This subject has been debated for almost 2000 years. Just as there are many different denominations there are just as many different interpretations on this subject. “This is what the LORD says, ‘Heaven is MY throne, and the earth is MY footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will MY resting place be? Has not MY hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” ‘Declares the LORD!’ (Isa.66:1-2 New International Version NIV) Why does GOD ask where is the Temple they build? Doesn’t HE already know the “ending from the beginning?” Yes HE does, but we need go no further back than from the beginning to understand HIS question. When Adam and Eve realized they were naked and knew they had disobeyed GOD they decided to hide and when GOD came in the cool of the day HE asks, “Adam where are you?” HE knows already, but HE wants us to confess where we are. “If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
The Third Temple will be built by ordinary men as the first two were. When Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the First Temple he took all the furnishings out too, which included the Ark of the Covenant, actually by this time time it was the Fake Arc. The Second Temple never had the Ark of the Covenant in it (fake or real), even though this is the Temple JESUS went into. I have done previous lessons about the Ark of the Covenant and through studying scriptures and history we found there was a “Fake Arc” prepared by Solomon for his son he had with the Queen of Sheba, Menelik I. He lived with Solomon for 19 years to learn how to be King, so that when he rose to the throne of Ethiopia he would know how to rule wisely. As Solomon and all his wives and lords had a going away party for Menelik, Menelik switched the Arcs because he knew Solomon would surely lose it as had happened before, because Solomon was also building temples to strange gods of his many wives and concubines. So, the Arc got moved to Ethiopia. “From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia (Cush) my suppliants, even the daughter of MY dispersed shall bring MINE OFFERING.” (Zeph.3:10) “Suppliants means someone who humbly prays for forgiveness.” This is the Falasha Ethiopia, Jews. (There is more, but I am limiting how deeply I go into each verse.) The many Ethiopians immigrating to Israel today will return the “Real Arc of the Covenant” but it will not be set in the Third Temple, but the Fake Arc will be.
It is the Fake Arc that will give the Antichrist credibility to the Jews as to him being their MESSIAH. Paul explains all of this in II Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 1-4. read carefully and notice first Paul speaks of JESUS coming but he doesn’t say it is before the “son of perdition (Antichrist)” comes. Paul says for us to not be troubled because the Day of the LORD is at hand when these things occur. He said not to let anybody to deceive you with all kinds of “great end time revivals” and “climate change” and so on. Paul said first there would be a “falling away” before that day comes. Paul calls him “the son of perdition.” Then Paul says this: “Who opposeth and exalteth HIMSELF above all that is called GOD, or that is worshipped, so that he as GOD sitteth in the Temple of GOD shewing HIMSELF that he is GOD.” His plans for the world will be a workable plan and he will temporarily bring peace to the Middle East. By sitting on the Fake Arc he will not die as others did when they touched the Arc and this is his way of proving he is GOD. Israel and many others will follow and worship him. However, in 42 months he will show who he really is. This evil man’s god is the devil and he tried to get the LORD of HEAVEN to fall down and worship him. “And he saith unto HIM (JESUS) ‘All these things will I give THEE, if THOU wilt fall down and worship me.” (Matt.4:9) He showed JESUS all the kingdoms of the world. Yes, Satan had the authority to give them away because he is the “god of this world.” (II Cor.4:4) But, when the final scene occurs we find that Revelation tells us: “And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in Heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world ARE become the kingdoms of our LORD and of HIS CHRIST, AND HE SHALL REIGN FOR EVER AND EVER.” (Rev.11:15)
This soon coming Third Temple is NOT the one for the Millennium, because that Temple will be built by the LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. “And speak unto him saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of HOSTS, saying, ‘Behold the MAN WHOSE NAME is THE BRANCH, and HE shall grow up out of HIS place, and HE SHALL BUILD THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD.” (Zech.6:12) Yes, it will be the Fourth Temple. The Antichrist will defile the Third Temple. Why will there be a Fourth Temple? The number 4 is the number of the earth. There are four directions: North, South, East and West. There are four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. All of these things are primarily associated with the earth. “The earth is the LORD’S.” (Ex.9:29) Psalm 50:10-12 explicitly tells us that all the earth and everything in it belongs to GOD.
