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Revelation 14
14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!" 16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
I looked, and behold, a white cloud
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7)
I saw a mighty angel coming down out of the sky, clothed with a cloud. A rainbow was on his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. (Revelation 10:1)
I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. (Revelation 20:11)
It happened, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of Yahweh appeared in the cloud. (Exodus 16:10)
Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron your brother, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat. (Leviticus 16:2)
Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. (Psalms 97:2)
The contender for the throne of the universe wants to exalt himself above the clouds.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds! I will make myself like the Most High! (Isaiah 14:14)
The burden of Egypt: "Behold, Yahweh rides on a swift cloud, and comes to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence; and the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. (Isaiah 19:1)
I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (Daniel 7:13)
But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:29-30)
But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. (Mark 13:24-26)
There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:25-27)
Notice the focus here on power. First there is oppression which is about abusive, exploitive power. Then amazing signs in the heavens on the part of the sun, moon and stars that were designated at creation for this very purpose. Then comes the shaking of the powers of the heavens, likely referring to powers manipulated by Satan and his agents over this world, the prince of the powers of the air (Ephesians 2:1-2).
This is contrasted by another and very different power, power connected with glory, not force, violence, fear or oppression. Yet consider the metaphor of a cloud and what constitutes a cloud.
A cloud has no sharp definable boundaries.
A cloud is not solid but is most often made up of water vapor in a partially distilled form.
Regular clouds usually appear white when lit up by sunlight during the daytime, except when a cloud becomes so thick it blocks light from passing through it.
Storm clouds involve wind, sometimes very powerful winds. Yet wind itself is even more transparent than clouds.
The point here is that imposed force and power usually involves solid objects that cause suffering and destruction. And while overwhelming windstorms and heavy rains can also wreak havoc, they involve elements that are normally benign.
One of the main issues exposed in this prophetic book is the difference in methods relied on by the two sides in this cosmic war. This is most important to discern as it affects how we live and relate to others as well as what we believe is necessary for God to overcome the powers of evil. The prince of this world is aggressive, deceptive, manipulative and he relies on force and fear to control as many as possible. In sharp contrast the Lamb of God, the Son of Man here is simply sitting on a cloud as He returns to this earth to wrap up final events and move the war into its final phases leading toward the complete elimination of evil entirely.
The high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you?" But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus said, "I AM. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky." (Mark 14:60-62 also Matthew 26:64)
When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, who also said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky." (Acts 1:9-11)
Note the opposite motives and methods used here in contrast to Satan. Jesus is received up into a cloud, while Satan seeks to exalt himself above the clouds. Some of these reference clouds of heavenly angels who reflect the light and glory of heaven. Yet the Son of Man never exalts Himself but waits to receive authority, quite the opposite of His opponent who is ever grasping for power and asserts force in his lust to be honored over all the other angels.
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
on the cloud one sitting like a son of man
And among the lampstands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. (Revelation 1:13)
I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (Daniel 7:13)
For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. (Matthew 16:26-27)
Son of Man is a favorite title worn proudly by our Messiah. That is because it highlights His choice to identity fully with humanity in order to effectively recapture the dominion lost by Adam. Son of Man is a key credential necessary to displace Satan as representative of this world in the assembly of the sons of God in heaven. By permanently taking on the form of a human and reversing the failure of our father Adam that allowed sin and death to reign on earth, Jesus Christ reignited life, hope and salvation available to any willing to identify with Him as their sole Source of identity. By embracing the identity implanted by Christ in each human being through the authority of the redemption accomplished and witnessed to by the blood of Christ, every person is given equal opportunity to participate in the restoration of humanity into full harmony with the design of creation, restored to thriving in the atmosphere of God's graciousness as they grow in trusting His heart through the revelation of the truth in Christ that sets us free.
having on his head a golden crown
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. (Revelation 4:4)
I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself. (Revelation 19:11-12)
They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it a writing, like the engravings of a signet: "HOLY TO YAHWEH." (Exodus 39:30)
This gold crown was part of the attire of the high priest representing the coming Messiah who would displace Satan as our true High Priest representative in heaven. This is in the context of our spiritual or religious side, as we have been conditioned to bifurcate our existence into separate categories. This next reference to a gold crown represents the political or secular aspect of society and is linked to the symbol of the throne of king David that God has also used in His promises of restoration and reconciliation for all things to be brought back to its original purpose.
David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it. He took the crown of their king from off his head; and the weight of it was a talent of gold, and in it were precious stones; and it was set on David's head. He brought forth the spoil of the city, exceeding much. (2 Samuel 12:29-30)
Mordecai went out of the presence of the king in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad. (Esther 8:15)
This story in the life of Esther demonstrates the extreme surprise and sudden reversal of schemes the enemies of God's people may contrive. This royal treatment of Mordecai was the exact opposite of what Haman had planned for him, and it also portends future unpredictable events.
The king rejoices in your strength, Yahweh! How greatly he rejoices in your salvation! You have given him his heart's desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah. For you meet him with the blessings of goodness. You set a crown of fine gold on his head. He asked life of you, you gave it to him, even length of days forever and ever. His glory is great in your salvation. You lay honor and majesty on him. For you make him most blessed forever. You make him glad with joy in your presence. For the king trusts in Yahweh. Through the loving kindness of the Most High, he shall not be moved. (Psalms 21:1-7)
in his hand a sharp sickle
Let the nations arouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great. (Joel 3:12-13)
I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire. (Matthew 3:11-12)
He said, "The Kingdom of God is as if a man should cast seed on the earth, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he doesn't know how. For the earth bears fruit: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts forth the sickle, because the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)
Another angel came out from the temple
Because the previous being mentioned is not really an angel, this 'another' is part of a set of 7 angels, number 4 after the 3 specific ones already mentioned in this chapter. This assistant angel to the Reaper sitting on the cloud, parallels a different assistant in verse 18 who is part of a different harvest immediately following this one.
Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!" (Revelation 14:18)
While this assistant angel in this first round is identified as coming out from the temple, the harvester in the next harvest is portrayed as an angel coming out of the temple with the added description as being the temple in heaven. This complicates clear identification about whose who among these harvesters and their assistants. Yet this might involve deception, though that is not yet certain. We will examine this closely when we take a closer look at that second harvest. But first let's look more into references of the temple.
God's temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord's covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed. (Revelation 11:19)
Significantly this comes at the end of the description of the 7th trumpet containing judgment terminology and could be directly linked with this harvest. Furthermore, having God's temple in heaven opened carries far more meaning than what might at first be assumed from a surface reading. Since God is the one on trial in this war, this may well be describing heaven as throwing open all the evidence that has long been obscured by the father of lies. This would allow the full truth to become so inescapably obvious that the true nature of the covenant in that mysterious ark could at last be illuminated during these closing events when everyone is being exposed/judged. God's method of overcoming is through revealing the truth, and the most important truth is in His temple.
I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations. Who wouldn't fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed."
After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. (Revelation 15:2-6)
Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many. (Matthew 27:50-53)
But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:15-18)
The word 'angel' means messenger. What if these assistant angels represent movements of people similar to the previous 3 angels? This can involve people giving their consent/authority so God can move events forward toward full resolution, to hasten an end to this war involving His reputation.
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:36-38)
Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place, where he was about to come. Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. (Luke 10:1-3)
For the eyes of Yahweh run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him..... (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and uprightness can't enter. Yes, truth is lacking; and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Yahweh saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness, it upheld him. (Isaiah 59:14-16)
crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud
He said with a loud voice, "Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!" (Revelation 14:7)
I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth!" (Revelation 16:1)
After these things, I saw another angel coming down out of the sky, having great authority. The earth was illuminated with his glory. He cried with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and she has become a habitation of demons, a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird! (Revelation 18:1-2)
After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God: (Revelation 19:1)
I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Revelation 21:3)
Send forth your sickle, and reap
Sickles are instruments of reaping. They have a curved sharp blade for cutting stalks of grain and they symbolically represent an execution of judgment. We will look more into the idea of reaping at the end of this study and next time go on to examine the next harvest in this chapter. We must remain alert and keep in mind Jesus' definition of God's kind of judgment so we are not confused about how this harvest is accomplished.
the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe
He said with a loud voice, "Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!" (Revelation 14:7)
The kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived wantonly with her, will weep and wail over her, when they look at the smoke of her burning, standing far away for the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For your judgment has come in one hour.' (Revelation 18:9-10)
For in an hour such great riches are made desolate.' Every shipmaster, and everyone who sails anywhere, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood far away, (Revelation 18:17)
They cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her great wealth!' For in one hour is she made desolate. (Revelation 18:19)
But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. (Matthew 10:19)
When they lead you away and deliver you up, don't be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. (Mark 13:11)
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father. You worship that which you don't know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers. (John 4:21-23)
He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on/over the earth, and the earth was reaped
The Greek word translated here as on or over, differs in meaning from the parallel word used in the next harvest description. This literally means on or over, while the one in verse 19 means into, denoting entry, not on, over or above. This provides clues we can examine later to discern who is behind these harvests as well as the disposition of the harvesters.
In this first harvest there is no hint of bloodshed, unlike what is described in the next harvest. Note also that in the following harvest the word 'reap' is not even mentioned. This could resonate with the fact that God's method of reaping is through natural cause and effect, while Satan's counterfeit of reaping relies on artificial rewards and imposed punishments attached to arbitrary laws.
When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "Yahweh has done great things for them." Yahweh has done great things for us, and we are glad. Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves. (Psalms 126:1-6)
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness. Break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek Yahweh, until he comes and rains righteousness on you. You have plowed wickedness. You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, for you trusted in your way, in the multitude of your mighty men. Therefore a battle roar will arise among your people, and all your fortresses will be destroyed, as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle. The mother was dashed in pieces with her children. So Bethel will do to you because of your great wickedness. At daybreak the king of Israel will be destroyed. (Hosea 10:12-15)
He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Yahweh's voice calls to the city, and wisdom sees your name: "Listen to the rod, and he who appointed it. Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and a short ephah that is accursed? Shall I be pure with dishonest scales, and with a bag of deceitful weights? Her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their speech. Therefore I also have struck you with a grievous wound. I have made you desolate because of your sins.
You shall eat, but not be satisfied. Your humiliation will be in your midst. You will store up, but not save; and that which you save I will give up to the sword. You will sow, but won't reap. You will tread the olives, but won't anoint yourself with oil; and crush grapes, but won't drink the wine. For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and her inhabitants a hissing; And you will bear the reproach of my people." (Micah 6:8-16)
He also who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.'
But his lord answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn't sow, and gather where I didn't scatter(?)' (Matthew 25:24-26)
Another came, saying, 'Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief, for I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you didn't lay down, and reap that which you didn't sow.'
He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up that which I didn't lay down, and reaping that which I didn't sow(?) Then why didn't you deposit my money in the bank, and at my coming, I might have earned interest on it?' (Luke 19:20-23)
Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
In the last chapter of this prophecy we find a summary of God's kind of reaping.
He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still. (Revelation 22:11)
