Russia in Modern Biblical Prophecy
March 19, 2022
G.D.O'Bradovich III
For several generations, white American Evangelicals reviled Russia and the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Gog and Magog of end time prophecies from the New Testament Book of Revelation (20:7–10), evil forces that will join with Satan in the final wars before the destruction of the Earth. James Finn
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Background
Two of the most important traits in the Wonderful World of Occult Research™ are possessing an open mind and having the ability to change one’s conclusions and opinions. Therefore, all avenues of research are allowed. Nothing is forbidden, as we cannot anticipate what we may discover. The introductory quote is found in an article, “Ukrainian President’s Queer Parody Riles American Evangelicals”. The title does not suggest that the commentary would mention the Evangelical supposition that Russia, whether ancient or modern, is found in certain interpretations of the Bible. Generally stated, the more one believes in the literal interpretation of the Bible, the less likely one is to recognize nuance and appreciate parody.
I was not raised as a Protestant, so whenever I encounter individuals who eagerly attempt to discuss “Biblical Prophecies” that concern the rapture, the revived Roman Empire, the False Prophet, and the “End Times”, I accept that these modern constructions as “puzzles puzzling me” and do not attach any importance to them.
By suggesting that Gog and Magog are not two nations, as per our long held interpretation, but represent a people, the Russians, and an organization, the Orthodox Church, Finn offers a clarification that fully explains the animus we have repeatedly encountered from individual Southern Baptists regarding Russia, the Orthodox Church, and its practices and teachings.
From our experience, Baptists deny or doubt that Roman Catholics are Christians and, on the rare occasions when we discussed the Orthodox Church, they question if the Orthodox are Christians. It seems that ancient and objective topics are beyond the ken of contemporary Christians. Since the Orthodox Church cannot guarantee salvation to their faithful, as Christians have only the hope of the resurrection, we were told that the Orthodox Church is leading people to Hell. The Gentle Reader should bear in mind that, according to individuals holding Evangelical beliefs, the default destination for humanity is Hell, so the only true statement is that the Orthodox Church cannot offer assured salvation, not that it leads people to Hell. Jesus mentions both Hell [Strong’s Number G86], in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and Hades [Strong’s Number G1067] in the Synoptic Gospels. However, Saint Paul only mentions Hades in a rhetorical question [1 Corinthians 15:55].
The Gentle Reader might dwell on the psychology of those who take the “Good News” and conclude that mankind, by its nature, is so irredeemably evil and, therefore, deserving, not of eternal death, but of torments in aeterna. The Gentle Researcher should linger upon the mentality of individuals who are attracted to this “Dysangelium” and actively promote it.
Because Protestant beliefs regarding Hell are inherited from Roman Catholic traditions [Hell is taught as a location separate from God’s presence], we neither relate that Hell and Heaven are the same location in Orthodox Christianity nor how one experiences the Divine Presence is determined by the individual. In Orthodox tradition, both the damned and the blessed will be in the presence of the Divine essence, however, the damned will experience this presence as a burning fire, otherwise said, the eternal fire of Hell is not to be understood literally.
I was not raised as a Protestant, so whenever I encounter individuals who eagerly attempt to discuss “Biblical Prophecies” that concern the rapture, the revived Roman Empire, the False Prophet, and the “End Times”, I accept that these modern constructions as “puzzles puzzling me” and do not attach any importance to them.
By suggesting that Gog and Magog are not two nations, as per our long held interpretation, but represent a people, the Russians, and an organization, the Orthodox Church, Finn offers a clarification that fully explains the animus we have repeatedly encountered from individual Southern Baptists regarding Russia, the Orthodox Church, and its practices and teachings.
From our experience, Baptists deny or doubt that Roman Catholics are Christians and, on the rare occasions when we discussed the Orthodox Church, they question if the Orthodox are Christians. It seems that ancient and objective topics are beyond the ken of contemporary Christians. Since the Orthodox Church cannot guarantee salvation to their faithful, as Christians have only the hope of the resurrection, we were told that the Orthodox Church is leading people to Hell. The Gentle Reader should bear in mind that, according to individuals holding Evangelical beliefs, the default destination for humanity is Hell, so the only true statement is that the Orthodox Church cannot offer assured salvation, not that it leads people to Hell. Jesus mentions both Hell [Strong’s Number G86], in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and Hades [Strong’s Number G1067] in the Synoptic Gospels. However, Saint Paul only mentions Hades in a rhetorical question [1 Corinthians 15:55].
The Gentle Reader might dwell on the psychology of those who take the “Good News” and conclude that mankind, by its nature, is so irredeemably evil and, therefore, deserving, not of eternal death, but of torments in aeterna. The Gentle Researcher should linger upon the mentality of individuals who are attracted to this “Dysangelium” and actively promote it.
Because Protestant beliefs regarding Hell are inherited from Roman Catholic traditions [Hell is taught as a location separate from God’s presence], we neither relate that Hell and Heaven are the same location in Orthodox Christianity nor how one experiences the Divine Presence is determined by the individual. In Orthodox tradition, both the damned and the blessed will be in the presence of the Divine essence, however, the damned will experience this presence as a burning fire, otherwise said, the eternal fire of Hell is not to be understood literally.
Rosh, Tubal, Meshech, Gog, and Magog
We examine Rosh, Tubal, Meshech, Gog, and Magog as found in the King James Bible version. BlueLetterBible.org has been consulted for their philological resources.
In the Old Testament passages, the past and future tenses are underlined. As Hebrew is not a tense language, the past and future translations are entirely the result of the opinions of the editors of the King James Bible. This is not to imply that the KJV translation is, in toto, grossly in error, but the fact that the text is in the present tense and translator has discretion regarding which tense to convey does explain the reason there are many prophecies in the Old Testament.
The following passages are from Isaiah [53:7-10] and are often utilized as a proof text for the future Messiah. However, the editor indiscriminately uses the past and future tenses. Our suggested translation in brackets is predicated upon Isaiah foreseeing the future and not recalling events.
