Chapter 10          Consultants to the Knesset?

      Phoebe  and  Harold  had  barely  arrived at their room when  Jacob called -- he was quite upset and excited -- as he said, "these things don't make any sense --.  We at the Knesset," he continued, "apparently need some fresh inputs."

     "Mr. Monroe,-- Harold, -- We, I, need to pick your brain a bit -- could we have dinner together tonight?  I'd really like to have Phoebe there too. I really need to talk to you folks."

     "I believe so, Jacob", said Harold, "just let me check with Phoebe for a second."

     "Honey, Jacob wants to talk to us over dinner. Is that ok?"

     "I'm pretty tired", Phoebe faintly replied.

     "Well Honey, why don't you stay in and have your dinner brought up to you!"

     "No", --- Phoebe  replied, "I don't want to miss anything -- I've got a feeling this will be very interesting."

     "Jacob, It's fine, we will both be delighted to meet with you."

     "Great", said Jacob, "-- let's meet at my favorite little restaurant, the International Restaurant, just two blocks north of your Jerusalem Hotel front door.  Would 7 p.m. be ok?"

     "That will be just fine, Jacob, we are both looking forward to seeing you again."

     "Great, see you there. Shalom",  said Jacob as he hung up the phone.

     "Harold", Phoebe said, "what do you think he wants to talk about?"

     "Well", said Harold,  "he mentioned that the Knesset was having great difficulties with the occurrences of this morning, and we seem to have good insight into some of these things, and he would like to have our inputs."

     "Hummm", said Phoebe, "very interesting, consultants to the Knesset! Great,-- ha, ha, -- Wow!"

     Phoebe had expressed both her amazement and her nervousness in her laughter and exclamations.

     "Easy, Honey", said Harold, "I'm not too sure of that, but it will be good to get together with Jacob and I'm also sure we'll gain  a lot from the discussions."

     "You know", said Phoebe, "here it is just Wednesday evening and it seems like we have been here for weeks -- things have been happening so fast.  Absolutely in machine gun like rapidity."

      "And tomorrow", said Harold, "it looks like it will be wild also, -- they are supposed to get back in the evening with the Tabernacle.  Won't that be something to see and experience!"

     "Wow", said Phoebe, "that is something.  Can you imagine, the original traveling tabernacle,  -- that dates back a few years, doesn't  it!"

     "Ummmm, let's see, said Harold, that would be back to Moses' time -- about 1500 BC -- that is pretty old.  I wonder what shape it will be in."

     "Remember", said Phoebe, "this area is fairly dry, and like the Dead Sea Scrolls, perhaps it will be in pretty good shape."

     "Yes", said Harold, "probably depends on how much oxidation has occurred -- certainly God is able to protect it if that is His desire."

     Harold interjected another little item, "-- even if the tapestries and other coverings were not available, just having the frames and posts, etc. would probably be adequate.  It would also give these people a way to extend their praise to God -- allowing them to recover it to His glory."

     "Yes", said Phoebe, "that is truly going to be exciting. Yet, the things we have already seen -- the Mosque destroyed rather specifically (as if by the finger of God performing delicate surgery) -- truly amazing."

      "Yes", said, Harold, "and seeing the Prophet Samuel, King David, Moses, Jacob, the Prophet Ezekiel, and the Prophet Daniel, was no minor set either!"

     "That is certainly true", said Phoebe, "yet, the Temple and related activities have been such a driving factor with the Jew and Israel that it is a little hard to know which would take  precedence with them."

     "Actually", Harold interjected, "it all fits together so  tightly that it really doesn't matter -- "

     "True", said Phoebe, "glancing at her watch -- hey, she said, "we had better get ready to go."

     "Oh", said Harold, "we have plenty of time -- why don't you take one of your famous naps to get your battery recharged and then we can get ready, ok."

     "Well, let's see", Phoebe calculate out loud, "if you get me up by 6:15  p.m.  we can be ready to leave for the restaurant by 6:45 I would think."

     "Great, Honey, go get your rest!"

     With that Harold moved over to the window, where he could see part of Jerusalem.  His wonder increased as he realized how strong the earthquake had been, yet how little damage had been done to Jerusalem itself.  Of  course, the Mosque of Omar was flattened, as by God's finger striking a careful blow then skipping outside the eastern wall scribing a rift like chasm easterly (only slightly northerly), out to the line of the Jordan. The energies were devastating -- the easterly valleys, including the Garden of Gethsemane and most of the elaborate `edifices' to the east, were literally leveled -- as if constructing a vast arterial freeway bed. The Jerusalem Post had said the Richter rating was set initially at 7.2 --- not surprisingly so, mused Harold.

