Reuben's Sin Caused A Great Loss

     For our teaching today notice the picture above of Leah holding the white blossoms from the mandrakes that her son Reuben gave her to make her appear beautiful and attract her husband Jacob. Rachel in the background is asking Leah to give her Reuben's mandrakes to become attractive to Jacob. Rachel and Leah were in a competition to have the most children for Jacob. Leah denied Rachel's request and because of Reuben's mandrakes, Leah appeared beautiful to Jacob, and as a result Leah had more children than Rachel. Leah's children were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and one daughter named Dinah. Rachel only had two children named Joseph and Benjamin.

     The lesson I want you friend to see from this bible study is how Reuben's use of mandrakes with his mother Leah caused Reuben to sin and commit incest (forbidden relations between close family members) with his own stepmother Bilhah. Bilhah was Rachel's handmaid and mother to Dan and Naphtali. Reuben thought his sin of making older women like his mother Leah attractive by mandrakes was fun, and as a result Reuben himself became attracted to Bilhah from mandrakes and lost many blessings by committing incest with his own stepmother Bilhah.

     The story of the above picture is seen at Genesis 30:14 and says And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes (defined as love apples) in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes. And she (Leah) said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? And wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes. And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night.

     Jesus showed Brother Bob that Reuben's handling of mandrakes was like a little sip of beer or wine, or a little pleasure from a joint of marijuana that caused great sin where Reuben committed incest with his stepmother Bilhah and lost many blessings. Reuben's sin reminds Brother Bob of James 1:13 that says Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man; But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth for sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

     Friend reading this anywhere, unlike Reuben, totally deny sin daily by looking with your hearts to the Lord Jesus and avoid death. As an end time prophet, Brother Bob must obey Isaiah's request and do Isaiah 58:1 and Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Friend, Jesus is your answer to avoid sin and death because James 1:21 says Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity (defined as sins we committed before we were saved) of naughtiness,and receive with meekness the engrafted Word (note Jesus is the Word that we should receive to be saved from death and live), which is able to save your souls.

     Reuben's loss of blessing is recorded at Genesis 49:3 where Jacob tells Reuben, Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the  excellency of power; Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it; he went up to my couch. Reuben's sin is recorded at Genesis 35:22 and says And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father's concubine, and Israel heard it. Reuben lost so many blessings for just one sexual sin of incest with his stepmother Bilhah. Reuben lost the priesthood blessing to Levi, the blessing of being Jesus' great grandfather to Judah, and the double portion blessing discussed in last weeks bible study to Joseph.

     The reason Joseph received Jacob's double portion blessing instead of Reuben was because Joseph unlike Reuben denied having an affair with an older woman pictured above who was Potipher's wife. Let's all be like Joseph pictured above and flee from the sexual sins of adultery, incest, and fornication which usually appear first as the worst sins in bible lists of sins. I'll prove this to you as I quote some scriptures where adultery and fornication appear first in the lists as the worst sins which we all must avoid in order to be blessed and live with Jesus. 

     1 Corinthians 6:9 says Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19 says Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness. Wow, fornication and adultery usually top bible lists of sins and we should all daily look to Jesus to avoid these sexual sins.

     1 Corinthians 6:18 warns us all to Flee fornication (defined as any illicit sex including incest with close relatives, adultery,  homosexuality and lesbianism). Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. And notice how the will of God is defined at 1 Thessalonians 4:3 that says For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.

     If Reuben had avoided incest and not touched mandrakes, he would have received so many blessings as the firstborn son of Jacob. Friend reading this if you are tempted to sin, learn to immediately look to Jesus and deny any small little sin which will eventually get worse and cause death. To avoid sin, daily study the Word of God and listen to anointed praise and worship music. Ephesians 5:19 says Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. 

     And friend if in the past you have been guilty of any sin don't be discouraged for you can be forgiven and the blood of Jesus can remove all your sins and make you clean. And Jesus would say to you live and go and sin no more. Right now get saved and confess Jesus as God and believe Jesus died for you and rose again. 1 John 1:7 promises us But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

     Take time to study the following scriptures encouraging us all to deny the smallest sins to live a blessed life and avoid problems and death. Song Of Solomon 2:15 says Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes. Ecclesiastes 10:1 says Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour; so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. 1 Corinthains 5:6 says Your glorying is not good; know ye not that a little leaven (defined as inveterate unchanging mental and moral corruption) leaveneth the whole lump. 

     OK back to my discussion about how Reuben's sin caused a great loss. Pictured above we see how blessed it is for a man and a woman (not a man and a man or a woman and a woman) to be married in the sight of God. As an end time prophet I will speak out against any state of the USA or any nation that approves and supports same sex marriage. The bible defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Mark 10:7 says For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife (defined as a woman bride). 

