(11/14/2018) King Solomon and Predestination?

The splendor of Solomon portrayed by Edward Poynter (1890) The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon (see reference below)

Today, reply is on the figure of King Solomon, and divine process as continuous and unfolding, yet, fixed and unchanging. Mankind exists on the earth as humanity’s sphere of life, and also must respond to mechanical and natural law. The idea of predestination introduces spiritual confusion by using language that denies sacred law, eternal purpose and divine order are the primary origin for human events, while mankind’s expression of self-will is the primary determinant for the carnal, material, and social aspects of ones life experience. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Stonehaven” (Level 1 with 1 points, a member since March 21, 2018) posted the following:

Solomon was predestined to be a Great King or not?

As Solomon was one of the Great Kings of the Old Testament it would seem to suggest that his career was predestined by the Creator.

Since we know that all of the Major and Minor prophets of the Old Testament have been predestined in some way: Isaiah 46:10.

The mere fact that Solomon was born at all is predestined by the Creator.

Which begs the question: Did God have anything to do with King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the death of her husband Uriah the Hittite in the specific context of “God creating evil” in Isaiah 45:7?

Had David not committed adultery nor killed Uriah, Solomon would never had been born at all; but we seem to think that the latter was predestined to do great things.

So, was God behind David’s adultery and the death of Uriah in the specific context of Isaiah 45:7?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (2^nd Corinthians 4: 6-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Descendent of David? (03/18/2018); Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); The Bible on “Soulmates”? (03/12/2017); Divine Knowing, Finite Will? (09/28/2016); Solomon Punished For Sins Of David? (08/28/2015); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)

“Stonehaven”, here are some points intended for Christian believers that you may find useful; our focus is to be on the greatness of GOD, rather than on any carnal, material, or social element:

1. Within the revelation of Jesus Christ, Solomon appears as a figure or type (the Son of David) who is to display and embody the greatness of divinity (we may say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).

2. Sacred gifts to mankind were to become visible through Israel in covenant relationship and through an inheritance of dynasty provided to King David, that included faith, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, priesthood, prophecy, and sacred wisdom.

3. The prophetic demonstration wherein Solomon was married to 700 wives and was joined to 300 concubines speaks to the condition of Israel as married to her maker who is GOD. Viewed as a political or secular fact from the life of Solomon, his marriages appear only as abuse, exaggeration and spiritual confusion from a man in the flesh expressing sexual desire, lust, and passion.

4. The character, makeup, and process of GOD revealed to Moses was that of Lawgiver and the GOD of judgment, who does not punish the children for the sins of the parents, yet, challenges the offspring by continuing the conditions and consequences of parental transgressions for as much as 160 years (the 4^th generation). The offenses of King David included failing to command his household in the matters of Tamar and Absalom as well as the infidelity demonstrated when the King commanded that a census be taken.

5. By the workings of human events and finite self-will, rather than eternal purpose, there would be division; and Israel would become two kingdoms: the two tribes, Judah and Benjamin (the Southern Kingdom) and the ten tribes (Israel, Samaria; the Northern Kingdom). Israel existed as a united kingdom only during the reigns of King David and his heir, King Solomon. (Solomon was anointed and crowned king while David was still alive; and Israel briefly had both father and son as ruler at the same time.)

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) Solomon understood his anointing from GOD to be no less that that bestowed upon David. In addition to being authorized as builder of a permanent house for GOD (a palace; a temple), he himself would be judge, king, priest, and prophet. Even so, David’s offenses were coupled with King Solomon’s indulgence of idolatry by his foreign wives, and the arrogance expressed by Solomon’s lawful heir to the throne, Rehoboam. The ten tribes would elect as their king Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the enemy Solomon had forced out and who returned from Egypt at Solomon’s death. It was Jeroboam who then introduced worship of the golden calf in two separate places.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Edward Poynter (1890) The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon downloaded 10:00 AM, 11-13-2018 from the Wikimedia Commons Internet site @ https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/%27The_Visit_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba_to_King_Solomon%27%2C_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Edward_Poynter%2C_1890%2C_Art_Gallery_of_New_South_Wales.jpg/1280px-%27The_Visit_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba_to_King_Solomon%27%2C_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Edward_Poynter%2C_1890%2C_Art_Gallery_of_New_South_Wales.jpg

