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The Nature of Free Will Lesson 3: The Free Will Defense by Pelagius (Charges 1-6 of 12) (Part 1)

By Kathy L McFarland

9/15/2024

First, a Warning against Casual Refutation of Church Doctrine

The movement and timing of God in teaching mankind the things He wills them to know cannot be forgotten when a study of doctrine is initiated.  There is often a sharp change in direction of belief when God moves men to embrace a deeper thought concerning His Word and developing that thought into rules and foundations of belief, especially in the times of the Early Church.  However, it cannot be overstated how pleasing it is to the enemy of God to introduce error into the interpretation of Scripture that forms doctrines contrary to God’s truth.

When mature Christians begin unraveling the doctrines within the practice and expression of religion from the Truth of Scripture, a line must be established.  At some point, every doctrine that has survived debate, that has been defended to the death by convicted adherents, that has become the basis for the establishment of order and belief of other important ideas of Christian faith, must be considered very carefully if disagreement with Scriptural conformity is addressed.

A lackadaisical casualness or unwarranted critical attitude of addressing the development of the doctrine could possibly prevent the acknowledgement of the movement of God in very difficult times in the development of Christian faith. On the other hand, failure to demand that belief corresponds to God’s Truth as revealed in Scripture allows doctrinal error to creep into faith, building a wall of false teaching that will topple like a line of dominoes when those errors are brought to light.  This can most surely shake the faith of many.  Great care must be taken always when established doctrines are examined; however, Scriptural support with the Truth of God must always be foremost in a mature Christian’s mind when a study is undertaken concerning doctrinal things.

However,  a mature Christian can only believe seemingly apparent truth to be God’s Truth when it is verified through Scripture and the moving of the Holy Spirit. It should never be declared Truth absolutely because Church authority has deemed it so, especially if God has led you to this place of study.

We have already determined that the Pelagius and Augustine debate between free will and original sin is not so much the issue in the drama that unfolded with the establishment of Church doctrine.  Rather, it is the attempt of the Church to maintain authority and relationship between those of deep faith against those of deep affiliation with the Church with the presence of growing mistrust of teachings that seemingly reject the Truth of God.  Whether our present study moves us in one direction or the other concerning this issue, we cannot neglect a study on how original sin doctrine was formed and how free will to not sin was refuted; only then can we search Scripture and God’s will in this divisive matter and learn His Truth.

A More Detailed Look at the Council of Diospolis (Synod of Palestine, Eastern Christianity)

It is through the writings of Augustine to Bishop Aurelius of Carthage, “A Work on the Proceedings of Pelagius” that we know the defense of Pelagius against the charges of heresy in front of the Council of Diospolis.[1] His letter to Bishop Aurelius of Carthage stirs Western Christianity to uphold the authority of the Church by forming a Council of Carthage to prosecute Pelagius for heresy, in spite against the Eastern Orthodox verdict that upholds the teachings of Pelagius. The examination of this report will allow us to determine both Pelagius’ real belief, assuming that Augustine represents the things spoken at the Council of Diospolis truthfully, and the crux of the discussion concerning free will and original sin by the participants. We will cover charges 1-6 in this report, and 7-12 in the next lesson.

Some Specific Questions and Answers at the Council of Diospolis (Synod of Palestine)

First accusation concerning knowledge of the law and sin[2]

Synod Charge: Reported that Pelagius wrote “No man can be without sin unless he has acquired a knowledge of the law,”[3] the Council asked “Did you, Pelagius, express yourself thus?”[4]

Pelagius Response (partial): “I certainly used the words, but not in the sense in which they understand them.  I did not say that a man is unable to sin who has acquired a knowledge of the law; but that he is by the knowledge of the law assisted towards not sinning, even as it is written, ‘He hath given them a law for help.’”[5]

Synod Decision: The synod declared: “The words which have been spoken by Pelagius are not different from the Church.”[6] Their discussion concerning this matter faults Pelagius for not taking sufficient care with the succinct expression of his faith concerning the law’s effect upon sin in his writings. They cite the numerous sheep in the Church’s flock who are unable to understand the Latin and Greek rites and services, but yet are an integral part of the Church.  They particularly differentiate between Pelagius’ statement to them that “a man is by the knowledge of the law assisted towards not sinning,”[7] from the assertion in his book that “a man cannot be without sin unless he has acquired a knowledge of the law;”[8] while they acknowledge both statements can be God’s Truth, one is vastly different than the other if literal understanding is attempted. Thus, they demand that his book be revised and amended with specific words that reflect the actual association with sin and God’s law as they admonish him with Scripture “There is that slippeth in his speech, but not in his heart (Ecclesiasticus [Sirach] 19:16).”[9]

Second accusation examines Pelagius’ free will ideas that might dispute the grace of God[10]

Synod Charge: Pelagius writes in the same book concerning his position that “all men are ruled by their own will and everyone is submitted to his own desire.”[11] The Synod charges Pelagius with disputing the grace of God by taking this position.

Pelagius Response (partial): “This is stated in the interest of free will.  God is its helper whenever it chooses good; man, however, when sinning is himself in fault, as under the direction of a free will.”[12]

Synod Decision: First, they note that after this statement, Pelagius adds that no man ought to trust himself in the direction he chooses: “For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out therefrom: wherefore I prayed and understanding was given to me; I called, and the Spirit of Wisdom came unto me.”[13] That Pelagius’ prays for direction confirms his heart to them over the literal interpretation of his words concerning personal free choice in the direction of travel in the journey of life.

Pelagius’ Response comforts the pious judges of the Synod. They do not continue examination on this point, conceding Pelagius’ point that God helps man choose good, but when man sins, it is only himself to blame.  Therefore, they concur that the direction a man travels is dependent upon God’s leading and refusal to be led results in sinful free choices to be implemented.

Third charge addresses the possibility of a faithful Christian being cast into Hell[14]

Synod Charge: The Synod then addresses Pelagius’ words “In the day of judgment no forbearance will be shown to the ungodly and the sinners, but they will be consumed in eternal fires.”[15] This distresses the brethren because it leaves open the possibility that sinful Christians are not protected and saved from eternal damnation through faith.

Pelagius’ Response: Pelagius quotes Matthew 25:46 concerning sinners: “These shall go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.”[16] Then he adds another probative point: “Who believes differently is an Origenist.”[17] This wise assertion places the Synod squarely in support of Pelagius.

Synod Decision: Since the Church thinks Origen abominable to assert that everlasting punishment will one day cease, and the devil and angels and sinners that have suffered in eternal fires will one day be purged and released of their penalties to assume a place with the saints and God with His blessings, they have no choice but to agree with Pelagius. That Pelagius did not say that all sinners without exception receive eternal punishment by everlasting fire allows the Synod to support his ideas in the general sense with the already established doctrines and dogmas.[18]

Fourth accusation concerns the purity of the thoughts of Christians[19]

Synod charge: The fourth accusation concerns Pelagius’ statement in his book that “evil does not enter our thoughts.”[20] This seemingly suggests that man is free from thinking evil things if he chose to do so.

Pelagius’ Response: Pelagius denies making that specific statement, at least to its perceived and referenced fuzzy meaning, saying, “We made no such statement. What we did say was that the Christian ought to be careful not to have evil thoughts.”[21]

Synod Decision: This charge is easily dismissed, because to deny that a Christian has the ability to avoid evil thoughts, encourages the thinking about evil which then leads to acts of sin. Righteous and holy men reject thoughts of evil and that stance is supported by Scripture, making the charge against Pelagius spurious and bordering upon the refutation of the Word of God.[22]

Fifth accusation addresses Pelagius assertion about the kingdom of heaven[23]

Synod charge: Pelagius’ asserts that “The kingdom of heaven was promised even in the Old Testament”[24] which seemingly takes away salvation from the New Testament of Christ.

Pelagius’ Response: “This can be proved by Scriptures: but heretics, in order to disparage the Old Testament, deny this.  I, however, simply followed the authority of Scriptures when I said this; for in the prophet Daniel it is written: ‘The saints shall receive the kingdom of the Most High.’”[25]

Synod Decision: The synod determines that this position is not opposed to the Church’s faith.

Sixth charges Pelagius’ view that a man can choose not to sin[26]

Synod charge: Pelagius writes in the questioned book “A man is able, if he likes, to be without sin.”[27] He also allegedly writes a widow with flattering words, “In thee piety may find a dwelling-place, such as she finds nowhere else; in thee righteousness, though a stranger, can find a home; truth, which no one any longer recognizes, can discover an abode and a friend in thee; and the law of God, which almost everybody despises may be honored by thee alone.”[28] In fact, many statements written to this specific widow are included in this part of questioning, and support the accusation that Pelagius believes sin to be choice rather than condition.

Pelagius’ Response: “We asserted that a man could be without sin and could keep God’s commandments if he wished; for this capacity has been given to him by God.  But we never saith that any man could be found who at no time whatever, from infancy to old age, had committed sin: but that if any person were converted from his sins, he could by his own labour and God’s grace be without sin; and yet not even thus would he be incapable of change ever afterwards.  As for the other statements which have made against us, they are not to be found in our books, nor have we at any time said such things”[29] Pelagius goes on to call them fools and heretics to believe such as he is accused, because it is without dogma.

Synod Decision: “Since now Pelagius has with his own mouth anathematized this vague statement as foolish verbiage, justly declaring in his reply, ‘That a man is able with God’s assistance and grace to be without sin,’ let him now proceed to answer the other heads of accusation against him.”[30] They declare the grace that Pelagius expresses as the same that is most completely known in the catholic Church, that “a man, when converted from his sins, is able by his own exertion and the grace of God to be without sin.”

Conclusion of Lesson 3

There are a total of 12 charges brought against Pelagius which are considered by the Palestine Synod.  The first six have been covered in this Lesson 3, and the next six will be part of Lesson 4. Pelagius’ beliefs as he defends them in the first six charges are:

Recap of 1-6 of 12 Pelagius Defenses in front of the Palestine Synod Council

1. There are no human beings capable of being free of sin unless they know the Law of God. It is through the knowledge of the law that humans are assisted towards not sinning.

2. All human beings are able to rule their free will and submit to their own desires; but God is their helper only whenever a choice for good is made. Those committing sin are under the direction of free will alone, and not under the direction of God.

3. Sinning human beings will be sentenced to hell on the Day of Judgment as a result of the eternal, everlasting, punishment by God.  Righteous human beings will receive eternal reward in heaven by God. Rather than define the Day of Judgment defendants as Christians or seculars, Pelagius argues for the literal representation of human being actions as either directed by God to righteousness, or directed by their own free wills to sin, to predict their eternal destinations of punishments or rewards adjudicated by the Lord.

4. Christians must be careful not to have evil thoughts to maintain their righteousness and holiness that is directed by God.

5. The fact that righteous saints will receive the Kingdom of God is clearly stated by both the Old Testament Prophets and the New Testament Gospels.

6. Human beings can be without sin with God’s grace and help directing them. When human beings are converted to righteousness through their faithful walk with Christ, they can also go without sin by their own free will exertion as their life journey is directed by God.

Join us in Lesson 4 to conclude the testimony of Pelagius and the findings of the Palestine Synod as we examine the last six charges.  An examination of the Palestine Synod allows us to complete the first part of our journey to find the historical, theological path that the issue of free will vs. original sin, Pelagius vs. Augustine, the Eastern Church vs. the Western Church has taken to resolve these issues.  It is only after the established doctrine and the journey taken to develop it are understood that a deeper effort to understand the Word and Will of God can be explored.

Bibliography

Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. “A Work on the Proceedings of Pelagius”. Translated by Peter Holmes. Vol. V: Saint Augustine: Anti-Pelagian Writings A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Edited by Philip Schaff. New York: Christian Literature Company, 1887.

[1] Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, “A Work on the Proceedings of Pelagius”, ed. Philip Schaff, trans., Peter Holmes, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, vol. V: Saint Augustine: Anti-Pelagian Writings (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1887).

[2] Ibid., 183-185.

[3] Ibid., 184.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid., 185.

[10] Ibid., 185-186.

[11] Ibid., 185.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Ibid.

[14] Ibid., 186-188.

[15] Ibid., 186.

[16] Ibid., 187.

[17] Ibid.

[18] Ibid., 188.

[19] Ibid.

[20] Ibid.

[21] Ibid.

[22] Ibid.

[23] Ibid., 188-190.

[24] Ibid., 188.

[25] Ibid.

[26] Ibid., 190-193.

[27] Ibid., 190.

[28] It is significant that the Synod addresses both his writings in the book under investigation, as well as a personal letter that is allegedly written to this certain widow and is indicative of the gathering of all available evidence to determine his guilt. However, it should be noted that there is no evidence that this certain widow testified in front of the Council or that the actual letter was examined during the trial.

[29] Augustine, 190.

[30] Ibid.

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The Nature of Free Will Lesson 2: Pelagian Controversy and Augustinian Victory – The First Free Will vs. Original Sin Debate

By Kathy L McFarland

9/14/2024

Pelagius was a 4th century Christian (AD 354-420/440) who denied the existence of original sin and predestination while defending the ability for human beings to exercise their free will with innate human goodness for the betterment of God’s creation.  Though there are no writings from him or his famous disciple Caelestius found present day, fragments of their teachings are included in both Augustine’s and Jerome’s writings, and Church records from council meetings give us a perspective of how they were judged by their accusers for heresy. These historical records offer a glimpse of how the doctrine of free will became judged so harshly in the Western Christian church which prohibited free will belief by diverting to the doctrine of original sin espoused by Augustine.

The Doctrine of Free Will According to Pelagius

Pelagius taught his followers the doctrine of free will and denied the doctrine of original sin that Augustine of Hippo was developing.  His free will doctrine became known as Pelagianism. Eastern Theologians were focused upon free will and human deeds, and at the Council at Diospolis (Lydda) in 415, they declared the teachings of Pelagius orthodox.

The Western Theologians disagreed vehemently with Eastern support for the doctrine of free will, which led the North African bishops to address the issue. His teachings were declared heretical by the Council of Carthage (A Council of Africa) in 418 which confronted the supposed errors of his student Caelestius who taught the existence of free will and possibility to remain sinless in human life. Of course, it didn’t help Pelagianism that Caelestius expanded the teachings to unacceptable places that denied Scripture by declaring Adam as a mortal being that would have experienced death even without sin, and that the entire human race does not die because of the sin of Adam and Eve nor share in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.[1]

Predictably, the Council of Carthage rejected Caelestius for ordination and condemned his teachings. They grouped these false teachings into the general teachings of Pelagius, even though he denied his support for many of Caelestius’ later teachings that overstated or revised his beliefs concerning free will.

Augustine vs. Pelagius Prior to Condemnation by the Council of Carthage

Pelagius’ doctrine of free will was in stark contrast to Augustine’s original sin doctrine that claims mankind is born into corruption and sin and is a sinner at birth.  While Pelagius teaches that free will can be free of sin, Augustine thinks this preposterous.  But his doctrine of original sin is as difficult to prove with Scripture as Pelagius’ doctrine of free will.  Both are elusive and require a great deal of grouping of texts to prove each.

But Augustine was a clever theologist.  He knew that it would be difficult to refute the idea of free will with Scriptural support.  So instead, he chose two simple points that were easily gleaned from traditional Scriptural interpretations. He chose to address the baptism of infants as his test case to prove his point that all human beings are born into sin.  His argument was cleverly formed because he knew that Pelagius did not officially argue or object to the traditional church practice of the baptism of infants.

Augustine argued against Pelagians with two points in the development of the doctrine of original sin: 1) Infant baptism occurs and 2) Pelagians do not argue against it.  With supposed Scriptural support Augustine forms his argument that while they refuse to support the idea that sin comes from Adam, their admittance of the baptism of innocent infants for the forgiveness of sin, then infants are guilty of sin that is not from their acts.  Thus, Augustine makes his case for the doctrine of original sin:

“Now, seeing that they admit the necessity of baptizing infants,—finding themselves unable to contravene that authority of the universal Church, which has been unquestionably handed down by the Lord and His apostles,—they cannot avoid the further concession, that infants require the same benefits of the Mediator, in order that, being washed by the sacrament and charity of the faithful, and thereby incorporated into the body of Christ, which is the Church, they may be reconciled to God, and so live in Him, and be saved, and delivered, and redeemed, and enlightened. But from what, if not from death, and the vices, and guilt, and thraldom, and darkness of sin? And, inasmuch as they do not commit any sin in the tender age of infancy by their actual transgression, original sin only is left.” (De pecc. mer. et rem. 1.26:39)[2]

Original sin was not a standard doctrinal belief prior to Augustine’s stated position, and it was not an idea formed of careful Scripture exegesis.  Rather, it was an argument that he developed to trick the Pelagians into a corner in hopes that they would be forced to acknowledge the authority of the universal church.  Accordingly, Augustine established that infant sinlessness should require no baptism, but, because of the case of original sin from Adam and Eve, the universal church is left with no choice but to baptize infants also.  It should be noted that this argument was not so much a debate of the issue of free will versus original sin; but rather, it was a debate of the authority of the Church.  Augustine proves that since Pelagianism fails to go against Church authority, the matter of original sin is approved.

From that point, Augustine developed a fuller doctrine of original sin by declaring it to be related to ignorance and frailty (De pece. mer. et rem. 1.35:65-36:67).  These weaknesses justify infant baptism by joining the most vulnerable human beings, infants, to Christ and the universal church, saving them from certain death by healing their defects. Once healed, the baptized receive salvation, redemption from subjugation to sin, and illumination from the removal of the darkness of the inherited guilt from sin.