     Each week Brother Bob constantly tries to tell teenagers that same sex marriage is wrong and that God declares that marriage between a man and a woman is a blessing. Jesus wants a man and a woman to be married and have children trained up in the goodness of our Lord Jesus. Hebrews 13:4 says Marriage is honourable (defined as precious) in all, and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 

    Jesus showed Brother Bob that when Reuben committed incest with his stepmother Bilhah, the prophet Amos said that Reuben profaned the name of God. Amos 2:7 says And a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name. Just the thought of a child committing incest with his parent is wicked. It's like a man that I heard about who divorced his wife and married his mother in law.. Deuteronomy 27:20 says Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say Amen. Deuteronomy 22:30 tells us A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt. 

     The new testament says that Reuben's sin of incest with his stepmother was worse than anything that a heathen Gentile could do. The sin of incest was not even named or mentioned among the Gentiles. 1 Corinthians 5:1 says It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication, as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 

     This scripture reminds Brother Bob of modern day America where homosexuals and lesbians are puffed up and rejoice in laws approving same sex marriage. Like the apostle Paul, Brother Bob mourns about these ungodly laws approved by America and prays that America's leaders will repent and reinstate the sanctified definition of a marriage to be the union of a man and a woman. 

     Because of Reuben's sin of incest, his children made wrong decisions and also lost blessings because of their father's sins. I pray that parents in any country reading this can unlike Reuben, be like the parents pictured above and daily train their kids to pray and learn the bible and Jesus. Our kids today need to learn about Jesus and the truths from the bible. What a precious picture above of the little girl praying and learning about our Lord Jesus.

     Reuben's sons also sinned and tried to undo what daddy had lost when they along with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses to obtain the priesthood that Reuben had lost to Levi. Reuben's sons should have said God forgive us and let us do whatever you command, realizing that they can't go back and undo daddy's prior sins. Numbers 16 :1 says Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram; the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben took men. And they rose up before Moses with certain of the children of Israel, 250 princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown. And they gathered themselves together against Moses, and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them; wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord. 

     Because Reuben's sons sinned trying to become priests, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and Reuben's sons all went down quickly into the the pit as the earth opened up and swallowed them alive. Also the 250 famous princes that unlawfully tried to be priests by offering incense were burned to death as the fire of God consumed them. This story is also found at Numbers 16. What's amazing is that after the earth swallowed up all these people, many people kept complaining to Moses that it was wrong for God to kill these sons of Reuben. As a result, a plague afflicted the people because of their murmurings and Aaron as the high priest had to pray to stop the plague. Aaron was like Jesus who constantly prays for us to repent to avoid plagues. This is proven by Hebrews 7:25 that says Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.

     Just a couple of more notes on how Reuben's one sin of incest caused the tribe of Reuben to suffer a great loss. Reuben was the first tribe taken as slaves to be captives to the Syrian enemy. This is proven by 1 Chronicles 5:25 that says And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan unto this day.   

     You might say after reading about all of Reuben's losses for his tribe and children, is there any hope for Reuben. Brother Bob says yes there is a light at the end of a dark tunnel for Reuben and that light is Jesus. The bible proves that the Lord Jesus forgave Reuben of his sin of incest because Reuben's name is on one of the twelve gates in the kingdom of God. The story about Reuben has a happy ending because a blessing was proclaimed for Reuben by Moses at Deuteronomy 33:6 that says Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few. 

     Friend reading this, if Reuben can be forgiven for his wicked sin of incest, right now receive forgiveness for any past sin you did and confess Jesus as God, believing Jesus died for you on the cross and rose again. The blood of Jesus will cleanse you from any sin. As a final note about Reuben, note that Reuben was blessed to be listed as one of 12 tribes in Revelation 7, but because of his sin of incest with Bilhah, Judah was listed as the first tribe before firstborn Reuben, who is listed as the second tribe in the Revelation 7 tribe listings. 

     Another thing I learned this week was that Abraham also committed more sexual sins after Sarah died which caused the birth of many Arab muslims that to this day persecute Israel and the people of God. After Sarah died, Abraham sinned and married another wife named Keturah who had five children that started Arab muslim nations that to this day are the enemies of Israel. This was a sin because the promised blessing was already given to Isaac, the son of Sarah, and Abraham knew that the promised blessing would not be given to any of Keturah's sons. 

     Genesis 25 says Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bare him Zimran (musician), and Jokshan (snarer), and Medan (contention),and Midian (strife), and Ishbak (he releases), and Shuah (wealth). Genesis 25:5 further states And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham, had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived eastward, unto the east country (currently modern Iraq and Iran). Keturah's children became the modern day Arab muslims in Iraq and Iran.

     Remember though, if you are reading this book for Jesus in a muslim Arab nation that is an enemy to Israel, you can be saved by Jesus today. In Jesus name, Lord Jesus bless all my muslim Arab friends that read this bible study in so many Arab countries, and I pray these muslims get saved and turn now to Jesus as God, believing Jesus died for them in their hearts and rose again. 

     The bible says whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely at Revelation 22:17. John 6:37 also says All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Ruth, who lived in Moab, a country that was an enemy to Israel, was saved when she decided to leave Moab and be a citizen of Israel, and believe in God, who was Jesus. Manasseh and Ephraim were two half Egyptians, and were blessed to be saved and become a part of the twelve tribes of Israel. Cornelius, a Gentile who was a Roman centurion was blessed to be saved and receive the Holy Ghost from Peter, even though Rome was an enemy to Israel.

