Jacob's Ladder or God's Ladder? (Gen 28:10-32:2)

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BenAvraham

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2015
932
298
63
#1
Parashah: “VaYetze” (and he went out) GENESIS 28:10-32:2


In this parashah study, we see that Jacob is on his way to Haran to find himself a wife (or two). He is tired after a long day's journey, He stops to rest outside of a city called “Luz” and scripture says that he settles down for the night and takes “of the stones” (m'avenei) and puts “one” under his head for a pillow. I am sure he chose a large, flat one, wrapped his tunic around it, and put his head down. Perhaps the stone was still warm from the heat of the day, and he went to sleep and dreamed........

But before we get to the dream, I'd like to note that in all English translations, the number “one” appears which states that he took “one” stone, yet the Hebrew does not give a certain number, the word “m'avenei” is used meaning “of the stones” It could be that he took one “of the stones” or a few “of the stones”. All we know is that he went to sleep and dreamed a strange dream. We all know the story of “Jacob's Ladder” we have read it in Bible storybooks, and from the Torah itself. Yet I think that the title is misleading, it wasn't “Jacob's Ladder” at all, it was “God's Ladder” Jacob was just a witness to seeing it, and the activity surrounding it.

The Word says that the ladder was grounded on the earth and the top reached Heaven, and angels went up and down the ladder. Then it says that YHVH stood beside Jacob and spoke saying; “Ani YHVH. Elohei Avraham, Elohei Yitzchak” (I am the LORD, God of Abraham, God of Isaac). The same promise given to Abraham and Isaac is now being repeated to Ya'akov.

The land where he is at right now will be a possession for him and his seed. The title and deed of the Land of Israel pertain to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. YHVH said it, case closed! The rest of the people who live there are “residents” not owners! YHVH likens the descendants of Jacob to the “dust of the earth” Why dust? Dust cannot be counted, ever try to count a “speck of dust?” dust will “last forever” Also, lay something out in the desert for 1000 years, a car for example, in 1000 years, the car will be no more, probably not even a trace of it will be left, because the “dust” will have, in a way of speaking, “eaten it”. The dust is also “trodden upon.” Also, the Jewish people have been "trodden upon" by many nations of the world through Antisemitism.

“Am Yisrael” (The people of Israel) will be forever, as our faith in our “Mashiach m'Yisrael” (Messiah from Israel) is an everlasting faith, which will endure forever. Israel has also been “trodden on” stepped on, mistreated, taken as worthless by maniac leaders, yet when all is gone and vanished, Israel will be forever.

Scripture also says that Israel will be spread abroad to the North, South, East, and West. In other words, “All over the world” and we have seen just that today.

We have Jewish people in all nations of the world, integrated among all the nations, taking the Torah with them, and the belief in ONE GOD (Echad). We have three major Jewish peoples, “Sephardim” from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. “Ashkenazim” from Germany and East Europe, and “Falashim” from Ethiopia and other African countries. The Torah says, “In thy seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.

Who is the Seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Yeshua! He was of the seed of these patriarchs! And we are all blessed by HIM, whose one-time sacrifice for sin saved us all, from eternal separation from YHVH. His name “YESHUAH” is “Salvation” from YAH.

When Jacob awoke from his dream, he stood the “stone” that he placed as a pillow, “upright” and anointed it with oil, calling that place “Beit-El” (House of God). The rabbis of old give meaning to this, some say that the “stones that were together become ONE” some say that Jacob gathered 12 stones, and these 12 stones became ONE, symbolizing the 12 sons of Israel, that became 12 tribes, were “united” as “AM ECHAD” (One People) at Sinai under Moses after they had left Egypt.

The word “stone” in Hebrew is “EVEN” which is a combination of two words, AV (father) and BEN (Son) Father and Son as ONE (Echad). The anointing of the “Stone” reminds us of the anointing of YESHUA as Messiah, teacher of Torah, healer, and redeemer. He is the SOLID ROCK.

Yeshua is the “solid Rock” and as we see that the “stone” is under Jacob’s head, it is next to his mind, so, in a way of thinking, our thoughts should be in Yeshua and things of the Torah.

