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Satan, the Super Creature |
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Satan, the Super Creature |
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What is the Sin Leading to Death?
Death from Violation of Marriage Culture
Death Penalty for Intentional Crimes
Rebellion of Korah
Congregation of Israel
Moses and Aaron
Eli and His Sons
Nabal
Hezekiah
Responsibility for Sin Leading to Death
The Pharisees
Lying to the Holy Spirit
Herod Agrippa I
Dying from Communion
Satan's Power of Death
The Sin Leading to Death
Sin Leading to Death in Children
Judas Iscariot
Sin That Leads to Death
Dying Grace
Losing Life
Dying Before Time
The Sin Leading to Death carries the automatic death penalty. There is no expiatory sacrifice for it (Num 15:30-31), and Rebound is non-operational. Since death is God's Sovereign decision, nothing that man can do can alter it. When He decides it is time for the person to die, nothing can keep that from happening, and until He decides, nothing can take the person out.
The person who dies the Sin Leading to Death dies under Divine punitive action. The person dies before his time. God informs the person's pastor of the decision so the pastor knows that it is the Sin Leading to Death and there is no need to attempt to intercede. In some cases, however, God postpones the death and gives the person more time to finish his work on Earth. That happened to Hezekiah.
Believers and unbelievers can die from the Sin Leading to Death. Unbelievers die when they have continually refused God's offer of Salvation. They may be negative at God consciousness or negative at Gospel hearing, but they have absolutely rejected Salvation. Believers die because they have refused to Rebound and subsequently rejected Bible Doctrine taught by their Right Pastor. Once they are sentenced to the Sin Leading to Death, Rebound is no longer operational.
Satan may be used to administer the death penalty for a person under the Sin Leading to Death. Although Satan has the power to cause death (Heb 2:14), he is not allowed to do so without God's permission. Satan or his demons can cause death, or they can use other people or animals to do so. God may take the person's life or use Elect Angels to do so. However, since a person dying the Sin Leading to Death is already in the Cosmic System, Satan and his demons will likely be there anyway. They were on hand for the death of Moses along with Michael, the Archangel.
Satan considers the Sin Leading to Death a vote in his favor in the Appeal Trial. He not only leads a person astray in the first place, but he delights in taking the person to the grave. Those who die the Sin Leading to Death are Satan's followers and rebels against God. Satan uses them to keep score against God. Thus, when anyone dies the Sin Leading to Death, Satan is involved, directly or indirectly.
Genesis 38:1"About that time" means after Joseph was sold into slavery. Judah "went down," which is Bible language for going down to destruction. Judah was in Reversionism. He was not in fellowship with God. He was a believer, but he was enslaved to his Old Sin Nature and the Cosmic System. He walked in Spiritual death and was no different from an unbeliever.
It came to pass about that time, that Judah went down from his brothers. He pitched up to a man of Adullam, whose name was Hirah.
Judah moved to Adullam, which was southwest of Jerusalem midway to Lachish (Josh. 15:33-35, in the lowland (1 Sam 22:1), 15 miles northwest of Hebron. Judah pitched his tent in the neighborhood of Hirah, a Canaanite unbeliever. Judah pitched his tent close enough to be neighborly with Hirah. He did not pitch his tent up next to him. So Judah, like Lot, was content to live with Gentile unbelievers.
Genesis 38:2Judah saw a Canaanite girl, who was the daughter of Shua. Shua (shu`a) means opulence or plenty. Shua was prosperous in livestock. Worldly prosperity undoubtedly influenced Judah's decision to marry the man's daughter. He married the woman. The Hebrew simply says he took her. And he went in to her, which is the Hebrew bo', meaning to go in to have sex with her.
Judah saw there the daughter of a Canaanite man, whose name was Shua. He married (took) her and went in to her.
Judah married the wrong woman. She was a Canaanite unbeliever. Later, the Mosaic Law would prohibit intermarriage with the inhabitants of the Land (Deut. 7:1-3; Josh 23:12-13). The reason was that intermarriage would lead the Jews away from God. But Judah was already wandering away. He became the friend of Shua, a Gentile unbeliever. He was attracted to Gentile prosperity and worldliness in the Cosmic System. Judah was attracted to the daughter of the prosperous Canaanite and married her. He rejected the Law of God, and took the devil's bait.
Genesis 38:3"Er" is the Hebrew ru@ (`er), from Hebrew rWu (`ur), meaning rabble rouser, to stir up strife, jealousy. Like Ishmael, he was a wild child, the offspring of wrong man and wrong woman.
She (Judah's wife) conceived and bore a son, and he (Judah) called his name Er.
Judah's wife had another son, named in Hebrew /n*w{a ('onan), meaning vigorous (Gen 38:4). And she had a third son, named hl*v@ (shelah), meaning quiet, private, at ease (hold your horses) (Gen 38:5).
When Er grew up, Judah took a wife for him (Gen 38:6). She was Tamar, which is the Hebrew rm*T* (Tamar), meaning palm tree, which is considered a sign of beauty or being sexy. Tamar was probably a Canaanite, but she became a believer with honor and integrity like Ruth. Thus, in the midst of all her lawless Gentile relatives and reversionistic Hebrews, she was Righteous and maintained fellowship with God.
Genesis 38:7 Sin Leading to DeathEr was evil, which is the Hebrew ur^ (ra`). He was an unbeliever under the power of Satan. "So, the Lord caused him to die." This the Hebrew tWm (muth) in the Hiph'il stem, meaning to cause to die. This is the Sin Leading to Death. Er died after he got married and before his wife could conceive. His death was due to a violation of Marriage Culture. Since the firstborn would be in the line of Christ, Satan was behind the scenes trying to destroy the line of Christ. The Lord would not allow the wrong people to be in the line of Christ, so Er, like Esau, was taken out.