     It's been a blessing writing this book for Jesus today and I pray these writings bless my many friends in the many nations. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.

The Blessing Of Grace Given To Isaac, Jacob, And Joseph

     For this week's bible study, Brother Bob wants to show my friends everywhere that Jesus blesses us all by grace when we believe Jesus is our Lord, and not by any good works, birthrights, or man's desires. Just think how in the old testament, younger children by grace received the firstborn birthright blessings of the families instead of their older brothers. Jesus did this to prove that anyone can receive the mercy and blessings of Jesus when they repent of their sinful life irregardless of what any birthright or person says. Pictured above we see that the younger child Isaac received the promised blessing instead of his older brother Ishmael. Initially, Abraham wanted to bless his firstborn Ishmael, but God gave the promised blessing to the younger son Isaac seen above with his mother Sarah when Abraham sent away Hagar and her son Ishmael. Also note that by grace Jacob the younger son was blessed instead of the firstborn son Esau. Furthermore, also by grace the younger son Joseph was blessed with the double portion blessing instead of the firstborn son Reuben.

     Friend, be encouraged and know that Jesus can bless you anytime by grace and ignore any person's wishes that denies a blessing by any law, person's wish, or birthright. The world separates people into classes and makes the rich better than the middle class and the poor. But Jesus sees us all on the same level as sinners and no one is better than another person. This allows all the praise to go to Jesus who blesses any sinner who gets saved by grace when that person believes Jesus is God and believes in his heart that Jesus died for them and rose again. (Friend reading this anywhere get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again).

     The bible says at Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. John 1:11 says He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Notice our blessings are not determined by birthrights, will of the flesh, or the will of man. Revelation 22:17 tells us And the Spirit and the bride say Come. And let him that heareth say Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will (this refers to you friend reading this anywhere in any country), let him take the water of life freely.

     The scripture that discusses the picture above of younger Isaac being blessed instead of his older brother Ishmael is at Genesis 17:18: And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee. And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. People have the same experience where parents under their laws and decisions determine to bless their chosen favorite child. But God can rebuke parents and by grace have them change their mind and bless God's chosen child.

     Another example in the bible where the younger child by grace was blessed instead of the older brother occurred when Jesus blessed younger Jacob instead of his older brother Esau. Romans 9:10 tells us And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works, but of Him that calleth; It was said unto her; the elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

     For my final example pictured above where the younger child by grace was blessed instead of the older brother occurred when Jacob blessed Joseph's children Ephraim and Manasseh with a double portion blessing instead of firstborn Reuben. Reuben lost his double portion blessing for having sex with his stepmother Bilhah while Joseph denied the same sin and refused to have sex with an older woman who was the wife of Potiphar. As a result, Joseph instead of Reuben received Jacob's double portion blessing and Reuben bowed down to Joseph with his other brothers and his dad Jacob in Egypt. God fulfilled Joseph's dream where his 11 brothers and father would bow down to him. According to Joseph's dream at Genesis 37:6 his father, mother, and brothers were represented by the sun, moon, and 11 stars all bowing down to Joseph. God confirmed this promise by a second dream to Joseph where his family as sheaves bowed down to his sheaf.

     According to the law, the double portion blessing had to be given to the firstborn child of a hated wife (this would be Reuben, the son of Leah, the wife hated by Jacob) before the firstborn child of a loved wife (this would be Joseph, the son of Rachel, the wife loved by Jacob). But Jacob by grace blessed Joseph instead of Reuben with the double portion blessing, setting Joseph free from the curse of the law. The law about the double portion blessing is stated at Deuteronomy 21:15 and says If a man have two wives; one beloved (Rachel by Jacob), and another hated, (Leah, mother of Reuben, by Jacob) and they have born him children; both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated; Then it shall be when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath; that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn; But, he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath; for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

     Jesus took it even a step further and had Jacob pictured above give the greater blessing to younger Ephraim instead of his older brother Manasseh. Again, Joseph's wish to bless the firstborn Manasseh was ignored and by grace the younger child Ephraim received the promised blessing. Genesis 48:17 says And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father for this is the firstborn, put thy right hand upon his head. And his father refused, and said, I know it my son, I know it; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he; and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh, and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

     Genesis 48:21 further states And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die, but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers (note that Jacob also known as Israel believed the promise stated to Abraham that after 400 years, the Jews would leave Egypt discussed in the next portion of this bible study). Moreover, I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren (note that Joseph and his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh were given the double portion blessing instead of Reuben), which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

     For my next thought, I want to prove to my friends everywhere that the promises of God are true and will eventually occur by God's timetable. Pictured above we see Joseph's tomb which currently houses Joseph's bones in Shechem Israel. You might say how do Joseph's bones prove that the promises of God are true? To answer this question we must first study a promise given by God to Abram at Genesis 15:13 that says And He (God) said unto Abram, know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them 400 years. And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge, and afterward shall they come out with great substance. Stephen restated this promise at Acts 7:6 and said And God spake on this wise, that His seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil 400 years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God. And after that shall they come forth and serve me in this place. God was telling Abram a promise that the children of Israel would be slaves in Egypt for 400 years and then come out of Egypt with great substance.

