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New Jerusalem–A Place of Safety!
Surviving the Great Tribulation
Chapter 18, Part 1 Preview: Where will you be during the Great Tribulation? A great many people assume that “the church” will be spared the anguish of the Great Tribulation by being “Raptured” into heaven. Others believe that “the church” will flee to a place of safety on earth, such as Petra in Jordan (but see Ezekiel 25, Zephaniah 2:8-10 and Daniel 11:40-41), while others believe Petra is reserved for the Jews. Others plan to be in various places on earth for the entire time. Some hope that the cherished ones (saints) will be protected in their homes as the nations around them are being decimated. There is more than one way to survive the end times; and there is a best way! If you have been taught that New Jerusalem’s arrival does not take place “until the thousand years were finished” and that there is “very little additional detail” as this site that I generally link to favorably explains, then consider the following Texts and ask yourself if a Place of Safety is to be “above” us. The New Jerusalen story actually begins in Genesis 28:10-22 with what is usually called “Jacob’s ladder” with the most pertinent timing of it’s arrival found in Isaiah 65 and 66, but it must be read entirely in context with no imaginary lapses in time! This is the Sequel to The Mysteries of New Jerusalem.
I quoted the following passage from my Mysteries of New Jerusalem but it is my favorite New Jerusalem text, because it is the first passage that caused me to go searching for evidence that there is far more to New Jerusalem than I had been led to believe. Under what conditions would the kings of the earth ever approach any city, take a good look, and then flee trembling in panic? This will be no ordinary city! I can picture in my mind these fancifully dressed men frantically whipping their horses as they’re heading for the hills! (after perhaps emp weapons take out everything electronic).
Isaiah 4:3-6 Then anyone left alive in Zion, anyone who is left behind in Jerusalem [1] will be called 'special', everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem, 4 once Yehovah has washed away the filth of the maidens of Zion, and rinsed the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of justice and a spirit that sets ablaze! 5 Yehovah will create ABOVE the entire site of Mount Zion and ABOVE her assemblies a cloud during the day and smoke, and a bright flaming fire during the night; because ABOVE all the splendor there will be a chuppah [canopy of protection] [2]. 6 It will be a sukkah [tabernacle] to provide 'shade' in the daytime from the heat and for a refuge and shelter from storms and rain.
[1] The Hebrew name Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) is plural! An “im” ending like on seraphim or cherubim or Elohim makes it plural, just like an “s” ending in English. The age old question is: “Why is Jerusalem plural?” The age old answer is that there are two! As above, so below. It’s not really a secret, it’s just that Christians don’t seem to know about it yet (even with that big clue in Revelation 21)!
[2] A chuppah is a bride and bridegroom’s chamber—Brown-Driver-Briggs. This is elaborated on in Revelation 19:7-9, “and His bride has made herself ready.” So Yeshua’s bride is composed of survivors of the Great Tribulation who will soon have their “filth” “washed away”!
Psalm 48:1b-6,8 1b Yehovah is great, and greatly to be praised in the city of our Elohim, on His 'special', mountain.
2 Beautiful in elevation, Mount Zion [New Jerusalem] is the joy of the whole earth, in the extreme north, the city of the great King.
3 Elohim has shown Himself in her citadels as a refuge.
4 The kings gathered together, they passed by together.
5 They saw it [“Mount Zion” “the city”] and they were amazed. They were terrified, so they fled in panic.
6 Trembling took hold of them there, pain like a woman in childbirth...
8 As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of Commander Yehovah, in the city of our Elohim; Elohim will establish it forever. Selah. This ties in nicely with: John 14:2-3 There are many dwelling places [KJV “mansions”] in My Father’s house, otherwise, I would have told you. I’m going to prepare a place for you to live.
