The Saints go to war

 Psalm 149:5-9

5 Let the saints exult in glory: Let them sing for joy upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah

Do you see what the above passage indicates? The saints of Jehovah God will wield a two edged sword and execute vengeance upon the nations. This denotes real bloodshed. There is no reason to not take this literally. In fact we will be praising Jehovah God as we kill those of the nations.  We will bind the kings and nobles of the nations in fetters and bring them before Jehoshua who will say:

"But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me" ( Luke 19:27).

Jehoshua the Son of God will command us to slay the wicked. We will bring the kings and nobles of the nations before the Son of God in chains and then execute them with our sword. Jehoshua is obviously commanding someone else to do the killing. The above Psalm proves that is the saints of God.

Jude 14-15

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

The Lord comes with his saints to execute judgment upon sinners. This exactly what Psalm 149 is saying. Do you really think we are just gonna come with Jehoshua to watch him do the executing? Scripture says we come with him to execute the judgement and this judgement will be executed by the sword as stated in Psalm 149 and it is us who do it.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him"

Paul proves that the saints that come with the Lord at his second advent are disciples of the Son of God. This tells us who the saints of Jude 14-15 are. The angels are also included in this as well as Jehoshua teaches.

Zechariah 12:8

"In that day shall Jehovah defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of Jehovah before them"

This is in regards to the great and terrible day of Jehovah. In that day He will make the feeble of Jersuslem (New Jersuslem) strong as David. Why would the feeble need to be made as David? Because as stated in the previous passages they will participate in the destruction of the wicked. The reference to David is obviously speaking of his warrior spirit meaning that the feeble among New Jersuslem will be made into warriors in the day of Jehovah God.

The house of David will be as God and the angel of Jehovah. Who is the house of David in the new covenant? According to James it is the new covenant church made up of Judeans and the nations (Northern Israelites) (Acts 15). What does it mean we will be as God and the angel of Jehovah? What was the angel charged with doing?

Exodus 23:23

"For mine angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: and I will cut them off"

The angel of Jehovah was charged with driving and cutting off (killing) Israel's enemies so that they (Israel) could posess the land of Canaan. Even though the angel was leading the campaign in cutting off the enemies of Israel in the land of Canaan the Israelites didn't just sit back and watch as they participated in the bloodshed of the heathens. The same will be true of us in the day of Jehovah, Jehoshua and his angels will be leading the way however we will be participating in the bloodshed of the wicked so as to possess the heavenly Canaan. 

We as the new Israel will be required to participate in the war just as the Israel of old. However, we will be immortal and will have the power to vanquish the enemy as the angel of Jehovah did in the old testament.

Malachi 4:1-3

1 For, behold, the day cometh, it burneth as a furnace; and all the proud, and all that work wickedness, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Jehovah of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make, saith Jehovah of hosts.

This is about the day of Jehovah i.e. the second advent of Messiah. Notice what verse  3 says, Malachi prophesying says that those who fear Jehovah's name will go forth as gambles of the stall and tread the wicked underfoot. This denotes that we will shed their blood as the treading of the wicked denotes pouring their life blood upon the earth. This is exactly what is said about what Jehoshua does to the Edomites (Isaiah 63) in that the treading of the wicked equates to shedding their blood and staining your garments with it. Also, see Genesis 49:8-10 and Revelation 14 and 19. The treading of the wicked is synonymous with killing them with the sword.

The phrase "tread down" comes from the Hebrew word "acac" (Strongs 6072) and means "tread down, crush, press by treading or out, press (grapes), to press"

This is the definition of what the saints are gonna do to the wicked on the great and terrible day of Jehovah. This shows that we will not just be on the sidelines watching Jehoshua vanquishing the enemy but we will have a very real physical part to play in it. The fact that we tread the wicked underfoot shows that we physically crush them like grapes in a winepress are crushed. This denotes that like Jehoshua we kill the enemies of Jehovah with the sword as that what it means when it describes him treading the Edomites underfoot.

2 Chronicles 19:2 “... Shouldest thou help the un-Jehovah-like, and love them that hate 

Jehovah? Therefore is wrath upon thee from before Jehovah.”

We are not to help those that hate Jehovah God nor are we to love them as David states in Psalm 139.

Psalm 110:1-3

1 Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 2 Jehovah will send forth the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 3 Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth.

This passage is the most quoted old testament scripture in the new testament. This means we must take this passage seriously and literally. This is David prophesying about the covenant Jehovah God made with him being fulfilled. This is the coronation of Jehoshua Messiah.

Jehoshua will be King on the right hand of God in heaven until his enemies are made his footstol meaning he treads them underfoot. The rod of strength that comes out of Zion is the shepherd's rod of the Davidic King that he uses to dash the nations to pieces like a potter's vessel.

Verse 3 is where the saints come in, we are the King's people and we will offer ourselves willingly in the day of Jehoshua's power. In context the day of Jehoshua's power is the second advent. The dew of the King's youth means that Jehoshua has his young warriors ready to do battle. We as the saints and the people of the Messiah are the dew of his youth. Let's look at the rest of Psalm 110 to prove that the day of Jehoshua's power is indeed his second coming.

Psalm 110:4-7

4 Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek. 5 The Lord at thy right hand Will strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He will judge among the nations, He will fill the places with dead bodies; He will strike through the head in many countries.7He will drink of the brook in the way: Therefore will he lift up the head.

Verse 4 hearkens back to the ascension of the Son of God where he was given as an eternal covenant the Melchizedek priesthood.

Verse 5, Jehoshua is the Lord (King) at Jehovah's right hand. He will strike through kings in the day of his wrath. See Psalm 2 which says that the wrath of the Son of God is kindled easily. 

Revelation 6:16-17

16 and they say to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 for the great day of their wrath is come; and who is able to stand?

The day of Jehovah is both the wrath of God and His only begotten Son Jehoshua.

In verse 6 it says that the King at Jehovah's right hand will judge among the nations. This is a reference to the valley of Jehoshaphat in Joel chapter 3. Jehoshaphat means"Jehovah judges". This is the valley of decision. After the judgement comes the sword in which Jehoshua will say to us and the angels to bring the wicked before him and to slay them (Luke 19:27).

Continuing in verse 6, Jehoshua will fill the valley of the son of Hinnom (Gehenna, lake of fire) with dead bodies. This shows that the Son of God personally kills them with his young warriors (the dew of his youth, verse 3).

Jehoshua will strike through the heads of many countries. This means he will strike military leaders and political leaders dead with his sword. See Revelation 19 for the destruction of the kings and mighty men.

In verse 7 it says that Jehoshua will drink of the brook in the way and lift his head up. This will be after he and we destroy the wicked. This is a metaphor for triumph. At the end of the battle the Messiah will be refreshed. It means his mission will be successfully accomplished, and he will be satisfied with the results. We take part in his mission to tread the wicked underfoot.

Joel 2:1-2

1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of Jehovah cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, as the dawn spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after them, even to the years of many generations.

The context of Joel chapter 2 is the great and terrible day of Jehovah which we know to be the second advent of Messiah. Interpreters have differed on the identification of this army detailed in Joel chapter 2 but the context shows that it is indeed an army of Jehovah God.

The description of this army shows that it is not any earthly army of a foreign nation since it says that there will not be any army like them for many generations. They are described as great and strong.

Joel 2:3-5

3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and none hath escaped them. 4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run. 5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

Verse 3 indicates a total devastation this army of Jehovah will bring to it's enemies. The description of them as horses and horsemen denotes their strength and swiftness (verse 4).

Verse 5, this again denotes the strength of army and that they will devour the enemies of Jehovah as a flame of fire. 

