The Partial Kingdom
John Boda
Genesis Chapters 25 thru II Chronicles
be looking at the history of Israel from Abraham (Isaac) through to the highpoint of
the monarchy Kingship under Solomon, a period which covers over 1000 years.
Even though I will be getting into some of the history of Israel, this will not be a
history lesson! I will only cover history from a panoramic big picture viewpoint and
always with God’s big picture and Kingdom in view! As we go, some Bible books will
hardly get even a mention, but our aim is to see the big picture of The Kingdom of
God and not to get into a detailed exposition, as good as that may be, our focus is
always the Kingdom, and here it is dealing with a partial, earthly form of it.
History in a Nutshell
Eden, and placed his only created beings made in his own image, Adam & Eve, to
live and rule over it, and the whole earth
.
2. After they both failed, the Serpent (Satan) gained rights and control over the
earth to corrupt it and prevent God’s Kingdom from ever being realized.
3. But God was not caught off guard! He immediately stated his plans and
promised that a deliverer would come, the King, who would destroy Satan’s rule,
restore the earth, save as many people as possible, and ultimately set up God’s
eternal Kingdom on earth, in which God himself would rule and live with his people.
4. Again, Satan went on the offensive, and tried to destroy the human race to
prevent this coming King and Kingdom (Cain killed Abel by his direct influence) but
God prevailed, and life, and hope continued through Seth.
5. Next Satan went on the offensive even more by corrupting the whole earth, very
likely, a corruption even far deeper than most realized, with an evil plan of actual
corruption of humanity by mixing fallen angels with human women and resulting in
a terrible evil race of giants, as well as a massive full population hybrid mix which if
completed, would prevent the King from being born of a human woman.
6. God then moved by selecting one individual who remained pure and
uncontaminated, Noah and his family, and designed an incredible plan of saving
them in an ark while he then destroyed the entire earth filled with an evil corrupt
human hybrid race, along with all the land animals, (who were possibly also
involved as indicated by many extra-biblical books).
7. After the flood, Satan attempted his world-wide corruption program again since
he clearly heard God say to Noah that he would never flood the earth again. But this
time, it was much more focused on a specific place, Canaan, as Satan also learned
that God had chosen a new individual, Abraham, to become the father of a new
family by which God would bring the King and his Kingdom, and clearly revealed
that this plan would take place in one area, Canaan, which would become Israel.
8. Satan begins to direct his attacks, in view of this new information, against
Abraham, his family, and prepares a new evil race of giants to completely occupy
and overrun Canaan to await the coming conquest.
AT THIS POINT, HERE IS THE SUMMARY OF THIS SERIES NOW WE WILL COVER;
9. Satan almost succeeds in preventing Israel from even entering this land, and
God almost destroys them all in judgment because of their disobedience, but two
men, Joshua & Caleb, prevail with true faith in God and it is their line which
eventually enters and conquers this land.
10. Satan again tries to destroy Israel by various attempts; famine, war, conflict
within, idolatry, and being consumed and conquered by Egypt, until God intervenes
and Moses delivers them.
11. God begins to reveal plans for a visible, partial Kingdom structure of a
Tabernacle, and later a Temple; with elaborate and detailed laws and
commandments for sacrifice and worship.
12. Finally, through King David, Israel enjoys a period of true partial Kingdom of
God realities on earth! Then also through David’s son, Solomon, but at that point
this partial Kingdom begins to dissolve because of sin, pride, rebellion and idolatry
led by Solomon.
13. This leads to a serious fracture within Israel and it divides into two separate
factions; Israel to the north which included ten tribes, and Judah to the south which
included only two, Judah & Benjamin.
14. Finally, God brings judgment against both because of their continued sin; first
to Israel in 722 B.C. when Assyria comes and destroys most, and takes many
captive, and Israel is gone, for now. Then, Judah also receives judgment in 586 B.C.
when Babylon comes and does the same to them.
WE STOP HERE BECAUSE IT COVERS THE NEXT SERIES AT THIS POINT; THE
PROPHESIED KINGDOM
Kings & Priests
or at least, minimized, are this;
Man was created in God’s image – God is the ultimate ruler and King! Man was
created with a purpose – to rule and have dominion over the earth!
