Introduction to Leviathan

Here is an Introduction to a new blog.
It is located here:  pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com


There has been much conjecture over the identity found within the Bible who is named Leviathan. It has been defined as an Egyptian crocodile, and even as "Nellie" the Loch Ness Monster.
According to the "Watchtower" (http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002728);
"The description of “Leviathan” at Job 41:1-34 aptly fits the crocodile, and the “sea” of Job 41 verse 31 may refer to a river such as the Nile or another body of fresh water. It should be noted, however, that some crocodiles, as the Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), are found along the seacoast and at times go out into the sea some distance from land."

Is Leviathan a crocodile? Let's look at the scriptures to see what we can find.

Isa.27:1 reads:
"In that day, the LORD will punish with his sword, his fierce, great and powerful sword, Leviathan the gliding serpent,
Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea."

There we learn that this cold-blooded reptile is going to be "punished" by the will of God,
that it is a "serpent",
and that this "monster" belongs to the "sea" (more about this, will follow).
The symbolic book of Revelation, equates the "sea" (Isa.57:20) with the realm of the "abyss" (Rev.13:1; 11:7; 17:8).
We must ask ourselves...
If Leviathan is one of the natural creatures of the earth; why does God deem it worthy of punishment? (Isa.27:1)
He Himself declared all such creatures, "very good" (Gen.1:20-21)?
Is Leviathan a natural creature at all?

Psalm 74:12,13,14 reads:
"But God is my King from long ago;
    he brings salvation on the earth.
It was you who split open the sea by your power;
    you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
    and gave it as food to the creatures of the wilderness."

I don't know of any crocodiles,
nor any other natural creature that has more than one head.
If any of my readers know of any such reptiles, (which also deserve to be punished, and are to have their "heads" "crushed" by the will of God); please let me know right away!

Since the description of Leviathan at Isa.27:1 calls Leviathan a "serpent"; this reminds us of Satan. But if Leviathan
---(Hebrew: לִוְיָתָן, "twisted, coiled, crooked")---
really is Satan; then there must be scriptures to confirm this same description of Satan.
Does Satan have "heads" (Rev.12:3)? Is he a "serpent" (Rev.12:9)? Does he deserve to be punished? (2Cor.4:4; Eph.2:2;  1John 3:8; Rev.12:9,17; John 12:31; 16:11)? Are Satan's heads going to be "crushed" by God? (Psalm 74:14; Gen.3:15; Heb.2:14; Rom.16:20)

We see it is reasonable to believe that Leviathan is one of Satan's identities. We can also see that descriptions of Leviathan are related to the Serpent in the Book of Revelation. Therefore, we should be interested in learning all we can about "Leviathan", so that we can know our enemy better, and are not ignorant of Satan's end-time tactics (2Cor.2:11; 11:3;  1Pet.5:8).
The more we learn about Leviathan, the clearer his identity becomes.

Can Leviathan possibly be the "Wild Beast", as the comment below, believes?
(due to the multiple heads description)
 

To see the scriptural answer to this question, please read the following...

Prophecies about Satan and the Wild Beast, did not first appear in the Greek scriptures. The Hebrew scriptures also teach us about these end-time identities of great import. Satan's role as deceiver has been with mankind from the start. The role of his "seed" as adversary to all those of godly devotion, is well documented throughout history. Symbolism was used by all the prophets and can be found throughout Psalms and Proverbs. Do not miss the deeper meanings and great significance of the illustrative prophecies found in the Hebrew scriptures. It is there that we find the descriptions and lessons regarding Leviathan.

The word for "Beast" is in the Bible. The Hebrew Scriptures call the Beast "Behemoth". It is four-legged (which is what Behemoth means in Hebrew), usually referring to a calf (think golden calf, Wild Beast). A serpent does not have legs and feet, as the Wild Beast is described as having. (Rev.13:2 A) This is because Leviathan "glides".(Isa.27:1)

John 8:38,44 is a good reference (Eph.5:1).
These scriptures show us that "seed" possess the traits of their fathers and can be identified by that resemblance (2Thess.2:3; Rev.9:11).

Leviathan's name MEANS "crooked and twisted". The seed of Satan are a "crooked and twisted" generation (Deut.32:5; Phil.2:15; Acts 2:40) which terms reflect their lying teachings (Prov.8:8; Rev.2:5; Rev.17:3; 13:1,11,14; John 8:44).
Leviathan is clearly described as a "serpent" in the "sea". This is not a Beast....which is warm-blooded and lives on land (as you say, "EARTHLY creatures").

The invisible spirit realm is made partially perceptible to us, through scriptural illustrations. We don't want to pass the details of these up, because they are in the Bible for a purpose.

Even Christ (while in the invisible spirit realm) is described as a visible creature, to help us to learn from illustration (Rev.5:6). There is a deeper spiritual layer to the entire Bible.

You ask, "Is Leviathan invisible?".
If Leviathan IS visible (as described in scripture with multiple heads -Ps.74:14); where is it? Can you point it out to me? If not, then No...it is not visible! But this does not make it a mythical fantasy. Leviathan is real. But it obviously must exist in the spirit realm.
-----------

Satan AND the Wild Beast have seven heads. This is because the Wild Beast is the "SON of 'Destruction'" (2Thess.2:3).
As such, he bears his father's traits, who is Satan ("Destruction"/"Destroyer" --Rev.9:11; Heb.2:14-15; John 10:10;  1Cor.5:5; Isa.33:1).
(The Destroyer is not Christ, as is taught by the WT -John 10:10;  1John 3:15; Rev.1:18)
The Wild Beast bears his father Satan's trait of the "seven heads" (Rev.12:3; 13:1). What does this mean?
Rev.13:2 explains, "The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority."
The meaning is NOT merely "a 'corporation' of several beast-like individuals".
Satan's seven heads, (which trait he gives to the Beast), is much greater than that --1John 5:19; Rev.13:2,7-8; 12:9;  2Thess.2:9-10).
But in fact...while Satan's heads are concurrent; the heads of the Wild Beast are consecutive, and do not all exist at once (Rev.17:9,10).

The Wild Beast is not Satan, but is Satan's son. The "Wild Beast" is NOT described as a "crooked serpent" (Rev.13:2)...Satan is (Isa.27:1; Rev.12:9). Therefore, you can not gain accurate understanding through a partial description taken out of context, such as the "seven heads"...which could either be Satan OR the complete history of the dominion and workings of the Wild Beast.
The rest of the Bible's details about Leviathan, narrow the identity to Satan alone.

Perhaps if you can consider the article to come (this is only an introduction to it), you will see this even clearer through the additional scriptures which are offered. (pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com)
Everything I expound upon in this comment, I have already given in the introduction above. Please read carefully and think about the points and scriptures given, before replying with a question (Prov.18:13).
Thanks for your comment,
Pearl

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YHVH's Genuine Mountain

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"Jehovah's Witness" doctrine claims;
"Come to Jehovah's organization for salvation" - Watchtower 1981 November 15 p.212

 Below is another quote from the Watchtower, from Jan., 2015:  (https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2011041) :
In that publication, paragraph 8 reads:
"Still, as a people, “the chosen ones” and their loyal companions will physically survive the end of apostate Christendom by taking refuge in "Jehovah and *his mountainlike organization."

"Jehovah's Witnesses" know that God will allow a destructive wrath at "the end of all things" (2Pet. 3:7;  1Pet. 4:7;  1Cor. 15:24)
 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2001123
Their doctrines promote seeking refuge in the Organization of "Jehovah's Witnesses".
That Organization is declared by them to be Jehovah's Mountain ("Jehovah and his mountainlike organization"); and is touted as being the fulfillment of Isa. 2:2.

