SAINTS together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." Psalms 50:5

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SymbolTare.jpg (3249 bytes) Tares represent children of error.

Tares stand tall and proud, while wheat bow humbly. Tares try to pose as true Christians, but are imitations. Tares are the product of false teachings.

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SymbolBarn.jpg (5453 bytes) Barn represents the place where the ripe wheat is taken, away from the field and the tares; ultimately, heaven itself.

The wheat is gathered from worldly surroundings to be with other wheat.  True Christians gather together to study God's Word. In the final sense, the wheat, true Christians, are garnered to the heavenly barn.

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wpe542.jpg (6510 bytes) Reapers represent God's servants.

Reapers are spirit begotten Christians who are gathering the wheat [other faithful Christians] into His barn [separate from worldly interests, and finally into heaven itself].

"The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." Matthew 9:37,38

Other saints have labored faithfully in the past, sowing the precious seed which we are now privileged to help in harvesting.

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SymbolRainbow.jpg (4024 bytes) Rainbow represents a promise.

What is more hopeful than the realization that the sun will come out after the rain?

"And God said to Noah: I will make a covenant with you.   Never again will all men die because of a flood.  This is my token to remind you of my promise.  I will set a rainbow in the sky."  Genesis 9:11-17

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SymbolRain.jpg (3864 bytes) Rain represents blessings.

In Palestine, rain is greatly desired. 

"If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments...Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase." Leviticus 26:3,4

I Kings 18 tells of a great rain which finally came after 3-1/2 years of drought.  Spiritually, there was a drought of Truth during the Dark Ages, followed by a wonderful rain of refreshment from God's Word.  Bible societies sprang up, education became accessible to many, and the common man could read the Words of Life.

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SymbolHail.jpg (3692 bytes) Hail represents hard truths.

"Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone...a precious corner stone, a sure foundation:  he that believeth shall not stumble.  Judgment will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the HAIL shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place."  Isaiah 28:16,17

Matthew 7:26,27 speaks of a storm which would destroy any house built on sand.  This is a downpour of truth, hard truths, which beat upon a house (NOMINAL Christendom) until it fell.  The crash of man-made theories, traditions, and doctrines, are frightening, but they free some in the house who would not have left otherwise.

"And there fell upon men [professed Christians] a great hail [overflowing scourge of hard truths] out of heaven [the spiritual controlling realm], every stone [each hard truth] about the weight of a talent [being the equivalent of the whole Gospel on each subject]: and men [nominal Christians] blasphemed [denounced] God because of the plague of the hail [affliction caused by hard truths]; for the plague [affliction] thereof was exceeding great." Revelation 16:21   00GoldSquare.jpg (705 bytes)

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SymbolDkClds.jpg (3317 bytes) Dark Clouds represent trouble.

Dark clouds mean a storm is coming. If you wanted to draw a picture of fear of disasters, you might draw dark clouds in the sky.

"When Michael [Jesus Christ] stands up, there will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation." Daniel 12:1

"All the tribes of the earth shall mourn, for the Son of man will come in clouds." Matthew 24:30

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wpe543.jpg (5255 bytes)

Lightning represents flashes, diffusions, of light and knowledge

A flash of lightning from the Lord's throne discloses one error here, and there another, with remarkable glimpses of the great principles of truth and righteousness.  Principles of the Word of God are brought to the front and discussed in the news media and at public gatherings.

The increase of knowledge, general diffusion of education, multiplying of inventions, general interchange of thought, wider range of commercial interests, rapid modes and cheap rates of travel, multiplicity of books and periodicals, wonderful power of the daily press, increase the flashes of lightning [truths] enlightening the world.

"His lightnings enlightened the world:  the earth saw and trembled."  Psalm 97:4

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SymbolWind.jpg (2640 bytes)

Wind Blowing winds represent wars.

The worst winds of Revelation 7:1 [violence, anarchy] will not reach their fullest culmination until the true Church is removed from the earth into heavenly glory.

