REVELATION 2
REV 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
REV 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
REV 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
REV 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
REV 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
REV 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
REV 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Christ himself eloquently addresses only seven relatively insignificant churches. He holds only them, and that in his most preeminent hand, the symbol of power and authority therefore they must represent all of His churches. "Fear thou not; For I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isa 41:10 (also John 10:28; Isa 41:13).
This must be symbolic of all throughout all the ages. Why were those seven churches in Asia used as figures to represent the church militant in her several conditions to the end of her militant state? Because of the significance of the names describe the spirit and qualities of the several periods of the Christian era.
Ephesus: the word, means desirable or chief. The cities fine harbor was the gateway to Asia. It had a beautiful location, an eloquent climate and rich soil. Their coins had stamped on them "The first and greatest metropolis of Asia". Abandoned in the 4th century, it had the temple of Diana or Mother of God in it.
Prophetically: Being the first of the seven it must have been typical of the Christians living at the time it was written. The church of the Apostles hence this could be called the Apostolic Church age.
The angel cannot be a heavenly being else John would not be writing instructions to them. It must represent those that take up the challenge of being light bearers, messengers of God's word to the world.
Stars are symbols of lordship and authority either ecclesiastical or civil. Just as literal stars shed light in the darkness and give direction to those seeking it. Jesus is represented as a Star (There shall come a star out of Jacob Rev 22:16: Num 24:17) Joseph's dream represented the twelve patriarchs as stars (Gen 37:9). Rev 12 represents the twelve apostles by twelve stares for they were the leading lights of the church. In Dan 12:3 faithful teachers are represented as stars, that shine forever and ever. In Jude 13 false teachers are called wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. If a star strays from the hand of Jesus it becomes a wondering, or falling star, unreliable to set course by. Holding the stars illustrates God's constant diligence in behalf of His church. (Ps 121:4; 1 Peter 1:5; John 10:28).
Characteristics: The prominent features of the first church, the Ephesus like or desirable church, were its works, labour and patience. In that day they brought forth fruits meet for repentance, they went every where preaching that men should repent. "But now commandeth all men every where to repent" Acts 17:30. They laboured night and day for the Lord. "Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought, but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you" 2 Thess 3:8 "So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail; for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God." 1 Thess 2:8,9. And again they were known for their patience "But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distress." 2 Cor 6:4 "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." 2 Cor 12:12. These features adorned the Church in its infancy more than any age since none would seriously challenge.
They could not bear evil persons. "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother [as though such a one could not be a real brother, but only called so] be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat." 1 Cor 5:11. Also see 2 Peter chapter 2; the books of 1 John and Jude and see that they could not bear them that were evil.
Thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: This was fulfilled then more any other age as can be seen when Simon Magus, professing to be a disciple was found out by Peter and declared to be in the "gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity" (Acts 8:23). Hymeneus and Alexander were delivered to Satan that they might learn not to blaspheme. (1 Tim 1:20) Philetus, Demas, and Alexander the coppersmith were also found to be liars and put out from among them. ". . . They hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Acts 9:16 so fitting that this mouth to Asia, the chief most desirable city at the head of the road be used as a symbol of the Apostolic age of the church. By the end of the first century, less then seventy years from the cross, their were no less then six million Christians in the Roman empire.
thou hast left thy first love: Can this be true of the early Church? "Forasmuch as we have hard
that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying,
ye must be circumcised, and keep the whole law, [Jewish ceremonies] to whom we gave no such
commandment." Acts 15:24 and again "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called
you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel." Gal 1:6 "Holding faith and a good conscience,
which some having put away, concerning faith, have made shipwreck." 1 Tim. 1:19. "This thou
knowest, that all they which are in Asia are turned away from me. . . At my first answer no man
stood with me, but all men forsook me. I pray God lay not this sin to their charge." 2 Tim.
1:15,16. Amazing but true, the early church did fall away from its purity and source of strength to
another variation of the gospel. They left their first love. We should likewise examine ourselves to
see if we have a "thus saith the lord" for our gospel and doctrines or if we embrace another.
Notwithstanding the many excellent qualities a fatal deficiency was found. Is this our case today?
