What is Sheol / Hades ?

Understanding Sheol and Hades results in deeper comprehension of many Bible teachings.
It is first good to establish that the Hebrew word Sheol, is the equivalent of the Greek, Hades.
We see that demonstrated by a comparison of Acts 2:27 (Hades - Greek) and Psalm 16:10 (Sheol - Hebrew).

The Greek word Hades (G-86) 
(https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g86) 
consists of a combination of two Greek words--
{From ἄλφα (G1) (as negative particle) and εἴδω(G1492)}.

The combination (G1-"not" + G1492-"perceiving"), means, to be conceptually blind... unable to perceive spiritual light *(Mark 4:12; Eph. 4:18)*. Hades is the symbolic and spiritual consignment, of those in spiritual darkness...

 (Eph. 4:18;   2Cor. 4:3,4,6; John 12:35;  1John 1:6;  1Thess. 5:4)

... not "the common grave of mankind", as we were deceived into believing by the "wormwood" of the "Watchtower", and other teachers who do not have the light of truth (Rev. 8:10-11; Jer. 23:15-16; James 3:1; Matt. 12:36)(Mal. 2:7; Rev. 5:10;  1Pet. 2:9; Acts 26:18). 

True, those in the realm of Hades, are considered spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1), which is of greater importance than being physically dead 

(John 6:63 NIV ; Matt. 10:28>"Gehenna", not "Hades").

The "realm" of those who occupy this darkened condition, is symbolically depicted in the book of Revelation, as the abyss 

(Rev. 9:1; Rev. 11:7) and as the sea / deep (Rev. 11:7; Rev. 13:1; Isa. 57:20; Jude 1:13).

Accordingly, Hades can be occupied by those who are conscious, but considered spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1; Ephesians 2:5; Col. 2:13). Christ was there after his death (Rom. 10:7; Acts 2:31) in order to preach to it's occupants (1Pet. 3:19-20; Jude 1:6;  2Pet. 2:4)  (Isa. 49:9) (Isaiah 42:7). 

It is a realm without the light of the knowledge of God, without which, we are in a spiritually dead condition (Isa. 59:10; Hosea 4:6; Rom. 2:19; 1:21;  1John 2:11; 3:15).

Only those called out of that realm, gain understanding (1Pet. 2:9; Col. 1:13; John 1:4;  2Cor. 3:16; Isa. 60:2) through Christ. Those not granted, do not gain spiritual sight (Mark 4:11-12; Isa. 6:9). They remain under the power of the spiritual realm, Hades (Ps. 74:20).

When we ourselves have "light" concerning the meaning of Sheol/Hades/Abyss/Sea/Deep;
we then have an advantage, when it comes to grasping the meaning behind such verses, as Rev. 13:1 , Revelation 11:7 and Revelation 9:1.
We then can "make our minds over", and remove former "Watchtower" misconceptions,
such as the doctrine which asserts that the Wild Beast arising from the sea (Isa. 57:20; Rev. 13:1 and Revelation 17:8) is coming forth from "a place of inactivity". No... that is not the Bible's meaning of the abyss.

Satan's "abyss" of deception (LINK), is quite active in the minds of men. It is the source of the false prophet's great deceptive power, and the birthplace/source, of the Wild Beast/locust-scorpion collective (Rev. 8:10-11; Revelation 9:1,2,3; Joel 2:2) 

("fallen-star") (greatest-tribulation/army).

(LINK) (LINK)

Since Adam, we are all (including the Chosen) born under the realm of Hades, and the dominion of it's agents. (Isa. 25:7; Eph. 6:11-12)

 

Luke 6:39

Without the salvation granted by God, we would remain under that consignment of "darkness", confusion, "Babylon the Great", and death (John 3:18).
The power and realm of deception and death (Hades), is also symbolized as a covenant/"mother", of death 
(Isa. 28:15; Rev. 9:1; Revelation 17:5)
"She", has a husband (Heb. 2:14; Rev. 9:11; Isa. 33:1).
All "her" children, are born spiritually blind and corrupted, and prisoners of death.
The power and realm of light and life, is also symbolized as a covenant/"mother", of life (Gal. 4:26,24). 