Joel 2:6-8

6 At their presence the peoples are in anguish; all faces are waxed pale. 7 They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and they break not their ranks. 8 Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off [their course].

The unbelievers fear of Jehovah's army is because they know they are facing divine judgement (Isaiah 13:8; Zechariah 14:13). They are described as pale in face due to the panic at the presence of the army. The army of Jehovah will be organized and disciplined hence they march in ranks and they are invincible (run like mighty men).

Verse 8, No weapons will be able to hurt them showing that this is an immortal army. By this time, the saints will have been resurrected and translated into our new bodies. We will capture and/or kill every enemy of God as we will not break course.

Joel 2:9-10

9 They leap upon the city; they run upon the wall; they climb up into the houses; they enter in at the windows like a thief. 10 The earth quaketh before them; the heavens tremble; the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

God's people will terrorize the wicked on that great and terrible day. Verse 10 shows this to be in connection with the events at the last day with cosmic disturbances.

Joel 2:11-12

11 And Jehovah uttereth his voice before his army; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word; for the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? 12 Yet even now, saith Jehovah, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Verse 11 proves that this is Jehovah's army being described and not an enemy army as some try to argue. The prophet Joel says that the camp of Jehovah is great, this refers to Jehovah's people Israel. Jehovah's word will be executed with stunning violence and swiftness. His word is His judgement and destruction of the wicked. The saints will participate in executing His word (Psalm 149).

The day of Jehovah is described as being great and terrible. It will be terrible for the unbelievers and they will mourn and turn pale due to fear. The wicked will seek death in that day but won't find it. This shows just how great the day of Jehovah will be. Modern Churchianty has watered down the day of Messiah's coming to a disneyland fairy tale rather than the brutal day of violence that it will truly be.

Verse 12 is the reminder to repent so that one can abide on that day and be in the army of Jehovah God.

The question of who can abide the great and terrible day of Jehovah God is answered in Revelation 7 and the answer is the 12 tribes of Israel. Not all Israelites but a remnant from each tribe.

Joel 3:9-10

9 Proclaim ye this among the nations; prepare war; stir up the mighty men; let all the men of war draw near, let them come up.10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

This is a call to war by Jehovah God. He is about to execute judgement on the nations that have persecuted His people Israel. As.we read in chapter 2 this war includes the children of Israel. Upon our resurrection we will we beat our plowshares into swords. Right now is the time for farming meaning to plow the field of the Kingdom, however as king Solomon says there is also a time for war. In that day the weak will be strong as King David was (Zechariah 12). 

Joel 3:11-12

11 Haste ye, and come, all ye nations round about, and gather yourselves together: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Jehovah. 12 Let the nations bestir themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the nations round about.

The nations have been called to war and now appear before Jehovah God at the valley of Jehoshaphat which means "Jehovah judges". This will be where the war is fought between the nations and Jehoshua, the Son of Jehovah. This will also be where Jehoshua sits on his white throne to judge the nations.

Joel 3:13

"Put ye in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe: come, tread ye; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great"

The nations are gathered before Jehovah to be slaughtered. We know this because in verse 13 there is the command to put in the sickle, in order to reap the harvest. This is the harvest of the wicked because the prophet Joel says that these ones being harvested will be tread which means crushed like grapes. These nations summoned to the valley of Jehoshaphat are the grapes of wrath. We know the language in verse 13 is about the wicked being harvested because we see the parralel to this in Revelation 14:

18 And another angel came out from the altar, he that hath power over fire; and he called with a great voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Send forth thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great [winepress], of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress are trodden without the city, and there came out blood from the winepress, even unto the bridles of the horses, as far as a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Do you see the connection between verse 13 of Joel chapter 3 and the above passage in Revelation 14? They are the same event which is the destruction of the wicked. Jehovah calls the nations to war and to appear before Him at the valley of Jehoshaphat where Jehoshua and his saints will thrust in the sickle and tread the grapes of wrath underfoot. Remember, to tread means to crush so this denotes physically and violently destroying the wicked. The language of the winepress is used to give a vivid picture of how we will treat the wicked. Revelation 14 says the vintage (grapes) of the earth will be gathered and cast into the winepress.

The grapes are the wicked nations and the gathering will be to the valley of Jehoshaphat where the wicked will be judged, then killed with the double edged sword of the saints (Psalm 149; Luke 19:27) and then cast into the lake of fire. It was prophesied about the Judean King that he would put his hand on the neck of his enemies;

Genesis 49:8

"Judah, thee shall thy brethren praise: Thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; Thy father`s sons shall bow down before thee"

The hand of the Judean King would be on the neck of his enemies. Jehoshua is no hippy and many will find that out on the day of judgement.

Joshua 10:24

"And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them"

Joshua had the Israelite war chiefs put their feet on the neck of the enemy kings. Paul the apostle says that Jehoshua must reign until all enemies are put under his feet:

1 Corinthians 15:25

"For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet"

The putting all enemies under his feet is the same as treading them underfoot. This means the putting his enemies under his feet is eqauted to violently crushing them like grapes in a winepress. The winepress is the vat of Jehovah God's wrath.

As mentioned earlier in the study, the saints participate in the treading the wicked underfoot (Malachi 4).

Joel 3:14-17

14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! for the day of Jehovah is near in the valley of decision.15 The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.16 And Jehovah will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel. 17 So shall ye know that I am Jehovah your God, dwelling in Zion my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

The day of Jehovah is the valley of decision. These are connected as verse 15 shows the comic disturbances that accompany the great and terrible day of Jehovah. It's the Valley of Jehoshaphat where Jehovah judges the nations and the reaps them with his sickle. Jehovah God will roar from heavenly Zion i.e. New Jersuslem announcing that His day has arrived.

Revelation 10:2-4

2 and he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth; 3 and he cried with a great voice, as a lion roareth: and when he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders uttered [their voices], I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying, Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

This is the mighty angel, who represents Jehovah God, roaring and seven thunders uttering their voices. This is likely the angel of the holy spirit. This roar indicates that there will be no delay and that the mystery of God is finished. The rest of the chapter indicates this.

The heavens and the earth shaking at the roar of Jehovah show that this passage in Joel is connected with the cataclysmic events of the book of Revelation and the second coming of Messiah.

Verse 17 says Jehovah will be a stronghold to His people in that day. Who are Jehovah's people? Joel says it clearly, the children of Israel. His children will be delivered in that day and as this study shows they will bring vengeance upon the wicked.

 

The prologue of John

 The prologue of John

John 1:1-2

1 In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was a god. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.

This is the beginning of the Kingdom ministry of Jehoshua which coincides with his baptism:

Mark 1:1

"The beginning of the gospel of Jehoshua Messiah, the Son of God"

This verse is within the context of Jehoshua's baptism which was right before he started preaching the gospel of the Kingdom.

Jehoshua is the word and he was with Jehovah God in covenant relationship from the beginning of his ministry. As the word came through Jehoshua, he was a god in the Psalm 82 sense. Jehoshua himself stated that the law cannot be broken:

John 10:34-36

34 Jehoshua answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), 36 say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

John 1:3-4

3 All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

What are the all things that was made through Jehoshua? It is the holy elect nation of kings and priests (1 Peter 2:9):

Revelation 1:5-6

5 and from Jehoshua Messiah, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood; 6 and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

What kind of life was in Jehoshua which is the light of men?

John 5:26

"For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also to have life in himself"

This life is the light of men which is the marvelous light that transfers us into the Kingdom of the Son of God (Colossians 1:12-13).

1 John 5:11-12

11 And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life.

When we are in covenant relationship with the Son of God we have eternal life, the same life which is in Jehoshua.