The Council of Diospolis (Synod of Palestine)

The debate against Pelagius’ free will doctrine and Augustine’s original sin doctrine began forming with ever-increasing hostilities between the two and the different sides concerning this issue.  The Council of Diospolis (Synod of Palestine) was formed to determine whether Pelagius was committing heresy against the Church through the position he took concerning these matters.  He was found innocent of heresy, and said to be lax in failing to specifically state his beliefs in a way that people could understand that agreed with the Church’s teachings.

Augustine’s reaction to the Council of Diospolis’ (Synod of Palestine) Verdict of Innocence

Augustine wrote “A Work on the Proceedings of Pelagius” addressed to Bishop Aurelius of Carthage to show “that although Pelagius was acquitted by the Synod of Palestine, there still clave to Him the suspicion of heresy; and that the acquittal of the accused by the Synod was so contrived, that the heresy itself with which he was charged was unhesitatingly condemned.”[3] In this letter, Augustine records some of the discussion concerning the charges brought against Pelagius in those Palestinian proceedings, which develop the debate between the two men.  Augustine’s points of disagreement over the verdict of the Council of Diospolis (Synod of Palestine) with Pelagius’ explanations and the synod’s discussion included, reveal a great deal concerning the issue of free will vs. original sin, and will be examined closely in our next lesson.

Council of Carthage Nine Canons of Condemnation

The Council of Carthage was formed in 418 A.D. after receiving Augustine’s rebuttal of the Synod of Palestine’s verdict, with growing weariness toward the dilution of Church authority. The condemnation from the angry North African bishops through the establishment of the nine canons dealing with Pelagianism was severe.  Their findings, stirred by Augustine’s letter of specifics concerning the Synod of Palestine, contributed to the formation of clear doctrinal positions by declaring anathema (banishment, separation) against:[4]

Original Sin Error

1. Those that refute that death is not a result of Adam’s sin

2. Those that declare a newborn child sinless and uncondemned from original sin of Adam.

3. Those that divide the Kingdom of Heaven from eternal life.

Grace Error

4. Those that say only past sins are remitted by grace

5. Those that say grace aids us not in understanding

6. Those that say grace only helps us to easily accomplish the things we do

Humble Prayer Error

7. Those that pray 1 John 1:8-10 and thinks it expresses humility only, not that they actually sinned. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

8. Those that think the phrase “forgive our trespasses,” contained within the Lord’s Prayer applies only to the congregation, not necessarily to an individual

9. Those that say “forgive our trespasses,” out of humility rather than belief in its truth

When the smoke cleared, Pelagius and Caelestius were excommunicated, with the verdict confirmed by deposition of the Council of Ephesus in 431 against Caelestius, Pelagius, and Julian. Prior to this official response and while it was in the hands of Pope Zosimus (417-418), there were eighteen Italian bishops that refused to sign his condemnation of Pelagius when it reached his official desk.  Even in the midst of turmoil, some brave Christian leaders recognized that the teachings of Pelagius and the heretical outgrowth of beliefs espoused by Caelestius were not of the same nature and that the debate between Augustine and Pelagius apparently convoluted.[5] Some felt that the Pelagius’ doctrine of free will had some Scriptural support and could not support the Church’s condemnation with the charge of heresy against him.  They were deposed by the Pope for their refusal to change their minds and support the official position of the Church established by the Council of Carthage.[6]

Sadly, the debate and consideration for the doctrine of free will suffered from that church condemnation. Once those who believed in free will were quieted by threats of excommunication, Augustine’s doctrine of original sin filled the gaps of confusion and became the standard of faith that was officially forbidden to be argued against even though there were some serious questions concerning this position.

An examination of the representation and misrepresentation of the doctrine of free will by Pelagius, Caelestius, Augustine and the Church that led to the charges of heresy must be unraveled before the study of free will vs. original sin can be fully understood. Once we examine Pelagius truthful view of free will in Lesson 3, we will give Augustine’s original sin the same careful representation in Lesson 4.

Bibliography

Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. “A Work on the Proceedings of Pelagius”. Translated by Peter Holmes. Vol. V: Saint Augustine: Anti-Pelagian Writings A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Edited by Philip Schaff. New York: Christian Literature Company, 1887.

Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. A Treatise on the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants. Translated by Peter Holmes. Vol. 5 A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church: First Series, Edited by Philip Schaff. New York: Christian Literature Company, 1887.

Ferguson, Everett. Church History Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.

Percival, Henry R. Excursus on Pelagianism. Vol. Volume XIV: The Seven Ecumenical Councils. Second Series ed. A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1900.

[1] Everett Ferguson, Church History Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005), 280.

[2] Augustine of Hippo, A Treatise on the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants, ed. Philip Schaff, trans., Peter Holmes, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church: First Series, vol. 5 (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1887).

[3] Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, “A Work on the Proceedings of Pelagius”, ed. Philip Schaff, trans., Peter Holmes, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, vol. V: Saint Augustine: Anti-Pelagian Writings (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1887), 183.

[4] Ferguson, 281.

[5] Henry R. Percival, Excursus on Pelagianism, ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, Second Series ed., A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, vol. Volume XIV: The Seven Ecumenical Councils (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1900), 230.

[6] Ibid.

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The Nature of Free Will Examined through Scripture (Lesson 1 – Predestination (Determinism) vs. Free Will)

By Kathy L McFarland

God did not make Adam and Eve sin; His most holy nature makes Him unable to sin or tempt others to commit transgressions of disobedience against Him.  Satan did not make them sin; he did not force Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit or Adam to disobey God.  There is absolutely NO evil or defect inside Adam or Eve that forced them to sin; God created man in His Image and formed both man and woman perfectly.  Adam and Eve chose to be disobedient to God through their own self-determination, a privilege given to them through the bestowment of free will by their Creator.[1] 

The LORD God created Adam and Eve as the perfect first man and woman in His Image, and placed them in the Garden, and they were PREDESTINED by Him to live that life.  How they chose to live their life required the use of their FREE WILL that God bestowed to them.   This can be understood through the example playing a card game.  Predestination (Determinism) in the Spiritual Realm is the dealing of cards by the LORD God.  Free Will is the choices each person that belongs to Him makes in playing those cards in their destined life.

The freedom to choose the direction of oneself has consequences attached.  Each free choice made by an individual is not enacted within a vacuum; rather, it influences the activity within the realm of humanity that it touches.  God’s divine plans are implemented above the choices made by mere humans.  While human choices change the direction of life as the various forces collide, change, build, grow, destroy, and fester, God’s plans are unaffected.  He is God.  His works unfold perfectly, at the time He chooses, and those works are not affected by the faulty free choices made by human beings.

It seems a simple concept.  God gives human beings free will that allows them to choose their life and make it what they will, with the counterbalance of all other humans having free choice that regulates those choices.  That becomes the connected life force that free choice gives all human beings.  And God’s Will reign and acts perfectly in the time He chooses far above the doings of mankind.  But that simple concept is not quite as unobtrusive in the relationship between God and mankind that it seems at first glance, especially in the affairs of spiritual connectedness between natural and spiritual lives interrelating to the divine nature of God.

Historical traditions formed by religious doctrines have connected the doctrine of free will with the doctrine of original sin. The common religious consensus of the union of these two doctrines reflects that sinners cannot save themselves because of their fallen condition, and that free will has no choice but to sin and receive the punishment of damnation for eternity. Thus, it is my intentions in this study to fully explore the nature of the free will of human beings before I tackle the possibly conflicted doctrine of original sin that has developed in traditional religious doctrines over time.

Understanding Free Will through Sarai, Abram, and Hagar

Sarai and Abram are able to make free choice as all humans possess, and Sarai uses that right by choosing her maid Hagar to fulfill God’s divine promise to give her husband an heir  (Genesis 11:30; 16:1-16; 21:1-20). Hagar, with much less free choice because of life circumstances but fully endowed with free choice by God, becomes the surrogate.  Things go miserably wrong for Sarai as her free will fights against the will and movement of God.  This leads to the removal of Hagar and Abram’s son Ishmael, to ensure their younger son Isaac’s full inheritance from his father Abram and to receive the everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17:10-27).  Hagar and Ishmael have done nothing wrong; yet, they are captive of the times and the social structures that allow Sarai to act against her servant as a human agent representing God’s will.[2]

That Sarai’s actions are not in God’s plans are not at issue.  Rather, the absolute predicament that Hagar and Ishmael find themselves, unable to prevent the events that cascade toward them, brings them to cry out to God for salvation.  Though Hagar had acted according to the customs of the day, and lay down with Abram at Sarai’s orders, she was not guilty.  She had done nothing wrong.  Yet, as the account advances, the unchangeable direction of Hagar and Ishmael is rolling, and there is absolutely nothing they can do to prevent this from happening.

Genesis 21 reflects the results of the free choices of Sarai that brought adverse times to Hagar.  Yet, the Lord is with both Sarai and Hagar and His will and ways guide them to His desired consequences and conclusions despite the errors made in the exercise of Sarai’s free will. The Lord’s divine plans cannot be changed or affected by human freedom even when His will unfolds in humanity’s messed up environment.

Similarly, the poor choices made by Adam and Eve bring the curse of death to every living creature made in God’s Image when life forces grow uncontrollable. In the midst of the curse of death, is life, and it is life that is formed according to God’s desired consequences and conclusions.  Every person is subject to the penalty given by God to Adam and Eve for their sins of disobedience to Him.  Sin cannot be conquered without death; it is the natural order of things once the curse by God toward sinful human beings was applied.

Every person is also born with free will. But free will is not free ever. Just as Hagar was at the whims of Sarai, and unable to prevent the casting away, so too are all human beings that are subject to death and stopped from having control over life. Just as Sarai’s free will results in her creating the situation that she thinks reflects God’s intentions, she instead, guesses wrong and makes a mess of things.  End analysis shows that even Sarai, blessed by God with a son in her old age and able to receive words from Him, could not use her free will to accomplish the things of God perfectly.

There is not a human being ever created that controls life and none that can act perfectly as a human agent to carry out God’s divine plans with their inferior free will.  Even the most pure hearts, those able to express free will in the most righteous of ways, will run into a wall of end life that cannot be controlled.  Most notable, the end of lives begins with unpreventable, uncontrollable situations and always results in death.  Death is the curse given to mankind for the sins of Adam and Eve.  It is inevitable.  It will come to all human beings and when it comes, the unfolding events for each death are completely uncontrollable, even if free will is declared and applied by the dying.

Time, space, and limited knowledge of all the key players in this drama are affected by fallen humanity that allows human frailties to become errors and transgressions against God.  If Sarai had waited on the Lord, the birth of Isaac would have been the first son of Abram, done in God’s time.  But Sarai takes matters into her own hands with her free will, and mucks things up, and creates an impossible situation of conflict that eventually requires the intervention of God to save Ishmael’s life. Sarai, even though she exercises her free will and has confidence that she is fulfilling God’s will, is not in control of anything. God’s intentions are done in His way and time, in deference to the human error of the free will of Sarai.

The Penalty for Sin is God’s Curse of Death

If free will leads a human being to commit disobedience to God, then free will has led that person to sin. According to 1 John 1:5-8, the truth of God reveals that all human beings have sin:

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

And since all have sinned through their free will to be disobedient to God, then the penalty for that sin activates the curse that God placed upon all sin that moves humanity away from His presence. Ultimately, death will come to all, regardless of human error or perfection:

Romans 5:12-21

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 5:12–21)

Death will come even though some human beings have free will that seems to make righteous choices always; don’t let the semblance of perfection fool you.  Every adult human being has sinned at some time. The nature of free will gives opportunity to choose righteousness or transgression, and the nature of humanity in relationship to each other leads to some disobedience to God always.

Death is God’s curse placed upon mankind because of the transgressions made by the first human beings that released the component of sin into the natures of mankind (Genesis 3:19).  Only death to the physical body releases the cling of sin. God is not going to change His curse against sinful humanity with even one degree deviation.  It’s too late; sin is part of the fabric of human life, and only His curse against it can release its hold upon his beloved humanity.

The Grace of God Frees Sinners from the Curse

There is no deviation from the curse against sin; death is the only thing that releases a human being from the power of sin.  However, God has granted grace unto a select group of people, by allowing them to symbolically experience death while they are still alive, thereby releasing the hold that sin has upon them.  This grace of salvation is given to all human beings that receive the Baptism of Jesus Christ:

Romans 6:1-14

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:1-14)

Simply stated, human beings are sinners and remain sinners until death is brought to sin.  When death comes, sin releases its hold upon a person.  Followers of Jesus Christ can have this hold released by experiencing death through His Baptism because God has offered His grace by promising release from the His penalties of disobedience to His law that He bestowed upon humanity because of sin. God loosens man from the requirement of the law that brings death to sin:

Romans 7:1-6

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:1-6)

Next Focus of Study Concerning Free Will

We have explored a bit of Scripture in this study concerning free will and what it looks like in Scripture with an examination of Sarai’s poor choice.  We have examined Scripture that clearly states the curse that is brought against sin, and how death will come to every living thing as a result.  We have also recognized the special provision of grace that God grants believers of Christ in allowing a symbolic death to come upon their sins while yet alive, giving them hope in eternal life through the promise of the forgiveness of past sins.

Romans 6 begins with an expression of the effects of faulty free will and carefully leads the reader into Romans 7 and 8 with the development of the condition of sin in humanity.  It will be our primary focused text to discover the different connections that original sin has in its attachment to mankind.  Free will Scripture has been introduced in this first study; in our next we will take a more detailed look at the development of the Doctrine of Free Will that will ultimately lead to our study of the Doctrine of Original Sin, and reveal God’s truth in this important spiritual matter.

Bibliography

Andrews, James A. “On Original Sin and the Scandalous Nature of Existence.” Journal of Theological Interpretation 5, no. 2 (2011): 231-250.

 Geisler, Norman L. Systematic Theology, Volume Three: Sin, Salvation. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2004.

[1] Norman L. Geisler, Systematic Theology, Volume Three: Sin, Salvation (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2004), 86.

[2] James A. Andrews, “On Original Sin and the Scandalous Nature of Existence,” Journal of Theological Interpretation 5, no. 2 (2011): 239.

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TREES – I See Men as Trees Walking – CHESNUT TREE (18)

#18 – I See Men as Trees Walking – Chesnut Tree

Mark 8:22-26

(TY200 – Lesson 18)

By Kathy L McFarland

8/01/2024

The Mysteries of Trees

Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

TY200 – INTERPRETATION CONFIDENCE CHART

  1. Typology known as fully God’s Truth concerning trees walking as recorded in Mark 8:22-26 (Those specifically, typologically identified in Scripture)
  1. Trees in Scripture identify the different Spiritual Lives that are lived on this Earth
  • Different parts of the trees walking with Christ are fully represented in Scripture as God’s Truth
  1. Tree – Spiritual Lives of forgiven followers walking with the Lord Jesus Christ and producing powerful fruits of His.
    1. Root – The foundation of a tree from firstfruit that is secured by a lump of clay that can grow and produce living works of fruit
    1. Leaves – The preparation that LORD God makes for the coming events of living works.
    1. Fruit – Living works of the LORD God, done through followers (Branch) of the Lord Jesus Christ (Vine) at the guidance of the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life of a walking tree.
    1. Seed – Word of God.
  • The fruit of righteousness is a Tree of Life.
  • Cedar Tree – Spiritual life defines politically, worldly, and socially powerful leaders with spiritual hints of (righteous or wicked) strength whose height is far beyond regular people. They are political superstars with religious overtones throughout their persona. They can start their growth as righteous or secular; but eventually take on spiritual overtones and end up wicked. When one man assumes that great of power, then the spiritual side with the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ and their Holy Spirit is denied eventually. To gain such great power over people requires astute political manipulative control over their world with hints of divine empowerment; most often, that powerful of a man or woman leader realizes the need for appearances that “God is on their side,” whether it be for war or rule or privilege. So just as Lucifer dipped his roots into the biggest “flowing grace of God” river so do those that want to be ultimate ruler. It means nothing if their soul is measured. But it means everything to trick the masses and gain the power necessary to rule the world.
  1. Righteous Cedar Tree – The Spiritual Life that is beautiful, politically, and socially powerful, more spiritual growth than all the other trees, many protected followers. Can be goodly and righteous; but risks becoming a tyrant with a very thin line dividing righteousness from wickedness. They must have the shittah, myrtle, and oil trees surrounding them so they can see, know, consider, and understand, to maintain their righteous state.
  • Unrighteous Cedar Tree – The Spiritual Life of a tyrant. He lifts himself in height, he shoots up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart lifts in his height. He is all-powerful but wicked, with no Christian support surrounding him.
  1.  Typology Known Confidently (Those represented in Scripture with enough frequency, sufficiency, and accuracy to reveal their typological meanings with full Truth of God unchallenged and supported by the Holy Spirit’s teachings)
  1. Almond Tree – The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves.
  • Algum/Almug Tree – The Spiritual Life works that honors the LORD God and guides Believers to come closer to Him toward the beauty of His Holiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Musical worship and high praise are often expressed through these types of Christian works.
  • Apple Tree – A Spiritual Life that can comfort those that love God, regardless of their status of sin. These Spiritual works provide protection, sweetness of life; the Christians doing these works are often beloved amongst the worldly receivers. (Believers from the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Lutheran, Baptist, and Methodist Social Services, and other Missionary and denominational efforts to house the homeless, feed the hungry, and provide comfort in despair are excellent examples of this type of spiritual lives lived in duty toward their works for God.)
  • Ash Tree – A Spiritual Life with a deceived heart, that stands among places of Christians and worships different false gods created by other human beings or self.
  1. Typology Known Probably (Knowledge of Scripture, God’s Way, Logic and common sense in the typological meaning can NOT be confirmed fully with the Word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit)
  1.  Bay Tree – Native spiritual life that develops naturally.
  1. Fake Bay Tree – Imitation spiritual life forced upon believers through powerful coercion, trickery, evil, or control.
  • Box Tree – Spiritual life that stands in the midst of dryness. The location the Box Tree stands is empty of both worldly people and the flowing grace of the LORD God. Here stands the lonely Christian as a beacon for the uncommon seeker of God. Eventually, the Box Tree is combined with the other beautiful spiritual life souls that serve in the world and in the dry places and perform ministry guided by the Holy Spirit and coming together in the Sanctuary of the Lord. A possible identity of a Box Tree is a missionary that serves in extreme conditions with few common people, the lack of Christian presence and the lack of the movements of God.
  1. Typology NOT Known (Can NOT make even simple assumptions of the typological meaning because there is NOT enough frequency, sufficiency, or accuracy recorded in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit is NOT teaching deeper meaning)
  1. Chesnut Tree – It is NOT necessarily a beautiful spiritual life but serves a distinctive purpose in the spiritual world. (Uncertain of typology)

Genesis 30:37–39 (KJV 1900)

37 And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. 38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. 39 And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.