When the world recognizes its helplessness in this greatest time of trouble [when God pours upon them His indignation, His fierce anger, for their flagrant disobedience and dishonor to Him, their Creator], THEN He will bless and restore all the repentant and reformed world, and bless them abundantly.

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Symbol4winds.jpg (3999 bytes) Four winds represent all parts of the nominal church.

From whence are God's elect gathered? Not from America alone, and not from only one denomination. God's elect Church are gathered from every direction, from every quarter of the "field." There are NOMINAL Christians in every denomination. In between are scattered TRUE Christians - a remnant here, a remnant there.

"And he shall send his angels [messengers, the Reapers] with a great...trumpet [the truth], and they shall gather together [spiritually to the harvest truth and oneness with Christ] his elect [saints] from the four winds [from every denomination or quarter of the wheat field], from one end of heaven [nominal church] to the other."  Matthew 24:31

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SymbolEarthquake.jpg (5434 bytes) Earthquake represents revolution.

Revelation 16:18 speaks of a mighty earthquake, such as was not since men were on the earth. This great revolution will overthrow everything that is not of the Lord's establishment and approval. This revolution will affect all the governments of the world, socially, politically, financially and ecclesiastically.

"...And there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great."  Revelation 16:18

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SymbolFire.jpg (2203 bytes)

Fire represents trouble, anarchy, destruction, or trials.

In 1 Peter 4:12, Peter writes to the true Church, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the FIERY TRIAL which is to try you... Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings."

Zephaniah 3:8,9 speaks of the fire of God's jealousy. "...my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth [the entire present social fabric] shall be devoured [all evil principles of government and societynot humanity] with the fire of my jealousy [the Lord's anger will burn against all kinds of injustice and iniquity, devouring the political, financial, social and religious structure of the world]. For then [after men have been humbled and made ready to hear and heed God's counsel] will I turn to the people a pure language [the pure word of truth, uncontaminated by human tradition; a pure message unmixed with falsity and error], that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent."

We talk about people with hot tempers, or fiery tempers. We do not mean that they are literal fire-eaters. After this present social order is destroyed, God will turn to the people to bless them. If they or the earth had been literally burned up, He could not bless them. Fire represents destruction of the evil systems their final end. Ashes represent memory of what had once been.

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SymbolSmVoice.jpg (2653 bytes) Still Small Voice represents God's Word of truth, love and wisdom speaking to His people.

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Exodus 33:14 "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give you rest."  Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Isaiah 30:15

"...And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains...but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice...And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah"  I Kings 19:11, 12

The still small voice is the voice of truth, love, wisdomthe "Pure language" or pure message of God's Word.  The voice of God, divine power, will bring the blessings to the world.  Elijah had expected his reformation to go forward like a windstorm, or an earthquake or lightning.  Now he was to understand that it would be more secret and quiet in the hearts of men, before giving outward manifestation.

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Jesus1thornes.jpg (6190 bytes) Head Christ is the Head of the Church, his body.

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him [Christ] to be the head over all things to the church.  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." Ephesians 1:22,23

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body." Ephesians 5:24

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SymbolBody.jpg (17459 bytes) Body represents the Church.

"And he [Christ] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."  Colossians 1:18

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ...For the body is not one member, but many...Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."   I Corinthians 12:12, 14, 27

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SymbolFace.jpg (7983 bytes) Face represents favor.

When God's face is turned toward you, it indicates His favor. When God's face is turned away from you, it indicates His disfavor.

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the FACE of the Lord is AGAINST them that do evil."  1 Peter 3:12

"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the FACE of my Father."  Matthew 18:10

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SymbolEye.jpg (1398 bytes) Eye represents wisdom, understanding, comprehension.

Moses told the children of Israel, "Stand still and SEE the salvation of the Lord." (Exodus 14:13 )

Salvation cannot really be SEEN. It is the CONSEQUENCES of salvation that can be seen.  Israel SAW that they were delivered from the Egyptians by the saving grace of God.