John 1:5

"And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not"

This hearkens back to Isaiah's prophecy about the future Davidic Messiah:

Isaiah 9:1-2

1 But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

This is a prophecy of the Davidic King Jehoshua bringing the light of the gospel of the Kingdom to the northern Kingdom i.e. the house of Israel. John acknowledges Jehoshua's Messianic mission to regather the house of Israel and unite them with the house of Judah.

John 1:6-8

6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light.

Now John takes us back to just before Jehoshua's baptism and inauguration of his ministry. John the baptist was sent from God to prepare the way for the Messiah:

Mark 1:2-4

2 Even as it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight; 4 John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins.

John's ministry came from Jehovah God and was sent to prepare the way for the messenger of the covenant (Jehoshua):

Malachi 3:1

"Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts"

Jehoshua is the Lord (King) and messenger of the covenant that John the Baptist (messenger) was to prepare the way. Jehovah God is the one who anointed all of this.

John the baptist wasn't the light but came to bear witness of that light. John bore witness to Jehoshua as being that light:

John 1:34-36

34 And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. 35 Again on the morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples; 36 and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God!

John didn't bear witness of himself but rather pointed people to Jehoshua as the lamb of God.

John 8:12

"Again therefore Jehoshua spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life"

What world was Jehoshua the light of?

Luke 1:68-70

68 Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, 69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David 70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old),

The whole purpose of Jehoshua's Messianic mission was to bring redemption for his people. Jehoshua's people are the nation of Israel. Jehoshua is the branch of David and he is the horn (power) from the Davidic dynasty that was foretold by the prophets.

Luke 1:78-79

78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, Whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us, 79 To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace.

Jehoshua is the dayspring of the Davidic covenant who shined light upon those who sit in darkness especially those of the nation's, which are the northern Kingdom of the house of Israel. 

This is the world that Jehoshua was a light to, the orderly arrangement of the house of Israel and Judah.

Matthew 15:24

"But he answered and said, I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel"

Jehoshua is the prophesied King of Israel and therefore came only for them. He is the bright and morning star and the root and offspring of David (Revelation 22:16).

John 1:9-10

9 There was the true light, [even the light] which lighteth every man, coming into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not.

We know that Jehoshua is the true light as the royal Davidic King was to be a lamp unto Israel.

2 Samuel 21:17

"But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel"

David's men didn't want David to go out to battle as he was the light (lamp) of Israel. This is where the "light of the world" language comes from used of Jehoshua.

2nd Kings 8:19

"Howbeit Jehovah would not destroy Judah, for David his servant`s sake, as he promised him to give unto him a lamp for his children alway"

Even during dark times Jehovah made sure that David had a royal seed as He promised David that he would have a lamp (Davidic king) always for Israel.

Psalm 132:17

"There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed"

The Kingdom of David would blossom and Jehovah ordained the Davidic royal seed to have a lamp (light) forever.

What does it mean when it says Jehoshua lightens every man that comes into the world? As stated above all things were made through Jehoshua and these things were the kings and priests of the elect holy nation of Israel. The world spoken of here is the new covenant nation of Israel. Men who are lightened by the gospel of Jehoshua come into the Kingdom of the marvelous light of the Son of God:

Colossians 1:12-13

12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

The inheritance of the saints in light is equated with the Kingdom of the Son of God. This is what men come into when they are lightened by Jehoshua i.e. the Son of God's Kingdom in which men go from darkness to light.

Just to show that the world spoken of here is Israel, who was Jehoshua sent to.

Acts 13:23

"Of this man`s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jehoshua"

Jehoshua was brought unto Israel as their Savior. Israel was the world he came unto as he did not come but for the lost sheep of Israel. Jehoshua is only the King of Israel no other nation:

Luke 1:33

"and he shall reign over the house of Israel for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end"

The Davidic Messiah was not promised to rule over any other Kingdom other than Israel.

Matthew 1:21

"And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JEHOSHUA; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins"

Jehoshua was sent by God to save his people from their sins. Who are Jehoshua's people?. Obviously the nation of Israel:

Luke 1:68-69

68 Blessed [be] Jehovah, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, 69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David.

Jehovah bought redemption to the people of Israel through the horn (power) of the house of David via Jehoshua.

What world was made through Jehoshua? The very world spoken of above, the world of Israel. Remember, by His blood Jehoshua made us kings and priests of an elect race and a holy nation (1 Peter 2;9-10). What nation is this? A gentile church? No! Let's go to one of the original quotes that 1 Peter 2:9-10 alludes to:

Hosea 1:10-11

10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass that, in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God. 11 And the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered together, and they shall appoint themselves one head, and shall go up from the land; for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

It is the children of Israel, both Judah and Ephraim who are now called the people of God and who are a kingdom of priests (Isaiah 61:6). Again, Jehoshua didn't come here to start a gentile (non Israelite) church. Jehoshua made us kings and priests of a new covenant Israel as that is precisely who the new covenant is made with (Hebrews 8:8).

Jehoshua was in the world, the one he was sent to and the world knew him not. Jehoshua's ministry was primarily conducted in the nation of Israel. Most of the religious establishment and many of the countrymen of Israel rejected their Messiah.

John 1:11-13

11 He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Again, many of Jehoshua's countrymen did not receive him as the Messiah but those that did he (Jehoshua) gave the right to become children of God. Whosoever of his own (Israelites) believed on Jehoshua's name received the spirit of sonship (John 3:16-18). John 3:16-18 is within the context of the world Jehoshua came to save which the bible saya is Israel. The as many as received is within the context of Jehoshua coming to his own (Israelites). To believe on Jehoshua's name is to believe in his identity (Son of God), authority (King of Israel) and character (lamb of God).

Verse 13 of John 1 proves that salvation is not initiated by man but rather by the sovereignty of Jehovah God. This is proven all throughout scripture most notably in Ephesians chapter 1. It is God who chooses us to be his children not the other way around.

John 1:14

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth"

When did the word become flesh? When Jehoshua who was in the flesh began to preach that word unto the nation of Israel. When was this?

Luke 3:23

"And Jehoshua himself, when he began [to teach], was about thirty years of age..."

This was right after Jehoshua was baptized.

Luke 4:14

"And Jehoshua returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and a fame went out concerning him through all the region round about"

This was right after Jehoshua's baptism and 40 day wilderness experience. Shortly after this he officially began his ministry on the Sabbath day quoting Isaiah 61.

Acts 3:26

"Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities"

The raising up of Jehoshua is connected with the turning the Israelites from their iniquities. Paul in Acts 13:23-26 connects the word of salvation going forth to Israel with Jehoshua's baptism.

The word becoming flesh should not be understood as metaphysical but rather should be understood as Jehovah's commandments being put in the mouth of his anointed Messiah (Deuteronomy 18:15-21).

There were two times that the apostles beheld the glory of Jehoshua during his earthly ministry. These two times were at his baptism for those of the apostles who witnessed it and also his transfiguration witnessed by Peter, James and John. In both instances the Father witnessed that Jehoshua was His Son.

All throughout Jehoshua's ministry he claimed to be the Son of God do verse 14 cannot be a reference to his resurrection. Actually the Father witnessing that Jehoshua was His Son at the Jordan river baptism gives us the answer as to when the word was made flesh as of the only begotten of the Father:

Matthew 3:16-17

16 And Jehoshua when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; 17 and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee.

The words of Psalm 2:7 were the original words spoken at Jehoshua's baptism according to older manuscripts. This is significant because it shows us exactly what took place at his baptism.

When you read Psalm 2:7 in it's context, the begetting of the Davidic king is not about literal birth but rather it is a spiritual begetting into the office of King. Most scholars agree that Psalm 2;7 is a coronation hymm of an Israelite king. The anointing of a Davidic king by Jehovah God is the same as being begotten from above by the holy Spirit. This spiritual begetting empowers the king to rule Israel in righteouness. 