     God performed his promise and after 400 years the children of Israel left Egypt proven by Exodus 12:40 that says Now the sojourning of the children of Israel who dwelt in Egypt was 430 years. And it came to pass at the end of the 430 years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. Moses per Joseph's request took the bones of Joseph to Israel when the children of  Israel left Egypt after 400 years with great substance. This is proven by Exodus 13:19 that says And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him; for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

      Finally Joshua buried Joseph's bones in a tomb at Shechem in Israel. This is proven by Joshua 24:32 that says And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for 100 pieces of silver; and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. Joseph's bones currently exist today at Shechem in the tomb pictured above and are evidence that God's promises are true and that Israel left Egypt 400 years ago with great substance. The Muslims in 2011 tried to burn down Joseph's tomb and say God's Word and promises are not true. What's interesting is that in 2011 Joseph's tomb was burned but Joseph's bones were not destroyed and remain to this day proving that God's promises are true.

     Joseph's greatest act of faith occurred at his death when he requested his bones to be carried out of Egypt to Israel when he believed God's promise to Abram that after 400 years the children of Israel would leave Egypt. This was a great act of faith by Joseph because Joseph was a powerful ruler, comfortable, and happy in Egypt at the time of his death. But Joseph feared God and believed the promise of God and knew that his descendants would leave Egypt after 400 years.

     Look at Joseph's faithful words which he stated at his death believing God's promise given to Abram many years earlier. Genesis 50:24 says And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die; and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being 110 years old; and they embalmed him; and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Joseph's greatest act of faith recorded at Hebrews 11:22 did not occur as a powerful leader of Egypt, but was the above faithful statement he made at his death concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:22 tells us By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

     Pictured above we see Joseph's bones in his tomb at Shechem and some of the many Jews that visit the tomb to pray on a regular basis. Joseph's bones are evidence that God's promises are true: After 400 years the children of Israel left Egypt and returned to Israel with great substance. Friend reading this anywhere, remember that all the promises of God are true. Keep waiting for the promises of God and I pray in Jesus name for all my friends the blessing of Psalm 27:14 that says Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord. The children of Israel waited 400 years for God's promise, and exactly after 400 years, God performed his promise and freed all the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. Remember when God makes a promise God will perform and keep His promise. Romans 3:4 says Let God be true, but every man a liar.

     Take time to read the following scriptures that prove that the promises of God are true and will happen. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 1 Kings 8:56 says Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that He promised; there hath not failed one word of all His good promise; which He promised by the hand of Moses his servant. Titus 1:2 says In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. I pray in Jesus name anyone who forevermore reads this can have faith like Abraham who believed the promise of God stated at Romans 4:20: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And 400 years later God was faithful and performed His promise. The people of the world might say seeing is believing but by faith with Jesus, we can say believing is seeing.

     For my final thought today take time to look at the chart above of how the 12 tribes are listed in Genesis, Numbers, and Revelation. First, in Genesis the 12 tribes whose names all refer to Jesus are listed: Reuben (Behold A Son), Simeon (God hears), Levi (Joined), Judah (Praise), Dan (Judge), Gad (Troop), Asher (Happy), Zebulun (Exalted), Issachar (Reward), Naphtali (Wrestling), Joseph (Jehovah Has Added), and Benjamin (Son Of The Right Hand).

     Next, note that in the book of Numbers the tribes of Levi and Joseph are replaced by the tribes of Manasseh (Defined as Causing To Forget) and Ephraim (Defined as Doubly Fruitful). Levi was removed from the list to be priests that served the Lord stated at Numbers 1:49 that says Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel; But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it; they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.  Joseph was removed from the list because Joseph's sons Manasseh and Ephraim received the double portion blessing discussed earlier in this bible study.

     OK, now let's move on to the final Revelation 7:4 listing of the 12 tribes of Israel which I believe are the 12 tribes listed on the gates of the kingdom of God. Notice that the Revelation 7:4 listing above of the 12 tribes removes Dan and Ephraim from the list and Joseph and Levi reappear in the list of the 12 tribes of Israel. Also, note that Manasseh remains in the Revelation 7:4 list of the 12 tribes of Israel. You might ask what is the reasoning behind the Revelation 7:4 listing of the 12 tribes of Israel. Why was Dan and Ephraim removed from the list and Joseph and Levi reinstated? Also, why does Manasseh remain in the Revelation list of the 12 tribes of Israel?

