Confirming the Covenant

Thanks brother. I’m including in my reply both your question on the covenant ((01396. gabar,
a primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently:–exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant.

This is the word used in Da 9:27 for confirming the covenant with many. I realize this shakes up the nice comfortable nest, but what if the ‘confirming’ is of a covenant that has already been made. It’s making strong some other covenant that has already (prior to the confirming) been made; making it stronger so that it will prevail is the sense of the word. As in the waters that prevailed in the flood. The waters were already there but increased.

That’s the pure scriptural sense of the word. It may not have to be a separate covenant to be negotiated. Many things are done in private. Jesus Himself only showed His deepest secrets to those He chose. It could easily be that way with this covenant. It really doesn’t even make sense that the dirty laundry would be hung out on the line from the beginning of the covenant. I know some may not like this idea. That’s exactly why I’m asking the question. I want us to be shaken from our overly comfortable friendship with the notion that we’ve got it all figured out. And the more we rehearse the same ideas, the deeper the rut gets and the more dangerous the possibility of missing something that is there because it doesn’t fit our presumptions.

Thoughts?)) and your recent statement about the 1290 to 1335 of Daniel ((I’ve got a different scenario for the events from 1290 to 1335 that is in accord with the Hebrew calendar. It is much more orderly in my opinion.

Elul 1 til Tishri 10 40 days Moses on Sinai to get the second set of tablets.

If we look at the historical pattern and the Hebrew calendar. we will find that the month of Elul (precedes Tishrei) is traditionally a month of repentance prior to the beginning of Tishrei which inaugurates the High Holy days. Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets is the scriptural head of the year and occurs on Tishrei 1. It is accompanied by the blowing of the trumpets announcing the new year and precedes Yom Kippur by 10 days. The Feast of Ingathering (Tabernacles) takes place 5 days after Yom Kippur. The 40 days between Elul 1 and Tishrei 10 is thought to be the time that Moses went to Sinai to get the second set of tablets.

That 40 days plus 5 until the Messiah tabernacles here again makes 45 days. The difference between the 1290 and 1260 is one month in a year that has an Adar II (spring month added) as a clue about which years He was prophesying about so there could not be any mistake. A simple search will show which years have an Adar II.
Please consider these things carefully. Please.)). That way, a few of the friends who have expressed interest can follow along with what you and Phil have been discussing on these issues.

I’ve always thought that perhaps the additional 45 days might be the time that Israel goes apart to mourn until coming back together for either one of the great feasts (most likely tabernacles) or the formal cleansing of the sanctuary and re-dedication of the new temple. A friend from Israel who is now in Taiwan showed me the years that have the extra spring month (Adar II), and reckoning from that, a few select years appear as candidates for the start of a seven year period that will end in a year that has this double month at its end.

Here’s what I think about the times and the seasons. I don’t think that any amount of calculation is going to nail down any more precisely the exact time of the Lord’s return. He Himself said, of that day and hour no one knows. We know that He comes sometime shortly after the ascension of the two witnesses at the seventh angel. His coming is somewhere between the 1260 and the 1290, but probably closer to the 1260 than to the 1290, because 1290 is more nearly 43 months, since we know that the beast is cut off by His return at the end of 42 months (Rev 13:5).

Now that’s getting pretty close, but by no means a precise day or hour. Whereas much of the speculation, even though much may be accurate and glorify the Lord in His precision concerning time, still, it gets a little close, in my view, to trying to nail down the exact day, which is not the point. If not before, certainly after His return, it will be possible to look back and see how amazingly precise and how perfectly aligned the events surrounding His return were with certain of the feasts and set times. I have no doubt.

But until then, it is enough for us to know the basics for the sake of God’s purpose in our knowing, which is another discussion (see my article, “Where is God Taking the Church).

For example. Even if I was convinced that the covenant that will be confirmed is an earlier, already existing covenant (which I do by the way), and even if I thought it had been or will be confirmed in secret (which I do not), still, there will be nothing too secret about the restoration of a sacrifice that will be at the center of a new project to build the temple.

Even if the identity of the Antichrist is not at first identifiable, since he may be only one of “MANY” other heads of state that confirm this covenant (which is exactly what I expect), still, he will be soon enough manifest by what he proceeds to do “after the league made with him” (Dan 11:23) in fulfillment of Dan 11:23-31. And should even this escape our notice, still, it cannot be missed by those who believe the scriptures when this lately resurrected man goes to the temple, stops the restored sacrifice, and places the abomination of desolation to begin the tribulation. If it wasn’t clear before (and it certainly should have been), it will be clear from that point on that we are living in the last 3 1/2 years.

That at least much of this will public seems undeniably clear. Paul did not have to elaborate to his Thessalonians when he told them of the man of sin in the temple of God. It was standing at that time in Jerusalem and needed no introductions. No, this will not be done in a corner. Dan 12:10 says that none of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand. They will be seeing the same events that we see, but without understanding. It is not the events that is being hidden from the wicked, but their meaning.