It is barely known that the plans for the Third Temple do not include destroying or moving the Dome of the Rock. The plans are to build it just behind the Western Wall (Kotel) also known as the Wailing Wall. This is why when JESUS comes all the way to the earth on the Mount of Olives, HE asks “Where is the HOUSE ye build unto ME?” (Isa.66:1-2) However, when HE sets HIS FEET on the Mount of Olives there will be a major earthquake, like no other ever on this earth. Let us look at when JESUS died.
And behold the veil in the Temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, and the earth did quake and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened, and MANY bodies of the saints which SLEPT arose, AND CAME OUT OF THE GRAVES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION, and went into the holy city and appeared unto many.” (Matt. 27:51-53)
Notice they arose, but did not come out of their graves until after HIS RESURRECTION. “Verily, (Truly) Verily, I say unto you THE HOUR IS COMEING AND NOW IS, when the dead shall hear the VOICE of the SON of GOD, AND THEY THAT HEAR SHALL LIVE.” (John 5:25) JESUS is the FIRST FRUITS of those who sleep (Resurrection). “BUT NOW IS CHRSIT RISEN FROM THE DEAD, AND BECOME THE FIRSTFRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT.” (I Cor.15:20) They could not come out of their graves even though they were alive because JESUS had to be the FIRST to not only arise but exit the grave and be seen of many. I know we all think of Lazarus, but it is apparent he had to die again later, JESUS is still alive and when we rise we will live forever with HIM.
“And many people shall go and say, ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the MOUNTAIN of the LORD, to the HOUSE of the GOD of Jacob, and HE will teach us HIS ways, and we will walk in HIS paths, for out of ZION shall go forth the LAW and the WORD of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isa.2:3) Do you notice anything unusual about that verse? Isaiah did not know anything about what has come to be known as Christianity, yet, because we have 20/20 hindsight we quickly understand he is looking about 2600 years into the future in amazing detail. This prophecy is rooted in Jacob’s name, yes, you heard me right, it is rooted in Jacob’s name. Jacob’s name is spelled Yaakov, which we know means “Supplanter.” Isaac and Rebekah named him Jacob because while still in the womb he stuck out his hand and grabbed the heel of his brother Esau. His name also means “follower.” He is also known as a deceiver and liar. So, then why would GOD associate HIS NAME with such a person as Jacob. “Esau said, ‘Isn’t he rightly named Jacob. This is the second time he has taken advantage of me; he took away my birthright and now he has taken away my blessing! Then he asked, ‘Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?” (Gen.27:36 NIV) Esau uses a play on words here, even though they are true to Jacob’s name. The Hebrew word for “cheated” is akav, a word derived from “akov.” The implications of this is “lying in wait, ambushing, or acts of deception.” In reality the name Jacob has no positive connotations whatsoever.