In the Old Testament passages, the past and future tenses are underlined. As Hebrew is not a tense language, the past and future translations are entirely the result of the opinions of the editors of the King James Bible. This is not to imply that the KJV translation is, in toto, grossly in error, but the fact that the text is in the present tense and translator has discretion regarding which tense to convey does explain the reason there are many prophecies in the Old Testament.
The following passages are from Isaiah [53:7-10] and are often utilized as a proof text for the future Messiah. However, the editor indiscriminately uses the past and future tenses. Our suggested translation in brackets is predicated upon Isaiah foreseeing the future and not recalling events.
He was [will be] oppressed and he was [will be] afflicted, yet he [will not open] opened not his mouth. He is [will be] brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he [will not open] openeth not his mouth.
He was [will be] taken from prison and from judgment and who shall declare his generation? For he was [will be] cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people was he [will be] stricken.
And he made [will make] his grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death, because he [will do] had done no violence, neither was [there be] any deceit in his mouth.
Jesus was buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb [“his grave… [will be] with the rich”].
Yet it [will please] pleased the LORD to bruise him. He hath [will] put him to grief, when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin. He shall see his seed. He shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Although the suffering servant will live to see his children [“He shall see his seed.”], this passage is never applied to Jesus despite at least twelve points found in the preceding four verses coinciding with the trial, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus as presented in the Gospels.
Rosh
Strong's H7220 רֹאשׁ rō'š proper masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's H7220 as: Rosh (1).
The KJV translates Strong's H7220 as: Rosh (1).
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah and Becher and Ashbel, Gera and Naaman, Ehi and Rosh, H7220 Muppim and Huppim and Ard. Genesis 46:21
Rosh is a son of Benjamin and it is possible that the descendants of Rosh are Russians, however the descants of Rosh are not mentioned in the context of a war with Israel.
Tubal
Strong's H8422 תֻּבַל tuḇal proper masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's H8422 as: Tubal (8).
The KJV translates Strong's H8422 as: Tubal (8).
The sons of Japheth: Gomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tubal H8422 and Meshech and Tiras. Genesis 10:2
The sons of Japheth: Gomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tubal H8422 and Meshech and Tiras. 1 Chronicals 1:5
Tubal is a son of Japheth. Japeth is a son of Noah. The text of Genesis 10:2 is repeated in
1 Chronicles 1:5.
1 Chronicles 1:5.
And I will set a sign among them and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, H8422 and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. Isaiah 66:19
It seems that in the context of Isaiah that Tubal is a “nation”. The “isles afar off” are ambiguous and could refer to the larger islands of Cyprus, Crete, or Sicily or the smaller Grecian islands,
Javan, Tubal, H8422 and Meshech, they were thy merchants. They traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market. Ezekiel 27:13
From the context of Syria [v.16] and “the land of Israel” [v.17], Tubal is a nation.
There is Meshech, Tubal, H8422 and all her multitude. Her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living. Ezekiel 32:26
From the context of Asshur [v.22] and Edom [v.29], Tubal is a nation
Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal H8422 and prophesy against him and say, “Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:” H8422 Ezekiel 38:2-3
Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, “Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:” H842 Ezekiel 39:1
Ezekiel 39:1 omits “set thy face against Gog” and “the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” from Ezekiel 38:2-3. From the context of being the “chief prince of Meshech and Tubal”, Gog is a person.
Meshech
Strong's H4902 מֶשֶׁךְ mešeḵ proper masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's H4902 as: Meshech (8), Mesech (1).
The KJV translates Strong's H4902 as: Meshech (8), Mesech (1).
The sons of Japheth: Gomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tubal and Meshech H4902 and Tiras. Genesis10:2
The sons of Japheth: Gomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tubal and Meshech H4902 and Tiras. 1 Chronicles 1:
Meschech is a son of Japheth; a grandson of Noah.
The sons of Shem: Elam and Asshur and Arphaxad and Lud and Aram and Uz and Hul and Gether and Meshech. H4902 1 Chronicles 1:17
Meshech is a son of Shem; a grandson of Noah.
Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech, H4902 that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! Psalm 120:5
From the context, it is clear that Meshech is a location.
Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, H4902 they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market. Ezekiel 27:13
There is Meshech, H4902 Tubal, and all her multitude. Her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living. Ezekiel 32:26
Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech H4902 and Tubal and prophesy against him and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech H4902 and Tubal: Ezekiel 38:2-3
Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech H4902 and Tubal:” Ezekiel 39:1
Ezekiel 39:1 omits “set thy face against Gog” and “the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” from Ezekiel 38:8-3.
Gog
Strong's H1463 גּוֹג gôḡ proper masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's H1463 as: Gog (10).
The KJV translates Strong's H1463 as: Gog (10).
The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog H1463 his son, Shimei his son, 1 Chronicles 5:4
Gog is the son of Shemaiah.
Son of man, set thy face against Gog, H1463 the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and prophesy against him and say, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, H1463 the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:” Ezekiel 38:2-3
Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, H1463 thus saith the Lord GOD, “In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company and a mighty army and thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land. It shall be in the latter days and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, H1463 before their eyes.” Ezekiel 38:14-16
Gog will come from the north with “many people” or hordes of riders will attack Israel.
Thus saith the Lord GOD, “Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them? And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog H1463 shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face.” Ezekiel 38:17-1
The Lord God brings Gog against Israel.
Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, H1463 and say, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, H1463 the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:” Ezekiel 39:1
And it shall come to pass in that day that I will give unto Gog H1463 a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea and it shall stop the noses of the passengers and there shall they bury Gog H1463 and all his multitude and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog. Ezekiel 39:11
Once again, Gog is associated with a “multitude”.
Magog
Strong's H4031 מָגוֹג māḡôḡ proper locative noun, proper masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's H4031 as: Magog (4).
Magog is both a location and a person.
The KJV translates Strong's H4031 as: Magog (4).