3 If I go to prepare that place for you, I’ll appear publicly again and accept you as My own, so that you can be where I am.—The Gabriel Bible What does the Bible say about surviving the Great Tribulation? If you have read The Time After Jacob’s Trouble, then you are aware of the case I made showing that the remnant, or survivors, of the “Lost” Ten Tribes, now Nations of Israel are being led to safety at the close of this present age. Some of the basic “proof texts” about the cherished ones (saints) being spared the Tribulation actually pertain to Israel. So where does the Assembly (Church) fit into the equation? Might “the wise” be seeking protection before those who suffer some of the trials begin looking for a way out? And could Mount Zion, often a synonym for (New) Jerusalem, be the ultimate place of safety as well as where the “Marriage of the Lamb” will LATER take place? The key text used by the earthly “place of safety” proponents maintains that the “woman” of Revelation 12 is the “true church”. Of course, 1,260 days is the exact duration of the “Great Tribulation” also described as “the time of Jacob’s trouble”—the more interesting half of a seven year period: Revelation 12:5-6 She [Israel] 'had given' birth to a Son who is to rule all nations with an iron scepter. Her Child was quickly taken up to Yehovah and to His throne.
6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness where Yehovah had prepared a place for her, so that THEY [2] could nourish her for 1,260 days. [2] Most modern Greek versions omit the original Aramaic source “THEY”! But is this “woman” the church? What evidence supports that conclusion? Simply reading the context, the five verses preceding this “proof text”, really puts the kabosh to that nonsense. The woman in question is the Nation that gave birth to Yeshua (Jesus)—Israel and/or Judah. Revelation 12:1-5 'Amazing imagery' was seen in the sky: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head.
2 Being pregnant [1], she cried out from birth pains and agony about to give birth.
3 Another sign appeared in the sky, an enormous fiery red Dragon [Gr. drakon] that had seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems were on his head.
4 His tail 'swept' away a third of the stars [angels, Revelation 9:1] in the sky and cast them to the ground. The Dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that as soon as she had given birth he would devour her Son.
5 She gave birth to a Son who is to rule all nations with a scepter of iron. Her Child was quickly taken up to Yehovah and to His throne. [1] This looks to be a bit more involved than just Yeshua being the first-born Son: Exodus 4:22 Then you can tell Pharaoh, ‘This is what Yehovah says, ‘Israel is My firstborn son ... This woman represents the re-birth of a nation in a Second Exodus (Isaiah 66, not just verse 8, as in 15 & 16!). These surviving Israelites are the remnant seed stock of the twelve tribed nation that was destined to bless the entire world (Genesis 12:1-3), we just never thought it would take this long. Comparing this reference to the other symbolic reference concerning “sun” “moon” and “stars” will crush any remaining doubts about the “woman”. Joseph had a prophetic dream where his family, the first “Israelite” family, corresponded to these exact symbols! Joseph was the youngest (12th star). Genesis 37:9 Then he had another dream. He told his brothers, “I’ve had another dream. I saw the sun, the moon and eleven stars bowing down to me!” Could New Jerusalem be a place of safety for the end time? What is the “Tabernacle” that will have been “created”, and located literally “above” the earthly Mount Zion as a “place of refuge”. Also, might the Feast of Tabernacles also pertain to the TABERNACLE in the sky “above” the earth, or possibly also include an earthly tabernacle! There is more about this “woman” and “her place” a few verses later. Notice that “her place” is a place that she must “fly into”! Might you “rejoice” in the “Heavens”, and if so what Heavens? Revelation 12:12,14 So the heavens should be joyful and those of you who live there. Pity the land and the sea, because the deceiver has been cast down to you, filled with rage, knowing that his time is short...
14 The woman was given the two wings of a huge eagle so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place of habitation, where she would be nourished for a time, times, and half a time, from the 'presence' of the serpent. Exodus 15:17 You’ll bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, the place, Yehovah, You’ve made to live in, the 'cherished' place, Yehovah, that Your hands have created. I’m convinced that no one except Yeshua has ever gone to heaven (John 3:13), but during the Day of Yehovah (Revelation 1:10) that will change: Revelation 5:3 No one in Heaven above or on earth or under the earth was able to open the book or even look inside it. After the Exodus, Yehovah set national boundaries for the tribes of Israel. In becoming a nation, Elohim compared the “wilderness” experience of the First Exodus to an eagle carrying its young into the air in order to drop them for a “crash” course in flying. Deuteronomy 32:8-11 When the Supreme gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided mankind, He established the boundaries of the nations with respect to the number of the Israelites.