Then God said, “ Let Us make man in Our image, according to our likeness; let them
have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle,
over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Then God blessed them and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth
and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and
over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1: 26, 28)
Note; This does NOT mean that we can run amok and ruin and destroy the earth by
pollution and wipe out animal species. But likewise, it also does NOT mean that we
are equal to the animals, but rather mankind is very special and was designed to rule
and dominate the earth and all its creatures.
What is the meaning of dominion? Here is one good definition;
To be established as a sovereign, kingly, ruler, master, governor, responsible for
reigning over a designated territory Mankind was created
with a dominion mandate to rule the earth, and establish the eternal Kingdom of God
on earth! We must keep this in focus all through this series!
When Adam & Eve sinned, they didn’t lose heaven, because they never came from
there, and they had never even been there! They lost the earth, and their dominion
over it, and God’s Kingdom establishment in it!
This fact can be clearly understood by Jesus’ first words in his ministry, “ Repent, for
the Kingdom of God is near”! Jesus is called the Second Adam, as the first one gave
away his Kingdom rights, but when Jesus came he acquired them back and restored
God’s Kingdom mandate to all who would accept it by faith.
In addition to the dominion mandate given to mankind, we know that it was God’s
original plan to establish, within his Kingdom on earth, a Kingdom of Kings & Priests,
all mankind, every man and woman, you and I, to rule and represent his Kingdom on
earth. Of course, all this was drastically changed by the entrance of sin.
God clearly revealed his intention to Moses about this, and even declared that it
would happen IF they would obey and follow him at that time;
Now if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be a
special treasure to me above all people, for all the earth is mine. And you shall be a
Kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19: 5, 6)
(Even though this appears to be directed ONLY to the nation of Israel, we must
always keep the big picture in mind, and God ALWAYS intended to extend this to all
people and every nation! –see Genesis 12:3)
A Kingdom of priests is another way of saying, Kings & Priests, or a “Royal
Priesthood” which in fact IS exactly what we are called as the people of God today in
the church;
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging
to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into
his wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9)
OK, let’s follow the logic as presented in the Bible as to who is who;
1. Jesus – King of Kings & Lord of Lords! (Revelation 19:16) He is ALSO God’s great
high priest! (Hebrews 4:14) Jesus is BOTH the ultimate and eternal Great high priest
and King of Kings. All through the Old Testament, the office of King was kept
separate from that of a Priest, for good reasons. There were three specific roles for
special high leadership in Israel, Prophet – Priest – King. Some were two, but never
all three! (David was both a King & Prophet) (Moses was a Priest & Prophet)
Basically the function of a prophet is one who speaks for God / A Priest speaks for
the people to God / A King is ruler over all
Not only is Jesus both King and Priest, but he is also the chief Prophet! He held all
three offices and the only one who ever did, or ever will.
2. You & Me (All Christ followers) – We are also Kings and Priests within God’s
Kingdom, which although it is not fully consummated yet, we should think, and act
accordingly by faith now as The Kingdom increases on earth. (Royal Priesthood – I
Peter 2:9) This idea of thinking and acting accordingly is also seen in the concept of
ambassadorship, and Paul states that he/we ARE Ambassadors for Christ! (II
Corinthians 5:20)
An ambassador is one who works, speaks, acts and lives all on behalf of his/her
government while in a foreign land. All of us are just such people; the foreign land is
this world during our entire life journey. Once we come back to God and enter into
the Kingdom by faith, we pray and seek his plans, goals, laws and ultimately we seek
more of The Kingdom of God to be fully realized on earth.
Thy will be done, thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be
added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Saints of God
The Kingdom of God is reserved for all the saints of God;
“But the saints of the Most High will receive the Kingdom and will possess it forever,
yes, forever and ever.” (Daniel 7:18)
It is a very common misconception that saints are only a select, special super holy
people! That is one of the many false teachings and flat out errors of organized
religion! Don’t believe a word of it!
Who are the saints of God? All of us who are believers right now, and every Christ
follower who ever lived! A saint is simply one who is holy and sanctified, which are
big theological words, simply meaning, to be set apart for God’s work in this world.
It does not mean perfection! None of us are perfect, but we ARE set apart and a saint
of God if we are a believer!
The same idea is found in the meaning of the word – church. Organized religion has
turned it into a place or building, but in the Bible it is a living organism of saints, all
true believers in Christ! The word “church” means “The called out ones” from the
Greek. Once again, we are called out and set apart, we are the church and all saints
of God, and according to the Bible, it is the saints who will possess, live and enjoy
God’s incredible Kingdom forever!
