The Gifts to the King

In the scriptures there is a very strong correlation between the color or metal, gold, and the subject of kings or kingdoms. The wise men when seeking for the Christ child referred to him as "king of the Jews." They believed him to be a king and brought gifts that manifest their belief.

Matt. 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." In order to understand the significance of the gifts that were given by the wise men to the Christ child, we must put out of our minds the modern means and purposes of gift giving. Today a gift given to a child is usually based on need or entertainment. We give gifts based on our perceived needs of the child or based on what we think would be good to entertain the child. However, the Christ child had no need for either gold, or frankincense or myrrh. Furthermore, such gifts would have had no value in entertaining the child.

Gifts given back in the days that Jesus was born were given based not on need or entertainment, but rather based on what the gift-givers thought that child would become or accomplish in his life. For instance, a plow might be given to a child if they thought the child would be a farmer. Also a book might be given to a child if they thought the child would be a teacher. They might give a hammer to a child they thought would be a carpenter. Thus gifts were given based on the belief of what the child would become or accomplish in his life.
The wise men gave to Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts represented what the wise men believed that Jesus was or would accomplish in his life.

Gold is associated in the scriptures with kings:

1. 2 Sam. 12:30 "And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance."
2. Rev. 14:14 "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle."
3. Est. 4:11 "All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days."
4. Lev. 8:9 "And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses."
5. 1 King 10:16 "And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target. 17 And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. 18 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. 20 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. 21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon."
6. 2 Chr. 9:17 "Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. 18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:"
7. Ps. 21:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! 2 Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. 3 For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head."

We conclude that the gift of gold indicated that the wise men believed that Jesus was a king and indeed they were right. He sits and reigns in the kingdom of God today.

Frankincense is associated with the priesthood:
1. Lev. 2:1 "And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon: 2 And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:"
2. Lev. 2:15 "And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering. 16 And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD."
3. Lev. 6:14 "And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar. 15 And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD."
4. Rev. 8:1 "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand."

The wise men believed that Christ would be a high priest by giving him frankincense. They were correct because he is a High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisidec.

Myrrh is associated with burial. It was a spice that was wrapped around the dead bodies that were buried: John 19:39 "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury." Thus, the wise men believed that Jesus would accomplish great things in his death. Through the death of Jesus we have the redemption of sins. Jesus accomplished more in his death than all of mankind has ever accomplished either in life or death.

In conclusion the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh represented that Jesus would be a King, a High Priest, and would accomplish great things in his death. Jesus is King of Kings, our High Priest after the order of Melchisidec, and saved us from the condemnation of sin through his death.

The Warrior King's Girdle 

            In the scriptures there is a strong correlation between the color or metal, gold, and the subject of kings and kingdoms.

            There is a huge difference between the modern day kings and the kings during the Old Testament times.  In Old Testament times, kings would frequently lead their troops into battle.  Often they hazarded their own lives for the sake of their countrymen and the army they commanded.  In modern times, kings and rulers have generally been tyrants and cowards.  They would never lead a battle, but only want to send others to die for their own political gain. 

            David is a good example of one who led his troops into battle and hazarded his life for his army and for his countrymen. 

            When soldiers went to battle during Old Testament days, they wore a girdle about their loins.  (When thinking of a girdle we must forget about modern fashion.  Today, women wear an inner garment called a girdle that they think makes them look thinner.  The biblical girdle was more like a belt that was worn on the outside of the garment to hold the garment close to the body.)  During battle the girdle was about the loins of the soldier:

                        1.  2 Sam. 20:8 "When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out."

                        2.  1 Ki. 2:5 "Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet."

                        3.  Job 12:18 "He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle."

                        4.  Isa. 5:27 "None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:"

            King Jesus is a warrior King.  He came to do battle against the enemies of his elect people.  He is such a great warrior King that he fought a war all by himself against enemies that were far too powerful for his people to defeat.  He came to earth to do battle against sin, death, hell, the grave, and the devil.  Not one of his people had ever had success in defeating these enemies.  In fighting against the enemies of his people Jesus had a girdle about his loins.  This Old Testament prophecy of Jesus shows us the nature of the girdle that Jesus wore while doing battle against the enemies of his people: Is. 11:1  "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."

            Jesus fought the battle against sin, hell, death, the grave, and the devil and was altogether victorious. 

