Category Archives: Old Testament

Zechariah 5-6

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Zechariah 5-6

Chapter 5: An angel reveals truths

Zechariah has a vision of a “…flying roll [scroll].” (Zechariah 5:2) twenty cubits by ten. On it are written curses against thieves and people who swear falsely [Perjurer’s]. Wickedness is described as a woman sitting in an ephah (which is most likely a basket seeing as it was an ancient form of measurement approximately 33 liters). An angel thrusts down the woman, and places a lead covering over the top of the “basket”. Two winged women take the basket to Babylon.

Chapter 6: Christ will sit on His Throne

Zechariah has a vision of four chariots coming between two mountains of bronze.

  • Chariot #1: “…red horses…” (Zechariah 6:2)
  • Chariot #2: “…black horses;” (Zechariah 6:2)
  • Chariot #3: “…white horses;” (Zechariah 6:3)
  • Chariot #4: “…grisled [grey or partly grey hair] and bay [reddish brown body color with a black mane, tail, ear edges, and lower legs] horses.” (Zechariah 6:3)

The chariots go before the Lord. Those who go toward the North Country have been or will be given rest. Joshua receives a crown of gold and silver. The BRANCH shall build the temple of the Lord.

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Zechariah 3-4

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Zechariah 3-4

Chapter 3: Jesus shall come “The Branch”

Joshua (the high priest) stands before the Lord and Satan stands on his right hand before the Lord to oppose Joshua. The Lord rebukes Satan. With this, the Lord helps Joshua by changing his filthy garments and gives him clean garments. Joshua is told that if he walks in the Lord’s ways, he will judge His house by that manner. The Lord says he is bringing forth his servant, which he describes as the BRANCH (Jesus Christ). The iniquity of the land will be removed, and everyone will invite his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree.

Chapter 4: Zerubbabel shall finish the Temple

Zechariah has a vision of a lampstand, which is before two olive trees that supplied the seven lamps with oil through seven pipes. Zachariah is told that Zerubbabel will finish the work of rebuilding the temple. The two olive trees represent the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.

Zechariah 1-2

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Zechariah 1-2

Chapter 1: Zechariah calls Repentance

The word of the Lord came unto Zechariah in the second year of Darius. The Lord commands Zechariah to speak to his people and tell them to “…Turn ye unto me [God]… and I will turn unto you…” (Zechariah 1:3)

Zechariah has a vision of a man on a red horse among myrtle trees in a low valley. Behind him were red, speckled and white horses. Zechariah asks the angel in his vision what they were and a man riding the horse explains that they are a patrol, which has found that the earth is at peace. However at peace, God is angry with the nations because they assisted in Judah’s and Jerusalem’s suffering/destruction. The Lord’s house will be built in Jerusalem, and comfort Zion. Zechariah then has another vision of four horns, symbolizing the four nations that scattered God’s people. Craftsmen are coming to terrify them, and cast them out.

Chapter 2: The Last Days…

Zechariah has a vision of a man with a measuring line, who is going to measure out Jerusalem (length and width). We learn that the Lord will provide a wall of fire around Jerusalem. He who touches God’s people touches the apple of his eye. The people are commanded to Sing and rejoice! When the Lord dwells in the midst of Jerusalem, many nations shall be drawn unto Him.

Chapter 1-2 + Summary of Haggai

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Chapter 1-2 + Summary of Haggai

Summary of Haggai:

The book of Haggai is both a narrative History and a prophetic message. The Key personalities are Haggai, Zerubbabel, and Joshua. Haggai was called by God to encourage the people to finish the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. The construction had ceased because of opposition and because the neighboring countries, and the Jews were frightened.

Chapter 1: Haggai exhorts to build a Temple

In the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord comes to Haggai unto Zerubbabel (governor of Jerusalem) and Joshua (the high priest).

The Lord is angered because the people say it is not time for the temple to be finished. The Lord criticizes their words of procrastination and lack of progress. The houses of individuals are in working order, but the house of the Lord is not.

