chs 5 and 6 - THE TABERNACLE, THE TEMPLE AND THE RESURRECTION
When Moses made the tabernacle he was told to "make this Tabernacle and all it's furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you." The temple that Solomon built was a copy, in essence, of the tabernacle, except that it was twice as big. The temple dimensions were two times the size of the tabernacle. Also, the temple was a permanent house and the tabernacle was a tent. The Tabernacle took about 7 months to make but the temple took 7 years. Both the tabernacle and the temple were made of precious materials.
I see a parable in this. Like the tabernacle, we are all precious in God's sight. We are made in the image of God - after his pattern and our job now is to follow the example of Christ so that our lives become exactly like the pattern he showed us. But in this life we are still small, mortal sinners. However, it is now that we are spending the time, the seven years, preparing for the future. We are preparing for the time when Christ will return and will transform these bodies and minds to become, finally, like his. And just as the temple was so much bigger and more glorious than the tabernacle, so we will be made glorious and renewed like the resurrected Jesus.

:1 How do we understand this time period.

But Solomon started to build the temple only 480 years after Israel left Egypt. According to this reckoning Solomon started to build the house at least 50 years later than the record says. Clearly my calculations are wrong, but I do not have an answer. Can anyone help me?

[I suggested a possible answer to this problem in the notes on Acts 13 on May 4, and further support was given to this there by Sis Jean Cheetham. 450 years back from the end of the time of Samuel's reign as a judge takes us to the exodus from Egypt. So I suggest that 450 years includes Moses (last 40 years of his life) and Joshua with the judges. This would solve the problem though I may not be right. Any further comments?]

Also, how much overlap is there between Samuel and Saul? Samuel as judge & Saul as king were overlapping for a few years, till Samuel dies (1 Sam. 25:1).

Another possibility would be that the beginning of the temple would have
been when God gave the plans to David and he began gathering the materials for it. perhaps this
would make the 10 year difference. 450 from Exodus (time of judges) to the 30th year of David as king,
making 480 years.

Even the floor of the Temple was overlaid with gold (1Kin 6:30). It's interesting to note that the Kings record talks of doors from the Holy Place into the Most Holy (1Kin 6:31,32), but in the other account it is recorded that he made a veil (2Chron 3:14).  I imagine that the veil hung alongside the doors.

6:4 The measurements of the porch of the house are identical to the measurements of the flying roll which Zechariah sees Zech 5:2

6:23 These two cherubim are in addition to the two which were part of the mercy seat. Possibly indicating the involvement of gentiles with Israel in showing forth the glory of God in the kingdom when Christ returns.

This temple, though magnificent, was built on a shaky foundation. This foundation is referred to by Jesus as sand in his parable (Matt 7:24-29). In our chapter it is described in v12:

"concerning this Temple you are building, if.."

This small word, "if", is the skaky foundation. The blessing of God on this Temple was only to be had if the occupants were continually faithful.

Thus Jesus spoke of a better foundation - one of rock - which was un-skake-able, built upon better promises than "if". This foundation was the promises of God which weren't dependant on the continual faithfulness of the people, but rather on a continually faithful man, Jesus. We see that Solomon and Israel failed to live up to what God required, and so the temple eventually crumbled. But with Jesus, the true foundation, the promises remain firm despite our failings, as long as we have faith in him (Heb 10:12-14, 12:27-28).

6:9      The ‘beams of cedar’ is a phrase used in Song 1:17 in the context of the description of the bride. Thus we see that Solomon’s physical temple represented people.

V.1 Solomon began to build the temple in the second month, which equates to April/May in our calendar.  The second month is called Zif (Ziv), which is a Babylonian name.  Later, the Zif (Ziv) was changed to Iyar.

6:12 The promise that if Solomon walked according to the law echoes the words of Deut 13:4 which was a charge to the nation as they were about to enter the land. Solomon is now about to enter the time of the kingdom with a temple.

V.12 See 2Sam 7:12-16.  Although it was Solomon who built the God’s physical house, it was Jesus who built God’s spiritual house, which comprises His brothers and sisters (1Pet 2:5; 4:17). Jesus is the king who will reign forever (Luke 1:31-33).  And, Jesus’ house (his disciples) will be with Him forever (Rev 5:10).