Revelation 1:7 says: "Every eye shall SEE him."  

Jesus said (John 14:19) "The world will SEE me no more." 

What the world WILL see will be the trouble, the punishments, and the blessings which the Lord will offer to all so that they will have a full opportunity to live eternally, if obedient (repentant and reformed from their former disobedience).

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SymbolHands.jpg (4061 bytes)

Hand represents power.

God told Satan, "Job is in your hand (power), but save his life."  Job 2:6

"The Egyptians will I give over into the hand (power) of a cruel lord."  Isaiah 19:4 

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand (power) of God, that He may exalt you in due time."  I Peter 5:6

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SymbolArm.jpg (4899 bytes) Arm represents support, strength.

"Who hath believed our report?  And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1)  Christ is the arm of the LORD Jehovah.  Christ is the power of God unto salvation.

"I will redeem you with a stretched out ARM."   Exodus 6:6 This was God's message to Israel in Egypt.

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SymbolFoot.jpg (3959 bytes) Feet represent the last members of Christ's Body, or Church.

The feet are the last members of his Church, the last members of his Bride, just before they are all united in glory, ready to bless the world of mankind.

"How beautiful upon the mountains [every nation] are the FEET of him [the last members of the Body of Christ remaining on earth before the earthly Kingdom is set up] that brings good tidings [the ransom for all, and the blessed Kingdom to come]." Isaiah 52:7

"He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy FOOT against a stone." Psalm 91:12

Psalms 91:11,12 is a part of a Psalm discussing those who dwell in the secret place, particularly NOW in the final times of perilous temptations. Because of today's insidious enticements, we need special help to be protected from stumbling-stones in our path, false doctrines in our search for Truth.

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SymbolVirgin.jpg (3570 bytes) Virgin represents the TRUE Church, the Bride of Christ, which refuses any illicit union with the rulers of this world.

There were five wise and five foolish virgins, but they were all virgins, waiting faithfully for their Bridegroom to return. (Matthew 25)

The Book of Revelation has much to say about a whore, mother of harlots, who did NOT wait for her Bridegroom, but entered into unfaithful relationships with worldly powers instead, setting up a false Kingdom as a counterfeit to Christ's true Kingdom. (Revelation 17)

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SymbolHarlot.jpg (3636 bytes)

Harlot represents so-called Christians, who would not wait for the return of their Heavenly Bridegroom to take them to the Marriage Supper, but entered into alliances with leaders and ambitions of this world.

A whore (Revelation 17) had daughters who were harlots like their mother.  They united with the governments instead of waiting for the true King of Kings to whom they were espoused.

The Reformers correctly recognized Jezebel, also known as Babylon the Great, the whore of the Revelation, to be Papacy.  Ecumenists today are desirous of peace at any price, so are careful not to antagonize the Church of Rome.  In time of anarchy, many will seek refuge in the stability of the Roman Catholic Church, even though they would not agree with her written doctrines.

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4BeastsDaniel.jpg (14846 bytes)

Beasts represent governments.

Daniel 7 describes four world empires as beasts.  The first was Babylon, likened to a kingly lion, with great splendor and pride. The second was Medo-Persia, likened to a powerful grasping, strategic bear, who hugs its prey to death with its paws. The third was Greece, likened to a swift conquering leopard. The fourth was a dreadful beast, likened to the crushing Papal Roman Empire.

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"6"

represents imperfection.

Six days preceded the Sabbath.  Six thousand years precede the seventh Millennium, the time of Christ's Kingdom reign.

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"7"

represents heavenly perfection.

Seventh day is God's commanded Sabbath. There were seven creative days or epochs. There are seven colors in the rainbow.

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"10"

represents earthly perfection.

Ten curtains, ten cubits, were used in the Tabernacle construction. Human beings have ten fingers and ten toes. The Ten Commandments represent the essential code of human behavior. 

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"30"

represents perfect man.