The Lord explains that the people have “…sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:6) Here we can learn a great life lesson, if we work and work with no reward than it is like putting money in pockets with holes, because we will lose the money. We need to be wise and productive with our money… living within your means!

Chapter 2: Peace in his Temple

The Lord speaks to the people and addresses their anxiety that the current temple is far less impressive than Solomon’s. The Lord exhorts them to be strong. Haggai questions the priests and essentially teaches them that a smaller temple is STILL a TEMPLE. A recent drought is seen as a consequence of the people’s refusal to build the temple. However, God sees their change of heart and promises a harvest of blessing to come. The Lord will give peace in His temple!

Chapter 1-3 + Summary of Zephaniah

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Chapter 1-3 + Summary of Zephaniah

Summary of Zephaniah:

The book of Zephaniah is Narrative History and Prophetic source of wisdom. Zephaniah wrote it shortly before the fall of Judah in the Southern Kingdom. The purpose of this book was to show the complacent Southern Kingdoms that they were wicked, God used a prophet (Zephaniah) to be His mouth piece and raise a flag of warning for them to change their ways.

Zephaniah speaks of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and the Restoration of the Gospel. It is interesting that we read in Ephesians 4:11-15; “And he [the Lord] game come, apostles; and come, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ [His church]; Till we all come in the nity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-15)

Zephaniah and Paul both spoke of a time when people would be “unified with one language”, religions around the world would cease to exist, because the Lord would be here and those who wanted to follow the Lord will follow HIS Church and not the church of man, where they might be deceived.

Chapter 1: The Second Coming

The word of the Lord came unto Zephaniah, who was the great great grandson of Hezekiah. He prophesied in the days of Josiah.

Zephaniah explains that the Lord will utterly consume everything from the face of the land and promised judgment to idolaters in the last days. Zephaniah also says that right before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ that “…they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.” (Zephaniah 1:13) When I read this, only one thing came to mind; the housing market bubble. Think about it, how many homes in the U.S.A are left vacant, while we continue to build new subdivisions? Farms, homes they are all desolate in today’s economy. The day of the Lord will be characterized by darkness, gloominess, cloud, trumpet and alarm.

Chapter 2: Seek Righteousness

The Lord calls for the people to gather themselves, seek righteousness and humility while there is still time. Essentially we shouldn’t procrastinate until the end, because then it will be too late. God promises to destroy the cities of the Philistines and give their land as pasture for the remnant of the house of Judah. Moab is described to be like Sodom, and Ammon is described as a likeness of the people of Gomorrah. The Lord will reduce all the gods of the earth to nothing; people from all shores shall worship Him. Ethiopians will be slain by the sword, and the Assyrians will be destroyed because of their great wickedness and pride.

Chapter 3: Nations shall gather to battle

At the Second Coming, all nations shall assemble to battle. Jerusalem is described as being rebellious and polluted. After having poured his indignation onto the nations, the Lord will give the world a common language “…with one consent.” (Zephaniah 3:9), this is when people will understand that His gospel has been restored and religions will no longer exist.

Chapter 1-3 + Summary of Habakkuk

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Chapter 1-3 + Summary of Habakkuk

Summary of Habakkuk:

The book of Habakkuk is Narrative History, written by the Prophet Habakkuk. Habakkuk wrote it just before the fall of Judah in the Southern Kingdom. We primarily learn about Habakkuk and the Babylonians. As is true of the many other prophets, Habakkuk is a short book. The information in it was vital since it carried God’s message to His people. Its purpose was that Habakkuk was announcing a familiar message of judgment.

•    In chapters 1-2: Habakkuk poses some difficult questions to God. He asks why evil was prevailing. God answered Habakkuk, “Behold ye among the heathen and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in our days, which ye will not believe though it be told to you.” (Habakkuk 1:5)

We also later read in Acts; “Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in our days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it to you.” (Acts 13:40-41)

                The Book of Habakkuk, while depicting the destruction of Judah and other people, it is a insight into the latter days and the destruction that will fall upon the people of the earth, prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Notice how it says, that God will ‘…work a work in our days, which ye will not believe though it be told to you…’ The Restoration of the Gospel, the restoring of God’s church on Earth has happened! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same church that Jesus Christ established with Prophets and Apostles, the last time he walked the earth.