"She", also has a husband (2Cor. 11:2; Rev. 14:4-5; Rev. 21:9-10; Rev. 3:12; Rev. 22:17).
Those born to her (Gal. 4:19; Rev. 12:1-2; John 3:3), are given spiritual enlightenment, and are her "seed" (Gen. 3:15; Rev. 12:17).
(Virgins / Harlots)
 
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Who are the "Fallen Stars" of Rev.12:4 ?

Concerning the fallen stars of Rev.12:4; a "Watchtower" quote reads; 

"That number includes a sizable group of other spirit rebels, or demons. (Rev. 12:3, 4)" 

 Rev.12:3-4 reads; 

"Then another sign appeared in heaven: There was a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and 10 horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. His tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth. And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth he might devour her child." 

 That WT quote, is assuming that the stars that Satan hurls to the earth, are his own demons. Yet other stars who are "cast down" to the earth (same Greek word) are interpreted by the WT, as "Christendom" (Rev.8:10-11) and as Jesus Christ (Rev.9:1). 

All three interpretations, are false, according to the scriptures. 

If we accept the interpretation which the scriptures give, those interpretations are harmonious and consistent. The Bible tells us what the fallen "stars" are. God's Word does NOT tell us that they are demons... or "Christendom".

The Bible tells us, what this "third" is ("third of the stars" -Rev.12:4). 

Joseph told Pharoah and his servants, that "interpretations belong to God" (Gen.40:8; 41:16,28), not the "Watchtower". 

If we hope to have truth, we must accept that fact. 

The "stars", are those whom God has chosen, to give light in the darkness, during the "night" (Matt.5:14-15). 

 Phil.2:15 reads; 

"so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like STARS in the world." 

Dan.12:3 reads; 

"Those who are wise will shine

like the bright expanse of the heavens,

and those who lead many to righteousness,

like the STARS, forever and ever." 

These "wise", who shine the light of truth in the darkness, are the "messengers" (Greek: "angels"), in the "right hand" of Jesus Christ. He works, through them (right hand). They give light to the Congregations/churches of holy ones (Rev.1:20;  1Cor. 14:33; Matt.10:23), which Congregations, support that light from Christ transmitted through his "stars" (Rev.22:6; John 13:20; Rev.1:20; Matt.5:15; Luke 12:42).

Rev.1:20 reads; 

"The secret of the seven STARS you saw in My right hand and of the seven gold lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels/"messengers", to the seven churches, and the seven lampstands, are the seven churches."

 According to Eph.2:6, 

these faithful stars, are already spirit-born (Rom.8:9) and so already reside, in a "heavenly" position (Heb.12:22-23). 

2Pet. 3:17 warns, that these can be "falling", from their "secure height"/position (Click for: literal translation of the Greek). 

Both Rev.8:10-11 and Rev.9:1, speak of a star that falls from Heaven. 

       (Note: when Jesus is spoken of as coming down from 

        heaven at Rev.20:1, the Greek word, differs from 

        the word "to fall". The Greek of Rev.20:1 means, 

        "to step down" voluntarily... NOT to stumble and fall.)

 Now, what about a "third", whom Satan is able to cause to "fall" from heaven (Rev.12:4; Dan.8:10)? 

This "third" of the Anointed "stars" of heaven, are mentioned, throughout Revelation. If we accept the Bible's interpretation of this "third", we can see that they are those whom God loves and must discipline, due to their failure to remain faithful, as His sons. God disciplines them, in the hope of their repentance and refinement (Heb.12:6-11). 

Of them, we read;    

"I will put this THIRD through the fire;

I will refine them as silver is refined

and test them as gold is tested.