Magog is both a location and a person.
The sons of Japheth: Gomer and Magog H4031 and Madai and Javan and Tubal and Meshech and Tiras. Genesis 10:2
The sons of Japheth: Gomer and Magog H4031 and Madai and Javan and Tubal and Meshech and Tiras. 1 Chronicles 1:5
Gog and Magog are two sons of Japheth. 1 Chronicles 1:5 repeats Genesis 10:2.
Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, H4031 the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and prophesy against him, Ezekiel 38:2
Gog is the “chief prince” of Meshech and Tubal.
And I will send a fire on Magog, H4031 and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles and they shall know that I am the LORD. Ezekiel 39:6
The unidentified “isles” are mentioned.
Gog
Strong's G1136 Γώγ gōg proper locative noun
The KJV translates Strong's G1136 as: Gog (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G1136 as: Gog (1).
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog G1136 and Magog, to gather them together to battle. The number of whom is as the sand of the sea. Revelation 20:8
Magog
Strong's G3098 Μαγώγ magōg proper locative noun
The KJV translates Strong's G3098 as: Magog (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G3098 as: Magog (1).
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, G3098 to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. Revelation 20:8
Once again, Gog is mentioned with a great “multitude”, “as the sand of the sea.”
discussion
Gog and Magog are named only once each in the New Testament, however there are a total of 14 occurrences of these names in the Old Testament. The fact that there is only one mention of these names suggests that the Book of Revelation should be placed in the Old Testament where Gog and Magog are prominent, not in the New Testament. Additionally, Revelation is not part of the Greek Orthodox lectionary and this fact is additional evidence that Revelation is not an ancient and approved book for reading in the church. Finally, the emphasis in Revelation is works oriented and this view is appropriate for an adherent of the Old Testament law, not the faith of Pauline Christianity.
Occurrences of “thy works”: Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19 [twice]; Revelation 3:1, 2, 8, 15
Those on the earth are punished for their works, not their faith which is not mentioned:
Occurrences of “thy works”: Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19 [twice]; Revelation 3:1, 2, 8, 15
Those on the earth are punished for their works, not their faith which is not mentioned:
And the rest of the men … repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils and idols of gold and silver and brass and stone and of wood which neither can see nor hear nor walk. Neither repented they of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their fornication nor of their thefts. Revelation 9:20-21
All the world [v. 3] “worshipped the beast”. Revelation 13:4
The KJV records that “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city…” [Revelation 14.8]. The Greek text is Ἔπεσεν· ἔπεσεν Βαβυλὼν ἡ πόλις ἣ μεγάλη. To emphasize that the city has fallen twice, Revelation 18:2 repeats Ἔπεσεν· ἔπεσεν Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλῃ
And every shipmaster and all the company in ships and sailors and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, Revelation 18:17
Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate. Revelation 18:19
It is clear that the “great city” is a center of trade, as every “shipmaster” and sea trader were “made rich”. Wherever Babylon the Great is located, it is not to be found in the Iraqi desert.
Constantinople fell in 1204 AD and in 1453 AD. Only after 1453 AD could it be said that Constantinople “is fallen, is fallen”.
Constantinople fell in 1204 AD and in 1453 AD. Only after 1453 AD could it be said that Constantinople “is fallen, is fallen”.
What city is like unto this great city? Revelation 18:18
What great city has a ruler with the extraordinary title of “Βασιλεὺς Βασιλέων Βασιλεύων Βασιλευόντων” [Basileus Basileōn, Basileuōn Basileuontōn, "King of Kings, Ruling over Rulers"]?
Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. Revelation 22:10
The “time is at hand” is defined as “nearby in time, soon”. The year of the world calendar [Anno Mundi, AM] was employed by the Byzantine Empire. The year 7000 AM coincides with the year 1492 AD. It is reasonable to conclude that the writing of Revelation occurred between the second Fall of Constantinople, 1453 AD, and the year 7000 AM, 1492 AD, the expected year of the Second Coming of Christ and the End of the World, “for the time is at hand”.
If the Revelation of Jesus Christ was composed during this time, then the reasons that it is not included in the Greek Lectionary are threefold; firstly, it is a late addition to Church tradition; secondly, the lectionary was firmly established throughout Orthodoxy and, thirdly, it is a product of the western Church.
If the Revelation of Jesus Christ was composed during this time, then the reasons that it is not included in the Greek Lectionary are threefold; firstly, it is a late addition to Church tradition; secondly, the lectionary was firmly established throughout Orthodoxy and, thirdly, it is a product of the western Church.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Revelation 13:8
And number his 666 =
καὶ ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτοῦ χξϜ =
[20+1+10]+[70]+[1+100+10+9+40+70+200]+[1+400+300+70+400]+[600+60+6] =
[31]+[70]+[430]+[1,171]+[666] =
2,368
Jesus Christ
[the nominative singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦς Χριστός·=
[10+8+200+70+400+200]+[600+100+10+200+300+70+200] =
[888]+[1,480] =
2,368
And number his 666 = Jesus Christ
καὶ ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτοῦ χξϜ = Ἰησοῦς Χριστός·
2,368 = 2,368
καὶ ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτοῦ χξϜ =
[20+1+10]+[70]+[1+100+10+9+40+70+200]+[1+400+300+70+400]+[600+60+6] =
[31]+[70]+[430]+[1,171]+[666] =
2,368
Jesus Christ
[the nominative singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦς Χριστός·=
[10+8+200+70+400+200]+[600+100+10+200+300+70+200] =
[888]+[1,480] =
2,368
And number his 666 = Jesus Christ
καὶ ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτοῦ χξϜ = Ἰησοῦς Χριστός·
2,368 = 2,368
The reason that the nominative form of Jesus was selected from among the various inflections is that the value of Jesus is 888. The values for the accusative, dative, vocative, and genitive forms are found in Appendix 2.