The Lord answers Habakkuk in Chapter 2 and tells him that those who have faith in the Lord will be saved from the evils of the Last Days.

•   In chapter 3: Habakkuk gives God the glory and praise for faithfully responding to his questions, “O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid…” (3:2).

Chapter 1: The Restoration

Habakkuk asks God why he seems to delay judgment against the wicked. God answers Habakkuk, “Behold ye among the heathen and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in our days, which ye will not believe though it be told to you.” (Habakkuk 1:5)  The Babylonians overwhelm the land of Judah, they will wrongly give the credit to their false gods. Habakkuk wonders why God would use a nation more wicked than Judah to bring judgment on Judah. Habakkuk will stand his watch and wait for God’s reply.

Chapter 2: The Earth will be filled with knowledge

The Lord tells Habakkuk to write the reply down. “…the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4) Babylon has an insatiable desire for conquest, but they shall be plundered by the remnant of those they plundered. Woe to the greedy, the violent, the drunk and the idolatrous. The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.

Chapter 3: Habakkuk trembles before God

Habakkuk pleads for revival. There is a song of praise (punctuated by ‘Selah’, as in the Psalms) glorifying God’s power over the earth and the nations. Habakkuk is afraid, yet still rejoices in the Lord. Habakkuk explains that the Lord God is his strength. Habakkuk also fears the Lord and gives God the glory and praise for faithfully responding to his questions, “O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid…” (3:2).

 

 

Chapter 1-3 + Summary of Nahum

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Chapter 1-3 + Summary of Nahum

Summary of Nahum:

The prophet Nahum wrote this book just before the fall of Nineveh. He was raised up to preach God’s judgment for a second time to Nineveh. Jonah was the first about 120 years earlier.

•    In chapter 1: Nahum warns of Judgment, and describes the full power of God, “The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwells therein.” (Nahum 1:5)

•    Chapter 2-3: Nahum predicts the destruction of Nineveh, “And is shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste…” (Nahum 3:7)

 

Chapter 1: The Second Coming

Nahum explains the burden against Nineveh and the burning of the earth at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Nahum explains to the reader that God is jealous, angry and vengeful.

“The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” (Nahum 1:3)

The Lord knows those who trust in Him and those who follow in his ways. “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7)

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be horrible for those who do not put their trust in the Lord. However, those who trust in the Lord will be comforted in that day of trouble and will have no fear.

 

Chapter 2: Destruction of the Last Days

An ironic call to battle is made. Nahum explains that the Lord will restore the excellence of Jacob. Meanwhile in Nineveh… chariots rage in the streets, and the Assyrians are led away captive. The destruction of Nineveh is a type of what shall come before the Latter-days, before the Lord comes again.

Chapter 3: The downfall of Nineveh

“Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery…” (Nahum 3:1) Nineveh is punished because of its harlotries and sorceries. Assyria itself will also be destroyed and humiliated. Both will fall before the judgment of God. The inhabitants of Nineveh are as numerous as locusts, but destruction shall still ensue, and all who hear of Nineveh’s defeat shall clap their hands.

Summary of Micah

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Summary of Micah

Chapter by Chapter:

Micah 1-2: Micah prophesies of the downfall of Samaria and Jerusalem/The destruction of Israel

Micah 3-4: Pastors for Money/The Millennium

Micah 5-7: Messiah shall be born/They are not serving the Lord The Lord will have mercy on Israel

 

The prophet Micah wrote this book around 742-686 B.C. Key personalities are all the people of Samaria and Jerusalem.

 

The purpose of the book of Micah was to proclaim warning and judgment to both the Northern and the Southern Kingdoms. His message was similar to that of Isaiah and was written at about the same time. Micah described the impending judgment that would eventually exile the nation.