1. Green poplar, hazel, and chesnut trees can all be made into rods.[1]

Rods – 5234 מַקֵּל (mǎqꞏqēl): n.masc. and fem.; ≡ Str 4731; TWOT 1236—1. LN 3.47–3.59 branch, twig-stick, i.e., a part of a plant that extends from the body of a plant or tree, which can be removed from the tree (Ge 30:37,38, 39, 41; 1Sa 17:43; Jer 1:11; Hos 4:12+); 2. LN 6.29–6.40 wood club, i.e., a stout piece of wood used as a weapon (Eze 39:9+); 3. LN 6.215–6.225 staff, i.e., a long stick carried in the hand for various functions, including a walking helper, or shepherds tool, or symbol of rulership (Ge 32:11[EB 10]; Ex 12:11; Nu 22:27; 1Sa 17:40; Jer 48:17; Zec 11:7, 10,14+)[2]

3. The rod can be made into a long stick carried in the hand for walking, shepherds’ tool, or symbol of rulership.

4. But Jacob had another use for three rods. He pilled white strakes in the rods, showing the white inside them.

Pilled – 7202 פָּצַל (pāꞏṣǎl): v.; ≡ Str 6478; TWOT 1797—LN 19.27–19.33 (piel) debark, i.e., peel bark off a plant or tree, i.e., tear a layer off something (Ge 30:37, 38+) פְּצָלָה (peṣāꞏlā(h)) BDB: see 7203.[3]

Strakes – 7203 פְּצָלוֹת (peṣāꞏlôṯ): n.fem.pl.; ≡ Str 6479; TWOT 1797a—LN 3.47–3.59 peelings, i.e., a thin outer layer of organic material taken off plants or fruits of plants (Ge 30:37+), note: in context a “white stripe” pattern was possibly made from these peelings.[4]

5. When the bark was peeled from the green poplar, hazel, and chesnut trees, white stripes appeared on each of the rods.

6. Jacob placed the white striped rods into the gutters of the watering trough. The pure white cattle, goats and sheep that drank from that trough conceived before the rods.

7. They conceived ringstraked, speckled, and spotted sheep.

Ringstraked – 6819 עָקֹד (ʿāꞏqōḏ): adj.; ≡ Str 6124; TWOT 1678a—1. LN 79.26–79.38 (BDB, most versions) streaked, striped, i.e., pertaining to an alternating color pattern of stripes or less distinct linear discolorations (Ge 30:35, 39, 40; 31:8,10, 12+); note: (NKJV) speckled; note: for another interp, see next; 2. LN 79.88–79.90 (KB, Holladay) curly, i.e., pertaining to having a curly, crooked appearing tail on an animal, as a distinguishing mark, as a feature of an object (Ge 30:35, 39, 40; 31:8,10, 12+), note: context favors the meaning as a color pattern of some kind, see prior entry[5]

Speckled – 5923 נָקֹד (nāꞏqōḏ): adj.; ≡ Str 5348; TWOT 1410a—LN 79.26–79.38

speckled, spotted, i.e., pertaining to a variegated color pattern on an animal, either

specks or spots of dark on light or vice versa (Ge 30:32,33, 35, 39; 31:8,10, 12+)[6]

Spotted – 3229 טָלָא (ṭāꞏlā(ʾ)): v.; ≡ Str 2921; TWOT 805—LN 79.114–79.117 (qal pass. as a) see 3231.5; (pual) be patched, i.e., pertaining to being covered over with another newer piece of material (Jos 9:5+)[7]

8. No Theologist or Bible teacher fully understands why this happens; it is an unknown process. But what we know for sure is that Jacob increased his flock greatly by taking the different distinctly colored goats and sheep rather than the pure white ones.

Ezekiel 31:1–11 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness? 3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. 4 The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field. 5 Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth. 6 All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations. 7 Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. 8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. 9 I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him. 10 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; 11 I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness.

9. Chesnut trees do not have beautiful branches.

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Oh, how I wish I could teach you more. The typology of the chesnut tree is vague, and I do not have total confidence in its deeper meaning. My educated guess is that the chesnut tree is not necessarily a beautiful spiritual life but serves a distinctive purpose in the spiritual world. I will go with that for now and place it in the “Typology Known Not.” It will be one of those deeper meanings that I hope one day to know.

[1] The rod is a branch off a tree which can be removed from the tree without killing it

[2] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

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TREES – I See Men as Trees Walking – CEDAR TREE 1 (16)

TREES - I See Men as Trees Walking - CEDAR TREE 1 (16)

(TY200 – Lesson 16)

By Kathy L McFarland

7/25/2024

The Mysteries of Trees

Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

TY200 – INTERPRETATION CONFIDENCE CHART

  1. Typology known as fully God’s Truth concerning trees walking as recorded in Mark 8:22-26 (Those specifically, typologically identified in Scripture)
  1. Trees in Scripture identify the different Spiritual Lives that are lived on this Earth
  • Different parts of the trees walking with Christ are fully represented in Scripture as God’s Truth
  1. Tree – Spiritual Lives of forgiven followers walking with the Lord Jesus Christ and producing powerful fruits of His.
    1. Root – The foundation of a tree from firstfruit that is secured by a lump of clay that can grow and produce living works of fruit
    1. Leaves – The preparation that LORD God makes for the coming events of living works.
    1. Fruit – Living works of the LORD God, done through followers (Branch) of the Lord Jesus Christ (Vine) at the guidance of the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life of a walking tree.
    1. Seed – Word of God.
  • The fruit of righteousness is a Tree of Life.
  • Cedar Tree – Spiritual life defines politically, worldly, and socially powerful leaders with spiritual hints of (righteous or wicked) strength whose height is far beyond regular people. They are the political superstars with religious overtones throughout their persona. They can start their growth as righteous or secular; but eventually take on spiritual overtones and end up wicked. When one man assumes that great of power, then the spiritual side with the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ and their Holy Spirit is denied eventually. To gain such great power over people requires astute political manipulative control over their world with hints of divine empowerment; most often, that powerful of a man or woman leader realizes the need for appearances that “God is on their side,” whether it be for war or rule or privilege. So just as Lucifer dipped his roots into the biggest “flowing grace of God” river so do those that want to be ultimate ruler. It means nothing if their soul is measured. But it means everything to trick the masses and gain the power necessary to rule the world.
  • a. Righteous Cedar Tree – The Spiritual Life that is beautiful, politically, and socially powerful, more spiritual growth than all the other trees, many protected followers. Can be goodly and righteous; but risks becoming a tyrant with a very thin line dividing righteousness from wickedness. They must have the shittah, myrtle, and oil trees surrounding them so they can see, know, consider, and understand, to maintain their righteous state.
  • b. Unrighteous Cedar Tree – The Spiritual Life of a tyrant. He lifts himself in height, he shoots up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart lifts in his height. He is all-powerful but wicked, with no Christian support surrounding him.
  1.  Typology Known Confidently (Those represented in Scripture with enough frequency, sufficiency, and accuracy to reveal their typological meanings with full Truth of God unchallenged and supported by the Holy Spirit’s teachings)
  1. Almond Tree – The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves.
  • Algum/Almug Tree – The Spiritual Life works that honors the LORD God and guides Believers to come closer to Him toward the beauty of His Holiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Musical worship and high praise are often expressed through these types of Christian works.
  • Apple Tree – A Spiritual Life that can comfort those that love God, regardless of their status of sin. These Spiritual works provide protection, sweetness of life; the Christians doing these works are often beloved amongst the worldly receivers. (Believers from the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Lutheran, Baptist, and Methodist Social Services, and other Missionary and denominational efforts to house the homeless, feed the hungry, and provide comfort in despair are excellent examples of this type of spiritual lives lived in duty toward their works for God.)
  • Ash Tree – A Spiritual Life with a deceived heart, that stands among places of Christians and worships different false gods created by other human beings or self.
  1. Typology Known Probably (Knowledge of Scripture, God’s Way, Logic and common sense in the typological meaning can NOT be confirmed fully with the Word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit)
  1.  Bay Tree – Native spiritual life that develops naturally.
  1. Fake Bay Tree – Imitation spiritual life forced upon believers through powerful coercion, trickery, evil, or control.
  • Box Tree – Spiritual life that stands in the midst of dryness. The location the Box Tree stands is empty of both worldly people and the flowing grace of the LORD God. Here stands the lonely Christian as a beacon for the uncommon seeker of God. Eventually, the Box Tree is combined with the other beautiful spiritual life souls that serve in the world and in the dry places and perform ministry guided by the Holy Spirit and coming together in the Sanctuary of the Lord. A possible identity of a Box Tree is a missionary that serves in extreme conditions with few common people, the lack of Christian presence and the lack of the movements of God.
  1. Typology NOT Known (Can NOT make even simple assumptions of the typological meaning because there is NOT enough frequency, sufficiency, or accuracy recorded in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit is NOT teaching deeper meaning)

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

We are going to start our study of the cedar tree with the most unrighteous cedar tree that ever was.

We can learn the greatest characteristics of a spiritual life represented by the cedar tree, and how that spiritual life can go so wrong when darkness and evil enter it. Because Ezekiel 31 is so vividly descriptive of the cedar tree gone bad, we get a rare insight into the typology of the cedar tree and can define it from just this chapter. Please keep your focus upon the characteristics of the tree.

Ezekiel 31:1–9 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness? 3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. 4 The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field. 5 Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth. 6 All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations. 7 Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. 8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. 9 I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him.

1. The Word of God came to Ezekiel and instructed him to speak to the Pharaoh king of Egypt,[1]and to his people.

2. The LORD God wanted the Pharaoh to look upon His greatness and know that He had a high stature that was more than any other person on earth.

3. The Pharaoh was an Assyrian from Iraq but once dwelled in Lebanon.

4. The tallest and best cedars (excluding those in God’s Garden of Eden) were in the territory of Lebanon and are referenced numerous times in Scripture.

5. The spiritual identity of the Pharaoh had:

a. Beautiful branches

b. Shadowing shroud – 7511 III. צָלַ ל (ṣāꞏlǎl): v.; ≡ Str 6751; TWOT 1921—1. LN 14.53–14.62 (qal pf.) grow darker, i.e., have an increasing condition of darkness (Ne 13:19+); 2. LN 14.53–14.62 (hif ptcp.) give shade, i.e., cause a shadow by interposing something between an object and a light source (Eze 31:3+)[2]

c. High stature (high up in height)

d. Top was above thick boughs

6. The waters, spoken of during Creation, called the “deep” set him up on high. The actual Assyrian Pharaoh was not revealed to be alive during the time of creation. Thus, his spirit must be identified as another.

a. The “deep” in Eziekiel – 9333 תְּהוֹם (tehôm): n.fem. and masc.; ≡ Str 8415; TWOT 2495a— 1. LN 1.17–1.25 the deep, the depths, i.e., an area below the surface of bodies of water, a dark, inaccessible, inexhaustible, and mysterious place controlled only by objects with vast powers (Ge 1:2; 7:11; 8:2; 49:25; Ex 15:5, 8; Dt 33:13; Job 28:14; 38:16, 30;  41:24[EB 32]; Ps 33:7; 36:7[EB 6]; 42:8[EB 7]; 77:17[EB 16]; 78:15; 104:6; 106:9; 107:26; 135:6; 148:7; Pr 3:20; 8:24, 27, 28; Isa 51:10; 63:13; Eze 26:19; Am 7:4; Jnh 2:6[EB 5];  Hab 3:10+), see also domain LN 81.3–81.11; 2. LN 1.69–1.78 deep springs, i.e., a body  of water which comes out of the earth (Dt 8:7; Eze 31:4, 15+); 3. LN 1.17–1.25 unit: תְּהוֹם  הַ־ אֶרֶ ץ (tehôm hǎ– ʾěꞏrěṣ) Sheol, formally, depths of the earth, i.e., the place where the  dead reside (Ps 71:20+)[3]

b. The “deep” in Genesis:

Genesis 1:1–2 (KJV 1900)

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

i. Darkness – 3125 􀋂 חֹשֶׁ (ḥōꞏšěḵ): n.masc.; ≡ Str 2822; TWOT 769a—1. LN 14.53– 14.62 darkness, the dark, i.e., the lack of light in a space (Ge 1:4; Ex 10:21); Note: there are many associative meanings to “darkness,” including terror, ignorance, sadness, confusion, evil [4]

ii. Genesis 1:3–5 (KJV 1900)

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

c. Big Rivers ran around the greatest cedar’s plants

i. His height was exalted above all the trees of the field

ii. His boughs were multiplied

iii. His branches became long

iv. He shot forth

d. Little rivers ran around the trees of the fields (fields = world)

e. The greatest cedars height grew above the trees of the fields because it received more water from the big river

i. All the fowls of Heaven (angels) made their nests in His boughs

ii. Under his branches did all the beasts of the field (carnal people) bring forth their young

iii. Under his shadow dwelt all great nations (he is politically strong)

f. He was beautiful in his greatness

i. Because of the length of his branches

ii. Because his root was by great waters

g. The cedars in the Garden of the LORD God could not hide him

i. Thus, we can reason that the LORD God planted cedars in the Garden of Eden

ii. We can reason that this gigantic, beautiful cedar tree was larger than the largest cedars planted in the Garden of Eden

iii. We can reason that this tree stood shadowed all other cedar trees

1. Hidden – 6669 I. עָמַ ם (ʿāꞏmǎm): v.; ≡ Str 6004; TWOT 1641—LN 64 (qal) be rival to, be equal to, i.e., be in a comparable state of something, and so be like something or someone else (Eze 28:3; 31:8+), note: for another interp in 28:3, see 6670[5]

2. Hidden – 6670 II. עָמַ ם (ʿāꞏmǎm): v.; ≡ Str 6004; TWOT 1641—1. LN  28.68–28.83 (qal pf.) be hidden, i.e., be in a state in which something  cannot be known and so be secret (Eze 28:3+), note: for another interp, see 6669; 2. LN 14.36–14.52 (hof impf.) lose luster, be dimmed, i.e., pertaining to a state which has a diminished reflective  shine (La 4:1+)[6]

iv. The fir trees were not like his boughs (cedar boughs better than fir boughs)

v. The chestnut trees were not like his branches (cedar branches better than chestnut branches)

vi. Nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. (cedar beauty exceeds beauty of all other trees in the Garden of Eden)

7. The LORD God made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him.

Teachings of Kathy L. McFarland

This first part of Ezekiel leaves us no doubt that it is not the Pharaoh alone that the LORD God is speaking. Just as John the Baptist was Elijah (Matthew 11:7-15), so is the Pharaoh with the help of a spirit of another. We will discover who that is, though I am certain most of you have already potentially figured it out. Let us do a bit of workbook review, then we will get serious about the largest cedar tree’s inward identity.

Worksheet 1 for Ezekiel 31:1-9

1. Who was the prophet chosen by the LORD God to speak to this Pharaoh and his people?

a. Isaiah

b. Elijah

c. Ezekiel

d. Jeremiah

2. What was the authority of this Pharaoh?

a. Ruler of Egypt

b. Ruler of Israel

c. Ruler of Syria

d. Ruler of Eden

3. What was this Pharaoh’s race?

a. Iranian

b. Israeli

c. Lebanese

d. Assyrian

4. Why did the LORD God want the Pharaoh to look upon his greatness?

a. He wanted the Pharaoh to remove self-focus

b. He wanted the Pharaoh to see how high his stature had grown

c. He wanted the Pharaoh to humble himself

d. He wanted the Pharaoh to become more like God

5. Where was the Assyrian Pharaoh from?

a. Iraq

b. Iran

c. Syria

d. Lebanon

6. How high was the Assyrian Pharaoh’s cedar tree?

a. The same size as all other cedar trees in God’s Garden

b. The same size as all other cedar trees in the forest of Lebanon

c. The tallest tree that was higher than any other persons’ on earth

d. None of the above

7. Where did this Pharaoh once dwell?

a. Jordan

b. Iran

c. Syria

d. Lebanon

8. What were this Pharaoh’s branches like?

a. Reflected Jesus as the true branch

b. Beautiful

c. Broken

d. None of the above

9. What is the problem with a shadowing shroud with regards to the Lord’s light on Truth of God?

a. There is no problem. The shadowing shroud shields the followers from being burned from the light.

b. There is no problem. The shadowing shroud creates an environment of peace that gives followers opportunities to learn new things in the shade.

c. It is a huge problem. The shadowing shroud steps between the followers and the LORD God, creating darkness from the light.

d. It is a huge problem. All followers want to create their own shadowing shroud.