Below are quotes from the Bible:

"The kings of the earth, the princes, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!" Rev. 6:15,16

"The high places of wickedness will be destroyed--it is the sin of Israel. Thorns and thistles will grow up and cover their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, "Cover us!" and to the hills, "Fall on us!" Hosea 10:8
-----------------
        [Regarding thorns (Eze. 2:6-7) and scorpions, we learn that they are the rebellious. So when we read Rev. 9:3,5 ; we know from scripture, that these are not the faithful anointed, as the WT teaches. The locust-scorpions of Rev. ch.9, "have a king over them... the Destroyer (Rev. 9:11)(Isa. 33:1), and the fallen star who releases them, is not Jesus Christ. How do we know?
Luke 8:18 and Heb. 2:1 both tell us that we must pay close attention to what we learn in God's Word. How can we apply that intent listening, to Rev. 9:1, in our research into scripture for the identity of this fallen star? We can, pay attention to the details of the original language.
Just as there is a difference between slipping on ice and falling, and coming down steps of our own accord... there is a difference between the Greek word peptOkota (having fallen) and the Greek word, katabainonta (down-stepping Rev. 20:1). If we pay attention to this difference, we see that there is a difference between stepping and falling. At Rev. 20:1, Jesus did not fall (1Cor. 10:12;  2Pet. 3:17). But there is an identity that did fall, at Rev. 8:10-11. Wormwood, is the fallen star, of Rev. 9:1, who releases the rebellious, and has the Destroyer as it's king.]
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/06/i-have-found-typing-mistakes-below-and.html
-
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/07/who-are-fallen-stars-of-rev124.html
-
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/11/who-is-destroyer.html
-----------------
"Then "they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!"' Luke 23:30

“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’ So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty." Zech. 4:7,6 (1Cor. 1:28-29)

"The second angel sounded, and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood" Rev. 8:8
(Matt. 21:21)

Isa. 2:
"10 Go into the rocks, hide in the ground
    from the fearful presence of the Lord
    and the splendor of his majesty!
11 The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled
    and human pride brought low; (1Cor. 10:12; 3:18)
    the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
 9 So people will be brought low
    and everyone humbled—
    do not forgive them."  (Luke 14:11)
17 The arrogance of man will be brought low
    and human pride humbled;                        
    the Lord alone will be exalted in that day,
18 and the idols will totally disappear. (Rev. 13:8)
19 People will flee to caves in the rocks
    and to holes in the ground (Rev. 13:4,3)
    from the fearful presence of the Lord
    and the splendor of his majesty,
    when he rises to shake the earth.
            (Amos 9:9; Haggai 2:6-7; Ps. 18:7; Isa. 13:13;
             Heb. 12:26; Eze. 38:19; Rev. 11:13; 16:18; Joel 3:16)
    22 Stop trusting in mere humans,
    who have but a breath in their nostrils.
    Why hold them in esteem?"    Isa. 2:10-11,9,17-18,19,22

                                          ---------------------------

Satan has the power to create "mountains" during his present reign over the world (1John 5:19; Rev. 17:9).
"Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory." Matt. 4:8
These mountains, include religious ones (Rev. 17:9).
Yhwh says that in the time of the end, there is a mountain which must become level ground...in preparation for the Kingdom...
[...a mountain which God will destroy; (Zech. 4:7; Rev. 8:8)].
We must be certain that we are not putting our trust in the counterfeit mountain.
(Luke 3:5; Mal. 3:1; Rev. 14:6,7; Isa. 46:11; Haggai 2:7) (Rev. 13:8; 16:2)

Counterfeit mountain?
Yes.

The scriptures also tell us of a True Mountain which does provide shelter and salvation. Survival depends upon the guidance of scripture, to give us the ability to discern the Genuine, from the Counterfeit.

We have already considered scriptures about the Counterfeit one. They teach us that it is associated with a trust in humans and their pride. We also see that the Counterfeit "arrogant" mountain offers protection from God's wrath, even to the "kings of the earth" (Rev. 6:15; 1:5-6; 5:10; 17:2).
(Who are the Kings of the Earth?)
That mountain is associated with "the sin of Israel" (Hosea 10:8), and rather than "exalting the Lord alone"; that mountain exalts itself.
(John 7:18; Rom. 1:25; Rev. 13:15; Isa. 42:8;  2Thess. 2:4; Matt. 23:12; Zech. 4:7)
                                                               ------------------------

You may have heard it said, that the U.N. is the image of the "Wild Beast" of Rev. 13:1-8.
Why has the "Watchtower" taught this?
They say it is because of the "blasphemous names" (Rev. 13:1; 17:3) which are said to cover the Beast. They have taught that this is fulfilled within the United Nations, because these claim to be God's Kingdom on earth.
How did the "Watchtower" arrive at this judgment?
For many years, the United Nations has had a monument in a nearby park, which includes a plaque upon which Isa. 2:4 is scripted.



These plaques symbolized the intentions of the U.N., and it's aspiration (not claim) to bring unity and peace to the Nations of the world. Many individuals and organizations have had the aspiration to contribute to such a goal. This alone does not make them the "Wild Beast" of Revelation.
It should be noted, that
these plaques are no longer officially endorsed by the UN, in compliance with it's adjusted tenet to remove a flavor of religious preference.

The point is this....
If the "Watchtower" interprets the image of the Wild Beast as being the UN, on the basis that it falsely claimed to be the fulfillment of Isa. 2:2,3,4 (blasphemy);
then how is it that the "Watchtower" itself  is not the "Wild beast"; since it is the only identity, falsely making this same claim?
In actuality, the U.N. never claimed to fulfill the prophecy at Isa. 2:4.
This plaque commemorated it's aspirations, and it's "prayer for peace on earth".
Many have said such prayers, but only the WT claims to answer that prayer. The "Watchtower" actually does make the claim that they fulfill Isa. 2:2,3,4.

Let us not forget that according to scripture, "people of all the 'earth' will (also) "worship" this "Wild Beast" (Rev. 13:8) (see Greek),

and allow it to direct their thinking and actions (Rev. 13:16), rather than God (Deut. 11:18; 6:6,8). This has not been true of the United Nations. At Rev. 13:11-15, prophecy describes a false prophet  (Rev. 19:20) who decrees that any who refuse to worship the image of the Beast, should be killed by the tangible Beast. That too, is true of the "Watchtower". They disfellowship any who refuse to laud their organization as essential for salvation, and that expulsion is considered by them, as a spiritual death. (John 16:2; Mark 8:35).

They themselves make the claim, that this "Mountain-like" Organization, is the very fulfillment of Isa. 2:2,3,4.
They teach that if anyone puts their trust in their "Mountain-like Organization", they will find the very salvation of God, including a "spiritual paradise" right here and now, filled with "peace and security" with God
(1Thess. 5:3; Eze. 13:9-11; Rev. 16:21; Jer. 14:13-15; Rev. 6:8; Jer. 5:31; 8:11).
They claim that under the wings of the Organization and it's stance of "neutrality", people "do not learn war anymore". (Isa. 2:4)

Is this true?
Or, is this "blasphemy"? (Rev. 13:1,5-7,7-10; Dan. 7:25; 8:11-12)
  -----------------------------------

Since the doctrine of "Jehovah's Witnesses" asserts that their Organization fulfills Isa. 2:3;
Let's take a closer look at that scripture and it's context. (If you read the entire chapter; you will see that the condition of God's people in the time of the end, is corrupt and rebellious.)

"In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
    as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
    and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
    so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
    the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Isa. 2:2,3
                   ----------------------------

First, we are pointedly told that this takes place "in the last days".
Next, the mountain to be "established", is "the Lord's Temple" which consists of God's anointed priests and Christ's Bride, heavenly New Jerusalem (1Pet. 2:5;  1Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:20-21,22,10; Rev. 21:2-3).
Lastly, this identity is verified in the last two lines....
"The law will go out from Zion,
    the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."

Clearly, the Mountain in question is Mt. Zion (Also referred to as "Jerusalem").
Where is Mt. Zion; and what does it consist of?
Rev. 14:1 tells us:
"Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads."
And Rev. 21:2,10 :
" I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God."
-- ( https://pearl-holycity.blogspot.com )
Again....where is Mt.Zion from; and who does it consist of? (Heb. 12:22,23)
I sincerely hope that you can discern the genuine from the counterfeit...
and which "mountain" is clearly being spoken of, at Isa. 2:2-3; 14:32.

