TrevorL
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I'm a llama!
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« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2004, 06:49:17 AM » |
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Howdy Reba,
Greetings again. I prepared the following for my own interest on this subject, mainly because of the various obscurities mentioned below. You may disagree with some of the following and there are other aspects to be considered.
Acts 15:14-17 (KJV): "14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."
This is part of James' summary at the end of the Jerusalem conference. There are a number of things that are obscure at first. One is the name "Simeon". Is this Simon Peter or Simeon who prophesied over the babe Jesus when he was presented in the Temple. This Simeon said that Jesus would be: Luke 2:32 (KJV): "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." My preference is that James is referring to Simeon, not Simon Peter.
Also James is quoting Amos 9:11,12 concerning "the tabernacle of David" and the Gentiles upon whom God's name is called. Is James saying this is a direct and only fulfilment of this prophecy, or is this only an example, to show that there is no restriction for the Gentiles becoming part of God's name. My preference is that this is an example, a principle established, that the Gentiles will be saved by direct association with God's name.
Looking at "the tabernacle of David" in the context of Amos 9. This is also obscure, because it talks of the tabernacle as "fallen down", and also of the "breaches therof", presumably of its walls, and its "ruins". This language does not seem to be speaking of a tabernacle or tent, but of a building and walls made of stone.
We find that David pitched a tabernacle or a tent for the ark when he first brought it to Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 6:17 (KJV): "And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD." It is significant that after the ark was recovered from the Philistines, there was no attempt to move the ark back into the Mosaic Tabernacle. The place of rest for the ark was destined to be Jerusalem Numbers 10:35,36, Psalm 132.
David then purposed in his heart to build a house, or a Temple for God's name and glory. God's response to this is given in: 2 Samuel 7:10-16 (KJV): "10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever." Notice also the echo of 2 Samuel 7:10 in Amos 9:15.
Although David was not allowed to build the Temple, he was told in v13 that his son would achieve this. This has a dual fulfilment, firstly in Solomon, and secondly in Jesus who will build both a spiritual household for David, consisting of believers and faithful followers, and also build a literal Temple at Jerusalem for the praise and worship of both Jews and Gentiles in the Age to Come. These promises to David are to be fulfilled when Christ returns to sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem. The angel uses many of the phrases of this promise when speaking to Mary: Luke 1:32-33 (KJV): "32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." At that time he will convert the remnant of the nation of Israel and build a Temple of worship for all nations, when all the nations will be blessed in Christ Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:7-9, Isaiah 2:1-4.
Although David was not allowed to build the Temple, he prepared most of the material and encouraged Solomon and Israel in the work that was soon to commence 1 Chronicles 22. We often call it the Temple of Solomon, but in reality it was the Temple of David. We have a picture of the Temple of Solomon, and the Temple of the Age to Come, but by a beautiful poetical expression, Amos calls these "the tabernacle of David". This expresses David's heart, his purpose to establish a building for the glory and praise of God, so that Jews and Gentiles could join together in worship.
One psalm used by David in worship and praise to God is recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 and this Psalm is also recorded as Psalm 105:1-15, Psalm 96. David appointed Asaph as his chief musician, and in charge of the praise and music at this tabernacle 1 Chronicles 16:4-5,37. Also 1 Chronicles 16:34 and the sons of Asaph reappear in every revival of true Temple worship.
Two other Psalms sung before this tabernacle could well be Psalm 8 and Psalm 145. Psalm 8 comes most probably from the beginning of David's ministry, rejoicing in God's creation and celebrating the victory over Goliath. Also when Psalm 8 is considered from the NT allusions, the new creation comes into focus with the death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, his receiving dominion, the babes and sucklings who respond to his message and the ultimate filling of the earth with God's glory. Psalm 145 has been called "the beautiful tapestry", "the jewel in the crown" of all the Psalms. This most probably comes from towards the end of David's ministry. David himself could have sung vv1-3 of this Psalm, then the others would join the singing of this praise to God. God will build again the tabernacle of David that is fallen down.
Kind regards Trevor
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