“Jesus Christ” is the numerical equivalent to “and his number 666”. The solution that Jesus Christ is the beast of Revelation satisfies two prerequisites of verse 18: that the reader must have “understanding” and realize that the explicit number 666 is not the true value and one needs “wisdom” to discover both the value of the undeclared number and the name of the man.
The fourth and unstated reason the Orthodox Church does not read from the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ is that it depicts Jesus as the beast who [indirectly through the actions of the Church and state] compels all, “small and great” or infants and adults, to receive either his name, Jesus Christ, or his mark, where the mark is correctly understood as the cross of chrysom placed by the priest on the hands and the forehead of the recipient at chrismation.
We speculate that proficient readers of Greek may acquire the habit of adding the numerical value of words as they read and, if true, then once the Revelation of Jesus Christ reached the Hellenes the identity of the beast was easily discovered.
We are aware that the proper name of the book is “The Revelation of John”, as John
received the utterances [Cf. The Apocalypse of Peter, The Apocalypse of Paul]. However, we always refer to the book as “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”, as our nuanced error will not be noticed by most readers and since the book reveals Jesus as the beast, our modified title is justified.
The six passages surrounding Revelation 13:8 are:
“Jesus Christ” is the numerical equivalent to “and his number 666”. The solution that Jesus Christ is the beast of Revelation satisfies two prerequisites of verse 18: that the reader must have “understanding” and realize that the explicit number 666 is not the true value and one needs “wisdom” to discover both the value of the undeclared number and the name of the man.
The fourth and unstated reason the Orthodox Church does not read from the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ is that it depicts Jesus as the beast who [indirectly through the actions of the Church and state] compels all, “small and great” or infants and adults, to receive either his name, Jesus Christ, or his mark, where the mark is correctly understood as the cross of chrysom placed by the priest on the hands and the forehead of the recipient at chrismation.
We speculate that proficient readers of Greek may acquire the habit of adding the numerical value of words as they read and, if true, then once the Revelation of Jesus Christ reached the Hellenes the identity of the beast was easily discovered.
We are aware that the proper name of the book is “The Revelation of John”, as John
received the utterances [Cf. The Apocalypse of Peter, The Apocalypse of Paul]. However, we always refer to the book as “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”, as our nuanced error will not be noticed by most readers and since the book reveals Jesus as the beast, our modified title is justified.
The six passages surrounding Revelation 13:8 are:
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast that the image of the beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed and he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name and I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads and I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps and they sung as it were a new song before the throne and before the four beasts and the elders and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. Revelation 13:15-17, 14:1-3
The removal of Revelation 13:18 is unnoticed in our redacted version which suggests that the verse was a later addition to the text. Without Revelation 13:18 suggesting that Jesus Christ is the beast, the actions and sayings of Jesus in Revelation are consistent with him as the Judge of the “quick and the dead”.
The following passage offers additional evidence of a redaction, specifically an inserted contradiction:
The following passage offers additional evidence of a redaction, specifically an inserted contradiction:
[The 24 elders, v.16] Saying, “We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art and wast and art to come, because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast reigned and the nations were angry and thy wrath is come and the time of the dead that they should be judged and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets and to the saints and them that fear thy name, small and great, and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” Revelation 11:17-19
From the preceding chapters, it is clear that the Lord God is destroying the earth through various natural phenomena, such as fire [8:7], and through supernatural powers, by turning a third of the sea to blood [8:8]. The passage, “and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth”, can be omitted, as it contradicts the narrative of God’s judgment of the great city that “made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
Conclusion
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are premised upon the belief that their religion is Divinely revealed. However, since these religions profess contradictory teachings, human reason alone cannot determine if a certain teaching is humanly inspired, but flawed, or if it is supernatural and seems defective, due to our limited understanding.. A similar issue of discernment is attached to the three branches of Christianity. Two groups continue to receive revelations from the Holy Spirit, as the Roman Church issues new dogmas and Protestant learn that they are saved by their belief, while the Orthodox Church states that there are no further Divine revelations.
We suggest that the reason for the resentment of American Evangelicals towards the Orthodox Church is a consequence of similar claims. According to tradition, the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church was founded by Jesus and the existence of tens of thousands of protestant communities deny this presumption, as competing beliefs and authorities lead to new denominations.
Currently, but not historically, the Roman Church declares that she possesses the “fullness” of Christianity, while not denying that certain Protestants form “Christian communities''. However, the Orthodox Church does not use ambiguous language to avoid committing itself: She is the only Church. Therefore, the animus from Evangelicals towards Orthodoxy is on the account of identical claims. Whereas American Evangelicals respond with disdain to Orthodoxy, the Orthodox response to Evangelicals can be interpreted as one of indifference and we suggest the respective responses are based entirely on competing worldviews. While Evangelicals believe that they must “save” people from the default destination of Hell, the long-standing tradition of Orthodoxy is respect and tolerance for other faiths, as the “salvation of all people, including non-Christians, depends on the great goodness and mercy of the Omniscient and Omnipotent God who desires the salvation of all people. Those who live in faith and virtue, though outside the Church, receive God's loving grace and salvation” [Rev. Dr. George C. Papademetriou].
As the Master teaches: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
Western Europeans have been suspicious and fearful of Russia since the Middle Ages, as the accepted belief was that the Ural Mountains were obstructing the hordes of the Lost Ten Tribes that were to be released upon the world in the Last Days.
The rendering from 1878 AD demonstrates the fear of the Russians continued into the 19th century. Of course, the distrust of Russia continued as it became Communist with the explicit goal of worldwide revolution. The Russians in the illustration are not depicted as being human, a privilege granted to the Hagerites of the Ottoman Empire, but as a looming octopus whose tentacles seek to strangle Europe.
We suggest that the reason for the resentment of American Evangelicals towards the Orthodox Church is a consequence of similar claims. According to tradition, the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church was founded by Jesus and the existence of tens of thousands of protestant communities deny this presumption, as competing beliefs and authorities lead to new denominations.