V.20 To understand how gold was overlaid on material, please see my note on 1 Kings 10, for August 15.

6:13 That God would dwell among the children of Israel matches what He said – Exo 25:8 when the tabernacle was being prepared.

1Kin 6:31-34 - there were two doors to the inner sanctuary and two doors to the entrance of the main hall - could this suggest there is an entrance through Christ for both Jew and Gentile? 

1Kin 6:38 - it took 7 periods (years) to complete the temple and similarly when Christ returns to establish his kingdom it will be on the millenial (7th) day of rest.. Other repeated numbers in 1st Kings 5 - 6 are 3, 5, 7, etc. The NIV mentions the numbers 30 and 33 (1Kin 5:13,16).

The Parable of the Kingdom of God (Solomon's reign echoing Christ's future reign) - part 2 of 2:

Glorious Temple built at Jerusalem (1Kin 6:1-38;Isa 56:7-8). Temple constructed from God-provided plans (1Chron 28:11-19;Ezek. Chps. 40-48). Temple built by Prince of Peace (1Kin 6:1-38;Zech 6:12). Solomon known as Prince of Peace (1Kin 5:12;Isa 9:6). The King noted for wisdom, enlightenment (1Kin 4:29-34;Isa 32:4;33:6). The King noted for piercing, unerring judgment (1Kin 4:29-34;Isa 11:1-4). Jerusalem the center of worldwide pilgrimage to hear the wisdom of its king (2Chron 9:23;1Kin 4:34;Isa 2:2-4;Zech 14:16). Tyre/Tarshish the great friend of Israel (1Kin 5:1;Psa 45:12;Isa 60:9). Zadok the High Priest (1Kin 1:34;2:35;Heb 7:11-12;Eze 40:46). Priests serve day and night in Temple thus figuratively immortal (Psa 134:1-3;Isa 40:28-31;Heb 7:15-16;Rev 4:8;Rev 5:9-10). Full order of Divine worship established for first time (1Kin 9:25;2Chron 8:12-16;Deut 30:6-8;Isa 42:21). Satan bound (1Kin 5:4;Rev 20:2). Satan unloosed towards the end of reign (1Kin 11:14;Rev 20:7).

The above from The Story of the Bible by G.E. Mansfield, V.3, P.167.

V.7 Anathoth, in the territory of Benjamin, was located three miles north of Jerusalem. It was Jeremiah's home town (Jer 1:1).

V.9 Yahweh wanted Jeremiah to purchase land there from his cousin Hanameel, which he did. 

Vs.14,15 Jeremiah's purchase was duly witnessed and the deed preserved.  This was done to show that after the Babylonian exile, Judah would once again inhabit their land. 

Evidence of post-exilic re-possession is catalogued in Nehemiah.  Notice that Anathoth is specifically mentioned in the list (Neh 7:27; 11:32).

Jeremiah bought a field in his home town of Anathoth.  This was unusual for 3 reasons: 1. he was of the  priests (Jer 1:1), and priests did not normally sell or purchase land (for the full law see Lev 25:32-34); 2. Jeremiah was in prison; and 3. the city of Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonians.  Surely that is why God made a special point of telling him to do this (Jer 32:6-8).  He was a man of sign.

32:18  In saying that God shows mercy to thousands Jeremiah is quoting Exo 20:6. Israel needed to know that God was merciful as they anticipated the captivity by the Babylonians.

There seems to be significance in the way that the title deeds of Jeremiah's land are described. In both 11 and 14 it is mentioned that they signed an open deed and a closed deed. What is the significance of this?

In 1Kin 21:8 and Est 8:10 we see examples of the sealed deed. It is a document sealed by a signet ring to show its authenticity. God seals His prophecies also (Isa 29:11, Dan 12:4). All of these references use the same Hebrew words Jeremiah uses.

The word for open is much more enlightening (01540). In the majority of references it means uncovered. In Isa 57:8 we read God saying to Israel "you have uncovered yourself to those other than me". The next occurences of the word are in Jeremiah, and are translated "carry away captive" (Jer 1:3, 13:19, 24:1, 27:20, 29:1,4,7,14).

