Jehoshaphat
Part 3
The Conspiracy
And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. (1 Kings 16:30)
And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. (1 Kings 16:31)
And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. (1 Kings 16:32)
And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. (1 Kings 16:33)
The Conspirators
• Ahab the son of Omri, king of Israel, followed in the ways of Jeroboam, and kept the statutes of Omri his father. For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people. (Micah 6:16)
• Jezebel a Zidonian princess, daughter of Ethbaal, was a priestess of Baal, a prophetess of Baal, and a queen in Israel. For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.(1 Kings 18:4)
• Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, a princess of Israel, but a Zidonian by blood. And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. (2 Kings 11:1)
• Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, heir to the throne of Judah and a convert to Baal through marriage, and co-conspirator against his father Jehoshaphat. Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. (2 Chronicles 21:4)
The word ‘conspiracy’ is mentioned nine (9) times in the Old Testament, and one (1) time in the New Testament. As we go through this message, we will pick out verses to confirm the depth of conspiracy among the kings of Israel and Judah.
The First Conspiracy — Before Time, By Angels
Conspiracy is a deep rooted sin in man, for two conspired against God in the Garden, Satan and Eve. And then because of their conspiracy, Adam became a joint conspirator, for Adam brought sin into the world, and death by sin. Satan is the great conspirator. His conspiracy began in a realm we cannot fully comprehend; it was the rebellion in heaven with a portion of angels instigated, led, and directed by Satan. This is hard for an earth dweller to understand; for all the angels, including Satan, were created by God. The angels, like man, knew their Creator; however, unlike the creature man, they saw God in His realm of glory. And yet, knowing their Creator, they joined in rebellion with Satan against the Almighty God. Satan was the anointed cherub. He had been given a position of preeminence among the angels until pride was found in him. God’s account of his rebellion is inserted by the Holy Spirit in the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 14:9-20.
Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. (Isaiah 14:9)
All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? (Isaiah 14:10)
Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. (Isaiah 14:11)
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (Isaiah 14:12)
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (Isaiah 14:13)
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.(Isaiah 14:14)
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:15)
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (Isaiah 14:16)
That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (Isaiah 14:17)
All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. (Isaiah 14:18)
But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. (Isaiah 14:19)
Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. (Isaiah 14:20)
In the book of Isaiah, the Holy Spirit of God takes up a proverb against the king of Babylon. Remember in the Book of Zechariah that the seat of iniquity is in the land of Shinar in Babylon. At the time of this proverb the king of Babylon was serving the throne of Satan; therefore, the Holy Sprit moves us gently from the king of Babylon to Satan himself; thus, unfolding the truth about Lucifer, the anointed cherub, and his fall from heaven.
Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. (Ezekiel 28:12)
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (Ezekiel 28:13)
Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (Ezekiel 28:14)
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (Ezekiel 28:15)
By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. (Ezekiel 28:16)
Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28:17)
Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. (Ezekiel 28:18)
All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more. (Ezekiel 28:19)
In the prophecy of Ezekiel it is called a lamentation against the king of Tyrus. This is the Holy Spirit of God also revealing the character of the king, and that his character was just a shadow of the true character of Satan. Satan was the anointed cherub of God, and rebelled against God, and conspired with the angels of God to overthrow God; consequently, he was cast down to the ground, and he would remain on the earth to roam, going to and fro throughout the whole earth.
And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (Job 1:7)
And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. ( Job 2:2)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)
Satan is awaiting his final judgment for his great conspiracy which began in heaven, and now continues on earth with man. Man is Satan’s co-conspirator against the Holy and Righteous God who created him. The host of angels who rebelled with that old serpent, the devil, are bound in chains of darkness waiting for the day of their judgment. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;(2 Peter 2:4)
The First Conspiracy — In Time, By Man
The first conspiracy on earth began with the serpent and Eve. Then the third conspirator was brought in, and it is Adam (as I have mentioned previously) who brought sin into the world, and death by sin. Between the serpent, Eve, and Adam, remember that the goal of this conspiracy was that they would become as gods. (Genesis 3:5) This has been the delusion of Satan from his fall that he could be as God; consequently, he spread his self deception by his conspiracy. The devil, that old serpent, is brought to his end as recorded in the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, and we see his deceptive name in the book of Revelation, Chapter 20, verse 2. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. In Genesis, at the beginning of his conspiracy with man, the Holy Spirit calls him simply ‘a serpent.’ In Revelation the Holy Spirit adds age (that old serpent) to his wandering on earth to show the time, although long, of his deception. The Lord is called the Ancient of days, Satan is called that old serpent. We should realize that it has been thousands of years, and conspiracy after conspiracy. He is the author and the fulfiller of many conspiracies against man, and with man. He is truly the old serpent, and man has been an eager co-conspirator with the Devil. The last conspiracy can be seen in the Book of the Revelation before the Lord binds him in the pit for a thousand years. This conspiracy is with the false prophet, and the man of sin and world ruler, and the author of rebellion is Satan himself. We have not wandered from our subject of conspiracy. We have just enlarged the field of study so that we might have more understanding in the conspiracy of Ahab, Jezebel, Athaliah, and Jehoram.