Currently, but not historically, the Roman Church declares that she possesses the “fullness” of Christianity, while not denying that certain Protestants form “Christian communities''. However, the Orthodox Church does not use ambiguous language to avoid committing itself: She is the only Church. Therefore, the animus from Evangelicals towards Orthodoxy is on the account of identical claims. Whereas American Evangelicals respond with disdain to Orthodoxy, the Orthodox response to Evangelicals can be interpreted as one of indifference and we suggest the respective responses are based entirely on competing worldviews. While Evangelicals believe that they must “save” people from the default destination of Hell, the long-standing tradition of Orthodoxy is respect and tolerance for other faiths, as the “salvation of all people, including non-Christians, depends on the great goodness and mercy of the Omniscient and Omnipotent God who desires the salvation of all people. Those who live in faith and virtue, though outside the Church, receive God's loving grace and salvation” [Rev. Dr. George C. Papademetriou].
As the Master teaches: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
Western Europeans have been suspicious and fearful of Russia since the Middle Ages, as the accepted belief was that the Ural Mountains were obstructing the hordes of the Lost Ten Tribes that were to be released upon the world in the Last Days.
The rendering from 1878 AD demonstrates the fear of the Russians continued into the 19th century. Of course, the distrust of Russia continued as it became Communist with the explicit goal of worldwide revolution. The Russians in the illustration are not depicted as being human, a privilege granted to the Hagerites of the Ottoman Empire, but as a looming octopus whose tentacles seek to strangle Europe.
In conclusion to the view that Russia is Gog and Magog, the inherent uncertainties regarding the Hebrew language, whether grammar or vocabulary, renders any interpretation that strives for clarity as dubious. The additional uncertainty of attempting to expound passages as supposed predictions for contemporary conditions displays an exercise in futility.
appendix 1
Ezekiel 38 and 39 with select commentary
Ezekiel 38 and 39 with select commentary
Ezekiel 38
And the word of the LORD came unto me saying, “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and prophesy against him and say,
‘Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and I will turn thee back and put hooks into thy jaws and I will bring thee forth and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia [H6539], Ethiopia [H3568], and Libya [H6316] with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah [H8425] of the north quarters and all his bands and many people with thee. Be thou prepared and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee and be thou a guard unto them. After many days, thou shalt be visited. In the latter years, thou [singular] shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste, but it is brought forth out of the nations and they shall dwell safely all of them. Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm. Thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
The KJV translates Strong's H6539 as: Persia (27), Persian (1).
The KJV translates Strong's H3568 as: Ethiopia (19), Cush (8), Ethiopians (3).
The KJV translates Strong's H6316 as: Put (2), Phut (2), Libyan (2), Libya (1).
The KJV translates Strong's H8425 as: Togarmah (4).
Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are countries and Gomer, the house of Togarmah, is in the north. From the perspective of modern Israel, Persia is east, Ethiopia, south; and Libya, west. The implication is that “the four quarters” of the world are against Israel.
Thus saith the Lord GOD, ‘It shall also come to pass that at the same time shall things come into thy mind and thou shalt think an evil thought and thou shalt say, ‘I will go up to the land of unwalled villages. I will go to them that are at rest that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls and having neither bars nor gates, to take a spoil and to take a prey, to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods that dwell in the midst of the land. Sheba [H7614] and Dedan [H1719] and the merchants of Tarshish [H8659], with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, ‘Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?’ Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog,
The KJV translates Strong's H7614 as: Sheba (23).
The KJV translates Strong's H1719 as: Dedan (11).
The KJV translates Strong's H8659 as: Tarshish (24), Tharshish (4).
Sheba is a nation in southern Arabia. Dedan is a place in south Arabia. Tarshish is a city of the Phoenicians in a distant part of the Mediterranean Sea.
‘Thus saith the Lord GOD: In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army and thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land. It shall be in the latter days and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
Thus saith the Lord GOD [H3069], ‘Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them? And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel,
saith the Lord GOD [H3069], that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel, so that the fishes of the sea and the fowls of the heaven and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep upon the earth and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence and the mountains shall be thrown down and the steep places shall fall and every wall shall fall to the ground and I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains,
saith the Lord GOD [H3069], every man's sword shall be against his brother and I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood and I will rain upon him and upon his bands [H102] and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain and great hailstones, fire and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself and sanctify myself and I will be known in the eyes of many nations [H1471] and they shall know that I am the LORD [H3068].
The KJV translates Strong's H102 as: bands (7).
The KJV translates Strong's H3068 as: LORD (6,510), GOD (4), JEHOVAH (4), variant (1).
Ezekiel 39
Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog and say,
Thus saith the Lord [H136] GOD [H3069], “Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and I will turn thee back and leave but the sixth part of thee and will cause thee to come up from the north parts and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel and I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou and all thy bands and the people that is with thee. I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field, for I have spoken it,
saith the Lord GOD, and I will send a fire on Magog and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles and they shall know that I am the LORD. So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more and the heathen [H1471] shall know that I am the LORD [H3068], the Holy One in Israel. Behold, it is come, and it is done,
The KJV translates Strong's H1471 as: nation (374), heathen (143), Gentiles (30), people (11).
The KJV translates Strong's H3068 as: LORD (6,510), GOD (4), JEHOVAH (4), variant (1).
saith the Lord GOD, this is the day whereof I have spoken and they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows and the handstaves and the spears and they shall burn them with fire seven years, so that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests [H3293], for they shall burn the weapons with fire and they shall spoil those that spoiled them and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD and it shall come to pass in that day that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea and it shall stop the noses of the passengers and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude and they shall call it The valley of Hamon-gog and seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them that they may cleanse the land. Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified,
The KJV translates Strong's H3293 as: forest (37), wood (19), forests (1), honeycomb (1).
saith the Lord GOD and they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it, after the end of seven months shall they search and the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamon-gog and also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land and, thou son of man,
thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl and to every beast of the field, “Assemble yourselves and come. Gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel that ye may eat flesh and drink blood. Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan and ye shall eat fat till ye be full and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men and with all men of war,
saith the Lord GOD, and I will set my glory among the heathen [H1471] and all the heathen [H1471] shall see my judgment that I have executed and my hand that I have laid upon them. So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward and the heathen [H1471] shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity, because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them and gave them into the hand of their enemies, so fell they all by the sword, according to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them and hid my face from them. Therefore
thus saith the Lord GOD, Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel and will be jealous for my holy name. After that they have borne their shame and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me. When they dwelt safely in their land and none made them afraid. When I have brought them again from the people and gathered them out of their enemies' lands and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations [H1471]. Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God which cause them to be led into captivity among the heathen [H1471], but I have gathered them unto their own land and have left none of them any more there. Neither will I hide my face any more from them, for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel,
saith the Lord GOD.