So this symbol highlighted how God would uncover His people to the nations as a punishment for how they had uncovered themselves to other gods; yet would not utterly reject them. He kept a copy of His promises to them sealed in His heart (v41-43, Song 8:6).

32:17 The logic of the prophet is unassailable. If God could make the heavens and the earth He could do anything. Whenever we have doubts it would be helpful to us to simply reflect on what He has done and take courage.

32:2 The fact that Jeremiah was ‘shut up in the court of the prison’ meant that he was relatively safe from those who would have killed him and also gave him an opportunity to speak privately with the king, though the king really did not want to know what God had to say.

V.18 This verse echoes what Yahweh declared to Moses (Exo 34:7).  However, Moses decreed, later, that each individual should be responsible for his/her owns deeds (Deut 24:16).  And, indeed, is not Yahweh also saying that in v.19?

Is there an inconsistency here? Or, does Yahweh reserve the right to punish subsequent generations for someone’s sins; while expecting judgement of man’s actions on an individual basis also?

v. 8 Since the final seige began in the 9th year, the seige had been going on for a year. This may explain why the cousin was selling his inheritance. He needed the money to buy bread at famine prices. Jeremiah was being instructed by God to consider the long-term and was a demonstration of his prophecy that God would return them to the land. To the cousin the now was more important to the people of God whose faith is in God's word the future is what is important.  

32:16-18 In the previous chapter Jeremiah subscribed the evidences regarding the field of his uncle. Now we learn something of Jeremiah’s confidence. Jeremiah’s confidence is based upon his knowledge of how his God has worked in the past.

V.1 The Babylonians had begun their siege of Jerusalem in the previous year (Jer 39:1).

V.22 For an explanation of the expression: a land flowing with milk and honey, please see my note on Exodus 3, for January 31.

V.27 Yahweh had decreed the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of Judah.  Nevertheless, with Jeremiah’s purchase of property in Anathoth, Yahweh was saying that He has the power (and intention) to restore all things.

When we are in despair because we cannot find a solution to a problem, it is well for us to remember the phrase: Is anything too hard for me? Yahweh will always help His children, if they ask: Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psa 55:22).

V.33 Yahweh is reactive to His children.  If they turn to Him, He will turn to them; but if they turn away from Him, He will turn away from them (2Chron 15:2; James 4:8).

Vs.37-41 Here is a prophecy concerning Yahweh’s people in the end times:

-V.37 See Eze 36:24; Zech 14:11, for example.

-V.38 See Zech 8:8, for example.

-V.39 See Eze 36:26, for example.

-V.40 See Eze 37:26, for example.

-V.41See Amos 9:15, for example.

32:8-10 Doubtless there were those amongst the witnesses that must have thought that Jeremiah was mad. The evidence of their own eyes would indicate that Jeremiah would never receive the land. But of course those people did not share Jeremiah’s faith. There will be a resurrection

In 5v41-42 Jesus had said to the little girl "arise..immediatly the girl arose and walked". We find the same phrase used many times when people are healed. In Acts 3v6 we get the apostle Peter saying the same thing "rise up and walk", whilst healing a lame man. The context of these verses are again about faith:

"And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16)

So the healing of this man, according to Peter, is through his faith in Christ. In James 5v15 these three things come together, namely "prayer of faith", "save the sick", and "raise him up". Here however, there is an added ingredient, namely "and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him". But of course, this isn't new either! (Luke 5v20-25). I wonder what it all means?

V.13 It was customary in the Near-East to anoint a sick person with oil.  The disciples did just that in this account.  However, this symbolic gesture could not alone have healed the sick.  There must be an element of faith to effect change, usually on the part of the sick person. 

James illustrates the process of healing a sick person in the ecclesia (whether the sickness described here be physical or spiritual is debatable).  The sick are anointed with oil (James 5:14).  But it is the prayer of faith that will affect the healing (James 5:15).