 

•    In Chapters 1-5: Explain the judgment for the wicked nations, “…I will make Samaria an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof”(Micah 1:6). Later in chapter five Micah foretells of the birthplace of the Messiah in Bethlehem. Micah also explains about the divine and eternal purposes of the Savior “…whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)

 

•    In chapters 6-7: Micah declares what God requires of men, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly…” (Micah 6:8). Micah then explains to the reader God’s restoration and salvation to His people, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” (Micah 7:18)

Micah 5-7

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Micah 5-7

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

In the last three chapters of Micah we learn that the Jesus Christ will be born in Bethlehem, but we also learn that those who turn away from the Lord and put their trust in; guides, friends and family alone will fall!

We can trust our friends and family, but we should never go against God. If we always keep on His path, we will have no reason to fear our enemies.

“Rejoice no against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” (Micah 7:8)

Chapter 5: Messiah shall be born

The Messiah (Jesus Christ) shall be born in Bethlehem. He shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord. He will deliver Jacob from Assyria. The remnant is large and will be victorious over its enemies. The Lord will cut off sorceries, soothsayers and idols.

Chapter 6: They are not serving the Lord

“Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy [complaint]…” (Micah 6:2). The Lord reminds the people of his favor towards them, and complains of their ingratitude. The people are imagined replying, and complaining of the Lord’s demanding nature: “Will the Lord be pleased with a thousand rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil? …” (Micah 6:7) However, Micah explains that the Lord has revealed to them what He wants: justice, mercy and humility.

 

Chapter 7: The Lord will have mercy on Israel

The Lord compares himself to a gatherer of fruit who can find no ripe cluster of grapes. All of them have been corrupted. Family and other social relationships will crumble.

 

“Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide…” (Micah 7:5) However, enemies should not rejoice in the supposed weakness of man; “…when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” (Micah 7:8) The Lord will shepherd His people with His staff. Other nations shall be brought low, and lick the dust like a serpent. God is like no one else, he will forgive his people and help them back on their feet.

 

Micah 3-4

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Micah 3-4

Chapter 3: Pastors for Money

The heads of Jacob commit some pretty horrible acts of violence against their own people. (see 1-3)

Because of this Jacob’s people turn to the Lord “Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them…” (Micah 3:4) A darkness will descend on the prophets, and the prophets will be confused because there is “…no answer of God.” (Micah 3:7) This is the Apostasy, a time when men were so wicked that the Lord had to withdraw his power and authority from the earth (for a time). Meaning that there wouldn’t be a prophet and those who pretend to be a prophet would suffer great consequences.

 

“… the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? None evil can come upon us.” ( Micah 3:11) Today, and throughout History there has always been false prophets and priests trying to make a quick buck. They do it for money, sadly a large number of churches today follow this format, that God was so angered by in the first place. We further learn in this chapter that Zion shall be plowed like a field, Jerusalem shall become heaps of ruins, and the mountain of the temple like the bare hills of the forest.

Chapter 4: The Millennium

This is an almost word for word vision of what Isaiah sees as a vision of the latter days in Isaiah 2:2…

“But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.” (Micah 4:1)

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the tops of mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:2-4)

Essentially Isaiah sees a vision of the last days, where God’s church would be restored and the Temples would be built and shortly following that the Second Coming of Jesus would happen, where there would be 1,000 years of peace in the World.

The most interesting part of this, to me, is the following: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the tops of mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it…” (Isaiah 2:2) The reason this is so fascinating to me, is because the “tops of mountains” is a translation of a meaning of the word “Ute” which was the Indian Tribe of Utah, where the state was named and one of the most famous Temples in the world… the Salt Lake Temple has visitors from ALL around the world flock there on a daily basis. Isaiah was speaking of the Latter-day Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the last days, the proud and the wicked will be brought low and the judgment will occur for everyone during the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Nations will no longer know war, and the world will enter into a peace for 1,000 years, while Jesus Christ reigns as king over Zion!