And the word of the LORD came unto me saying, “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and prophesy against him and say,
‘Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and I will turn thee back and put hooks into thy jaws and I will bring thee forth and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia [H6539], Ethiopia [H3568], and Libya [H6316] with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah [H8425] of the north quarters and all his bands and many people with thee. Be thou prepared and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee and be thou a guard unto them. After many days, thou shalt be visited. In the latter years, thou [singular] shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste, but it is brought forth out of the nations and they shall dwell safely all of them. Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm. Thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
The KJV translates Strong's H6539 as: Persia (27), Persian (1).
The KJV translates Strong's H3568 as: Ethiopia (19), Cush (8), Ethiopians (3).
The KJV translates Strong's H6316 as: Put (2), Phut (2), Libyan (2), Libya (1).
The KJV translates Strong's H8425 as: Togarmah (4).
Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are countries and Gomer, the house of Togarmah, is in the north. From the perspective of modern Israel, Persia is east, Ethiopia, south; and Libya, west. The implication is that “the four quarters” of the world are against Israel.
Thus saith the Lord GOD, ‘It shall also come to pass that at the same time shall things come into thy mind and thou shalt think an evil thought and thou shalt say, ‘I will go up to the land of unwalled villages. I will go to them that are at rest that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls and having neither bars nor gates, to take a spoil and to take a prey, to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods that dwell in the midst of the land. Sheba [H7614] and Dedan [H1719] and the merchants of Tarshish [H8659], with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, ‘Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?’ Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog,
The KJV translates Strong's H7614 as: Sheba (23).
The KJV translates Strong's H1719 as: Dedan (11).
The KJV translates Strong's H8659 as: Tarshish (24), Tharshish (4).
Sheba is a nation in southern Arabia. Dedan is a place in south Arabia. Tarshish is a city of the Phoenicians in a distant part of the Mediterranean Sea.
‘Thus saith the Lord GOD: In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army and thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land. It shall be in the latter days and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
Thus saith the Lord GOD [H3069], ‘Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them? And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel,
saith the Lord GOD [H3069], that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel, so that the fishes of the sea and the fowls of the heaven and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep upon the earth and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence and the mountains shall be thrown down and the steep places shall fall and every wall shall fall to the ground and I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains,
saith the Lord GOD [H3069], every man's sword shall be against his brother and I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood and I will rain upon him and upon his bands [H102] and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain and great hailstones, fire and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself and sanctify myself and I will be known in the eyes of many nations [H1471] and they shall know that I am the LORD [H3068].
The KJV translates Strong's H102 as: bands (7).
The KJV translates Strong's H3068 as: LORD (6,510), GOD (4), JEHOVAH (4), variant (1).
Ezekiel 39
Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog and say,
Thus saith the Lord [H136] GOD [H3069], “Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and I will turn thee back and leave but the sixth part of thee and will cause thee to come up from the north parts and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel and I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou and all thy bands and the people that is with thee. I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field, for I have spoken it,
saith the Lord GOD, and I will send a fire on Magog and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles and they shall know that I am the LORD. So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more and the heathen [H1471] shall know that I am the LORD [H3068], the Holy One in Israel. Behold, it is come, and it is done,
The KJV translates Strong's H1471 as: nation (374), heathen (143), Gentiles (30), people (11).
The KJV translates Strong's H3068 as: LORD (6,510), GOD (4), JEHOVAH (4), variant (1).
saith the Lord GOD, this is the day whereof I have spoken and they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows and the handstaves and the spears and they shall burn them with fire seven years, so that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests [H3293], for they shall burn the weapons with fire and they shall spoil those that spoiled them and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD and it shall come to pass in that day that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea and it shall stop the noses of the passengers and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude and they shall call it The valley of Hamon-gog and seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them that they may cleanse the land. Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified,
The KJV translates Strong's H3293 as: forest (37), wood (19), forests (1), honeycomb (1).
saith the Lord GOD and they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it, after the end of seven months shall they search and the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamon-gog and also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land and, thou son of man,
thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl and to every beast of the field, “Assemble yourselves and come. Gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel that ye may eat flesh and drink blood. Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan and ye shall eat fat till ye be full and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men and with all men of war,
saith the Lord GOD, and I will set my glory among the heathen [H1471] and all the heathen [H1471] shall see my judgment that I have executed and my hand that I have laid upon them. So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward and the heathen [H1471] shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity, because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them and gave them into the hand of their enemies, so fell they all by the sword, according to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them and hid my face from them. Therefore
thus saith the Lord GOD, Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel and will be jealous for my holy name. After that they have borne their shame and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me. When they dwelt safely in their land and none made them afraid. When I have brought them again from the people and gathered them out of their enemies' lands and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations [H1471]. Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God which cause them to be led into captivity among the heathen [H1471], but I have gathered them unto their own land and have left none of them any more there. Neither will I hide my face any more from them, for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel,
saith the Lord GOD.