            When a soldier fought a battle and was victorious, he moved the girdle from about his loins to about his chest.  This symbolized that the battle had been fought and won.  Now we see Jesus as the warrior King in Rev. chapter 1: Rev. 1:13 "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle."  King Jesus fought the battle for us and was victorious over sin, death, hell, the grave, and the devil and now wears a golden girdle about his paps showing us that the war has been accomplished and won forever.  Amen.

The King's Golden Vials

In the scriptures there is a strong correlation between the color or metal, gold and the subject of kings or kingdoms.

In the book of Revelations the word, vial(s), appears twelve times. One time it is used to indicate the pouring out of the prayers of the children of God unto the Lord. The other eleven times it is used in connection of the wrath of God.
The word, vial, comes from the Greek, phiale. The word means a broad shallow cup. First, the children of God are said to have golden vials full of odours: Rev. 5:8 "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." This fits the description of many who have felt that in time of trouble or need that they have poured out their heart unto their God for his help and direction. These prayers come up to God as a sweet smelling savour. They pray as those who have been made kings and priests unto God as making petition unto the one who is King of kings and Lord of lords.

The other eleven times the golden vials are indicative of God's wrath poured out in judgment upon sin and those who wickedly promote sin:
1. Rev. 15:7 "And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever."
2. Rev. 16:1 "And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth."
3. Rev. 16:2 "And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image."
4. Rev. 16:3 "And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea."
5. Rev. 16:4 "And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood."
6. Rev. 16:8 "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire."
7. Rev. 16:10 "And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,"
8. Rev. 16:12 "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."
9. Rev. 16:17 "And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done."
10. Rev. 17:1 "And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:"
11. Rev. 21:9 "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife."

The above shows forth King Jesus judgmental wrath against sin.

The King's Golden Reed

In the scriptures there is a strong correlation between the color or metal, gold, and the subject of kings and kingdoms. In Revelations chapter 21 we read of the King's golden measuring reed: Rev. 21:15 "And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof."
Rev. Chapter 11 begins with the apostle John being told to measure some things (temple of God, the altar, and them that worship therein). He was given a measuring reed in which to perform his task. In the book of Ezekiel chapters 40-48 there are quite a number of things measured in the house of Ezekiels vision. They were measured by a measuring reed. The size of this measuring reed is given to us in Eze. 40:5 “And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.”

The length of this measuring reed was 6 cubits and a hand breadth. This might seem to be an odd size for a measuring instrument until you notice that a hand breadth is approximately 6 inches long. This makes the measuring reed 6 cubits and 6 inches. This makes for a 6x6 measuring instrument. We see also an example of something 6x6 in the setting of the 12 loaves of shew bread on the table in the tabernacle. These 12 loaves were arranged in 2 rows with 6 loaves in a row. Thus they were so configured to be 6x6. The loaves represented spiritual food for God’s people. They were symbolic of the scriptures which are given to us in 66 books. Likewise, as we will see, the scriptures are our perfect measuring instrument. We read in 2 Cor. 10:12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly.”

To measure ourselves among ourselves we are told is not wise. However, we have a perfect measure as the above scriptures teach us by which we are to measure all things. This measure is the word of God. By this measure we are to “prove all things,” and “hold fast that which is good.” (Other references to thing measured in the New Testament, see Matt. 7:2; 23:32; Mk. 6:51; Lk. 6:38; Rom. 12:3; 2 Cor. 10:12-15; Eph. 4:7, 13, 16; Rev. 6:6)

Next, we notice that this measuring reed was “like unto a rod.” The rod is often used in the scriptures to represent the authority of God. (See Ex. 4:17; 7:9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 20; 8:5, 16, 17; 9:23; 10:13; 14:16; 17:59; Num. 17:2-10; 20:8-11; 2 Sam. 7:14; Job 9:34; 21:9; Ps. 2:9; 23:4; 89:32; 110:2; Prov. 22:15; Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15). Thus we see that the things that are to be measured are there by the authority of God and have their measurements according to God’s authority. Thus they aren’t to be changed by man!

The first of the three things to be measured was the “temple of God.” The temple is where God is worshipped. During the Old Testament days the temple of God was located at Jerusalem and was built by Solomon and the children of Israel. The dimensions of this temple and the furnishings of this temple are given to us in I Kings.