10. What is another potential problem of a shadowing shroud?

a. It could attempt to hide sinners’ actions from their LORD God

b. It could cause depression and anxiety in the shadow people

c. It could keep followers in a lowly state through oppression in the darkness

d. It could encourage followers that darkness is better

11. The definition of a shroud is a covering put over a dead body, or to hide something in secrecy. Which things are mentioned in Scripture that are hidden by this Pharaoh’s cedar tree?

a. Other cedar trees

b. All the nations of the world

c. Beasts of the field (carnal, worldly people)

d. All the above

12. What is the Hebrew definition of “the deep” that existed at the beginning of God’s Creation?

a. The depths

b. An area below the surface of bodies of water

c. A dark, inaccessible, inexhaustible, and mysterious place controlled only by objects with vast powers

d. All the above

13. Before the LORD God’s Creation began, what did He move upon?

a. Land

b. Water

c. The Deep

d. None of the above

14. What are some good adjectives that describe the darkness in “the Deep” according to Hebrew translation? (Mark all appropriate answers)

a. Darkness

b. Light

c. Grey

d. Lack of light

e. Terror

f. Love

g. Ignorance

h. Power

i. Sadness

j. Confusion

k. Righteousness

l. Evil

15. How did the LORD God create light?

a. He used darkness as an example for His creation

b. He divided light from dark

c. He folded darkness into outer space

d. All the above

16. What were some of the people and things in the Garden of Eden?

a. Trees

b. Large cedars

c. A really large cedar

d. Adam

e. Eve

f. Serpent

g. The Lord

h. The Tree of Life

i. Light

j. Water

k. All the above and more

17. How did the cedar tree of this Pharaoh compare to the other trees in God’s Garden?

a. It was the largest cedar tree

b. It was equal to the other cedar trees

c. It was the smallest of cedar trees

d. None of the above

18. What were the reasons why this cedar tree of the “Pharaoh” shadowed all other cedar trees in God’s Garden?

a. It rivaled the other trees

b. It was in a state in which something couldn’t be known and had a secret

c. Possibly, if the other cedar trees were not seen because of his shadow, then his reflection would be diminished, and his lack of shine not noticed

d. All the above

19. What are some other qualities we can discern from the cedar tree from this account?

a. The fir trees were not like his boughs (cedar boughs are better than fir boughs)

b. The chestnut trees were not like his branches (cedar branches are better than chestnut branches

c. No other tree in the Garden of God was like unto him in his beauty (cedar beauty exceeds beauty of all other trees in the Garden of Eden)

d. All the above

20. What did the normal cedar trees feel about the giant cedar tree in the Garden of God?

a. They were respectful

b. They were in awe

c. They were humbled

d. They were envious

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Have you figured out the actual spirit identity of the largest cedar tree in the Garden of God? This prophecy in Ezekiel will leave you no doubt by the end of the chapter! But are we really studying this with the intention of knowing who this Pharaoh’s inner being was! NOPE. Do we still want to know? YOU BET!

But remember why we are here, my wise students. We are studying this because the Word of God gives us all kinds of information on the Cedar Tree. Notice how we have classified it in “Typology known fully as God’s Truth.” There is so much information in this Ezekiel chapter 31 that we know things about cedar trees that we can’t figure out about other trees. It sure is good to know so much!

So, let’s get started.

Ezekiel 31:10–14 (KJV 1900)

10 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; 11 I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. 12 And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him. 13 Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches: 14 To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.

8. The LORD God was ready to punish this Pharaoh cedar tree, that was more beautiful, more powerful, and more everything than all the other trees in the Garden of God.

9. These are the judgments against this Pharaoh cedar tree:

a. He lifted up himself in height

b. And he shot up his top among the thick boughs

c. His heart was lifted up in his height

i. As mature students, believe this fully; if you are an important worker in the LORD God’s kingdom, and you offend God in these things, you are toast!

ii. If you are calling yourself an Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, or any other of those types of titles without earning them through study, prayer, and God’s ordination, get rid of the titles.

iii. Become accountable to your life. Use your real name, and stand-by all that you do in the Lord’s name based upon the Word of God. Don’t trick or manipulate! Bring the Truth of God always.

iv. Finally, most of my students look so good in their brilliant and colorful clothes, and when I see you, you look prosperous and well! But when I see twenty different changes of outfit, and no teachings of God on your Facebook pages, I wonder if you are lifting yourself up in height. In my opinion, these different fancy poses teach the young Christian with the hope of a prosperity gift from God, which is unbiblical.

v. Points i-v are my personal contemplations on what I am learning from this Scripture. There will be a question or two in the worksheet to contemplate these issues yourselves.

10. The LORD God’s punishment was exacting.

a. He delivered this Pharaoh into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen

b. He was driven out of the Garden of God for his wickedness

c. Strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him

d. Upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen

e. His boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land

f. All the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him

g. Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst

h. All the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches

Worksheet 1 for Ezekiel 31:10-14

11. As a result of this serious punishment:

a. All the trees by the waters do not exalt themselves for their height

b. All the trees do not shoot up their top among the thick boughs

c. All the trees do not stand up in their height as they drink water

d. All the trees are delivered unto death

e. All the trees are sent to the nether parts of the earth (grave and death)

f. All the trees in the midst of the children of men are sent to Hell

21. List the three specific unrighteous actions of the cedar tree that brought God’s judgment upon

him.

22. Look at your spiritual culture. What aspects are troubling, that might indicate that a  Christian leader spiritual claim might be higher than what is actually the case. (Contemplation)

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

Please remember that Ezekiel 31 is a prophecy. Some have already happened. Some will happen in a future time. Points 10 and 11 are difficult to understand as far as the prophecy is concerned. But, if you examine what God’s punishment is to the tallest cedar tree, and what happened to those that followed him, and analyze the parts of the tree that were used as punishment to the devil’s own, you will gain even deeper understanding.

We will not go deeper as a class today. The prophecy aspect will be saved for another time. But I am certain that you are now able to see some of the features of the cedar tree.

I am going to include the last part of Ezekiel 31:15-18. We will not study it in depth. But, it confirms your journey perfectly in identifying who was the tallest cedar tree in the Garden of Eden.

What a surprise! Lucifer rears his ugly spirit in the midst of a beautiful cedar tree, in the midst of the most beautiful Garden of God. And when he is cast out, he enters into Pharaohs, major leaders of the land, the Pharaohs of Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, etc. and controls the people in his shadow. The LORD God successfully eliminates those dangers and is watchful for the next to come.

Scripture is filled throughout with the cedar trees of the powerful trying to make themselves gods to the heathen. And because of this, we are blessed with understanding the cedar tree  spiritual life from the aspect of unrighteousness. Our next lesson we will examine the cedar tree from the aspect of righteousness. Looking forward to the journey!

Ezekiel 31:15–18 (KJV 1900)

15 Thus saith the Lord God; In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him. 16 I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth. 17 They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen. 18 To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord God.

Cedar Tree – Spiritual life defines politically, worldly, and socially powerful leaders with spiritual hints of (righteous or wicked) strength whose height is far beyond regular people. They are the political superstars with religious overtones throughout their persona. They can start their growth as righteous or secular; but eventually take on spiritual overtones and end up wicked. When one man assumes that great of power, then the spiritual side with the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ and their Holy Spirit is denied eventually. To gain such great power over people requires astute political manipulative control over their world with hints of divine empowerment; most often, that powerful of a man or woman leader realizes the need for appearances that “God is on their side,” whether it be for war or rule or privilege. So just as Lucifer dipped his roots into the biggest “flowing grace of God” river so do those that want to be ultimate ruler. It means nothing if their soul is measured. But it means everything to trick the masses and gain the power necessary to rule the world.

[1] This is NOT the familiar Pharaoh of Egypt which held God’s people that Moses visited with prophetic warnings and powers. All Kings were called Pharaoh in those days and the days prophesized to come. We will not spend study on who exactly this Pharaoh is right now. But we will be studying whose presence is connected to this Pharaoh.

[2] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

Posted on

TREES – I See Men as Trees Walking – CEDAR TREE (PART 2)

By Kathy L McFarland

7/31/2024

The Mysteries of Trees

Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

TY200 – INTERPRETATION CONFIDENCE CHART

  1. Typology known as fully God’s Truth concerning trees walking as recorded in Mark 8:22-26 (Those specifically, typologically identified in Scripture)
  1. Trees in Scripture identify the different Spiritual Lives that are lived on this Earth
  • Different parts of the trees walking with Christ are fully represented in Scripture as God’s Truth
  1. Tree – Spiritual Lives of forgiven followers walking with the Lord Jesus Christ and producing powerful fruits of His.
    1. Root – The foundation of a tree from firstfruit that is secured by a lump of clay that can grow and produce living works of fruit
    1. Leaves – The preparation that LORD God makes for the coming events of living works.
    1. Fruit – Living works of the LORD God, done through followers (Branch) of the Lord Jesus Christ (Vine) at the guidance of the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life of a walking tree.
    1. Seed – Word of God.
  • The fruit of righteousness is a Tree of Life.
  • Cedar Tree – Spiritual life defines politically, worldly, and socially powerful leaders with spiritual hints of (righteous or wicked) strength whose height is far beyond regular people. They are political superstars with religious overtones throughout their persona. They can start their growth as righteous or secular; but eventually take on spiritual overtones and end up wicked. When one man assumes that great of power, then the spiritual side with the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ and their Holy Spirit is denied eventually. To gain such great power over people requires astute political manipulative control over their world with hints of divine empowerment; most often, that powerful of a man or woman leader realizes the need for appearances that “God is on their side,” whether it be for war or rule or privilege. So just as Lucifer dipped his roots into the biggest “flowing grace of God” river so do those that want to be ultimate ruler. It means nothing if their soul is measured. But it means everything to trick the masses and gain the power necessary to rule the world.
  1.  Typology Known Confidently (Those represented in Scripture with enough frequency, sufficiency, and accuracy to reveal their typological meanings with full Truth of God unchallenged and supported by the Holy Spirit’s teachings)
  1. Almond Tree – The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves.
  • Algum/Almug Tree – The Spiritual Life works that honors the LORD God and guides Believers to come closer to Him toward the beauty of His Holiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Musical worship and high praise are often expressed through these types of Christian works.
  • Ash Tree – A Spiritual Life with a deceived heart, that stands among places of Christians and worships different false gods created by other human beings or self.
  1. Typology Known Probably (Knowledge of Scripture, God’s Way, Logic and common sense in the typological meaning can NOT be confirmed fully with the Word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit)
  1.  Bay Tree – Native spiritual life that develops naturally.
  1. Fake Bay Tree – Imitation spiritual life forced upon believers through powerful coercion, trickery, evil, or control.
  • Box Tree – Spiritual life that stands in the midst of dryness. The location the Box Tree stands is empty of both worldly people and the flowing grace of the LORD God. Here stands the lonely Christian as a beacon for the uncommon seeker of God. Eventually, the Box Tree is combined with the other beautiful spiritual life souls that serve in the world and in the dry places and perform ministry guided by the Holy Spirit and coming together in the Sanctuary of the Lord. A possible identity of a Box Tree is a missionary that serves in extreme conditions with few common people, the lack of Christian presence and the lack of the movements of God.
  1. Typology NOT Known (Can NOT make even simple assumptions of the typological meaning because there is NOT enough frequency, sufficiency, or accuracy recorded in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit is NOT teaching deeper meaning)

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

Did any of you grow angry over Lucifer planting his cedar tree right next to the great waters of the LORD God, and sucking that grace given for God’s people into his big tree to become bigger and better than all others? I think that sometimes the devil is just an afterthought. But this creep did everything possible to make himself more powerful than our Lord, to include drinking those waters in God’s Garden. It reminds me of the anger I felt when I realized that the LORD God allowed Lucifer to go to and from Heaven at will, and to trick those angels. What nerve Lucifer had! Thankfully I know the rest of the story, and our side wins! Thanks be to God!

I have never taught a cedar tree the things of God that I am aware. I have taught a few almost powerful Christians, such as high-ranking military officers and some politicians, the deeper things of God, but it seldom happens. None have reached the height of cedar tree.

Cedar tree spiritual life defines a politically and spiritually (righteous or wicked) strong person whose height is far beyond regular people. They are political superstars with religious overtones throughout their persona. They can start their growth as righteous; but usually, they end up wicked. When one man assumes that great of power, then the spiritual side with the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ and their Holy Spirit is denied eventually. To gain such great power over people requires astute political manipulative control over people; most often, that powerful of a man or woman realizes the need for “God to be on their side,” whether it be for war or rule. So just as Lucifer dipped his roots into the biggest “flowing grace of God” river so do those that want to be ultimate ruler. It means nothing if their soul is measured. But it means everything to trick the masses and gain the power necessary to rule the world.

This next part of our study of the cedar tree is going to be focused on the righteous spiritual life of true followers of Christ before and after it goes bad.

Numbers 24:6 (KJV 1900)

6 As the valleys are they spread forth,

As gardens by the river’s side,

As the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted,

And as cedar trees beside the waters.

1. Some cedar trees are planted by the LORD God beside His waters

2 Samuel 5:10–12 (KJV 1900)

10 And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. 11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house. 12 And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.

2. The cedar tree house built for David by Hiram, King of Tyre, gave him perception that the LORD God had established him king over Israel.

1 Kings 7:1–2 (KJV 1900)

But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house. 2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.

3. Solomon built his house out of cedar when he became King.

1 Kings 9:10–11 (KJV 1900)

10 And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the Lord, and the king’s house, 11 (Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

4. King Hiram of Tyre furnished Solomon with cedar trees, fir trees, and gold to build the House of the LORD God, and King Solomon’s house.

5. King Solomon felt it was such a rich gift, that he gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

Song of Solomon 5:15 (KJV 1900)

15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold:

His countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

6. Excellent countenance is associated with cedars.

7. The Hebrew to “excellent countenance” can mean appearing magnificent to those that look, or it can mean an imposing connection that is looked upon with awe and wonder, possibly through the supernatural revelation from God. A deeper word study would need to be conducted, with the examination of the Solomon use compared to other uses to maybe connect closer. We will see if our study identifies it any better without confusing word studies.[1]

Zechariah 11:1–3 (KJV 1900)

Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

2  Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled:

Howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled:

A voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.

8. Lebanon cedar trees are tyrants that are destroyed, which brings howling by the fir tree of Lebanon and oaks of Bashan and the young lions of Jordan.

9. The cedar trees of Lebanon are mighty. They are devoured by a fire after being destroyed (spoiled).

a. Fallen – 5877 נָפַל (nāꞏp̄ǎl): v.; ≡ Str 5307; TWOT 1392—1. LN 15.118–15.122 (qal) fall, i.e., have an object go from a higher position to a lower position, often with the implication of being out of control in relation to the situation[2]

b. Spoiled – 8720 שָׁדַ ד (šāꞏḏǎḏ): v.; ≡ Str 7703, 7736; TWOT 2331—LN 20.31–20.60 (qal) devastate, ruin, i.e., destroy an object or condition in any of various ways (Job 12:6; 15:21; Ps 17:9; 91:6; Pr 11:3; Isa 16:4; 21:2; 33:1ac; Jer 6:26; 12:12; 15:8; 25:36; 47:4; 48:8, 18, 32; 49:28; 51:48, 53, 55, 56; Eze 32:12; Hos 10:14b; Ob 5; Mic 2:4a+), note: in some contexts the destruction includes looting and plundering[3]

c. Howl – 3536 יָלַל (yāꞏlǎl): v.; ≡ Str 3213; TWOT 868—LN 25.135–25.145 (hif) wail, howl, i.e., make loud crying and shrill shouting noises of sorrow[4]

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Remember this important observation as you study: the LORD God appoints the powerful leaders of the world or allows them to achieve fame and power as His Will chooses. As you will learn in our study, He already knows the consequences of humans embracing the cedar tree in their spirituality.

Yet, to advance His plans, He chooses the best leadership each situation demands to have the outcome He wills. Yet most of the cedar trees embrace Lucifers power in the end. This is not the choice of God, but of the fallen man that has gotten greedy for power that the cedar tree can manipulate.

The LORD God destroys the cedar trees that are mighty and wicked in His time. The tyrants are under His watch, and they will be destroyed.

Ezekiel 17:22–24 (KJV 1900)

22 Thus saith the Lord God; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent: 23 In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell. 24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the Lord have spoken and have done it.