 Jesus was 30 when he presented his life in consecration. He was sold for 30 pieces of silver.  Priests could serve in the Tabernacle when they were 30.

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"40"

represents a period of testing or trial.

It rained 40 days and nights during the flood. The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. The spies spent 40 days looking at the land of Israel.  Moses, Elijah and Jesus fasted 40 days in the Wilderness. 

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SymOlive.jpg (2817 bytes)

Olive - represents light, peace, divine blessing.

 In Biblical times, OLIVE oil was a source of light. After the turmoil of the flood, it was an OLIVE branch which the dove brought back to Noah, and he knew that the waters had abated. When the captives returned from Babylon, they joyfully made booths of OLIVE and pine and myrtle and thick trees.

OLIVE oil was the bases of precious ointments used in anointing priests and kings of Israel. The Mount of Olives pictures the Kingdom of Light, Peace and Divine Blessing.

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SymbolFig.jpg (2222 bytes)

Fig represents the Jewish nation.

"Like good FIGS, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of JUDAH, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good."  Jeremiah 24:5

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; when its branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh." Matthew 24:32

Many Christians recognize this to mean that when Israel sprouts again to life as a nation, the time of Messiah's Kingdom is near.

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SymbolWine.jpg (2796 bytes)

Wine represents doctrine.

"And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish."  Luke 5:37

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SymbolBread.jpg (3008 bytes) Bread represents life- sustaining, Jesus or Truth

JESUS "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life..."  John 6:35

TRUTH "Therefore let us keep the feast...with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."  I Corinthians 5:8

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SymbolFamine.jpg (3479 bytes)

Famine represents lack of spiritual nourishment.

Spiritually speaking, this would mean lack of truth, which strengthens and builds us up.

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD."  Amos 8:11

"Thy words were found and I did eat them."  Jeremiah 15:16

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SymWhite.jpg (1086 bytes)
White represents purity.

White is clean, pure. 

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow."  Isaiah 1:18

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."  Psalms 51:7

"Many shall be purified, and made white..."  Daniel 12:10

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SymbolPurple.jpg (1390 bytes)
Purple represents royalty.

Purple was the color for a king's garments.

"And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head..."  Mark 15:17

"...and purple raiment that was on the kings..."  Judges 8:26

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SymbolBlue.jpg (1332 bytes)
Blue represents faithfulness.

There is a saying, a "true-blue" friend, meaning a faithful friend.  The blue sky reminds us of God's faithfulness every day.

"Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds..."  Psalms 36:5

"...thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens..."   Psalms 89:2

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SymbolScarlet.jpg (1380 bytes)
Scarlet represents the ransom.

Red, the color of blood, reminds us of Jesus' life given for Adam and his descendants.  Red also pictures "sin," which is covered by the ransom.  

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow."   Isaiah 1:18

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SymbolGreen.jpg (1315 bytes)
Green represents earthly restoration.

In spring, the grass and leaves turn green with renewed life.

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SymbolGold.jpg (3020 bytes)

Gold represents the divine nature.

 As gold is the highest, most precious metal, so the divine nature is the highest nature, the only nature having immortality.

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SymbolSilver.jpg (2864 bytes)

Silver represents the truth.

"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."    Psalm 12:6

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SymbolCopper.jpg (3183 bytes)

Copper represents perfect human nature.

As a metal, copper is inferior in value to gold, just as the human nature is inferior to the divine nature.

Jesus feet in Revelation 1:15 were likened to fine brass [copper], burned in a furnace. This represents the feet members of the body of Christ being exposed to fiery trials.

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SymbolLinen.jpg (2152 bytes)

Linen represents righteousness.

"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."    Revelation 19:8

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Crown.jpg (2298 bytes)

Crown represents immortality.

"...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."    Revelation 2:10

"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."    I Peter 5:4

"...they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."    I Corinthians 9:25

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Robe.jpg (3799 bytes)

Robe represents righteousness.

"...[God] hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness..."    Isaiah 61:10

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SymbolSword.jpg (6281 bytes)

Sword represents the Word of God.

