AGES OF EARTH VERIFIED IN BRASS COLUMNS
Please read Articles 1-15 sequentially
We continue our discussion on the prophetic significance of features in the Outer Court of Solomon's Temple with emphasis on the two massive columns of brass guarding entry into the Holy Place. Note that I have used the correct height of 120 cubits given in 2Chronicles 3:4 for Solomon's Porch in the diagram below. In the previous article, I mentioned their similarity to the two feet of burnished brass with which Jesus appeared symbolically to the apostle John in Revelation Chapter 1. Jesus is coming to the 7 churches with eyes aflame demanding repentance for six of the seven churches had already fallen into decline. It is interesting that 6 is the number of man signifying that man's ways of taking over had already corrupted God's churches - even the church at Ephesus which could distinguish between genuine and false apostles.
Jesus had a sword in His mouth symbolizing that any judgement coming was to do with the word. They were about things in the word that the church should have known and Jesus was not going to let them get away with it. It is interesting in this context that the apostle Peter told his congregations not to be ignorant of this one thing, that one year with the Lord is as a 1000 years. In letters of Barnabas, not included in the authorized Bible, it was evident that Barnabas himself believed that 1 day stood for 1000 years (cited by Rev Dr Jeff Hammond).
However, as we well know, the churches fell into even worse decline that brought in all manner of evil practices and misinformation to the church for centuries to come.
1. Jachin and Boaz – represent apostolic authority of the church.
Jachin and Boaz, the two brass columns, guarded the entrance into the Holy Place, which symbolically represents the church age. Repentance prior to service was an expectation in the house of God. Apostles see to that. I am proposing that each column is representative of 12 apostles of the lamb, 12 for the beginning of the church age and 12 for the end-times. See and pray for revelation of the symbolism as you read on.
Each hollow brass column was 12 cubits round and poured in moulds in clay beds by Hiram's artisans. God formed Adam from clay. Hiram was the Phoenician king of Tyre according to the Hebrew Bible. The columns were assembled and almost certainly supported internally by a massive cylinder of rock, perhaps assembled as sections of disks on top of one another connected by dowels as many temple columns were in ancient times. The heavy brass cylinders were made to fit like sleeves over the central supporting column to steady them. In keeping with the naming of these columns, each represents 12 apostles of the lamb gathered around the rock – Jesus Christ, the chief apostle and corner stone. ‘Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, even Jesus’ (Hebrews 3:1 also 1Corinthians 10:4). You will see why soon.
The capitals on top of the columns featured networks of chains intertwined with 100 pomegranates (2 Chronicles 3:16), signifying chained 100%-bond-slaves of Christ full of seed, fruitfulness and bright red juice (signifying the blood of Jesus) serving the flock. The two columns speak figuratively of the 24 apostles of the lamb that was slain but is alive. Distinct from ascension gift apostles, apostles of the lamb were appointed by the Father and received by Jesus. Twelve apostles were chosen by the Father for the beginning of the church age and 12 for the end of the church age. The columns stood astride the entrance to Solomon's porch which was both the entrance and exit to the Holy Place. It became known as the seat of judgement - a fitting name because the brass columns speak of repentance in Bible symbolism as discussed in the previous article.
The thickness of the columns was 4 fingers thick indicating that these apostles of the lamb, together with ascension-gift apostles, are the finger and pillars of God within the world-wide church, ‘He gave some to be apostles and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers’ (Ephesians 4:11). Because of the sentence structure used in the epistle some hold that there are only 4 ministries, a pastor also having the special capacity to teach. However, all ministries were expected to be well acquainted with the word, but no more so than the apostles (‘And the Twelve called near the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not pleasing to us, leaving the Word of God, to serve tables)' (Acts 6:2).
'Him who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God and he will go out no more' (Revelation 3:12). The apostles of the lamb are certainly overcomers and pillars in the church (As also confirmed by Samson's account in the next section below). There were other pillars too in the colonnades of Solomon's Temple - these speak of the multitude of ascension gift apostles and ministries which we have today (Ephesians 4:11). In Solomon's Temple these were the porticos and colonnades surrounding the main building.
