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Revelation

Earthling

David Henson
Highlights from the book of Revelation Chapter 1

Revelation 1:5 - What Jesus' having washed us in his own blood actually means is that he gave his life for us, and according to the Bible there is no greater love than that. (John 15:13) Part of the reason the skeptic sees the sacrifice of blood as barbaric is due to their lack of understanding. The Bible teaches that the soul is in the blood of any living creature. The soul, which is life, is sacred. (Leviticus 17:11 Leviticus 17:14) Jehovah is the source of life and so man himself can't replace the life which he takes. So, when God gave man permission to eat meat it was with the stipulation that the blood be poured back on the ground, representing that the soul - the life, belonged to God. (Psalm 36:9 / Ezekiel 18:4 / Genesis 9:5-6 / Deuteronomy 12:15-16)

Since the soul and life were sacred the blood of a murdered person defiled the earth, and only by spilling the blood of the murderer could the defilement be cleansed. (Numbers 35:19-21, Numbers 35:31-33) When a body was found murdered and it wasn't known who the murderer was the city nearest to the site was bloodguilty, and a sacrifice must be made to remove the bloodguilt. (Deuteronomy 21:1-9)

The temporary sin removing feature of the Law covenant, which was validated by the blood of animals, was only a foreshadow of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, because, only through the perfect sinless sacrifice of Christ could the perfect state of life before the sin of Adam be had. (Hebrews 9:13-14)

Revelation 1:7 - If his coming with the clouds is meant to be taken literally how could those which had pierced him, now long dead, literally see him coming along with the rest of those living at that time? Jesus spoke of his presence in these times as being evident through signs (Matthew 24:30) and as theologian R. Govett, in 1864 put it: "This seems to me very decisive. The giving a sign of the Presence shows that it is secret. We need no signal to make known to us the presence of what we see." The storm clouds of the time of his presence is like in the days of Noah. A warning to those who are paying attention and though seen by all, ignored by most.

It wouldn't be possible for everyone to see Jesus descend from the sky on a flat earth, either. Not for those who were more than a short distance away, or on the other side of mountains or trees or in houses. The Greek word parousia literally means "being alongside," rather than a simple arrival. Josephus used the Greek parousia to indicate God's invisible presence signified by lightning and thunder (Jewish Antiquities, III, 80 (v.2)) and Paul used the related term pareimi (present) to indicate his presence in spirit though not in body. (1 Corinthians 5:3) The Bible writers didn't believe the earth was flat (Isaiah 40:22, where the Hebrew word chugh, meaning "circle," or "sphere" is used) though that wouldn't matter anyway. The presence of Christ isn't a literal or physical coming to earth in human form.

Revelation 1:13 - The Book being symbolic, gives Jesus with white hair, which of course, represents wisdom. (Proverbs 16:31) Eyes of fire represent a searching. If dark eyes meant an inability to see then eyes of fire would likely symbolize an alertness, keen sight and the ability to perceive and so judge. (Romans 11:10) The sword reference is later explained in Revelation 19:15: "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."

Jesus, as the Word (or representative) of Jehovah, who will pronounce judgments upon the nations; of the wicked; the sword, then, protruding from his mouth is a fitting symbol.

The brass mentioned in the KJV reads copper in most modern translations because the modern day brass alloy of copper and zinc wasn't known in Bible times so the "brass" in the KJV refers to any copper alloy aside from zinc. Copper and tin for example, being bronze, is common in ancient findings with a 2 to 18 percent tin. The Bible typically represents the divine with gold and the human with copper. The foot typically figuratively represented the path that one took, if it was good or bad. (Psalm 119:59 / Romans 3:15) and when walking upon holy ground one was to remove their sandals. (Exodus 3:5) So the brass feet of Jesus in Revelation 1:15 says a great deal about what is going on. Jesus walking upon holy ground as a tested human judge for the sake of bringing righteousness to mankind in the name of Jehovah.