Jacob spent much of his life deceiving and trickery, not just with Esau, but also with Laban and he even deceived his own father. “Then the Man said, ‘Your name will NO LONGER BE JACOB, BUT ISRAEL, because you have struggled with GOD and with humans and have overcome.” (Gen32:28) We know of Jacob’s name being changed to Israel as him becoming a “Prince.” While that is true, but it also means “triumphant, dominant, and strong.” Whatever is true of Jacob is true of his offspring, for sometimes they are not only called Israel, but also as Jacob. “For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.” (Jer.31:11) Just like Jacob his descendants have had to flee after being unjustly accused and even targeted, such as is happening now, for when the Bible refers to these people as Jacob it is referring to their weak exile identity. GOD does, indeed, care for, protect, and redeem HIS people. “The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered and were moved, HE raised HIS VOICE, the earth melted. The LORD of HOSTS is with us (Israel) THE GOD OF JACOB IS OUR STRONGHOLD, OUR REFUGE, OUR HIGH TOWER.” (Psa.46:6-7 Amplified Bible; AMP)Why the need to call GOD as being “THE GOD OF JACOB” if all the nations are coming to Jerusalem to worship the same GOD? The nations will understand GOD’S unique relationship and protection GOD has had with the same people most of the world has scorned, mocked and tried to destroy. Do not ever allow yourself to be guilty of believing that GOD forsook Israel for the church, that lie will land you in hell. “Woe unto the world because of offenses! For it must needs be that offenses come; BUT WOE TO THAT MAN BY WHOM THE OFFENCE COMETH!” (Matt.18:7)
“And arms (forces) shall stand on his (the Antichrist) part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength (The House of the GOD of Jacob)and shall take away the daily sacrifice, AND THEY SHALL PLACE THE ABOMINATION THAT MAKE DESOLATE.” (Dan.11:31) Okay, he enters the Third Temple and fools the entire world, including Israel for a time, three and a half years, except those who are born of the “water and the SPIRIT” and the “Two Witnesses” GOD sends forth to preach against this impostor. (Rev. chapter 11) Their ministry is for three and a half years when the Antichrist will make war with them and kill them and leave their bodies in the streets of Jerusalem and the whole world we see this via Television and Social Media. The world will be glad because to them these two are nothing more than trouble makers, via “Fake News Media” we see so much of today. But, GOD is greater for HE will raise them up after three days and then as the world watches they will ascend bodily into heaven. Then the people of Israel will flee again for their lives to Petra and once the “Wrath of GOD” is over after another three and one half years, JESUS will come again, not in the clouds as in Matthew 24:29-31, but to the MOUNT of OLIVES from where HE left. “Which also said, ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking up into heaven? This SAME JESUS, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen HIM go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
The church will be taken out “Immediately after the TRIBULATION of those days” JESUS HIMSELF SAID. (Matt.24:29-31) Then the “Wrath of GOD” will be unleashed when men will seek death and cry for the rocks and the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the “FACE of HIM THAT SITS ON THE TRONE.” GOD has not reserved us to “wrath.” (I Thess.5:9) Take close notice of this verse: “And from the time that the DAILY SACRIFICE shall be taken away and the Abomination that maketh Desolation set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.” (Dan.12:11) Notice the phrase “shall be taken away” which means it has to be reinstated because when Daniel wrote this prophecy he had been exiled to Babylon. Most people think that the Jews were not allowed to actually practice their religious beliefs because they were in captivity, but that was not so in most cases, because if the rulers of the ancient world wanted to keep their captives happy they allowed them some autonomy, as long as it did not cause severe uprisings. Therefore the “Daily Sacrifice” was still being used among the Jews. However, they could not offer some sacrifices. Remember the story of Daniel being cast in the lion’s den? He was cast there because the King had been tricked into signing a law that no one could pray to any god other than the King for 30 days. Daniel could not let that slide so he still opened his window toward Jerusalem and prayed three times a day. (Read I Kings 8:22-66 and you will see why Daniel did this because at the dedication of the Temple Solomon’s prayer said they could look toward the Temple from anywhere and GOD would hear. Today, in Israel almost all the preparation for the return to Temple worship are in place. There are, not one, but three Red Heifers to pick from. There were five, but two have been found to be flawed. Remember the number five is the number of GRACE. Now with three that is the number of GOD. GOD IS THREE, NO NOT THREE GODS. “For there are THREE that bear record in heaven, THE FATHER AND THE WORD (SON: John 1:1 and 14) AND THE HOLY GHOST AND THESE THREE ARE ONE.” (I John 5:7) JESUS said, “I and MY FATHER ARE ONE.” (John 10:30) GOD is THREE for HE is OMNIPOTENT (ALL POWERFUL) OMINICENT (ALL KNOWING) AND OMNIPRESENT (EVERYWHERE AT ONCE).
