Today, reply is shared on the use of border walls in the Scriptures. The acknowledgment of fixed boundaries and the identification of locations on the earth as specially blessed of GOD are in keeping with the principles and demands for divine order. For many centuries, those who were the keepers of divine mystery in the earth wandered as nomads. While they left behind no permanent housing they often left a “footprint” of sacred altars and life-saving wells of water. Multiple structures were already in place for those who entered the Promised Land with Joshua. Perhaps the most important function of walls for Israel was that they served as landmarks, and made visible their inheritance as a people chosen of GOD. In addition to being used as barriers to control the movement and traffic of foreigners and strangers, walls were defensive weapons used against siege warfare, and an enhancement to beautify cities and provide the appearance of strength and prosperity. The description of the New Jerusalem that appears in Scripture as the Bride of Christ and the Holy City provides details of its twelve foundations, its single wall, and its twelve gates. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “LovelyGiraffe” (Level 7 with 36,599 points, a member since April 24, 2008) posted the following:
Biblically Speaking, does God ordain Border Walls ?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. (Revelation 21: 9-16, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Faithless Israel, Unfaithful Judah? (08/18/2017); The Earth Made New (11/13/2013); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013)
“LovelyGiraffe”, the borders, countries, and land promised to Abraham that would become the inheritance of those in covenant with Moses are described in the Book of Joshua, chapters 13-20. The holy writings describe many massive building projects that include the Tower of Babel, the monuments of Egypt, the ark of Noah, and the Temple at Jerusalem. Speaking to the building of border walls in particular, consider the following points that use the language of the Bible:
(1.) 2nd Chronicles 14: 2-8, King James Version (KJV): 2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: 3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: 4 And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. 6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest. 7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered. 8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.
(2.) Nehemiah 1: 1-4, KJV: 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
(3.) Nehemiah 4: 16-18, KJV: 16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. 17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. 18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Proverbs 25: 28, KJV: 28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Divine law, judgment, and the death penalty are topics, today. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (the required profile info has not been shared) posted the following:
Is the death penalty an act of murder as defined by "Thy Shall Not Kill" in the bible?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and fourth generation. And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. (Exodus 34: 6-8, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Death Penalty for Sins? (11/30/2014); A Dispensation To Benefit (12/01/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A Sleep and a Second Death (09/16/2014); No Mystery in Lawful Judgment (07/28/2014); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); To Serve GOD Acceptably (07/10/2014); The Meaning of Worship? (07/09/2014)
“Anonymous”, because the death penalty expresses the wrath of GOD against sin, it must be acknowledged as a manifesting of divine presence, an outcome of ongoing spiritual processes, a further act to fulfill eternal purpose, and the further revelation of the character, makeup, and nature of divinity. Death put forth by the law upholds the accomplishment of life. While Creation may be thought of as displaying the breadth, depth and inventiveness of the divine mind, and Salvation be seen as demonstrating the immensity of divine love, it is Judgment—that also embraces correction, forgiveness, mercy and opportunities for repentance—that most completely exhibits the righteousness of Deity. The consequences, influence, and substance of murder are more than simply carnal, material and social effects. It is not immediately visible to created beings and living creatures, yet, the impact of murder is upon divine order on a cosmic and spiritual scale. Murder not only pollutes the physical place where it occurs upon the earth, it also pollutes the Sanctuary of the Temple in heaven. Consider again the instruction for Christian believers from the Holy Bible:
(1.) Ezekiel 18: 20-21. King James Version (KJV): 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But is the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
(2.) Ezekiel 18: 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
(3.) Numbers 35: 33-34, KJV: 33 So shall ye not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed thereon, but by the blood of him that shed it. 34 Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.
Of course there is far more to be said, considered, and properly understood. For example (4.) Genesis 9: 3-7, KJV: 3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you: even as the green herbs have I given you all things. 4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. 7 And you, be fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The earth following judgment is the topic, today. Also, there is more on the world as a man-made system to support life. A Top Contributor using the ID “cosmos” (Level 3 with 1,929 points, a member since September 15, 2013) posted the following at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” that was first posted at Yahoo Answers United States:
What does God/Jesus say will happen to the Earth after revelation?
And what will happen to the people in it? Thanks!
Additional Details
since the bible says only 144,000 will be allowed into heaven.
THE BATTLE AXE: The World Passeth Away (11/12/2013)—The world will always exist as a necessary tool, and must continue in some form or other so long as there are created beings and living creatures. As a man-made system, the world is temporal and incorporates arbitrary and unplanned changes (we say, evil) as well as conflict, decay over time, and human error. Among the many features of the world that most of us depend upon and use on a daily basis are language, money, technology (e.g., cell phones, computers, television), and transportation. The world system that serves mankind, is also one of humanities greatest enemies, because information and secular knowledge put forth by the world disrupts communion with GOD, and disables full human awareness of divine action and presence. See 2nd Corinthians 4: 3-5, John 9: 39-41 and 2nd Peter 1: 2-8, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (Revelation 21: 1-5, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Does GOD Feel? (10/05/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012)
“cosmos”, here are a few points Christian believers usually acquire by their own careful study of the promises, prophecies and record of sacred events from GOD that are recorded in the Holy Bible:
(1.) The physical earth has been polluted through the shedding of blood. Blood is a divine tool used to carry life essence (we say, spirit), and may become defiled and unfit for sacred use (we say, can become unclean) through sin. Presently, mankind cannot eliminate or fully explain sin. Sin is no material or spirit substance, yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence; and sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.