We too may have correct doctrines, hate false doctrine and not receive those who are not true to
principle, as those of Ephesus, but though we may labor untireingly this is not sufficient. What is
our motive? Do we have Jesus' love for sinners? A belief in the theory of the truth is not enough.
(James 2:4-22). We must cherish love for God, who loves us, and a love for sinners as well as a
love of the truth. Knowledge without the spirit is fatally lacking. When this is wanting all other
excellencies are insufficient. (Mark 10:17-24; 1 Cor. 13:1-3; 1 John 3:14-16; 2 Thes. 2:10). In
verse 5 Christ reproves them for neglecting to embrace the truth the foremost and accepting the
popular errors of the day. Except they repent their "desirable" state will be removed.
Candlestick: Just as the Jewish church lost its place and was replaced by the apostolic church as the light bearers to the world so they could be rejected as light-bearers. If the candlesticks were left to the care of human beings, how often the light would flicker and go out. Those who faithfully carry forward the work of Christ, representing in word and deed the character of God, fulfill the Lord's purpose. But they neglected to cherish Christ's compassion and tenderness. The love that constrained our Saviour to die for us, was not revealed in his followers lives. This affected their entire religious life. God looked at it as a spiritual fall.
hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate: The scriptures do not teach us what they taught but it is clear that God hates their deeds and the beliefs that excuse their sins and it is the churches duty to likewise hate these things. Irenaeus, a minister in Asia during the second century Irenaeus said regarding the Nicolaitans "make no scruple about eating meats offered in sacrifice to idols, imagining that they can in this way contract no defilement. Then, again, at every heathen festival celebrated in honor of the idols, these men are the first to assemble" Against Heresies, book 1 chapt. 6 sec. 3 quoted in The Seven Epistles of Christ by Taylor G. Bunch pg 154. They are believed to have believed in polygamy, having more than one wife (1 Tim. 3:12). They were the compromisers and considered themselves free from the law, emphasizing the grace and forgiveness of God. (see Jude 4)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: This is the same expression used in Matt 11:15; 13:9; 13:43 about his parables and the real meaning of John the Babtist. It is as if to say "Listen to what I am really saying" thus he is telling us that it is a symbolic church and is not to be taken literally. This call of attention for all churches, plural, to listen tells us that it was not intended for that one church therefore it must be symbolic.
Tree of Life: The tree of life is in Paradise in the third heaven according to 2 Cor 12:2. It is THE
tree of life for their is only one. God did not abandon nor destroy it after the fall of Adam but
guarded it (Gen 3:24) therefore it, being under the watch care of angels must have been removed
from earth to heaven sometime before the flood else it would not be THE tree of life which God
cared for so much. How do we eat its leaves? See John 6:31-37. It is by eating the words or
symbolic flesh of Christ that we are healed. We must eat or partake of the spiritual food that God
has provided and let it become a part of our being. The truth will cleanse us from our
misconceptions and errors but more than this it is by saying yes to and accepting God's ways that
we invite His spirit and nature into ours.
REV 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
REV 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
REV 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
REV 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that
overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Smyrna: The word means Myrrh, a sweet smelling herb (Ps 45:8; S.S. 3:6). It was especially used for embalming the dead. The more this bitter tasting plant is crushed the more fragrant its smell. This city had an eventful history of suffering from besieging armies, massacres, earthquakes, fire and plagues. In 600 B.C. it was almost crushed to death and lay in ruins for 400 years but was rebuilt and flourished. Again in 178 A.D. it lay in ruins from one of its frequent earthquakes but came back to life.
Persecution or tribulation weeds out pride, popularity, self-dependence, time-servers, greed, pomp and laziness and encourages true faith, piety and devotion. This while under tribulation and separated from worldly honors, fame, popularity, and wealth in this world their faith and willingness to stand for the right in the face of adversity is a sweet smell to God for they forsook all for his sake.
Prophetically: This is our second stop on this prophetic church road. It was around the end of the first century that persecution really began as the Romans became fearful of the rapid growth of this new religion that challenged the foundation of not only their faith but of all pagan religions.
Jews: Why would Christ write his church about Jews? Lets examine what God's word says on this matter of Jews and Israel.