Notice the number of days is 1290 days from the time the Daily Sacrifice is removed until the Antichrist is praised as god. The first three and one half years equal 1260 days so one month after he decides to stop all that is called of GOD is when the entire WRATH of GOD is poured out. Yes, then the church is taken out for JESUS will appear in the clouds and Israel will run to the mountains. JESUS warned the people about this and told them to “flee to the mountains” and don’t even go into their homes to pack. There is a place for them called Petra (The ROCK). (For WHO is GOD beside the LORD?And WHO is THE ROCK except our GOD? It is GOD WHO arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. HE makes my feet like the feet of a deer; enables me to stand on the heights. HE TRAINS MY HANDS FOR BATTLE; MY ARMS CAN BEND A BRONZE BOW.” (Psa.18:30-34 NIV) The city of Petra is in modern day Jordan, the ancient lands of Moab, Edom, and Ammon. Now listen to the Prophet Daniel over 2600 years ago even while still in captivity and he is talking about the Antichrist, Man of Sin, the Abomination that makes Desolate, Son of Perdition. “He the “Antichrist) shall also enter into the Glorious Land (Israel) and many countries shall be overthrown, but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.” (Dan.11:41) Please note that Ammon are the descendants of Ben-Ammi the incestuous son of Lot with his youngest daughter. Edom is Esau’s descendants while Moab is also an incestuous son of Lot. These all hate the Jews, but they are close relatives, they have all been told Jacob cheated their ancestral founder, Esau. Believe it or not Herod the Great was an Edomite. Sometimes these people are referred to as being Idumaeans. It is very ironic that Daniel called modern day Jordan by these names, Edom, Moab, but he says the ‘CHIEF of the Children of Ammon’. In most cases when the Bible speaks of the “Chief of” it is referring to the Capital city. Daniel called it by Ammon, as it was in his day, but notice modern Jordan’s Capital is Amman.
The main thing to notice about the blessings Isaac pronounced upon Jacob and Esau. With Jacob, Isaac said “May GOD give you…” but with Esau he does NOT invoke the NAME of GOD. In Jacob’s blessing we find Issac said, “the blessing of the dew of heaven” preceding the “blessing of the fatness of the earth.” With Esau the words are reversed. Esau’s blessing: “Your dwelling will be away from the earth’s richness, away from the dew of heaven above. You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother.”
When JESUS comes all the way back to the Mount of Olives and we will come with HIM. He will first enter into the HOLY CITY and claim HIS THRONE, the THRONE of David. Then HE will lead us into the Valley of Jehoshaphat (the Kidron Valley outside the walls of the Old City) and there HE meets up with the Antichrist and his armies and HE will defeat them with the “TWO EDGED SWORD” OUT OF HIS MOUTH FOR WITH IT HE DESTROYS ALL HIS ENEMIES. PRAISE GOD! WE DON’T EVEN HAVE TO FIGHT FOR THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S. Then HE will lead us to Petra through Bethlehem and over into modern day Jordan to Bozrah. “WHO is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? THIS that is GLORIOUS in HIS APPAREL, TRAVELING IN THE GREATNESS OF HIS STRENGTH? I THAT SPEAK IN RIGHTEOUSNES MIGHTY TO SAVE! (Isa.63:1) HIS garments are dyed in RED, the stains of HIS BLOOD that was shed for many. (Matt.26:28) It was in Bozrah that the “spotless Lambs” were raised before they were moved to Bethlehem and then to Jerusalem for the sacrifice. Once we have went with HIM to Petra and gotten the Jews, we will return to Jerusalem where we shall reign with HIM for a 1000 years.