Conspiracy Spreads Throughout the History of the Nation of Israel
The first mention of the word ‘conspiracy’ is in 2 Samuel 15:12. And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. This is a son conspiring against his father. This is a subject conspiring against his king. This is blood plotting against blood by Absalom the son of David. The first mention of the word ‘conspired’ is in Genesis 37:18. And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. The sons of Israel conspired against Joseph, who Israel (Joseph’s father) had made heir with the coat of many colors. The sons of Jacob (Jacob – ‘supplanter’) would not have this dreamer rule over them. This was blood against blood.
And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. (Genesis 37:19)
Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. (Genesis 37:20)
And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. (Genesis 37:8)
When we travel through time and get to 1st and 2nd Kings and 1st and 2nd Chronicles, the word ‘conspired,’ is mentioned more here than in all the rest of the books of the Bible. Why does the Holy Spirit show us so much about conspiracy, and those who conspired throughout these four (4) books? Remember that these four books are all about the rule over the house of Israel that began with the conspiracy against Joseph and now continues throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles. The Holy Spirit wants us to see not only the level of conspiracy in the house of Israel and Judah, but in government today.
Conspiracy Spreads Throughout the Systems of the World
Governments have been so deceptive that the word conspiracy has practically lost all meaning because conspiracy has become the norm of all governments. We also have a society full of conspiracy; in the family structure, we have son or daughter or both against parents; or neighbors conspiring evil against their neighbors. We have an economy that is inspired by conspiracy against the consumer. Governments conspire against the people they rule. Throughout the systems of education around the world there are all kinds of conspiracies. Instead of educating and teaching the fundamentals of learning: political, financial and social influences with agendas have conspired to indoctrinate students in social perverseness for the ‘better good’ of elitists in their quest to control and manipulate the populace; subsequently the evils of government and society will be accepted from cradle to the grave. It is not by chance that governments have cast off God. They have joined with Satan in the great conspiracy. If governments want you to believe a certain doctrine or teaching they will start with the government pre-schools, and then continue through their indoctrination process to make sure their evil social doctrines are taught to corrupt and control children. This is all perpetrated by government officials deliberately conspiring to bring these evils to the heart of man to create a society that government can easily control both in the financial realm, and the realm of morality. If you examine the fall of Satan, you would see government today in its true light. They want their throne above the throne of God. The United States is no different, it is a co-conspirator with the rest of the nations; they in turn are the biggest abusers of conspiracy. The United States government has changed the definition of many words; they deliberately attempt to dumb down our vocabulary by changing the meaning and definition of words. If you use the word ‘conspiracy’ you are called a conspiracy theorist, and considered unstable in order to stop any thoughts or mention of conspiracy. That is why we began this article with the true definition of conspiracy.
If you had told Jezebel, Ahab, Athaliah, and Jehoram that they were conspiring against Jehoshaphat and Judah they would have said that you see a conspiracy in every thing. This is what governments do today, they mock those who claim a conspiracy while they conspire and plot behind closed doors, but not only the government, but news fools also conspire and go along for the ride and while hiding under the skirts of government and care not for truth. The first amendment of the Constitution of the United States prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, or to impede the free exercise of religion, or freedom of speech. But news fools apply this only to government, politicians, cult religions, and special interest groups; therefore, true Christians who love the Lord Jesus Christ are not protected by this 1st amendment of the Bill of Rights. We, as true Christians, have been told by governments (including the USA and the news fools) that we have no freedom of speech, and no rights in expressing, or speaking, or showing our love for our Lord Jesus with all our hearts, and with our souls and with all our might. I say to this world of government deception, ‘God does not see it that way.’ For no one can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. To the news fools, speak up now for when you stand at the great white throne of judgment of God, you will have no freedom of speech, and no freedom of your apostate religion or religious preferences. Every mouth will be stopped by the judgment of God. Have fun now, news fools, for your day is nearly over, and when it is, your press pass will do you no good. On the Christian side, those who are bought with the blood of Christ, I speak of my own heart in this matter, it thrills me to know that soon I will be leaving this world. When you reach my age there is more behind you than in front of you in this life. You see farther into eternity, for eternity lies just over the horizon of this life. When my last earthly sun goes down, the Son of Righteousness with healing in His wings will take me by the hand, and show me His great glory, and whisk me away into eternity with Him. This is a guarantee that I have from God Almighty by the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Now . . . back to our study.