appendix 2
all values of Jesus christ in greek
all values of Jesus christ in greek
Jesus Christ
[the dative singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ =
[10+8+200+70+400]+[600+100+10+200+300+800] =
[688]+[2,010] =
2,698
Jesus Christ
[the genitive singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ =
[10+8+200+70+400]+[600+100+10+200+300+70+400] =
[688]+[1,680] =
2,368
Jesus Christ
[the nominative singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦς Χριστός· =
[10+8+200+70+400+200]+[600+100+10+200+300+70+200] =
[888]+[1,480] =
2,368
[the dative singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ =
[10+8+200+70+400]+[600+100+10+200+300+800] =
[688]+[2,010] =
2,698
Jesus Christ
[the genitive singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ =
[10+8+200+70+400]+[600+100+10+200+300+70+400] =
[688]+[1,680] =
2,368
Jesus Christ
[the nominative singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦς Χριστός· =
[10+8+200+70+400+200]+[600+100+10+200+300+70+200] =
[888]+[1,480] =
2,368
By a quirk of the Greek language, both the genitive and nominative forms of Jesus Christ equal 2,368, as the final sigma [value: 200] of Jesus is omitted and the final sigma [value: 200] of Christ is replaced by upsilon [value: 400].
Jesus Christ
[the accusative singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν =
[10+8+200+70+400+50]+[600+100+10+200+300+70+50] =
[738]+[1,330] =
2,068
Jesus Christ
[the vocative singular masculine form of Jesus Christ]
Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ =
[10+8+200+70+400]+[600+100+10+200+300+5] =
[688]+[1,215] =
1,903
Twelve signs of the zodiac =
תולזמ הרשע םיתש =
[300+400+10+600]+[70+300+200+5]+[40+7+30+6+400] =
[483]+[575]+[1,310] =
2,368
This Hebrew description for the Zodiac is found in the third section of the fifth chapter of the Sepher Yetzirah [long version].
And I stood upon the sand of the sea and saw a beast rise up out of the sea having seven heads and ten horns and upon his horns ten crowns and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. Revelation 13:1
Βλασφημίας [blasphemy] has ten letters. A possible distribution of the letters of blasphemy amount the seven heads:
Head 1
Β |
Head 2
λα |
Head 3
σ |
Head 4
φη |
Head 5
μ |
Head 6
ία |
Head 7
ς |
[Another beast (v.11) says] to them that dwell on the earth that they should make an image to the beast which had the wound by a sword and did live. Revelation 13:14
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his [Jesus, v.33] side and forthwith came there out blood and water. John 19:34
Although there is a difference between a sword [G3162] and a spear [G3057], this nuance may be lost on the author of Revelation. Both the beast and Jesus were wounded by military weapons, revived, and images were erected by their respective followers to be worshiped or venerated.
Appendix 3
Revelation 20:7-10 and the second death
Revelation 20:7-10 and the second death
In the introductory paragraph, Finn brings our attention to specific passages of Revelation [20:7-10]. Three verses, 7 through 9, are sufficient to demonstrate the context of Gog and Magog attacking the “beloved city”. However, by including verse 10, Finn seems to include an unrelated and superfluous passage concerning the fate of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet.
And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle. The number of whom is as the sand of the sea and they went up on the breadth of the earth and compassed the camp of the saints about and the beloved [G25] city and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them and the devil [G1228] that deceived them was cast into the lake [G3041] of fire and brimstone [G2303] where the beast [G2342] and the false prophet are and shall be tormented [G928] day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:7-10
And I saw a great white throne and him [who?] that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away, and there was found no place for them [earth and heaven] and I saw the dead [G3498], small and great, stand before God and the books were opened [G455] and another book was opened [G455], which is the book of life, and the dead [G3498] were judged out of those things which were written in the books [G975], according to their works [G2041] and the sea gave up the dead which were in it and death [G2288] and hell [G86] delivered up the dead which were in them and they were judged [G2919] every man according to their works [G2041] and death [G2288] and hell [G86] were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15
The KJV translates Strong's G25 as: love (135), beloved (7).
The KJV translates Strong's G86 as: hell (10), grave (1). G86 is “a proper locative noun”, so it should be capitalized in translation, Hell, or in transliteration, Hades.
The KJV translates Strong's G455 as: open (77).
The KJV translates Strong's G928 as: torment (8), pain (1), toss (1), vex (1), toil (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G975 as: book (29), bill (1), scroll (1), writing (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G1228 as: devil (35), false accuser (2), slanderer (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G2041 as: work (152), deed (22), doing (1), labour (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G2288 as: death (117), deadly (2).
The KJV translates Strong's G2303 as: brimstone (7).
The KJV translates Strong's G2342 as: beast (42), wild beast (3), venomous beast (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G2919 as: judge (88), determine (7), condemn (5), go to law (2), call in question (2), esteem (2), miscellaneous (8).
The KJV translates Strong's G3041 as: lake (10).
The KJV translates Strong's G3498 as: dead (132).
Lake of Fire with Brimstone
These both [the beast and false prophet] were cast alive into a lake G3041 of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 19:20
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake G3041 of fire and brimstone,
Revelation 20:10
But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake G3041 which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 21:8
Lake of Fire-brimstone not indicated
And death and hell were cast into the lake G3041 of fire. This is the second death.
Revelation 20:14
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake G3041 of fire. Revelation 20:15
The Second Death
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. Revelation 2:11
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. Revelation 20:6
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 20:14
But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8
There are two events that are described as the second death. The first one is the casting of death and hell into the lake of fire and the second event is sinners having their part in the lake of fire and brimstone.
Appendix 4
the first resurrrection and the mark of the beast
the first resurrrection and the mark of the beast
An interpretation of the resurrections and judgements is found here:
https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.gotquestions.org/resurrection-first-second.html
Our interpretation of the resurrections and judgments follows.
First Resurrection
And I saw thrones and they sat upon them and judgment was given unto them and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshipped the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelations 20:4
The judgment of thrones is for the souls of the martyrs for Jesus and for God and those who resisted the beast. They live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 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. Revelation 20:5-6
https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.gotquestions.org/resurrection-first-second.html
Our interpretation of the resurrections and judgments follows.