Psalm 2:7 being said at Jehoshua's baptism by the Father shows exactly what took place at his baptism. What took place is exactly what happened to David when Samuel anointed him as King:

1 Samuel 16:13-14

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. 14 Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him.

At the very time David was anointed as king, the Spirit of Jehovah God came upon him and on that very day the spirit departed from Saul. Earlier in chapter 15 Jehovah rent the kingdom from Saul and rejected him as King.

From the time of David's anointing he was the rightful king of Israel even though he wasn't enthroned until some time later.  The same progresssion took place with Jehoshua as he was anointed as King at the Jordan river and then later on at his ascension he was enthroned as king. All the while he was rightful king of Israel even though he was not on the throne yet.

To prove that his baptism was his anointing as king let's go to a confession made of him by Nathaniel two days after his baptism:

John 1:49-50

49 Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel. 50 Jehoshua answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

This was two days after Jehoshua's baptism and he affirmed Nathaniel's confession. In fact, all throughout Jehoshua's ministry it was his claim to be King of Israel along with the Son of God that got him in trouble with the leadership of Israel.

The law came by Moses, grace and truth by Jehoshua Messiah. John links the bringing of grace and truth by Jehoshua with him being the only begotten of the Father and the word becoming flesh. This obviously is speaking of his baptism which began his ministry in preaching the gospel.

Hebrews 1:5-7

 Hebrews 1:5-7

5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son? 6 And when he again bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame a fire:

Yes, clearly Jehoshua was worshipped by the angels. This is actually speaking of Jehoshua ascension into heaven as the greek word for world isn't the usual word "kosmos". We see in Revelation 5 that Jesus is worshipped by the angels:

Revelation 5:11-14

11 And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might and honor, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things are in them, heard I saying, Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, [be] the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever. 14 And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the elders fell down and worshipped.

Just to show that Hebrews 1:6 is about the resurrected Jehoshua being brought into heaven let's look at Colossians 1:18:

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstbegotten from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence"

The title of firstbegotten for Jehoshua applies to his resurrection as we can see from Colossians:18. We also see this in the book of Revelation chapter 1:5

"and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood"

The resurrection of Jehoshua is what made him the firstbegotten and it also made Him ruler of the kings of the earth. This fulfills Psalm 89:27;

"I also will make him my first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth"

This verse is about the Davidic king who fulfill the covenant Jehovah made with David. Notice that the title of first born is connected with the Kingship of the Davidic Messiah.

This is important to understand in why Jehoshua was worshipped upon being brought into heaven. He was being installed as the King of the new covenant Israel and the king of Israel of the old covenant was also worshipped. Did you know that king David was worshipped by Israel?

1 Chronicles 29:20

"And David said to all the assembly, Now bless Jehovah your God. And all the assembly blessed Jehovah, the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped Jehovah, and the king"

The people of Israel worshipped both Jehovah God and king David. If old covenant Israel worshipped their king, how much more is new covenant Israel to worship their king?

Clearly Jehoshua is superior to David so it should be no surprise that he is worshipped (Psalm 110:1). Of course, David was not worshipped as God but rather he was worshipped in respect to his position as King and Jehovah's covenant (begotten) son. The same is true for Jehoshua, we are to worship him as our King and Jehovah's only begotten Son.

Revelation 3:9

"Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee"

Did you know that the saints will be worshipped by the synagogue of Satan. Obviously they will not worship us aa God but rather they will worship (honor) us in respect to our place as God's children. There then is no issue with Jehoshua receiving worship in respect to his position as King and God's only begotten Son.

John 20:28

 John 20:28

"28 Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed"

This is a perfect scriptue to look at concerning proof texting that Jehoshua is God. Clearly, Thomas is calling Jehoshua god as there can be no doubt about that. Remember, captialization is something the translator's did as there wasn't capitalization in the original manuscripts.

We have to remember the Psalm 82 principle "I said ye are god's" as Jehoshua said it was lawful to call them (judges) god's by whom the word of God came. If this is true about the judges of Israel, how much more the Son of God? Remember, the title of Son of God is rooted in the covenant Jehovah God made with David (2nd Samuel 7).

So there is no issue here with Thomas calling Jehoshua god according to the law of Jehovah. Also, a couple verses later we see this:

John 20:31

"but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name"

Again, people forget that John's whole purpose for his epistles and gospel was that his audience would know that Jehoshua is the Messiah (anointed one) of and the Son of God. Jehoshua is the new covenant Davidic king so it makes sense that title's used of the Davidic kings in the old covenant are applied to him:

Psalm 45:6-7

6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: A sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 7 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Scholars acknowledge that the above passage is a coronation hymm of Israelite king. They believe this was likely about Solomon as the context of this passage is about the king's wedding to a beautiful woman. However, like a lot of passages regarding the future Saviour this has a double fulfillment. This passage was quoted by the author of Hebrews in the conext of Jehoshua ascension into heaven (Hebrews 1:8-9).

The author of Hebrews quotating an Israelite coronation hymm, in connection with Jehoshua ascension, proves that Jehoshua was enthroned on the throne of David at his ascension. Both Acts 2:29-36 and Acts 13:32-34 prove without any doubt that upon Jehoshua resurrection and ascension he sat on the throne of David thereby receiving the sure mercies of David.

So for Jehoshua to be called god by Thomas fits in perfectly with Psalm 82:6, in that by those who the word of God came are called god's. It also fits in perfectly with the old covenant Davidic king being called god in Psalm 45:6-7.

John 3:16 part 2

 You might say, "well what about Matthew 28:19?" Isn't that a command to take the gospel to the world wide? What we must ask ourselves, how did the apostles understand this command?

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

What nations is Jehoshua talking about? Again, we must remember He came only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 24:15). Some will say that was Jehoshua's initial mission but now He is telling the apostles to go to all the literal world. However, we actually see that the apostles did not understand it in the universalist way.

Acts 10:15-16

15 And a voice came unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. 16 And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven.

If the apostles understood the great commission as a call to go to all non Israelite nations then why did Jehovah God have to give Peter this vision to not call anything unclean that he made clean? This is because that is not how Jehoshua meant it otherwise we would have to say the apostles disobeyed His command. Look below at what Peter says:

Acts 10:26-28

26 But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and findeth many come together: 28 and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and [yet] unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean.

It is very telling that Peter still understood that it was unlawful for a Judean to join himself to someone of another nation. That was because that those from other nations were not circumcised which meant they were unclean. However, God gave Peter a vision snowing him that not to call what He (God) had made clean unclean.

Acts 10:22

"And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee"

It's important to note that Cornelius was a righteous man who feared Jehovah God and was well reported by the nation of Judah. This was not just anyone it was someone who feared God. What's more surprising is the fact that Cornelius was likely a Israelite from the scattered northern tribes. How do we know this? Because James the brother of the Lord included him as a fulfillment of the Amos 9 prophecy concerning the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom:

Acts 15:13-14

13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Symeon hath rehearsed how first God visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

Here James is alluding to the Amos chapter 9 prophecy that he quotes right after these verses. Let's go to the original passage in Amos 9:9-12:

9 For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations, like as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least kernel fall upon the earth. 10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, who say, The evil shall not overtake nor meet us.11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old; 12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations that are called by my name, saith Jehovah that doeth this.

James in Acts 15 acknowledges Cornelius as part of the prophecy of Jehovah God visiting the Gentiles (nations) and calling out a people for His name. This is exactly what   Amos prophesied and guess what? The nation's spoken of were not non Israelite nations but they were the nations of the house of Israel dispersed among the non Israelite nations.