Conspiracy Spreads Throughout the History of the Nation of Israel, cont.
Jonathan, the son of the first king of Israel (Saul), was accused by his father of conspiring with David (the son of Jesse) to give the throne to David. And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? (1 Samuel 22:13) Saul falsely accused his son Jonathan, for Jonathan was loyal to his father even unto his death. (1 Samuel 23) We should consider that Israel had just come through a period of judges, and even though the word ‘conspiracy’ and ‘conspired’ is not found in the Book of Judges we see the results of conspiracy throughout the entire book. This is a trait found in man because of his sin. He is a conspirator, and as a leopard cannot change its spots, so man is subject to his own conspiracies. When David became king, Absalom (his son) conspired against his father. (2 Samuel 15:12) Absalom would have taken the kingdom by force if David had not left Jerusalem. It was not David, but Joab who stood up for Judah and the kingdom. It was Joab who stirred up the people and led them to hunt Absalom down, and God showed His displeasure for the conspiracy of Absalom by taking Absalom’s life. On God’s part, He caught Absalom by the locks of his hair; on Joab’s part he finished the divine order with three darts thrust through the heart of Absalom. What David could not do — God finished and preserved His kingdom. Now from David on, both in Judah and the kingdom of Israel (or ten tribes), there was one conspiracy after another. As I have said, in our day it hasn’t changed.
The Line of the Conspirators
Ahab was on the throne because of his father’s conspiracy. Omri conspired against Zimri and Zimri was on the throne because he conspired against Elah.
In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years. (1 Kings 16:8)
And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah. (1 Kings 16:9)
And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead. (1 Kings 16:10)
Then Baasha the son of Ahijah conspired against Nadab. And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon. (1 Kings 15:27) And did not Jeroboam conspired with the men of Israel to take the kingdom out of the line of David and usurp power over Rehoboam, was that not a conspiracy? So we have a long list of conspiracies recorded by the Spirit of God for our learning. From Rehoboam (in the southern kingdom) and Jeroboam (in the northern kingdom) to Amon of Judah (the father of Josiah) who was slain by his servants who conspired against him. Amon was a wicked king; therefore, his servants conspired and slew him. This past the throne to Josiah, who had no part in the conspiracy for he was only eight years old; and he was the last godly king of Judah.
The Judgment and the Consequences of Conspiracy
When we approach the four (4) conspirators: Ahab, Jezebel, Athaliah, and Jehoram we will see their evil works. Jezebel is sentenced by God for killing the prophets of God. (1 Kings 18:4) God records her evil deed of killing His prophets. She is the one who stirred up Ahab.
And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. (1 Kings 16:30)
And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. (1 Kings 16:31)
And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. (1 Kings 16:32)
And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. (1 Kings 16:33)
Jezebel was judged by God for her evil works.
And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. (1 Kings 21:23)
And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. (2 Kings 9:30)
And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master? (2 Kings 9:31)
And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. (2 Kings 9:32)
And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. (2 Kings 9:33)
And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king’s daughter. (2 Kings 9:34)
And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. (2 Kings 9:35)
Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: (2 Kings 9:36)
And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel. (2 Kings 9:37)
We see the character of both Jezebel and Ahab. One was judged by an arrow (Ahab), and Jezebel was judged by dogs. Now, for Athaliah, until the death of Jehoshaphat we see little or hear little about Athaliah. She most likely escaped the slaughter of Jehu by being in her new home in Jerusalem wining and dining with the leaders of Jerusalem and Judah spreading her cult religion of Baal, and probably spending her time looking for a place to erect a temple and an idol for Baal. Maybe she thought of placing the fierce bull with horns of gold in Jerusalem. At this point she would not be able to place her idol in the king’s house, nor in the temple of God. Most likely she sought out a place in the commerce area or financial hub where everyone could see the host of Baal (or I might add the bull of Wall street). Oh, what you say, ‘We do not serve idols.’ This is a country that is built on mammon, surely you can see the idols all over this country, from the east coast to the west coast; the blind leading the blind for the better good. The spirit of Jezebel and Athaliah lives today in this world. They have the same painted faces, and the same demonic smiles while waiting patiently for their turn to govern. Whether in an influential family or in a nation, Jezebel is alive and well, but she as Athaliah and Ahab will stand before the Lord and with sealed lips will hear the judgment of God. Then they will be cast into the lake of fire. Remember, Athaliah patiently waited for her turn to govern. When Jehoram and his son was killed Athaliah usurped the throne and killed all the seed royal. She only missed one; a child, an infant, a new born — Joash by name. The wife of Jehoiada (the high priest) rescued Joash and they hid this child for seven (7) years in the Temple of the Lord. Up to this point the conspiracy was working well. Athaliah is now on the throne of Judah, to bad the rest of the conspirators could not be there for they were all dead. God had judged each and every one of them. The sad part is that the conspiracy was still being fulfilled under Athaliah. Poor Ahab and Jezebel, they could not be there to see the coronation of their daughter. Judah, now, was in the hands of Omri; for Athaliah was a descendant (Omri’s granddaughter). Although God would deliver Judah by the death of Athaliah, we find that the statutes of Omri, Ahab, and Jezebel would haunt Judah throughout it’s history.