10. The LORD God can make a goodly cedar merely by taking the highest branch of the high cedar and set it, crop off the top of his young twigs a tender one, and plant it upon a high mountain and eminent.

a. (Highest) Branch (set) – 7550 צַמֶּרֶת (ṣǎmꞏměꞏrěṯ): n.fem.; ≡ Str 6788; TWOT 1931b— 1. LN 3.47–3.59 tree-top, i.e., the uppermost part of a tree (Eze 17:3; 31:3, 10, 14+); 2. LN 3.47–3.59 shoot, sprig, i.e., a small branch from the top of a tree (Eze 17:22+), note: used to start a new plant[5]

b. Set – 3851 I. יָתַ ן (yāꞏṯǎn): v.; ≡ Str 5414; TWOT 1443—1. LN 23.205 (qal) be durable, healthy, i.e., not be easily diseased or uprooted (Pr 1:12 cj+), note: for NIV text, see 5989; 2. LN 68.11–68.21 (qal) last a long time, i.e., continue to be in a certain state for a considerable duration (Isa 33:16 cj+), note: NIV parses as 5989[6]

c. Crop – 7786 קָטַף (qāꞏṭǎp̄): v.; ≡ Str 6998; TWOT 2010—1. LN 43 (qal) pluck, pick off, i.e., remove as harvest, the fruit part of a plant (Dt 23:26[EB 25]; Job 30:4+); (nif) picked (Job 8:12+); 2. LN 43 (qal) transplant, formally, break off, i.e., remove a sprig of a tree (as a propagation technique) and replant as a new plant (Eze 17:4, 22+)[7]

d. Tender – 3438 יוֹנֶקֶת (yôꞏněꞏqěṯ): n.fem.; ≡ Str 3127; TWOT 874b—LN 3.47–3.59 new plant shoot, i.e., a young shoot of vegetation (Job 8:16; 14:7; 15:30; Ps 80:12[EB 11]; Eze 17:22; Hos 14:7[EB 6]+)[8]

e. Plant – 9278 שָׁתַ ל (šāꞏṯǎl): v.; ≡ Str 8362; TWOT 2480—LN 43 (qal) plant, i.e., place seeds, slips, or root-stock in the ground for growing and cultivation (Eze 17:22, 23+)[9]

f. High – 1468 גָּבֵ הּ (gāꞏḇēah): adj.; ≡ Str 1362, 1364;— 2. LN 81.3–81.11 high, towered, i.e., pertaining to being in an elevated spatial position or dimension (Eze 31:3+), note: see also 1469[10]

g. Eminent – 9435 תָּלוּל (tāꞏlûl): adj.; ≡ Str 8524; TWOT 2513—LN 81.3–81.11 lofty, towering, high, i.e., pertaining to being relatively high or tall (Eze 17:22+), cf. also 9424[11]

11. The LORD God has control over all trees. He can bring down the high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish.[12]

Isaiah 41:17–20 (KJV 1900)

17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,

And their tongue faileth for thirst,

I the Lord will hear them,

I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

18 I will open rivers in high places,

And fountains in the midst of the valleys:

I will make the wilderness a pool of water,

And the dry land springs of water.

19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:

20 That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together,

That the hand of the Lord hath done this,

And the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

“Uneasy is the head that wears the crown” (Shakespeare, in Henry IV, Part 2, Act 3, scene 1, lines 26–31).

What can we do when we see a righteous cedar tree beginning the power journey, developing into a leader that knows the Lord? PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! for him. Pray for other strong spiritual trees to surround him and provide him with God’s teachings and counsel as he tries to navigate this wicked world. Call upon the shittah, myrtle, and oil trees to guide the cedar tree in the wilderness so he can see, know, consider, and understand together with them. That is the solution that the LORD God has made to grow a righteous cedar tree to prevent him falling to the depths of wickedness with Lucifer. This is the protection of God that the cedar tree must embrace to maintain holiness. Without a strong, spiritual counsel surrounding him, he is certain to become wicked because of his awesome power and spiritual knowledge.

Let us consider End Times drama for a bit. There is going to be conflict between many that appear to be cedar trees. They are going to be powerful and appear to be very holy and righteous. The worst players are going to look the most righteous. But we have learned that no cedar tree can be all-powerful and all-righteous; it is impossible. When the cedar trees reach the ultimate power, even those that started out with good intentions, they usually embrace wickeAdness in the end. But with

support, the cedar can be a righteous leader for the poor and needy.

So as the End Time timing unfolds, look at the powerful and high-reaching cedar trees from the wilderness. Do they have the shittah, myrtle, and oil trees surrounding them so they can see, know, consider, and understand? The LORD God has let us know how a cedar tree can maintain righteousness. As End Times approaches let us commit to identify the powerful, untruthful, unrighteous leaders, even if they appear on their own most holy, and take appropriate action to protect God’s people. Because if they are without strong Christian support by strong Christian leaders, they are tricking those that don’t know.

Worksheet

1. What are the characteristics of a righteous cedar tree?

2. What are the characteristics of a wicked cedar tree?

3. What happens to make a wicked cedar tree against God?

4. What type of trees in the wilderness does the cedar tree need to support his righteousness?

5. What can a cedar tree realize if he has the correct support?

Remember to come back to this teaching when you learn the characteristics of the other trees associated with the cedar tree!

[1] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Hebrew (Old Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 5260, 5261

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Each of these verbs and adjectives have very specific meanings when you evaluate the words associated with trees and other deep things in God’s Word. We will examine them at another time.

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I See Men as Trees Walking – Cedar Tree 1 (16)

TREES - I See Men as Trees Walking - Cedar Tree 1 (16)

Mark 8:22-26

(TY200 – Lesson 16)

By Kathy L McFarland

7/25/2024

The Mysteries of Trees

Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

TY200 – INTERPRETATION CONFIDENCE CHART

  1. Typology known as fully God’s Truth concerning trees walking as recorded in Mark 8:22-26 (Those specifically, typologically identified in Scripture)
  1. Trees in Scripture identify the different Spiritual Lives that are lived on this Earth
  • Different parts of the trees walking with Christ are fully represented in Scripture as God’s Truth
  1. Tree – Spiritual Lives of forgiven followers walking with the Lord Jesus Christ and producing powerful fruits of His.
    1. Root – The foundation of a tree from firstfruit that is secured by a lump of clay that can grow and produce living works of fruit
    1. Leaves – The preparation that LORD God makes for the coming events of living works.
    1. Fruit – Living works of the LORD God, done through followers (Branch) of the Lord Jesus Christ (Vine) at the guidance of the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life of a walking tree.
    1. Seed – Word of God.
  • The fruit of righteousness is a Tree of Life.
  • Cedar Tree – Spiritual life defines politically, worldly, and socially powerful leaders with spiritual hints of (righteous or wicked) strength whose height is far beyond regular people. They are the political superstars with religious overtones throughout their persona. They can start their growth as righteous or secular; but eventually take on spiritual overtones and end up wicked. When one man assumes that great of power, then the spiritual side with the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ and their Holy Spirit is denied eventually. To gain such great power over people requires astute political manipulative control over their world with hints of divine empowerment; most often, that powerful of a man or woman leader realizes the need for appearances that “God is on their side,” whether it be for war or rule or privilege. So just as Lucifer dipped his roots into the biggest “flowing grace of God” river so do those that want to be ultimate ruler. It means nothing if their soul is measured. But it means everything to trick the masses and gain the power necessary to rule the world.
  • a. Righteous Cedar Tree – The Spiritual Life that is beautiful, politically, and socially powerful, more spiritual growth than all the other trees, many protected followers. Can be goodly and righteous; but risks becoming a tyrant with a very thin line dividing righteousness from wickedness. They must have the shittah, myrtle, and oil trees surrounding them so they can see, know, consider, and understand, to maintain their righteous state.
  • b. Unrighteous Cedar Tree – The Spiritual Life of a tyrant. He lifts himself in height, he shoots up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart lifts in his height. He is all-powerful but wicked, with no Christian support surrounding him.
  1.  Typology Known Confidently (Those represented in Scripture with enough frequency, sufficiency, and accuracy to reveal their typological meanings with full Truth of God unchallenged and supported by the Holy Spirit’s teachings)
  1. Almond Tree – The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves.
  • Algum/Almug Tree – The Spiritual Life works that honors the LORD God and guides Believers to come closer to Him toward the beauty of His Holiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Musical worship and high praise are often expressed through these types of Christian works.
  • Apple Tree – A Spiritual Life that can comfort those that love God, regardless of their status of sin. These Spiritual works provide protection, sweetness of life; the Christians doing these works are often beloved amongst the worldly receivers. (Believers from the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Lutheran, Baptist, and Methodist Social Services, and other Missionary and denominational efforts to house the homeless, feed the hungry, and provide comfort in despair are excellent examples of this type of spiritual lives lived in duty toward their works for God.)
  • Ash Tree – A Spiritual Life with a deceived heart, that stands among places of Christians and worships different false gods created by other human beings or self.
  1. Typology Known Probably (Knowledge of Scripture, God’s Way, Logic and common sense in the typological meaning can NOT be confirmed fully with the Word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit)
  1.  Bay Tree – Native spiritual life that develops naturally.
  1. Fake Bay Tree – Imitation spiritual life forced upon believers through powerful coercion, trickery, evil, or control.
  • Box Tree – Spiritual life that stands in the midst of dryness. The location the Box Tree stands is empty of both worldly people and the flowing grace of the LORD God. Here stands the lonely Christian as a beacon for the uncommon seeker of God. Eventually, the Box Tree is combined with the other beautiful spiritual life souls that serve in the world and in the dry places and perform ministry guided by the Holy Spirit and coming together in the Sanctuary of the Lord. A possible identity of a Box Tree is a missionary that serves in extreme conditions with few common people, the lack of Christian presence and the lack of the movements of God.
  1. Typology NOT Known (Can NOT make even simple assumptions of the typological meaning because there is NOT enough frequency, sufficiency, or accuracy recorded in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit is NOT teaching deeper meaning)

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

We are going to start our study of the cedar tree with the most unrighteous cedar tree that ever was.

We can learn the greatest characteristics of a spiritual life represented by the cedar tree, and how that spiritual life can go so wrong when darkness and evil enter it. Because Ezekiel 31 is so vividly descriptive of the cedar tree gone bad, we get a rare insight into the typology of the cedar tree and can define it from just this chapter. Please keep your focus upon the characteristics of the tree.

Ezekiel 31:1–9 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness? 3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. 4 The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field. 5 Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth. 6 All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations. 7 Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. 8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. 9 I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him.

1. The Word of God came to Ezekiel and instructed him to speak to the Pharaoh king of Egypt,[1]and to his people.

2. The LORD God wanted the Pharaoh to look upon His greatness and know that He had a high stature that was more than any other person on earth.

3. The Pharaoh was an Assyrian from Iraq but once dwelled in Lebanon.

4. The tallest and best cedars (excluding those in God’s Garden of Eden) were in the territory of Lebanon and are referenced numerous times in Scripture.

5. The spiritual identity of the Pharaoh had:

a. Beautiful branches

b. Shadowing shroud – 7511 III. צָלַ ל (ṣāꞏlǎl): v.; ≡ Str 6751; TWOT 1921—1. LN 14.53–14.62 (qal pf.) grow darker, i.e., have an increasing condition of darkness (Ne 13:19+); 2. LN 14.53–14.62 (hif ptcp.) give shade, i.e., cause a shadow by interposing something between an object and a light source (Eze 31:3+)[2]

c. High stature (high up in height)

d. Top was above thick boughs

6. The waters, spoken of during Creation, called the “deep” set him up on high. The actual Assyrian Pharaoh was not revealed to be alive during the time of creation. Thus, his spirit must be identified as another.

a. The “deep” in Eziekiel – 9333 תְּהוֹם (tehôm): n.fem. and masc.; ≡ Str 8415; TWOT 2495a— 1. LN 1.17–1.25 the deep, the depths, i.e., an area below the surface of bodies of water, a dark, inaccessible, inexhaustible, and mysterious place controlled only by objects with vast powers (Ge 1:2; 7:11; 8:2; 49:25; Ex 15:5, 8; Dt 33:13; Job 28:14; 38:16, 30;  41:24[EB 32]; Ps 33:7; 36:7[EB 6]; 42:8[EB 7]; 77:17[EB 16]; 78:15; 104:6; 106:9; 107:26; 135:6; 148:7; Pr 3:20; 8:24, 27, 28; Isa 51:10; 63:13; Eze 26:19; Am 7:4; Jnh 2:6[EB 5];  Hab 3:10+), see also domain LN 81.3–81.11; 2. LN 1.69–1.78 deep springs, i.e., a body  of water which comes out of the earth (Dt 8:7; Eze 31:4, 15+); 3. LN 1.17–1.25 unit: תְּהוֹם  הַ־ אֶרֶ ץ (tehôm hǎ– ʾěꞏrěṣ) Sheol, formally, depths of the earth, i.e., the place where the  dead reside (Ps 71:20+)[3]

b. The “deep” in Genesis:

Genesis 1:1–2 (KJV 1900)

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

i. Darkness – 3125 􀋂 חֹשֶׁ (ḥōꞏšěḵ): n.masc.; ≡ Str 2822; TWOT 769a—1. LN 14.53– 14.62 darkness, the dark, i.e., the lack of light in a space (Ge 1:4; Ex 10:21); Note: there are many associative meanings to “darkness,” including terror, ignorance, sadness, confusion, evil [4]

ii. Genesis 1:3–5 (KJV 1900)

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

c. Big Rivers ran around the greatest cedar’s plants

i. His height was exalted above all the trees of the field

ii. His boughs were multiplied

iii. His branches became long

iv. He shot forth

d. Little rivers ran around the trees of the fields (fields = world)

e. The greatest cedars height grew above the trees of the fields because it received more water from the big river

i. All the fowls of Heaven (angels) made their nests in His boughs

ii. Under his branches did all the beasts of the field (carnal people) bring forth their young

iii. Under his shadow dwelt all great nations (he is politically strong)

f. He was beautiful in his greatness

i. Because of the length of his branches

ii. Because his root was by great waters

g. The cedars in the Garden of the LORD God could not hide him

i. Thus, we can reason that the LORD God planted cedars in the Garden of Eden

ii. We can reason that this gigantic, beautiful cedar tree was larger than the largest cedars planted in the Garden of Eden

iii. We can reason that this tree stood shadowed all other cedar trees

1. Hidden – 6669 I. עָמַ ם (ʿāꞏmǎm): v.; ≡ Str 6004; TWOT 1641—LN 64 (qal) be rival to, be equal to, i.e., be in a comparable state of something, and so be like something or someone else (Eze 28:3; 31:8+), note: for another interp in 28:3, see 6670[5]

2. Hidden – 6670 II. עָמַ ם (ʿāꞏmǎm): v.; ≡ Str 6004; TWOT 1641—1. LN  28.68–28.83 (qal pf.) be hidden, i.e., be in a state in which something  cannot be known and so be secret (Eze 28:3+), note: for another interp, see 6669; 2. LN 14.36–14.52 (hof impf.) lose luster, be dimmed, i.e., pertaining to a state which has a diminished reflective  shine (La 4:1+)[6]

iv. The fir trees were not like his boughs (cedar boughs better than fir boughs)

v. The chestnut trees were not like his branches (cedar branches better than chestnut branches)

vi. Nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. (cedar beauty exceeds beauty of all other trees in the Garden of Eden)

7. The LORD God made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him.

Teachings of Kathy L. McFarland

This first part of Ezekiel leaves us no doubt that it is not the Pharaoh alone that the LORD God is speaking. Just as John the Baptist was Elijah (Matthew 11:7-15), so is the Pharaoh with the help of a spirit of another. We will discover who that is, though I am certain most of you have already potentially figured it out. Let us do a bit of workbook review, then we will get serious about the largest cedar tree’s inward identity.

Worksheet 1 for Ezekiel 31:1-9

1. Who was the prophet chosen by the LORD God to speak to this Pharaoh and his people?

a. Isaiah

b. Elijah

c. Ezekiel

d. Jeremiah

2. What was the authority of this Pharaoh?

a. Ruler of Egypt

b. Ruler of Israel

c. Ruler of Syria

d. Ruler of Eden

3. What was this Pharaoh’s race?

a. Iranian

b. Israeli

c. Lebanese

d. Assyrian

4. Why did the LORD God want the Pharaoh to look upon his greatness?

a. He wanted the Pharaoh to remove self-focus

b. He wanted the Pharaoh to see how high his stature had grown

c. He wanted the Pharaoh to humble himself

d. He wanted the Pharaoh to become more like God

5. Where was the Assyrian Pharaoh from?

a. Iraq

b. Iran

c. Syria

d. Lebanon

6. How high was the Assyrian Pharaoh’s cedar tree?

a. The same size as all other cedar trees in God’s Garden

b. The same size as all other cedar trees in the forest of Lebanon

c. The tallest tree that was higher than any other persons’ on earth

d. None of the above

7. Where did this Pharaoh once dwell?

a. Jordan

b. Iran

c. Syria

d. Lebanon

8. What were this Pharaoh’s branches like?

a. Reflected Jesus as the true branch

b. Beautiful

c. Broken

d. None of the above

9. What is the problem with a shadowing shroud with regards to the Lord’s light on Truth of God?

a. There is no problem. The shadowing shroud shields the followers from being burned from the light.

b. There is no problem. The shadowing shroud creates an environment of peace that gives followers opportunities to learn new things in the shade.

c. It is a huge problem. The shadowing shroud steps between the followers and the LORD God, creating darkness from the light.

d. It is a huge problem. All followers want to create their own shadowing shroud.

