The tormented prophet made strong

[CharliRenee]

I am using this forum as a resource. As I dig into Jeremiah, if you know of any information pertaining to what I'm looking at here, or see that I am mistaken, please, I welcome further and or corrected understanding. I never want to limit my resources to just me and my interpretations.

The word of the Lord came to me saying, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" And I said, "I see a rod of an almond tree." Then the Lord said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it." The word of the Lord came to me a second time saying, "What do you see?" And I said, "I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north." Then the Lord said to me, "Out of the north the evil will break forth on all the inhabitants of the land. For, behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north," declares the Lord ; "and they will come and they will set each one his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls round about and against all the cities of Judah. I will pronounce My judgments on them concerning all their wickedness, whereby they have forsaken Me and have offered sacrifices to other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands. Now, gird up your loins and arise, and speak to them all which I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, or I will dismay you before them. Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the Lord .
Jeremiah 1:11‭-‬19 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/jer.1.11-19.NASB

Today, my first attempt was to study what a rod of an almond tree meant. Before today, I did not yet grasp. It is spoken of before in Genesis that the almond tree signifies watching. I found out that the almond tree and the almond itself is a point of reference throughout the bible.

Ok how, what and why then is the Rod (branch of the almond tree) to be applied. I started studying and came up with lots of possibilities and then came back to see. The Lord made it clear. I need not ponder more…

“Then the Lord said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it."

The rod speaks to the performing. It shows He is watching the word come to life and seeing it through. Am I on the right track?

The boiling pot facing away from the North….hmmm so much there...

He was telling Jeremiah, I am fixing to poor down my judgement, showing him who, the cities of Judah, is at the center of that demise, and to whom it is that He will use to make it happen, families of the kingdoms of the North. Further study has helped me to see that the who is probably found in Jeremiah 25:9

I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon," declares the LORD, "and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin.

He has given the cities of Judah an ace in the hole so to speak with Jeremiah. He was to warn them, telling them what was to come and why. The Lord told Jeremiah that He made Him a pillar of strength, with walls made of iron to stand against the whole land as he warned them of the judgements coming. Jeremiah is told that while he will face extreme opposition to say the least, He, the Lord, will not allow Jeremiah to be overcome, that He personally will deliver Him.

Can you imagine that moment? I'm breaking this down, paraphrasing, for my simple mind to understand. He told this humble servant, a priest, listen….I want you to be the bearer of worst kind of news. The outcome will be very risky. They will resist you and want to destroy you, but don't worry, I have got you.

This man of God is another one of those profound show and tellers of our past that display how mighty, how Merciful, and how Just our God is. I think that just like the land of Judah and the surrounding cities then, we too best be listening, and we should all be standing strong. He is our solid estate!!!

 

[RodB65]

In hebrew, the words "watching" and "almond" sound alike. I think the almond tree is referred to sometimes as the "watching tree". But I suspect with the study you've obviously done, you already know that .

 

[CharliRenee]

In hebrew, the words "watching" and "almond" sound alike. I think the almond tree is referred to sometimes as the "watching tree". But I suspect with the study you've obviously done, you already know that .

Rod, I have so much to learn. I appreciate any input. Thank you and God Bless.

 

[RodB65]

Jeremiah is my favorite OT prophet, Ezekiel is a close second.

 

[CharliRenee]

Jeremiah is my favorite OT prophet, Ezekiel is a close second.

Can I ask you why? I don't want to take up too much of your time..

 

[RodB65]

Jeremiah just seems to have a relationship with God that is so "face to face". It's almost like the one Moses had with God. It's an OT book that I read slowly, for fear of missing something.

When God spoke to Jeremiah, he had no doubt in his mind who he was hearing from. It's what I like about the OT prophets in general. They didn't have the vast resources to study that we have today. But when God spoke, they knew it. That's where I want to be.

 

[RodB65]

CharliRenee... You're a staff member now?... Cool !!!

 

[CharliRenee]

Jeremiah just seems to have a relationship with God that is so "face to face". It's almost like the one Moses had with God. It's an OT book that I read slowly, for fear of missing something.

When God spoke to Jeremiah, he had no doubt in his mind who he was hearing from. It's what I like about the OT prophets in general. They didn't have the vast resources to study that we have today. But when God spoke, they knew it. That's where I want to be.

Oh yes yes yes, Brother. Me too.

 

[Karraster]

Great thread CharliRenee. I'm fond of Jeremiah as well, named my son after him. Adding to what Rod mentions, "word puns" or word play, in Jeremiah would be very noticable to the people of antiquity, but lost on us who do not read or speak Hebrew.

A rod is used for decipline, and as Rod mentioned (rod, Rod ) the almond tree is a watching tree, anxious for spring. So the almond branch will be a watching rod.

Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch (šō-qêḏ) over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
-- Jeremiah 5:6 (KJV)

Would not these (wolf, leopard) be watching anxiously in anticipation to pounce on their prey? That's the warning Jeremiah gave to the people.

 

[CharliRenee]

Great thread CharliRenee. I'm fond of Jeremiah as well, named my son after him. Adding to what Rod mentions, "word puns" or word play, in Jeremiah would be very noticable to the people of antiquity, but lost on us who do not read or speak Hebrew.