The feeding of the 5000 (plus women and children) is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels prior to Christ's crucifixion. Psa 23:1-5 has some appropriate words and in v.5 refers to the preparing of a table. In Mark 6:34 Jesus taught and had compassion on them. V.37 - Jesus says to feed them but the 12 infer they can't afford to pay the price (only Christ could pay the price). V.38 - Christ tells them to go and see (seek and ye shall find) what they have which is only five loaves and two fish (this reminds us of the bread and wine by which we remember Christ's offered body and poured out blood). V.41 - implies Christ personally gave the bread and fish to be distributed much like at the last supper and his ultimate sacrifice. V.43 - says there were 12 basket with left over food picked up so nothing was wasted.

Additional specifics: The Jews were in a literal and spiritual wilderness and Christ was to feed them literally and spiritually. The wheat harvest wasn't yet ready by passover but the available barley harvest was the 1st grain or first fruits to be harvested. The number five may refer to mercy or redemption. In Num 18:16 we read the redemption price of five shekels of silver. The five books of the law pointed to the redeeming sacrifice of Christ.  The first century believers sign was that of the fish. Why two fish? Perhaps it refered to natural vs spiritual, old life vs new life, etc. As for the abundant Spring grass, perhaps it referred a place that could be nourished and grow, a reference to the future garden of Eden, or perhaps the temporary nature of our mortal lives. The multiples of 50 might refer to the future year of Jubilee with all debts paid and generations of people are freed from sin and death. The baskets kophinos (2894) were small and used only by the Jews. Twelve might refer to the 12 tribes and/or future perfect government. Nothing was wasted, the bread of life is always available, and in John 6:39 Christ refers to not losing any of those his Father sent him. As servants of our Lord and Master we should make every effort to reach out in love to those sheep within and outside the fold.

6:7It might be thought inefficient to send the disciples out in pairs. However Jesus understood a clear Bible principle which is shown in Ecc 5:9-12.

6:56    The word translated ‘streets’ <58> is the same word we find in Mark 7:4 where it is translated ‘market’. Jesus worked in the ‘streets’ the Jewish leaders saw the ‘streets’ as an unclean place that they needed to be cleansed from. How do we feel in our preaching?

6:7-9 Jesus’ instruction to his disciples about how they should go out is not setting out some fixed dress code for disciples – on another occasion – Luke 9:3- he told them not to take a staff, for example. We have to conclude that there are spiritual principles here.

V.3 Every Jew learned the law and learned a trade. Jesus was a carpenter.  The word carpenter is translated from the Greek tekton which has the fuller meaning of a craftsman in stone, iron copper, or wood.  In Jesus’ case, it was wood.

Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). It was expected that people worked. If people were able to work but preferred to remain idle, they would be scorned (2Thess 3:10).

It is clear that Jesus had siblings. That means Mary and Joseph had children subsequent to the birth of Christ. There are those, like the Catholic church, who deny this and suggest that brother and sister means near relative and, therefore, not necessarily descriptive of a sibling. 

They do this to perpetuate the cult of Mary who they have elevated to an everlasting virgin as the Queen of Heaven. This maintains the idolatrous form of Semiramis which began in Babylon (See my note on Ex.7 & 8, for Feb 2).

V.7 Having two representatives, who agree on the same message, adds weight to the message (Amos 3:3). Besides, the support of a companion, while on a mission, is of great benefit.

V.22 Josephus says that the girl’s name was Salome.

V.56 Touching the border of Christ's garment was sufficient for healing.  The example of the woman diseased with an issue of blood also comes readily to mind (Matt 9:20-22).  The Greek word translated border is kraspedon and implies a hem or fringe. 

Malachi also makes reference to this when he talks of Christ: But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall (Mal 4:2).

The word, wings in Hebrew is kanaph which means extremity or edge, particularly of a garment, and thus a hem.  Kraspedon is equivalent to kanaph. 

Israelites had to wear blue on the borders (kanaph) of their garments (Num 15:38).  This color represents heaven, the throne of Yahweh, from whence emanates all commandment and power.  Thus, the heavenly power to heal is embodied in the blue border of the garment.

6:31 The murder of John, Jesus’ cousin, must have had a terrific impact of Jesus. This man of sorrows. It surely brought home to him, if he needed any reminders, of his own impending death.