9 But Yehovah’s property is His people. Jacob is His allotted inheritance.
10 He found him [them] in a desolate land, in a wasted howling wilderness. He encircled him. He cared for him. He guarded him as the pupil of His eye.
11 Like an eagle that stirs up her nest, and flutters over her young, He spreads out His wings to catch them and carry them on His pinions. The Revelation account of the “eagle” and the “woman” illustrates that Yehovah is again going to “drop ship” Israel into her land via another “wilderness” experience. After the destruction of ancient Israel, Yehovah promised that He would once again redraw the borders of Israel as the center piece of Middle Eastern geography. The detailed plan begins in the following verse. Ezekiel 47:13 The Sovereign Yehovah says: “These are the boundaries of the land that is to be divided as the inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph will have two portions [Ephraim and Manasseh]. Some of the people who Yehovah will use to rebuild His Latter Temple will still be in Jerusalem until the last possible safe moment: Matthew 24:15-21 When you see the sign of the detestable desolation mentioned by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Cherished Place—may the reader discern!— [2] [3]
16 then those of you who are in Judea should escape to the mountain/s!
17 No one on the roof should come down to get anything out of their houses,
18 and no one in the fields should return to get their clothing.
19 But I pity pregnant and nursing mothers in those days.
20 Pray that your flight won’t be during the winter [rainy weather] or on the Sabbath.
21 There will be Great Tribulation then, such as has never occurred from the beginning of the world until now, and will by no means ever happen again.
22 If were it not for those days being terminated [by the Day of Yehovah!], no one would survive. But for the sake of the select, those days will be terminated [4].
23 Then if anyone tells you, ‘Messiah is over here’, or ‘He’s over there’, don’t believe them.
24 False Messiahs and false prophets [Gr. pseudoprophetes] will appear and perform great miracles and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the select. [2] This is reminiscent of Matthew 28:16.
There is reason to believe that many people will arrive at a gathering place over a period of 75 days (Daniel 12:11-12), but from there Yehovah will take these people elsewhere for exactly 42 months! Some will calmly “depart” early within the seventy five day “window” of opportunity:
Isaiah 52:11-12 Leave! Leave, get away from there! Touch nothing unclean! Get out of her 'presence'! Cleanse yourselves, you who bear the vessels of Yehovah [1]. 12 You won’t go out 'fleeing', and you won’t go as fugitives, because Yehovah will go before you [Father?], and the Elohim of Israel will be your rear guard [Son?].”
[1] The vessels of Yehovah are those hidden by Jeremiah just prior to the destruction of the second 'Temple', that might be retrieved and used in the third Temple.
A far greater number of Israelites, and wise people of other nations will be provided “refuge” after surviving the Great Tribulation as the Day of Yehovah begins. Ezekiel 37:27-28 His home [New Jerusalem] will also be ABOVE them. He’ll be their Elohim, and they’ll be His people.
28 The nations will know that Yehovah made Israel 'special', when His 'Cherished' Place [Ezekiiel’s 'Temple': chapters 40-47] [4] is among them forever.” New Jerusalem will arive in the same general time frame as the “New Heavens” and the “New Earth”, so you really need to read Isaiah chapters 65 and 66 closely to see that this all happens at the end of this age, not the millennial age!: Isaiah 65:16-19 Anyone who is blessed in the land will be blessed by the Elohim of truth, and anyone who swears in the land will swear by the Elohim of truth, because the previous troubles are forgotten and hidden from My eyes.”
17 [1] “I’m going to create a New Heavens and a New Earth, and the previous ones won’t be remembered or come to mind! [This is in the context of burning the wicked and blessing the world’s better survivors at the end of the age as they live out their lives.]
