©October 25, 2013 Revive Israel Ministries

Jerusalem Throne

By Asher Intrater

When Solomon became king in Jerusalem, he sat on the throne of his father David. 

I Kings 2:12 – Solomon sat on the throne of David his father.

This same event is described later in the book of Chronicles, but with a change in one word.

I Chronicles 29:23 – Solomon sat on the throne of YHVH.

As the Chronicler wrote of the inauguration of Solomon, he considered the throne of David to be the throne of God.  Perhaps this represented a development of thought concerning the kingdom of God during those centuries.

While a throne is simply a chair, it represents a position of government. The throne in Jerusalem represents God's heavenly authority delegated to earth.  Imagine something like the Mayor of Jerusalem, the Prime Minister of Israel, the Pope, and the UN Secretary General all combined in one.  

Solomon built an extravagantly beautiful throne of gold and ivory, with 12 lions poised on the side (I Kings 10:18-20). There is a parallel between this throne room and the throne in heaven (Revelation 4:2-4), just as there is a parallel between earthly Jerusalem and heavenly Jerusalem. One day, the two will become one (Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 21:2).

Nir Barkat was re-elected this week as mayor of Jerusalem despite heavy political maneuverings against him. Barkat is a uniquely suited and equipped leader to handle this challenging position. He has demonstrated integrity and real concern for the well-being of Jerusalem. He considers himself to be a descendant of King David, with a certain mission in life to rebuild Jerusalem.

By Youval Yanai

In Zechariah 12, verse 8, the Angel of YHVH is listed as parallel or equivalent to God (Elohim) – "like God, like the Angel of YHVH."  In the prophecy that follows, the Divine Figure speaks of Himself three times in the first person, as "I" or "Me."

The first time He warns that He will destroy all the armies of the Gentile nations who will attack Jerusalem.

"I will seek to destroy all the nations who come against Jerusalem" – v. 9.

At the same time that this war will take place, He promises also to pour out the Holy Spirit on the people in the Jerusalem area:

"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication" – v. 10.

In the third prophecy, He says of Himself that He has been pierced; and that those who once pierced him will turn toward Him in repentance.

"And they will look toward Me whom they have pierced…" – v. 10.

By Moti Cohen

The central part of traditional Jewish prayer is the "Amidah," also called "The Eighteen Blessings." These prayers reflect the rabbinic world view since Yeshua's time, primarily based on Scripture.   

Actually there are not 18 but 19. Why?  - Because one was added later. It was not a part of the original set.  In fact it is not a blessing at all, but a curse.  It is a curse upon all heretics, yet specifically intended against Jewish believers in Yeshua.

Considering that these prayers are repeated 3-5 times daily by 2 to 3 million Orthodox Jews, they represent approximately 10 million curses against believers, especially Messianic Jewish “apostates” every day.   (This may explain in part why we feel so much spiritual oppression here in Israel sometimes!)

We as a community choose to "bless those who curse us" (Luke 6:28). We forgive them as Yeshua said, because they "know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Our only desire is to see our people saved.  However we also break the power of this curse, as Yeshua promised us "authority over all the power of the evil one" (Luke 10:19).

The curse calls for us to be "cut off" and removed from the book of life.  Yet we know that we are written in the book of life, despite persecution against us. "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20).  Thank God, that nothing can remove us from the life and love we have received from Yeshua.

Dan Juster will be meeting with Nicky Gumble, author of the Alpha Course, and one of the most influential evangelical Christians in Great Britain.  Dan will also be meeting with Rev. Toby Howarth, Interfaith Director for Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby. Both Gumble and Welby have some Jewish roots in their families. Let's pray for a historic restoration between Israel and the Anglican Church.