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.(Micah 6:16)
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? (Psalm 94:20)
As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. (Isaiah 3:12)
One point that the Holy Spirit wants us to see is that a conspiracy can continuously have an influence on many generations. You might think that it is gone with the death of the individual, but somewhere down through the line of history it will show it’s ugly face once again. Judah could not escape from this, for they kept the statutes of Omri. Now the eyes of the Lord go to and fro throughout the whole earth. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13) God sees the heart of conspirators, there is no place of them to hide. He notes down their path and rewards them according to their evil deeds. Consider — the dogs ate Jezebel. And it would be so nice to leave these deceivers buried in the Old Testament, but we can’t for the Lord Himself brings them back in their character in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Conspiracy in the Age of the Church
In the letters to the seven (7) churches we see the history of the church from Ephesus to Laodicea. All seven (7) of these churches are an overlay of Israel’s history especially the age of the kings. The spiritual application to the seven churches are seen in the actual historical accounts of the kings of Israel and Judah. These are all spiritual types and pictures of spiritual conditions of the church and her historical end. This end is not the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ, but a counterfeit religion using the same terms, and same conditions; yet, without God. The fulfillment of this religious system will be Babylon the great. She will be destroyed in one hour. The beginning of Babylon the great that will met her end in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ began with Constantine (approximately 306 – 337 AD) when government joined with an apostate profession of Christianity. This was to deceive the multitudes, and to ruin any true testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ. The true Church are those who are bought with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, those who have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundations of the world. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8) The Holy Spirit uses this verse to separate the sheep from the goats, and the wheat from the tares. The worshipers in this verse are those who worship the Dragon and the Beast (verse 4). These are all part of Constantine’s government and ecclesiastical rule over the church. The true Church are those who have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world. This true Church will be gone and no longer in existence on the earth.
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:12)
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.(1 Thessalonians 4:15)
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:(1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
In our study we remember that Thyatira (historically enlarged in influence approximately 425 AD), which is the false church, is to go into the tribulation period (Revelation 2:22); for the real Church is removed from the earth with a door opened in heaven in Revelation 4 and the Lord descending in 1 Thessalonians 4.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (1Corinthians 15:51)
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.(1Corinthians 15:52)
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1Corinthians 15:53)
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1Corinthians 15:54)
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1Corinthians 15:55)
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (1Corinthians 15:56)
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Corinthians 15:57)
Conspiracy in the Millennial Age
In the previous verses we see the gathering of those who belong to Jesus Christ in His Body which is the true Church. This is the mystery that God hid before the foundations of the world, and will be fulfilled at the translation of all His Church saints. The mystery of iniquity, however, will continue into the tribulation period; and will be concluded in two (2) phases: one phase will be the coming of the Lord Jesus to set up His thousand year (1000) reign or millennial kingdom. During this time period the Devil will be bound in chains in the bottomless pit. After the thousand years are complete, the Devil will be loosed for a short season. We do not know the exact period of time in days, hours, or years, but compared to our history it will take place at the end of the thousand years. The Devil will go out to deceive the nations once more. This will be his final conspiracy. The nations under his guidance will come up against Jerusalem and their Great King, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will destroy them all with the fire of His mouth and consume them out of this world. Then the Devil will be cast into the lake of fire with the false prophet and the beast. The Lord will now set up His great white throne judgment where He will judge all those who are not written in the Lamb’s book of Life for their sin and transgression, and the rejection of His Person and His sacrifice; for this they will be cast into the lake of fire where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth. The conspiracy will end. To finalize it the Lord Jesus will consume the heavens and the earth with fire and the elements shall melt, and He will create a new heaven and a new earth wherein righteousness dwells. Now back to our conspiracy with Ahab, Jezebel, Athaliah and Jehoram.