18 Be glad and rejoice forever in what I’m going to create, because I’m creating [a New] Jerusalem for rejoicing, and her people a joy. [2]
19 I [Yehovah] will celebrate in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. Screaming and crying will never again be heard in the city. Isaiah 66:20-24 They’ll bring all of your relatives from all the nations as an offering to Yehovah [Second Exodus], on horses, on chariots, on litters, on mules and on dromedaries to My 'special' mountain Jerusalem,” Yehovah says, “like the Israelites bring their offering in a ceremonially clean vessel into Yehovah’s 'Temple'.
21 I’ll also appoint some of them to be priests and Levites [Ezekiel 44:6-15],” says Yehovah.
22 “As the New Heavens and the New Earth that I’ll make will endure in My presence”, declares Yehovah, “So your descendants and your name will endure.
23 “Then, from one New Moon to the next New Moon [every month!], and from one Sabbath to the next Sabbath [every week!], all of humanity will come to worship before Me”, declares Yehovah.
24 They’ll go out and see the carcasses of the people who rebelled against Me, because the maggots devouring them won’t die off. The fire that’s burning them won’t go out. They’ll be abhorrent to everyone.” [3] Here, the Tabernacle is described as a “refuge” after the “storm”, after the filth has been washed away. This is a primary support for the view that New Jerusalem will actually be “anchored” above the historic location of “Old Jerusalem”, tho it will be far larger. These people who survived the Great Tribulation will need refuge from the Day of Yehovah (the “Lord”), which is the second great prophesied period of time. Matthew 24:29-30 Immediately after the time of Tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon won’t shed her light and stars will fall from the sky [See footnote on Isaiah 34:4], and the miraculous power of the skies will be shaken.
30 Then the miraculous sign of the Human Son [6] will be seen in the sky, and then all the nations on earth will mourn when they see the Human Son coming on the clouds in the sky, with great power and splendor. [6] Yeshua was alluding to Daniel 7:13 where “Daniel saw Someone like a Human Son coming with the clouds in the sky. So what is the sign—it will look like a human (son of man) descending from the sky! Immediately after Satan’s nearly unhindered seven year long rampage, everything begins to change in a day. Another entire set of prophecies will play out during the The Year of Payback (Isaiah 34) This is not fluffy filler material either: We need to be looking for a True Tabernacle, not some “the Church is the Tabernacle” imitation. Hebrews 8:1-2 The 'main point' is that we have a High Priest who is seated on the right hand side of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven.
2 He is the Temple priest of the 'cherished' place, the true Tabernacle that Yehovah built, not man. Revelation 21:1-3 I saw a New Heaven and a New Earth, because the first heaven and the first earth were gone [1], and there was no more sea [2].
2 I saw the 'cherished' city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from Yehovah, like a bride beautifully adorned for her husband [Isaiah 49:18].
3 I heard a loud voice from the sky say, ‘Look, Yehovah’s tabernacle [dwelling place] is among humanity [Gr. anthropos]. He will live with them and they’ll be His people, and Yehovah will be with them, yes Yehovah Himself will be with them.” [1] This is the equivalent of the new earth that appeared after Yehovah sent a great flood “to destroy the earth” in Genesis 9:11. What Tabernacle does the Beast blaspheme? And who is dwelling in “heaven” (the sky) at that time? Notice that the Beast will blaspheme Yehovah’s Tabernacle. Revelation 13:4-6 They worshiped the Dragon because he had given authority to this predatory beast, and they asked, “Who is like the predatory beast, and who can wage war with him?”
5 He was given a mouth to make 'bold' and blasphemous statements, and he was given authority to operate for forty-two months.
6 He opened his mouth in blasphemy against Yehovah, blaspheming His name and His tabernacle and those who live in Heaven. I believe that this is the same occurrence that is mentioned by Daniel: Daniel 11:31 Armed forces will rise up and defile the 'Temple' refuge and put a stop to the daily burnt zebakim [sacrifices], and they’ll set up an appalling detestable idol [KJV, abomination of desolation].