Are you still unconvinced? Do you want more proof? OK, please look these up one
your own;
I Corinthians 1:2
II Corinthians 1:1
Ephesians 1:1
Philippians 1:1
Colossians 1:1
You will find a common greeting that Paul used in writing to these various churches,
and he addresses ALL of them as saints, and most were simple, common, working
people who became believers in Jesus.
Back to the Future or (Past)
We are in the midst of the series, The Partial Kingdom, and I can only touch on some
of the key historical events that connect the dots of God’s Big Picture and his
Kingdom we are tracing. (I suppose if Moses covered possibly billions of years in one
chapter – Genesis One – I can cover 1000 years in two pages)
(Ask me to summarize all the Jewish holidays in nine words?)
THEY TRIED TO KILL US - WE WON - LET'S EAT
Ok, let's get back to the study!
In order to place this period in you mind, and try to remember it, here are some very
key characters within this time period;
Isaac – Jacob – Joseph - Moses – Aaron – Joshua – Caleb – Elijah – Elisha – Gideon –
Sampson - Ruth – Esther – Samuel – Saul – David – Nathan – Solomon
Here are the main Bible books in this period;
Exodus – Leviticus – Deuteronomy – Joshua – Judges – Ruth – I & II Samuel – I & II
Kings – I & II Chronicles
The in-between books that fall between the Partial Kingdom and the next – the
Prophesied Kingdom are;
Ezra – Nehemiah – Esther – Job – Proverbs – Ecclesiastes – Song of Solomon (They
contain many parts which could overlap into more than one Kingdom division at any
time)
(So our next series on the Prophesied Kingdom will actually begin with the book of Psalms)
Tracing the Kingdom
God’s people, in God’s place under God’s rule & Blessing
Now here in this Partial Kingdom, let’s trace where we find this;
God’s people – The children of Abraham, Israel
God’s place – Canaan, the promised land, specifically also Jerusalem.
God’s rule & blessing – God’s covenant with Abraham, Moses, and constant care,
guidance, and love to them.
The Unfolding of Kingdom Revelation
various progressions. For instance, as great as Abraham was, he only saw small bits
and pieces of the Kingdom of God, and knew Jesus would come as King, but had very
little knowledge beyond that. Later, we see that David connected more of the dots
and even prophesied specific events and words Jesus would speak, and knew more
of the Kingdom of God coming. Even later, as we will cover greatly in our next series,
Daniel probably was given the most complete detailed picture of the Kingdom of God
than anybody, even to this day!
But all these people still knew little or nothing of the “great mystery” of the church,
which Paul was given by God to complete even more of the picture.
Note: I must give a word of caution here that may appear that we can all be given
even more and deeper new revelations of God today. We must be very careful to
know that after the book of Revelation, the Bible was sealed, and any “new thing” we
see and understand today must be grounded in scripture. If we have some new
understanding that is nowhere to be found in the Bible, we cannot create new
doctrine or add anything to the Bible!
Here in our Partial Kingdom series we can see some of this unfolding Kingdom
surfacing in the subject of sacrifices. Remember back in Genesis chapter three, right
after Adam & Eve sinned, God taught them a crucial lesson and supplied what they
needed, a sacrifice. God himself killed and animal, and clothed both of them in animal
skins, most likely in clear view of the slain animal whose blood was shed for theirs.
This entire series in entitled; God’s Big Picture, and we will see that God ALWAYS has
a big picture view in mind for everything he does, as he sees and knows all!
Here is an overview of sacrifices from this perspective;
A sacrifice for a man – Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22)
A sacrifice for a family – The Passover (Exodus 12)
A sacrifice for a nation – The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)
A sacrifice for the world – Jesus on the cross (John 1:29) (I John 2:2)
Remember that God clearly showed his big picture panoramic goals of world wide
blessing and salvation in his initial calling of Abraham when he said, “ “In you all the
families of the earth shall be blessed” Genesis 12:3
Gods Place
which also is part of his gradual unfolding revelation to mankind.