God promised Abraham the promised land for his seed (Gen 12:7 Gen 13:14-16). This is the covenant and the pride of the Jews. This is why they claim Abraham as their father (Mat 3:9). But an error in understanding this promise is explained "Not 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." Gal. 3:16. Thus this promise was that through that one seed, Christ, were the promises made. The children are not the literal but those that accept the true God. It is not ethnic but spiritual. Abraham had two children yet only one received the promise (Gen 16:1-11; 17:19). Jacob was given the name Israel, after he had prevailed with God because he was an overcomer. The word Israel means "one who has prevailed with God" and so applies to those who likewise prevail with God (Gen 28:13,14). People what were not Jewish by birth became Jews by belief and heirs to the promise (Joshua 6:25; Ruth 2:2; 4:13-22) so much so that they are included in the genealogy of Christ (Mat 1:15). A non-Jew could not be included so it must be that a Jew has always been a true believer and not a race or blood line.
Thus if we let the bible interpret itself "And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed,[a Jew] and heirs according to the promise." Gal 3:29. So Christians are Jews or the spiritual children of Abraham are those that worship the same God as Abraham and if they were born of Gentiles they will be "grafted in" to the tree called Israel (See Rom 11:13-24) And those that were born Jews but reject the God of Abraham as in Rejecting the Messiah "shall be cut off" of the tree. This is how "All Israel shall be saved" Rom 11:26 because Israel or a Jew in the biblical sense are the true worshipers of God and only the true and faithful. Therefor their is a natural (Rom 11:21), fleshly (Rom 2:28) Jew of Israel and their is the true descendants by faith of Abraham as Christ in his word shows.
"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, [the sign of belonging to Israel] which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." Rom. 2:28,29. Peter when preaching to both Jews and Gentiles (1 Peter 1:1; 2:10) says "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:9,10. (Also see Gal 6:16). In the parable of Mat 21:33-45 Jesus predicted God's abandoning the blood line as a chosen nation (also Luke 13:4-9,34,35). The blood line is cut off and can only be saved - the same as any gentile (Rom 11:13-23; Gal 3:28). "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, became they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." Rom 9:4-8.
John 8:37,39 "I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, . . ." Jesus knew that they were descendants of Abraham or Jews but in verse 39 "They answered and said unto him Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." . . . verse 41 "Ye do the deeds of your father." . . . verse 44 "Ye are of your father the devil," Thus Jesus clearly teaches that being a "child of Abraham" or a Jew is based not on who your ancestors are but on your faith and actions as far as God is concerned. as is also stated in Rom 4:13-16
"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Gal 3:29. (also see Gal 4:21-31; 3:26-29). The inheritors, heirs, of Abraham's covenant and promises are not to the blood line but to Christ's followers for "ye are Abraham's seed". Thus we can see that God's promises to those that "prevailed" with him in the old testament apply to his people today and not to those that might lay claim to blood line relations to Abraham.
Now we can understand that this text refers to some believers that had essentially invited Satan into high places in the church. This must be through doctrines, beliefs accepted actions of its members else it would be meaningless.
We will not be able to understand this text or Rev 7:4-8 or Rev 21:12 if we do not understand what a Jew is. These are those that claim to be followers of the true God and have the outward appearance but do not just as the Jews of Christ's day made such a claim but rejected the Messiah and Christ declared them to be false Jews.(John 8:37-34 above)
tribulation ten days: Why would Christ speak of a literal ten day persecution in a little church in Asia minor in His book of revelations of "things to come" and ignore the great persecutions of the Christian church? I know of no ten day persecution of this church. Clearly it must be symbolic of a greater event, and using the day for a year this would be a ten year period of persecution. Their was a 10 year persecution from 302 - 312 under the Roman Emperor Dioclecian that was the bloodiest effort of the Roman empire to exterminate all of Christianity. This must be what was predicted. The experience of "Smyrna" paralleled that of the Christian church as a whole following the time of the apostles until the fourth century, when the Roman Empire stopped persecuting Christians.
second death: All die once, the good and bad are all resurrected eventually. The wicked die a
second time and are never resurrected. This will be covered latter on in Revelation.