Verse 9 and 12 show that it is the house of Israel sifted among the nations who will be called by Jehovah's name in order to resurrect the Kingdom of David. In verse 9 it says that the least kernel shall fall unto the earth of the dispersed Israelites. This means that Jehovah would know exactly where to find them at the time of the restoration. Remember, only the nation of Israel was called by Jehovah's name (Exodus 4:22).

Peter understood Jehoshua's command to take the gospel unto the world as being exclusively for Israel:

Acts 10::36-38

36 The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jehoshua Messiah (He is King of all.) --37 that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;.38 even Jehoshua of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

The word of the gospel of the Kingdom was sent to the children of Israel. As noted above, Jehoshua made that clear in that Israel was the object of His ministry and no one else. The apostles continued that mission taking the word of the Kingdom to the children of Israel. Let's look at verse 35:

Acts 10:34-35

34.And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.

We must ask ourselves, what does every nation mean? Universalists will take this literally to mean every nation in the whole world, however we know that Jehovah only dealt with Israel as His covenant people. As a matter of fact it would take centuries for the gospel to go to the America's and the natives there or certain parts of Africa and the polynesian islands. These nations had never even heard of Jehovah God and His only begotten Son by the time missionaries reached them.

Exodus 2:24-25

24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

When Peter says God is no respector of persons he obviously isn't contradicting what is said above so must reconcile his statement. When we see that Acts 15 and Acts 17 that the nations mentioned are actually the tribes of the children of Israel then we should understands Peter's statement the same way. The every nation which has those that fear Jehovah God are the same nations mentioned in Acts 15 and 17 i.e. the tribes (nations) of Israel.

We know that Jehovah God did indeed favor Israel over other nations so Peter's statement could not be meant in a universalist way. Peter simply means that among all the nation's of the tribes of Israel Jehovah God has men and women who fear Him. Again, it couldn't mean that literally every nation on earth had people that feared him as there many areas of the world that didn't even hear about Jehovah God until centuries later.

Being that the new covenant was made with the house of Judah and the house of Israel the John 3:16 passage about God sending His only begotten Son into the world that whosoever believeth in him would have eternal life applies to whosoever of Israel would believe in the Son of God. Just to show even further that the gospel of the Kingdom was for Israel let's go to the book of Acts again:

Acts 1:5-8

5 For John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence. 6 They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority. 8 But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

We must note that the apostles expected the Kingdom of Israel to be restored. Jehoshua's death and resurrection did not change that hope. Remember, the prophecy about Jehoshua was that He would be the King who would rule over the united Israelite Kingdom.(Ezekiel 34 and 37). The apostles were asking a logical question. Jehoshua did not dispute the verity of what they were asking but simply was telling them that not to worry too much about the when but be more concerned with the how. Jehoshua said that it was in the Father's power and timing as to when the Kingdom would be restored. This goes exactly with what He said earlier in His ministry that only the Father's knows the hour of his (Jehoshua's) return.

The how the Kingdom would be restored was what the apostles we're going to actively take part in. Jehoshua told them that they would bw anointed with the Holy Spirit and then be His witnesses throughout all Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and the utter most parts of the earth.

Let's break down the geography of this:

Jerusalem was the capital city of Judea. This is exactly where the new covenant Davidic Kingdom had it's inauguration as the holy spirit fell on the apostles on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The sermon Peter preached on this day was that Jehoshua fulfilled the Davidic covenant by His resurrection from the dead and being enthroned on the throne of David.

It was fitting that Jersuslem was the site of the inauguration of the new covenant Davidic Kingdom since this is where the Davidic throne resided in the old covenant. Of course now the throne is right above in the Heavenly New Jersuslem.

Judea of course is the whole country surrounding Jerusalem. This is where much of the Southern Kingdom of Judah still lived which consisted of Judah, Benjamin and some of Levi.

Samaria is where the capital of the house of Israel was located. This was the northern Kingdom. Many that lived here were descendants of the northern tribes but had been mixed ethnically by this time. Much of the northern kingdom had been dispersed among the nations by this time.

Jehoshua's geographical plan for the apostles to witness in His name fits bible prophecy that the Davidic king would unite the two Kingdoms. The apostles taking the gospel to the brethren of Israel was obviously the priority of Jehoshua and Jehovah God.

What about the utter most parts of the earth? Many take this to mean the rest of literal world, however in the context of the passage i.e. the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel then we should understand it in terms of bible prophecy. Prophecy states that Jehovah God would regather both southern and northern Kingdoms into one. The Amos 9 prophecy said that the nations called by Jehovah's name would be gathered to restore the Davidic Kingdom. We know that these nations are the house of Israel (northern Kingdom) because Amos 9 says that the house of Israel would be dispersed among the nations but that a kernel would not fall to the ground. This means that Jehovah would know exactly where each northern Israelite was that was gonna be called and taken out for His name. Remember, only Israel was called by Jehovah's name so the nations gathered in Amos 9 are Israelites as verse 9 of that chapter states.

It wasn't until centuries later that the gospel went to a great part of the literal world. Obviously, Jehovah's priority was His covenant people Israel. The utter most parts of the earth are the parts of the earth where the Israelites were dispersed following their captivity by Assyria.

Going back to John 3:16, let's look at a verse that uses the word "world" as an example that only speaks of a certain group of people and not the literal whole world:

John 12:19

"The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Behold how ye prevail nothing: lo, the world is gone after him"

Obviously the whole world wasn't going after Messiah but rather Israelites who believed on Him or at least believed in the miracles he performed. Also, the context here is about the multitudes who had gathered to welcome the Messiah into Jersuslem as the King of Israel.

John 3:16 must also be understood within the context of John chapter 1 which we will look at now:

John 1:10-13

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Most of the churches interpret the world here to be the literal whole earth. This misunderstanding has attributed Jehoshua as being the Genesis creator. We have to ask ourselves, which world did Jehoshua come to? Let's look at the verses that come right before the above to understand the context:

John 1:4-5

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not.

Many overlook this passage regarding it's true fulfillment. Understanding these two verses will go a long way in discerning what is meant in verse 10. Let's look at a prophecy that is related to the above two verses:

Isaiah 9:1-2

1 But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

The concept of Jehoshua being the light that shineth in darkness comes from this prophecy in Isaiah. Notice that this prophecy is about the future Davidic king (Isaiah 9:6-7) coming as the light into the darkness of the land of Israel especially denoting the northern kingdom (Zebulun, Naphtali, Galilee of the nations i.e. northern Israelites). These people in the northern Kingdom had walked in the darkness of being cut off from Jehovah God and now the light of the Messianic King came to shine the bright light of Kingdom on them. Jehoshua's mission was to seek that which is lost i.e. the house of Israel.

Even verse 11 of John clarifies what is meant by "world" as it says He (Jehoshua) came unto His own. Who were Jehoshua's own? The very one's he said He was sent to i.e. the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Acts 3:19-20

19 Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of Jehovah; 20 and that he may send the Messiah who hath been appointed for you, even Jehoshua:

Peter is talking his country men (Israel) and exhorts them to repent so that the presence of Jehovah would come upon them and that He (Jehovah) would send the Messiah to them.  Notice in verse 20 that it says the Messiah was appointed for them. Who's them? Obviously Israel as that is Peter's audience.

Acts 13:16-17

16 And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken: 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.

Paul says that Jehovah God chose Israel. According to Paul Israel is the elect of God. Has this changed with the arrival of Jehoshua? Let's see:

Acts 13:22-23

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who shall do all My will. 23 Of this man`s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jehoshua;

Notice that the raising up of David was equated to him being anointed as king. The same is true of Jehoshua in that Him being raised up by Jehovah God has to do with being anointed as King which took place at His baptism. Nathaniel confessed Jehoshua as the Son of God and King of Israel two days after His baptism.