But Er, Judah's firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD caused him to die.
Genesis 38:8 Levirate MarriageSince the marriage of Er produced no heirs, Judah commanded Onan to marry Tamar and perform his duty as a brother-in-law to her. He commanded him to make her pregnant under the law of Levirate Marriage. Levirate is from the Latin levir, for husband's brother. Under the Law of Levirate Marriage, if a man died childless, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.
Then Judah said to Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife, and perform the duty as a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother."
Genesis 38:9 Wasted Semen HoaxHowever, Onan knew that the first-born son would not belong to his family but would perpetuate the family of the deceased and receive his inheritance. The son would inherit everything, and Onan would get nothing. So, Onan became jealous. He had sex with Tamar, but he wasted his semen on the ground. He practiced birth control deceitfully. Birth control is not prohibited, but in this case the purpose of the Levirate Marriage was to procreate.
But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so (it was) when he went in to have sex with his brother's wife, he wasted his semen on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother.
Satan is the deceiver and jealous one. He was full of jealous ambition. And Onan was full of jealousy and lascivious lawlessness in the Cosmic System. Onan was under Satan's power.
Genesis 38:10 Onan Dies the Sin Leading to DeathThe hoax that Onan perpetrated was evil in the eyes of the Lord. "Evil" is the Hebrew uu^r* (ra`a` ), which means to be evil, displeasing, bad.
But what he did was evil in the eyes of the LORD; so He caused him to die (the Sin Leading to Death) also.
After his second worthless son died in a relationship with Tamar, Judah was afraid to give his third son, Shelah, to her. He was afraid his youngest son would die, too, because perhaps something was wrong with Tamar that was causing the sons' deaths (Gen 38:11). So, he sent Tamar back home to live with her father until Shelah grew up, although he had no intention of letting Shelah marry her.
Then after a long time, Judah's wife died and he had still not arranged to send his son Shelah to Tamar (Gen 38:12). The death of Judah's wife is another example of the Sin Leading to Death associated with Marriage of wrong man – wrong woman. Marriage is till death do us part, so God breaks up the Marriage of wrong man – wrong woman by the Sin Leading to Death. The man goes to the Cross for his Right Woman (Eph 5:25-26), and the wrong man goes to the cross (Sin Leading to Death) because of the wrong woman.
Judah and his friend Hira went to the sheep shearing at Timnah in the mountains of Judah (Josh 15:57). When Tamar heard that Judah was at Timnah, she knew he would be passing through the Gate of Enaim upon returning Gen 38:13, 14). So, she dressed like a prostitute and sat by the gate. She knew that Judah was a whore hopper. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face (Gen 38:15). Judah arranged to have sex with her for the price of a young goat (Gen 38:16, 17). Since he didn't have a goat with him, she took his seal, cord, and staff as a pledge until he sent the goat to her (Gen 38:18).
After he got home, Judah sent Hirah back with the goat, but he could not find the prostitute (Gen 38:20-23). About three months later, Judah received word that Tamar had "played the harlot" and was pregnant (Gen 38:24). Judah ordered that she be burned. However, she sent the seal, cord, and staff to Judah and said she was pregnant by the man who owned them (Gen 38:25). Judah recognized them and was forced to recant.
Genesis 38:26He admitted that she was "more righteous" than he. "Righteous" is the Hebrew qd#x# (tsedeq), meaning righteous, right, just. Now, Judah, who was out of fellowship, actually meant humanly righteous, as in right or just. He had human viewpoint and not Divine viewpoint. He did not mean the Divine Righteousness of God, but the word does refer to God's Divine Righteousness, which Tamar had. Tamar was in fellowship with God, and Judah was not.
Judah recognized them, and said, "She is more righteous than I; inasmuch as I did not give her to my son Shelah." And he did not have intimate sexual relations with her again.
Tamar bore twins (Gen 38:27-30). The firstborn was Perez, from whom was descended Boaz, the husband of Ruth. Thus, the descendant in the line of Christ (Perez) came from Judah and Tamar.
So, in retrospect, Satan was working behind the scenes to disrupt the line of Christ by the relationships associated with Judah that the Lord judged with the Sin Leading to Death. Tamar, like Ruth, was a believer who was a credit to the Tribe of Judah. Violations of Marriage Culture can result in the Sin Leading to Death. Satan is the enemy of Marriage.
Numbers 15:30 Death Penalty for Intentional CrimesA person acting intentionally was described as acting "with a high hand." This is an idiom, meaning defiantly, but the implication was that he had lifted his hand against the Lord, or rebelled against Him. This amounted to blaspheming against the Lord, and the punishment was that the person must be "cut off" (by the death penalty).
But the person who does anything with a high hand (defiantly), whether he is native or a foreigner, that one is blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off (by death penalty) from among his people.
Intentional Crimes:
Numbers 15:31The reason for the death penalty was that the person (literally soul) had despised the word of the Lord and broken His commandment. Therefore, he must be "completely cut off." This is the Niph'al infinitive absolute plus the Niph'al imperfect of karath, meaning to be cut off (by the death penalty). This leaves no room for forgiveness. The believer would not lose his Salvation, but he must be executed.
Because he has despised the word of the LORD and has broken His commandment, that person (soul) shall be completely cut off; his guilt will be on him.
The offender's "guilt will be on him." "Guilt" is the Hebrew /w{u* (`avon), meaning a depraved action, a crime, a sin. It is often guilt contracted by sinning (Ex. 20:5; 34:7). This meant there was no expiatory sacrifice. The person must bear his own guilt, which required the death penalty.
So, what is learned from this is that intentional violations of the Mosaic Law were punished by death. Whereas, forgiveness was available for unintentional sins, no forgiveness was available for intentional violations of the Law. Such acts amounted to rebellion against the Lord and joining forces with the devil. They required the death penalty. This is precisely the meaning of the Sin Leading to Death.