The ladder itself is symbolic. The sages and rabbis of old liken the ladder to “Moses climbing up to the top of Sinai to receive the Commandments carved in STONE, and later, went up again for 40 days and nights to receive the whole Torah which he later wrote down. He went UP and YHVH came DOWN, we liken this unto “Yeshua the Living WORD, the living TORAH”.

Other rabbis imagine the ladder as having 22 steps, each step being a letter of the Alef-Bet, the Hebrew Alphabet. Since all letters form words, we look again at Yeshua who is the “living WORD, the living TRUTH. The ladder is the “WAY up, and the WAY down. Yeshua said, “I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, no one comes to the Father but by ME” He was UP in Heaven, together with the Father, and He came DOWN to earth, to live among man sometime during the Feast of Tabernacles (October, not December 25)

The Hebrew word for "Ladder" is "Sulam" in Hebrew, it is spelled with only 3 letters. (S+L+M) "3" reminds us of "Elohim" and the Ladder is connected to HIM, who is in the Heavens. Yeshua explains "who" the ladder is in John 1:52

"And you will see the Heavens opened and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man" So, Yeshua/Jesus IS the Ladder, We need to grab hold of "Sulam-Yeshua" and go UP. He IS the Only Way UP to the Father.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,908
113
#2
Parashah: “VaYetze” (and he went out) GENESIS 28:10-32:2


In this parashah study, we see that Jacob is on his way to Haran to find himself a wife (or two). He is tired after a long day's journey, He stops to rest outside of a city called “Luz” and scripture says that he settles down for the night and takes “of the stones” (m'avenei) and puts “one” under his head for a pillow. I am sure he chose a large, flat one, wrapped his tunic around it, and put his head down. Perhaps the stone was still warm from the heat of the day, and he went to sleep and dreamed........

But before we get to the dream, I'd like to note that in all English translations, the number “one” appears which states that he took “one” stone, yet the Hebrew does not give a certain number, the word “m'avenei” is used meaning “of the stones” It could be that he took one “of the stones” or a few “of the stones”. All we know is that he went to sleep and dreamed a strange dream. We all know the story of “Jacob's Ladder” we have read it in Bible storybooks, and from the Torah itself. Yet I think that the title is misleading, it wasn't “Jacob's Ladder” at all, it was “God's Ladder” Jacob was just a witness to seeing it, and the activity surrounding it.

The Word says that the ladder was grounded on the earth and the top reached Heaven, and angels went up and down the ladder. Then it says that YHVH stood beside Jacob and spoke saying; “Ani YHVH. Elohei Avraham, Elohei Yitzchak” (I am the LORD, God of Abraham, God of Isaac). The same promise given to Abraham and Isaac is now being repeated to Ya'akov.

The land where he is at right now will be a possession for him and his seed. The title and deed of the Land of Israel pertain to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. YHVH said it, case closed! The rest of the people who live there are “residents” not owners! YHVH likens the descendants of Jacob to the “dust of the earth” Why dust? Dust cannot be counted, ever try to count a “speck of dust?” dust will “last forever” Also, lay something out in the desert for 1000 years, a car for example, in 1000 years, the car will be no more, probably not even a trace of it will be left, because the “dust” will have, in a way of speaking, “eaten it”. The dust is also “trodden upon.” Also, the Jewish people have been "trodden upon" by many nations of the world through Antisemitism.

“Am Yisrael” (The people of Israel) will be forever, as our faith in our “Mashiach m'Yisrael” (Messiah from Israel) is an everlasting faith, which will endure forever. Israel has also been “trodden on” stepped on, mistreated, taken as worthless by maniac leaders, yet when all is gone and vanished, Israel will be forever.

Scripture also says that Israel will be spread abroad to the North, South, East, and West. In other words, “All over the world” and we have seen just that today.

We have Jewish people in all nations of the world, integrated among all the nations, taking the Torah with them, and the belief in ONE GOD (Echad). We have three major Jewish peoples, “Sephardim” from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. “Ashkenazim” from Germany and East Europe, and “Falashim” from Ethiopia and other African countries. The Torah says, “In thy seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.