In Herod's Temple they were called Solomon's porch where Jesus often met with His disciples. 'And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's Porch' (John 10:23). 'And, as the lame one who was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering' (Acts 3:11). You will note in the model of Herod's Temple (also known as the Jewish Temple) that the two columns were of inferior quality because they were not of brass as originally made for Solomon's Temple nor was the porch built high enough because of lack of faith in the word of God. But this was already in God's plan because the Ark of the Covenant for the Most Holy Place had long been lost and now Jesus, the Ark of God, was walking in the flesh among them. There was no further need of the temple nor shall there ever be! When the veil was torn from top to bottom God this demonstrated that He was finished with physical structures (Mark 15:38). The sacred box, the physical Ark of the Covenant, had become superfluous and was lost. [The image below is in public domain, from Wikipedia Commons.]
2. Two brass columns – Former and end-time apostles of the lamb.
These are the 24 elders around the throne in Revelation 5:8, their persons to be revealed once the 7 seals of the book are opened by the lamb (Revelation chapters 4 and 5). Their appointment by the Father Himself will usher in an authority and kingship to the church which it never possessed before. It was prophesied that the people of God would have to bow seven times to worldly kingdoms referring to the weakness of the church in the past - the succession of kingdoms up to our time was revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel Chapter 2). Firstly Egypt then Babylon, Media-Persia, Assyria, Greece, Rome and the 7th kingdom comprised of 10 powers that lack cohesion (The ten toes of iron and clay). We are still in the kingdom of iron, Rome, because our rules of government are similar, but that will change in the near future. The seventh kingdom will be spiritually absorbed by an eighth kingdom for a short time, which will exhibit the sum total of all the beastly spiritual characters of previous kingdoms (Revelation Chapter 17).
Nevertheless, the time is approaching that the house of Jacob will no longer have to bow before its foes just as Jacob symbolically bowed 7 times before the house of Esau after having served Laban for two weeks of years (Genesis 33:3). ‘For that day is great so that none is like it; it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. For it shall be in that day, says Jehovah of Hosts, I will break his yoke from your neck and will burst your bonds. And strangers shall no longer enslave him, but they shall serve Jehovah their God, and David their king whom I will raise up to them’ (Jeremiah 30:7-9). In this verse, King David is a type of the Son of David, Jesus. We discussed this previously.
When Jacob bowed 7 times to his brother Esau I am convinced that Jacob did not count to 7. He was moved by the Holy Spirit to do so in order to keep God's pattern. We often do things we don't understand and only discover later that an action of ours was motivated by the Holy Spirit.
We recall the names of the two columns. Boaz (Hebrew for "In him/it [is] strength") stood on the left when entering Solomon's Temple while Jachin (Tiberian Hebrew "He/it will establish") stood on the right. The two columns are prophetic of God’s intentions in his apostles at the beginning and end of the church age, ‘He will establish His power in strength’, like a rod of brass over the power of the enemy. These two pillars therefore represent the peak administration of the house of God, the church. An administration that is suitable for the fullness of time ('for an administration of the fullness of times, to head up all things in Christ, both the things in Heaven and the things on earth, even in Him', Ephesians 1:10). They are the 12 stars that make up the diadem worn by the woman of Revelation 12. They shine brightly and wield authority.
The account of Samson in the book of judges is connected to what we have to say about Christ's administration in the end-time church. The story of Samson helps to associate the two columns with leadership and authority. We know from King Nebuchadnezzar's dream about the great image that was toppled by a small rock that grew and grew, that this was prophetic of Christ and the church toppling all the world kingdoms at the end of time, as the prophet Daniel explained (Daniel 2:44).
The story of Samson is on the same theme. The account of Samson (Judges Chapters 13-16) contains eight mentions of the number 7. Samson had 7 locks of long hair, for he was not allowed to shave his hair as a Nazarite, as he was consecrated and dedicated to God before he was born. This alone relates it directly to end-times, 8 is the number of new beginnings. After Samson's victory, at the cost of his own life, it certainly became a new beginning for Israel. They were delivered from the power of the Philistines. But Jesus, similarly, at the cost of His own life, will also have the final victory over the enemy. We thank the Lord that the Bible is 'tomorrow's' newspaper. What I wish to share with you by giving the example of Samson is how the administrative power of the Philistines was also symbolically tied up in the two pillars of their temple.
Samson's account tells us that, figuratively speaking, the Philistine seat of power and their entire administration rested on the two pillars that supported the house of their god, Dagon. When the two pillars were toppled all the Lords of the Philistines were killed. The Philistines lost their entire administration, represented by the two pillars, in one day. Dagon's temple was a counterfeit version of Solomon's temple.