A rod is used for decipline, and as Rod mentioned (rod, Rod ) the almond tree is a watching tree, anxious for spring. So the almond branch will be a watching rod.

Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch (šō-qêḏ) over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
-- Jeremiah 5:6 (KJV)

Would not these (wolf, leopard) be watching anxiously in anticipation to pounce on their prey? That's the warning Jeremiah gave to the people.

Karraster, wow, thank you, sounds like you have a good grasp on this book, do you think it is speaking only of the fall of Judah and the surrounding cities or also of the end times?

 

[Karraster]

Karraster, wow, thank you, sounds like you have a good grasp on this book, do you think it is speaking only of the fall of Judah and the surrounding cities or also of the end times?

Sister I know very little, however by God's grace I will understand more and more.

Yes, I do believe it is speaking about that time and future as well.

Jer24:4 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 5 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians.[b] 6 My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. 7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

 

[garee]

I would offer that the almond staff of Aaron was a sign against those rebels who did not believe prophecy .

Prophecy the source of faith for those who do believe. Many were trusting the promise of God would come in four hundred years and release them from the bondage of Egypt typified as this world . Where Moses is typified as the law giver to represent our father in heaven Aaron the priest. Jesus the son as the high priest . and as the father puts word in the mouth of the Son of man Jesus as described even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God

.A wonderful gospel picture of the father and son working together in perfect harmony to bring the peace of God that surpasses all understanding

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of GodExodus 4:15-16

Exodus 4:1-4 King James Version (KJV) And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:

In Number 16 a Levite named Korah demanded he have a part as a kingdom of priest, missing the spiritual unseen understanding .

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? And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:Numbers 16.

God destroyed them. And then he set up the standard in chapter 17 in a hope of satisfying their grumbling and start walking by faith.

Numbers 17:1-3 King James Version (KJV) And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.

The rod of Aaron for the house of Levi budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. the fruit used to show their rebellion against prophecy . Sign are designed for those who rebel and again prophecy God word for those who believe

And again in chapter 20 in their suffering for water they expressed they wished they had died along with those in Korah's rebellion .

And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. Numbers 20:2-5

And then again as a aprable hiding the spiritual understanding form those who believed not (no faith) the lord continued.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.
And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified in them.Numbers 20:7-13

In the parable above with Moses wielding the rod it is a picture of the law of God striking Christ twice and out of Christ, our Rock came the living water of the gospel . Moses again who represents the law of struck the rock twice as in double jeaporty signifying he did not enter the promised land . The law does not bring us in the spirit of grace does. I think it speaks to a new testament verse in so much as the letter of the law that kills will not be part of or enter the new heavens and earth .

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,(represented by Moses) till all be fulfilled.

The law having served it purpose.

 

[CharliRenee]

I would offer that the almond staff of Aaron was a sign against those rebels who did not believe prophecy .

Prophecy the source of faith for those who do believe. Many were trusting the promise of God would come in four hundred years and release them from the bondage of Egypt typified as this world . Where Moses is typified as the law giver to represent our father in heaven Aaron the priest. Jesus the son as the high priest . and as the father puts word in the mouth of the Son of man Jesus as described even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God

.A wonderful gospel picture of the father and son working together in perfect harmony to bring the peace of God that surpasses all understanding

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of GodExodus 4:15-16

Exodus 4:1-4 King James Version (KJV) And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:

In Number 16 a Levite named Korah demanded he have a part as a kingdom of priest, missing the spiritual unseen understanding .

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? And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:Numbers 16.

God destroyed them. And then he set up the standard in chapter 17 in a hope of satisfying their grumbling and start walking by faith.

Numbers 17:1-3 King James Version (KJV) And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.

The rod of Aaron for the house of Levi budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. the fruit used to show their rebellion against prophecy . Sign are designed for those who rebel and again prophecy God word for those who believe

And again in chapter 20 in their suffering for water they expressed they wished they had died along with those in Korah's rebellion .

And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. Numbers 20:2-5

And then again as a aprable hiding the spiritual understanding form those who believed not (no faith) the lord continued.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.
And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified in them.Numbers 20:7-13

In the parable above with Moses wielding the rod it is a picture of the law of God striking Christ twice and out of Christ, our Rock came the living water of the gospel . Moses again who represents the law of struck the rock twice as in double jeaporty signifying he did not enter the promised land . The law does not bring us in the spirit of grace does. I think it speaks to a new testament verse in so much as the letter of the law that kills will not be part of or enter the new heavens and earth .

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,(represented by Moses) till all be fulfilled.

The law having served it purpose.

How Interesting... I never looked at that verse in Matthew pointing to no more law after the earth and heaven pass, I always think that the law of moses still stands but that with the grace of God and His love , we are empowered and motivated to do it, that when we love as we are called, there is no law, that if we do fall short, though, He steps in..

I also never tied moses with a type of Yahweh. Thanks garee.

 

[Ariel82]

My daughter told me today eating almonds are supposed to help with headaches.