In case you are wondering where are all the saints of old such as Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses, Noah, Job etc. “But the REST of the DEAD LIVED NOT AGAIN UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED. THIS IS THE FIRST RESURRECTION. (Rev.20:5) It is the “Dead in CHRIST” that rises first. Believe it or not that is the second resurrection. Remember we already touched on JESUS being the FIRST FRUITS. JESUS explained it well when HE said, “So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many be called but few chosen.” (Matt.20:16) “Marvel NOT at this: for the hour is coming, in the which ALL that are in the graves shall hear HIS VOICE. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28-29) There will be two resurrections according to JESUS HIMSELF. Let us look at the “resurrection of life” in the “spiritual sense.” “But the natural man receiveth NOT the things of the SPIRIT OF GOD: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DESCERNED.” (I Cor.2:14) “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath NO POWER, but they shall be priests of GOD and of CHRIST, AND SHALL REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS.” (Rev.20:6)
We were dead spiritually because we were dead in “trespasses and sins” but we were “quickened” (made alive). (Eph.2:1) How were we made alive? We were made alive when we received the HOLY GHOST. “We have therefore been buried with HIM through baptism into death, so that just as CHRIST was raised from the dead through the GLORY AND POWER OF THE FATHER, we too might walk habitually in NEWNESS of LIFE, abandoning our old ways.” (Rom.6:4-5 Amplified Bible:AMP) So, now the question remains how is that going to play out when JESUS comes for the church? “And if the SPIRIT of HIM (the HOLY GHOST)WHO raised up CHRIST JESUS from the dead will also restore to life your MORTAL (short lived, perishable) bodies THROUGH HIS SPIRIT (HOLY GHOST) WHO DWELLS IN YOU.” (Rom.8:11 Amplified Bible Classic Edition: AMPC)
And Now Back to Our Program…
I often run down what I call “Rabbit Trails” because it is hard for me to mention something without a good explanation. “Healing the earth” has steadily become a major issue over the last 20-30 years. Psalm 147:2 tells us that GOD will build Jerusalem and gather all the Jews to the land of Israel. The late Rabbi Nachman (1772-1810) was asked when Jerusalem would be rebuilt, for by that time it had been in ruins for a little over 1700 years. His reply is amazing: “When it is time for the exiles to be gathered.” Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, in 1953 was asked by one of his students, “How can a 20th century world handle the building of an ancient Temple considering all the social and ritual changes it will bring.” The Rabbi smiled and replied,”The MESSIANIC ERA is NOT a change in demographics; it is a quantum leap in how human beings perceive their world … things that seem absurd to us today will appear perfectly reasonable. So, just as we cannot imagine world peace until it comes, the same with the building of the Third Temple.”
“Chabad Thought” is a religious philosophy that teaches understanding and recognition of the CREATOR through “Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge.” In Hebrew these are called “sefirot.” It comes from the word “counting.” Let me list the ten individual sefiros of GOD: supreme crown, wisdom, intelligence, love, might, beauty, eternity, majesty, foundation, kingship. I believe no one can deny that JESUS possessed all of these sefitos. Since it comes from counting it must mean that GOD counts and cares about numbers and their meaning. Please allow me to run down another “Rabbit Trial.” The very first Book of the Bible in the very beginning proves the way GOD sees and uses numbers. Look closely at Genesis chapter one. The first day GOD made LIGHT and night and day, but that was not the sun or moon or stars, that was not until the fourth day. The second day GOD made the “firmament” (the atmosphere). Still nothing tangible. But on the third day HE starts to make tangible things: dry land, grass, trees, seas. Then on the fourth day GOD sets the sun, moon and stars all in place in the firmament above the land. Then on the fifth day GOD makes the fowls and creatures that move (This is where much is a mystery because we do not know what those moving creatures were.) and all of these HE COMMANDED to MULTIPLY. Then on the sixth day GOD made the cattle, and creeping things (ie. Such as insects and lizards and snakes) and then GOD made the highest of all beings, MAN and again HE COMMANDS FOR THEM TO MULTIPLY. “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished (complete: good and very good said GOD) and all the hosts of them.” (Gen.2:1) Now let us do as GOD COMMANDED and multiply the tangible creation days. Three times four equals twelve, times five equals sixty, times six equals three hundred sixty. We know there are 360 degrees in a complete circle. “It is HE (GOD) THAT SITTETH UPON THE CIRCLE OF THE EARTH, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.” (Isa.40:22) HE does sit on it for HE said the earth is HIS footstool. (Isa.66:1)
The Temple is the “Gateway” between heaven and earth. Jacob said that GOD was in the place he slept on a stone and he knew it not, but what he dreamed was a “LADDER” reaching up into heaven and the angels coming down and going back up. GOD does send angels to mankind. “Are they not ALL MINISTERING Spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” (Heb.1:14 English Standard Version, ESV) “For HE (GOD) shall give HIS angels charge over thee to keep in all thy ways.” (Psa.91:11) Jacobs dream occurred on Mount Moriah the same place Abraham offered Jacob’s father Issac. The stone on which he slept was called the “Foundation Stone a Sefirot of GOD.” Then he went out and crossed the Jabbok River.