REV 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
REV 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
REV 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
REV 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
REV 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
REV 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the
stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Pergamos: The word means very earthy elevated. The city was considered impregnable as it was built on a rock rising a thousand feet on all sides but one and could only be reached by a steep narrow passageway, easily guarded. The city was named for the lofty hill on which it was built and therefore it's name means tower, height, or elevation on the land. The city was a rich city and the center of emperor worship and many pagan religions. The god Jupiter is said to have his origins here. Many beautiful temples gave the city the nickname "city of temples". It was known as the "temple-keeper" of pagan gods. The temple of Zeus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and was dedicated to "the great physician", "the savior" Aesculapius. This temple housed a living serpent that was worshiped as a god of healing. Many of this cities coins show a serpent around a pole, the pagan emblem of healing, a caduceus. The broad double-bladed Roman sword "the cut and thrust sword" was the emblem of official authority and this was the seat of justice for the region. Prisoners from all over the province were brought here for trial. After Babylon fell its priests went to the city of Pergamos and set up their religious order. In 133 B.C. they turned over their high priests title PONTIFIS MAXIMUS to the Roman Cesar.
Prophetically: After the age of persecution the church became very earthy, common or worldly, and became elevated or exalted in social status becoming the official religion. The word gamos of Per-gamos means marriage thus it implies a marriage or union.
The church that was "espoused as a chaste virgin to Christ" 2 Cor 11:2 became united in marriage to pagan Rome. This was the age that Romanism united with the Church. The persecution of Christians stopped in 312 A.D. when Constantine became Emperor of Rome. By 325 A.D. he decided that after over two hundred years of fighting a peaceful people it would be better to join them and made a "conversion" to Christianity. Thus unconverted pagans filled the church books and the church increasingly accepted pagan ideas. They were unwilling to use the sharp sword of truth cut away their selfishness and sins "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb 4:12. (Also see Ps 149:5-7). "Pergamos" great failure was that it allowed pagan influences into its midst, accepting the teaching of "Balaam" a backslided follower of God that worked for the enemy of God's people. Balaam united with the pagans in undermining the purity of the church and therefore the strength of Israel. (Read Num 22-25: 31:13-16).
thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: Here is another evidence that this is mystical or symbolic. This church became heavily involved with the central power that Satan worked through which, as we will learn more of latter on, was Rome.
holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith: How many today claim to be Christians yet refuse to truly follow His path.
Antipas: We have no reliable record of any Anitpas. It is unlikely that a single martyr is refereed to but rather a class of people that opposed the Pope at the cost of their life for Anti- means against and Pas or Papas means Pope or father. For many were cast out of the church and hunted down like animals for opposing the Pope, the "Holy Father". In the spiritual/religious sense Jesus told us "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Matt. 23:9. See Appendix A pg. II.
Accepting the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans must mean that worldliness walked into the church. Balac was the king of Moab, and Balaam was the prophet of God who turned traitor to secure worldly gain and kingly favors. He is definitely symbolic of the compromises of the Pergamos period, when believers turned traitor to the cause of genuine Christianity to gain the favor of Roman officials. The two fold sin of idolatry and fornication corrupted ancient Israel and led to their downfall. These were forbidden by the Jerusalem council in Acts 15:29 though many believed them to be "little things". There has always been an effort to be accepting of worldly ways in an effort to win the heart of the world over to an acceptance of Christianity. Any comparison of Pagan worship and the Roman Catholic Church, especially during these dark ages, will be struck by the similarities.
White stone: White is the color of innocence and purity and is symbolic of victory. Judges used white stones for acquittal and black for condemnation (ie. blackballing). White stones were given to winning athletes and gladiators with their names engraved on them to entitle them to special privileges, and was called "the pebble of victory". Freed slaves were given a white stone with their name engraven. But I believe it more likely that it is referring to the custom of breaking a stone in half and engraving on it a family name and giving half to a friend so that at any time in the future, even for generations, this sign was given as proof of a family debt or friendship. It was a treasured marker of favor between two people or families. This "tessera" stone was therefore a ticket or a badge of friendship. It was kept hidden so that no other would use it. Thus this white stone indicates a pass to heaven to the victorious.
A pot of manna was placed in the ark of the covenant in the most holy apartment of the earthly
sanctuary as a pledge that all who obey the law will be fed (Heb 9:3-4; Isa 65:13; John 6:26-63).