They will call on My name,

and I will answer them.

I will say: They are My people,

and they will say: Yahweh is our God.” (Zech.13:9)

Would God actually subject this "third" of the heavenly "stars", to the "fire" of Satanic persecution and power, in order to discipline and refine? 

(See: Isa.48:10;  1Pet. 1:6-7; Job 23:10; 1:11-12; 2:4-6; James 1:12-14;  1Cor. 5:5; Luke 22:31; Rev.13:7)

God "permits" the tribulation of the holy ones, as stated in Job, Luke, and Revelation above (Rom.8:17-18;  1Pet.5:10; Heb.12:11).

The apostle Paul recognized the potential benefit of this... 

"hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the sinful flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord." (1Cor. 5:5). 

God DOES allow Satan's agents (Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1)... the "Gentiles",

 to "trample" His "holy place", when they "lose their 'salt' " (Matt.5:13; Rev.11:2; 13:7,10; Col.2:8; Matt.24:24-25; Rev.13:11,7). 

So the Bible IS consistent. The FALLEN "stars" are NOT, "Christendom"... the demons ...or Jesus Christ (Rev.12:4; 8:10; 9:1; Dan.8:10; Luke 21:24; Rev.11:2). 

In all three instances, they are consistently, fallen anointed. 

  [For those who would like to know who the fallen star is, found at Rev.8:10-11, 

   please consider this link: (https://TheFallenStar.html) ].

  [For those who wonder about the seeming connection between Rev.9:1 and Rev.20:1; 

   please consider the information at this link:

 https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/08/who-has-key-to-abyss.html)]

The misinterpretation of Rev.12:4, is only one of so many instances, where the WT has failed to interpret prophecy, according to scriptural truth. The result, is that they have misguided the sheep of Christ. They are NOT providing "the proper food at the proper time", but are actually among, those "fallen stars" and "wicked stewards" over Christ's household 

(Rev.8:10-11; Luke 12:42,45-46; Hosea 6:5; Jer.23:29; 5:14; Rev.11:5). 

This IS, the Great spiritual Tribulation...

 to sift those who genuinely love the truths of God, from those who love a lie, and worship the Image of a lying sign... a so-called "spirit-directed" Idol (Rev.13:15) [(John 20:22)]. 

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/02/who-is-false-prophet-who-gives-breath.html

What do YOU choose to love, believe, obey, and worship? (Rev.13:11,15,8) -- (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html)

For more information on the fallen stars, please see the 4 links to follow. Some of the articles are long, and are best reviewed in multiple sessions. Please read the scriptures as you come to them. They will pop up if you hover your cursor over them...

(https://TheFallenStarOfRev.8:10-11.html)

(https://locust-scorpions-abaddon.html)

(https:why-Jesus-came-to-earth[-]Last-world-Power.html)

(https://satans-fall-heaven[-]seven-spirits-of-god.html)

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What hope for Satan's world?

Questions I received:

Hi Pearl, I have read most of your articles and I am trying to study the material...

I am an exJW so alot of "physical" understanding to overcome.

I view all things spiritually and appreciate your help in posting on your site. 

I am curious as to how Jehovah will subdue the nations at this current time, they are at the edge of war.

Will Christ and his mighty angels conquer them and destroy their weapons? How will this come about?

I know satan counterfeits events and satan is the destroyer, will satan be allowed to destroy those who are at war?

What I mean is the world, the literal nations,  America, Russia, China etc

The wars that are occurring now, will Christ and his angels destroy those at war or what will occur to stop them from war?

How will peace come about in the literal world?

I would appreciate any help from you, thanks!

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

My reply:

Please take the time to read the scriptures as you come to them, as I have taken time, to provide them for you.