Is the 'Watchtower' Organization made up of the 144,000? 
Or,
is it's backbone and body almost entirely made up of those who are not even Chosen Ones? Who do you see as representatives of the Organization within your own Congregation?....the anointed "ambassadors" of Christ (2Cor. 5:20; Rom. 2:29;  1Cor. 6:2,3), or spiritual Gentiles (Elders) who have raised themselves up over God's Chosen Priests? (2Thess. 2:4; Rev. 11:1,2; Mark 13:14) (please see: "Jew" or "Gentile"?)
Who writes up the "spiritual food" served in WT magazines? Are you aware that it is sourced in writing committees that are not anointed, and their contrivances merely signed off by the GB figurehead? 

(Eze. 44:6,8; Mal. 2:7; Rev. 5:10)

Please compare these two mountains. Are you certain that they are the same one?

Jesus once said that the true worshipers would no longer worship beneath a physical, visible  "mountain" on earth;
(John 4:21,23-24; Heb. 11:10; Isa. 66:1-2; John 2:19;  1Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:21-22)
But rather, the Temple which Christ was going to raise up "in three days", was the Temple of his "body"; whose members would be identified...not by the visible, but by a worship according to  "spirit and truth" (1John 2:20,21;  1Cor. 12:27; Eph. 2:6; Heb. 12:22,23).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/05/where-is-true-religion.html)

While on earth...which mountain did Jesus Christ himself point to as God's means of salvation?
Was it the WTBTS?
Jesus decided to make these things clear to his disciples, by giving them a miraculous vision. Let's see what we today can learn from it.
Please read Matt. 17:1,5,9; Mark 9:2,7,9



You may notice there that Jesus here associates his glorification with a mountain!
He is "transfigured" into a state of reigning glory before those apostolic witnesses, while on that mountain. With him *at his arrival, are his co-rulers, symbolized by Moses and Elijah [Matt. 17:1-3; Rev. 11:3,4; Zech. 4:14,11; Rev. 11:4; Luke 9:28-31 

-***(2Pet.1:18; Rev.21:10; Psalm 2:6; Rev.14:1).
Was this mountain the Organization of "Jehovah's Witnesses"? What was this mountain of vision, which was associated with Christ's Kingdom power and glory?


One of the witnesses of that vision tells us, 

at 2Pet. 1:16,17,18,19 :

"16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain." 

(Ps. 2:6; Zech. 8:3; Isa. 11:9; Eze. 20:40; Rev. 14:1; Dan. 2:35; Gen. 28:14; Rom. 4:13,12; Gen. 13:14,15; Gal. 3:29; Isa. 54:1-2,3-4,5-6,7; Ps. 30:5)
"19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

God and Christ knew in advance that there would be Satanic counterfeit prophets 

(Matt. 7:15,20; 24:24-25; Rev. 8:10-11; 9:1; 13:8,11,13-14; 16:13,14,15;  2Thess. 2:1,2,3,4;  2Pet. 2:1,2,3). 

God and Christ foreknew that these would possess a "mountain" of organized power to deceive 

(Jer. 51:25; Rev. 8:8; 11:18; (Jer. 51:25) Rev. 17:9; Zech. 4:7). 

That Gentile power would be raised up right within the midst of the anointed Temple! 

(2Thess. 2:4; Rev. 11:1-2; Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14)
(pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)

But we also have God's prophecies about the end of that Counterfeit mountain.
How exactly will this take place, according to the scriptures?
At Zech. 4:7, we are told that the end of the counterfeit mountain is associated with the appearance of the "capstone" of God's Temple (1Pet. 2:5; Eph. 2:21). The "capstone" is the crowning glory of completion, and is made up of the last remnant faithful anointed to complete "God's building"/Temple/Mt.Zion (1Cor. 3:9; Eph. 2:20; Heb. 11:10; Zech. 4:7,8,9,11,14; Rev. 11:3-4).



This "capstone" is the "Great Crowd", who come though the end/Great Tribulation (Rev. 20:4; 6:9,11; 7:9,10,13,14)
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-great-crowd-again.html)
and (https://pearl-greatcrowd.blogspot.com/)

So, it is during the presence of the "Great Crowd" of end-time anointed priests 

(Rev. 7:15;  2Chron. 23:6; Num. 3:10; Rev. 7:15; 5:10), that this "mighty mountain" becomes "level ground". 

How does this take place? (Mark 11:23; Rev.8:8)
Scripture tells us, at Zech. 4:6-14:

"6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
7 “What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
8 Then the word of the Lord came to me:
9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have *laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. *(John 6:70; Rev. 21:14)
10 “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?” (Rev. 1:16,20)
11 Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?”
12 Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?”
14 So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”

Yes...the "capstone" is the final manifestation of the faithful anointed, the "two witnesses", and they are labeled God's priestly Great Crowd (Zech. 4:14,11; Rev. 11:4,3; John 8:17; Rev. 19:9 (NIV)
(They serve in, and are, the Temple - 1Pet. 2:5;  1Cor. 3:16; Rev. 7:15; Num. 18:7)(Matt. 5:19; Rev. 7:9; 19:1,8)
This remnant ("the rest"/"remaining ones" -Rev. 12:17) completes the Temple of God...AND the Holy Mountain, New Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22; Isa. 24:23; 60:14; Rev. 3:9; 21:2)
...made in heaven by God
(Acts 7:48; Eph. 2:10,20,21,22;  1Cor. 3:16;  2Cor. 5:1; Heb. 9:11; John 2:19,21;  1Cor. 12:27; Eph. 2:6; Heb. 12:22,23)
....(not made on earth, consisting of "uncircumcised" spiritual Gentiles as it's shepherds, priests, and princes.)
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-is-jew-what-is-gentile-answers-to.html)

(pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)

 

Rev. 11:19; 4:5; Zech. 4:10; Rev. 5:6; Luke 17:24; Eze. 1:14

But does the appearance of this "capstone" have any part in being used by Jehovah's spirit, to level the evil mountain? Would God's spirit (Zech. 4:6) empower them to do this?
Let's look at what Jesus said, especially to his final brothers....

"Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matt. 17:20
"Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done."  Matt. 21:21
“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:23,24


What mountain is thrown "into the sea"?

"The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, ("mighty mountain" Zech. 4:7), all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed" Rev. 8:8,9
["all ablaze" (Jer. 23:29; Jer. 5:14 (NIV) ; Rev. 11:3,5; Hosea 6:5;  2Pet. 3:7,10,11,12)]



It is the evil counterfeit mountain that is "thrown into the sea" (Isa. 57:20; 27:1).
(pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com)
Jesus has told his "capstone", that they are indeed able to accomplish this, if only they have faith...
and it's source...Holy Spirit.
By means of God's spirit and the faith of the final prophets (two witnesses), that mountain will come down.

       Can-the-Watchtower-Crumble?
It will be replaced with Mt. Zion...the holy mountain from Heaven...
which consists, not of spiritual "Gentiles" who are defiling and trampling the Holy Place into subjection....


(pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)
    (trample-how-does-it-happen.html)

but of Christ and his Bride...the 144000!
(Rev. 6:14; 16:20; 14:1)

Paul himself contrasted the physical mountain against the spiritual.
We benefit from his words:

"You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect" Heb. 12:18-19,20-21,22-23; Dan. 2:34-35,44-45 (Isa. 51:1; Isa. 44:8).



"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them."  

Heb. 11:1,2,8,10,16; Rev. 21:2

So...

does our heavenly Father have a "mountain-like" Organization?
Yes. An administration of priests, "hand-picked" by God to become heirs of the earth, to the blessing of all Creation. 