Revelation 1:16 - The meaning of the seven stars is explained in verse 20. "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

That is to say that in the seven congregations Jesus has full control and direction. The body of elders have his favor in each of the congregations. Also see Revelation 2:1. Jesus is the head of the congregation, and they shine as candles in a dark world. Stars are used metaphorically throughout the Bible. For example, the righteous shine like stars (Daniel 12:3) and the falling or dimming of stars and the sun and moon represents a dark period. (Isaiah 13:10 / Ezekiel 32:7)

Revelation 1:18 - Jesus having the keys to hell (from the Greek haides, meaning the unseen resting place of the dead) and death itself represents that he will take away death and raise the dead. (John 5:24-29)
 

Earthling

David Henson
Highlights from the book of Revelation Chapter 2

Revelation 2:1, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:18 - The Hebrew malakh and Greek aggelos can be translated as angel or messenger. At Malachi 2:7, for example a Levite priest is called a "messenger" (Hebrew malakh). Normally when these words apply contextually to spirit creatures they are translated as "angels" and when to humans they are translated as "messengers." Why this rule is not applied in the case of the overseers of the seven congregations in the book of Revelation I have never understood. Other than that translational anomaly there is no reason to think that Jesus was referring to them as angels. It is, I believe, clear, that Jesus is speaking to those human messengers as he gives instructions etc. There would be no need for him to write to spirit creatures.

Jesus himself points out the symbolic application in Revelation 1:20 when he says the seven stars are of the seven congregations. Stars are often used symbolically to represent leaders or insightful ones. That they are at his right hand means that he is in control of them, guiding them; the lamp stand or candlesticks, depending upon the translation, signifies that these congregations are like a light in a dark place. (Daniel 12:3 / 2 Peter 1:19)

Revelation 2:9 - The false Jews here referred to as the "synagogue of Satan" are those who followed unscriptural traditions, rejected God's son the messiah and persecuted his spirit begotten followers. (Acts Of The Apostles 13:44-45; Acts Of The Apostles 14:19 / Romans 2:28-29) The congregation in Smyrna were materially poor but spiritually rich and persecuted by the Jews. It was there, 60 years after John's death, that an 86 year old Christian named Polycarp who refused to recant was burned at the stake on - according to the work The Martyrdom of Polycarp - "a great Sabbath day." When it came to gathering the wood for the event "the Jews were extremely zealous, as is their custom, in assisting at this."

Revelation 2:13 - Not literally the seat, or throne, depending upon the translation, of Satan the devil. Pergamum was situated in the center of cult emperor and nationalistic worship. The Hebrew word Satan means "resister," and the throne symbolizes Satan's ruler ship over the people in the area which was in resistance to the congregation there where it is possible that Antipas was killed for refusing to worship Caesar. Nationality is an interesting connection to Satan, even to today's apostate Christianity; Satan, after all, had the authority to tempt Christ with all the kingdoms of the Earth. (Luke 4:5-8)

New Bible Dictionary, edited by J. Douglas, 1985, p. 912 - "The phrase has been referred to the complex of pagan cults, . . . but the main allusion is probably to emperor worship. This was where the worship of the divine emperor had been made the touchstone of civic loyalty under Domitian."

Revelation 2:15 - A brief note on the sect of Nicolaus mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Very little is known or written about them. It is likely that the connective "So" at the beginning of Revelation 2:15 indicates a similar immoral and idolatrous influence mentioned associated with Balaam in Revelation 2:14. Some, including the early church fathers, were in error when associating the Nicolaus here with the one mentioned at Acts Of The Apostles 6:1-6 simply because he was the only other mention of the name.

Revelation 2:16 - This is an interesting comparison of Balaam and King Balak (Balac - KJV) with those in the congregation of Pergamum that resonates in modern day apostate Christianity. Balaam was a prophet for profit who turned on the holy nation of Israel by ingratiating himself with the political power. King Balak. Jesus warned that the members of the congregation who held fast to the nationalistic and materialistic doctrine of Balaam (see Revelation 2:14) would be fought with the sword that sticks out of his mouth, meaning condemnation as a spokesman for Jehovah God, similar to Isaiah at Isaiah 49:2. It amounts to everlasting life or death.

Revelation 2:18 - In the Bible darkened eyes represent unseeing (Romans 11:10) so the symbolism here applies to Jesus' blazing eyes that see everything that may bring figurative darkness to the congregation.