Notice what David was inspired to say. You may think that David’s words below are generic as far as the timing goes, but the context speaks clearly about the “end time” and things that never remotely happened during his lifetime. This is prophetic! For emphasis this is also restated in Psalm 18. 2 Samuel 22:1-12 David sang the words of this song to Yehovah on the day Yehovah rescued him from the 'grasp' of all his enemies, and from the 'grasp' of Saul.
2 He said,
“Yehovah is my rock, my fortress and my rescuer,
3 Elohim is my rock, in Him I’ll take refuge. He is my shield and the 'strength' of my deliverance, my high tower and my refuge. You save me from violence.
4 I’ll call on Yehovah who is worthy to be praised, I’ll be saved from my enemies.
5 Waves of death engulfed me. Torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
6 The ropes of sheol surrounded me. The snares of death confronted me.
7 In my distress I called to Yehovah. Yes, I called to my Elohim. He heard my voice from His 'Temple'. My cry reached His ears.
8 Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked because He was angry.
9 Smoke rose from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth. Coals were set fire by it.
10 He bent [1] the heavens and came down with thick darkness under His feet.
11 He rode on a cherub and flew, and He appeared on the wings of the wind.
12 He made darkness a sukkah [booth] around Himself, amassing water and thick clouds from the skies. “Pavilions” in the KJV (Heb: sukkah, sook-kaw’) is the same term that is used in “Tabernacles”, such as the “Feast of Tabernacles”, rather than the common word also translated tabernacle. At this time New Jerusalem will be cloaked with “dark waters and thick clouds”, hiding its majesty. Which heaven would Yehovah be in, so that when He thunders, lightning strikes the earth? Continuing: 13 Out of the brightness of His presence coals burst into flames.
14 Yehovah thundered from heaven. The Supreme One allowed His voice to be heard!
15 He shot arrows and scattered 'His enemies'; and His lightning threw them into confusion.
16 Then the channels of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the world were laid bare by the reprimand of Yehovah, at the blast of the breath from His nostrils.
17 “He reached down from high above and took hold of me; He pulled me out of the 'raging' water.
18 He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me, since they were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me during the time of my disaster, but Yehovah supported me.
20 He brought me out into an expanse. He rescued me because He delighted in me.
21 Yehovah compensated me for having been fair. He paid me back for having kept my hands clean [innocence], This has nothing to do with anything that David experienced, but it has everything to do with The Day of Psalm 31:19-21 How great is 'the' goodness that You’ve reserved for those who fear/revere You, that You provide for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of Adam’s descendants!
20 In the secret shelter of Your presence You’ll hide them like a treasure from conspirators. You’ll keep them secretly in a Tabernacle, far from accusing tongues.
21 Praise Yehovah, because He has shown me His miraculous mercy in a city under siege! Isaiah 26:1-2 When That Day Comes this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city;
He sets up walls and ramparts for security.
2 Open the gates so that the righteous nation that remains faithful can enter. The Jerusalem on the ground will no longer be called Jerusalem; that name will be reserved for the New City: Ezekiel 48:31,35 and the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. The three gates on the north side will be 'the' Reuben gate, 'the' Judah Gate and 'the' Levi 'Gate'...
35 “The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits. “And the name of the city from that time on will be: ‘Yehovah is There.” Psalm 46:1-7 a A Song. A Psalm by the descendants of Korah.
1b Yehovah is great, and greatly to be praised in the city of our Elohim, on His 'special', mountain.
2 Beautiful in elevation, Mount Zion [New Jerusalem] is the joy of the whole earth, in the extreme north, the city of the great King.
3 Elohim has shown Himself in her citadels as a refuge.
4 The kings gathered together, they passed by together.
5 They saw it [“Mount Zion” “the city”] and they were amazed. They were terrified, so they fled in panic.
6 Trembling took hold of them there, pain like a woman in childbirth.
7 You shattered the ships of Tarshish with the east wind. This may be a reference to the time when the “sea” is “no more”. “Elohim will HELP HER” just prior to the “dawn” of the new millennial day! Reconstruction of the earth’s surface requires a lot of shaking and melting! Fortunately, during the “reconstruction”, the “City” or “Tabernacle” will not be shaken. New Jerusalem, with its River of Life [Revelation 22:1], will be positioned over the location of ancient Eden, actually covering an area much larger than all of ancient Israel had been. The river that flowed from Eden became four great rivers. I expect that this too will be restored to a pre flood condition. Job 36:29-33Can anyone understand how the clouds spread or the thunder blasts from His sukkah [temporary shelter]?