     Harold glanced at his watch, surprised he had allowed Phoebe to nap a little too long, -- it was now already 6:25 -- they would have to move a little bit faster.

     "Honey", he said, "as he tried to gently rouse her --"

     "Oh ----", said Phoebe,  "I was really in that deep pit -- it took a while for me to get my bearings."

     "Honey, I let you over sleep -- we're going to have to scurry right along -- can you get ready in 20-minutes?"

     "I think so", Phoebe said, "as she headed towards the bathroom to freshen up a bit."

      Harold was already running his battery operated electric razor over his face -- just to eliminate the old five O'clock shadow.

     As Phoebe moved to the dressing table, Harold finished his    refreshing by washing his face in cold water and applying his  after shave lotion. 

     Boy, he thought, that was really refreshing, hope it helps to keep me alert -- this has been such a full and eventful day I'm just about out of energy. -- the old adrenalin had better kick in.

     Now they were both ready -- actually Phoebe looked cool and calm,  but she said she was really bubbling with anticipation of an exciting evening.

     Harold noted it was just 6:48, -- "I think if we walk on over to the restaurant we will be right on time."  As they were leaving, Harold tucked his  Bible into his coat pocket -- he had a hunch it would be needed before this evening was through.

     As they were going  through the lobby of the hotel, a late edition of the Jerusalem Post was just being delivered.  Harold bought a copy --

     The headlines laterally shouted that the Tabernacle had been  located and would be delivered to the Temple mount tomorrow.  They continued reading as they strolled towards the restaurant.

    The article indicated that the Tabernacle and temple structural members were in remarkably good condition -- even some of the tapestries and drapes could be hung.

    "That is truly remarkable -- fantastic", said Phoebe.

      "Yes", said Harold, "our dear Rachel would say --"

     "Awesome, just AWESOME", interjected Phoebe. 

     They both laughed over that, "yet, truly", Harold said, -- "we are in a very remarkable situation here. Really, my fondest dreams coming true!!"

     Just as they strolled up to the entrance of the restaurant, they heard Jacob behind them from the curb, -- he had just parked his car and was hurrying to catch up with them.

     "Shalom, Shalom", he greeted them --

     "Shalom, Jacob", they both said in unison.

   "Thanks for meeting me, both of you". As they moved on into the building, he continued -- "it is always delightful to be with you, but this is more than just social --".  

     At that moment they were greeted by a very charming young lady in full Israeli garb, with bangles and blossoms adding color to her already beautiful dress -- saying, "Shalom Mr. Levi, we have your table ready for you -- right this way please".

     With that they were carefully seated with Jacob in the corner, and Phoebe on one side and Harold on the other.

     Harold noted that they were by themselves, separated by at least one table from all other guests of the restaurant.  Maybe part of Jacob's plan to keep this meeting as private as possible. For sure, Jake, from his corner observation position, could control the conversation to minimize being overheard.

     Harold commented to Jacob, "our little `group' has certainly been a source of joy as well as stimulation for us -- and we have particularly enjoyed your part with us."

     "Well", said Jacob," we want to add to your enjoyment here in Israel, but even more than that, we want you to be a part of our team and we yours. -- You certainly", Jacob continued, "seem to have a vital interest in what is happening here."

     "You are observant", Harold said, "we came here for a pleasant trip, but we will go home with much more than we had expected.  It is really fantastic!"

     Phoebe interjected, "-- yes, even more than we could have thought in our wildest dream!"

     Jacob laughed, "Yes, I can't get over Rachel's resounding -- 'AWESOME!’, it really is you know!"

     Phoebe agreed, "yes, truly -- awesome."

       "Ok, let see, -- the menu here is great -- let me order for all of us, -- trust me??"

     "Sure", said Phoebe, "we eat almost anything as long as it isn't too spicy-hot!"

     "Great", said Jacob, as he with a flourish beckoned to the waiter and placed the order, including ice tea which he received nods of approval for. "Maybe we'll have coffee later." he said.

        "Ok, -- now that we have the important things taken care of," -- he, laughed a bit, " perhaps I should let you know why I particularly wanted  to meet with you tonight."

    "I'd like to ask you a couple of questions."

     "Shoot", said Harold.

     "Well", -- said Jacob, "not just sure where to start, --- so  will just dive in the middle and we'll have to sort it all out as we go."

     "Sounds good", said Harold, "-- dive right in!"

     "Well", said Jacob "you were at the Knesset this morning, you saw the various people that presented themselves and their agendas for particular actions. You also heard the decision of the Knesset for Israel to take over the southern part of Lebanon.  Actually, said Jacob, this last move seems very natural, a good solution to that very bad civil-war which has essentially "killed" the Lebanese government, it is basically non-existent. Even the response of the United Nations to the border change is being heralded as a positive move to bring peace back to that land."