(04/29/2018) His Enemies A Footstool

Today, reply is on recognizing the fulfillment of Bible prophecies.  Just as the intent and meaning of prophecy is apprehended through faith, the fulfillment of prophecy must be apprehended through faith.  The aspects of divine revelation for mankind may all be understood as the imparting of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD as active presence and as utterance (word).  Included are divine commandments and law; sacred doctrine; guidance; instruction; praise; promise; prophecy; rebirth; and wisdom.  Together, the many prophecies contained in the holy writings are particularly important, for they also describe covenants and interactions among the persons of divine fullness (we say, within the GODhead; among the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) that are depicted and mirrored within the covenants with mankind on the earth.  Following completion of various works to establish the new creation, the Son of the Highest, who now is seated on the throne of grace, will be seated on the throne of glory; and Christ will be acknowledged for his works establishing the perfection of all things by the Father, the Holy Spirit, and all created beings and living creatures.  One of the fighters within the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:



"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? Prophecy?
Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool of your feet is supposed to be prophecy in Psalm. But all i see in the NT Jesus was stripped naked And tortured to death.

How is that?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.  And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?  Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin:  but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.  (John 9:  39-41, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD’s Will Be Done (04/27/2018); The Child Of Prophecy (04/15/2018); Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); Jesus Came To Fulfill? (01/16/2018); From Glory to Glory (11/14/2017); Waiting On The Lord? (06/16/2017); Fulfilling Divine Law? (07/14/2015)



“Anonymous”, among Christian believers, continuous study of the holy writings reveal that the operation and process of prophecy are not mind-reading, nor predicting future events so much as the declaration of divine law, sacred principles, eternal purposes, unchanging proclamations and promises from divinity, and demonstrations that serve as non-verbal displays for admonition, cautions, and reminders.  As a feature in sacred communication that expresses the authority, heart, mind, and sovereign will of GOD, prophecy is no less required among believers than covenant relationship for mankind, the imparting to sinners who are born again inseparable aspects of the divine makeup, and the continued existence of divine order throughout the universe. 

Invisible, unseen divinity who is spirit must be apprehended by created beings and living creatures in the terms of various actions by spirit substance, for GOD is a spirit who makes himself knowable, known, accessible, and approachable using things he has put forth that are carnal, material, social, and visible, yet, that respond to imperatives of divine will.  The frameworks of secular knowledge, time, and space relied on by the living on the earth do not serve as defining limits for prophecy.  Nor is it necessary to introduce prophecy with a catch phrase such as, “I promise,” or “it will come to pass.”  Prophecy must be “discerned” (i.e., spirit substance from divinity must be used as a standard to identify the sacred content of events, oneself, other persons, the holy writings, etc.) and complemented by sacred knowledge. 

The ministry of Jesus on the earth has fulfilled many of the promises recorded in the Scriptures, however, the divine work by Christ is not concluded.  In addition to completing as High Priest the ministry of atonement and cleansing the Sanctuary in heaven, the Savior will complete judgment of those who will be ripe for harvest at his Second Coming, finish building the holy city (New Jerusalem) as well as prepare and complete tribunals for the wicked and their elimination (the second death).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Numbers 11:  24-30, King James Version (KJV):  24 And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle.  25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders:  and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.  26 But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad:  and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle:  and they prophesied in the camp.  27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.  28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.  29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!  30 And Moses gat him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 14:  1-6, KJV:  1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.  2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God:  for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.  5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied:  for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.  6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  1st Peter 1:  3-16, KJV:  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.  10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:  11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.  12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.  13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/04/2017) Saul Different From David?

Saul Attacking David (1646) by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino)

Today, reply is made on divine impartiality in judgment as the first kings of Israel, Saul and David, are contrasted.  In general the works of Saul may be spoken of as political and secular, while the works of David included a broad range of spiritual acts and prophetic demonstrations that furthered the order and beauty of priesthood.  As the heirs of Adam, both men were sinners, both were labeled by GOD as “bloody”, both men were mortals who eventually died, and both should be carefully considered for their use by divinity to make visible the aspects of sacred makeup such as faithfulness, forgiveness, longsuffering, mercy, patience, repentance, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Capricorn” (Level 1 with zero (0) points shown, a member since March 09, 2017) posted the following:


Why did YHWH condemn Saul to death, but he didn’t do the same to David who also sinned against God?