30 He spreads His lightning around Him, and it covers [pierces] the depths of the sea!
31 He judges the nations with these and He provides food in abundance.
32 He completely covers His hands with lightning bolts and commands each to strike its mark.
33 His thunder announces what’s coming. Even the livestock reveal the storm’s/ approach. Perhaps even Job was alluding to the dark clouds that will cover the earth and the sky, preventing visibility of New Jerusalem until the Day of Yehovah. Then there will be thunder from His Tabernacle! Here is another clue as to where protection will be offered to those who will listen: Obadiah 1:15-18 The Day of Yehovah is approaching all nations! What you’ve done will be done to you. Your deeds will be reciprocated to your own head.
16 Just as you’ve drunk on My 'special' mountain, so all the nations will drink continually. They’ll drink and swallow down and be as tho they had never existed.
17 “But on Mount Zion there will be some who escape, and it will be a 'special' place. The House of Jacob will retake their inheritance.
18 The House of Jacob will be a fire, the House of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble. They’ll set them on fire and incinerate them. There won’t be any survivors among the house of Esau.” Yehovah has spoken! Don’t try hiding out on Jerusalem’s earthly Mount Zion during the Day of Yehovah! Earthly Jerusalem will definitely not be safe. Again, “Those who are in Judea should flee to the mountain/s” (Matthew 24:16). Yehovah’s people must “Flea” “Judea”! Psalm 27:1-5 By David.
1b Yehovah is my light and the One who saves me. Who should I fear? Yehovah is the 'hero' in my life. Who should I fear?
2 When the wicked come to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies stumble and fall.
3 Even if an army sets up camp around me, 'I' will not fear. Tho war breaks out against me, I will remain confident.
4 I’ve asked one thing from Yehovah that I intend to pursue: that I can live in Yehovah’s 'Temple' all the days of my life, to gaze at Yehovah’s beauty, and to meditate in His 'Temple'.
5 In a 'time' of trouble He’ll conceal me in His pavilion. In the secret place of His tabernacle He’ll hide me. He’ll set me high on a ROCK. I think that that last line is what was alluded to in 1 Corinthians 10:4, with Yeshua being the Rock. Tho David certainly is not in heaven (Acts 2:34-35), he will soon be . Dismissing the following Scripture as poetry may cost you your life! Psalm 91: All Those who live in the SECRET PLACE of the Most Supreme will live in the shadow of the Sovereign.
2 I’ll say of Yehovah, “My refuge and my fortress, my Elohim, I trust Him.”
3 He’ll certainly rescue you from trapper’s snares and deadly diseases.
4 He’ll cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you’ll take refuge [more eagle symbolism]. His faithfulness is your shield and buckler.
5 You won’t be afraid of terrors in the night or arrows that fly by day,
6 a disease that stalks in the darkness, or destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not overcome you.
8 You’ll only look with your eyes and see how the wicked are compensated,
9 because you’ve made Yehovah your refuge, and the Most Supreme your dwelling place.
10 No harm will come to you, no plague will come near your tent.
11 He’ll put His Messengers in charge of you to protect you along your journey.
12 They’ll lift you up with their hands so you won’t strike your foot against a stone.
13 You’ll tread on vipers and cockatrices. You’ll trample young lions and dragons under your feet.
14 “Because he loves Me, I’ll rescue him. I’ll set him high out of reach because he has known My name.