10. What is another potential problem of a shadowing shroud?

a. It could attempt to hide sinners’ actions from their LORD God

b. It could cause depression and anxiety in the shadow people

c. It could keep followers in a lowly state through oppression in the darkness

d. It could encourage followers that darkness is better

11. The definition of a shroud is a covering put over a dead body, or to hide something in secrecy. Which things are mentioned in Scripture that are hidden by this Pharaoh’s cedar tree?

a. Other cedar trees

b. All the nations of the world

c. Beasts of the field (carnal, worldly people)

d. All the above

12. What is the Hebrew definition of “the deep” that existed at the beginning of God’s Creation?

a. The depths

b. An area below the surface of bodies of water

c. A dark, inaccessible, inexhaustible, and mysterious place controlled only by objects with vast powers

d. All the above

13. Before the LORD God’s Creation began, what did He move upon?

a. Land

b. Water

c. The Deep

d. None of the above

14. What are some good adjectives that describe the darkness in “the Deep” according to Hebrew translation? (Mark all appropriate answers)

a. Darkness

b. Light

c. Grey

d. Lack of light

e. Terror

f. Love

g. Ignorance

h. Power

i. Sadness

j. Confusion

k. Righteousness

l. Evil

15. How did the LORD God create light?

a. He used darkness as an example for His creation

b. He divided light from dark

c. He folded darkness into outer space

d. All the above

16. What were some of the people and things in the Garden of Eden?

a. Trees

b. Large cedars

c. A really large cedar

d. Adam

e. Eve

f. Serpent

g. The Lord

h. The Tree of Life

i. Light

j. Water

k. All the above and more

17. How did the cedar tree of this Pharaoh compare to the other trees in God’s Garden?

a. It was the largest cedar tree

b. It was equal to the other cedar trees

c. It was the smallest of cedar trees

d. None of the above

18. What were the reasons why this cedar tree of the “Pharaoh” shadowed all other cedar trees in God’s Garden?

a. It rivaled the other trees

b. It was in a state in which something couldn’t be known and had a secret

c. Possibly, if the other cedar trees were not seen because of his shadow, then his reflection would be diminished, and his lack of shine not noticed

d. All the above

19. What are some other qualities we can discern from the cedar tree from this account?

a. The fir trees were not like his boughs (cedar boughs are better than fir boughs)

b. The chestnut trees were not like his branches (cedar branches are better than chestnut branches

c. No other tree in the Garden of God was like unto him in his beauty (cedar beauty exceeds beauty of all other trees in the Garden of Eden)

d. All the above

20. What did the normal cedar trees feel about the giant cedar tree in the Garden of God?

a. They were respectful

b. They were in awe

c. They were humbled

d. They were envious

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Have you figured out the actual spirit identity of the largest cedar tree in the Garden of God? This prophecy in Ezekiel will leave you no doubt by the end of the chapter! But are we really studying this with the intention of knowing who this Pharaoh’s inner being was! NOPE. Do we still want to know? YOU BET!

But remember why we are here, my wise students. We are studying this because the Word of God gives us all kinds of information on the Cedar Tree. Notice how we have classified it in “Typology known fully as God’s Truth.” There is so much information in this Ezekiel chapter 31 that we know things about cedar trees that we can’t figure out about other trees. It sure is good to know so much!

So, let’s get started.

Ezekiel 31:10–14 (KJV 1900)

10 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; 11 I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. 12 And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him. 13 Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches: 14 To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.

8. The LORD God was ready to punish this Pharaoh cedar tree, that was more beautiful, more powerful, and more everything than all the other trees in the Garden of God.

9. These are the judgments against this Pharaoh cedar tree:

a. He lifted up himself in height

b. And he shot up his top among the thick boughs

c. His heart was lifted up in his height

i. As mature students, believe this fully; if you are an important worker in the LORD God’s kingdom, and you offend God in these things, you are toast!

ii. If you are calling yourself an Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, or any other of those types of titles without earning them through study, prayer, and God’s ordination, get rid of the titles.

iii. Become accountable to your life. Use your real name, and stand-by all that you do in the Lord’s name based upon the Word of God. Don’t trick or manipulate! Bring the Truth of God always.

iv. Finally, most of my students look so good in their brilliant and colorful clothes, and when I see you, you look prosperous and well! But when I see twenty different changes of outfit, and no teachings of God on your Facebook pages, I wonder if you are lifting yourself up in height. In my opinion, these different fancy poses teach the young Christian with the hope of a prosperity gift from God, which is unbiblical.

v. Points i-v are my personal contemplations on what I am learning from this Scripture. There will be a question or two in the worksheet to contemplate these issues yourselves.

10. The LORD God’s punishment was exacting.

a. He delivered this Pharaoh into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen

b. He was driven out of the Garden of God for his wickedness

c. Strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him

d. Upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen

e. His boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land

f. All the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him

g. Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst

h. All the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches

Worksheet 1 for Ezekiel 31:10-14

11. As a result of this serious punishment:

a. All the trees by the waters do not exalt themselves for their height

b. All the trees do not shoot up their top among the thick boughs

c. All the trees do not stand up in their height as they drink water

d. All the trees are delivered unto death

e. All the trees are sent to the nether parts of the earth (grave and death)

f. All the trees in the midst of the children of men are sent to Hell

21. List the three specific unrighteous actions of the cedar tree that brought God’s judgment upon

him.

22. Look at your spiritual culture. What aspects are troubling, that might indicate that a  Christian leader spiritual claim might be higher than what is actually the case. (Contemplation)

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

Please remember that Ezekiel 31 is a prophecy. Some have already happened. Some will happen in a future time. Points 10 and 11 are difficult to understand as far as the prophecy is concerned. But, if you examine what God’s punishment is to the tallest cedar tree, and what happened to those that followed him, and analyze the parts of the tree that were used as punishment to the devil’s own, you will gain even deeper understanding.

We will not go deeper as a class today. The prophecy aspect will be saved for another time. But I am certain that you are now able to see some of the features of the cedar tree.

I am going to include the last part of Ezekiel 31:15-18. We will not study it in depth. But, it confirms your journey perfectly in identifying who was the tallest cedar tree in the Garden of Eden.

What a surprise! Lucifer rears his ugly spirit in the midst of a beautiful cedar tree, in the midst of the most beautiful Garden of God. And when he is cast out, he enters into Pharaohs, major leaders of the land, the Pharaohs of Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, etc. and controls the people in his shadow. The LORD God successfully eliminates those dangers and is watchful for the next to come.

Scripture is filled throughout with the cedar trees of the powerful trying to make themselves gods to the heathen. And because of this, we are blessed with understanding the cedar tree  spiritual life from the aspect of unrighteousness. Our next lesson we will examine the cedar tree from the aspect of righteousness. Looking forward to the journey!

Ezekiel 31:15–18 (KJV 1900)

15 Thus saith the Lord God; In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him. 16 I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth. 17 They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen. 18 To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord God.

Cedar Tree – Spiritual life defines politically, worldly, and socially powerful leaders with spiritual hints of (righteous or wicked) strength whose height is far beyond regular people. They are the political superstars with religious overtones throughout their persona. They can start their growth as righteous or secular; but eventually take on spiritual overtones and end up wicked. When one man assumes that great of power, then the spiritual side with the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ and their Holy Spirit is denied eventually. To gain such great power over people requires astute political manipulative control over their world with hints of divine empowerment; most often, that powerful of a man or woman leader realizes the need for appearances that “God is on their side,” whether it be for war or rule or privilege. So just as Lucifer dipped his roots into the biggest “flowing grace of God” river so do those that want to be ultimate ruler. It means nothing if their soul is measured. But it means everything to trick the masses and gain the power necessary to rule the world.

[1] This is NOT the familiar Pharaoh of Egypt which held God’s people that Moses visited with prophetic warnings and powers. All Kings were called Pharaoh in those days and the days prophesized to come. We will not spend study on who exactly this Pharaoh is right now. But we will be studying whose presence is connected to this Pharaoh.

[2] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

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TREES – I See Men as Trees Walking – APPLE TREE (12)

The Typology of Trees - Apple Tree

#12 – I See Men as Trees Walking – Apple Tree

Mark 8:22-26

(TY200 – Lesson 12)

By Kathy L McFarland

7/7/2024

The Mysteries of Trees – Algum/Almug Tree

Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

TY200 – INTERPRETATION CONFIDENCE CHART

  1. Typology known as fully God’s Truth concerning trees walking as recorded in Mark 8:22-26 (Those specifically, typologically identified in Scripture)
  1. Trees in Scripture identify the different Spiritual Lives that are lived on this Earth
  • Different parts of the trees walking with Christ are fully represented in Scripture as God’s Truth
  1. Tree – Spiritual Lives of forgiven followers walking with the Lord Jesus Christ and producing powerful fruits of His.
    1. Root – The foundation of a tree from firstfruit that is secured by a lump of clay that can grow and produce living works of fruit
    1. Leaves – The preparation that LORD God makes for the coming events of living works.
    1. Fruit – Living works of the LORD God, done through followers (Branch) of the Lord Jesus Christ (Vine) at the guidance of the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life of a walking tree.
    1. Seed – Word of God.
  • The fruit of righteousness is a Tree of Life.
  1.  Typology Known Confidently (Those represented in Scripture with enough frequency, sufficiency, and accuracy to reveal their typological meanings with full Truth of God unchallenged and supported by the Holy Spirit’s teachings)
  1. Almond Tree – The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves.
  • Algum/Almug Tree – The Spiritual Life works that honors the LORD God and guides Believers to come closer to Him toward the beauty of His Holiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Musical worship and high praise are often expressed through these types of Christian works.
  1. Typology Known Probably (Knowledge of Scripture, God’s Way, Logic and common sense in the typological meaning can NOT be confirmed fully with the Word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit)
  1. Typology NOT Known (Can NOT make even simple assumptions of the typological meaning because there is NOT enough frequency, sufficiency, or accuracy recorded in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit is NOT teaching deeper meaning)

Apple Tree  – 9515 I. תַּפּוּחַ (tǎp·pûaḥ): n.[masc.]; ≡ Str 8598; TWOT 1390c—1. LN 3.2–3.12 apple tree, i.e., a tree with fragrant blossoms, good shade, and sweet, delicious fruit, Malus pumila or Pyrus malus, i.e., the red or dwarfed apple (SS 2:3; 8:5; Joel 1:12+), note: other sources argue for other identifications; 2. LN 3.33–3.46 apple, i.e., the fruit of the apple tree (Pr 25:11; SS 2:5; 7:9[EB 8]+); also, a part of a compound name, Beth Tappuah, see 1130; En Tappuah, see 6540[1]

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Since we are all mature Christians here, let us touch briefly on the canonical book of Song of Solomon. Oh my! Highly sexualized, difficult Hebrew words, and a general difference from other canonical books in Scripture pretty well guarantees that we are not going to understand it completely. Scholars of both Judaism and Christianity, in all denominations, struggle often to understand and usually fail to conclude accurate interpretations.

We are going to get it all right, because we are just going to take a snippet and look at the words that were chosen by Solomon. This Song that Solomon wrote speaks of lovers. The loving, infatuated, beautiful lady sings of the beautiful, glorious man amongst many men that have grabbed her eye. The four lines of this Song that Solomon wrote chose very specific words to portray the great connected relationship that the girl experienced with the man.

Why did Solomon choose these specific words? Because he was the wisest man among creation, and he thought on a very high level. He definitely knew that the apple tree was the best among the trees of “the wood” as he sang his song of love.  He imagined the maiden experiencing the love of the man as they met together with wise words that show that Solomon understood what he was singing.

Solomon loved women and had many wives to prove it. He loved his sons; cherished them with great affection if the wisdom of the Song is analyzed. He understood LOVE! The LORD God moved through Him, using the wisdom given to him at his request, and wrote this canonical work for us.

Let us enjoy a portion of that which God gave us to understand the poetic lines that show great use of symbolism that can be applied to understand the apple tree and the apple better.

Song of Solomon 2:3 (KJV 1900)

3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood,

So is my beloved among the sons.

I sat down under his shadow with great delight,

And his fruit was sweet to my taste.

WORKSHEET #1

1. What do the blossoms on the apple tree smell like?

a. Fragrant

b. Prickly

c. Sweet

d. None of the above

2. What type of shadow does the apple tree cast?

a. Small shadow

b. No shadow

c. Good shadow

d. Bad shadow

3. What type of fruit does the apple tree produce?

a. Sweet and delicious

b. Sour and good

c. Bitter and puckery

d. Rich and pleasant

4. What status does the apple tree hold amongst the trees of the wood to the woman?

a. Team player

b. Popular and pretty

c. Beloved

d. None of the above

5. Who did the woman compare the apple tree?

a. Solomon’s Kingdom

b. Jesus Christ

c. Wisdom

d. Best among sons

6. What quality of Solomon assures us that his classification of the apple tree is probably representative?

a. His many wives

b. The size of His Kingdom

c. His relationship with David

d. His wisdom above all others given to him by the LORD God

7. What brings the woman great delight with the apple tree?

a. Sitting in its shadow

b. Watching it grow

c. Pruning its growth

d. None of the above

8. What did the woman do in her beloved’s shadow?

a. Eat the fruit

b. Make love

c. Sit

d. Praise God

9. How does the maiden describe the fruit of the apple tree?

a. Tasty

b. Sweet to the taste

c. Bitter

d. Sour

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

Now wasn’t that easy! Make sure you brag to your Pastor that you analyzed a bit of Song of Solomon, and you did a very good job with the Holy Spirit’s help! I always like to challenge the Pastors! You did so well on the Song of Solomon, I think we can do more! Are you ready?

Song of Solomon 2:5 (KJV 1900)

5 Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples:

For I am sick of love.

Flagons –  862 אֲשִׁישָׁה (ʾǎšî·šā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 809; TWOT 185a—1. LN 5.1–5.22 cake of raisins, i.e., a brick of dried, compressed grapes, as an energizing and valued food (2Sa 6:19; 1Ch 16:3; SS 2:5+); 2. LN 5.1–5.22 sacred raisin cakes, i.e., a food offering to pagan gods (Hos 3:1+)[2][3]

Love  – 173 I. אַהֲבָה (ʾǎ·hǎḇā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 160; TWOT 29c—LN 25.33–25.58 love, i.e., a state or condition of strong affection for another based on relationship (Ge 29:20; 1Sa 20:17; 2Sa 1:26; 13:15; 1Ki 10:9; 11:2; Ps 109:4, 5; Pr 5:19; 10:12; 15:17; 17:9; 27:5; Ecc 9:1, 6; SS 2:4, 5, 7; 3:5, 10; 5:8; 7:7[EB 6]; 8:4, 6, 7; Isa 63:9; Jer 2:2, 33; 31:3; Hos 11:4; Zep 3:17+), note: this relationship can be familial, as a friend, properly romantic, or based in covenant; see also domain LN 34.1–34.21; note: this form may also be the inf. form of 170, for another interp in Hos 11:4; SS 3:10+, see 174[4]

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

What is the condition to be sick of love? I suspect all of you mature Christians know exactly what this illness feels like. Possibly you fell in love with your first as a young person; I think sometimes that is the most intense experience of love sickness there can be. There are the failed relationships, when sadly, after the partner has left, the one left behind suffers greatly as the love sickness continues to burn inside.

Then there are the deaths of spouses, children, parents and siblings. Those loved by their family members in their lifetime experience a great loss during the transition of passing over or dying. The love illness strikes deep, and for months and sometimes years afterwards, the entire life of the mourner is changed through the pangs of love sickness.

Eventually, when you start looking at Songs of Solomon deeply, you will naturally try to progress the interpretation to our Lord Jesus Christ. Ultimately, He is our first most important love! Amen? As we mature in our Christian faith, we become more lovesick for His presence.

We feel less and less a part of this world. We watch the filthy and sinful activities surround us on all sides, and desire with all that we are to have the righteous Lord come down one last time and raise us all to His place. We are tired, discouraged, persecuted, oppressed, which often leads to declining hope (never lost faith). Our love pangs seem sometimes unendurable when we cry out to the Lord to see our tremendous difficulties in this life. The hurts of love for Him are severe sometimes; the mere separation from Him causes our souls to cry out “how much longer must we endure?!? Come Lord Jesus, quickly!

In the Song of Solomon, verse 2:5, the woman speaks of the loss of energy and the loss of comfort. The loss of energy she hopes to supplement with the flagons, food made from raisins into a cake can restore her energy. But it is the apple that can comfort her love sickness. That is an important fact for us to remember as we continue our study of the apple tree!

Worksheet #2

10. What are flagons?

a. Cakes of raisins

b. Cakes of grapes

c. Vessel containing wine

d. None of the above

11. What does the woman in Solomon’s Song seek for comfort?

a. Apple

b. Apple Tree

c. Apple Pie

d. Anything apple

12. What do apples provide to us according to Scripture?

a. Comfort

b. Comfort

c. Comfort

d. 100% Comfort

Deuteronomy 32:9–10 (KJV 1900)

9  For the Lord’s portion is his people;

Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

10  He found him in a desert land,

And in the waste howling wilderness;

He led him about, he instructed him,

He kept him as the apple of his eye.

Psalm 17:8–9 (KJV 1900)

8 Keep me as the apple of the eye,

Hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

9 From the wicked that oppress me,

From my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

Proverbs 7 (KJV 1900)

7 My son, keep my words,

And lay up my commandments with thee.

2  Keep my commandments, and live;

And my law as the apple of thine eye.

Zechariah 2:8 (KJV 1900)

8  For thus saith the Lord of hosts;

After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you:

For he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

13. Who are the apples of God’s eye?

a. Jacob

b. David

c. Solomon’s Son

d. Israel

e. A, b

f. A, b, c

g. A,b,d

h. None of the above

14. Who were the apple(s) of Solomon’s eye?

a. Jacob

b. David

c. Solomon’s Son

d. Israel

e. A, b

f. A, b, c

g. A,b,d

h. None of the above

Eye – 6412 עוֹנהָ) ʿôꞏnā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 5869; TWOT 1612a, 1613—LN 88.289–88.318 sin, iniquity, i.e., an act. or state contrary to the will of God[5]

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

Uh-oh. Now we have a really difficult, really deep part. The meaning of the Hebrew Word in the instance when it speaks of being the apple of God’s eye, it is speaking about sin, iniquity, an action, or state contrary to the will of God.