No evidence exists indicating that the people of Bible times could harden pure copper by tempering, though they could harden the cutting edge of tools by cold hammering. There is evidence that bronze, a copper and tin alloy of between 2 to 18 percent tin was available. The modern day version of brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc was unknown in Bible times, but the "brass" of the time of the KJV applied to any alloy of copper. Modern translations will use the term copper. Feet are symbolic in the Bible as representing a persons inclination; the path one takes as being good or bad. (Psalm 119:101) His feet are a reminder of his faithfulness when he walked the earth. (1 Peter 2:21)

Revelation 2:20 - Unlike Miriam, Deborah, Anna and the daughters of Phillip the evangelizer, this woman (or women) are no prophets. (Exodus 15:20-21 / Judges 4:4; Judges 5:1-31 / Luke 2:36-38 / Acts Of The Apostles 21:9) and so are likened to Jezebel who actually ordered Jehovah's prophets killed. (1 Kings 18:4, 13)

Some suggest the possibility that the prevalent trade-guilds in Thyatira may have had something to do with this woman's idolatrous and immoral influence. The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible: "Every such guild had its patron god, its feasts, its social occasions which could at times become immoral revels. 'Jezebel' may have argued that . . . These revels need not be condemned since every workman, to make a living, had to join a guild."

Revelation 2:22 - What a tragic shame that the Christian parents of these children would have allowed their own perversions to effect, not only their lives but the possibility of everlasting life for themselves and their children! Given the opportunity to repent, they refuse. As tragic as this obviously is, how much more tragic it would be to allow their perversions to spread throughout the congregation until all are lost.

Revelation 2:23 - Kidneys are not used figuratively today the way the heart still is often used, but in the Bible they were applied figuratively to indicate the innermost aspects of ones personality. The deepest and most inaccessible thoughts and emotions. In sacrifice, the kidneys were the choicest part, and so Moses used the term "the kidney fat of wheat" at Deuteronomy 32:14.

Revelation 2:26-27) - The Lamb will battle the nations and destroy the kingdoms of men. His kingdom will replace them. A kingdom with no political divisions, corruption, warring, oppression etc. (Isaiah 2:2-4 / Revelation 17:12-14) Only the 144, 000 will be a part of this with Jesus. Most Christians living at that time will only witness the destruction.
 

Earthling

David Henson
Highlights of the book of Revelation Chapter 3

Revelation 3:1 The number 7 represents completeness. At Revelation 1:4 the seven spirits of God are before his throne. Seven messages are given to listen to what the spirit (Jesus) says to the congregations. (Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:29; Revelation 3:6, Revelation 3:13, Revelation 3:22) These seven spirits are the seven elders of the seven congregations under the headship of Jesus Christ who is under the headship of Jehovah God himself. (Revelation 3:1) They are likened to stars, lamps or candles - light in a dark place, a shining example of godliness in a wicked world. (Revelation 4:5) They are important as a sort of bedrock for what will follow; they are very early Christianity. The Earthly eyes of Christ. (Revelation 5:6) Jesus, the spirit who gives messages to the seven congregations was given the authority to employ the Holy spirit as helper for them. (John 14:16-17, John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7 / Acts Of The Apostles 1:4-5; Acts Of The Apostles 2:1-4, Acts Of The Apostles 2:14-18, Acts Of The Apostles 2:32-33, Acts Of The Apostles 2:38)

Revelation 3:9 - The Hebrew word hishtachawah, as appears at Genesis 23:7 corresponds to the Greek word proskyneo as is demonstrated by the Greek Septuagint translation of Genesis 23:7 where Abraham bows down to the Canaanite sons of Heth. The words basically mean to bow down. The context of these words dictates whether the bowing would be out of respect or religious worship. The KJV renders the Greek proskyneo as "worship" throughout the Christian Greek scriptures but with the Hebrew hishtachawah they render "to bow down, to make to stoop, to humbly beseech, to crouch, to fall down, to fall flat, to do obeisance, to make obeisance, to do reverence and to worship." Most modern translations make the correct distinction. Philadelphia was having a similar problem with persecution from the Jews as the Christians in Smyrna, and this verse was indicating that, at least to some degree, that might change and some of the Jews in the area may learn to respect, or "bow down" to the Christians becoming believers themselves.

Revelation 3:18 Notice that Jesus said the people of the congregation at Laodicea were to buy these things rather than to receive them as free gifts. They represented spiritual things that the congregation needed to work on. Refined gold with the dross removed was spiritual wealth. Eye salve represented a cure for their spiritual blindness. The white raiment, or outer garment represented a proclamation of their spiritual cleanness.
 