15 He’ll call on Me, and I’ll answer him. I’ll be with him when he’s in trouble. I’ll rescue him and honor him.
16 I’ll reward him with long life, and show him My salvation” [Literally: Yeshua]. Just like “heaven”, “high above” or “on high” can sometimes mean anywhere “up there”, but usually it’s where Yehovah lives! Isaiah 33:5 Yehovah is exalted, because He lives high above. He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. Psalm 92:8 But You, Yehovah, are high above (on high) forever Isaiah 24:18 Whoever flees at the sound of the terror will fall into a pit, and whoever climbs up out of the pit will be caught in a snare, because the windows [Literally] 'from high above' are opened, and the foundations of the earth tremble. You’ve heard of walking on water, what about walking on fire: Isaiah 33:14-17 The sinners in Zion are terrified. Trembling has seized the secular people. “Could any of us live thru the devouring fire? Which of us could live with continual burning?”
15 Those who 'live' the right way and speak the truth, who despise profiting from oppression, who wave their hands refusing a bribe, who stop their ears from hearing plots of murder and refuse to 'endorse' evil
16 will live high above. Their refuge will be the mountain fortress [Matthew 24:16]. Their bread will be supplied, their water will be assured [obviously still human].
17 Your eyes will see the King in His splendor. You’ll see a land that stretches into the distance. “Your eyes will see the King” the “Lofty Rock”, our “Mountain Fortress” when we “live on High”! From this vantage point we’ll be able to “see” the ‘special’ Land. 2 Samuel 22:47 Yehovah lives! Blessed be my Rock! May Elohim, the Rock of my salvation be lifted high! Both “fortress” and “rock” are used as symbols of Yehovah’s supernatural protection. That goes double when they are both used together! These terms are always taken to be figures of speech, and that’s fine, but could they have a literal application for those of us at the end of the age? Psalm 31:2-3 'Listen' to me. Rescue me quickly. Be my Rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the reputation of Your name, lead and guide me. Psalm 27:5-6 In a 'time' of trouble He’ll conceal me in His pavilion. In the secret place of His tabernacle He’ll hide me. He’ll set me high on a ROCK.
6 Now I’ll lift my head high above my enemies who surround me. I’ll give offerings of joy in His Tabernacle with shouts of joy. I’ll sing praise to Yehovah. Psalm 18:2 Yehovah is my ROCK, my Fortress and my Deliverer. My Elohim is my ROCK where I take refuge, my shield, the 'power' of my deliverance, my place of safety. At His command He will save all of His chosen ones, but the dead rise first: (Thessalonians 4:14-16) Psalm 71:3 Be my ROCK of refuge where I can always escape. You have given the command to save me, because You are my ROCK and my fortress. Mix in a little eagle wings for good measure: Psalm 61:2-4 2 From the remotest part of the earth I call to You when my mind is overwhelmed. Lead me to the Rock high above me.
3 You’ve been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.
4 Let me live in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of Your wings. Selah. Who wants to stay in Petra “forever”? Psalm 31:1-5 For the choir director. A Psalm by David.
1b Yehovah, I take refuge in you. Don’t let me ever be shamed. Rescue me by Your righteousness.
2 'Listen' to me. Rescue me quickly. Be my Rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the reputation of Your name, lead and guide me.
4 Pull me out of the trap they’ve set for me, because You are my refuge.
5 Into your hand I commit my spirit. You have saved me, Yehovah, Elohim of truth. With “rock” and “fortress” notice the similarities as we continue in the following a few verses: Psalm 31:19-21 How great is 'the' goodness that You’ve reserved for those who fear/revere You, that You provide for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of Adam’s descendants!
20 In the secret shelter of Your presence You’ll hide them like a treasure from conspirators. You’ll keep them secretly in a Tabernacle, far from accusing tongues.
21 Praise Yehovah, because He has shown me His miraculous mercy in a city under siege! Now for Part 2
the LORD Yehovah and deliverance from it! The most interesting points in this are: He took me”...“He also brought me out into the expanse”. This “broad place”, as the KJV puts it is probably the “sea of glass”! Could you turn in your Bible and find anything even remotely as strong as the support for the “place of safety” described below—for some other location?The Strong City will be New Jerusalem!
“high above”?