Conspiracy – Israel and the Church Compared in Captivity
This conspiracy was a conspiracy of both the religious and the government to rule over Israel both by Baal and Ahab’s evil rule. Jezebel was the ecclesiastical branch of this conspiracy and Ahab was the governmental figure. This wicked plot continued after the death of all the participants, and continued into the captivity of both Israel and Judah; therefore, in our day the church of Constantine and it’s evil will continue into the tribulation period where eventually the ecclesiastical will be destroyed and taken from the priests by the man of sin, and he will under the guidance of Satan be the object of worship. As Israel went into captivity, the sham and false church will go into captivity in the tribulation period. God’s dealing with man will move from the Body of Christ and return back to the nation of Israel. They will once again be under the guidance of the Most High God, Possessor of heaven and earth. Although they will suffer tremendously from an evil world in the end of the tribulation, the Son of Righteousness will return with healing in His wings for the nation of Israel. One statement, remember, although we are using the nation of Israel as a type it is only in the historical and not in the actual church state.
Conspiracy in the Historical and Prophetical History of Christendom
Ahab and Jezebel were working under the power and influence of Satan to establish rule by both Baal and Ahab’s corrupt government over all Israel. In both the historical and prophetical churches of Pergamos (approx. 300/425/AD continues into current age) and Thyatira (approx. 425/590AD continues into current age) we have the same influence of Satan, government, and Jezebel, and these churches and it’s influence to the church of the Laodiceans (apostolic to our current age). In Revelation 2:14 we have the beginning of the history of the last age of the church. The letter to Laodicea is no longer written to an area, but to specific people called Laodiceans showing that they had usurped the power of the entire church. We see the current testimony of our day and the testimony of the Laodiceans as a perfect match. It is the church of ‘me’ not of Christ. If one reads the testimony of the angel closely, you will see all the corruption, the hypocrisy, and the deep rooted evil of what began with Constantine; the amalgamation of the false with the true, the uniting of paganism to that which was of God, and the attempt to forge together that which cannot be joined.
To give you further insight into our age we travel back to the Book of Colossians, Chapter 4, verse 16. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. Paul in the Book of Colossians deals with heavenly people; the Colossians had become attached to the earth, and the Apostle had to remind them that they were a heavenly people, and their hope was in heaven and not of the earth. He also had to remind them that they had affections for the earth and not for heaven.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
Paul is showing the assembly gathered at Colossae and those at Laodicea what they do not have in their profession of Christ. If you read the entire epistle to the Colossians you will find that they had little spiritual knowledge of the Body of Christ, or of their position as heavenly people and not an earthly people. In Chapter 2 of Colossians, Paul makes his first reference to Laodicea in verse 1. Then in the following verses he describes what the Church should be; for revelation Chapter 2:14-17 tells us what the church at Laodicea actually was in regard to worldliness and self importance. Both the letters to Colossae and Laodicea must have been similar for they suffered from a similar worldliness. I will just point out a few of the problems with the believers at Colossae. The first precept that Paul deal’s with is their hope which was laid up in heaven. This is not only a problem for them, but similar today in the misguided teaching of our hope which is laid up in heaven. Many, today, because they are mere professors and not true believers do not have the security of their salvation. They believe that a person can be saved and then lost once more. This is a travesty and blasphemy against the Son of God, and His work on the cross of Calvary for our eternal redemption. Our hope is laid up in heaven with Christ and that hope cannot be forfeited. The next precept in Colossae is their spiritual knowledge, in verse 9 of Chapter 1, they lack the knowledge of the will of God and the wisdom of God in spiritual understanding; too much of the world, little of the Spirit. Paul also reminds them to walk worthy of the Lord not only before people, but in one’s belief; being able to refute false doctrines. He also reminds them that they have been delivered from the power of darkness, and by being delivered they were translated (past tense) into the kingdom of His dear Son. (Colossians 1:13) Paul continues on to remind them that the redemption is through the blood of Christ and only through the blood of Christ can they have the forgiven of sins. (Colossians 1:14) Now, Paul deals with the heavenlies, in verse 15 he states that Christ is the image of the invisible God that He is the first born of every creature. Paul reminds them that this One is the Creator of all things that are in heaven, that are on the earth, both visible and invisible; whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by Him and for Him; and He, the Person of Christ, is before all things, and by Him all things consist. These are just a few precepts from Chapter 1 that both the Colossians and the Laodiceans lacked. Study the Book of Colossians in what they were lacking and in comparison use Laodicea in Revelation as an overlay of their true character, and you will see why Paul spent so much time with the things of heaven and the things of Christ in His Person. For both groups were lacking a true understanding of the mysteries of God in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Conspiracy – The Place of the Seat of Satan
In the days of Ahab and Jezebel evil was running government, and evil had usurped the worship of Jehovah for Baal. Jehovah had put the mercy seat in Jerusalem in Solomon’s Temple, in the city of the Great King. Ahab had put the seat of Satan in Samaria in the temple of Baal showing the depth of Satan’s conspiracy. Ahab built a temple for Baal that was to equal that of God’s Temple in Jerusalem. Both Ahab and Jezebel created an evil priesthood to lead the people in the worship of Baal. In the twelve (12) tribes each Israelite had the right to go to Jerusalem and to worship God there. This was the center of the true worship of Jehovah in the days of the kings; however, under Jeroboam’s reign he deliberately perverted the belief of the center of worship being in Jerusalem centered around the mercy seat by setting a golden calf in Bethel (the house of God) in the southern part of the kingdom and another false altar to the furthest location in the northern part of Dan. Convenient for the people, and controlling for the government. The children of Israel, therefore, would worship the gods of Egypt, and not the true God of heaven and earth. Under Ahab and Jezebel this worship went to a new level of evil and bondage for the ten tribes under their control.
Pergamos is the third historical and prophetic church in the Book of Revelation. It is to this church that the Lord delivers a stinging rebuke that this counterfeit church has taken on the character of Baal. This early church also had a evil priesthood under the influence of Satan; for he established his seat in the midst of the professing church, just like Baal in the midst of Israel. One point that is important, the majority not the minority of the twelve tribes were under the influence of Ahab and Jezebel and Baal, for they had control over ten (10) of the tribes. Ahab was so evil that the Lord tells us that Ahab hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD. (1 Kings 21:21) We, therefore, can believe that the church at Pergamos sold themselves to evil, after all, Satan’s seat was in their midst.
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; (Revelation 2:12)
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. (Revelation 2:13)
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Revelation 2:14)
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. (Revelation 2:15)
Conspiracy – Age of Ahab compared to the Age of Pergamos
The comparison of Ahab’s reign and the church at Pergamos are compatible with our theme ‘conspiracy.’ For both the kingdom of Israel and the Church has suffered from Satan’s conspiracy. Under Ahab’s reign we have the murder or martyrdom of Naboth. This righteous man, Naboth (‘fruits’ ‘increasing’ ‘prophecies’), would not give up his birthright, his inheritance in Israel; consequently, Jezebel and Ahab caused Naboth’s death by conspiracy. In Pergamos, Antipas (‘against fatherland, against all’) would not surrender his birthright, or his inheritance being born of the Spirit of God, (not by blood, nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God). Antipas would not give up his sonship, or his inheritance in Christ; he was part of God’s royal priesthood in Christ — and refused to relinquish his rights in Christ and surrender his blood bought redemptive rights to a pagan church and its priests. In Ahab’s kingdom we have the priesthood of Baal, in Pergamos we have the priesthood of the Nicolaitans, devious men who had crept in unawares (Jude 1:4; Galatians 2:4). These brought in idol worship and sacrifices that were in reality to the Baal of the New Testament. In Pergamos we have the stumbling block which is Baalism, and Baalism under the Nicolaitans seduced the Church to both sacrifice and to eat the things that were sacrificed as part of their ritual and sacrificial rights. The Lord uses the harshest of terms with this Church at Pergamos concerning their evil, and tells them which thing I hate, and that He will fight against them with the sword of His mouth. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:16) Under Ahab’s reign the priests of Baal wore lavish robes to distinguish themselves from the general public. They had rank and place. In Pergamos, we have the beginning of the priesthood of Baal within the Church, when Constantine came to power, he brought the state into the Church and the Church into the state: the Age of Constantine (306/337 AD) and Age of Pergamos (300/425 AD) overlap; it was Constantine who established the first imperial state religion considering himself equal with Jesus Christ the Son of God. Much of what has been written about Constantine would make any press agent proud. This imperial religious system used the same terms and words as Christianity, yet did not possess faith in Jesus Christ. Constantine became both emperor and priest of this unholy church, he merely added one more deity to his Roman frame of reference. This was at the time of Antipas (‘against fatherland’ ‘against all’) who stood alone against this unholy abominable alliance. This was the place of Satan’s seat, his throne. Then, as in the days of Jezebel, the order went out to kill Antipas. Antipas is the only martyr mentioned by name throughout the seven churches. He is given as an example to us not to accept the things of Baalism. In 313 B.C. when this was all taking place the false priesthood united and brought about what is called the Edict of Milan through influence. This was an agreement or policy change by Constantine to treat Christians benevolently and with tolerance, but the definition of Christian also changed, the state/religious authority had the power to determine who was a Christian and who was a heretic. This edict of toleration was created more for social stability and protection of the empire than for any religious justice; this edict appeared to include all religions and pagans in this new period of toleration, but in reality it only gave more power to the pagan leaders hidden within the system of Christendom. Under the words of tolerance the actions of slaughter was felt by all who disagreed, and those who refused to accept pagan religious state approved doctrines were called heretics; thus, the state/church was free to legally murder and torture all who would not bow the knee to their united system. This was the Nicolaitans finest hour, for they took total control of the outward professing Church, and established a covenant of doctrines that they believed in or at least, said that they believed in; much like the Constitution of the United States today. What the Constitution says and what government tells us it says is two different things. For instance, if I write that God is Sovereign, but I don’t believe He created the world, how then can I believe that He is Sovereign. If I believe that an emperor can be head of the Church, and not Christ head of the Church, how can I believe in God’s Sovereignty? Does not Christ have the preeminence in all things. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18) In recorded history, we are told that Constantine established his realm with the sign of the cross; in reality, he extended his Roman pagan realm at the point of the sword. All state religions are ruled and manipulated by the state. The Lord was so angry with Pergamos that the reference to His sword comes twice. This is the tool or weapon of judgment.
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; (Revelation 2:12)
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.(Revelation 2:16)
First, it is the sharp sword with two edges, this is the sword of judgment. If we are to judge in a righteous way over an evil church, it must be done by the Word of God. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Secondly, in verse 16, this sword is more personal; it is the sword of His mouth. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:16)
This is not the man Christ Jesus walking in Galilee. This is the ascended man in heaven above. He is not ministering to Pergamos, He is not making a suggestion, He is judging them for their wickedness, and they were judged. They were judged for Antipas and for other martyrs, for there were many during this time period. Before Constantine it was the state killing Christians and Jews. After Constantine we have the amalgamation of a state church killing Christians and Jews. I must break from the downside of this evil church. For the Lord also gives comfort to the overcomer.
Conspiracy and the Overcomer
The Lord tells His beloved, ‘Fear not what man can do to you, for I am with you, and I will comfort thee with the hidden manna.’ Where was the hidden manna? It was put into the Ark of the Covenant as a witness to Israel of God’s sustaining power. This manna was beneath the mercy seat, and it was sealed out of the vision of man. Man might have his seat of Satan, but I will take the hidden manna in Jesus Christ who is the Bread of Life under the Mercy Seat. He is the author and sustainer of both the faith of Antipas and of my faith. To this one who is bought with the blood of Christ and is fed by the hidden manna in the true Mercy Seat of God because He has overcome the wickedness of Satan, the Lord Himself not only gives him the manna, but gives His presence. In the secret room of the heart, He declares I will give thee a white stone, and in the purity of that stone, a new name, I am my beloved and He is mine. What a wonderful thought from the Lord, so personal that only the Lord and His faithful know their names. And this name will have meaning for all eternity. The name you were given at birth was only for a lifetime, the name that the Lord gives to His faithful is a name for all eternity. And as He is pure, so He writes that name on a pure white stone in the depth of one’s heart.
Conspiracy in the Church at Thyatira – The Seat of Jezebel
Pergamos was the beginning of Satan’s seat or authority in the professing church. In the next church at Thyatira, we see a progression of evil under Jezebel. The Lord addresses this church in Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;. Once again, we see the Lord as Judge, He is the Ancient of days of Revelation, Chapter 1, verses 13-16.