Who is the Seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Yeshua! He was of the seed of these patriarchs! And we are all blessed by HIM, whose one-time sacrifice for sin saved us all, from eternal separation from YHVH. His name “YESHUAH” is “Salvation” from YAH.

When Jacob awoke from his dream, he stood the “stone” that he placed as a pillow, “upright” and anointed it with oil, calling that place “Beit-El” (House of God). The rabbis of old give meaning to this, some say that the “stones that were together become ONE” some say that Jacob gathered 12 stones, and these 12 stones became ONE, symbolizing the 12 sons of Israel, that became 12 tribes, were “united” as “AM ECHAD” (One People) at Sinai under Moses after they had left Egypt.

The word “stone” in Hebrew is “EVEN” which is a combination of two words, AV (father) and BEN (Son) Father and Son as ONE (Echad). The anointing of the “Stone” reminds us of the anointing of YESHUA as Messiah, teacher of Torah, healer, and redeemer. He is the SOLID ROCK.

Yeshua is the “solid Rock” and as we see that the “stone” is under Jacob’s head, it is next to his mind, so, in a way of thinking, our thoughts should be in Yeshua and things of the Torah.

The ladder itself is symbolic. The sages and rabbis of old liken the ladder to “Moses climbing up to the top of Sinai to receive the Commandments carved in STONE, and later, went up again for 40 days and nights to receive the whole Torah which he later wrote down. He went UP and YHVH came DOWN, we liken this unto “Yeshua the Living WORD, the living TORAH”.

Other rabbis imagine the ladder as having 22 steps, each step being a letter of the Alef-Bet, the Hebrew Alphabet. Since all letters form words, we look again at Yeshua who is the “living WORD, the living TRUTH. The ladder is the “WAY up, and the WAY down. Yeshua said, “I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, no one comes to the Father but by ME” He was UP in Heaven, together with the Father, and He came DOWN to earth, to live among man sometime during the Feast of Tabernacles (October, not December 25)

The Hebrew word for "Ladder" is "Sulam" in Hebrew, it is spelled with only 3 letters. (S+L+M) "3" reminds us of "Elohim" and the Ladder is connected to HIM, who is in the Heavens. Yeshua explains "who" the ladder is in John 1:52

"And you will see the Heavens opened and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man" So, Yeshua/Jesus IS the Ladder, We need to grab hold of "Sulam-Yeshua" and go UP. He IS the Only Way UP to the Father.
amen

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:2-4, 6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:19‬ ‭
 
Nov 1, 2024
1,194
384
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#3
The title and deed of the Land of Israel pertain to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. YHVH said it, case closed! The rest of the people who live there are “residents” not owners!
This is such an oft repeated fallacy. It's amazing how we can read the bible without understanding the most basic things it's telling us.

YHWH never gave anyone a title deed to the land of Israel, except Christ. He told Israel the land belongs to him and they were guests and residents with him, not owners

The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for you are foreigners and sojourners with me. Leviticus 25:23
Foreigner
H1616 גֵּר ger (gare) n-m.
גֵּיר geyr (gare) [fully]
1. (properly) a guest.
2. (by implication) a foreigner.

Sojourner
H8453 תּוֹשָׁב towshab (to-shawɓ') n-m.
תֹּשָׁב toshab (to-shawɓ') [1 Kings 17:1]
1. a dweller (but not outlandish (H5237)).
2. (especially) a resident alien (as distinguished from a native citizen (active participle of H3427) and a temporary inmate (H1616) or mere lodger (H3885)) .

If someone tells you that they are giving you an apartment, do you have title deed to it and own it? No, you are being given the right to live in it subject to a rental agreement. If you break the agreement you get kicked out and others will occupy the apartment.

The old covenant was YHWH's rental agreement, which Israel and Judah broke and were evicted from the land.

When YHWH first promised Abraham to give the land to him as an inheritance, Abraham asked for surety, ie, a guarantee. YHWH responded by cutting a blood covenant with him promising to give the land, not to Abraham, but to his seed.