In verse 23 it says that of this man's (David) seed Jehovah brought unto Israel a saviour Jehoshua. It is plain as day, Jehovah brought Jehoshua the Son of God unto Israel and no one else. Jehoshua Himself states this in that He was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Understanding this fundamental truth helps us understand many other passages. Let's go to the epistles of John:

1 John 4:9-10

9 Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Now that we know that God sent Jehoshua unto Israel we know that the above verses apppy to Israel. Jehovah God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. Remember, the word "world" has a flexible meaning and doesn't automatically denote the literal whole world.  Which world was Jehoshua sent to if not the literal whole world? We'll we just read plain and clear scriptures even from Jehoshua Himself that it was only Israel that He was sent for to seek and bring the Kingdom to. It was only Israel that Jehovah sent Jehoshua to.

So the "world" and the "we" John is referring to could only be whom Jehoshua and Paul said that He was sent for i.e the house of Israel. With this being understood, who is it that God loved in verse 10? Who is the"us"? The "us" that God loved is the same us that God sent His Son to be the propitiation (mercyseat) for our sins. Let's let scripture answer this for us instead of our feelings:

Matthew 1:21

"And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JEHOSHUA; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins"

It is Jehoshua's people that Jehoshua was sent to save from their sins. Who are His people? Is it the whole literal world? Again, we will let scripture answer this for us:

Acts 13:26

"Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth."

To who was the word of salvation sent forth? Clearly its the nation of Israel i.e. the children of Abraham. These are the one's Jehoshua said He came for i.e. the house of Israel.

So the answer to the question, regarding who is the 'us" of verse 10 that God loved and sent His Son to redeem, is the house of Israel. This is consistent with all of scripture.

1 John 4:14

"And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world"

On the surface this appears to be another universalist verse, however as we have read from the above passages that Jehoshua was sent to lost sheep of the house of Israel to save them from their sins and to reign over them as King forever (Luke 1:26-36). In fact, the whole narrative surrounding Jehoshua's birth is how Jehovah God has visited Israel with salvation.

It is clear from Jehoshua's ministry and from the subsequent ministry of the apostles that Jehoshua was not sent to the literal whole world. In fact, long before the gospel of the Kingdom went to the far reaches of Africa, Asia, America and the polynesians it was said that the gospel was preached to every creature under heaven. I had long been confused by this verse knowing that it wasn't literally the case. Some Christians have tried to teach that Jehoshua did actually go to these places but they are written down.

The truth of the matter is that the concept of the world in the view of Jehoshua and the apostles is largely limited to the nation of Israel, both southern and northern kingdoms.

Colossians 1:23

"if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister"

This verse has always puzzled me as obviously this cannot be literally true as we know the gospel wasn't taken to certain parts of the world until centuries later. Some say that Paul is referring to the known world at that time but that can't be true either as Africa and East Asia were known yet the gospel had not penetrated those areas by this time with the exception of Ethiopia (the eunuch) those areas at the time of Paul's writing this.

So what does Paul mean here? If we take into account that the express purpose of the gospel of the Kingdom was to reunite the 12 tribes of Israel under the headship of the Davidic King then this statement by Paul makes perfect sense. Paul is stating that the gospel has been preached to every part of the world where Israel had been dispersed. That's the only explanation that makes sense. Again, we do not disconnect the old testament from the new testament then we will rightly divide the word of truth.

In fact, the Colossians were Israelites who had been dispersed among the nation's. How do we know that? Let's go to chapter 1 and see:

Colossians 1:19-22

19 For it was the good pleasure [of the Father] that in him should all the fulness dwell; 20 and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, [I say], whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens. 21 And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, 22 yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him:

Most in the mainstream churches overlook what Paul is saying here concerning reconciliation in verses. Think about this, in order to reconcile with someone you have had to at one time be in relationship with them. If Paul says that the Colossians were reconciled to God through Messiah this means they at one time had to be in covenant with Jehovah. Was anyone else besides Israel in covenant with Jehovah God in the old testament?

Amos 3:1-2

1 Hear this word that Jehovah hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying, 2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will visit upon you all your iniquities.

Jehovah only knew (in covenant with) Israel out of all the families of the earth. We know that Jehovah God divorced Israel because of their iniquities. He didn't divorce anyone else because He wasn't in covenant with anyone else. When a husband and wife divorce if they get back together then it is a reconciliation. If a husband and wife make a covenant for the first time then it is not a reconciliation because there was never a covenant in the first place. With this understanding we can then be assured that if the Colossians were reconciled to God they would have had to be in covenant with Him at some point in the past. This for sure means that they were once part of Israel since that is the only nation God was in covenant with which He subsequently divorced.

Let's talk about the Galatians, were they also of the house of Israel?

2 Peter 1:1-2

1 Peter, an apostle of Jehoshua Mesaiah, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jehoshua Messiah: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Peter is addressing his epistle to the dispersion in Galatia among other areas. Dispersion obviously refers to the house of Israel that were dispersed among the nations (Amos 9:9-12). He refers to them as the elect and sojourners, which are terms used of Israel. It's important to remember that only Israel as a nation has ever been elected by Jehovah God (Exodus 4:22). So obviously these people he is addressing in the various nations are dispersed Israelites who are sojourning there. This then shows us that Paul's letter to the Galatians is to the northern Israelites that are sojourning in Galatia. This makes sense in light of some of the things Paul tells them.

Galatians 1:1-3
1 Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jehoshua Messiah and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren that are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jehoshua Messiah.

Paul addresses the Galatians by calling them brethren. Now we normally in the churches thought that meant that they were his brethren in the sense of being brothers in Messiah i.e. of the same faith. While that is still true the greek word for brethren indicates more than just being of the same faith. Let's look at that word:

"adephos" (Greek strongs 80) comes from a (as a connective particle) and delphus (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like) brother".

The meaning here indicates being of the same womb (woman's belly/matrix) i.e. coming from the same genetic heritage. The word brethren here in Galatians 1 is more than figurative i.e. just being of the same faith but rather has a more literal meaning of coming from the same ancestors.

If we connect 1 Peter 1 with chapter 1 of Galatians then the truth of who the Galatians really are comes out. Now things start to make more sense when we read Galatians notably PauL's confrontation with Peter in chapter 2. In part 3 of this study we will look at the book of Galatians in regards to this topic of John 3:16.

John 3:16 part 1

 John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life"

This is one of the most well known verses in the bible, in great part due to signs shown at sporting events throughout the 70's and 80's. When watching sporting events today those famous John 3:16 signs are not seen anymore, however the verse still remains one of the most quoted and well known.

The above verse seems to indicate a couple of things that mainstream church has grabbed a hold of and ran with. These two things are universal salvation and the idea that just belief will save someone. Both of these concepts are popular within mainstream Christianity because they fit the political correct culture that is rampant today.

These two ideas about John 3:16 are attractive to people because it promotes the Brotherhood of mankind concept i.e. universalism and also easy believism which allows someone to not deny themselves and pick up their cross and still go to heaven.

This allows the denominational churches to accept anyone into the faith without requiring they pick up their cross and be a disciple of the Son of God. This benefits them as they can build big congregations which then fills up the coffers and helps the bottomline. The denominations existence is contingent upon big numbers of people and a constant flow of money coming in. As you can see, it is in the best interest of the churches to adopt universalism and easy believism. 

Does John 3:16 teach these two concepts? As always we cannot take one scripture to make a doctrine but rather we need to compare scripture with scripture:

Isaiah 28:10

"For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little"

This is how we need to approach our understanding of doctrine in that we let scripture interpret scripture and not run with a superficial understanding at least in terms of something so crucial to the doctrine of salvation.