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. (Revelation 1:13)
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; (Revelation 1:14)
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Revelation 1:15)
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:16)
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. (Daniel 7:9)
The Lord Jesus is appearing to the church at Thyatira as the Judge. He is not here fulfilling His Priestly ministry, but He is judging this worldly church as the King of Righteousness, and as King Eternal. We see His eyes are a flame of fire, this is to consume that which is not of Him. Then we have His feet as fine brass, that which is used to stamp out evil. In Revelation, Chapter 1, verse 15 His feet is like fine brass as if they burned in a furnace. This is not only to stamp out the evil, but to contain it and to protect His own. We have a continuous evil in this church and a relationship with the house of Ahab in Revelation 2:20. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. In Ahab’s kingdom, Jezebel was not only queen she was also a priestess and a prophetess. She seduced the servants of God and if they did not obey her, she had them killed. She was as Ahab powered by Satan. In Thyatira the Lord is seeing the same character, He is looking over the works of Jezebel. She has manipulated the servants of God, and the professing church. Instead of resisting sin, she brings sin into the church by allowing and condoning lasciviousness and fornication not only among the participants, but among those who profess to be the Lord’s servants. It is recorded of Ahab that he did more to provoke the Lord than any king before or after him. We could say the same thing about the church at Thyatira. The Lord Jesus also declares His open judgment of this church before the world in verses 22, and 23.
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (Revelation 2:22)
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 2:23)
The judgment is most severe for this is the first time that the tribulation is mentioned in the Book of the Revelation. It is quite obvious that this group or organization that is calling itself ‘the church of the Lord Jesus Christ,’ is an imposter, and the children of the great imposter, Satan. They will be cast into the tribulation, meaning that they never had faith in Jesus Christ. They never had eternal redemption. They were never under the sorrow and joy of the blood of the cross. They never believed in the words of Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Paul knew the joys and the sufferings of Christ. He so identified with suffering that he said it was for him to fill up the sufferings of Christ. This is the only way to the joy of salvation. If He suffered for us, we must suffer with Him. Thyatira was not suffering for Christ, but suffered that woman, Jezebel. The Lord is not only showing us His confrontation with Thyatira, but He is exposing the conspiracy. Notice, it is Jezebel seducing the servants of God. This is guile, this is conspiracy against the things that are true and righteous. Notice the judgment upon the Jezebel of Thyatira, it is uniquely the same as the judgment against Jezebel in Ahab’s kingdom. Judgment fell on Jezebel, and her prophets and her priests. Jehu not only destroyed Jezebel, but also her family. He then went on to destroy the temple of Baal. He brought all the Baal worshipers together, made sure that there was not one child of God in the temple, and then shut the doors and barred them, and burnt the temple of Baal to the ground with the host of Baal’s worshipers within its burning walls. We see, therefore, the similarity of the judgment of the Jezebel of Thyatira. Because the word ‘tribulation’ is mentioned we believe that mystery Babylon the great is only a continuation of Jezebel’s wickedness. For Babylon the great is called the mother of harlots. And does not the name Jezebel bring that same thought to mind? She was destroyed, and all her children, and so Babylon the great will go up in smoke like the kingdom of Ahab and Jezebel.
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. (Revelation 18:10)
For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, (Revelation 18:17)
And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! (Revelation 18:18)
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. (Revelation 18:19)
If you can find time read the whole 18th Chapter, and meditate on the similarities between the destruction of Ahab’s kingdom and the destruction of Babylon the great. There was nothing left of Jezebel, she was thrown out of a window by her own servants. The dogs consumed her and only left the palms of her hands, the soles of her feet, and her skull; these are symbols of her works, her walk, and her continual thoughts of evil. We find this similarity also in Thyatira. All their works and their walk will be brought into God’s eyes of fire and judged with a flame of fire streaming from God Almighty. His feet will then stamp all their works to powder and cast them into the wind. That great city, that great conspiracy will go the way of Cain. The seven (7) churches of the Revelation contain seventy-five percent of words of judgment. The Lord uses all these words of judgment only the Overcomer finds grace in His sight. In this day of apostasy, the whole professing church, or the whole head is sick. We have become numb to the wickedness of Jezebel:
1. She has seduced the servants of God.
2. She has created a priesthood of false priests.
3. She has killed God’s prophets and servants.
4. She has built her temple everywhere on this planet. There is not one small town or hamlet that does not have the temple of Baal.
5. She has conspired to take away the inheritance of God’s people.
6. She denies the priesthood of all believers in Christ.
7. She denies the Deity and Sovereignty of our Savior, Jesus Christ by exalting herself as the holy mother which is blasphemy against God Almighty.
Now we have somewhat covered conspiracy, but we will not forget this subject. For forgetting it leads to being controlled by it — keep your eyes wide opened and the Lord by your side. Remember — you and the Lord are a majority of truth. God bless and good night for now. Amen.
© Copyright 2016, Michael Haigh
Article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.
All Scripture references are from the King James Bible. (KJV)