Whereas, the Lord Jesus Christ paid for all the sins of the world on the Cross, He did not grant forgiveness of those sins. Forgiveness of sins comes at Salvation (Acts 26:18; Col 1:14).
Colossians 1:14This is the Attic Greek double accusative of direct object and result. The direct object is "redemption," which occurred at the Cross and is available to all who will believe. The result is "forgiveness," which occurs at Salvation when a person believes in Christ. When a person sins after Salvation, forgiveness is available through Rebound (1 Jn 1:9). He (God) forgives the sins that we name.
in whom (Christ) we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
However, when a person has rejected God, his sins are not forgiven, even though they were paid for on the Cross. There comes a time when God closes the door of opportunity for Salvation or Rebound and decides to take the person out of this life. That is called the Sin Leading to Death. The person has received the death sentence from God because his sins are unforgiven. He squandered his life, and now his time is up.
Numbers 16:1-2"Took" at the end of verse 1 means that Korah along with his three helpers took, or persuaded, the other 250 men to go along with their conspiracy. According to Gesenius, this is an anacoluthon, a logical inconsistency in a sentence.
1 Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took
2 and rose up against Moses, together with some of the sons of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, men of name (status, rank, title).
Korah, meaning bald, was descended from Izhar, who was a brother of Amram, an ancestor (not the father) of Aaron and Moses (Ex. 6:18). So, whereas Korah was a Levite, he was not one of the priests, the sons of Aaron. Dathan and Abiram are the ringleaders with Korah. On is not mentioned again; so, he apparently backed off.
Numbers 16:3The conspirators assembled against Moses and Aaron. They said, "You have gone far enough!" They drew a battle line against Moses and Aaron to cut them off and take over. This was Satan's plan, and he started a rebellion against Moses and Aaron to take over the temporal (Moses) and spiritual (Aaron) sides of national authority. The words for congregation and assembly in the verse have special significance. "Congregation" is the Hebrew hd*u@ (`edah), for the natural, or temporal, congregation (the nation). "Assembly" is the Hebrew lh*q* (qahal), for the Divinely called, theocratic, or Spiritual, congregation.
They assembled together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, "You have gone far enough! For all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?"
Satan started the conspiracy and rebellion against the Divinely appointed authority of Moses and Aaron. Korah contended that since all the congregation is holy that all of them are equal. He failed to recognize the authority of Moses and Aaron. This is a Satanic half-truth. Satan was behind the whole conspiracy, and his purpose was to overthrow Moses and Aaron and install his own hand-picked pawns.
When Moses heard Korah's demands, he fell on his face before the Lord (Num 16:4). He put the matter in the Lord's hands, and then he challenged them to a contest the next day (Num 16:5). They should all bring their censers with burning incense and let the Lord decide whom He would choose (Num 16:6-7). Moses stood up to the conspiracy and said to Korah and his followers, "You have gone far enough, you sons of Levi!" This was quoting what Korah had said in verse 3. Now Moses was drawing a battle line to resist the conspiracy that Satan had incited.
Hebrews 12:4 Battle Line Against SinThe battle line that Moses drew against Korah corresponds to the battle line the Church Age Believer must draw in his soul against the attack of sin and Satan. The Greek ajntikaqivsthmi (antikathistemi), from (ajntiv, against) + (kaqivsthmi, appoint), means to oppose, resist; to form a battle line. The believer must form a battle line against the attack of sin from the Cosmic System. This verse refers to the believer's fight in contrast to the Lord Jesus Christ, who resisted to the point of death. In this verse the believer has not yet become a martyr.
Not yet have you resisted (formed a battle line) to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin.
Moses confronted Korah about his demands (Num 16:8-11). Then he sent a summons to Dathan and Abiram, who had gone back to their tents (Num 16:12-14). However, they refused to comply and accused Moses of leading them into the wilderness to die and not keeping his promises. Moses became very angry and put the matter in the Lord's hands (Num 16:15).
The next day Korah led the entire congregation to stand against Moses and Aaron. This was a rebellion, but it was also a test of Moses and Aaron. The two of them symbolized witnesses and Divine division, whereby God separates out winner believers for special blessing when they pass the test.
Then the Glory of the Lord appeared, and the Lord told Moses and Aaron to separate from the congregation, and He would destroy the congregation (Num 16:19, 20-21). But Moses and Aaron interceded and begged God not to destroy them (Num 16:22). Then the Lord told Moses to tell everyone to get away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Num 16:24). The people backed away, but Korah, Dathan, and Abirim stood in the doorways of their tents with their families (Num 16:27).
Numbers 16:29If the rebels die a natural death, then the Lord had not sent Moses. The rebels were about to die an unnatural death. They would die the Sin Leading to Death.
If these men die like the death of all men (natural death), and they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me.
Numbers 16:30The phrase, "brings about an entirely new thing" is literally "creates a creation," where create is the Hebrew ar*B* (bara' ), which means to create something entirely new from nothing, or from what never existed before.
"But if the LORD brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will understand that these men have rejected the LORD."
When Moses had finished speaking, the ground cracked open and swallowed up the households of Korah, Dathan, and Abirim and their possessions, along with the men who belonged to Korah, i. e. his servants (Num 16:31-32). According to Num. 26:11, Korah's sons did not perish with him but perpetuated his family (Num 26:58) to become the Korahite singers of David's time (1 Chron. 6:18–22; 9:19).
Then fire consumed the 250 men who were offering incense and who were probably still before the Tabernacle (Num 16:35). The censers of the men who had died were to be made into plating for the Brazen Altar as a memorial (Num 16:38). The verse begins with "The censors of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives." This is the Sin Leading to Death. The sin cost the men their lives.