And [YHWH] said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? Genesis 15:7-8
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: Genesis 15:18

Paul said the seed is Christ, not the children of Israel.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Galatians 3:16
We have to ask ourselves, how would God promising to give the land to Abraham's many descendants be a guarantee to Abraham that he would receive the promise? He would die and they would die, so he could receive nothing from them. Abraham knew that the seed was Christ and he would inherit the promise from him, his seed, in the resurrection. This is proof that Paul was correct.

So Christ is the owner of the land and all others receive their inheritance in him, just as Abraham does. Not in Christ? No inheritance.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,908
113
#4
This is such an oft repeated fallacy. It's amazing how we can read the bible without understanding the most basic things it's telling us.

YHWH never gave anyone a title deed to the land of Israel, except Christ. He told Israel the land belongs to him and they were guests and residents with him, not owners

The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for you are foreigners and sojourners with me. Leviticus 25:23
Foreigner
H1616 גֵּר ger (gare) n-m.
גֵּיר geyr (gare) [fully]
1. (properly) a guest.
2. (by implication) a foreigner.

Sojourner
H8453 תּוֹשָׁב towshab (to-shawɓ') n-m.
תֹּשָׁב toshab (to-shawɓ') [1 Kings 17:1]
1. a dweller (but not outlandish (H5237)).
2. (especially) a resident alien (as distinguished from a native citizen (active participle of H3427) and a temporary inmate (H1616) or mere lodger (H3885)) .

If someone tells you that they are giving you an apartment, do you have title deed to it and own it? No, you are being given the right to live in it subject to a rental agreement. If you break the agreement you get kicked out and others will occupy the apartment.

The old covenant was YHWH's rental agreement, which Israel and Judah broke and were evicted from the land.

When YHWH first promised Abraham to give the land to him as an inheritance, Abraham asked for surety, ie, a guarantee. YHWH responded by cutting a blood covenant with him promising to give the land, not to Abraham, but to his seed.

And [YHWH] said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? Genesis 15:7-8
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: Genesis 15:18

Paul said the seed is Christ, not the children of Israel.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Galatians 3:16
We have to ask ourselves, how would God promising to give the land to Abraham's many descendants be a guarantee to Abraham that he would receive the promise? He would die and they would die, so he could receive nothing from them. Abraham knew that the seed was Christ and he would inherit the promise from him, his seed, in the resurrection. This is proof that Paul was correct.

So Christ is the owner of the land and all others receive their inheritance in him, just as Abraham does. Not in Christ? No inheritance.
Christs kingdom isnt of this world and Israel’s earthly land isn’t the inheritance of Abraham.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ( thier home isn’t on earth )

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:13-14, 16‬ ‭

israels inheritance of the land was based on thier covenant if they kept the covenant and didn’t break it they would prosper in the land into Gods kingdom on earth and would dwell forever in the land

but if they broke the covenant and worshipped false gods they would be destroyed from off the land and the land would be made desolate

Read this short section of the covenant law pertaining to thier inheritance

“But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.

The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it. The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish. The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed. The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart: and thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee. The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone. And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee. Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee: and they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:15, 20-22, 24, 28-29, 36-37, 45-46‬ ‭

theres so much more just like this they were given this law just before they entered the promised land after Moses died . The covenant given to them was a blessing if they kept it , but a curse if they broke it the perpetual curses included being destroyed from off the land

“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:

and a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. ( this is what they did )

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal. ( this is a reference later in prophecy )

And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭11:26-29, 32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

they didn’t do that God have then many chances to repent even sending his only begotten as the last Hope of saving thier covenant and place as the kingdom

bit they rejected and had him crucified as a blasphemer as they had rejected and killed Gods prophets for ages beforehand . Shortly after thier capitol city and temple was destroyed so they can’t worship by thier covenant anymore it left them desolate as a people according to thier covenant that chose them

Jesus doesn’t offer inheritance of the land of isreal but inheritance of a new and perfect earth after this one ends
 
Nov 1, 2024
1,194
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#5
Christs kingdom isnt of this world and Israel’s earthly land isn’t the inheritance of Abraham.

Jesus doesn’t offer inheritance of the land of isreal but inheritance of a new and perfect earth after this one ends
Christ's kingdom isn't of this world, but it is in this world right here, right now. Jacob's ladder hasn't gone anywhere because we are Christ's body, the base of the ladder that connects heaven and earth. We are the occupying force of the kingdom until the king returns to the land of Israel where we his people will receive an inheritance.

