The story of the garden and the trees and the fruit they produced serve as a parable about MEN. Precept upon precept, Christ (aka the Righteous Branch) later expounded the parable.
~ Expounding the Parable ~ On a deeper level, the story of the garden of Eden and the trees and the fruit they produced serve as a parable… for the Word of יהוה communicates through parables. One of the most profound of the parables communicated in the Scriptures is the parable that men are as trees who are known by their fruit. Through understanding the parable as well as which “trees” represented the lamp and the priests in the tabernacle in the wilderness, the type of tree that Adam & Eve likely ate from will come into focus.
The story of the garden and the trees and the fruit they produced serve as a parable about MEN. Precept upon precept, Christ (aka the Righteous Branch) later expounded the parable. Q. Is barley the firstfruits which the Scriptures are referring to?
Response: The short answer is no. Christ is not referred to as the Righteous Barley, or the Righteous Blade of Grass, or the Righteous Cereal Grain. Christ - the Firstfruit - is referred to as a Branch… the Righteous Branch. Here’s the long answer: Firstfruits are a shadow of Christ… for Christ is the Firstfruit of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:20-23). Throughout the writings of Moses and the Prophets, the Creator and Author of the story uses a branch to represent Christ. That is why Christ is referred to as a Branch… the Righteous Branch (Jer 23:5, Jer 33:15, Isa 11:1, Zec 3:8, Zec 6:12). Nowhere in the Scriptures is Christ referred to as the “Righteous Blade of Grass” or the “Righteous Cereal Grain”. Rather, Christ is referred to as a branch… of a tree… for men are as trees and are known by their fruit. Even the very definition of firstfruits disqualifies barley. Here is the Strong’s entry for firstfruit (H1061): Ironically, the Hebrew root identifies with the olive tree... a tree that is self-pollinated by the wind, a tree that produces fruit so bitter it is not palatable raw, a tree that contains a seed that is as hard as stone. And let's not forget about its oil… oil that comes forth from the flesh.
Yet, according to Isaiah, the Branch will come forth from the root of Jesse. In contrast to the bitter (H4784 - rebellious) fruit of the olive tree, the Righteous Branch produces the fruit of FAITHFULNESS… the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUSTICE (Isa 11:1-5, Jer 23:55, Jer 33:15). [Note: Before reading this article, it may be beneficial to read the articles “Rethinking the Olive Tree” and “Who Let the Other Tree In the Orchard”, as these two articles deeply expound some of the principles discussed here and may serve to lay a foundation for the information presented throughout this article.] In recognizing that the Word of יהוה communicates through parables, we have learned to pay extremely close attention to the imagery conveyed in a passage. We have also learned the significance of applying the principles of His kingdom as we read and interpret His Word.
The passage in Zechariah 4 shares a prophetic description of what shall occur in the last days. Included in the passage is the following imagery: The Word of יהוה communicates through parables. To the crowds, the Righteous Branch spoke in parables. Privately to His branches, He explained everything. When asked the reason why He spoke in parables, He responded:
The Word of יהוה communicates through parables. He declares the end from the beginning. The story of the famine during the time of Joseph is no exception. For the story of the famine during the time of Joseph serves as a parable and an overview of the tribulation described in Revelation.
Many people seem to be concerned with finding the right translation. May people ask which translation is the most accurate. Through trial and error, we have learned to guard ourselves against thinking that any translation is without error including the Hebrew translation... for we understand that our Father Himself warned us that the pen of the scribes has lied (Jer 8:8).
Aaron’s branch budded, blossomed and yielded ripening almonds [Num 17]. This almond branch serves as a shadow or parable of the Righteous Branch prophesied by Jeremiah:
“…you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you.
You shall not walk in their statutes...” (Lev 18:3)
This is one passage that many seem to be turning a deaf ear. Perhaps many think this passage does not apply to us today. Pay special attention to the following instruction:
I went down to the nut orchard to look at the blossoms [H3] of the valley,
to see whether the vines had budded, whether the [pomegranates] were in bloom. (Song of Sol 6:11)
The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The [false seed/grain] are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the [false seed/grain] are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. (Mat 13:37-43)
You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door
of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. (Exo 29:4) The Messiah answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” (Joh 13:7) And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. (Eze 34:29) A tree is a plant. Throughout the Word of God, people are compared to trees. The garden in Eden is described as an orchard in Eden…a planting of trees...So this plant of renown in Ezekiel seems to refer to something planted (figuratively referring to men) that serves as an appellation, mark, honor, authority, character. This "plant" or "planting" serves as food. This "plant" or "planting" serves to take away shame...click here to read Plant of Renown.
He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment:
a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. (Deu 32:4) Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. (Psa 89:14) |
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