Satan led the men to rebel against Moses and Aaron, and the Lord backed Moses and Aaron. The Lord ordered the sentence of the Sin Leading to Death. He sent an Elect Angel to open up the ground and perhaps other angels to make the fire to consume the 250 men. And Satan was on hand to keep score and take credit for those who voted for him at the cost of their lives.
Num 14:28–30; Deut 1:34-35;
Ps 95:11; 106:26; Ezek 20:15; Psa 106:28-29; 1 Cor 10:5; Heb 3:14–19
Timeline
– Egypt + 2 yr. (Wilderness of Sinai) (Num 9:1)
+ 2 yr. 2 mo. (left) (Num 10:11-12)
(Hazeroth) (Num 11:35)
(Wilderness of Paran) (Num 12:16)
(Kadesh) (Num 13:26; 14:33) (40 yr. sentence)*
---------- Wilderness
------------------
+ 40 yr. (Wilderness of Zin, Kadesh) (Num 20:1)
+ 40 yr. 5 mo. (Mt. Hor) (Num 20:22; 33:38)
+ 40 yr. 6 mo. (crossed Brook Zered) (Deut 2:14)
(Kadesh to Brook Zered) 38 yr. *
Note: Israel left Egypt on the 15th of the 1st month, year 1. Counting is from year 1.
The
nation of Israel left Egypt on the 15th day of the 1st month of the year.
A travel log was kept based upon that date. The first year was spent
in the Sinai Peninsula. Moses received the Law and instituted the
ordinances of the Tabernacle, which was erected in the first month of the
2nd year (Ex 40:17). Israel observed the first Passover in the Wilderness
(Desert) of the Sinai at the beginning of the 2nd year (Num 9:1).
They moved from there in the 2nd year, 2nd month (Num 10:11-12) and after
several moves arrived in Kadesh-barnea, which is near Petra Num 13:26).
From
Kadesh-barnea Israel sent spies into the Land (Nu 13:1-24). There
were twelve spies, one from each tribe. Upon their return, they reported
that the Land was rich and fertile (Num 13:26, 27), but there were giants
in the Land and the cities were well fortified (Nu 13:28, 29). Only
two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, believed they could conquer the land
(Nu 13:30). The other ten men, however, gave a bad report with reasons
why they were no match for the inhabitants of the Land (Nu 13:31, 32, 33).
When the people heard the bad news, they fell to pieces with fear and anxiety. They whined and cried all night (Nu 14:1). Then they grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
Numbers 14:2-3 RebellionThey were ready to appoint a leader to take them back to Egypt (Nu 14:4). This was not only cowardice and rebellion against Moses and Aaron, but it was rebellion against the Lord. It was classic Reversionism, and Satan was behind it. When Moses and Aaron heard this, they fell on their faces, which means they fell down in intercessory prayer (Nu 14:5).
2 All the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why will the LORD bring us into this Land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little children will become prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?"
Caleb and Joshua tried to reason with the people, but the people were ready to stone them (Nu 14:6-10). Then the Lord threatened to destroy them and raise up another nation for Moses (Nu 14:11-12). However, Moses interceded for the people (Nu 14:13-19), and the Lord relented (Nu 14:20).
Nevertheless, the Lord decreed Judgment upon the people, who had succumbed to Satanic viewpoint and open rebellion against the Lord and His appointed authority.
Numbers 14:22-23 Sin Leading to Death for Generation"For" introduces an oath (Deut 1:34-35). In the Hebrew it implies "as I live" (Nu 14:28). Even after the people saw the Lord's glory and His signs for the past year, they had put Him to the test ten times. There were ten spies who brought back bad reports that amounted to rejection of the Divine Plan. And there were ten incidents of complaining and rejecting the Lord's commands since leaving Egypt. They were:
22 'For all the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, 23 shall not see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it.'
Numbers 14:28-29The Lord swore an oath that all the men of draft age (20 and up) would die in the wilderness because they had grumbled against the Lord. This was the sentence of the Sin Leading to Death for all men of draft age, except Caleb and Joshua (Nu 14:30). However, their children would go into the Land (Num 14:31).
28 Say to them, 'As I live,' says the LORD, 'just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will surely do to you; 29 your corpses will fall in this wilderness, even all your numbered men, according to your complete number from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against Me.'
Num 14:32 Sin Leading to DeathThe Lord repeated the sentence of the Sin Leading to Death. Their children would suffer with them for 40 years until the disobedient ones died in the wilderness (Num 14:33).
'But as for you, your corpses will fall in this wilderness.'
Num 14:34 Sentence of 40 YearsThe sentence of the Sin Leading to Death would take 40 years to carry out, one year for every day spent spying out the Land. The number, 40, stands for maximum Divine discipline. During the 40 years, the Lord would oppose them. This corresponds to the Lord's opposition of the arrogant believer (Jas 4:6).
'According to the number of days which you spied out the land, forty days, for every day you shall bear your guilt a year, even forty years, and you will know My opposition.'
Numbers 14:35 Evil Congregation Sin Leading to DeathThe Lord emphasized His death sentence for the evil congregation. "Evil" means that Satan has incited the rebellion. The congregation of Israel is in Reverse Process Reversionism (RPR). They have rejected the Lord and turned to Satan. They consider the Lord as their enemy and Satan as their friend. This is what happened when they worshipped the golden calf idol.
'I, the LORD, have spoken, surely this I will do to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be completely destroyed, and there they will die.'
The Lord condemned the congregation of Israel to utter destruction in the wilderness. Here the Hebrew <m^T* (tamam) means to be complete; then, to be completely consumed, or destroyed. Every last one of the congregation will die in the wilderness, except for Caleb and Joshua (Num 14:38). So, here the Judgment of the Sin Leading to Death applies not only to the ten spies and the men of draft age, but also to the entire congregation, except for the children.