Today we have a thing we call “Interface” which means the place people and machines meet. We also have what is called “Chao-complexity” which means the border between the rigid order and total randomness. In Torah Law (halachah) we find discussion properties we often call “gray areas.” The gray area is where light stops and darkness begins or also in reverse. The word “gateway” is our most common metaphor, for it is where we are neither in or out, but we are a part of both. In the Torah GOD has two distinct names: ELOHIM also spelled ELOKIM which means GOD is the AGENT behind ALL forces. HE is expressed in both Time and Space and HE is IMMANET (an ever present help). (Psa.46:1) Second, GOD is called YHWH also HAVAYEH meaning that HE is beyond all that can ever be known. It is this name that carries the connotations of “was, is and is to come” within a single name. In perspective HE is “past, present and future.” When ever HE folds all of time into a single point it will include all of space too. What “was and is and shall be” exists fully in GOD alone as HAVAYEH for HE IS A SINGULARITY OF ZERO DIMENSIONS. Let use a hypothetical illustration here, “If we have a mile square lake and it looses one half of its water each year, how many years will it take to completely empty it of all water?” It will never end and so is GOD.
Now I said all the above because I am now going into the Temple again and about the Arc of the Covenant. When JESUS builds HIS TEMPLE the real Arc will be there. (There is a lot about the Arc that explains why there will be no need for the sun, moon, stars or even a candle to be in it, but I will save that for another time.) When GOD had Moses to build the Tabernacle and all its furnishings HE gave specific instructions concerning and “ENSIGN” “CHEST” also called the Arc of the Covenant. The construction of the Tabernacle was to be an Outer court, and Inner Court also called the Holy Place and then an inner chamber known as the HOLY OF HOLIES. The HOLY of HOLIES was to be 10 cubits by 10 cubits by 10 cubits. (10x10x10=1000) There are many scholars that disagree with this and make it bigger. That is GOD’S PROMISE of HIM Living on this earth with man for a thousand years. The Arc was NOT GOD, but it was a visible object that represented the PRESENCE of GOD, and HE dwelt between the two Golden Angles on the top of the Arc and on the MERCY SEAT. There was no light in the HOLY OF HOLIES as was the rest of the Tabernacle and all these things included the Temple, except there was no Arc of the Covenant in Herod’s Temple, “for the LAMB is the LIGHT.” (Rev.21:23) The over all Tabernacle complex was 75 feet by 150 feet.