     First, I believe Levi reappeared in the Revelation list because their role as priests outside of the tribes under the law ceased once Jesus put His own blood on the mercy seat in heaven and became our High priest forevermore. Dan and Ephraim were removed from the Revelation tribe listing because Dan and Ephraim sinned and worshipped idols, but Dan and Ephraim are still hidden in the tribe of Joseph for the following reasons. Ephraim (mentioned earlier in this bible study) was blessed instead of Manasseh with the birthright blessing of Joseph. Therefore Ephraim is hidden in the tribe of Joseph but Manasseh had to remain a listed tribe because Manasseh did not receive Joseph's birthright blessing. Since Dan lived in Ephraim, Dan is also hidden in the tribe of Joseph and receives Ephraim's blessing. Therefore in reality the Revelation 7:4 list of tribes includes all the 14 tribes stated in the bible.

     The following scriptures prove that because Dan and Ephraim worshipped idols, their names were removed from the Revelation listing of the 12 tribes. Hosea 4:17 says Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone. Judges 18:30 says And the children of Dan set up the graven image. The punishment for Ephraim's sin is stated at Psalm 78:9: The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle; They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in His law; And forgat His works, and His wonders that He had shewed them. Psalm 78:67 further states Moreover, He refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim.

     Hosea 5:9 also states why Ephraim was punished and says Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke; among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be; Hosea 5:11 further states Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment because he willingly walked after the commandment (defined as mocked the prophet Isaiah's words). Finally, the scripture that proves that Dan lived in Ephraim and shared in the birthright blessing of Ephraim to be hidden among the tribe of Joseph is at Judges 18:2 that says And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land; who, when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there.

     As always it is a blessing to write these bible studies. Feel free to contact Brother Bob anytime by email by sending a message to rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.

Deborah Was Victorious As A Mother Singing Praises

     Friends, our bible study today is all about Deborah (defined as bee) pictured above who judged the people from her house under a palm tree. The second picture is of an earlier judge named Shamgar who used an ox goad (a sharp stick used to poke and prod oxen) to slay 600 Philistine enemies. To start this bible study take time to study Judges 5:6 that says In the days of Shamgar (defined as sword), the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied and the travellers walked through byways. The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.

     OK, Brother Bob will tell you by the holy spirit through revelation what Judges 5:6 is speaking about. Before Deborah lived in the days of Shamgar, the children of Israel had to hide in mountains, caves, and dens, and all the villages and cities were empty as the children of Israel tried to survive from the oppressing Philistines and Canaanites who would rob and steal from any child of God found on an open highway or in a city. To survive, the children of Israel had to separate themselves from the highways and walk through the byways, backways, and shortcuts in the woods.

     In the days of Shamgar, the Philistines removed all the blacksmiths from Israel to prevent the Hebrews from making swords and spears to defend themselves. 1 Samuel 13:19 says Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears. This is why Shamgar pictured above had to use an ordinary sharp stick or ox goad instead of a sword or spear to defend himself and slay 600 Philistines.

     The story about Shamgar is found at Judges 3:31 and says And after him was Shamgar, the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines 600 men with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel. And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord, when Ehud (an earlier judge who slew a wicked king named Eglon) was dead. God used one man named Shamgar and a sharp stick to stop 600 Philistines because God was aiming that stick. Friend, like Shamgar who had no swords or spears to defend himself, Jesus will fight any enemies on your behalf and use everyday ordinary objects like Shamgar's sharp stick to defend you from all harm. Romans 8:31 tells us If God be for us, who can be against us? But, Brother Bob says pray for your enemies to repent and follow Jesus as God to avoid the wrath of God.

     OK, years after Shamgar and Ehud lived, King Jabin of the Canaanites and his captain Sisera who had 900 chariots of iron arose and mightily oppressed the children of Israel for 20 years. This was because the people continued to do evil after the days of Shamgar and Ehud. A new judge arose named Deborah who lived under a palm tree pictured above during the twenty years of oppression from the Canaanites. Saints would come from all parts of Israel to Deborah's house under the palm tree to hear her wisdom and judgment as a leader and prophetess.

     The story about how Deborah judged the people under a palm tree is recorded at Judges 4:2 that says And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin King of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, for he had 900 chariots of iron, and 20 years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth (defined as torches), she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in Mount Ephraim; and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

     OK, let's move on with the story of Deborah. Now remember that Deborah proclaimed at Judges 5:6 that Israel got their freedom from Sisera and the Canaanites, and could inhabit openly their villages in peace when Deborah arose as a mother of Israel. Deborah did not boast and say Israel got the victory because she was a military leader, prophetess, or judge. Deborah stated that Israel could openly inhabit their villages in peace when I Deborah arose a mother in Israel. For all women of God reading this forevermore, learn a lesson from Deborah and remember the greatest career a woman could have is to be a mother. Deborah became a blessed leader because she was a blessed mother. It's OK for women to work and have careers which God will bless, but women should always like Deborah make their most important career to be a mother providing the best possible life for their kids. Brother Bob praises Jesus for all single moms who devote their lives to train their kids about our Lord Jesus as they become blessed mothers in our countries.