There are essentially four truths concerning the prospects of peace for Satan's world, which is totally under the control of that wicked one 

(1John 5:19). Those truths, are found within scripture.
First,
true and lasting peace, are for those who are wise enough to realize, that peace is a consequence of doing what is right... not for doing wrong. Those who allow God's love, justice, and wisdom to guide them, do what is right, and gain the eventual consequence, of peace.
Isa.48:18:
"Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;"
A "river", is unstoppable. The waves of the sea, repeat forever. For those who are guided by and obedient to God...
have unstoppable peace, 
and the consistency of their righteous responses, is perpetual... also resulting in peace.

In contrast, the "sea" in tumult, tosses to and fro, churning up unrest, confusion, and a total lack of clarity regarding consequences and outcome. Under the dominion and influence of the Destroyer, they are in darkness... 

Isa.57:20-21 reads; 
"But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
which cannot rest,
whose waves cast up mire and mud.
 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Heb.3:10-12;

"Therefore I was angry with that generation, and I said, ‘Their hearts always go astray, and they have not known My ways.’  So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God."

Do you see that the "wicked" are not accepted by God, to "enter" His "rest"?

Why should God grant peace, to the rebellious? It is not possible, due to their own behaviour.

They rule themselves under the influence of the wicked one, unruly, being directed by their own appetites.

The result?

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have been fools regarding this, and so, from now on you will be at war.” (2Chron.16:9). 

If that previous scripture were true for God's own people who left God, would it not also be for those who never turned to Him?

Reflect on the origin of the world around us.

It began in rebellion (sin), and a transfer of dominion over to Satan, according to the choice of the parents of humanity.

God has offered an option... to be transferred back to His dominion of love, light, life, and peace, for those who become qualified...

       "and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Col.1:12-14)

As a result of God's favor, such ones are given God's blessing, through an outpouring of His spirit...

peace, being one of it's effects...

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" (Gal.5:22)

The world does not have, nor is it in harmony with, God's spirit.

It is motivated and dominated by the spirit of the Destroyer.

"What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." (1Cor.2:12).

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath." (Eph.2:1-3)

The Destroyer (Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1)... destroys.

The Creator, offers life and peace to all...

"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. " (1Tim.2:3-4)

Jesus said;

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

(2Thess.2:1-2,3; Rev.16:15; Joel 2:25,9; John 10:1,10; Matt.24:42-43). 

So from the Bible, these things are clear:

1. The whole world is under the dominion of Satan. As a result, there is no lasting peace, but, war... a natural symptom of their spiritual corruption and spirit of rebellion. The outcome, is destruction and death... just as God stated at the beginning.
2. The only hope for peace, is rescue from the dominion of darkness, by God.
3. Rescue (and peace) come through subjection and obedience to God, and the blessing of His spirit.
4. The destiny of the world has been known from the start. If we are to live and have peace as individuals, our focus must not be on the futility of the world, which results in unproductive anxiety. Our focus must be on our only hope as individuals, and the only way out of the general destiny of the world, which is destruction. Jesus is the door, through which, we escape...        

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." (John 10:9a)

To also give a direct reply to your specific questions...

"The wars that are occurring now, will Christ and his angels destroy those at war or what will occur to stop them from war?"

Christ is not the Destroyer. Christ conducts spiritual warfare, with the "sword of his mouth" (Rev.19:15; 1:16; Heb.4:12; Eph.6:17). He is King of Truth, and the Battle is with the deceptions of death... the mouth of Satan (John 8:44;  2Cor.4:4; Rev.12:15; 16:13,14; 20:7-8). 

Those on the side of truth. listen to Christ, and carry forward to completion, Christ's war against the darkness, along with their Lord (Rev.17:14; 19:11,12,13,14,8; 6:9,10,11) 

(Luke 22:69; Matt.28:18; John 18:37; Ps.110:1,2;  1Cor.15:25). 