Earthling

David Henson
Highlights of the book of Revelation Chapter 4

Revelation 4:6-8 - It should be understood that what John is writing about is a vision. Not only is this sort of revelation symbolic, it is somewhat like a piece of music, art or theater. It expresses something through, in this case, visual representation. Jesus, in human or spirit form doesn't have eyes of literal fire and feet of literal brass. The four creatures John was seeing were not literally what the visual method was trying to convey.

They are similar to the visions Ezekiel saw at Ezekiel 1:5-11, Ezekiel 1:22-28. They appear to represent godly qualities. The lion represents courage in the pursuit of justice and righteousness. (2 Samuel 17:10 / Proverbs 28:1) The bull represents power. (Proverbs 14:4 / Job 39:9-11) The man represents love. (Matthew 22:36-40 / 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16) The eagle represents vision and wisdom. (Job 39:29 / Proverbs 2:6)
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
Revelation 1:16 - The meaning of the seven stars is explained in verse 20. "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Thanks for sharing these and giving your interpretation with it. Saw some interesting new views about the verses for me.

Another interpretation I read in this was "He had opened his 7 chakras by speaking "Truth", thereby his being was shining in full glory and strength
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
Revelation 1:13 - The Book being symbolic, gives Jesus with white hair, which of course, represents wisdom. (Proverbs 16:31) Eyes of fire represent a searching. If dark eyes meant an inability to see then eyes of fire would likely symbolize an alertness, keen sight and the ability to perceive and so judge. (Romans 11:10) The sword reference is later explained in Revelation 19:15: "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."
Your explanation makes sense. Even more when I remember "eyes are the mirror of the soul, the truth"
 

Earthling

David Henson
Some highlights on the book of Revelation chapter 5

Similarities percieved between Jesus and Satan:

1. They are both like a lion. (Revelation 5:5 / 1 Peter 5:8)

Most of the occurrences of lions in the Bible are figurative. Israel, the tribes of Judah and Gad were all prophetically referred to as lions. (Numbers 23:24 / Genesis 49:9 / Deuteronomy 33:20) Jehovah himself is likened to a lion. (Hosea 5:14; 11:10; 13:7-9) Lions represent courage and strength as in the righteous but the fierceness and predatory nature of the wicked are also likened to lions. With Satan (1 Peter 5:8), false prophets (Ezekiel 22:25), rulers (Proverbs 28:15 / Zephaniah 3:3), and the wicked in general. (Psalm 22:13 / Jeremiah 12:8)

2. They are the morning star (Venus). (Revelation 22:16 / Isaiah 14:12)

Stars are used throughout the Bible as similes or metaphors. In Joseph's dream his parents were the sun and moon and his 11 brothers were stars. (Genesis 37:9-10) The seven "angels" or messengers of the seven congregations are referred to as stars. (Revelation 1:16, 20; 2:1; 3:1) The Davidic line of Judean kings were prophetically likened to stars. (Numbers 24:17) Those with insight are compared to shinning like stars while the wicked are compared to stars with no set course. (Daniel 12:3, 9-10 / Jude 13)

There are two cases in which misleading interpretations have led people to believe that certain references to stars are references to the satanic. Isaiah 14:12 is actually a reference to the Babylonian dynasty as represented by Nebuchadnezzar rather than Satan. Lucifer is a Latin word that means "light bearer", so the Latin Vulgate translates the Greek word heosphoros meaning "bringer of dawn" from the Septuagint which in turn comes from the Hebrew word hehlel meaning "shinning one" as Lucifer. Since the KJV comes from the Latin Vulgate it uses the word Lucifer at Isaiah 14:12. The only place the word Lucifer appears in Bibles such as the Douay, An American Translation, Knox and Darby. The American Standard Version and Revised Standard Version use the term "Day Star" instead of Lucifer, Rotherham uses "Shining One" and Moffatt uses "shining star." The Latin word luciferum also appears at Job 38:32 for the Hebrew Mazzaroth / Greek Mazouroth constellation.