(Eph.1:9-10,11-12;  1Pet.2:9-10; Rom. 8:19; Gal. 3:29; Gen. 13:14; 28:14; Heb. 2:5,16; Rev. 22:1-2; Eze. 34:27)

I pray for all those who read what I have received, that you may have eyes wide opened; that you might not perish, as all of the deceived ones will (2Thess.2:9,10; Rev.18:4).
We may wish for a physical City, filled with physical signs 

(Rev.17:18; Matt.12:39,40; Rev.11:8; Matt.24:28). 

But those who accept and are deceived by the physical, show a lack of spiritual perception, Faith, and patience toward God's promises. 

(1Cor.2:14; Rom. 8:25;  1Thess.1:3;  2Thess.2:1-2,3)

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2Cor. 4:18

So let us imitate our spiritual forefather Abraham, who lived by Faith, and not by sight (2Cor.5:7; Heb. 6:11; 13:7).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/07/hide-or-herald.html)

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Please submit questions in the "Comments" section, below;
Or use the contact form on the right side of this page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regarding the "mountains/hills of Judea" (in the time of the end), which Jesus said we must flee to (when we see the Gentiles defiling the Holy Place -Matt. 24:15,16; Mark 13:14), Here is a post:

 (FLEE:Where?.html)

I also hope these scriptures will help you to discern that...
Matt. 5:14,16; Zech. 6:1; Zech. 4:14; Rev. 11:4,3; (Rev. 12:6; John 14:3; Heb. 13:13; Matt. 25:6);
Psalm 72:3; 3:4;  2Chron. 13:10,11,12; Joel 3:18; Zech. 14:8; Isa. 65:9; Jer. 50:19,20;
 Zech. 3:9; <(Acts 4:11; Rev. 5:6); Luke 23:30; Eze. 36:8

as well as the article about Matt. 24:15,16 located at:
pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com

What is the difference between these "mountains" and the Organization of "Jehovah's Witnesses"?
Jesus said that we could tell the difference between True and False Prophets by their "fruit" (Matt. 7:20; Mal. 3:18). What does this mean? You may wish to consider
(Can-the-Watchtower-Crumble?),

("Who are 'God's People'?")
and
** https://pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com/

Source of Understanding: Spirit and Truth

A comment which was left:

I think that if we are to understand the Bible especially the book of Revelations we must study the other 65 books and use them to interpret and understand it (Revelations).

My reply:

Thank you,

Yes.

To worship God with accuracy, and consequently receive His approval; we must worship with both, Spirit and Truth (John4:24).

As you say, the Truth is found in all scripture (John17:17; 2Tim.3:16,17).

The Spirit and it's insight, is found in those given it (Matt.10:20; 1Pet.4:11; 1Cor.4:1; 2:10; Rom.5:5; Acts2:33; Titus 3:6; 1Thess.4:8; Gal.4:6; Rom.8:17; 1John2:20; 1Pet.2:9; Luke8:10). Spirit is also derived from scripture (Eph.6:17; John6:63).

Both are needed to be guided on the road to life (John4:23,24; 6:65; Matt.7:14).

But for the rebellious....

Acts28:26; Eze.12:2

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Updates have been added to the post:
"Getting Killed"

"The Sign of the Son of Man"

All the signs which Jesus gave his disciples, should elicit our engaged attention. When nearing the end of his list of indicative signs of the end, he points to a sign of culmination, at Matt.24:30....

"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

We should greatly desire to understand the meaning of this sign. By means of scripture, I hope to explore some of that meaning.

                PART I

The sign of the son of man- What is it?
We begin to learn what this sign is, at Matt.12:38,39,40...
"Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”
But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

 Rom.10:7; 6:5; Ps.16:10

Here Jesus tells those seeking a physical display, that they will not receive but one.
Just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17); the Messiah will fulfill that prophetic account, by being captive in the Abyss of death/"heart of the earth" for the same literal time period 

(Jonah 2:1,2 *; Luke 9:22,44; 17:25; Rom.10:7 *;  1Pet.3:18,19,20;  2Pet.2:4,9,12,17). * Ps.16:10; Acts 2:27
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-is-sheole-hades.html)
But if we take another look at Matt.24:30; we see that Jesus is pointing ahead to the "conclusion of a system of things" (Matt.24:3) when the "tribes of the earth will mourn"...and "the Son of Man" will "come" "on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory". 

We must accept that the "sign of the Son of Man" has a fulfillment further than when Jesus died and was buried for three days.

Many recognize that Matthew, chapter 24 is a prophecy....
not only about the end of the Jewish system of worship in Jerusalem (and the conclusion of the covenant it represented),
but also a prophecy about the end of the New Covenant and the system of worship it evoked.
LINK:"End of the New Covenant"
This end is spoken of as a passing away of the "heavens" and "earth" (2Pet.3:10-11,12-13; Rom.13:12;  1Pet.4:7) to be replaced with a "new heavens and new earth".
An event of such significance is not overlooked by Christ. He describes the "signs" leading up to it, in Matthew, chapter 24 (among other places).
https://pearl-sign.blogspot.com

So reasonably, we accept that Matt.24:30 points ahead to a fulfillment ....not just about the death of Christ's flesh...but to the "sign of his presence, and of the conclusion of a system of things" (Matt.24:3) to include the dissolution of the "heavens" and "earth" (and the arrival of the "righteous" heavens and earth) (2Pet.3:7,10,12-13; Matt.24:35).
But then we must ask;
If this applies to a sign of Jonah/Jesus Christ taking place at a future "conclusion"...
How can that possibly be fulfilled, since Jesus Christ is not here physically to be killed...and laid in the "heart of the earth" again for 3 days?

Where do we look to see this "sign of the Son of Man" in the time of the end?

We know that the first one to experience this "sign", was Jonah.
We know that the second one to experience this "sign" was Christ.
Who will experience it in the time of the end, and therefore fulfill it's final prophecy?
How will we see the "sign of the Son of Man" at the "conclusion" of our "system of things"?

First, lets look at Matt.12:39.
Jesus speaks of a "wicked and adulterous generation". These would also be present at the "end of all things" (Mark 8:38) (1Pet.4:7;  1Cor.15:24; Matt.23:35-36; Heb.11:4;  1John3:12).
He also spoke of another generation which is righteous (Matt.24:34-35; Psalm 14:5; 112:2; Gal.4:26).

Just as the wicked generation exists until the time of the end, the "righteous" generation also exists until the time of the end (Matt.24:34; 28:20)
Both these generations of seed, exist and battle, until the end 

(Gen.3:15; Rev.12:17,7; John 8:44; Rev.12:11;  1Pet.1:23; Gal.3:29; Matt.25:31-32,41  etc.)
http://pearl-generation.blogspot.com/
Are those wicked and "adulterous" to their covenant with God (1Cor.6:15,16; Rev.18:3; 17:1,2; Isa.1:21,27,28), limited to the first Century Jews?
No. The Bible's prophecies about the "end" are full of indications that Satan's seed is alive and well, busy persecuting the faithful up until the end (Rev.20:7-9; 11:7-10)

Those adulterous to God's covenant in the time of the end, also keep seeking for physical signs to guide their worship. Because of their fleshly orientation, they will be mislead by the signs provided to them (2Thess.2:9-10; Rev.13:13-14) (pearl-anillustration.blogspot.com).
These too, will only receive one authentic tangible sign from God....the "sign of the Son of Man" (Matt.24:30).
Those first Century Jews did see that sign. They saw Christ die (Matt.27:39-40,41-42,43). They knew that he was raised up (Matt.27:50,62-63,64-65,66; 28:1-2,3-4,11-12,13-14,15). They saw the events that took place surrounding his death (Matt.27:51-52,53-54) 

These were events which occurred surrounding the death of Christ....and included the "Sign of the son of Man".
----------------------------------------

So again we must ask...
How will this be fulfilled at the "end of all things" (1Pet.4:7)?
How will the "sign of the Son of Man" being in "the heart of the earth"/abyss (which was just like Jonah in the belly of the fish); be fulfilled during the conclusion of all things?
How will this sign be given to and clearly seen, to the wicked and adulterous generation in the time of the end?