This became known as the "hidden manna" as it was out of sight in the ark. This food from
heaven was secretly provided during the night when God's people were in the wilderness (Ex 16).
Our hidden food from heaven can be obtained by diligent hungering bible study with the aid of the
Holy Spirit.
REV 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
REV 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
REV 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
REV 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
REV 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
REV 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
REV 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
REV 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
REV 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
REV 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
REV 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.
REV 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Thyatira: The word means a sweet savor of labor of sacrifice and contrition. It was a garrison city built on the plains, with no natural fortifications, and was captured, destroyed, and rebuilt many times. Its citizens being mostly poor and humble laborers, the opposite of those in Pergamos. The leading industries were the manufacture of instruments of brass and bronze and the manufacture and dying of clothe especially of royal purple. Red and purple cloth were characteristic of the city. "a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira" Acts 16:12-14. These are the chief colors worn by the Popes and Cardinals. The colors of royalty (Mat 27:28) and prostitution.
Prophetically: This was the middle ages. When the decree of Emperor Justinian in 538 A.D. and the arms of Belisarius elevated the Bishop of Rome to the sovereign power after exterminating the three powers that opposed the Pope. Thus the Pope of Rome was unsidptedly declared "Head of all the churches and the corrector of heretics"
The church is represented as in a state of heavy trial and must be the church driven into the wilderness by the anti-Christian pretenders. It is a well known fact the Catholic church persecuted any and all that interpreted doctrine differently from them. Even the possession of the word of God was forbidden to the common man. Torture and death was the reward of the "Heretic" that dared own a Bible or teach contrary to the official doctrines. Thus the believers that cherished the word fled into the hills and country to live. See the history of the Waldenses.
There was great need and use of the graces mentioned during the dark days of Papal dictatorship. How trying to have most of your brethren united with those that taught such great errors as worshiping angels and dead saints, that the Pope was infallible and God on earth and a score of unbiblical doctrines that came straight out of Paganism and Babylon such as praying with beads and candles. They faced excommunication [the declaration that you are cut off from God and that no one is to render aide to you] and condemnation from their fellow brethren and countrymen.
Jezebel: is a figurative name alluding to Ahab's wife, the daughter of a pagan king and priest, who slew the prophets of the Lord and led her husband and Israel into idolatry. She fed the prophets of Baal, the sun-god of the Phoenicians, at the king of Israels table. A more striking representation of the Papal power could not be found. Catholics boast of having adopted and Christianized paganism in order to defeat Satan with his own religion. Just as in the real story of Jezebel the heavens were shut up for 3 1/2 years (James 5:17) but this time in prophetic time. Just as Israel had a drought of water this is spiritual drought. Amos 8:11 speaks of a drought of the word of God and so it was as we learned in Daniel chapter 7 and will see again latter on in this book. (See 1 Kings 16:31-18:46).
searcheth the reins: The ancients considered the kidney area the seat of human emotions, Ps. 33:11; Jer. 23:20; Dan. 2:30. The character is composed of these two ingredients, the thoughts and the emotions thus He searches the reigns and heart.
None other burden: except to keep themselves unspotted from, and continually protest against, the Jezebel abominations is given. Catholics themselves symbolize their church as the "Holy Mother". It is evident that the true believers suffered the monks to preach and teach among them. The similarities of this figure with the mystical Babylon of Rev 17 and 19:20,21 are striking and must be the same power. Since this city and church have long since ceased to exist and since those that refuse fellowship with this anti-Christian power are promised to be spared the plagues of God it must be the Anti-Christ power.
The morning star rises during the darkest part of the night just before dawn. It is a promise indicating that a night or period of darkness is coming to a close and that greater light will come. It is the sign in the night of the dawning of a new day (Prov 4:18). It is called the daystar in 2 Peter 1:19 "Until the day dawn, and the daystar arise."
Before the Reformation, when few of the religious teachers had even seen a bible much less studied it and superstitious stories reigned in its steed. The first sign of the light of Bible truth came in the fourteenth century by John Wycliffe. A century later Huss and Jerome, who were put to death for challenging "the church", also heralded religious reform. These tokens of the coming dawn lead people back to the scriptures away from fanciful superstitions and toward the reformation.