The term is applied to Nebuchadnezzar in the sense that he would bring about a figurative new day. He would destroy the earthly representation of Kings of Jehovah God when Babylon ended the Judean kings in 607 B.C.E. (2 Kings 25:1-10 / Jeremiah 52:3-12) The "Daystar" or the "Morning Star" was a bright symbol of the coming dawn - a new day. Daystar, or morning stars were used because in certain seasons of the year they are the last to rise on the eastern horizon before the sun appears and so heralds of the dawn of a new day. Like Venus.

The other case was the angel of the abyss, Abaddon. (Revelation 9:1, 11) The corresponding Greek name Apollyon means "Destroyer," so people have attempted to interpret a prophetic and satanic application to various historic figures such as Emperor Vespasian, Muhammad, and Napoleon when in actuality, as The Interpreter's Bible rightly says: "Abaddon, however, is an angel not of Satan but of God, performing his work of destruction at God's bidding."

3. They existed before the universe was created. (John 1:1 / Job 38:4-7)

What is interesting about this is that all of the angels joyfully cried out. This would include the angel who would later become known as Satan the Devil.

Since all of the angels were created after Jesus and by means of God's firstborn Son, and they were there in the early part of creation it is only logical that both Satan and Jesus would have that in common, along with all the other countless spirit creatures. (Proverbs 8:22-31 / Colossians 1:15-16)

4. They are sons of God. (Mark 1:1 / Job 1:6; 2:1)

From the Hebrew beneh Elohim, which could be variously translated as "Sons of God," "godlike ones," or, with the Targums "the band of angels," and Septuagint "my angels." Adam, at Luke 3:38, is called "the son of God."
Revelation 3:1; 4:5; 5:6 - "I beheld ... a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God."

The number 7 is used 52 times in 30 verses, with 19 things grouped into sevens.

1. churches of asia Revelation 1:4, 1:11, 1:20 (2).

The number 7 represents completeness. At Revelation 1:4 the seven spirits of God are before his throne. Seven messages are given to listen to what the spirit (Jesus) says to the congregations. (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22) These seven spirits are the seven elders of the seven congregations under the headship of Jesus Christ who is under the headship of Jehovah God himself. (Revelation 3:1) They are likened to stars, lamps or candles - light in a dark place, a shining example of godliness in a wicked world. (Revelation 4:5) They are important as a sort of bedrock for what will follow; they are very early Christianity. The Earthly eyes of Christ. (Revelation 5:6) Jesus, the spirit who gives messages to the seven congregations was given the authority to employ the Holy spirit as helper for them. (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7 / Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-4, 14-18, 32-33, 38)

2. spirits before God's throne Revelation 1:4.

Represents the elders of the seven congregations of Asia which would spread Christianity throughout the world.

3. golden candlesticks Revelation 1:12, 1:13, 1:20 (2), 2:1.

Represents the elders of the seven congregations of Asia which would spread Christianity throughout the world. Shining like a light in a dark place.

4. stars in the Jesus' right hand Revelation 1:16, 1:20, 2:1, 3:1.

Represents the elders of the seven congregations of Asia which would spread Christianity throughout the world. Under Jesus' guidance. Stars are symbolic as having insight.

5. angels Revelation 8:2, 8:6, 15:1, 15:7, 15:8, 16:1, 17:1, 21:9.

Represents the elders of the seven congregations of Asia which would spread Christianity throughout the world. Angel means messengers of God.

6. spirits of God Revelation 3:1, 4:5, 5:6.

Represents the elders of the seven congregations of Asia which would spread Christianity throughout the world.

7. lamps Revelation 4:5.

Represents the elders of the seven congregations of Asia which would spread Christianity throughout the world. Shining like a light in a dark place.

8. seals Revelation 5:1.

The seal is used in a figurative way that one might expect. The Messiah would validate prophecy as authentic as if stamping them by fulfilling them. (Daniel 9:24 / John 3:33) As a mark of ownership Abraham received circumcision as a seal of his righteousness. (Romans 4:11) Something that is closed or secret, such as prophecy before their time of fulfillment or being understood, are also sealed. (Daniel 12:4, 9 / Revelation 5:1; 22:10)

9. horns Revelation 5:6.

Horns are often a symbol of power and authority. (1 Samuel 2:1, 10 / Psalm 112:9; 148:14) Jesus' seven horns symbolize power and authority complete. Jehovah has given Christ these above all the kingdoms of men.