First Resurrection
And I saw thrones and they sat upon them and judgment was given unto them and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshipped the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelations 20:4
The judgment of thrones is for the souls of the martyrs for Jesus and for God and those who resisted the beast. They live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 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. Revelation 20:5-6
The “rest of the dead” are those who are not martyrs for Jesus and God and those who worshiped the beast. The second death is when Hell and death are cast into the lake of fire [Revelation 20:14].
The Unstated Second Resurrection
The Unstated Second Resurrection
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God and the books were opened and another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works, and the sea gave up the dead which were in it and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them and they were judged every man according to their works and death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:12-15
Who
Beast, False Prophet Devil Death, Hell [2nd death] Those not found in Book of Life Select Sinners [2nd death] |
Lake of Fire
20:14 20:15 |
Lake of Fire with Brimstone
19:20 20:10 21:8 |
The second death is ascribed both to the Lake of Fire and to the Lake of Fire with brimstone.
***
A table of correspondence for certain aspects of the beast:
13:14 13:15 13:16 13:17 13:18 14:9 14:11 16:2 19:20 20:4 |
Mark
x x x x x x x |
Hand
x x x |
Forehead
x x x |
Name
x x |
Number
x x |
Beast2
2 3 x x x x 2 x |
Image
x 3 x x x x x |
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwell on the earth that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live, and he had power to give life unto the image of the beast that the image of the beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. Revelation 13:14-15
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16-17
Mark in right hand or forehead
Mark -name-number
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If any man worship the beast and his image and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand,” Revelation 14:9
Worship the beast and his image
Mark in forehead or hand
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever and they have no rest day nor night who worship the beast and his image and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:11
Worship the beast and his image
Receive the mark
And the first went and poured out his vial upon the earth and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast and upon them which worshipped his image. Revelation 16:2
Mark of the beast
Worshiped his image
And the beast was taken and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelations 19:20
Received the mark
Worshiped his image
And I saw thrones and they sat upon them and judgment was given unto them and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshipped the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelations 20:4
Worship he beast and his image
Mark in foreheads
Mark in hands
appendix 5
https://www.ridingthebeast.com/gematria-calculator/
An excellent tool for determining the numerical value of Greek gematria. The calculator accepts sentences, which is beneficial. NB the calculator will return a value of 60 for the stigma in χξς. The calculator does not recognize the letter Ϝ and spaces between words are given the value of zero.
The following are our attempts to determine if there exists a numeral significance with “fire burning with brimstone”. However, since we do not have tables of numerical values for various words and phrases, our efforts were determined to be futile.
ἵνα δώσῃ αὐτοῖς χάραγμα ἐπὶ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν τῆς δεξιᾶς ἢ ἐπὶ τῶν μέτωπων αὐτῶν
ina dosēi autois charagma epi tes cheiros auton tes dexias e epi ton metopon auton
(10+50+1+0+4+800+200+8+0+1+400+300+70+10+200+0+600+1+100+1+3+40+1+0+5+80+10+0)= 2895
(300+8+200+0+600+5+10+100+70+200+0+1+400+300+800+50+0+300+8+200+0+0) =3552
(4+5+60+10+1+200+0+8+0+5+80+10+0+300+800+50+0+40+5+300+800+80+800+50+0)=3608
(1+400+300+800+50)=1551
Total=11,606
Rev 13:16
τὸ χάραγμα ἢ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου ἢ τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ
to charagma e to onoma tou theriou e ton arithmon tou onomatos autou
(300+70+0+600+1+100+1+3+40+1+0+8+0+300+70+0+70+50+70+40+1) =1725
(300+70+400+0+9+8+100+10+70+400+0+8+0+300+70+50+0+1+100+10+9+40+70+50) =2075
(300+70+400+0+70+50+70+40+1+300+70+200+0+1+400+300+70+400) =2742
Total=6,542
Rev 13:17
****
Εἴ τις τὸ θηρίον προσκυνεῖ καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα αὐτοῦ καὶ λαμβάνει χάραγμα [746] ἐπὶ τοῦ μετώπου αὐτοῦ ἢ ἐπὶ τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ
Ei tis to therion proskynei kai ten eikona autou kai lambanei charagma epi tou metopou autou e epi ten cheira autou"
Total=10,788
Rev 14:9
***
τὸ χάραγμα τοῦ θηρίου
(300+70+0+600+1+100+1+3+40+1+0+300+70+400+0+9+8+100+10+70+400) =2,483
καὶ τοὺς τῇ εἰκόνι αὐτοῦ προσκυνοῦντας
kai tous te eikoni autou proskynountas
(20+1+10+0+300+70+400+200+0+300+8+0+5+10+20+70+50+10+0+1+400+300+70+400+
80+100+70+200+20+400+50+70+400+50+300+1+200
Total=4,586
Rev 16:2
****
τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς τὴν καιομένην ἐν τῷ θείῳ
ten limnen tou pyros ten kaiomenen en to theiōi" equals 4757
Rev 19:20
τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ θείου
ten limnen tou pyros kai theiou" equals 2691
REv 20:10
τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρός
ten limnen tou pyros" equals 2166
Rev 20:14
τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρός
ten limnen tou pyros" equals 2166
ASF
Rev 20:15
τῇ λίμνῃ τῇ καιομένῃ πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ
te limnēi te kaiomenēi pyri kai theiōi" and equals 2403
Dative Singular Feminine
Rev 21:8
***
καὶ ἵνα μή τις δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι εἰ μὴ ὁ ἔχων τὸ χάραγμα ἢ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου ἢ τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ
Rev 13:17 Total: 11,076
***
Ὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν ὁ ἔχων τὸν νοῦν ψηφισάτω τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου ἀριθμὸς γὰρ ἀνθρώπου ἐστίν καὶ ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτοῦ χξ
Rev 13:18 is 14241= 7120+1+7120
The numerical value of this verse is a palindrome.