     In the picture above, Deborah stood up as a mother and protected her kids from the Canaanites and Sisera, by not fearfully hiding in the byways, dens, and caves with her kids from the Canaanites. Deborah said I'm gonna be a good mother and fight for my kids and allow them to openly inhabit the villages in peace. Deborah said those Canaanites aren't getting my babies or robbing me of my stuff. Deborah said I'm gonna get a leader named Barak (defined as lightning who was scared and hiding in caves from the Canaanites) and get an army of 10000 footsoldiers from 40000 people in Israel with no swords or spears (stated at Judges 5:8) to fight these wicked Canaanites and protect my kids.

     Deborah, a woman of great faith, had more confidence than fearful Barak. Barak was initially a sissy and said I'm afraid of the Canaanites and won't fight Sisera unless you Deborah come with me. Deborah agreed to go with Barak to fight Sisera and our Lord Jesus gave Deborah and Barak pictured above a great victory over the enemy Sisera. Because of Barak's initial cowardice to fight Sisera, honour was given to a woman named Jael to defeat and kill Sisera in her tent as she hammered a nail into Sisera's temple as Sisera slept. But God is merciful and by grace overlooked Barak's cowardice, and wow Barak was honoured as a great man of faith for going with Deborah to fight the Canaanites and subdue the Canaanites' kingdom at Hebrews 11:32.

     The story about how Deborah asked Barak to fight Sisera and get freedom for her kids is recorded at Judges 4:6 and says And she sent and called Barak, the son of Abinoam out of Kadesh-naphtali and said unto him Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward Mount Tabor, and take with thee 10000 men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera the captain of Jabin's army with his chariots and his multitude, and I will deliver him into thine hand. And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go; but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. And she said, I will surely go with thee, notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.

     OK, for my next picture we see how our Lord Jesus honoured Deborah and Barak's faith to fight the Canaanites with no swords or spears and only songs of praise. As Deborah and Barak sang songs of praise to our Lord Jesus, God caused angels and a flood from the river Kishon to defeat Sisera and his 900 chariots of iron. Judges 5:20 records how God used angels and a flood to defeat Sisera as Deborah and Barak sang praises for their victory.

     Judges 5:20 says They fought from heaven; the stars (defined as angels) in their courses (defined as the ladderway that angels go up and down from heaven to earth) fought against Sisera. The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength. Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings (defined as the galloping of a horse) of their mighty ones. God caused Sisera's horses and their horsehoofs to get stuck in the mud from the floodwaters of the Kishon river, allowing Deborah and Barak to destroy all the Canaanites. Friend reading this be encouraged and know that our Lord Jesus protects you constantly, always giving you the victory and say Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

     The name Deborah is correctly defined as bee because Deborah was sweet as honey at home as a mother to her kids, but boy did she have a stinger when she was a blessed leader that fought the devil and gave the people of Israel victory over the Canaanites where her kids and the children of Israel could peacefully inhabit the villages. Remember a good home is one where the man is the head, the woman the help, and the kids the hope. I pray in Jesus name all women reading this will be blessed mothers wanting their kids to have a better future by their acts of faith on this earth as mothers.

     Friends everywhere, as you look at the above picture of the 10000 men with Deborah who sang praises to God to get victory over Sisera, remember our victory is in our praises to our Lord Jesus each day for dying for us all on the cross to defeat the devil. Praise Jesus as you read how Deborah and Barak's songs of praise defeated the enemy giving peace to the land of Israel.

     Judges 5:1 says Then sang Deborah and Barak, the son of Abinoam on that day saying, Praise ye the Lord, for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel; Lord, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom; the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped; the clouds also dropped water (wow Deborah and Barak's songs of praise caused the clouds to drop water and flood away the enemy Sisera). The mountains melted from before the Lord, even that Sinai, from before the Lord God of Israel.

     Remember friend tell somebody did you do a good thing today? Then quote Psalm 92:1 and tell them It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High. So lets all do a good thing today and right now wherever you are leap for joy and shout Thank you Lord Jesus and worship our Lord Jesus for dying for us on the cross giving us total victory over this world and the devil. Remember Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabitest the praises of Israel.

     To end up the bible study today, let me state that Deborah and Barak's songs of praise remind me of how Jehoshaphat and his army sang praise and defeated the enemy. God told Jehoshaphat to not use any swords or spears to fight the Ammonite and Moabite enemies. God told Jehoshaphat when you fight the enemy, just put the singers in the front.

     Picture this: As the singers for Jehoshaphat's army were picking and singing praises as they marched into battle, the enemy laughed and said that they were a bunch of fools and mocked them saying they are coming against us with just trumpets and flutes. But you know what happened. Jehoshaphat and his army sung the enemy to death. Preachers learn a lesson from this story and before you preach, get a good singer to praise Jesus to make the devil flee and make it easier for you to preach. Right now, in Jesus name Brother Bob prays that if anyone reading this will start praising Jesus for total victory over any situation, they will immediately be delivered and have total victory in every area of their lives.