"...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."    Ephesians 6:17

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword..."    Hebrews 4:12

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SymbolShield.jpg (4845 bytes)

Shield represents faith and truth.

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."  Ephesians 6:16

"...His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."  Psalms 91:4

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SymbolTrumpet.jpg (2320 bytes)

Trumpet represents a warning.

"If when he [the watchman] seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people..."  Ezekiel 33:3

The trumpet represents a warning, not a trumpet-like SOUND, but obvious EVENTS, great, historical happenings that all can see, whether or not they understand them. 

Present events hidden things being revealed, the clamor for the rights of the oppressed speak in trumpet tones.

An important proclamation of restoration, justice, and liberty, comparable to the Jubilee trumpet of Israel.   

"Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound...throughout all your land."  Leviticus 25:9

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SymbolLamp.jpg (3809 bytes) Lamps represent the Holy Scriptures.

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet."  Psalms 119:105

All the virgins had the Bible and some light therefrom when the Lord returned.   Even while the Bible was clothed in the sackcloth of a dead language (during the Dark Ages), there was enough Truth given to the virgins for the Lord to consider them faithful for that era.  But this parable is speaking of the time of the Lord's second Advent.

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TABCandlestick.jpg (20656 bytes)

Candlestick represents light-bearers, the true Church.

The true Church offers the light of God's Word to others.

The seven golden candlesticks of Revelation 1:12,13, symbolize the church of the Gospel Age, whose seven stages of development were pictured by the seven congregations of Asia Minor. 

"...the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." Revelation 1:20

The institution of the Church was for the enlightening of the world, but some of its members have been nominal only, and not true light-bearers.

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TABAltarIncense.jpg (6516 bytes)

Incense Altar represents the true Church in the sacrificing condition and their devotions and prayers.

The Golden Altar, or Incense Altar, in the Tabernacle was the closest furniture in the Tabernacle to the Most Holy.  Prayer is the closest we can come to the presence of God, and it can be reached only through Jesus. 

As the sweet incense [Jesus' obedience] ascends into the Most Holy, the presence of God, so through Jesus, the devotional life of the church, their praises and prayers, ascend as sweet fragrance to God.

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Brazen Altar represents Jesus' sacrifice.

The bullock [Jesus' sacrificed humanity] was slain in the Court of the Tabernacle, the condition of faith in and harmony with God.

Each side of the Brazen Altar was 7-1/2 feet x 4 sides = 30 feet.   Jesus was thirty years old when he offered himself to God in consecration and was baptized at Jordan.

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wpe44B.jpg (10889 bytes) Table of Shewbread represents the true Church holding forth the Word of Truth.

The great work of the true Church during this age has been to feed, strengthen and hold forth Truth for all who enter the spiritual atmosphere of true Christianity, even while here on earth.

"Shewbread" is called the "bread of faces" or "bread of presence."  God's presence, favor, or face, is reflected in His truth and promises.  The truth is God's presence with us.  The Church develops their knowledge of God through God's Word of truth.

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TABArkofCov.jpg (11301 bytes) Ark of the Covenant represents the eternal purpose of God, in blessing the world through Christ and the Church.

The Mercy Seat or lid over the Ark of the Covenant represents God's headship over the Jesus and the Church.  God's four attributes are pictured by the mercy seat. 

The Mercy Seat itself, on which the blood of atonement was sprinkled, represents God's justice which had to be satisfied by the blood of Christ.  The Shekinah light between the Cherubim represents God's wisdom. The two Cherubim, bent in a praying, waiting position, represent God's love and power, looking to God's wisdom for the time to become active.

God's attributes are manifested through the Jesus and the Church. They are pictured in the Most Holy as divine, immortal beings [gold]. 

Within the ark were the golden bowl of manna [the Church will receive immortality], Aaron's rod that budded [the Church's acceptance as the "royal priesthood"], and the tables of the law [the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the Jesus and the Church through him].