Church Age Admonition
The failures of Israel in the wilderness are admonitions for the Church. The wilderness wanderings have Spiritual application to the Church. The historical events of the Exodus have a higher Spiritual meaning in the unfolding of God's Plan for the Ages. They are a textbook of doctrinal instruction.
1 Corinthians 10:1In teaching the Corinthians, who were Gentile Greeks, Paul reviews the highlights of the wilderness wanderings of Israel. He says he does not want them to be "ignorant" of this Bible Doctrine. He refers to the Exodus generation as "our fathers," even though the Greeks are not descended from the Hebrews. In terms of Spiritual heritage, the Hebrews of the Exodus were the forerunners of the Spiritual life of the Church Age.
For I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea;
The children of Israel were "all under the cloud." The Lord appeared as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to the camp of Israel (Ex 13:21). The cloud was the symbol of the Lord as the Shekinah Glory. They were all "under the cloud," or covered by the cloud, as a symbol of Positional Sanctification of the believers of Israel. Positional Sanctification is a believer's position in union with Christ in Heaven. At Salvation, the sins of the believer are forgiven and he is set apart in union with the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven. The Lord (Jehovah) of the Old Testament saints would later become Jesus Christ of the New Testament.
Clouds in the sky symbolize heavenly beings, e. g. the Lord, Shekinah Glory, angels, and believers at the Resurrection and Second Advent (Rev 1:7). White clouds symbolize sanctification (Matt 17:2, 5). White is the color of angelic clothing (Matt 28:3). Dark clouds symbolize God's Judgment, e.g. the Flood, Second Advent. A cloud may symbolize Positional Sanctification of a group of believers, such as Old Testament believers of Israel (1 Cor 10:1-2). Clouds are produced by the weather angels as the backdrop for human history (Rev 7:1).
Baptism of Moses
All the members of the Exodus generation passed through the Red Sea.
1 Corinthians 10:2 Baptism of MosesBaptize is a transliteration of the Greek baptivzw (baptizo), which literally means to dip or immerse. However, the only ones who got wet at the Red Sea were the Egyptians. So figuratively, baptize means to identify with. "Baptized into Moses" means the congregation of Israel was identified with Moses under the cloud and crossing the Red Sea.
and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
"In
the cloud" refers to the part the cloud played in separating the camp of
Israel from the camp of the Egypt at the Red Sea. The cloud that
went before Israel moved behind their camp to protect them from the Egyptians
at the Red Sea (Ex 14:19).
Exodus 14:20 Cloud of SeparationAt night on the Egyptian side of the cloud, it was black dark. But on the Israeli side of the cloud there was light from the Shekinah Glory.
And it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness (to the Egyptians), and it lighted up the night (to Israel). Thus, one did not come near the other all night.
The cloud separated the kingdom of darkness (Egypt, the world) from the kingdom of Light (Israel, the saved) (Acts 26:18; Col 1:13). The cloud was the manifestation of Jesus Christ, the only way of Salvation (Jn 14:6; 1 Pet 2:9). Satan ruled the kingdom of darkness (2 Cor 4:4), and the Lord ruled the kingdom of Light (Jn 8:12; 9:5; 2 Cor 4:6; 1 Jn 1:6).
Crossing
the Red Sea symbolized being baptized in the sea. The baptism of
Moses symbolized Positional Sanctification. Egypt symbolized the
world. Leaving Egypt symbolized separation from the world at Salvation.
And crossing the Red Sea symbolized Positional Sanctification, being set
apart and purified from sin in union with the Lord.
Positional Sanctification:
Spiritual Food
1 Corinthians 10:3 Spiritual FoodThe Lord provided daily food for the Exodus generation in the wilderness. They ate manna, which the Lord provided (Ex 16:4, 35; Neh 9:15, 20; Ps 78:24-25; 105:40). The manna symbolized the Word of God, Bible Doctrine, which sustains the Spiritual Life (Deut 8:3; Rev 2:17). Just as physical food sustains the body, Bible Doctrine sustains the Spiritual life. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life (Jn 6:30-35). Eating the Bread of Life corresponds to believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and receiving Eternal Life.
and all ate the same spiritual food;
Spiritual Drink
1 Corinthians 10:4 Spiritual DrinkWhen the congregation of Israel needed water, the Lord gave them water from a rock. This happened twice, at Rephidim and Kadesh-barnea (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11; Deut 8:15; Ps 78:15-16, 20; 105:41; Isa 48:21). The water symbolizes the water of the Word for Salvation and the Spiritual Life (Jn 4:10, 14; 7:37; Rev 22:17). And the water symbolizes the water of Eternal Life in Heaven (Rev 7:16-17). The Rock symbolizes Jesus Christ (Deut 32:4, 15, 18, 30; Ps 18:2, 31; 78:35; 89:26; Isa 26:4; 30:29).
and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ.
Dying in the Wilderness
1 Corinthians 10:5 Dying in the WildernessAfter spying out the Land, the soldiers and the congregation of Israel rebelled against the Lord and were ready to return to Egypt. Of course, Satan was behind the rebellion, and they were listening to Satan and rejecting the Lord. Because of their continued negative volition to the Spiritual life, the Lord decreed that those 20 years old and up would die in the wilderness and not enter the Promised Land. He thus sentenced them to the Sin Leading to Death, and all of them died in the wilderness except for Caleb and Joshua (Nu 14:28-29; 26:64-65; Deut 1:34-35; 2:15-16; Psa 78:32-34).
Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.
Examples
The events of the wilderness wanderings serve as examples for Church Age Believers.
1 Corinthians 10:6 ExamplesChurch Age Believers should be careful not to follow the same example of disobedience (Heb 4:11). They desired "evil things." Evil is the policy of Satan. By rejecting God's Logistical Grace provision and craving something else, the Exodus generation was doing evil under the influence of Satan. The people complained about the manna, which God provided, and craved for meat (Nu 11:4). Those who were greedy for meat died after the Lord sent them quail at Kibroth-hattaavah (Nu 11:34).
Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we should not be those desiring evil things just as those also craved.
Idolatry
When Moses delayed coming down from the mountain where he was receiving the Law, the congregation of Israel engaged in idolatry. They convinced Aaron to make them a golden calf to worship (Ex 32:4). They declared a feast and sat down to eat and drink and then rose up to play (Ex 32:6; 1 Cor 10:7). The word for play is the Hebrew qj^x* (tsachaq), meaning to tickle sexually (conjugal caresses); to sport, fondle, or play sexually (Gen 26:8; 39:14, 17; Ex 32:6). Thus, worshipping the golden calf corresponded to ritual prostitution of the Prostitute of Babylon. Although idolatry may not be practiced openly today, the Prostitute of Babylon has infiltrated the Church and most of the other institutions in society.
Prostitute of Babylon
Just prior to entering the Land Israel was attacked by Satan through the Prostitute of Babylon.
1 Corinthians 10:8 Prostitute of BabylonHere, the Greek porneuvw (porneuo) means to prostitute, practice prostitution or sexual immorality. It occurs twice as the present active subjunctive and the aorist active indicative. It is translated "practice prostitution" and "committed prostitution." This is describing the ritual prostitution of the worship of Baal-peor. After Balaam failed to curse Israel, he came up with a scheme to send Moabite and Midianite women into the camp to lure the men into ritual prostitution in the worship of Baal-peor (Nu 25:1-9). Fornicating with the Moabite and Midianite women amounted to connecting to Satan through the Prostitute of Babylon (Nu 25:3; Psa 106:28). Consequently, the Lord killed 24,000 of the men of Israel (23,000 in one day) in a plague (Nu 25:9).1
Nor let us practice prostitution as some of them committed prostitution, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.
Serpents
After the Lord provided water for Israel from the rock at Kadesh-barnea, the King of Edom refused to let Israel pass through his country on the way to the Land. Consequently, Israel had to make a long trip around Edom through the desert.
1 Corinthians 10:9 SerpentsAs the congregation of Israel traveled around Edom through the desert, they began to complain about everything (Nu 21:5). This amounted to rebellion against the Lord and His Plan. This tried the Lord's patience as to whether He would put up with them. Consequently, the Lord sent fiery serpents to kill the people (Nu 21:6). The serpents symbolized Satan, whose attacks against Israel intensified as they approached the Land. The people cried out to Moses, and he erected a bronze serpent on a pole. Those who were bitten could look at the bronze serpent and be healed and live (Nu 21:9).
Nor let us test Christ as some of them tested Him and were destroyed by serpents.
Grumbling
1 Corinthians 10:10 GrumblingThe very next day after the Korah Rebellion was put down and Korah and his household were swallowed up by the ground, the congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses. "Grumbled" is the Greek gogguvzw (gogguzo), meaning to murmur or grumble. It is complaining by speaking softly so as not to be over heard.
Nor grumble as some of them grumbled and were destroyed by the destroyer.
The congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and blamed the death of Korah and the conspirators on Moses (Num 16:41). However, the glory of the Lord appeared and threatened to consume the congregation of Israel (Num 16:44-45). A plague immediately broke out among the people, and Moses sent Aaron to take his censer into the crowd and make atonement for them (Num 16:46). Aaron ran into the crowd with his censer and stood between the dead and the living (Num 16:47, 48). Those who died in the plague were 14,700 (Num 16:49).
The plague was the work of "the destroyer." The Lord or one of His Elect Angels was the destroyer as in Ex 12:23; 2 Sam 24:16; 1 Chr 21:15; Heb 11:28.
Examples for the Church Age
The events of the Exodus of Israel were examples for the Church Age. The elementary principles of the Spiritual life were taught in the Exodus so that advanced doctrines can be learned in the Church Age. In the unfolding of the Plan of God, Israel served the Church.
1 Corinthians 10:11 Examples for the ChurchThe subjects of life and death in the wilderness are stern warning for the Church of the necessity to advance in Bible Doctrine and avoid the Sin Leading to Death. The miracles that the Lord performed in the wilderness have become the doctrine for the Church to believe and practice. The Church is to understand the Spiritual meaning of the historical events of the Exodus.
Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages (dispensations) have come.
Moses and the congregation of Israel were chased by Pharaoh, the Evil King, and the Egyptian Army. But in the Church Age the believer is attacked by Satan, who symbolizes the Evil King, and his demons. Fallen and Elect Angels influence events on Earth, but God maintains Sovereign control over His Creation. God may open the door for Satan to attack in order to Judge mankind. And the Elect Angels may protect Christians from the Evil One or minister in other ways.
There
are three levels of control and influence from the three heavens.
The Earth and its atmosphere are the First Heaven, where the physical events
of history occur. The Angels occupy the Universe in the sphere of
the Second Heaven. They observe and influence mankind. The
Third Heaven is the realm of God and His Sovereign control over all Creation.
Nothing happens on Earth or in Heaven without God's knowledge and permission.
Everything that happens whether by man or angels is under God's Sovereign
control. Man can still exercise his free will, but he cannot out
maneuver God's Sovereign System.
The key to understanding God is Bible Doctrine. Therefore, when anything happens whether from man or angels, Bible Doctrine can be used to understand it. Even evil is exposed by the Sovereign definitions of Divine Creation as found in the Word of God.
The "ends of the ages" refers to the Church Age as the last of the dispensations before the end of the Jewish Age and Second Advent when the world will be destroyed in the Baptism of Fire in preparation for the Millennium.