     The blessed story of how Jehoshaphat and his army sung the enemy to death through their praise is recorded at 2 Chronicles 20:21 and says And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and to say, Praise the Lord; for His mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

     Since we are talking about blessed women in the bible I have to add a final note about Esther. We should all be like Esther who stated at Esther 4:16 If I perish, I perish, I'm going to see the King, willing to leave everything to serve our Lord. Like Esther, we should all be willing to leave everything in this world for Jesus and say If I perish, I perish, I'm going to see King Jesus. And Jesus like Ahaseurus will disregard the law that says we should die as sinners and bless us all greatly with eternal life and peace. I agree with Paul who stated at Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

     As always it has been a blessing writing to all my friends about our Lord Jesus. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetreee Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.

Athaliah, Joash, Jehosheba, Jehoiada, And Zacharias

     Today we will study the life of King Joash pictured above who was proclaimed to be a king at the age of seven. I asked Jesus why was King Joash only seven years old when he was proclaimed to be a king? The reason King Joash became a king at the early age of seven was because a woman named Athaliah (daughter of the witch Jezebel and wife to King Jehoram) made herself a queen of the land for six years by destroying and killing all the royal baby boys. After King Ahaziah was killed by Jehu, Ahaziah's mother Athaliah was so wicked and killed all the royal babies and even her own children to take power and become a queen for six years. But, a woman named Jehosheba, the wife of the high priest Jehoiada stated at 2 Chronicles 22:11, (aunt to King Joash) preserved the royal seed and hid baby Joash (son of King Ahaziah) from wicked Athaliah for six years. Next, when Joash became seven years old, Jehoiada proclaimed Joash to be the king before all the people and had the soldiers kill wicked Athaliah outside the temple in the horse gate.

     The reason Joash's life should be studied is because Joash is one of the great grandfathers of our Lord Jesus Christ. The devil tried to use Athaliah (whose name means afflicted of the Lord) to kill all of Jesus' possible great grandfathers, but God did not allow this and preserved the seed of the Lord Jesus by having Jehosheba hide baby Joash for seven years from Athaliah. Athaliah can be compared to King Herod in the new testament who also tried to kill Jesus by ordering all the baby boys in Israel to be slain. But, Mary and Joseph were warned by God of Herod's wicked plot and journeyed to Egypt and hid Jesus from Herod until it was safe to return to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph can be compared to Jehosheba and Jehoiada because in the old and new testaments these stories display parents hiding a blessed baby from death ordered by either Athaliah or Herod.

     You might say Brother Bob I do not see Joash listed in the genealogy of Jesus at Matthew 1:6-16 and this is correct. For some reason, the following four kings (Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, and Jehoiakim) were not listed in the genealogy of Matthew. But, if you study the complete genealogy of Jesus listed in the old testament at 1 Chronicles 3:10-16, Joash is listed and is one of Jesus' great grandfathers. Jesus told me to list the full complete genealogy of Jesus' grandparents from 1 Chronicles 3:10-16 with the meaning of each king's name in Hebrew that relates to Jesus. The completed accurate list is as follows: David (Beloved), Solomon (Peace), Rehoboam (A People Has Enlarged), Abijah (Jehovah Is My Father), Asa (Healer), Jehoshaphat (Jehovah Has Judged), Joram (Jehovah Is Exalted), Ahaziah (Jehovah Holds Or Possesses), Joash (Given By The Lord), Amaziah (Jehovah Is Mighty), Azariah (Jehovah Has Helped), Jotham (Jehovah Is Perfect), Ahaz (He Has Grasped Or Possessor), Hezekiah (Jehovah Is My Strength), Manasseh (Causing To Forget), Amon (Master Or Workman), Josiah (Whom Jehovah Heals), Jehoiakim (Jehovah Raises Up), and Jeconiah (Jehovah Will Establish).

     Jesus showed Brother Bob the above anointed painting of Athaliah crying Treason, Treason when the high priest Jehoiada proclaimed that seven year old Joash is king. Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba hid king Joash for six years and constantly surrounded Joash with guards holding weapons to protect the child Joash from Athaliah. When Jehoiada proclaimed that seven year old Joash is king, Jehoiada had the guards take Athaliah to the horse gate to be killed (the old hag or nag was killed at the horse gate) to avoid killing Athaliah in the temple.

     The story about Athaliah, Joash, Jehosheba, and Jehoiada is at 2 Kings 11:1 and says And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. And the seventh year, Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the Lord, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the Lord, and shewed them the king's son.

     2 Kings 11:8 further states And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain; and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in. And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple. And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

     2 Kings 11:13 further states And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the Lord. And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets; and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried Treason, Treason. But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges; and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the Lord. And they laid hands on her and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house, and there was she slain.

     If Athaliah lived today, she would have supported abortion because Athaliah killed her own children so she could become a ruler instead of a mother. Athaliah wanted to usurp authority, give orders, and be the boss and queen instead of being a mother to her children. Therefore God had Athaliah killed at the horse gate for failing to be a mother to her kids. Athaliah didn't want to be a mother. She wanted to be a politician, neglecting motherhood that only led to death. I pray in Jesus name all women reading this will make their most important career to be a mother. Our kids today need their moms to guide and bless their little lives. If women make motherhood the highest priority in their lives, it's OK for them to also be leaders and have careers in the modern work world.