(2.) Mankind is an aspect of the physical earth, and also is polluted. Before, a flood of waters to cleanse and wash the earth was used (in Noah’s day); now, the whole earth is to be purified through burning and fire (we also, say judgment). Made new, there will be no oceans upon the earth; and the earth will be the home of Christ and all those harvested from the earth as redeemed, justified and glorified.
(3.) The investigation and judgment of mankind in the person of Jesus that began when Christ went back to heaven, and the divine work of applying his own blood to each of the life records belonging to those whom he is claiming from upon the earth, began with the righteous dead from the time of Adam and must continue to include those who will be alive at the time of his second coming. Once that work is completed, all the righteous will be raised up to join the Lord in the continuing work of judgment, and the preparation of the new earth. Later, there will be a second resurrection, and the wicked will then appear before Christ to answer their own judgment.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) Earth is to be the eternal home for mankind, not heaven. At the close of judgment, distribution of the earth will be performed just like when all who were to enter the Promised Land first were granted an allotment. Mortality will be ended, and mankind will exist as immortal and incorruptible by sin.) I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon, and it may no longer be truthfully said we were given “no answers,” no opportunities to learn and understand, and no indwelling Spirit of Truth. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Old Testament law, divine mercies, and slavery are topics, today. Also there is more on GOD’s blessing of the nations. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Speculum” (Level 3 with 1,009 points, a member since January 20, 2010) posted the following:
Christians what was the reason for this particular Old Testament rule made by God?
What purpose did this serve?:
Exodus 21:20 “Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, 21 but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.
Why would God allow people to beat their already unlucky person severely , and only be punished if the slave dies? Why did he allow slavery anyway? , it refers to people as property...(see above verse)
Additional Details
@ naughtyd Isn't it the same God? Didn't those laws have consequences for the person that was a slave? I don't understand , i get it that it was an old law , but it still circulated alot of time affecting people severely. Are you that dismissful of immoral laws just because it was * old * ?
THE BATTLE AXE: God Bless America? (09/12/2013)—(6.) To say that GOD only blesses America is untrue; and should be recognized for what it is, the sinful charge that GOD is unfit to rule or preside in judgment due to bias, favoritism and partiality. The arrogance of those who deny GOD authority and privilege to bless the nations according to a divine plan for the universe that they themselves may not alter is already condemned and judged as blasphemy, rebellion, slander, and ungodliness. America-bashing, and making exaggerated claims against other nations are a form of immaturity, amateurish politics, and fraudulent self-promotion. Rightly understood, the gifts, prosperity and strength seen with America, Israel, Jordan or even India, Iraq and Pakistan, have come through hard work and industry, the careful outlay of resources, and the application of genuine wisdom. Even so, what these nations have reaped as their harvest may also be discerned as evidence of divine favor, knowledge of sacred truth, and the active presence of GOD. See Psalms 67: 1-7, Proverbs 14: 33-35 and Acts 10: 34-35, King James Version. (7.) Duty to uphold the law may not be arbitrarily dismissed and laid aside. Through international law, the obligation of America now is to all humanity, not simply those within our own boundaries, to ones family, friends, neighbors, oneself, and ones close associates. The operational aspects of love, divine judgment, and sacred righteousness are to be discharged including balance, courage, decisiveness, fairness, impartiality, mercy, objectivity, open-mindedness, thoroughness, truth, and wisdom. (8.) While it is the duty and privilege of all Christian believers to be in communion with GOD through praise and prayer, there are many who are specially anointed to serve the church as unseen prayer warriors, and spirit soldiers. Generally, such believers are humble, meek, and unassuming. It is their distinctive gift to make effectual, fervent prayers and supplication. Unlike those who serve by pastoral counseling, pulpit preaching or sacred instruction, these peculiar ministers prefer to be inconspicuous, and may be thought of as “the salt of the earth,” who blend in and flavor all things. These believers direct their speaking and spiritual activity to GOD, rather than to others of the congregation. Like military chaplains, their most necessary service often is to the wounded and occurs upon the battlefield. See Matthew 6: 1-21 and Luke 11: 1-13, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. (Matthew 23: 26-31, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); A Guilt Trip? (07/11/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); By Grace (09/04/2012); Yet If I Judge (09/05/2012)
Speculum, here are a few points I may share that many Christian believers acquire through the sacred disciplines of careful prayer, and study of the holy writings. See with new eyes, and take up a divine point of view:
(1.) The covenant law from GOD that was to transform carnal, material and social realities, also was to reveal the nature of divine person, and cement a new spiritual relationship with the Almighty. The Creator GOD who had fashioned the armies of Israel did not establish law to oversee conquest and the seizing of territories so much as for a full mechanism that would make divinity visible and understood as a “god of judgment.”
(2.) The economy of Israel was created by GOD. Provisions were made so that those of the covenant nation would no longer suffer as loosely connected family members, and opposing tribes that were living as nomads. Divine regulations were instituted to establish distribution and stable patterns of ownership for real property (i.e., land) including provisions for restoration of property sold or under lien (see Jubilee).
(3.) There were laws to comfort, encourage and nourish those in poverty that also addressed using fellow covenant members as employees and workers.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (4.) Those who oppose divine law, and sacred judgment, are under the influence of sin. Sin is no material or spirit thing, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the existence of GOD and all that GOD has created. Because of sin, what developing believers (and those outraged persons who reject Bible truth, mock, and want to find a justification for condemning GOD) read into the Scripture as a divine approval of slavery, faith reveals to be the balance, mercy, and righteousness of judgment. Only those who were already under a divine sentence of death after breaking covenant with GOD, became captives or slaves, and were permitted to live despite the command to utterly destroy them. Spiritually speaking, these were redeemed, and made to be living sacrifices.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