The Arc of the Covenant was two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide and one and a half cubits high. That would mean this object should have made the space from one wall to the other and from the floor to the ceiling less than its original plan. It did not because with the Arc sitting in the HOLY of HOLIES it took up no space. John 4:24 tells us that GOD is a SPIRIT and we know a SPIRIT does not occupy space. The Holy Place was 10x20x10=2000, the time of the duration of the church. The whole Tabernacle was 10x30x10=6000 the duration of the earth. (2000 to Abraham, 2000 to JESUS, 2000 to the end, and the 1000 peace, equals the seven days of creation including the seventh day of rest.) “Could it be our definition of space is not quiet right?” If we admit there is such a thing as non-space then we admit that GOD does exist. Space and non-space can and does exist equally without annulling one or the other, for it was all created by HIM: “For by HIM all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created through HIM and for HIM. HE is before ALL things AND IN HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST.” (Col.1:16-17 New King James Version NKJV) There is no conflict between our bodies and our souls, our sense of awe and our ego.
ELOHIM and YHWH are just names, but what counts is the ONE these names are speaking of, JESUS CHRIST. “Wherefore GOD hath HIGHLY EXALTED HIM, and GIVEN HIM A NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME.” (Phil.2:9) In the Zohar, an often used teaching in Jewish learning. It was based on the Torah, Tanach, Talmud, Midrash, combining these to reach an interpretation. And yes, JESUS was also taught from this as HE grew up, for it was standard material. The Zohar expresses this about GOD’S NAME: “… beyond any name, or any letter, or even the point at the top of the letter YUD.” Now let us see what GOD has planned about HIS NAME within the NEW JERUSALEM and HIS TEMPLE. “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the TEMPLE of MY GOD, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the Name of MY GOD, and the Name of the City of MY GOD, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down from GOD out of heaven; AND I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME.” (Rev.3:12) We call HIM YHWH, we call HIM ELOHIM, we call HIM JEHOVAH, we call HIM JESUS, but then we will finally have HIS REAL NAME which will be totally new to all throughout all generations, because HIS NAME IS EXALTED. Just the NAME of YHWH was so honored by the people of Israel that they dared not to speak or write it for fear of blaspheming it so they often called HIM ADONI meaning LORD.
The first Tabernacle was constructed by DIVINE COMMAND and in it the name YHWH was the Dominant, and later Solomon’s Temple also. With the Tabernacle came a GREAT LIGHT (PILLAR of FIRE) to guide the people and furnish them light and heat from the cold. We cannot even comprehend how BIG that LIGHT was. According to the numbers of the different tribes we read in the Bible of 600,000 fighting men, not counting the older people. Now let us do some logic, I know in this day and time logic has been thrown our, but please let me run on in my folly. Six hundred thousand men between 20 and 50. Now we must assume they had at least one wife and now we have 1.2 million people. If each one had at least one child and now we have 2.4 million people. Now let us assume that at least half of the Grandparents were still alive. Now we have at least 4.8 million people. This is not counting what the Bible calls “the mixed multitude among them.” (Ex.12:38) If we look at the arrangement of how they camped around the Tabernacle, for that LIGHT to cover the whole camp with LIGHT it would have had to have been miles high. Think in these terms, there were at least more of the Israelites than there is the population of Arkansas. Now try to imagine a LIGHT so BIG and TALL that it can LIGHT up this whole state. But even greater think in terms of how big we are told the New Jerusalem will be: 1500 miles cubed: 1500x1500x1500, because it is the LAMB that LIGHTS the whole place. That bunch that came out of Egypt was not like the small amount of people the movies show. (Solomon’s Temple was designed as the Tabernacle had been constructed.)