Jacob, David, and Israel are all part of the apples of God’s eyes. Yet, as we know, all of them followed the law in the early Covenants with the LORD God. They were not forgiven, redeemed, or born again through their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. They came before that glorious covenant of our Lord was given.

Jacob, David, and Israel were all declared as apples of God’s eye. Therefore, be very cautious in how you speak and act toward the things of Jacob, David, and Israel. Especially Israel.

Though they are outside of the LORD God’s grace, they remain an apple of His eye. As for me, and those I love, we stand with Israel in their right to exist. The attempted obedience that spiritual Israelites have for their LORD God have kept that apple in His eye, regardless of their sinful iniquities and doing things contrary to the will of God.

I am not making a political statement that is turning my back on the injustices of an oppressed Palestine. I am making a spiritual statement about how we must always support those that God loves dearly, and spiritual Israelites are those people, regardless of what they do wrong in God’s eyes.

Comfort. When you are part of the apple of God’s eye, you receive great comfort. When a person is in the spiritual life of an Apple Tree, they give comfort to others, regardless of being far away from God.

Apple Tree – A Spiritual Life that can comfort those that love God, regardless of their status of sin. These Spiritual works provide protection, sweetness of life; the Christians doing these works are often beloved amongst the worldly receivers. (Believers from the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Lutheran, Baptist, and Methodist Social Services, and other Missionary and denominational efforts to house the homeless, feed the hungry, and provide comfort in despair are excellent examples of this type of spiritual lives lived in duty toward their works for God.)

[1] Swanson, James. 1997. In Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament), electronic ed. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[2] Ibid.

[3] It is interesting to note that a flagon is also known as a container that holds wine.  Raisins are dried grapes, and the Hebrew word has interesting connections.   Likely a very profitable typological connection for study another day.

[4] Ibid. 

[5] Ibid.

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TREES – I See Men as Trees Walking – ALGUM/ALMUG TREE (11)

By Kathy L McFarland

(TY200 – Lesson 11)

7/3/2024

The Mysteries of Trees – Algum/Almug Tree

Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

TY200 – INTERPRETATION CONFIDENCE CHART

  1. Typology known as fully God’s Truth concerning trees walking as recorded in Mark 8:22-26 (Those specifically, typologically identified in Scripture)
  1. Trees in Scripture identify the different Spiritual Lives that are lived on this Earth
  • Different parts of the trees walking with Christ are fully represented in Scripture as God’s Truth
    • Tree – Spiritual Lives of forgiven followers walking with the Lord Jesus Christ and producing powerful fruits of His.
    • Root – The foundation of a tree from firstfruit that is secured by a lump of clay that can grow and produce living works of fruit
    • Leaves – The preparation that LORD God makes for the coming events of living works.
    • Fruit – Living works of the LORD God, done through followers (Branch) of the Lord Jesus Christ (Vine) at the guidance of the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life of a walking tree.
    • Seed – Word of God.
  • The fruit of righteousness is a Tree of Life.
  1.  Typology Known Confidently (Those represented in Scripture with enough frequency, sufficiency, and accuracy to reveal their typological meanings with full Truth of God unchallenged and supported by the Holy Spirit’s teachings)
  1. Almond Tree – The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves.
  • Algum/Almug Tree – The Spiritual Life works that honors the LORD God and guides Believers to come closer to Him toward the beauty of His Holiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Musical worship and high praise are often expressed through these types of Christian works.
  1. Typology Known Probably (Knowledge of Scripture, God’s Way, Logic and common sense in the typological meaning can NOT be confirmed fully with the Word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit)
  1. Typology NOT Known (Can NOT make even simple assumptions of the typological meaning because there is NOT enough frequency, sufficiency, or accuracy recorded in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit is NOT teaching deeper meaning)

Algum – 454 אַלְגּוּמִּים (ʾǎl·gûm·mîm): n.[masc.]; ≡ Str 418; TWOT 89b—LN 3.2–3.12 a species of valued tree, transliterated as algumwood, traditionally sandal-wood but some suggest a species of Juniper, see also 523 (2Ch 2:7[EB 8]; 9:10, 11+)[1]

2 Chronicles 9:9–11 (KJV 1900)

9 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon. 10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones. 11 And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the Lord, and to the king’s palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Please first note the definition as it is translated into Hebrew. The transliterated noun shows that Hebrew Scripture calls this tree either Almug or Almugwood, while English speakers know it as Algum. Transliteration is what happens to a word in one language that does not correspond to another language perfectly and must use different or different-ordered letters.

We will be studying both Algum and Almug because of this translation difficulty.

Worksheet #1

1. Why do we study two different words, “Almug” and “Algum” for this specific tree?

a. The noun is transliterated

b. The noun is added later in translation

c. English words mean less than Hebrew

d. All the above

2. What does the Hebrew word אַלְגּוּמִּים (ʾǎl·gûm·mîm) definition for this tree?

a. Species of hard wood

b. Species of white wood

c. Species of valued tree

d. Species of ancient tree

3. What is the transliterated word for גּוּמּים אַלְגּוּמִּים (ʾǎl·gûm·mîm)?

a. Algum

b. Almug

c. Almug or Almugwood

d. Algum or Algumwood

4. What species of tree is probably its type as represented by Scripture? (Will be more than one answer)

a. Cedar

b. Pine

c. Sandalwood

d. Juniper

e. All the above

5. What famous woman met with the King in 2 Chronicles 9:9-11?

a. Ruth

b. Sheba

c. Delilah

d. Rebekah

6. What famous King is spoken about in 2 Chronicles 9:9-11?

a. Solomon

b. David

c. Pontius

d. Zechariah

7. What were the gifts brought to King Solomon by Queen Sheba directly?

a. One hundred and twenty talents of gold

b. Spices of great abundance

c. Precious stones

d. All the above

8. What was the nature of spices Queen Sheba given to King Solomon?

(More than one answer)

a. They were not known by Solomon before then

b. They were the same spices of Israel

c. They were unimportant because they represented natural life

d. They were valued as gifts from the LORD God to provide sustenance for Natural Life (Remember the teachings hints on the previous lesson about spices?)

9. What gifts were brought by servants separate from what Queen Sheba brought directly?

a. Gold

b. Algum Trees

c. Precious Stones

d. All the above

2 Chronicles 3:3 (KJV 1900)

3 Now these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits…

2 Chronicles 3:6 (KJV 1900)

6 …And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.

1 Corinthians 3:11–17 (KJV 1900)

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Revelation 21:10–11 (KJV 1900)

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

Precious Stones, Silver, and Gold

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Solomon built the House of God. No longer confined to a large tent structure as a Tabernacle, Solomon built the Temple to contain the essence of the LORD God in the Ark of the Covenant, in the Holiest of Holy rooms. Precious Stones were used to add beauty to the structure.

Later, we learn that Christian works are tried by fire on their day of examination; those that did great works for the LORD God upon the Foundation of Christ would show either Gold, Silver, or Precious Stones for a reward. Those works that suffer loss would reveal Wood, Hay or Stubble (but their salvation would NOT be touched.)

We also learn the Holy Spirit of God dwells in each believer that has been baptized by the Holy Spirit Baptism, and that Holy Spirit dwells inside a temple of God and that temple is inside a believer. Guess where the gold, silver, and precious stones are exactly inside a Believer?!?

That’s right folks; those precious stones, gold, and silver are used to make beautiful the temple of God, inside a Follower of Christ doing great works for Him. It is the Holy Spirit that guides all works of a Christian to the highest levels, and it is the temple inside each believer that these different brilliant rewards are placed, awaiting the testing of fire. Isn’t that cool when Scripture comes together so perfectly?

Much later in Scripture, we learn that the Holy Jerusalem will have the glory of God inside her.

Her light will shine through a precious stone that it is made with, clear as crystal! Thanks be to God for sharing the beauty of His rewards and decorations for His Temple.

Worksheet #2

10. Who built the House of God?

a. David

b. Moses

c. Abraham

d. Solomon

11. When the House of God was completed, what Holiest of Holy things of God was contained within?

(More than one answer)

a. The Ark of the Covenant

b. The actual Presence of the LORD God

c. Nothing

d. None of the above

12. What is the room named that contains the Ark of the Covenant in the House of God?

a. Holiest of Holies

b. Priest room

c. Tabernacle

d. Sacrificial tent

13. What is tested by fire for Christians during Christ’s judgment?

a. Faith

b. Praise

c. Worship

d. Works

14. Whose works are tested by fire?

a. Works done through Christian

b. Works directed by the Holy Spirit

c. Spiritual works led by the Spirit through the Christian

d. All the above

15. What houses the Holy Spirit inside every Believer?

a. A Temple of God

b. An active blood system

c. The Holiest of Holies

d. None of the above

16. Where are the rewards for works placed in every Believer before the trying of fire?

a. Inside the Holy Spirit

b. Inside the Temple of God inside the Believer

c. The entire body of the Believer

d. None of the above

17. Who guides spiritual works of the LORD God to the highest level inside a Believer?

a. Believer in faith

b. Believer in doing works

c. Holy Spirit

d. None of the above

18. What will the precious New Jerusalem be built with?

a. Gold

b. Silver

c. Precious Stones

d. Wood

19. What will the nature of the Precious Stones have in New Jerusalem construction?

a. Holy

b. Clear as crystal

c. Every color of the rainbow

d. None of the above

Herbs

Genesis 1:29–31 (KJV 1900)

29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. 31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

We have NOT yet studied Herbs, yet they are an important symbol that touches the same Scriptures often that our Trees touch. Simply put my eager students, Herbs support Natural Life and Trees are the Spiritual Life of man. Just remember that small part about Herbs as we move on.  We will be studying herbs  in much greater detail in the next series  of lessons.

Worksheet #3

20. When did the LORD God give the herbs and trees?

a. In the beginning of creation

b. In the arrival of Christ upon Earth

c. After Christ’s Resurrection

d. Will arrive with the New Earth and New Jerusalem

21. What purpose are herbs made?

a. Natural Life Meat

b. Spiritual Life Meat

c. There is no hidden, deep meaning

d. Eternal Life Meat

22. What purpose are trees made?

a. Natural Life Meat

b. Spiritual Life Meat

c. There is no hidden, deep meaning

d. Eternal Life Meat

2 Chronicles 9:9–11 (KJV 1900)

9 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon. 10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones. 11 And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the Lord, and to the king’s palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.

Gold, Spices, and Precious Stones vs. Gold, Algum Trees, and Precious Stones

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

Notice how Queen Sheba’s gifts bring the best herbs ever known to Solomon as a gift to him and his wisdom. It was a special gift to enhance his Natural Life and show favor by Sheba.

The presence of these herbs suggest that it was Natural Life treasures that was given by Sheba.

Notice how the servants of Huram and Solomon brought Gold from Ophir, Algum Trees, and Precious Stones. The presence of Algum Trees suggest that it was Spiritual Life treasure given by the servants.

Both were the greatest of gifts. But we can be certain that with the inclusion of the type of trees brought by the servants as Algums, that Algum Trees are definitely a Spiritual Life level that honors God.

Why did the servants of Huram (Hiram) and Solomon bring Spiritual Life gifts?

King Hiram of Tyre provided materials to David for building his palace and to Solomon for building His temple. Tyre is famous for their giant Cedar Trees, and they figured predominately in the buildings. But, this time, during Queen Sheba’s giftings to discover Solomon’s wisdoms, King Hiram continues to send King Solomon Spiritual Life supplies worthy of the House of God that Solomon was building.

King Solomon used the gifted Algum Trees, to build terraces to the house of the LORD God, and to his palace, harps and psalteries for his singers. The text slightly suggests that Solomon gifted some of these special items made from Algum Trees to Queen Sheba since she had not brought those materials (2 Chronicles 9:12)

Terraces – 5019 לּהָסִ מְ) mesilꞏlā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 4546; TWOT 1506d—1. LN 1.99–1.105 main  road, highway, i.e., an open-country thoroughfare used much, that is relatively wide and  maintained (Nu 20:19); 2. LN 7.26–7.53 raised structure, i.e., an unknown raised construction made of wood which has many differing translations (2Ch 9:11+) (NASB, RSV, NRSV, NJB, NIV) steps, (NAB) stairs (Tanakh) ramps; (NEB, REB) stands; (NKJV) walkways; (WBC) gateway; (KJV)  terraces, see also 5026; 3. LN 41.1–41.24 conduct in life, formally, highway, i.e., the way one

lives life as a figurative extension of traveling down a highway (Pr 16:17; Isa 59:7); 4. LN 1.26– 1.33 star course, i.e., a normal path which is routinely followed, as pertaining to a heavenly  body (Jdg 5:20); 5. LN 15.101–15.106 pilgrimage, religious trek, formally, highway, i.e., the act. of religious, often processional, travel to a holy place or site (Ps 84:6[EB 5])[2]

Terraces

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

Note the tremendous amount of symbology contained within the word “Terrace” as applied to its meaning in Hebrews. You can be assured that every bit of the deeper meaning of Terrace is applied to the House of God that Solomon was building. He chose the Algum Tree to make the Terraces, because that was the steps that led into the House of God.

Figuratively, steps that lead to the house of God, made from Algum Trees, represent the steps of the journey of a Spiritual Life leading toward the LORD God.

Let’s just glance at another figurative meaning that is suggested by the  Hebrew word of a harp:

Harp –  5575 II. בלֶנֵ) nēꞏḇěl): n.masc.; ≡ Str 5035; TWOT 1284a, 1284b—LN 6.83–6.95 stringed instrument, lyre, harp, kithara, i.e., a musical instrument consisting of a strong frame, taut strings of animal or plant material, plucked to make melodic sounds, usually of a portable size (1Sa 10:5; 2Sa 6:5; 1Ki 10:12; 1Ch 13:8; 15:16, 20, 28; 16:5; 25:1, 6; 2Ch 5:12; 9:11; 20:28; 29:25; Ne 12:27; Ps 33:2; 57:9[EB 8]; 71:22; 81:3[EB 2]; 92:4[EB 3]; 108:3[EB 2]; 144:9; 150:3; Isa 5:12; 14:11; Am 5:23; 6:5+)4[3]

Psalteries for Singers 5574 I. בלֶנֵ) nēꞏḇěl): n.masc.; ≡ Str 5035; TWOT 1284a—1. LN 6.118–6.151 leather vessel,  i.e., a container made of animal skin (as a sheep), tied at the legs, with the neck as the spout to hold liquid (1Sa 1:24; 10:3; 25:18; 2Sa 16:1; Jer 13:12+); 2. LN 6.118–6.151 earthen vessel, jar, jug, pot, i.e., a container made of clay used to hold liquid (Job 38:37; Isa 22:24; 30:14; Jer 48:12; La 4:2+)

We have our famous one Hebrew word that means two different things. Or does it? You must wait for advanced lessons to find the depth of this combination!

Worksheet #4

23. What are the gifts of Queen Sheba to King Solomon?

a. Gold

b. Spices

c. Algum Trees

d. Precious Stones

24. What are the gifts of Queen Sheba to King Solomon?

a. Gold

b. Spices

c. Algum Trees

d. Precious Stones

25. What do the Herb gifts represent that are given by the Queen?

a. Natural Life

b. Spiritual Life

c. Eternal Life

d. None of the above

26. What do the Tree gifts represent that are given by the King of Tyre?

a. Natural Life

b. Spiritual Life

c. Eternal Life

d. None of the above

27. What type of tree did King Solomon use to build his Terraces to the House of God?

a. Algum/Almug Tree

b. Cedar Tree

c. Pine Tree

d. None of the above.

28. What does a Terrace symbolize in original Hebrew?

a. A Spiritual Journey

b. A Natural Journey

c. An Eternal Journey

d. All the above

Almug/Algum Tree – A Spiritual Life level that honors the LORD God and guides Believers to come closer to the beauty of His Holiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Musical worship and high praise are often expressed through these type of Believers.

[1] Swanson, James. 1997. In Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament), electronic ed. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[2]  Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

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TREES – I See Men as Trees Walking – ALMOND TREE (10)

By Kathy L McFarland

(TY200 – Lesson 10)

6/27/2024

The Mysteries of Trees – Almond Tree

Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

Our study first started from the healed blind man who saw men as trees, walking in Mark 8:22-26. We have studied many of the tree “parts” and learned their symbolic representations in Scripture.

In the upcoming weeks, we are going to study some different types of spiritual lives, represented by different trees in Scripture. As we mature as Christians, we find ourselves fitting into a very specific place in a very specific way in the Kingdom of God, and we learn about the spiritual lives of others that surround us in our Church led by Christ with each of us having a “path” to walk upon. As we learn to walk expertly as trees walking with Christ, we are developed by the Lord to our full potential.

We give up more and more of ourselves and get out of the way of the Holy Spirit as He creates the living works. Knowing our places spiritually walking in the Kingdom of God is an exciting step that grounds us and encourages us to improve our walking even more! Looking forward to the next walking journey with you!

Up to this point, our Scripture text has identified the different parts of a tree specifically. Most references to the different parts came right from our Lord Jesus Christ’s teachings. Now that we are moving to specific trees, it will become more difficult to find specific explanations. It is important that mature Christians, interpret conservatively, analyze correctly, and consider reliability when trying to understand the next studies. I will always be honest with you and tell you how likely or troublesome the interpretation is.

As mature Christians, you must figure the weight of Truth for yourselves. All the words within Scripture are INERRANT and always the Truth of God. However, lone references or scant mentions of something prevents full understanding of that Truth. I promise you that everything I teach, I am convinced upon 100% because of my advanced studies, and the Holy Spirit inside me that confirms it to me. I pray that as you study with me, you have that amount of surety also.