In
the fortieth year since leaving Egypt, the congregation of Israel moved
to the Wilderness (or Desert) of Zin to Kadesh (Nu 20:1). Kadesh
was located about 3 miles north of Petra, which is called Little Petra,
Jordan today. The area has large rock cliffs, which correspond to
the rock from which water was brought forth. Israel's intent was
to cross through Edom and go up the King's Highway and enter the Land from
the East. From this point Satan became very active in opposing Israel's
advance into the Land. At Kadesh there was no water for the people
to drink, and they seized the opportunity to complain against Moses (Nu
20:2-3, 4-5). Satan was stirring them up.
Moses and Aaron took the matter to the Lord, and He appeared in His glory over the Tabernacle (Nu 20:6). The Lord said to them:
Numbers 20:8The rod was the one that Moses used to perform the miracles in Egypt. It was not Aaron's rod that budded. Moses was to speak to the rock before the people. "Speak" is the Hebrew dabar, which is a word for speaking specifically as opposed to casual talking. Previously Moses had been commanded to strike the rock to get water for the people (Ex 17:6).
"Take the rod; and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water. You shall thus bring forth water for them out of the rock and give drink to the congregation and to their cattle."
But Moses took the rod and stood with Aaron before the people and said, "Hear now, you rebels, shall we fetch you water out of this rock?" Then Moses struck the rock twice, and water poured out abundantly (Nu 20:10, 11). What happened was that Satan took Moses under his influence. When Moses became angry with the congregation, sin opened the door into the Cosmic System, and Satan enslaved him. Moses fell under the influence and spell of Satan, who proceeded to put words in Moses' mouth to castigate the congregation. Moses spoke the thoughts in his mind, but Satan was putting the thoughts there (like Direct Memory Access). Moses proceeded to strike the rock twice under the power of Satan. Striking the rock was a sign of judgment, and the number, 2, symbolized Divine division. Moses and Aaron would be separated, but not for blessing.
Psalm 106:32-33The congregation provoked the Lord to anger when they failed the second no-water test. "And it was evil for Moses." Here the Hebrew uu^r* (ra`a` ) means to be evil or bad. When Moses reacted to the people, Satan seized him, and he became evil. In his evil state, Moses opposed God and did the devil's bidding. Because the people rebelled against the Spirit of God, Moses spoke rashly and tried to condemn them. Moses had no right to judge the people, especially after the Lord had told him to speak to the rock. Moses suddenly became a different person. Satan took him over.
32 They also provoked Him to anger at the waters of Meribah,
And it was evil (bad) for Moses because of them.
33 Because they rebelled against His (God's) Spirit,
He (Moses) spoke rashly with his lips.
Satan's attack of Moses is precisely how false teachers operate. Therefore, members of the congregation are supposed to "test the spirits" (1 Jn 4:1). Spirits that reject the incarnation of Jesus Christ are the spirits of Satan and his demons (1 Jn 4:2, 3). Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit have power over false teachers (1 Jn 4:4). Satan can speak through pastors just as he did through Moses. Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit can recognize this.
Numbers 20:12 Sin Leading to Death for Moses and AaronBecause Moses and Aaron disobeyed and did this evil before the congregation of Israel, they were sentenced to the Sin Leading to Death. They would die soon and not be allowed to enter the Land. The harsh sentence was due to a very serious offense. It was more than Moses losing his temper. It was that Moses succumbed to the power of Satan and became a false prophet. And Aaron was complicit in the matter. The sentence of the Sin Leading to Death is also recorded in other scriptures (Deut 3:23-25, 26-27; 4:21).
But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you have not trusted in Me, to sanctify Me before the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them."
Moses was allowed to view the Promised Land from the top of Mount Nebo, where he would die, but he would not be allowed to enter (Deut 32:48-50). The reason was:
Deuteronomy 32:51This was written by Joshua, who finished the book of Deuteronomy for Moses. "Broke faith" is the Hebrew lu^m* (ma`al), which means to act unfaithfully. Moses did not obey the Lord. He did not "sanctify" the Lord in the midst of the congregation. This means that he did not set the Lord apart as sacred. Instead, he succumbed to the power of Satan and spoke evil.
"because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not sanctify Me in the midst of the children of Israel."
Deuteronomy 32:39 Divine Discipline"I am He" is an expression of Divine being, which is the very meaning of the tetragrammaton, JHWH, as the self existing One (Jn 8:24; 18:5). "There is no God beside Me." This refers to God's Sovereignty, from whence He executes Judgment and Deliverance. "I put to death and I give life." God gives human life. He has the power of life and death (1 Sam. 2:6; 2 Kings 5:7). He has the power to judge a person for the Sin Leading to Death. "I wound, and I heal." He punishes with intensified discipline, and he heals wounds. "And there is none who can deliver out from My hand." The hand of God symbolizes Divine punishment. No one can stop God's discipline (Isa. 43:13; Hos. 5:14; 2:10). Satan thinks he can, but he can't.
"See now, that I, I am He,
There is no God beside Me;
I put to death, and I give life;
I wound, and I heal;
And there is none who can deliver out from My hand."
Numbers 20:13"Meribah" is the Hebrew hb*yr!m= (meribah), meaning strife, contention; quarreling (verbal strife) (Ex 17:7). The children of Israel contended with the Lord by grumbling and griping about having no water (which is God's provision in Logistical Grace). And they complained about Divinely appointed leaders for bringing them into the wilderness. But the Lord "sanctified Himself on them." This is the Hebrew vd^q* (qadash), which means to show oneself holy in inflicting punishments (Ezek. 28:22); to be consecrated. It means the Lord demonstrated His Divine Integrity. The Lord sanctified Himself on them by giving them water from a miracle and by punishing Moses and Aaron for disobedience.
These are the waters of Meribah (strife), where the children of Israel contended with the LORD, and He sanctified Himself on them.