     I encourage all women to study a blessed woman named Deborah who made motherhood the first priority in her life, and also was blessed to be a great leader, judge, and prophetess for the children of God. Deborah boasted in her motherhood (not her power as a judge or prophetess) where Israel was blessed when Deborah stated at Judges 5:7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. Because Deborah fought for her kids with Barak as a mother, wanting her kids to not have to hide in the dens and caves from the Canaanites but openly inhabit the villages in peace, Jesus blessed Deborah as a mother with a great victory over the Canaanites giving freedom to the people of Israel. The reason Deborah's name means bee is because Deborah was sweet as honey as a mother to her kids but had a stinger when she fought against the Canaanites to protect her kids.

     Unfortunately, when King Joash got older, he forgot about God, loving the praise of man more than the praise of God, becoming like Pilate, and commanded the prophet Zacharias to be stoned to death by the religious people between the altar and the temple. Joash became so wicked by loving the world's praise when he forgot God, that unlike Jehoiada who killed Athaliah outside the temple in the horse gate, Joash had anointed Zacharias killed in the temple. Zacharias was the son of Jehoida who protected and raised Joash as a little boy. Joash followed the Lord and was blessed while Jehoiada lived. But right after Jehoiada died at 130 years of age, Joash became wicked and served idols and loved man's praise more than the Lord. Joash's love of the world made him so wicked that he killed Zacharias, the son of Jehoiada who protected his life as a child. God punished Joash for killing Zacharias, and when Joash got older, Joash got sick and his own servants killed Joash on his own bed.

     The story of the above picture can be found at 2 Chronicles 24:15 that says But Jehoiada waxed old and was full of days when he died, 130 years old was he when he died. 2 Chronicles 24:17 further states Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers and served groves and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.

     2 Chronicles 24:19 further states Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them, but they would not give ear. And the spirit of God came upon Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye have forsaken the Lord; He hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord.
   
     The picture above of Zacharias and Joash reminds Brother Bob of Jesus and Pilate. Zacharias like Jesus died and gave his life trying to save the people and was killed by his own countrymen. John 1:11 tells us He came unto His own, and His own received him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Zacharias like Jesus, was a just man preaching the truth to the unjust and dying because the people wanted to hear smooth words and not hear repent of your sins. This reminds me of religious people today who want to hear preachers with flowery smooth words and won't listen to preachers who mention sin. Zacharias' sacrifice can be seen at 1 Peter 3:18 that says For Christ also hath once suffered for siins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

     Joash in the picture above reminds Brother Bob of Pilate when Joash conspired against Zacharias giving the commandment or order for the religious people to kill and stone Zacharias in the temple. Pilate like Joash also conspired against Jesus and gave the commandment or order for the Jews to crucify Jesus. Take time to read what Pilate did at Matthew 27:24 that says When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person; See ye to it. Joash and Pilate could have prevented the deaths of Zacharias and Jesus but loved the praise of man more than God and chose to kill innocent men instead of serving God.

     Also, notice how the words of Zacharias at his death are like the words of Jesus at the cross when Jesus said Father forgive them for they know not what they do. The words of Zacharias at his death are recorded at 2 Chronicles 24:22 that says Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died he (Zacharius) said, The Lord look upon it, and require it (investigate it). Stephen also at his death was like Zacharius and Jesus because Acts 7:59 says And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

     To end up this bible study, we see that Zacharias is in the background now resting in peace with Jesus with a white robe waiting for Jesus to avenge his blood on the devil. Also, the children in the above picture represent the millions of babies that are aborted who now also are resting in peace with Jesus with white robes waiting for Jesus to avenge their blood on the devil. This is proven by Revelation 6:9 that says and when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held; And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? (this reminds Brother Bob of Abel's blood crying out for Jesus to avenge his shed blood) And white robes were given unto every one of them, and it was said unto them that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

     Jesus truly did what Zacharias' name means and Zacharias was remembered of God when the Lord Jesus stated at Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay, and persecute; That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation. From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple; Verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Jesus stated that he will remember the blood of the first prophet Abel to the last prophet mentioned in the old testament Zacharias and avenge their blood on the devil. Praise you Lord Jesus for comforting Abel, Zacharias and the millions of slain aborted innocent babies with rest, peace, and white robes in your glorious kingdom of God.

     Matthew 23:34 restates Luke 11:49 but the translated versions of the bible say that Zacharias' father was Barachias and not Jehoiada. According to history, the original Hebrew translation of the bible did not list Barachias as the father of Zacharias because the true father of Zacharias was Jehoiada the high priest and Jesus was mentioning the prophet Zacharias the son of Jehoiada who was slain by King Joash between the altar and temple in the above listed scriptures.

     It has been a blessing writing these bible studies that I pray in Jesus name will give great peace to all my friends in the many nations. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.