From this point on in our studies together, I will add an Interpretation Confidence Chart at the end of the page, as we study the different trees. I will support all my teachings with the evidence I have to confirm the meaning. Even then, some are lacking in enough firm evidence to confidently declare an interpretation as Truth of God fully. Please refer to this chart each time you study, so you can understand the degree of my certainty in the deep and hidden meanings of the different trees.

The Interpretation Confidence Chart will look like this (Please refer to individual studies in TY200 for proofs):

TY200 – INTERPRETATION CONFIDENCE CHART

I. Typology known as fully God’s Truth concerning trees walking as recorded in Mark 8:22-26 (Those specifically, typologically identified in Scripture)

1. Trees in Scripture identify the different Spiritual Lives that are lived on this Earth

2. Different parts of the trees walking with Christ are fully represented in Scripture as God’s Truth

a. Tree – Spiritual Lives of forgiven followers walking with the Lord Jesus Christ and producing powerful fruits of His.

b. Root – The foundation of a tree from firstfruit that is secured by a lump of clay that can grow and produce living works of fruit

c. Leaves – The preparation that LORD God makes for the coming events of living works.

d. Fruit – Living works of the LORD God, done through followers (Branch) of the Lord Jesus Christ (Vine) at the guidance of the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life of a walking tree.

e. Seed – Word of God.

3. The fruit of righteousness is a Tree of Life.

II. Typology Known Confidently (Those represented in Scripture with enough frequency, sufficiency, and accuracy to reveal their typological meanings with full Truth of God unchallenged and supported by the Holy Spirit’s teachings)

1. Almond Tree – The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves.

III. Typology Known Probably (Knowledge of Scripture, God’s Way, Logic and common sense in the typological meaning can NOT be confirmed fully with the Word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit)

IV. Typology NOT Known (Can NOT make even simple assumptions of the typological meaning because there is NOT enough frequency, sufficiency, or accuracy recorded in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit is NOT teaching deeper meaning)

Worksheet 1

1. What Bible verse started the Mysteries of Trees journey in Scripture?

a. Genesis 1:1-3

b. Mark 8:22-26

c. Revelation 1-1-7

d. John 8:13-23

2. What were the Scripture words that alerted us to deeper meaning concerning the Mysteries of Trees?

a. In the beginning God created the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge

b. I see men as trees, walking

c. Daniel saw the tree as stairs climbing to the Heavens

d. Trees, trees, trees, everywhere are trees

3. Who spoke the words “I see men as trees, walking” in Mark that led us to the

Mysteries of the Trees?

a. Jesus Christ

b. The LORD God

c. Peter the Disciple

d. The blind man in the middle of being healed

4. Why must there be a chart in our worksheets that identify the characteristics of

typology?

a. There are varied evidence and proofs associated with the identity of trees

b. There is error in Scripture

c. Old Testament and New Testament disagree

d. All the above

5. Why should the Mysteries of the Trees study be restricted to mature Christians

only? (Short Essay)

6. What are the key rules concerning the study of Typology?

a. Interpret conservatively

b. Analyze correctly

c. Consider reliability

d. Holy Spirit guiding you with the Word of God

e. And it doesn’t hurt to have a knowledgeable and true Bible Teacher guide you with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit

f. All the above

WORD STUDY

IMPORTANT HEBREW NAMES

One of the first things we should examine when trying to nail down a full typology of a word, is the Hebrew word that is used to denote it. Biblical Hebrew likes to use very specific names that give good description of the words chosen, and often, symbols can be derived from the closeness of speech.

ALMOND TREE AND FRUIT – 9196 קדֵשָׁ) šāꞏqēḏ): n.[masc.]; ≡ Str 8247; TWOT 2451a—1. LN 3.2– 3.12 almond tree, i.e., a fruit tree with a beautiful white blossom with pink highlights Prunus amygdalus communis (Ecc 12:5; Jer 1:11+); 2. LN 3.33–3.46 almond nuts, i.e., the kernel of the fruit of the almond tree, eaten whole and also processed into oil (Ge 43:11; Nu 17:23[EB 8]+)

HEBREW VERB CONNECTION TO “ALMOND”: (Hint: Compare the Hebrew Word for Almond and the verb “to watch”)

TO WATCH OVER – 9193 I. קדַשָׁ) šāꞏqǎḏ): v.; ≡ Str 8245; TWOT 2451—1. LN 37.119–37.126 (qal) watch, stand guard, i.e., control access into and out of an area or persons that are valuable or notorious, implying care or duty for the object guarded (Ezr 8:29; Job 21:32; Ps 127:1; Pr 8:34+); 2. LN 23.66–23.77 (qal) be awake, i.e., not be in a state of sleep when one normally should, implying a nervous or anxious state (Ps 102:8[EB 7]+); 3. LN 27.55–27.60 (qal) watch out for, pay attention, i.e., be in readiness and alertness to learn information about an object or situation, implying an action will follow (Jer 1:12; 31:28; 44:27+); 4. LN 39.51 (qal) lie in wait, ambush, formally, watch over, i.e., conceal oneself and observe movements until an opportune time to attack (Jer 5:6+); 5. LN 25.68–25.79 (qal) be intent, have eager desire, be devoted to, i.e., have a feeling or attitude of earnestness toward a goal, as a figurative extension of carefully watching to learn information, or guarding an object (Isa 29:20+); 6. LN 77 (qal) keep ready, be prepared, not hesitate, i.e., be in a state of being primed and set to take an action, as a figurative extension of carefully watching to learn information, or guarding an object (Da 9:14+), note: for another interp in Ps 102:8[EB 7], see 9194; La 1:14, see 85675

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland

Can you see why looking at Hebrew words is so important?

The word for Almond Tree in Hebrew is קדֵשָׁ) šāꞏqēḏ)

The word for the verb “To Watch Over” is קדַשָׁ) šāꞏqǎḏ)

A little vowel sound changes only; and that sound change makes no difference to the hearing of the pronounced word. The Hebrew word for the noun Almond Tree and the verb “To Watch Over” are connected perfectly. When you see two different words, especially a noun and a verb, sound almost identical in Hebrew, it is certain that they are very related in Scripture.

Just by comparing Hebrew, we already know one aspect of the spiritual life of the Almond Tree. Someone experiencing the spiritual life of the Almond Tree will be “watching over” something! Most scholars focus on that connection and carry the “watch over” typology to Scripture representation concerning the Tabernacle tools.

How does this all fit together? Let’s take a journey in Scripture and check it out!

Genesis 43:8–14 (KJV 1900)

8 And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones. 9 I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever: 10 For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time. 11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: 12 And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight: 13 Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: 14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

(Teachers note: We will be studying the Mysteries of Herbs later; however, I will give you a little hint. Herbs are provided by the LORD God to help people with their “Natural Lives”. Each herb has a different purpose. The herbs listed in this Scripture reference are especially favored).

Worksheet 2 (Genesis 43:8-14)

7. Israel instructed his son Judah to take the “best fruits in the land” to rescue their brother.

What were they?

a. Balm

b. Honey

c. Spices

d. Myrrh

e. (Pistachio) Nuts

f. Almonds

g. All the above

8. Which of the “best fruits in the land” belong to the “Herb” category?

a. Balm

b. Honey

c. Spices

d. Myrrh

e. (Pistachio) Nuts

f. Almonds

g. All the above

9. Which of the “best fruits in the land” belong to the “Tree” category?

a. Balm

b. Honey

c. Spices

d. Myrrh

e. (Pistachio) Nuts

f. Almonds

g. All the above

10. Which of the “best fruits in the land” are given to enrich “Natural Life?”

a. Balm

b. Honey

c. Spices

d. Myrrh

e. (Pistachio) Nuts

f. Almonds

g. All the above

11. Which of the “best fruits in the land” are given to enrich “Spiritual Life?”

a. Balm

b. Honey

c. Spices

d. Myrrh

e. (Pistachio) Nuts

f. Almonds

g. All the above

12. So, let’s narrow it down to our study of the Almond Tree and its fruit. What is its ranking amongst fruits?

a. One of the best fruits of the land

b. Equal to all herbs

c. Equal to all tree fruits

d. None of the above

13. Did you notice that the best of the fruits was to be placed in a vessel and presented as a gift?

a. Yes

b. No

14. What does the “vessel” remind you about?

a. The “vessel” that is used to contain and present to the Lord the tree fruits of your

labor in this life

b. A precious collection of gifts of works to your Lord

c. The Holy and Righteous works of the Lord through you in this lifetime, presented

with a reverent and honored fashion

d. All the above

15. The Almond Tree and its fruit, the almond, are one of the best fruits, and please the Lord!

a. True

b. False

Genesis 30:37–38 (KJV 1900)

37 And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. 38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.

Teaching Notes of Kathy L McFarland

Seldom are questionable words found in Scripture, especially the King James Bible; they are very rare. However, some scholars feel the author of Genesis 30:37-43 probably mistakenly identified the Almond Tree as the Hazel. Scholars think the Hebrew word of “luz” was used to probably speak of location (where almond trees grow) rather than tree. Regardless, it seems an easily correctable interpretation, when Bible scholars compare the Almond as the best fruit, to the Hazel, which does not qualify. However, for purposes of our study, we are going to assume that it is NOT a misnomer, that says Hazel as Almond. We are going to interpret conservatively and exclude this Scripture from deep study of the Almond Tree. However, I want you to be aware that Genesis 30:37-43 might qualify for deeper info on Almond, but it is not worth the risk to mistranslate.

An additional note: I firmly believe that the Word of God is “inerrant,” without error, as it is written in its original text. Sometimes, our enemy will try to suggest “error” in Scripture by pointing to this mislabeled tree. I’m a mature Christian and personally call this a “non-event” that does NOT constitute an “error” of Scripture, and the misunderstanding is my lack of knowledge for this word.

As mature Christians, you can decide for yourselves; however, be aware, it is a slippery slope when you declare the Word of God to have error. It is best practice to blame a simple case like this to be your ignorance, NOT God’s mistake, and move on.

Worksheet #3 (Genesis 30:37-43)

16. Why are we forgoing the deep study of Genesis 30:37-43 with concerns to the Almond Tree? (In your own words)

17. Do you believe that the original documents of Scripture are inerrant?

a. Yes

b. No

Golden Candlestick

Exodus 25:31–40 (KJV 1900)

31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. 32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side: 33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick. 34 And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. 35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick. 36 Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold. 37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. 38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold. 39 Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels. 40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Important Hebrew Words

BEATEN – 5251 I. שׁהָ קְ מִ) miqꞏšā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 4749; TWOT 2086b—LN 19.43–19.54 hammered-work, i.e., a metal-crafted article made by artistically hitting an object with hammer to fashion (Ex 25:18, 31, 36; 37:7, 17, 22; Nu 8:4; 10:2+), note: see also domain LN 6.83–6.95; LN 6.102–6.105, note: some sources identify more specifically as an embossed work

SHAFT – 3751 ˂רֵיָ) yāꞏrēḵ): n.fem.; ≡ Str 3409; TWOT 916a—6. LN 6.106–6.117 base, i.e., the bottom of a piece of furniture that makes it stand (Ex 25:31);10

BRANCHES – 7866 נהֶקָ) qāꞏně(h)): n.masc.; ≡ Str 7070; TWOT 2040a—1. LN 6.106– 6.117 branch, i.e., that which is an extension from the base of a stand as a piece of furniture (Ex 25:32);11

BOWL – 1483 גָּבִיעַ (gā·ḇîaʿ): n.masc.; ≡ Str 1375; TWOT 309b—1. LN 6.118–6.151 container for drinking, drinking cup, drinking bowl (Ge 44:2,12, 16, 17; Jer 35:5+); 2. LN 6.106–6.117 flower cup, i.e., a representation of a flower-cup for adorning a sacred object (Ex 25:31, 33,34; 37:17, 19,20+), note: though this item has a container shape, there is no focus on the function of a vessel in this word

KNOPS – 4117 II. פתּוֹרְ כַּ) kǎp̄ꞏtôr): n.masc.; ≡ Str 3730; TWOT 1029—1. LN 6.96–6.101ornamental bud, i.e., a crafted figure in the image of knobby fruit of trees, as a relief on larger piece of furniture, as an art object, not a worship image (Ex 25:31–37:22 passim

FLOWERS – 7258 רחַפֶּ) pěꞏrǎḥ): n.masc.; ≡ Str 6525; TWOT 1813a—3. LN 6.188–6.196 floral work, i.e., an ornamental carving or casting of buds, blossoms, and flowers (Ex 25:31, 33,34; 37:17, 19,20; Nu 8:4; 1Ki 7:49; 2Ch 4:5, 21+)

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Does it surprise you that one of the special furnishings has a foundation (base) and branches? Me neither. The Works of the Lord are surely represented by the pure gold candlestick that gives light. Amen?

An interesting sidenote for bowls on the candlestick. See how the Hebrew word for bowls explains the container shape, however, “there is no focus on the function of a vessel in this word.” You can’t squeeze any typology out of something in the Word of God that has no function. The bowl on the candlestick is just a bowl; though it looks like a cup, it has no symbol of a cup, no use as a cup; it is just a cup shape.

The “beaten” forming of the candlestick is highly interesting; it seems an important requirement that it be beaten and not poured. Typologically, it shows how the Lord’s best golden works require a great deal of effort to fashion it perfectly.

Worksheet #4, Exodus 25:31-40

18. What was the holy Tabernacle furnishing made in Exodus 25:31-40?

a. Holiest of Holy

b. Ark of the Covenant

c. Candlestick

d. Basin

19. What was the candlestick made from?

a. Pure Silver

b. Pure Gold

c. Pure Copper

d. All the above

20. What does the pure metal used for the candlestick tell you typologically, when compared to the vessel of works?

a. It is the highest reward

b. All things of God are made golden

c. It follows the metal of silver in worth

d. None of the above

21. The candlestick was formed out of pure gold melted and poured into a form.

a. True

b. False

22. What were the parts to the candlestick?

a. Shaft

b. Branches

c. Bowls

d. Knops

e. Flowers

f. All the above

23. How many branches were constructed on the candlestick?

a. 5

b. 6

c. 7

d. 8

24. How many lamps were constructed on the candlestick?

a. 5

b. 6

c. 7

d. 8

25. What are knops?

a. Ornamental flowers, buds, and blossoms

b. Knots in the branches

c. Almonds

d. All the above

26. What is the candlestick made to symbolize?

a. Tree

b. Cedar Tree

c. Almond Tree

d. Fig Tree

27. If the Almond Tree was chosen to be in the Tabernacle, beaten into a golden

candlestick, and providing the brightest of lights, then it is worthy to consider the Almond Tree to be amongst the best trees recorded in Scripture, and typologically analyzed.

a. True

b. False

Numbers 17:1–13 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 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. 3 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. 4 And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. 5 And it shall come to pass, that the man’s rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you. 6 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. 7 And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness. 8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. 9 And Moses brought out all the rods from before the Lord unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod. 10 And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not. 11 And Moses did so: as the Lord commanded him, so did he. 12 And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish. 13 Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the Lord shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?

Important Hebrew Words

ROD – 4751 טּהֶ מַ) mǎṭꞏṭě(h)): n.masc.; ≡ Str 4294; TWOT 1352b—2. LN 3.47–3.59 branch, i.e., the non-fruit part of a plant (Eze 19:11); 3. LN 6.215–6.225 staff, rod, walking stick, i.e., a thick stick of wood (that the hand can grasp), of a length that the body can use as a support for walking, used for various functions of work or discipline (Ge 38:18), note: for MT text in Ge 47:31, see 4753;

28. How many rods did the LORD God instruct to be taken up?

a. 7

b. 11

c. 12

d. 21

29. What is a rod?

a. A branch from a tree

b. A staff

c. A walking stick

d. A thick stick of wood

e. All the above

30. What was written upon the rods?

a. The LORD God’s Holy Name

b. The head of each of the twelve tribe’s names

c. The name of each believer

d. All the above

31. Whose name was written for the House of Levi (House of Priests)?

a. Israel

b. Aaron

c. Zerubbabel

d. Moses

32. Who laid the named rods in the Tabernacle of witness?

a. Moses

b. Israel

c. Aaron

d. Zerubbabel

33. What did Moses find happened to the rods on the next day in Tabernacle?

a. One rod blossomed

b. One rod turned golden

c. One rod became magical

d. All the rods blossomed

34. Whose rod is it that blossomed?

a. Aaron

b. Moses

c. Israel

d. Zerubbabel

35. How did the rod blossom?

a. Brought forth buds

b. Bloomed blossoms

c. Yielded almonds

d. All the above

36. Why did the LORD God do such a dramatic choice?

a. The Almond Tree is the very best

b. He wanted the rebels to know His choice

c. He wanted to stop their murmurings so they wouldn’t have to die

d. All the above

37. (Contemplation) In Old Testament Biblical Times, the Priest Aaron, and later those that followed after him, were responsible for the works of their people as priests in the House of Levi.

a. Have you ever known a Christian leader chosen by God that watches the works

of the people he serves?

b. Do the Protestants have the types of leaders that the Roman Catholic Church

claims?

c. Do denominational leaders serve the same purpose?

d. Can lay leaders spiritual journeys be claimed as Almond Trees?

(These contemplation questions have no known correct answers. It is measured opinions. I would love to hear some of your thoughts!)

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland on Almond Tree (TYPOLOGY DEFINITION)

The spiritual life of an almond tree is the greatest spiritual role a believer can have on this earth. The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves. He ensures the very best spiritual works of the Lord are accomplished and lets the lights of the Lord Jesus Christ shine the brightest.

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