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Golden Bowl of Manna represents immortality.

The golden bowl of manna was kept in the ark of the covenant. This manna never spoiled, representing the incorruptible characteristic of immortal life. 

"...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna..."    Revelation 2:17

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Aaron's Rod that Budded represents divine authority given to the royal priesthood.

Aaron's rod was kept in the ark of the covenant.  When Aaron's rod budded, it demonstrated that he was God's chosen priest. The Church, head and body, is God's chosen "royal priesthood" and mediator for establishing the new covenant between God and the world of mankind.

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LawCommandments.jpg (4411 bytes)

Tables of the Law represent God's righteous law, fulfilled in Christ and his Bride.

The tables of the law were kept in the ark of the covenant.  They represented that Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of God's perfect Law and earned the legal authority to execute God's law as the mediator. The Church, his body, kept the spirit of the law. 

"The righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."  Romans 8:4

Jesus and the Church will be the administrator and mediator of the new law covenant, bringing the world back into perfect harmony with their Creator.

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SymbolLaver.jpg (12455 bytes)

Laver represents cleansing,   righteous living.

The Laver was made from the looking glasses of the women. The Priests looking into the Laver could see their reflection clearly. Likewise, the Christian must examine himself and cleanse his character by the water of truth. As the Christian looks into the water of the Lord's Word, he sees his own imperfections, his reflection in the water and copper, in contrast to God's standards.  

As priests were to wash whenever they ministered at the altar, so Christians must continually keep their robes clean, not spotted or wrinkled.

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SymbolTab.jpg (32309 bytes)

The Tabernacle represented the spiritual path of the Christian in the Gospel Age.  Leaving the Camp [world], they enter the court through the door or veil [Jesus] by accepting Jesus as their Savior.  They see Jesus' sacrifice on the Brazen Altar, cleanse themselves at the Laver, and proceed to the first veil [consecration].

After laying down their human will and accepting God's will in consecration, the Christian goes under the first veil [death of human will] into the Holy [condition of spirit begettal].  They feed on the bread of truth at the Table of Shewbread, are enlightened by the holy spirit and reflect the light of God's truth from the Golden Candlestick, and offer prayers through Christ at the Incense Altar

At the second veil, the Christian experiences death of the human body, receives immortality, the divine nature [represented by the gold], and comes into the presence of God.

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SymbolLamb.jpg (3962 bytes) Lamb represents Jesus and the Church.

JESUS:

"And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!"  John 1:36

"...he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

THE CHURCH:

"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."  John 10:14

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalms 23:1

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Serpent.jpg (3677 bytes)

Serpent represents Satan.

In the Garden of Eden, Satan used the serpent to influence the downfall of humanity.  At the other end of the Bible, the Book of Revelation speaks of "the old SERPENT, the Devil, and Satan."  (Revelation 20:2)

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SymbolDove.jpg (4579 bytes) Dove represents peace, a meek and quiet spirit, the holy spirit.

It is common today to speak of a peace-maker, one who will try diplomacy and shun war, as a "dove."

A dove was a favorite figure with the Jews as an emblem of peace and salvation.  It represented the meek and quiet spirit of all those who possess the spirit of holiness unto the Lord.

When Jesus was baptized, the holy spirit descended upon him like a dove. 

"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him."  John 1:32

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3Frogs.jpg (23994 bytes) Frogs represent boastful croaking, pomposity, an air of superiority.

The three most prominent characteristics of a frog are pomposity, an air of superior wisdom and knowledge, and a continual croaking. The teachings associated with frogs would be doctrines of bombast and pomposity, an attempt to overawe with dignity and assumed authority.

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Symboldog.jpg (4197 bytes) Dogs represent Gentiles.

    Matthew 15:22-28 Both Jesus and the Canaanitish woman recognized that the term "dog" was used by the Jew to describe a Gentile.  Although Jesus' term for dogs was that of a pet, generally the word "dog" meant disrespect, referring to the wild dogs that roamed the country and were pests.

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