Even if the seven years should happen to slip up on us (which I think unlikely), we will have opportunity to know soon enough that we are in the period by the initiatives to restore the sacrifice and build the temple. If by nothing else, that will be enough to let us know that the seven years have begun (particularly in view of what I think a correct interpretation the 2300 day prophecy of Dan 8:13, which shows the sacrifice as starting 2300 days before the end).

Finally, one more point: Scholars are divided over the proper translation of Dan 9:27 because there is a translation decision that must be made, because technically, the Hebrew can go just as legitimately either way. If one believes the Antichrist (“coming prince”) of Dan 9:26 is the proper antecedent, the verse is typically translated, “and he shall make a firm covenant.” If the interpreter is more inclined to see the sacrifice as rendered obsolete by Christ, then the antecedent for the one confirming the covenant is seen as Messiah, the prince” of Dan 9:25. In that case, the preferred translation tends to be, “and he shall make firm, or cause to prevail THE covenant with many.”

Since Dan 11:23 speaks of a league or covenant made with him (the vile person of Dan 11:21), there is support for the first translation (make a firm covenant). On the other hand, there is also support for the view that this evil prince / king (Dan 8:23; 11:36) confirms a covenant that is “holy”.

Notice that the one who makes or confirms this covenant is the same one who hates it, and has secret intelligence with others who share his hatred of “the holy covenant” (Dan 11:28, 30, 32). So I ask the question: What if this evil man is confirming with others the holy covenant? How can this be? How can this act of confirming (the / a) covenant be at once a “covenant with death and hell” (Isa 28:15, 18), since it is a “league made with him.” and at the same time it is a recognition, acknowledgement, or enforcement of a holy covenant that has been in existence since God’s election of Israel.

The larger context of Daniel is both a heavenly and earthly war against the covenant. The book is covenantal through and through. It is about exile and return. It is about delay and determinism. What is the great question of our times? It is, does Israel have divine right to the Land? I do not say that the leaders that will unite to confirm this covenant which God sees as holy will see it as divine, but I do very well conceive of them “confirming” (in the way of acknowledgement and / or enforcement) Israel’s long sought and long denied “right to exist” as an independent state.

In that sense, the covenant that is confirmed is an already existing covenant, “the holy covenant” that once and forever promised the Land to the Jews, but it becomes a covenant with death when it is made to depend on Israel’s trust in the nations, particularly the Antichrist, for its security and protection (see my article on the ships of Chittim). God has said that such covenants would be made a snare, particularly when it would have to do with dividing up a land that is not Israel’s to negotiate (Lev 25:35; Ex 34:12; Dan 11:39; Joel 3:2).

When this covenant will be confirmed, Israel will begin to enjoy an unprecedented, albeit short lived time of tranquility (Eze 38:8, 11, 14; 39:26; Dan 11:23; 1Thes 5:3), and this will be the peace lie by which the Antichrist will “destroy many” (Dan 8:25). Not long after the covenant is confirmed, the world will see, but not understand, Jewish initiatives towards restoring the sacrifice and temple worship.

As things now stand, we’re a long way from the kind of radical changes in the politics of the region that would give the orthodox Jews such access to the temple mount, and authority to sacrifice and to build their temple. That is why so many find it hard to abide a literal interpretation. But this is also one of the major reasons we who look for such radical changes in the region are inclined to look for a war of world changing proportions.

So yes, there is obviously a divinely intended puzzle here. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honor of kings is to search it out. But there is sufficient evidence for the least of God’s sheep to get what is of crucial importance. While some of this seems abstract and difficult, there is plenty here that is plain and knowable, and will become increasingly so as the time draws nearer. At the moment, it is enough that we put these things on the table, and ask the mercy of the Spirit to clarify or reveal what He will.