The Second Temple was the result of a tenacious bunch of refugees coming out of captivity after 70 years. This time GOD’S NAME became ELOHIM and yet IT remained transparent which allowed the LIGHT of YHVH to shine through, but only partially. “For NOW we see through a glass darkly (only partially) but then face to FACE, for now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Cor.13:12) It will be my face to HIS FACE. “For I do NOT desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of theis MYSTERY, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, THAT BLINDNESS IN PART HAS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL UNTIL THE FULNESS OF THE GENTILES BE COME IN.” (Rom.11:25-28 New Kings James Version NKJV)
The Third Temple will be much like the Second Temple because it will be constructed by the dictates of man, that is why JESUS will have to ask where this Temple is that man builds. JESUS didn’t think too highly of that Temple Herod built. HE called it a “den of thieves.” HE twice upset their money collections, once at the beginning of HIS ministry and the next at the end of HIS ministry. Even at the age of 12 we find HIM in it correcting the Rabbis in their erroneous teachings and HE often called the different derogatory names such vipers. Finally, one day HE told HIS disciples to look at that big and beautiful structure for it would fall down and not even two stones would be left connected. And just like us today we still run merrily along with the idea we are not in danger, for our inward thought is we are going to last forever. “Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.” (Psa.49:11)
Jacob did not say that GOD shines in this place, but he said it was an awesome place. Onkelos (35 A D to 120 A D) a Roman that converted to Judaism, said this about what Jacob had said, “This space is not a normal space.” The Third Temple is NOT about some great revelation from above. However, the world will sense there is a DIVINE blessing upon it. It will be the result of the Jewish struggles and labors done from all over the world for the last 2000 years. “However, the MOST HIGH does NOT DWELL IN HOUSES MADE BY HUMAN HANDS. AS THE PROPHET SAYS.” (Acts 7: 48 Berean Standard Bible, BSB)
No matter how much the Jewish builders or we Christians want it to be the permanent Temple and usher in the 1000 year reign IT IS ONLY A PREUDE TO THAT. The Antichrist has to come and sit in it first and after JESUS casts the Antichrist and his False Prophet into hell and bind Satan, and HE, “the ONE THAT IS CALLED THE BRANCH” will build HIS TEMPLE without man’s help. LISTEN TO THIS:
And the HOUSE (TEMPLE) when it was in building (being built) was built of stone made ready BEFORE it was brought thither; SO THAT THERE WAS NEITHER HAMMER, NOR AXE, NOR ANY TOOL OF IRON HEARD IN THE HOUSE, WHILE IT WAS BUILDING.” (I Kings 6:7)
Now if we read Exodus 20:25 we find that GOD forbid the use of tools TO BUILD HIM AN ALTAR, but HE does not forbid it for all construction. “And if thou wilt make ME an Altar of stone, thou shalt NOT build it of hewn stone, for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, THOU HAST POLUTTED IT.” (Ex.20:25) Solomon used this Command for all the stones, so he had them all shaped while still at the quarry. The Burnt Offering Altar was made of bronze and the the Altar of Incense was made of gold, but both were beaten with hammers before they were moved inside, so that there was no sound of iron inside. Now, we still wonder how the builders cut these stones? There is a legend that will take another whole lesson to provide all the details, so I am going to mention something that probably most have never even heard of. In ancient times there was a thing called a “Shamir” legend says it was actually a worm that could cut stone by crawling over it. Legend says Solomon used these and when the Temple was complete GOD made them disappear from the earth. It is believed that Solomon, like all other ancient rulers, used slave labor to build the Temple and his home. The slaves often were referred to as “demons” and they were afraid of the iron tools, so Solomon had the Shamir to cut the stones. But the Third Temple, made by human hands, will have the sound of machines and tools so it will not stand through eternity. The TEMPLE
The Third Temple will get the attention of most of the world, some will be glad and others will be furious for they will believe it will cause a Nuclear War. When Nehemiah was reconstructing the City and the Temple (rebuilding the first) he had much opposition, so the same will happen for the Third Temple. Sanballat and Tobiah said the walls were so weak a little fox could knock them down. Read Nehemiah chapter 4 and you can see what is exactly happening today as it did back then. Just read it carefully. Rejoice for the Third will bring in the Antichrist and that will lead to the Coming of JESUS to rescue those that are HIS.
FATHER, I will that they also THOU hast given ME, be with ME where I am, that they may behold MY GLORY, which THOU hast given ME, for THOU lovedst ME before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24)
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons.