We have at least three pictures of Satan's final defeat.
a. By the manchild brought forth by the woman crowned with 12 stars. Satan loses his power and influence when he is finally cast from heaven as a result of her manchild being caught up to heaven (In the book of 7's, Revelations 12).
b. The defeat of the 7 administrations throughout world history is foretold by the rock that grew and occupied the whole world - the church (Daniel Chapter 2).
c. Samson destroyed the entire Philistine administration in one blow - stamped with eight 7's.
Samson's account also corroborates that the top administration of the church is pictured residing in the two brass columns of Solomon's temple. Notice how the Philistine columns were unstable, but the two columns in Solomon's temple were fortified by thick brass sleeves, 12 cubits in circumference, speaking of the former- and latter-day apostles of the lamb.
Furthermore, if you have read my articles on Israel, you will appreciate that the Ark of God, revealed in Revelation 11:19, is none other than Christ dwelling in His Bride or, better still, the Bride Dwelling in Christ. The same is true of the glorious woman clothed with the glory of the Sun in Revelation 12:1. As you revisit Revelations 12:1 remember that chapter and verse divisions were invented by men. In the original Greek texts Revelation 11:19 was immediately followed by Revelation 12:1. The two verses talk about the same thing. She, the church, the Bride, is symbolically in the Ark yet still on Earth, crowned with 12 stars, signifying that she is crowned with authority through the latter-day 12 apostles of the lamb (identities yet unknown).
She is with child who definitely is not Jesus (He is the mature King of Kings in heaven), but is a collective group of people derived from her activity yet to be revealed. The 'manchild' will be caught up to heaven itself precipitating war between the angels (See "End Times: According to Scripture". This is the moment in history that God has been waiting for all these years! Heaven will be cleansed of Satan and of his demon angels forever by Michael the archangel and his host. Until this point of time Michael had been restrained and held back because of the corruption of the church on Earth. God's hands were tied in the matter because His people are corrupting themselves continually. Everything changes once the Bride has been perfected.
The demons are finally cast to the Earth. The accuser will no longer be granted audience in the throne room of God. The holy angels will shout with joy because they previously had to walk on eggs, "But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9, World English Bible).
The woman clothed with the Sun is on Earth and cannot possibly be Mary mother of Jesus that many Christians believe. This is because, when you read on, the bride has to be sheltered by God from the wrath of Satan who has been cast down to Earth. Mary already fulfilled her wonderful pregnancy in the distant past 2000 years ago so please put her aside from holding any future role.
The bride of Christ is utterly dependent on the ransom paid through the marred body of Christ, the punishment He received at the hand of the Priests and the Romans. That is why she is symbolically depicted standing on the moon pitted and cratered with cosmic blows. Her only defence and strength is the blood of the lamb. Satan will find her untouchable, just as Satan could find no hold on the body of Jesus (See diagram in Article 5).
In his fury, Satan pays his attention to others of her seed who are vulnerable – presumably other Christians who may have to pay a martyr’s death for their lack of previous commitment. Re-read this chapter again with this interpretation in view, ‘The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest of her descendants, all those who obey God's commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus’ (Revelation 12:17). The symbolic five virgins, who were locked out because of their tardiness while the bridegroom was delaying His coming, would appear to fit the picture.
"Later the others arrived. 'Sir, sir! Let us in!' they cried out. 'Certainly not! I don't know you,' the bridegroom answered." And Jesus concluded, "Watch out, then, because you do not know the day or the hour' (Matthew 25:11-13).
3. The 120-cubit tall porch.
The number 120 signifies the end of flesh [This will be important again later on when we finalize our thoughts on the age of the Earth]. God gave Himself 120 years during which time He would prepare a way to wipe everybody out in a flood except for Noah and his family who found grace in His eyes (Genesis 6:3). The scripture does not actually specify how long it took for Noah to build the ark, but it was in God's mind for 120 years. Noah was already 500 years old when his sons were born and the flood came 100 years later, 'In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, in the seventeenth day of the month, in this day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up and the windows of the heavens were opened up' (Genesis 7:11). Only eight lives were saved (8 is the number of a new beginning). When the 120 disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they were no longer weak and filled with fear. The ways of the flesh were gone. They were immediately transformed into bold witnesses for Christ.
In the Temple of Solomon everyone entering the Holy Place had to pass under the gauntlet of the 120 cubit-high tower. There was no room for flesh in the Holy Place. The symbolism is that carnal responses have no place in His church. The Lord's intention in the next few years is to remove the carnality that has crept into our churches ever since the New Testament church first began to decline.