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luke 19:11-13
When Jesus ascended to the throne of God (a far country) in Acts 1 he received the kingdom

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts 1:6-9
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14
 
Dec 2, 2024
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#6
Christs kingdom isnt of this world and Israel’s earthly land isn’t the inheritance of Abraham.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ( thier home isn’t on earth )

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:13-14, 16‬ ‭
e. 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.




11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.



but it soon will be back on this earth, won't it.? The King and Kingdom were proclaimed in this world but rejected and they are now awaiting His return. Right now, He sits at the right hand of the Father and upon His throne, when He returns as KING of kings and LORD of Lords, it will be to sit upon His own throne here on earth, right? So, the Kingdom is presently in the heavenly but only until that return.

As for us, we only go to heaven right now to rest until that 2nd Advent. And from that return it will always be upon the earth, even in the 3rd age when that city even comesto earth

A New Heaven and a New Earth

1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,908
113
#8
Christ's kingdom isn't of this world, but it is in this world right here, right now. Jacob's ladder hasn't gone anywhere because we are Christ's body, the base of the ladder that connects heaven and earth. We are the occupying force of the kingdom until the king returns to the land of Israel where we his people will receive an inheritance.

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luke 19:11-13
When Jesus ascended to the throne of God (a far country) in Acts 1 he received the kingdom

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts 1:6-9
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14
a lot of good stuff there but

Jacob's ladder hasn't gone anywhere because we are Christ's body, the base of the ladder that connects heaven and earth. “

not something I claimed , Jesus is the ladder to heaven it never led to the land of Canaan . It led like you say there from earth to heaven where our true promised land is. We’re only strangers and pilgrims here on earth as they were.

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

( this was all I was saying the promised land isn’t on earth we just have to oss through here God has a better place for an inheritance no one’s seen but we heard about it and believe and die in faith knowing we’re only pilgrims passing through on our way to the promised land where the lord is reigning )
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:13, 16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is all I’m saying

“but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. ( good thing it’s not our promised land that’s not of this world )

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:7, 13‬ ‭

why is it going to be destroyed ?

“The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭24:5-6, 20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

why is Peter sayong a new heaven and earth is promised to us ?

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭65:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬


Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. ………..but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.


I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.

Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:18-19, 22, 24-28‬ ‭KJV‬‬


Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.

But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD. and say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel;

They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein. And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭12:2, 15-16, 19-20, 24-25‬ ‭KJV‬

And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. ………..But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭3:4-7, 10, 17-21, 27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭6:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.”
‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭23:27‬

God makes covenants with people and then after he does the words and conditions of his covenant are binding to the people it is given to

“And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭24:7-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭29:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,908
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#9
What about the Lords Day? What do you do with Ezekiel 38-48? or Zech 14?
What do you mean by the lords day ?

i believe Jesus will restore Jerusalem like this after this earth is destroyed and everyone has been judged. Then

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:1-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and law but he also made future promises concerning his return and those who accept this new covenant he made with his words to all creation

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:2-3, 6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That’s the golden ladder Jacob saw revealed in the gospel the way to heaven until things are restored in earth and the new Jerusalem he created in Christ descends from heaven after judgement and the lake of fire

of course disclaimer : it’s just my own thought and view of it a lot of people here have views also from scripture so I’m not insisting you agree just discussing and offering my thought bout it .
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,908
113
#10
What about the Lords Day? What do you do with Ezekiel 38-48? or Zech 14?
Ezekiel 38 -48

So my position is thisnis what John also is seeing in the new earth I’m not saying he’s not going to fulfill thier promises I’m saying he made them new ones because the destroyed their first inheritance. And so

“Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar…..

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭47:1-5, 7-9, 12-13‬ ‭

My position is that’s an ancient prophecy about this revealed later

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:

for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants ( israels remnant ) shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:1-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But until this world ends Jesus and his kingdom is in heaven later will come from a new heaven to a new earth and restore the original order of creation God dwelling with man his children. Again just my view …..
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
3,043
1,798
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#11
This is in Genesis: "Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it."

