The Reformed Olive Press

Jephthah’s Vow and His Daughter as The Bride of Christ Allusion in the Old Testament-The Dedication Theory In the Book of Judges 11:29-40, we hear about the story of the judge Jephthah. All throughout history, this story has been surrounded by tons of controversy because it is believed that Jephthah sacrificed his daughter as a burn offering in order to fulfill a vow to God. An alternative view shows that Jephthah never killed his daughter, but instead, offers her up for lifetime Godly service similar to Hannah with Samuel. I believe the alternative view holds more scriptural weight in supporting a lifetime of service to the Lord. ·          In Hebrews 11:32-34, Jephthah is listed in the Hall of Faith. Human sacrifice is a dishonorable act before God because it is a reflection of Molech worship (See Deuteronomy 12:31; 18:9-12; 2 Kings 3:27; 23:10; Isaiah 57:5). Hence, one of the reasons why King Solomon did not make it into the Hall o...

How Apocalyptic Imagery is Used in the Bible Genesis 1:16 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to RULE the day and the lesser light to RULE the night—and the stars . NOTE: We see the sun and moon “govern/rule” over the day and the night. Genesis 37:9- 9 Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” 11 And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind. NOTE: The Sun: Jacob (Leader), The Moon-(Jacob’s wives/servants/mothers), The Stars: (Twelve Brothers/Tribes). The sun, moon, and starts represent authority/place of prominence because they give light over all o...

Exodus 19, Exodus 24, 1 Thessalonians 4, and Revelation 14: The New Covenant Reality and Parallels Exodus 19 Israel at Mount Sinai 19 On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, 3 while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to...

New Heavens and Earth: A Present Reality to the End Matthew 5:17-18 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished Matthew 24:34-35 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away UNTIL all these things take place . 35 Heaven and earth will pass away , but my words will not pass away. NOTE: Heaven and earth will pass away when this generation (Apostate Israel) will pass away and vice versa.When Jesus said “all these things,” He was of speaking about everything in verses 1-33. This includes the temple being destroyed, wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes, false prophets and persecution, the gospel being preached to all nations, the abomination of desolation and Jews fleeing from Judea, great tribulation, the coming of the Son of Man, etc. ...