Aaron's Death
From Kadesh Moses asked the king of Edom for permission to travel through his land up the King's Highway. When the king refused, the congregation of Israel had to go around Edom from the South. When they reached Mt. Hor in the vicinity of Petra, the Lord gave the order for Aaron to die (Nu 20:23, 24). Moses was told to take Aaron and his son Eleazar up on Mt. Hor (Nu 20:25). Aaron's priestly garments were to be stripped off and given to his son (Nu 20:26). When this was done, Aaron died on top of the mountain (Nu 20:28).
Aaron died the Sin Leading to Death for his disobedience at Meribah-kadesh. He died in the 40th year and the 5th month of the wilderness wanderings (Nu 33:38; Deut 10:6). Aaron was 123 years old when he died (Nu 33:39).
Attacks Upon Israel
Satan aroused the Canaanite King of Arad from the North to attack Israel while they were at Mt. Hor (Num 21:1). The territory of the King of Arad extended down to the Wilderness of Zin through which Israel had passed. The King attacked Israel because he mistakenly thought they were coming North after him. However, this was Satan's lie. Israel was eventually able to destroy the King of Arad and his cities, including Hormah.
As Israel traveled around Edom, they renewed their belly-aching and complaining (Nu 21:4-5). Then the Lord sent fiery serpents, which killed many of the people (Nu 21:6). Moses placed a bronze serpent on a pole so that any who were bitten could look at it and live (Nu 21:8, 9). The serpents symbolized Satan, who was attacking the camp to keep Israel out of the Promised Land.
Israel crossed the Brook Zered on the southern border of Moab in the 40th year and about 6 months, which was 38 years after leaving Kadesh-barnea (Num 21:12; Deut 2:14). By then all the men of war who had been at Kadesh-barnea the first time in the second year of the Exodus (except Caleb and Joshua) had died. At Kadesh-barnea the Lord had declared that all the men 20 years old and upward (except Caleb and Joshua) would die in the wilderness, and Israel would spend 40 years in the wilderness (Nu 14:29, 30, 33).
Israel was not permitted to attack Moab. Israel asked Sihon, King of the Amorites, for permission to pass through his land, which was north of the Arnon River (Nu 21:21, 22), but he refused and attacked (Nu 21:23). Israel destroyed him and captured all his cities. Then Israel was attacked by Og, King of Bashan. Israel utterly destroyed his army and took his land (Nu 21:33-35).
Then Balak, King of Moab, sent for Balaam to curse Israel.1 Although he couldn't curse Israel, he did bring in the Moabite and Midianite women to lure Israel into captivity to Baal by the Prostitute of Babylon. While Israel camped at Shittim prior to entering the Land, they yoked themselves to Baal of Peor (Nu 25:1-3). Thus, Satan attacked Israel as Baal, the Prostitute of Babylon. The Lord cursed Israel and 24,000 died in the plague. In retaliation, Israel attacked the Midianites, who were living under Sihon as his subjects, and killed Balaam (Nu 31).
After Israel had defeated its enemies east of the Jordan and after Moses had finished writing most of Deuteronomy and speaking the Song of Moses to the people (Deut 32:1-44), that same day the Lord told Moses to go up to Mount Nebo and see the Promised Land (Deut 32:45, 48, 49). Then Moses would die from the Sin Leading to Death on the mountain (Deut 32:50). His sin was that he broke faith with the Lord at Kadesh when Satan influenced him to disobey the Lord (Deut 32:51).
Moses
went up Mount Nebo, which is the top of the Pisgah Range (Deut. 3:27; 34:1;
ref. Num. 21:20) and the Abarim Range (Num. 27:12; 33:47). From Mt.
Nebo, Moses saw the Promised Land from Dan in the North to the Negev in
the South and Jericho (Deut 34:1, 2-3). He could see all the way
to the Mediterranean Sea. When Moses had seen the Promised Land,
he died from the Sin Leading to Death (Deut 34:5). He died because
he had rebelled against the Lord's command under the power of the devil.
Numbers 27:14 Reason for Death of MosesMoses failed to honor the sanctity of the Lord and disobeyed the Lord's command to speak to the rock at Kadesh to receive water for the people to drink. This amounted to rebellion against the Lord and succumbing to the evil of Satan. Because of this terrible evil, Moses died the Sin Leading to Death.
Because in the wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to sanctify Me before their eyes at the waters." (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)
After Moses died, the Lord buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor (Deut 34:6). Notice that the Lord does not leave dead bodies lying around. A body is naked without the soul, and it is dishonorable to leave a dead body exposed for all to see. Since the Lord had to bury Moses, it indicates that no one saw him die, other than the angels. The burial place was kept secret in order to prevent Satan and apostate believers from making it into a holy site, which has happened.
After Moses died, Satan got into a dispute with Michael, the Archangel, over the body of Moses (Jude 1:9). Satan wanted to take credit for Moses' death and claim his grave as a trophy, and he undoubtedly wanted to make his burial site a holy place. There is nothing sacred about the grave of Moses, but Satan sponsors religion to deceive people with lies and false doctrine. Satan did not want to move the body but simply to stand guard over it to lay claim to it. This shows that he is keeping score. In the Appeal Trial he is claiming those who die the Sin Leading to Death as his.
Moses died at age 120. He still had perfect eyesight, and his physical vigor had not abated (Deut 34:7). The position of Moses in the Old Testament was unique. He is the only prophet whom the Lord spoke with face-to-face. Yet he died the Sin Leading to Death. He was a type of the Law, which defined sin. And sin brings forth death. The Exodus generation died in the wilderness. The Promised Land symbolizes life, blessing, and freedom. So, it was inevitable that Moses had to die before entering the Land (Rom 5:14, 15).
Author: Larry Wood, Released - May 3, 2013 - Revised Dec. 4, 2014
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