Yeah, the ladder is Christ...

This is in John: "And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

When we think of angels descending, we imagine spirit beings originating from the heavenlies to come to the earth.

But both Genesis and John begin with angels ascending. So their origin is from the earth to the heavenlies. These are not necessarily spirit beings. These angels can be men entrusted with the message of God, called up to heaven to receive it and bring it back to the earth. Like in these verses:

To John: Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”

Paul: "I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know..."
 
Nov 1, 2024
1,194
384
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#12
a lot of good stuff there but

Jacob's ladder hasn't gone anywhere because we are Christ's body, the base of the ladder that connects heaven and earth. “

not something I claimed , Jesus is the ladder to heaven it never led to the land of Canaan . It led like you say there from earth to heaven where our true promised land is. We’re only strangers and pilgrims here on earth as they were.
I know you didn't say that; I just added it because it was relevant to the thread. Jacob had the vision of the ladder in Bethel, ie, house of God. It was the first place where the tabernacle resided in Canaan after the children of Israel crossed the Jordan. So the ladder connected heaven to the land of Israel. Today the ladder is Christ's body with the head in heaven and his body on earth with the angels of God going back and forth ministering to it
 
Dec 2, 2024
33
7
8
#14
What do you mean by the lords day ?

i believe Jesus will restore Jerusalem like this after this earth is destroyed and everyone has been judged. Then

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:1-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and law but he also made future promises concerning his return and those who accept this new covenant he made with his words to all creation

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:2-3, 6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That’s the golden ladder Jacob saw revealed in the gospel the way to heaven until things are restored in earth and the new Jerusalem he created in Christ descends from heaven after judgement and the lake of fire

of course disclaimer : it’s just my own thought and view of it a lot of people here have views also from scripture so I’m not insisting you agree just discussing and offering my thought bout it .
I agree with you, just discussing with every attempt to be rightly dividing the words of God so that it is HIS Truth we know and nothing else. I thank you for your thoughts and with that

I am speaking to the period of time mentioned here, as being the Lords day which I believe takes place prior to that because

Rev 20
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

That ends with
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.


followed by the period of time you mention above with The new heaven and new earth.



I refer to it as the Lords Day because of Scriptures like

2 Peter 3
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.


How is it possible for all to come to repentance when so many died as one of 'the dead'? How can the day of judgment not include a time for who never heard or were given the TRUTH found in the words of GOD? One must hear them and CHOOSE for themselves whether they will follow GOD or not, just like us. There can't be a 'perdition of ungodly men' when no one knows if they are Godly or not, can there? SURE, we could fall back on 'GOD KNOWS ALL' but that isn't how the Bible was written, and I have to believe that all souls get to be presented with HIS TRUTH before judgment to the LOF.


Remember Jesus said Follow me and let the dead bury the dead? And WHO RISES when Christ returns as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS? I suggest it is those who DID NOT follow Him. And the question becomes, when seeking HIS TRUTH found in His words, what would be JUST and RIGHT for them?

Aren't many of the dead just like US, dead in their sins and trespasses before hearing the words of God, coming to faith, then going from death to LIFE at our baptism and never dying again? How many of 'the dead' never got to choose life or death? Does God just throw them away through no fault of their own? Me, I choose to believe in GOD having mercy towards them, as if it were me, should I have lived a life in which I never heard the words of God. Why all the 'priests' when Christ returns? ONLY reason I can think of is because there will be a bunch of souls who never got to hear the words of God and the GWTJ is coming and lots of those souls, when learning GODS TRUTH will get their names in the book of life because when Satan is loosed at the end of that day/1000 years for a short season will choose LIFE and not be deceived.

What is written?

16For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.


those dead are not RETURNING, they are rising up from the grave. It is the 'living' that are returning with Christ there is NO MENTION ANYWHERE that it is for a spiritual body coming up from the decay of the corrupted earth (...thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body....and ...44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body... Those returning have ALREADY been raised up to heaven)

1 Corinth 15
52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible

And EVERY KNEE shall bow...



That 1000 years what I refer to as the Lords Day, was immediately preceded by this period here

Rev 12
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

2 Thess 2:9-12