This was especially serious business in the days of Moses. Aaron’s two sons were devoured by holy fire when they attempted to come into the Holy Place by their own works. As a result of Moses disobeying God’s voice by striking the rock to bring forth water, instead of just speaking to it, God made an end of his life in the flesh at the age of 120 years. The Scripture makes it clear that he did not die of old age. [Note that: Spiritually, Moses will continue his ministry until our resurrection as, for example, when he met Jesus, together with Elijah, on the Mount of transfiguration. It would make sense if the two final witnesses in Jerusalem represented the Prophets and the Law, Elijah and Moses, who are still alive because they did not die on earth. ‘And I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth’ (Revelation 11:3). This scripture, and those around it, should make people who think a rapture is nigh to think again].
The combination 10x12 is revealed in the apostles dealing with a man and his wife who had lied to the Holy Spirit-filled apostles (Acts 5:1-11). The man and his wife soon after immediately fell dead at the apostles’ feet when they lied the second time. They had failed the apostolic test signified by the numbers 10 and 12. The Holy Spirit Himself does not forgive. By sinning against the apostles, they sinned against the Holy Spirit, an act which cannot for mysterious reasons be forgiven (Matthew 12:32; Luke 12:10). The brass columns were built of appropriate material showing that apostles can be hard as rock at critical times (Deuteronomy 28:15-45, especially verse 23).
G. PROPHETIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOLY PLACE
1. The 10 Lampstands or candlesticks.
One’s first impression entering the Holy place, once one's eyes got accustomed to the poorer illumination, was the shimmer of light on the golden walls and golden items of furniture from the 10 x 7 lamps of oil, 7 per lampstand. The number 70 is indicative of end-times in accordance with the pattern established by Jesus when the Lord of the Harvest sent 70 disciples in pairs to surrounding villages. There are many labourers already in the field preaching the message of Christ today. The number 70 signifies both the punishment and deliverance of Israel (remember the 70 years of captivity in Babylon). When the 70 lamps illuminate the word of God (onto the 120 loaves of showbread) it brings conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. The outcome ought to be running to the Lord with a repentant heart and being restored into the kingdom of God.
This will indeed be the case at the great harvest towards the end of the world. The church is awaiting the literal fulfilment of the Feast of Tabernacles in the 7th month of the ecclesiastic year. This Feast emphasized much blowing of trumpets (the sound of the gospel going out), atonement, and rejoicing in the great harvest of grain and wine (symbolic of disciples as in the taking of communion). The number 70 in the Bible is associated with the increase of a multitude (KJ Conner, 1992, Interpreting the Symbols and Types).
"Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread […] and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labours which you have sown in the field, and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year (Tabernacles, or Sukkot) when you have gathered in the fruit of your labours from the field” (Exodus 23:14-16). Every Israelite man had to attend the feast or be cut off from Israel.
Each candlestick was beaten out of one lump of gold. In biblical context, gold symbolizes kingship, purity, incorruptibility, divinity and malleability (in other words, a willingness to be taught). That measure of unblemished unity (one lump) the church has not yet achieved but Jesus in His High Priestly role is praying for it (John Chapter 17). Christ will have to beat the church into shape. I have written what real unity means on this web site. Can you recall the two photos of football fans I showed and why they illustrate false unity?
2. The 10 golden tables of Showbread.
This means that there were 10 x 12 = 120 loaves of bread specially prepared by the Levitical priests for the Temple of Solomon. Apostolic doctrine is to last till the end of time. Bread and fine crushed flour, as used in the offerings of the Temple, has always symbolized Christ and no more so when Jesus declared that ‘I am the bread from heaven’. His bread is our spiritual food, the word from the mouth of God – the word that tries our ways.
‘Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts, and see if any wicked way is in me; and lead me in the way everlasting’ (Psalms 139:23-24).
To repeat, the Holy Place was illuminated by the 70 oil lamps of the 10 lampstands. Oil means anointed (consecrated) by God. 70 was the number of disciples sent out by Jesus to preach the gospel in every village. As Jesus said in Revelation 1:20 lampstands signify the church. Thus every true church will preach apostolic doctrine, which speaks to our spiritual man to kill off our fleshly and worldly ways (also symbolised by the numeral 120). In water baptism, we are baptised into the death of Christ (Romans 6:3). To get into the Holy Place we would also have had to pass under the 120 cubit-high porch which signified the requirement for repentance. As the apostle said in Acts chapter 2, 'repent, be baptised and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'.
He commands us to be transformed in our mind to pass from carnality to spirituality. ‘And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God’ (Romans 12:2).
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