Your brother, Reggie

Filed under
Anti-Christ, Bible Study, Daniel
Previous Next
  1. Dave
    About 24 years ago, when I was 17 years old, I was Pastoring a small country church. It was a cool night, so besides running the air, we had the windows open and the front doors to the Church. A white car, with dark tented windows pulled up in front of the Church and just set there during our Praise and Worship. At the end of the Praise and Worship, a middle aged man, kind of balding, dressed in white entered the Church. I walked to the back door and greeted him and the first words he told me was, "God is with you and has seen the things you've done." (Goosebumps as I am typing this) He sat through testimony service, of which he testified a personal message straight to me. He then exited the Church, got back in his car and I watched the car vanish. I had been visited by an angel that night that a Church full of people got to witness. It wasn't long after I closed the Church and started to slip away from God. (Here goes the goosebumps again). I was laying in bed and was awoken by a light so bright it literally cannot be explained. I know how John felt. I was shaking uncontrollably and could move, as I laid paralyzed before the Lord. I heard the voice of the Lord and it sounded like it was coming from all directions and he said to me, "You better get your life in order, for it will save you from the wrath of Judgment, for it is coming soon." Then I heard the Spirit of God audibly tell me to turn to Psalms Chapter 50:1-6 1The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. 2Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. 3Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. 4He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. 5Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. 6And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. I said all of that to say this...I later backslid when I purposefully disobeyed God by marrying a girl he explicitly told me not to. She left me 2 months after we married for another man. This sent me on a downward spiral that it was only the grace of God I recovered from. I spent ten years of my life doing almost everything I had preached against. Today, I do not hear the voice of God as I did back then. While the Holy Spirit leads me and guides me, I had lost that intimate relationship I had with God back then. I recently listened to a sermon entitled, "Do Thy First Works". It was on if you don't feel like you are where you should be with God, go back and do the first works that had brought you to that place to start with. I began to think, what is different in my life now as it was then? Then: I prayed constantly. I was constantly staying in the Word...and I mean a bible stayed in my hand most day and night. I spent quality time with God. Hours upon hours, just me and Him. If I talked to you, it was about God or I didn't speak. I was what most Christians and the world calls a fanatic. But I lived in the presence of God day and night. I heard His voice, I seen His angels and he allowed me to see things in the spirit world that would scare most. And I lost it all. I became disabled about 3 years ago. I worked for a company that paid for me to become a certified computer hacker so I could better protect their computer network from the bad guys. I was headed for the top and great things, but God had other plans. I would end up in ICU with congestive heart failure, kidney failure, diagnosed as a diabetic and later in that month, Multiple Sclerosis hit. Goodbye high paying job and career. Hello walker, wheelchair and taking handfuls of medicine a day. I am now on Disability. But guess what, it affords me the time to once again spend that quality time with God. I gave all that personal testimony to say this Brother Kelly. I have been on both sides, the one that receives divine revelation from God and the Christian who struggles to hear God's voice. I know that it takes 100000% dedication and commitment to God to be able to hear His voice and receive the type of revelation that you speak of. I will have to disagree that the "least of God's sheep" will be able to discern what is going on. It will be only those "fanatics" that will be counted as the Church of Philadelphia of Rev. 3:10. Matthew 24:24 says if it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived. If deception is that strong, anyone that is not living the, "sell all you have, give it to the poor, and take up your cross and follow me" life will not survive it, let alone have revelation from God. I still live with the regrets of walking away from God back then. If any young people read this, please, please, never turn your back on God. There is nothing in the world worth losing His relationship and what He has to offer. Take it from a fool who did.
  2. Hi Dave - Doesn't your marvelous testimony lend itself to Reggie's point that it will be the "least of God's sheep" that will be transformed into his most fervent witnesses? "Here is a saying worthy of full acceptance: That Christ came in into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." Just a thought from one "fool" to another. :-)
  3. Dave
    Tom, I guess my understanding of "least of God's sheep" would be those that are not as committed as others. It may be that is not what Reggie meant at all. I one hundred percent agree that God can "transform" the least into the greatest at His own choosing. All throughout biblical history it has been the one's who made the biggest mistakes that God seemed to work the greatest in. I know if He can speak through a donkey (Numbers 22) He can sure speak through me. I have found very little that I have disagreed with you or Reggie on. (Yes, I have visited your site and read your stuff also, and have enjoyed it immensely.) I guess it is just the urgency I feel within myself that if the Church doesn't live a more committed life to Christ, deception is inevitable and its just around the corner. We don't see the manifestations of God like the early Church and the way that Reggie teaches the Church will operate during the tribulation because we are not a "sold out" people to Christ. The dog and pony show's we see on The Blasphemy Network (TBN) sickens me and I know it sickens God. As I browse the internet I see a people that is hungry for the real deal but there is nobody to feed them. My heart breaks Tom. We are a people that professes the power of God but yet it doesn't operate in our lives. I really do believe God is getting a people ready to show His power through once again. And the work Reggie and you guys are doing is awesome. Keep doing the conferences, video's, articles and keep spreading the truth. It's seldom you see someone that rightly divides the word of truth in this day and age and has a hunger for the people of God. Your Brother In Christ, Dave
MENU
Mystery of Israel
Reflections on the Mystery of Israel and the Church... by Reggie Kelly

Search Mystery of Israel

God’s Foretold Work

God's Foretold Work Logo
  • Weekly fellowship over the Word with the GFW crew on the ‘God’s Foretold Work’ YouTube Channel. We go LIVE on most Saturday nights at 7:15 PM EST to explore the “at hand” and “not yet” nature of the Kingdom of God as it relates to the mystery of Israel and the Church.

Simple Layman

Simple Layman Logo

Topics

Mystery of Israel

Mystery of Israel Logo

Click HERE to go directly to the Mystery of Israel YouTube Channel.

God’s Foretold Work

God's Foretold Work Logo

Reggie and the God’s Foretold Work crew get together on this YouTube Channel on most Saturdays at 7:15PM EST to fellowship over the Word of God.

Simple Layman

Simple Layman Logo

Reggie and Travis “Teach the Timeline” and more on this YouTube Channel.

2021 Convocation

Bemidji Conference Logo

Videos from the 2020 and 2021 Convocations in Bemidji MN can be found on this YouTube Channel.

Search Mystery of Israel (Not working yet)

We’re working on getting Google to recognize the site in its new location. It has been a challenge. Once that happens this search should better than the one at the top of the page.