The most obvious place to turn to learn about end-time events, is the book of Revelation.
If we go there, we do not find Jesus being killed, nor any indication that he is placed in the "heart of the "earth"/abyss again (Matt.12:40; Rom.10:7; Jonah 2:6). But we do find the abyss (Rev.9:1-2,11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3). And we also find other faithful witnesses (Rev.1:5; John 8:40) being mistreated and "killed"/"slain", as Jesus was (Luke 9:22,44) [Rev.2:10 (James 1:12); Rev.6:9,11; 12:4,11; 13:15; 14:13; 16:6; 17:6; 18:24 (Jer.51:49; Matt.23:35); Rev.20:4]

I am citing Rev.11:7-8,9-10,11-12,13 (Matt.27:54) separately because I believe this prophetic account to be the closest tie to the prophecy at Matt.24:30. (More on this later)

Lets look at that verse again to see where we will see the final "sign of the Son of Man"...
"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven  with power and great glory."

We are being told that the final fulfillment of the culminating sign of the end, will occur and be seen "in heaven", and "on the clouds of heaven".

First, let's see if those being killed as Christ were, can scripturally stand in for the Son of Man, and therefore by their own deaths, fulfill the "sign of the Son of Man".
Second let's see if these saints can also fulfill the "sign" as taking place "in heaven", and "on the clouds of heaven".

Pointing ahead to how the final judgment is rendered, Jesus said;
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did to the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me." (Matt.25:40,45-46)  (Acts 9:5; Luke 10:16;  2Cor.5:20;  1Cor.3:17,16)

When the wicked kill the "two witnesses" who are proclaiming a message from Christ (Rev.11:3-4; 11:7), is that like killing Christ? (1Cor.12:27,12; 6:15 A; Eph.1:22-23; 5:30; Acts 22:7) According to the expressed feelings of Jesus...yes (Acts 9:5).

--------------------------
What is "heaven", and the "clouds of heaven"?
Please read Rev.1:7; Jude 1:14;  2Thess.1:7,10; Eph.2:6; Rev.12:5; Eph.1:3,20; Heb.12:1,22,23,25; Rev.11:12.
At Heb.12:25 (Matt.10:20), we are told that a warning comes from this "heaven" 

(Eze.33:6,8; Rev.11:3-4; 9:17,20; Zech.4:14,9,6) regarding a threat to salvation (Rev.13:8;  2Thess.2:10,9,8).
That warning "from heaven", in tangible reality, comes from those "of heaven" (Eph.2:6; Heb.12:22-23; John 17:24; 1:14; 12:26; 17:22;  2Cor.3:18; Rom.8:9; Luke 10:20; Phil.3:20)
(1Tim.4:16; Acts 18:6; 20:26;  2Kings17:13; Rev.14:6-7; 11:3,7)

Rev.20:7-9; 11:5). (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/fire-from-heaven.html)

The "sign of the Son of Man", can be fulfilled by others in addition to Christ himself (Jonah 1:17; Matt.12:40; 24:30; Rev.11:7), and is. (Phil.3:10; Rom.6:3,5)
Is this sign actually seen by the "wicked and adulterous generation" in the time of the end,
as it was seen by them in the first century? (Matt.12:39)
Yes...(Rev.11:8-9)
But just as that wicked generation of God's house in the first Century refused to acknowledge that sign and it's meaning with Christ;
neither will they initially recognize it's fulfillment in the time of the end 

(Rev.3:3; Matt.24:43;  1Thess.5:2; Rev.16:15; Luke 12:56; Matt.16:3-4).

The wicked Steward has made himself "Master" of the "house". Because of his intoxication with power, he has not kept awake and watchful for the thief (Luke 12:39). Satan has broken into the congregational "house", and has robbed the crowns of all the anointed slaves still inside that organizational "house"(Luke 12:42,45-46; John 10:10 A; Rev.3:11). 

When the true Master returns; he too will resemble a thief (Rev.3:3)....taking whatever is left from the lazy and disobedient slaves (1Cor.3:14-15; Luke 16:1-3) (Matt.13:12; Luke 8:18; 19:26; Matt.25:30).

  [John 10:1-3,10; Mark 13:34; Joel 2:9; Jer.9:21; Matt.6:19]-[Rev.16:15; Matt.24:43;  1Thess.5:2,4;  2Thess.2:1-3]

Just as Christ bore witness to the truth, and as a consequence, suffered, died, and was buried (fulfilling the "sign of the Son of Man"); so also will all those who become sealed in the "heavens" (1Pet.2:21; Luke 22:28-29).

Those seeking physical signs in this world (treasures on earth), do not recognize this true sign of the faithful Sons of God. Their "glory" is simply the same as Christ's was while in this world...the glory of "grace and truth" (John 17:22; 1:14;  1Cor.4:10-11,12-13,14;  1Cor.1:18,23;  2Cor.6:4-5,6-7,8-9,10; Rev.11:10; Rom.8:19). (Not power, riches, nor dominion)
The unfaithful desire glorious signs that bless them in this world. Satan will provide them, and by means of them; the physical, wicked, and adulterous Chosen Ones, will be mislead.
(James 4:4;  1John2:15;  1Cor.2:14,13,12; Rev.13:13-14; 19:20; 20:7-8; Dan.11:27,10; Rev.12:15;  2Thess.2:9; Matt.24:24) Acts

(pearl-satansthrone.blogspot.com)

If a prophets teaches "world realities", rather than "spiritual realities" (1Cor.2:13), that one is clearly a physical man. He has left union with the spirit of Christ (John 15:4-5; Rom.11:17), and is on "the wrong side of the fence".
The day is rapidly approaching however, when these will not escape the truth of what they have done to their faithful brothers (Rev.17:6; 18:3; 17:2; Jer.51:7), whom, in their eyes, are preaching "foolishness" (1Cor.2:14; Prov.19:29; Luke 12:45; Ex.21:20; Rev.18:24; 16:6). When that day comes...then they will mourn (Matt.24:30; Zech.12:10; Rev.1:7; Luke 13:28; Matt.8:12; 13:42).

Review: (Rev.3:3; John 10:10; Luke 19:41-43; 21:20; Matt.24:15; Rev.20:7-9)

-  -  -  -  -  -  -

But you may have noticed two glaring differences in the last "sign of the Son of Man",
from when Christ fulfilled it.
First....during the second 3 1/2 "times", the two witnesses are refused burial "in the heart of the earth"/abyss, but rather, are publicly displayed as a reproach "on the Broadway of the Great City" (Rev.11:8; Ps.79:1-2,3; Eze.37:4-5; Rev.11:11; Eze.37:11-12,13-14).
Second.....the two witnesses are "dead" 3 and a half  days...not three (Rev.11:9,11).
The three days of Jonah and Jesus were literal.
The three and a half days of the two witnesses are symbolic.
The book of Revelation being symbolic, what do these time differences mean?

                     PART II

As stated in Part I, both Jesus and Jonah were held captive in the abyss/Sheol/Hades (Jonah 2:5,2; Rom.10:7; Acts 2:31). "Sheol" and "Hades" are the same (Acts 2:27; Ps.16:10). 

       (Jonah was held in the Deep/Sea, by the "great sea creature" -Jonah 1:17) 

       (Jesus, "in the heart of the earth" for three days. -Matt.12:40)

To understand the Sea of Revelation, it is vital to see that Sheol, Hades, Abyss, the Deep, and the Sea,

are all the same realm of the wicked... the spiritual realm containing those in darkness and under sin and spiritual death (Isa.57:20; Rev.13:1; 11:7).