Satan's messengers resist, and work to subjugate Truth, and the work of Christ's Ambassadors (Rev.12:7; Eph.6:12; 5:11;  2Cor.10:3,4,5). God's interest regarding war, is limited to spiritual warfare (Gen.3:15; Rev.12:17,10,11). The obscene and futile warfare of Satan's world, has no place in the purposes of God. That world was abandoned at the beginning, by it's own will. That will, and the abandonment which results, will remain undeterred. For good reason, the name of it's god, is Destroyer (Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1) 

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/11/who-is-destroyer.html)

--(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/02/who-is-destroyer.html)

----(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2022/02/how-does-god-destroy.html)

"How will peace come about in the literal world?"

Why do you expect this? (1John 2:16,17;  1Cor.7:31;  2Pet.3:18)

Perhaps it is because, when you read the Bible, you assume that the peace which is prophesied to come, is in regard to Satan's world?

This would indicate that you have assumed that the identities being referred to in prophecies of peace, are that same world?

If this is so, 

then, before you can interpret those prophecies with accuracy,

you must first identify those whom God is referring to within prophecy, with accuracy.

Unfortunately, we rely on translators, to provide us with the word of God.

Translators have generally contributed their own assumptions to their translation. 

This has a direct bearing on the interpretation of verses, which contain the word, "world".

When we read that word "world", we understandably assume it means the present existence of all that is on the surface of the globe of the planet.

That is NOT what was recorded, in the original word of God.

The original words 

       (there are various words, which have various meanings) 

       (which were all translated as the single word, "world")

mean 

--the system which is built up (by men), surrounding the basic covenants made with God.

     (This can be compared to the adornment a woman may don, in addition to her basic body.)

--the land over which God resides as owner (often translated, "earth", which literally means, "homeland")

Yes... quite different than what we think of, as the "world", or, "inhabited earth".

The same applies to "the nations" that God will subdue.
They are the "nations/Gentiles", that are trampling the "holy ones" 

(Luke 21:20-22,24; Rev.11:2)...
not the world at large.
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/trample-how-does-it-happen.html)

There are articles written about these subjects, which really help to turn on the light regarding the accurate interpretation of scripture and prophecy. If interested, you can start here:

(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=world+earth+home)

This is why I hope you continue reading. There is much being made available now, with the "opening of the scrolls" 

(Rev.20:12; Dan.12:4,10,3; 7:13; Rev.5:2,3,4,5,6,7; Dan.7:13; Rev.22:6-7,10). 

The knowledge is free for the taking (Rev.22:17; Matt.22:8,9,10). Gaining it is very consequential. .

..And that refers us back to the subject and all the scriptures at the start of this letter. Those who gain the spirit and knowledge of God, gain life and peace.

Please let me know if I now understood and addressed your questions, to satisfy your need.

Love in Christ,

Pearl

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" hissing noise " ?

I was asked what the "hissing noise" is, at 2Pet.3:10, which is heard when the "heaven's and earth", pass away.

Here is my reply:

The Greek word does not mean, "hissing".
It means, a loud noise of defeat, confusion, and panic, like a great crash when something falls.
Here is a link to the Greek word's, definition:
(https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g4500)

Here are the scriptures which tell us, what the "hissing noise", is:
Isa.66:6 [Note the context (Isa.66:22) is also speaking of the "new heavens and earth" (2Pet.3:13)]
Zeph.1:10 and Zeph.1:14

It is also the spiritual sound which occurs, when our faith, collapses (Luke 6:49).
It is also the sound which occurs, when God replies to such an outcry of rebelliousness...
See related scriptures:
Ps.46:1-3; 65:7; Isa.5:30; 17:12; Jer.6:23; 5:22; 11:16; 12:8; 25:30

So, the "hissing noise" (crashing roar), is referring to the spiritual sound that will be heard in the spirit realm, when God repays His enemies, and they fall. It is a sound of defeat, confusion, and panic, inside the hearts of God's enemy, when He conquers them. It will be a loud roar.

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