10. eyes Revelation 5:6.

Represents the elders of the seven congregations of Asia which would spread Christianity throughout the world. They serve as Jesus' eyes throughout the earth.

11. trumpets Revelation 8:2, 8:6.

Trumpets blowing are symbolic of a signaling of important events. (Leviticus 23:24 / 2 Kings 11:14)

12. thunders Revelation 10:3, 10:4 (2).
Thunder is often described as being the voice of God. (Psalm 29:3; John 12:28-29; Revelation 4:5) There being seven represents completeness. God's purpose is drawing to its conclusion. The seven congregations would have an effect throughout the world.

13. thousand people killed in an earthquake Revelation 11:13.

Probably not a literal earthquake in a literal city. When Jerusalem fell Isaiah prophesied that "a tenth of the city" would survive the destruction as a holy seed. (Isaiah 6:13) When Elijah lamented that he was the only one in Israel that was faithful God told him that there were 7,000. (1 Kings 19:14, 18 / Romans 11:1-5) Since a literal earthquake of this magnitude would have little effect upon the events described in the book of Revelation it is likely to have a more symbolic meaning. It is referring to apostate Christianity. Regarding the glory to the God of heaven, The Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament says: "The phrase signifies not conversion, nor repentance, nor thanksgiving, but recognition, which is its usual sense in scripture. Compare Josh. vii. 19 (Sept.). John ix. 24; Acts xii. 23; Rom. iv. 20."

14. heads Revelation 12:3, 13:1, 17:3, 17:7, 17:9.

The dragon with 7 heads is of course, Satan. The Heads represent earthly governments, 5 of which had already been; 1 that was at the time of John, and 1 that was to be. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome; then the United States-Great Britain.
Satan has authority over these governments, as was demonstrated by his being able to offer them as a temptation for Christ. (Luke 4:5-8 / John 16:11) King Nebuchadnezzar's dynasty was called a head. (Daniel 2:32, 37-38)

15. crowns Revelation 12:3.

The Hebrew nezer and Greek diadema are translated diadem in most modern translations. It represents, in this case, the authority or rule over the people of the world. The diadem differs from the crown, in that the diadem was a simple band made of linen, silk, silver or gold, originally used to hold back the long hair of the wearer but later adopted for use as a royal headdress. Examples of these have been seen from sculptures in Egypt, Persepolis and Nineveh.

16. plagues Revelation 15:1, 15:6, 15:8, 21:9.

It is interesting that the Hebrew words rendered as plague or scourge have a literal meaning of "smiting," "blow," "defeat," and "death." The Greek word plegai mentioned in the book of Revelation also has a literal meaning of "blows" or "strokes." They represent God's anger and the results of it. (Revelation 9:18, 20; 11:6; 15:1, 6, 8; 16:9, 21; 18:4, 8; 21:9; 22:18)

17. golden vials filled with the wrath of God Revelation 15:7, 16:1, 17:1, 21:9.

Bowls. There are two Greek words which are rendered bowl. Tryblion was a deep bowl used in serving meals (Matthew 26:23) and phiale was a smaller bowl used in liquid sacrifices. (Revelation 16:2-17)

18. mountains Revelation 17:9.

Mountains are used in scriptures to denote world governments. Political powers. (Jeremiah 51:24-25 / Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45) The prophetic work of Daniel indicated that God would crush all other kingdoms and his kingdom would be a mountain that covered the entire earth.

19. kings Revelation 17:10.

Kings are the same as mountains in that they represent world governments. The five that had been were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. The one that was in John's time was Rome. Emperor Constantine the Great, who was the Pontifex Maximus of Rome, gave birth to the harlot - Babylon the Great, which was the fusion of pagan religion and apostate Christianity. Christendom. The seventh world power is the Anglo-American world power of today.

Revelation 5:14 - At Ezekiel 1:5, in his vision of God's chariot, Ezekiel mentions "four living creatures" which he later identifies as cherubs (Ezekiel 10:1-14; cherubims KJV). Why the KJV refers to them as four beasts at Revelation 5:14 is beyond me. Apparently it has something to do with the fact that three of the four living creatures are described as having the head of a bull, lion and eagle. The bull represents power, the lion justice and courage, and the Eagle farsightedness and thus wisdom.
 
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