   Note: the great sea "creature" which held Jonah captive is derived from
               the Hebrew word  which follows:

               Strong's Number:   01711              
           Dagah TWOT - 401
                Definition
                (Qal) to multiply, increase; a primitive root
                         Due to the root meaning of this "fish", we see that liberties were taken
                         when translating this creature as a fish. Such an assumption is
                         understandable, when the context says that Jonah was "swallowed" and
                         that this creature was "in the sea". But the original word (which is only found
                         in this one place in the Bible) essentially means a root/origin,
                         which is growing/spreading. Prov.29:16)
                         (I submit to you that this "great sea creature", was "Leviathan"...
                          "king" of the "abyss"/"sea"/"deep"...the hunter of God's sons.)
                         LINK: (Who is "Leviathan"?) (Rev.2:10; 13:10; 9:14; Ps.124:7;
                                   Prov.6:5,4;  1Thess.5:6; Luke 21:36,34; Mark 13:37)

We have already noted that the "sign of the Son of Man", will be made manifested in the "end".
We have already noted that the final prophets can stand in for Christ, and fulfill the final manifestation of this sign. We have noted that the sign represents a hopeless condition previous to a release.
(This happens in two ways for the two witnesses. Each of those ways, is represented by a period of "3 1/2 times".    3 1/2 + 3 1/2 = "7 times"= completion of what is required of them.)(Dan.9:24,27)

Both Jonah and Jesus were held in what is referred to as the sea/abyss/Sheol/Hades.
(pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com).
The "two witnesses" also, (Rev.11:3) were held for a time under the power this abyss/sea/sheol by it's representatives (Rev.13:1,7,10; 9:1,3,10). This spiritual realm (abyss/sea/deep/pit), is the realm of those spiritually "dead" (Eph.2:1-2,3). Those "dead" can be physically dead, or physically alive. 

(what-is-sheol-hell-hades) (where-is-hades) (The-night)
****
Why then are the two witnesses spoken of as being dead to the Nations/Gentiles/earth (Rev.11:7-8,9) for 3 1/2 days? (Instead of 3 days, like Jesus and Jonah)

The previous pattern we have for 3 1/2, is the length of Christ's ministry when he was on earth. During that time, he was presenting God's truths to God's wayward nation (Matt.15:24; John 1:9,11-13). It is the same audience in the time of the End (Matt.10:23)... a presentation of God's truths to God's wayward nation of spiritual Jews (Rom.2:28-29; Col.2:11).

Why is the time of death for the 2 witnesses, symbolized by 3 1/2?

While they are under the power of the Abyss and Beast of the sea, they are being trampled by the Gentiles. While under Satan's dark realm, they are spiritually dead. 

For the two witnesses, there are two deaths...

The first, is a spiritual death, while they are cut off from the light, life, and spirit of Christ.

During that time, they seek a death for Christ and the spiritual birth that results (Mark 8:35; Rom.6:5; Rev.9:6) but they seek it in vain while under darkness.

How is their time of spiritual death (3 1/2), a testimony to the Beast and it's slaves as regards the identity of the genuine "two witnesses"?

God's prophecy tells every reader, that the Beast does 3 things to God's witnesses.

    Rev.11:7 says "make war", "conquer", and "kill".

By the end of those 3 events, they are finished with their testimony to the Beast.

By means of the two witnesses being battled against, conquered, and killed...

the Beast has received sufficient testimony, as to the identity of the two witnesses.

During spiritual warfare originating with Satan (Rev.12:17,15), the faithful are deceived.

Jer.11:4; Ps.12:6; Zech.13:9; Isa.48:10; Jer.9:7; Deut.4:20; Rev.9:2; Hab.1:15-16,17; Eze.21:21

  ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haruspex )

When they are conquered (Rev.13:7), they are taken captive (Rev.13:10; Col.2:8).

The second form of death, is a condemnation to death by men (John 16:2; Gal.6:14; Rom.6:5). 

This reverses the previous spiritual death. It is a spiritual birth and God's seal, to those who die to the world in order to live for Christ.

The last testimony that the enemy will witness, are the death sentence to the faithful, thereby establishing the sign of the Son of Man.

When all 3 attacks are accomplished (Rev.11:7), the two witnesses have finished their testimony to the Beast and it's worshipers.

Oddly enough, their time of being trampled, IS a testimony (Rev.3:9; Heb.12:6; Zech.13:9; Rev.9:15,18,20-21)

   

Even though the first 3 1/2 times for the two witnesses is under the Great Tribulation, it is still a time of their giving testimony. It is therefore, symbolized by 3 1/2, following the pattern of Christ's period of testimony on earth.

Jonah's time in the belly of Leviathan was not a testimony.

Christ's time in the abyss, was patterned after Jonah.

There is a second symbolic period of 3 1/2 for the two witnesses.

This is after their death sentence. At that point they are sealed as subjects of God's laws, and ready to ride forth with Christ in his heavenly army.

-  -  -  -  -  -  - **** -  -  -  -  -  -  -

First, we note that 3 1/2 "times" is the same period that the two witnesses are prophesying.
(3 1/2 "times" are 1,260 days and also are 42 months, according to 7 times = 2,520 days. A Jewish month is thirty days, and a Jewish year/time is 360 days.)

We are told (Rev.11:10) that these two witnesses "torment" those who inhabit the earth.
To understand this fully, we should look at the original word used for "torment":

Strong's Number:   928
Original Word Word Origin
basanivzw from (931)
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Basanizo
 Definition
to test (metals) by the touchstone, which is a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the colour of the streak produced while rubbing it upon either metal
in question.
to torture by revealing defect or deficiency
to vex with grievous pains (of body or mind), to torment
to be harassed, distressed
as those who at sea are struggling with a head wind

What a perfect Greek word to describe the test brought upon God's wayward people, as they are being "tested" by the Truth coming from the "two witnesses" 

(Rev.11:3,5; Jer.23:29;  Jer.6:27 (ESV) ; Mal.3:2-3,5). 

These two witnesses are held in the lowest regard by "Jehovah's Witnesses", who estimate these so-called "apostates" as spiritually dead (Rev.11:7-8,9; Ps.79:1-2,3) (Link: "Symbolic-Death"). 

These two witnesses of Truth vex/torment by testing and exposing as false, the very doctrine that their former captors, esteem. 

(1John 4:1; Eph.5:11; Col.2:18-20,21-23; Matt.5:13;  2Cor.11:3-4,13,20; Ecc.10:5-7; Prov.6:3; Luke 12:35). 

The two witnesses call into question those doctrines...subjecting them to "heat" [1Cor.3:13; Rev.11:5; Jer.5:14 (NIV) ;  2Pet.3:10 (NIV);  2Pet.3:12 (Rev.10:2-3)] ...tests of purity, as a wind of Holy Spirit tests those struggling to keep their ship of faith afloat at "sea" 

(1Tim.1:18-19; 4:1; Isa.2:12-13,14-15,16-17,18; Rev.8:9; Zech.13:9). - God's Word and standards (Deut.11:18) through the testimony of these two, is the "touchstone"/plumbstone/measuring rod, by which the rest will be appraised (Jer.6:27 (ESV). This is why this test cannot come upon the earth, until after these testify fully and are sealed as slaves to the Laws of God and through their testimony to them, present a touchstone/capstone/plumb-line (Zech.4:7,10; Amos 7:7-8). 

*******

The "sea" and the "abyss" are equated as the same realm 

(Rev.13:1; 11:7; 17:8; Isa.51:9-10; 63:12-13; Eze.26:19; Psalm 42:7; 71:20; Matt.12:40). 

This comparison will be seen more clearly as we learn more about Leviathan.

    (https://pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com)
Jonah was in the sea/abyss BEFORE he gave his witness (Jonah 2:5,2)(Ps.16:10; Acts 2:27; Rom.10:7). (3 days Hades + 3 days Nineveh = 6)
Jesus was also in the realm of the dead/abyss (1Cor.15:3; Eph.1:20; Rom.10:7; Psalm 16:10)...
but it was AFTER he finished his 3 1/2 year "witness" to the Jews. (Rev.1:5)(Matt.24:14 (NKJV) ; Rev.11:3). 