Scripture tells us that both Saul and David have disobeyed God, but Saul was (effectively) condemned to death, whilst God commuted David’s death penalty.

So why did God kill only one person, but not both of them if they both sinned against him?
What made Saul different from David that he should fall onto his sword and have his head put on display by his enemies?

Why was God more lenient towards David although they have both sinned against him?
Why should they be treated differently if they have both sinned against Jehovah.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.  And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them:  and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)  Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?  (2nd Samuel 21:  1-3, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Prophesying By Music Ministers (11/06/2017); David, Goliath and GOD (05/26/2017); The Sin of Witchcraft? (01/24/2017); The Living Baptized for the Dead? (03/27/2015); Ark of the Covenant? (03/17/2015); The Sin of Pride? (08/13/2014); Judged For Acts and Thoughts? (08/14/2014); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014); Mary (06/13/2014); Lot and the Angels (05/04/2014); Expulsion from Eden (05/05/2014)


“Capricorn”, the revelation of GOD is about Jesus Christ, and the lessons we are given use nations and kings such as Judah and Israel, Saul and David.  There are multiple operations and tools used by GOD to make immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable.  Through the Bible we are allowed to “see” GOD from a divine point of view (i.e., appearing through thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years).  The peculiar study methods of comparing (showing how two figures are the same) and contrasting (showing how figures are different) appear throughout the Scriptures.  In some instances there is a direct pairing of figures (e.g., the brothers Abel and Cain, or Esau and Jacob; the prophets Balaam and Moses; the High Priests Aaron and Melchizedek); others can be discovered easily and made the focus of detailed studies (For example, the Judge Samson can be compared to King Solomon as the judge who determines the true mother of a child in a dispute between two prostitutes.  The ruin for both these sacred figures came through their weaknesses relating to women.  Samson yielded to the nagging of one woman; while Solomon yielded to those among his 700 wives and 300 concubines.)  Keep in mind, when GOD proclaimed his glory before Moses, he declared the sins of the fathers will challenge the following four generations (i.e., as much as 160 years).

The character and spirit content of Saul began to come into view when he was introduced to divine service through an encounter with the prophet Samuel.  Saul was seeking animals (property) that had strayed from his home.  Before being supported in public as the chosen king of Israel, much to his surprise and that of everyone else, Saul first experienced an anointing among a group of prophets who were strangers to him.  At first, Saul displayed no ambition to be prophet or king, and even hid himself to avoid being taken.  Later, his determination to establish his own continuing dynasty became a form of insanity and madness.  His first “official business” as king that gained him favor was a military intervention where he would be the champion for Jabesh-gilead against the Ammonites.  (The Gibeonites in fact were Amorites (Gentiles) who had tricked those under Joshua into making a forbidden covenant.  Later, Saul would seek to eliminate them all, and following his death, Israel would be cursed with famine for three years.)  Saul accused Ahimelech of rebellion and aiding of David, and commanded 85 from the line of priests be slaughtered at Nob.  When Saul realized he no longer had the favor of GOD, and following the death of his adviser, Samuel, Saul went so far as to seek knowledge from the dead through a witch, rather than repent, or step down from being king over Israel.  Saul’s death was by suicide after being wounded in battle.

Before the defeat of the Philistine champion, Goliath, David had been anointed to be king by the Prophet Samuel.  David challenged the giant in reverence to GOD.  Even so, David’s ascendance to the throne of Israel required a full generation (40 years) that included tempering and testing through life as a fugitive, serving as a leader of refugees and those also persecuted by Saul, secretly fighting against the enemies of Israel as well as serving as king over Hebron.  David expressed devotion to GOD from his youth, and throughout his lifetime displayed a sacred anointing that included faith, gratitude, humility, longsuffering, meekness, and repentance.  GOD would not allow David to pursue his selfish plan to build a temple at Jerusalem; yet, granted that his dynasty would reign, and pledged that the promised prophet and ruler of Israel (many say, the Messiah) would come from his line. 

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spiritual grasp.  (For example, David died at home in bed as did Jacob.  In addition to service as king, the anointing upon David also was that of judge, priest, and prophet.  Thus, David recovered the Ark of the Covenant, created a new tent of meeting, established the liturgy for worship as well as the schedules of service for the Levites.  Because of the coronation of Solomon before his death, Israel as a united kingdom had two consecrated monarchs on a single throne at the same time, the father and the son.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC