Through Jesus Christ and without intermediary clergy or religious, legalistic ritual, we may become registered as citizens of heaven (Hebrews 12:18-24). The once-and-for-all blood sacrifice at Calvary was required in order to put the new covenant into effect. However, the fullness of what is represented by the tabernacle of David (with the ark as its sole piece of furniture) will be restored at the second coming. In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen and close up its breeches; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old… (Amos 9:11–12, Acts 15:16)
When God decided to cut off the corrupt house of Eli he said: And I will raise me up a faithful priest that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind, and I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before my anointed [Heb. Messiah] for ever (1 Samuel 2:35). The faithful priest for whom God would build a sure house could not have been Samuel. The fact that he shall walk before God’s anointed (Messiah) forever, means that this does not refer directly to Jesus Christ. The only “sure house” that can be seen that fits this bill is the house of David (1 Samuel 17), which continued in God’s favor until the birth of Jesus Christ. And in Christ, the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) of the order of Melchisedec (Psalm 110:4) continues forever — this even includes us if we are in Christ (Revelation 1:6).
And in mercy shall the throne be established and he shall sit on it in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking judgment and hastening righteousness. (Isaiah 16:5)
What is the prophetic numerology found in the Psalms? Anyone who knows the author or has read one of his previous books knows that, in addition to emphasizing a personal relationship with God the Father, he is focused on the Day of the Lord with a deep concern that Christians regard End Times prophecy with utmost concern and soberness. It is within this context that he directs the reader's attention to the prophetic numbers within the Psalms that, once decoded according to their trajectory through the Scriptures, unlock the stunning messianic narrative that will soon take place here on the earth.
Amidst ever-increasing feelings of social isolation and the realities of political division and unrest, as well as the impending and potentially disastrous outcomes of man-made crises facing the earth, people are looking for answers to their fears and inner longing to feel secure, connected, and satisfied in their daily lives. While many attempt to control things politically, others are looking for answers through esoteric means such as prophecies, numerology, tarot cards, and even witchcraft. Although David obviously didn’t face the difficulties unique to our time, he definitely felt socially isolated, dwelled in political unrest, and faced many possibilities for disaster. His answer was to ask God to protect him and direct his every footstep, which ultimately met his every need and eventually led him to dwell in peace and security, to a ripe old age.
The author, Russell M. Stendal, is the editor and translator of the Jubilee Bible (JUB) and Biblia del Jubileo (JBS) translations that are published in English and in Spanish. Well over a million copies of the Biblia del Jubileo have been donated and distributed into the most impoverished areas of Colombia and Venezuela.
Russell Stendal was born in Minneapolis and raised on the mission field in Colombia, South America. He became a missionary jungle pilot at age nineteen. Almost ten years later he was kidnapped in 1983 by Marxist rebels and held hostage for five months. Russell has written many other books, produced videos, and produced the two aforementioned Bible translations.
Russell heads up the work of Colombia Para Cristo, which operates 12 radio stations involving over 100 staff and co-workers and covering much of Latin America with the Gospel. A thriving, underground church has developed in remote jungle areas of Colombia. New, high-gain antennas are now beaming the Gospel message deep into areas of deepening crisis across the borders of Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil as well as throughout Colombia.