After that testimony and death, Jesus also gave a testimony while IN the abyss, 

to the demons that sinned in the time of Noah (3 1/2 days/years/times + 3 days = 6.5)

    (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2021/08/preaching-to-demons.html).
This place (abyss/death/sea/deep/sheol) is also said to be, "the heart of the earth" (Matt.12:40; James 3:15; John 8:23).
    (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-is-sheole-hades.html)

What about the two witnesses? Are they like Jonah, in that they are in the abyss 3 days before their witness? (Rev.11:3 -testimony after repentance and death by the beast) Or, are they like Jesus, who entered the abyss to give a testimony to demons for 3 days, after his witness and death? 

(Rev.11:7-8,9-10; Ps.79:1-2,3)
In a sense, Both. But in another sense, more than both. 

The two witnesses have two separate periods of giving a testimony. During both, they are being chastened for their previous idolatry (3 1/2 + 3 1/2 =7) (meaning of 7 is below).

The spiritual death state of the two witnesses while under the power of Hades, is assigned the number of giving a witness (3 1/2), because of their fulfilling the prophecies regarding the Great Tribulation. Like Jonah, they are captive to Hades during that Tribulation. Like Jonah, this is previous to their giving their Armageddon testimony.

These 'two witnesses' give a testimony for two periods of 3 1/2 each...

  DURING the great tribulation... the time that they are captive under the Gentile army of Hades, 

 and 

  During Armageddon, while they continue to be opposed by the Gentiles who are still in power, after the Beast sentenced them to death, through which they gain spiritual life (Mark 8:35; Rom.6:5).

    (3 1/2 times + 3 1/2 times = 7)

Even while captive under the Great Tribulation, they are fulfilling prophecy (Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10; Dan.8:24; 12:7), and providing prophetic evidence of their identity. 

    ( https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-greatest-tribulation-why.html )

The Beast's death sentence at the end of that period of test, also provides the sign of the son of man. Like Jesus, they too, were captive to the symbolic sea/Hades/abyss. They are released from spiritual death by their sacrifice for truth, and empowered to battle (Rev.11:3).

During all 7 times, the Gentiles are still ruling with greater power over God's nation.

After their being symbolically killed by the beast (John 16:2; Matt.10:22; Rev.11:7; 13:10; 6:11) due to their standing up and refusing to continue their idolatry (Rev.13:15); the secondary period of 3 1/2 ensues. That's because after that death of faithfulness, they begin a new period of testimony. In this second period, they battle in Armageddon, to expose the false teachings to which they were previously held captive (Col.2:8; Rev.13:10; Luke 21:24).

3 1/2 - SYMBOL OF TESTIMONY

The ministry and testimony of Christ can be symbolized by 3 1/2 "times" (see below)

  It is Jesus who is again providing testimony, through the 2 periods of experience by the two witnesses, as they fulfill all Christ's prophetic words found in Revelation (Rev.1:1-2; 22:16,20; John 16:7,12-14). 

The full testimony of the 2 witnesses, adds up to 7. 

Because of their experience through the discipline of the great tribulation (3 1/2) and their testimony during Armageddon (3 1/2); their previous sin of idolatry and spiritual fornication, is atoned for.

(Eze.43:26; 45:20; Lev.26:28; 16:19; 14:51-52; Rev.16:2; Lev.14:7;  2King 5:10,14; Eph.5:26; Job 33:22-23,24-25;  2Kings 5:14; Ps.66:10; 12:6; Isa.1:25-26; Job 23:10; Dan.9:24-25) 

Dan.9:25 is 69 (7+62=69) weeks until the return of Christ to his temple. Dan.9:24 mentions that 70 weeks are needed to complete the Temple without sin. Christ returns to defend his priests in "troublesome times" at the Great Tribulation (Dan.9:25; 12:1-2,3-4). 

70 weeks minus the 69 weeks before Christ's return, leaves one week or, 7 days/times/years of cleansing (Num.14:34). 

The final 7 days of cleansing, are the days of the two witnesses and their 3 1/2 + 3 1/2 .

    We may wonder why the 144000 need refinement and redemption, since they are depicted at Rev.14:5 as chaste. But if we consider Rev.14:4, we learn that despite their never having been marked by the beast (Rev.20:4); they did need to be redeemed. Rev.6:9-11 shows us how their spiritual, white robe of righteousness was attained (Rev.19:8; 6:11; Rom.6:5). All successful heirs of the kingdom, must have gone through preparation 

(2Pet.3:18;  1Pet.5:10; Heb.12:7; 10:36;  2Tim.4:6-7,8 etc.).

-------****-------
 

Three and a half times, as a symbol of testimony:  
"When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age . . . " (Luke 3:23).
In what season of the year did He begin His ministry? In order to know that, we have to know the time or the season of the year when He was born. We do not know the exact time of His birth but there are clues in the first chapter of Luke that can tell us the season. Luke 1:5 states:

"In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah, and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth."
1Chron. 24:1-19 tells us that King David divided Levitcal duties by lot into 24 courses, or shifts, that required each course to work one full week twice a year from Sabbath noon to Sabbath noon beginning with the first week of the Hebrew calendar (Talmud, Sukkah) which always began in the fall on the Feast of Trumpets. The Talmud further states that all the courses worked during the three holy day seasons: Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. The course of Abijah worked the ninth and tenth weeks of the year which was during Pentecost (early summer). 

Luke 1:24 tells us that Elizabeth became pregnant around the time of the end of Zacharias' service. Verses 26-38 foretell of the birth of Jesus to Mary. Verse 26 says that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in the sixth month (of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Nov. -- Dec.) to announce the birth of Jesus. Mary became pregnant by the holy spirit about this time. Nine months later would place the birth of Jesus in the autumn of the year, or in the months of September/October.
Passover always falls in the Spring of the year (in the month of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar). Jesus' first Passover observance is recorded in John 2:13, which is about 6 months after his ministry began in the fall of the previous year. Jesus kept three OTHER Passovers (for a total of four Passovers): His second Passover observance is recorded in John 5:1, His Third is recorded in John 6:4 and the fourth (and last) one with His disciples is recorded in John 11:55.

We therefore have about 6 months from about age 30 (and beginning of his ministry) to His first Passover, then three full years from Passover to Passover, making for a ministry of three and one-half years. It is true that our Savior's ministry on the earth lasted this short 3 1/2 year period. 
If we were to calculate how many months, or how many days the ministry of Jesus lasted, it would be 3 1/2 multiplied by 12 months, which equals 42 months. If we multiply 3 1/2 by 360 days (a Jewish year), it is, 1,260 days.
                                                        -----------------

Now let's look at how long the two witnesses prophesy. (Rev.11:3; 12:6,14)
Rev.11:2 tells us that the two witnesses (the "Holy Place"/"Temple" 1Cor.3:16) is "trampled" for 42 months. This is also the 3 1/2 times (12X3.5=42). They are "trampled" the whole time that they are providing evidence of fulfilling prophecy (Rev.11:2; 13:7,10; Col.2:8; Luke 21:24).
Of course, the "seven times" must be explained in detail in it's own article. I see now that this is an essential support to understanding how the two witnesses fulfill the sign of the son of man.
  Hopefully readers will at least be able to take away from this, that the two witnesses are as dead, while they give their witness. This means that in two different ways, they are regarded as dead, during the entire course of fulfilling prophecy (which is in two periods- 3.5 (dead to God) +3.5 (dead to men) =7). They establish their role in prophecy during the time that they are despised and cut off (or, "dead").
How do we know this?