Some may think this topic is a debate about calvinism versus arminism, however both of those ideologies have serious errors. Must love truth regardless if it has similarities with unpopular doctrines. For example, calvinism is hated by many because of it's teaching that Jehoshua didn't die for everyone i.e. the idea of limited atonement. However, we cannot let our prejudice against that doctrine obscure from our minds the truths that calvinism does have even though the overall system is false.

The same applies to arminism. The fact of the matter is that the truth of scripture does not care about your feelings or what is deemed as politically correct by society or the mainstream church. To better understand John 3:16 let's go to the beginning of the chapter:

John 3:1-3

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jehoshua answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be begotten from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

In verse 3 you will notice that it says "begotten from above" rather than "born again". This is important because for one it is the proper translation of the verse and two it shows that salvation originates with Jehovah God and not man's will.

We must be begotten from above just as Jehoshua was. The holy spirit came upon Him from heaven and then He went preaching the Kingdom of God. There is a connection between receiving the Spirit and then being able to see the Kingdom. While Jehoshua was already increasing in wisdom prior to His baptism He was first described as being full of the holy spirit after it. 

Mark  1:14-15

14 Now after John was delivered up, Jehoshua came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.

This was shortly after Jehoshua's baptism and right after His 40 day wilderness experience. Jehoshua was begotten from above and then preached the gospel of the Kingdom. Again, it's important to understand that "begotten from above" is the correct translation not "born again" as one indicates an "accept Messiah" man centered salvation and the other indicates "a God centered salvation" where the Father gives us to the Son. 

John 1:12-13

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Those who received Jehoshua were given the right to become children of God. Although this seems to indicate man making a choice to accept Messiah in verse 13 it is clear that those who receive Messiah were not begotten through their own will but rather the will of God. Many professing Christians balk at this concept of God choosing us by His own will but the truth of God's word does not care about our feelings.

John 6:44

"No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day"

It is the Father that draws us to the Son of God. Those drawn to the Son of God by the Father will then be resurrected at the last day.

John 6:64-66

64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jehoshua knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him. 65 And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father. 66 Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

The message of God choosing those who believe offended many of Jehoshua's supposed disciples. Many of these so called disciples stopped following Him. Jehoshua makes it clear that can only believe in Him if the Father gives that person the faith to do so.

Let's go back to John chapter 3 for more context surrounding verse 16:

John 3:17-18

17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. 18 He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The word "world" has a flexible meaning and does not necessarily denote the whole earth. This is where we need to go to other scriptures to get a better understanding of what John is saying here about God sending His Son to the world to save them:

Matthew 1:21

"And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JEHOSHUA; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins"

Matthew says that Jehoshua will save His people from their sins. The question is, who are Jehoshua's people? 

Matthew 15:24

"But he answered and said, I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel"

This one verse goes a long way in not only answering the above question but it also helps us understand John 3:17-18 in terms of God sending His Son into the world. The above verse in Matthew is clear that Jehoshua's people are the house of Israel and that it is these people He was prophesied to be King over:

Luke 1:33

"and he shall reign over the house of Israel for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end"

Jehoshua was not prophesied to be king over a non Israelite Gentile church but rather over the very people He came to save from their sins i.e. the house of Israel.

The world that Jehovah God sent His only begotten Son to not condemn and to save is the world of Israel.

Verse 18 of John chapter 3 says that those who have not believed are judged already because they have not believed on the name of the Son of God. To believe on the name of the Son of God denotes His character, identity and authority. It is also is a reference to the title "Son of God" which is a prophetic title meaning "King of Israel". Jehoshua's identity is in being the Son of God and King of Israel as those are equated titles (John 1:49). 

Jehoshua's authority comes from the fact that He is the King of Israel. His character denotes His righteousness. Again, to believe on the name of the Son of God has to do with what the title "Son of God" represents which is"King of Israel. What audience would this make sense to i.e. believing on the name of the Son of God (King of Israel)? Obviously an Israelite since the requirement to accept Jehoshua as their King would only apply to them. Just like here in America we are not required to believe in the authority of the president of Mexico over us but we are required in some sense to accept the authority of the American president. 

John 3:16-18.only makes sense in the context of Israel since Jehoshua is their Messiah and King and the object of the passage is to believe on the name of the Son of God.

The birth of the Son of God and it's prophetic significance

The Bible is absolutely clear that Jehoshua is the Son of God in indentity. In this study, we will look at the three events of Jehoshua's life that affirmed and validated His Sonship of Jehovah God.

Luke 1:32-35

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and Jehovah God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 and he shall reign over the house of Israel for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.

This is a rich passage that is filled with prophetic fulfillment in regards to the Davidic covenant. Here the angel Gabriel is giving Mary the good news that she will give birth to a Son who will fulfill the oath that Jehovah God made with David. In verse 32, the angel Gabriel connects the Sonship of Jehoshua with the throne of David. This paralells 1 Chronicles 28:

5 And of all my sons (for Jehovah hath given me many sons), he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of Jehovah over Israel. 6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

Notice here that David says that Jehovah chosen Solomon to sit on the throne of the Kingdom of Jehovah (throne of David) and that Jehovah has chosen Solomon to be His son. We clearly see here that sitting on the throne of David is equivalent to be chosen to be Jehovah's son. This goes back to the oath Jehovah made with David in 2nd Samuel 7:

13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men.

The integral aspect of the Davidic covenant is the connection with the throne of David and being God's son. We see this in the above verses. Jehovah made a covenant with David's royal offsrping that He would be a father to them and they would be His son. This covenant wasn't made with all of David's sons, only those who would be established on the throne (verse 13).

Now we can see what is going on in Luke chapter 1, the angel Gabriel is announcing to Mary that she is going to have a Son and that he is going to fulfill the Davidic covenant. Just as the throne of David and the sonship of Jehovah are connected in 2nd Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 28 they are connected here in Luke 1.

Notice that the Sonship in verse 32 is future tense showing that Mary is not pregnant yet. Also, in verse 33 Jehoshua will reign over the Kingdom of Israel forever. This is another component to the Davidic covenant which is also connected to the Sonship of Jehovah is that the Davidic King would reign over the house of Israel. The Messianic King of bible prophecy was only promised one throne and one Kingdom and that was the throne of David and the Kingdom of Israel. 

Jehoshua was not promised to be King over something called the Catholic Church nor the Protestant church. This is important to understand because it truly shows who Jehoshua is in identity and also the nature of the church i.e. eccesliology.

Mary wondered how this was going to unfold and in verse 35 the angel tells her that the holy Spirit is going to overshadow her and a child will be begotten in her. This is speaking of the conception process. Gabriel reiterates to Mary that this boy shall be (future tense) called the Son of God. Again. Mary was not pregnant here so this is something that is in the near future.

Let's go to Matthew 1 to see the fulfilment of this announcement by Gabriel:

Matthew 1:18-21

18 Now the birth of Jehoshua Messiah was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.20 But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of Jehovah appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JEHOSHUA; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.

Mary was found with child of the holy Spirit just as the angel told her in Luke 1:35. Mary in this passage is pregnant. The angel of Jehovah comfirms to Joseph that which is begotten (conception) is of the Holy Spirit. So the begetting her is obviously the conception process as Jehoshua wasn't born yet. Verse 21 says that Mary shall (future tense) bring forth (give birth to) a Son. It's important to distinguish the conception of Jehoshua and the  giving birth of him. The conception of Jehoshua is the moment He was begotten by Jehovah God via the holy Spirit.

Just as Jehovah directly involved Himself in the birth of Isaac and Jeremiah, He also directly involved Himself with the birth of Jehoshua but this time in a much greater way via begetting Jehoshua Himself.