Not sure where my ten year old heard it but apparently others find it helpful too...

https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/advice/g2387/foods-help-headache/

No headache = better watching

 

[CharliRenee]

My daughter told me today eating almonds are supposed to help with headaches.

Not sure where my ten year old heard it but apparently others find it helpful too...

https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/advice/g2387/foods-help-headache/

No headache = better watching

Hahaha indeed better watching. I wonder if we eat more almonds, we get more wise, thus more discerning?

 

[garee]

How Interesting... I never looked at that verse in Matthew pointing to no more law after the earth and heaven pass, I always think that the law of moses still stands but that with the grace of God and His love , we are empowered and motivated to do it, that when we love as we are called, there is no law, that if we do fall short, though, He steps in..

I also never tied moses with a type of Yahweh. Thanks garee.

The watching to see if what God announces is good tree used to separate those who rebel. For a while now I kind of view it as the tree in the middle of the garden rather than a apple. Was it a apple? ( not that it matters)

I think Moses is tied that way . When the scriptures use the phrase the law and the Prophets .I think it refers to Moses who was moved to write the first five book to represent the finger of God. Elijah to represent the prophets. Together to indicate the whole Bible or sola scriptura. God's perfect law. God's two witnesses.

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

The law of Moses I would think does still stand as to the letter of it remembering the letter kills or shows our helplessness. It will of served its purpose in the end..as an incomplete law. But the spirit of the law or the law of faith as that not seen it will reveal the glory of the new the light of the new order, no need for the Sun and moon the two temporal time keepers, together as the perfect law revealed in Psalm 19

It would seem to by a picture of Christ the bridegroom finishing the race as our victor. My grammar lacks because of my schooling .I hated school. Asa Christian I found interest in English over the years. But I think the description of what the law and testimony or statues which I think are called adjectives or verbs show how the law perfects the saints therefore in the end of the matter giving us simply ones the understanding of Him not seen

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.The law of the Lord is perfect, "converting the soul": the testimony of the Lord is sure, "making wise the simple".The statutes of the Lord are right, "rejoicing the heart": the commandment of the Lord is pure, "enlightening the eyes".The fear of the Lord is clean, "enduring for ever:" the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb".Moreover by them "is thy servant warned": and in keeping of them "there is great reward".Psalm 19: 5-11

I think it was that perfect law that moved His suffering servant Jerimiah.

 

[Adstar]

A Rod is a implement of Gods discipline.. Rods are often associated with gods wrath also.. So the Almond Rod to me is a declaration that God was about to open a can of hurt on those who had forsaken him..

The seething pot are the peoples who God was going to use to bring about His judgement upon the people of Judea..

Jeremiah was going to face some servere opposition from people who would hate his prophecy.. His message would be rejected.. So it was not going to be a pleasant job for Jeremiah.. More of a sad job.. This shows us that being a messenger of God can be a very hard thing to do.. Jesus said that His people would be hated in this world for their witness to His message.. And in the past it has often been the case that messengers of god have been persecuted and hated by the very people they wished to warn and play a part in their salvation.. But they would not listen,, they would not come..

Jesus made this clear when he lamented over Jerusalem..

Matthew 23: KJV
37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

 

[CharliRenee]

The rod for dividing and for judgement. True, thanks for all your time and shared knowledge, Adstar and Garee. I learned a thing or two.

 

[Nehemiah6]

The word of the Lord came to me saying, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" And I said, "I see a rod of an almond tree." Then the Lord said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it."

I'm not sure if you have addressed the verses preceding this. But verse 9 and 10 are very significant in that they prefigure the Lord Jesus Christ and His first and second comings. So Jeremiah is once again seen as a type of Christ, and there are many prophecies which have a double application.

FIRST COMING OF CHRIST
Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. (Jer 1:9)

This corresponds to Deut 18:18: I will raise them up a Prophet [CHRIST] from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Jesus is called the Logos or Word in the Gospel of John. He is "the divine expression" of God, who spoke the words of God while He was on earth.

SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. (Jer 1:10)

We see this happening in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as interpreted by Daniel through divine revelation, and also Daniel's vision in chapter 7.

DANIEL 2
34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth...

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

DANIEL 7
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

 

[garee]

I'm not sure if you have addressed the verses preceding this. But verse 9 and 10 are very significant in that they prefigure the Lord Jesus Christ and His first and second comings. So Jeremiah is once again seen as a type of Christ, and there are many prophecies which have a double application.

FIRST COMING OF CHRIST
Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. (Jer 1:9)

This corresponds to Deut 18:18: I will raise them up a Prophet [CHRIST] from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Jesus is called the Logos or Word in the Gospel of John. He is "the divine expression" of God, who spoke the words of God while He was on earth.

SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. (Jer 1:10)

We see this happening in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as interpreted by Daniel through divine revelation, and also Daniel's vision in chapter 7.

DANIEL 2
34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth...

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

DANIEL 7
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

I think all prophets of God are a figure of Christ unseen before and after the appearance of the Son of man, Jesus. I am not seeing how the Jerimiah case is different .It seems more like a example of how God inspires His thoughts and reveals them . Not saying it could not be uses to represent the first and second coming.