Remember that no one can teach/"sell" anything, unless it is both marked and sanctioned by the Beast? (Rev.13:16-17,18; Isa.44:20; Psalm 144:8) (pearl-666.blogspot.com).
Defying this, the two witnesses are killed by the Beast (Rev.13:15; 11:7), half way into the "7 times".
These are not killed after openly prophesying for 3 1/2 times. The Beast would never tolerate that long period of rebellion!
No...they are killed as soon as they start their second period of witnessing, when defying the law of the Beast, with the beginning of their so called "apostate" ministry (the second 3 1/2 time period).
The first 3 1/2 times, the evidence of their identity is to those inside the Org./"city", up until the time they are killed by the Beast for their refusing to keep it's mark.
The second 3 1/2 times, is the witness they give while considered dead by that Org./"city" 

(Gal.6:14 (NIV) ; Col.2:20),
after their expulsion from it. It is then when ironically, they come alive to God (Mark 8:35; Rev.11:11-12; Eph.2:6; Rev.3:21).

Unlike Jonah and Jesus, the symbolic death-state of the two witnesses, is during their entire ministry. This is why their period of being considered dead, is 3 1/2 (not 3, as it was with Jonah and Jesus). During the entire, second "3 1/2 times" in which they preach openly, they are a public reproach and are considered "dead" by the religious world from which they were expelled 

(John 16:2; Mark 13:13; Matt.5:11-12; Rev.11:7).
Yet we know that this 3 1/2 is only a half of the "7 times". 

What is going on with the two witnesses during the 3 1/2 times previous to their expulsion? This is the period previous to their being killed by the Beast (Rev.11:7) but during the time that the Beast is granted to "conquer"/"overcome" them (Rev.13:7; 9:5,10; Dan.4:26), previous to their repentance in sackcloth to that subjection (Rev.11:3).
During the first 3 1/2 times, they are also giving a witness. But this other witness is before being killed by the Beast, because that witness is "inside the camp" while they are still in the abyss, unsealed, and marked by the Beast.
While "dead" to men during the second 3 1/2 times....they are not in the abyss...but are on the broadway of the Great City...a public spectacle (Rev.11:8-9;  1Cor.4:9; Rom.6:3-4; 8:36) "outside the Camp" (Heb.13:13; 12:2)(Matt.25:6). To men they are disapproved and dead; but to God, they are finally made alive (Mark 8:35; Rom.6:5).

To clarify...the two witnesses give two periods of witnessing (3.5+3.5=7). One is while they belong to "all the earth", are marked and dominated by the Beast, are being stung as of yet, unsealed/spiritually dead to God (Rev.3:1-3), and are "conquered", "overcome" and in bondage (Rev.13:14,8,7,10; 9:4,10; Dan.4:26) ending in a death sentence by the Beast. They are spiritual captives of Hades, the realm of those spiritually blind and spiritually dead.

Jesus and Jonah also lived through that pattern of being captive to Sheol/Hades/the abyss, when they were imprisoned inside the abyss of death 

(and under it's covenant -Isa.28:15; Eze.14:7,10-11,12-13,14,16,21-22,23; Rev.6:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8) Heb.2:14. 

All....Jesus, Jonah, and the "two witnesses", learn obedience from the things which they suffer in association with this "sign" [Heb.5:8; Jonah 2:7-8,9-10; Rev.11:3 ("in sackcloth") Mal.3:1-2,3-4]. 

  But unlike Jesus, both Jonah and the two witnesses initially shrank back from their divine assignment, and need discipline to overcome their fear of men. After this discipline, (received while captive within the abyss of death (1Cor.5:5), they had their faith restored, became obedient, and conveyed Yhwh's words to their audience. 

(Isa.38:18; Psalm 88:11; 69:2,14; 30:9; 30:1-2,3-4,5; 25:11; 142:7; 40:2-3; Isa.12:1; 54:7-8; Hosea 6:2)

During the first 3 1/2 period, the symbolic two witnesses are fulfilling prophecies regarding their refinement while enduring patiently, and half of the two-part "sign of the son of man" by being prisoners of the abyss (Job 14:13-14,15; (Isa.64:8;  2Cor.5:1; Heb.11:10) Zech.9:11-12; Isa.51:14; 24:22; 42:22; 40:2; 61:7; Lam.3:53; Jer.37:16; Rev.9:5-6,10,13-14).

The second 3 1/2 period of bearing witness, the two witnesses have been "killed" (Rev.13:15; 11:7; John 16:2; Rom.6:3-4,5,8; Col.2:20; 3:3;  1Pet.2:24), ...sealed as obedient slaves of God, and giving the second witness contained in prophecy (Rev.6:9-10,11). During this period, they are in the wilderness "outside the camp", busy preparing the way of the Lord, while considered "dead" by the "earth"/"world" which condemned them. (pearl-johnbaptist.blogspot.com)

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/symbolic-death-by-means-of-world.html)

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/03/messenger-of-covenant.html)

For the "two witnesses", both periods are a part of their necessary course of refinement and sealing, and both periods are part of their testimony and ministry (each symbolized by 3 1/2) 

(3.5 + 3.5=7 times Lev.8:11; 14:7; 16:19; 26:18;  2Kings 5:10; Ps.12:6; Prov.17:3). 

During all these 7 times, the spiritual "Gentiles" are ruling under the umbrella of Satan's world dominion, successfully hindering and holding back the work of the two witnesses 

(Rev.13:2,4;  2Thess.2:6 (NKJV) ;  2Thess.2:6,8-9,10; Dan.11:45). 

Through their completion of both 3.5 time periods, the "two witnesses" provide a "touchstone", that will judge all the world, including the "earth" 

(Heb.11:7; Eze.33:5;  1Pet.3:20;  2Pet.3:10;  1Cor.6:2; Dan.7:22; Rev.20:4) (Matt.12:41).

They provide a legal, divine bases for judgment, that repentance and obedience is possible, even through the great tribulation (Matt.24:24; 19:25-26). Any that turn to God, can and will be rescued.
Heb.11:7

Effort is required to both teach and learn these deep things (Heb.5:11;  2Pet.3:16). I hope I am being clear enough. 

If any questions arise, please feel free to ask in the "Comment" section below.

REVIEW:

Jesus himself told us what this sign would be 

(Matt.12:38-39,40) (Rom.6:5;  2Cor.4:10; John 15:20; 16:2).

But how would this sign take place at "the end of ALL things"? 

(1Pet.4:7; Rom.13:12; James 5:8;  1Pet.1:13)

Jesus said that this sign of the "Son of Man" would occur when he was "revealed from heaven" with his angels.

"30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matt.24:30)(Heb.12:1; Eph.2:6; 1:3). 

How could Jesus be once again "like Jonah" in the time of the end? 

(Matt.25:40;  1Cor.12:27; 6:17; Eph.5:30-31,32)

We know that Jonah was "in the belly of the fish" because he at first, shrunk back from declaring God's message of destruction to the wicked. There was absolute darkness, inside the belly of the one who devoured Jonah.

  ( https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2023/10/jonahs-fish.html )

    ( https://pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com )

Jonah was put under the dominion of the "deep" (Sheol/Hades) for discipline (Jonah 2:2)

as are the unsealed (Isa.59:10; Rev.9:1,2-3,4,10; 13:7,10; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:15; 11:7). 

Jonah repented (as do the 2 witnesses -Rev.11:3; Joel 1:13), and then he obeyed his assignment, after his "release". 

(Ps.30:3; 40:2; Matt.7:24;  1Pet.2:6; Eph.2:20) (Isa.49:9;  1Pet.2:9; Matt.5:14-15,16; Isa.60:1-2,3)

(Hosea 14:1; Nehemiah 1:9; Rev.3:19-20; Mark 13:34-36; Matt.25:5-6)

How will this sign be fulfilled at the "end", just as Jesus has prophesied? 

(Eze.22:30; Isa.62:6; ("upceasing not, day or night") Rev.4:8; Rev.8:1-2; Isa.58:1; Rev.15:7; Zech.3:9-10; 4:10; Rev.5:6; 4:5; Eze.1:13-14; Matt.5:15; Rev.1:20; Phil.2:15; Rev.11:11-12; 4:1; Eph.2:6; Rev.3:21) 

(The "saying" that the 4 living creatures never cease doing: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3004/kjv/tr/0-1/ )

Thanks for your patience,

Pearl

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