Think back to the very beginning with Adam & Eve, remember God’s place for them
and his rule & blessing to them? (The Garden of Eden) After they sinned and became
banished from the garden, there really was no specific place for the Kingdom of God
to be realized until Abraham. (One possible exception is there was a designated spot
for sacrifices to be made as seen with Cain & Abel, but as far as we know, this may
have been just a place as close to Eden as they could get and made it their own to
worship God)
It is very interesting to me that the chapter just before Abraham, is the one about a
false man centered religion and special place to defy and rebel against God! (Genesis
11 – Tower of Babel/ Genesis 12 – Abraham’s calling)
It appears that Satan clearly understood the importance of a specific place of
worship, and devised his own counterfeit spot complete with a magnificent tower
which may have gone up near the outer edge of the atmosphere! (Even more
interesting is the fact that Abraham actually was born, lived, and was called by God
in that same area)
(If you want much more details on this event of Babel, please see my Genesis
outlines posted here for Genesis 11)
But the Bible makes it very clear that God himself came down and put an abrupt
ending to this plan! This act of God should underscore an important fact;
The Tower of Babel was a world-wide rebellion against God that was a direct threat
against God and his ultimate plans and goal of establishing the Kingdom through the
coming King – Jesus.
In Genesis 12 we begin to discover (As Satan did too) that God had a specific place in
mind and called Abraham to go there, even though, during the initial calling, God
never tells Abraham where it is! Rather, he basically says, “Leave now and head in
that direction, and as you go, I’ll tell you more where it is”!
Of course we find out, as Abraham did, that it is the land of Canaan, which was far to
the south, and populated by many groups of ancient dwellers like, Hittites, Jebusites,
and Canaanites to name a few.
Then, as Abraham continues moving forward, he finds out that God is not only
concerned about the entire land of Canaan, but even more so, one specific mountain,
we clearly see this in God speaking to Abraham and commanding him in the test of
his son Isaac;
Then he said to him, “ Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and
go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the
mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:2)
(God is always very specific and very much into detail! We drift into trouble and
confusion often by skimming by these things thinking it is no big deal! This is
especially true if a certain item is mentioned more than once! The specific place is
brought up 5X in that chapter, and Abraham himself thinks it so important and
precious, that he gives that place on the mountain a prophetic name! See Genesis
22:14) (More on that in a moment)
Following this line of God’s place, it narrowed from an entire country to a specific
mountain within that country, to a specific place on that mountain! Do you see the
progression? (Even earlier, this place may have been revealed to Abraham by the
mysterious man named Melchizedek)
Now, all through many following chapters we find the stories of Jacob, Esau, Isaac,
Joseph and Moses, with hardly a mention or thought given to this holy place, but we
must remember that God first designated it a specific country – mountain – place!
Even though we drift in and out of our desires, likes and dislikes, God is perfect, pure
and consistent! He will bring events and people back to this place in the coming
chapters and series!
For now, God commands a temporary structure to be built for his presence to dwell
and for the people to worship him at, the tabernacle, and later the Temple, with an
even more specific container for his actual presence on earth – the Ark of the
Covenant. (Insert Indiana Jones theme here)
(We will get into more of this place, but for the sake of continuity and perspective,
here is the train of thought continued;)
The next major clue to God’s place on earth is really in the life of David. He finally
captured Jerusalem from the ancient Jebusites who lived there, and made it his
capitol, and the capitol and center for the Kingdom of God! He brought the Ark of the
Covenant there, and even more, he purchased the very spot where Abraham
sacrificed with Isaac, a place called “The Threshing floor of Araunah” in II Samuel 24.
So now you know, this special place is Jerusalem! And even more specific, it is the
spot where the Temple area is located in Jerusalem.
We will cover this much more in the series yet to come, but remember that Abraham
gave this place a new name when he sacrificed there in Genesis 22: 14? He named it;
“YHWH Yireh” or the English variation;
“Jehovah Jireh” which basically means, “The Lord sees, or the Lord will provide”,
both meaning the same as if the Lord sees something, he is involved in providing and
making it occur.
In conclusion, this is extremely significant, especially in our big picture panoramic
overview trace line!
Because when Abraham named this place, the Lord will provide, he did it as a
prophet directed by God to do so, because it was later on this very spot that God DID
provide the ultimate sacrifice for the world for all time bringing an end to the need
for any more – it is the place where Jesus was crucified!
Next we will continue with – The Prophesied Kingdom – and cover many Bible books
once again, starting with an overview of the Psalms, into Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel,
and all the minor prophets through the end of the Old Testament to Malachi, but will
focus especially heavily on Daniel, the one prophet who spoke more of the Kingdom
than any, and the one who was shown more insight into the Kingdom than any other.
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