Jesus spoke of the temple of his body as he said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again. This spoke he of the temple of his body.” Jesus body is different from our body in that he was born of a virgin who was overshadowed by the Holy Ghost and his body was holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners. He worshipped and served God in that body. Thus it was a temple. In the New Testament, the church is referred to as the temple of God. Eph. 2:20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (See also 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16)

The second thing to be measured was the altar. In the Old Testament the dimension of the brazen altar was given to us in the book of Exodus. Upon this altar the animal sacrifices were made. The scriptures speak of another altar in this New Testament church age in Heb. 13:10 “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.” The altar is the place where something is sacrificed. In the Old Testament animals were sacrificed on the brazen altar. Similarly we read of spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament. 1 Pet. 2:5 reads, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” The following verses tell us of some of those spiritual sacrifices:

1. Rom. 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
2. Phil. 2:17 "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all."
3. Phil 4:18 "But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God."
4. Heb. 13:15 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

It is to be noted that when something is sacrificed then something is given up. To present our bodies a living sacrifice is to give up living after the flesh, but to live after the inner man and the word of God. The sacrifice of faith means that we are to give up walking after the sight of the flesh, to walk after the leadership of God and his word. Likewise the other sacrifices listed involve giving up the natural desires of the flesh to do spiritual things. Thus, it appears that the altar on which fleshly things are sacrificed for spiritual things is the altar of our bodies.

The third thing to be measured was the worshippers in the temple. Certainly within this measurement would be the fact that these are born-again, repentant, baptized believers in the gospel of the grace of Christ.
King Jesus' measuring reed is the word of God. It is by his word that all things are to be measured.

The King's City 

            Rev. 21:18 "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass."

            "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper."  As we previously noted in verse 11, the jasper stone speaks to us of God's eternal justice.  Those who make up the wall of the city (God's elect) have been eternally judged by the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ (our High Priest) at the cross and according to God's eternal covenant of redemption as set forth in Rom. 8:29, 30.  Now there is no charge that can be made to God's elect for it is God that justifieth.  The wall of the city is made up of redeemed people who have been made pure by the blood of Christ.

            The city was "pure gold."  This is the King's city.  King Jesus reigns in this city and his government is in this city and the occupants are his subjects.  They are to carry out the precepts of the King.

            "And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst."  If there is a significance to each of the different types of stones that the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with I have not yet discovered it.  However, we can take note that each of the stones was precious and each was unique from the other.  We know there were twelve foundations of the wall of the city and we were previously informed that the names of the twelve apostles were inscribed in those twelve foundations.  We also know that the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. 

            Each of the stones was precious.  What made the apostles precious and what makes God's people precious is not what is found naturally in our flesh as Paul stated, "I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing."  What made the apostles precious and what makes us precious is that Christ has redeemed us and has imputed his righteousness unto us.  According to 2 Cor. 5:21, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."  This imputed righteousness gives the great value to each of the elect, who are called stones (1 Pet. 2:5). 

            While all the stones are precious, yet each is unique.  We are all different or unique.  We are not clones of one another.  According to 1 Cor. 15:41 "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory."  God's people are compared to stars.  The Lord has told us that one star differs from another star in glory.  We are unique in our personality, looks, and character here on earth.  We are unique in our personality and character in the church. We will also be unique in our looks, personality and character in glory.

            "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl."  The Lord spoke a parable in Matt. 13:45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."  The kingdom of heaven is that one pearl of great price.  Each local church of the Lord Jesus Christ bears the substance of that one pearl of great price.  Each one preaches the same gospel, has the same order and government that her head has given her, and worships in the same way as the Lord has prescribed.

            "And the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass."  The street is a place of concourse.  Gold is the metal of kings.  We are to walk by faith and not by sight.  The scriptures speak of a King's highway:

                        1.  Num. 20:17 Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders. 18 And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword. 19 And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet."

                        2.  Num. 21:22 "Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders."

                        3.  Deu. 2:27 "Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left. 28 Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet."

                        4.  Is. 35:8 "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: 10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

            From the above we gather that this King's highway belongs to a King.  Also according to Rev. 1:6 the Lord's people have been made Kings and Priests unto God.  Thus the travelers upon this highway or street are themselves kings.  They are traveling the highway of holiness in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            While our travel in this life is not always what it should be, yet the Way that the Lord has set before us is pure gold.  The way is a perfect way, and we should "press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."