Now let's look at a couple of prophecies from the lively oracles where Jehoshua's birth was foretold:

Isaiah 7:14

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel"

The virgin is Mary and her conceiving is referring to Jehoshua being begotten in her. Her bearing a son refers to the actual birth of Jehoshua. His name shall be called "immanuel" meaning "God with us" as stated in Matthew 1:23. This doesn't mean that the child begotten would be literally God but rather that the birth of this Messianic child would be a sign that God remembered His promises to the nation of Israel especially the covenant He made with David. We will see the realization that Jehovah God has not forgotten His people when we look at how certain members of Israel reacted to the announcement of his birth and the birth itself.  For now let's go to Isaiah 9:6-7;

6 For unto us a child is begotten, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.

The child being begotten refers to the work of the Holy Spirit begetting Jehoshua in Mary's womb. The Son being given refers to His birth. The government being placed upon his shoulder is the Kingdom of David (Isaiah 22).

This is another Isaiah prophecy about the birth of the Messiah. In verse 6 we see the titles he shall be called. It's important to understand that this propechy of the birth of Messiah is rooted in the promise that God made to David as it says that the increase of his government will be upon the throne of David (verse 7).

The zeal of Jehovah would perform this, meaning the Father would see to it that His oath made to David would be fulfilled no matter what. The Davidic covenant was an unconditional one.

Let's no go back to the gospels and see the significance of the birth of the Messiah and what it meant to the people of Israel:

Luke 1:54-55

54 He hath given help to Israel his servant, That he might remember mercy 55 (As he spake unto our fathers) Toward Abraham and his seed for ever.

This is part of Mary's song and she is praising Jehovah for giving help to the people of Israel by way of the Messianic Son that she was told she would give birth to. Mary as well as others understood the prophecies of the coming Messiah as the Saviour of Israel. For Mary, the announcement of the birth of the prophesied Davidic King was a sign that God was with her and her people (Isaiah 7:14). Mary mentions the covenant promise Jehovah made with Abraham. 

We see the gospel of the only begotten Son given as a sacrifice in an object lesson in Genesis 22. Because of Abraham's faith, it was granted to him that through his seed all nations of the earth would be blessed and that he would be a father of many nations. As Paul mentions in Galatians, those in Messiah are the true seed of Abraham. Jehoshua is the seed singular (Gal 3:16) meaning the federal head (only begotten) of the many offspring (seed) of Abraham i.e. those baptized in Messiah (Gal 3:27).

Luke 1:67-74

67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, 69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David 70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old),71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To show mercy towards, our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he spake unto Abraham our father, 74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear,

Zacharias prophesied after the birth of his son John the Baptist, praising Jehovah God for visiting His people by sending them redemption through the house of David. Again, notice here the visiting of Jehovah God isn't in reference to God literally coming down and being born but rather Jehovah visiting Israel by Him keeping His prophetic promises to them. "Horn of salvation" is a reference to a King's great power and this "horn of salvation" was prophesied to come through the dynasty of David. Here Zacharias is speaking of the coming birth of Jehoshua Messiah.

Zacharias own son's birth was a sign that God was raising up to Israel the messiah they had long anticipated. The eschatological Davidic King was to be the Saviour of Israel and deliver them from their enemies. Zacharias, like Mary, references the Abrahamic covenant.

Jehovah's plan was for the Davidic shepherd to deliver Israel from their enemies so that they can worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

Luke 2:10-11

10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

11 for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Messiah the King.

This is the angel of the Holy Spirit speaking to the shepherds giving them the good news that the Davidic of bible prophecy is born. This was the hope of Israel which is that a Davidic Savior would be raised up Jehovah God to redeem them.

Luke 2:25-6

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Jehovah`s Measiah.

Simeon like others in Israel was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Davidic Messiah referred to here as the consolation of Israel. The coming Davidic Shepherd was to be the comforter (consolation) of His people (1 John 2:1). Notice in verse 26 that there is a clear distinction between Jehovah and His Messiah. To be the Messiah of Jehovah means you are not Jehovah but rather His anointed one. Jehovah does not need to be anointed by anyone for He does the anointing.

Luke 2:34-35

34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against; 35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

The arrival of the Messiah would be a double edged sword to the nation of Israel. Those who would fall would be the religious establishment of Judea culminating in the destruction of the temple and the city in A.D. 70.  Even later than that the synagogue system endorsed a false messiah (Bar Kochba) who led a revolt against Rome which caused the Jews to be exiled from the land permanently in 135 A.D.

The rising of many would be those poor in spirit (Matthew 5:5,10). It was oftentimes the one's looked down on by the religious establishment that were taken to victory on eagles wings. Those who realized their need and were humble enough to acknowledge it were raised to newness of life in Messiah and given the Kingdom being made kings and priests (Ephesians 1:4; 2:6).

A sword would even pierce the soul of Mary as she would have to witness the persecution, passion and death of her son. Not only that seeing him go full time into the ministry would be tough for her initially.

Matthew 2:1-2

1 Now when Jehoshua was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 2 Where is he that is born King of the Judeans? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

As prophecy stated the Kingship would be from the tribe of Judah. The wise men of the east had come to Jerusalem to ask where was the newborn king. They had come to worship the future King of Israel. They followed a eastern star to where the Messiah was born:

Numbers 24:17

"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: There shall come forth a star out of Jacob, And a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite through the corners of Moab, And break down all the sons of tumult"

This was a prophecy of the Messianic kings to rise out of Judah but namely Jehoshua. In the new testament Jehoshua is called the day star and the bright and morning star. The sceptre represents Kingship. It is fitting that the wise men would locate the new born king by following a star.

Matthew 2:5-6

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel.

Herod was inquiring where the king was to be born so that he could kill him as the coming Davidic King was a threat to his puppet throne. The chief priests and scribes answered him by quoting Micah 5:2 which shewed that the eschatological Davidic King would be born in Bethlehem in the land of Judah. It's important to note here that the prophet Micah said this future King would rule over Israel. Again, Jehoshua is not the King of the Protestant-Evangelical church, Catholic church or Orthodox Church. This is why it's important to identify ourselves as Israelites not the aforementioned names of the various Gentile churches.

Matthew 2:14-15

14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt; 15 and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Jehovah through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son.

After Herod sent a flood of persecution after Jehoshua his father took him to Egypt to escape. After Herod died, Joseph by a dream was told by the angel of the holy Spirit to bring back Jehoshua and Mary back into the land of Israel (Matthew 2:19-20).

This was to fulfill prophecy as noted in verse 15 of Matthew 2, as Jehovah called His Son out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1):

"When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt"

Israel made the first born son of Jehovah by election:

Exodus 4:22-23

22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:23 and I have said unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou hast refused to let him go: behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born.

Jehoshua being called out of Egypt was so that like the nation of Israel he could serve his God Jehovah. Jehoshua being referred to as the Son of Jehovah preserves the distinction between the two. Just as Israel was not God but rather the firstborn son and servant of God the same goes for Jehoshua.

The title of firstborn denotes preeminence and rank. Israel as a nation is a type of Jehoshua both of whom were elected by Jehovah God to firstborn status. It was because of Jehovah electing Jehoshua that he then begot him in the womb of Mary. The firstborn Son is the heir to the Father's inheritance. The Son of God is the heir of all things:

Hebrews 1:1-2

1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, 2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;

All things basically include to be ruler of God's Kingdom, now in it's spiritual phase but ultimately in it's fulfilment in the age to come. This Kingdom is called the Kingdom of Jehovah God which is eqauted with the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of David ( 1 Chronicles 28:5). This rulership of the Messiah over God's Kingdom is operated from the throne of David (Isaiah 9:7).