     "But", he continued, "-- we are frankly at a loss to deal with  these `people' that are making these fantastic statements.  What do you make of this Harold."

     The waiter brought their salads together with a tray of four different dressings -- this caused barely a ripple in the conversation.

     "Jacob", Harold said, "there are prophesies in God's Word which are very definite about these particular matters."

     "You believe they apply to now?" our parliamentarian almost whispered around a bite of salad, chewing rapidly to get his next word out.

     "Yes", Harold affirmed, "it appears so!"

     "Can you sometime show me where and how?"

     "Let's do it right now", Harold said,  pulling his small Bible out of his coat pocket.

     "Great, Jacob enthusiastically responded."

      "Jacob, the very land that you folks are annexing via United Nations help -- it completes the End Time land Israel is to have. --- up to about the parallel of Damascus, down the Jordan River, across the south at Tamar (just south of the Dead Sea)  up the brook of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. Let that soak in -- for the first time in over 2,000 years, Israel has the End Time land."

      "Wow", said Jacob, "We are playing right into the End Time situation without really knowing it!!"

     "That is certainly right", Harold said -- getting Phoebe's nod of approval to that statement.

     "Now the Prophet Ezekiel's writings, see right here, Jacob, Ezekiel 45, can (now) take place (for the first time ever, this is now possible -- it may be later, but it is possible NOW)."

     "How do you get that?" -- said Jacob.

     "Look here in Ezekiel 45, the prophet has been given (now over 2500 years ago) these great truths -- see, here in chapter 45 and verse 1, right here", points Harold. "It says how to divide the land -- setting aside first an oblation area to God (25,000 Reeds by 25,000 Reeds --). That works out to be about 52 miles by 52 miles on a side."    

     "By the way, Jacob, this particular Bible is the King James version.  and it is quite accurate in translating from the Greek, in fact, I believe it is more accurate than most modern translations since it is very careful in it's use of measures such as the Reed, the CUBIT, and the cubit. This position is proved by scripture also."

     "Can you give me a meaningful overview", Jacob asked. "Maybe we can get into the details later."

     "Sure", Harold said, "at least we can try."

     "The Prophet Ezekiel notes that when you do this, here is how you do it.  First setting aside the oblation area noted earlier."

     "Then", Harold continued, "the prophet states in the 47th chapter the 13th verse,  right here Jacob", Harold points for Jacob, "it says: 'thus saith the Lord God, this shall be the border whereby ye shall inherit the land -- etc'  It goes on to give in the 15th verse the north border, the east border in verse 18, the south border in verse 19, and the west border in verse 20.  This basically covers the total area to be divided per 45:1 as we noted earlier."

     "Incredible", said Jacob, "as of this morning we now have all of that land!!"

     "Right", said Harold, "-- you can now imagine how I felt this morning when your parliament voted to take southern Lebanon under Israeli jurisdiction."

       "But, what does it really mean -- `when you divide the land'?", asked Jacob.

      At that moment the waiter appeared with their main courses,    beautifully prepared food -- obviously some of Jacob's favorite dishes.

     "Hope you both enjoy this", Jacob said.

     They both said it certainly looked delicious.

     After a short period of jousting with the various dishes, there were adequate breaks to allow for conversation.

     Harold found one such spot and brought the conversation back on track.

     "Back to the land being divided", Harold said between bites, "you are quite right. When you divide the land you are to start this way -- first, set aside a portion, the Oblation area, to God -- it is to be 25,000 Reeds by 25,000 Reeds square (this is confirmed later in chapter 48 verse 20). By the way, Jacob, the Reed is a measure made up of six(6) CUBITS, actually six of the Royal Cubits. The Royal Cubit being a standard cubit plus a hand.  Normally, the standard cubit is taken to be 18 inches, about the length of a small man's forearm, elbow to finger-tip.  The "hand" in width is normally taken to be 4 inches.   Then you can see that the Royal Cubit is 18" plus 4" or a total of 22".  The Reed is now six of these Royal Cubits, or 22" times 6 giving 132" or 11 feet.  25,000 of these Reeds is then 25,000 times 11 feet or 275,000 feet which converts to just over 52 miles when you divide the 275,000 by 5280 ft per mile." 

     "Incidentally, this is essentially exactly the distance from the  Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan river at the latitude of Jerusalem."

     "Umm", said Jacob, "I see -- it certainly fits doesn't it."

     "Right", Harold continued, "-- and it gets better as we continue. The remaining land, after the oblation part is set-aside is to be divided to the 12-tribes of Israel."

     "That is particularly interesting", mumbled Jacob, "since we no longer have 'tribes' and certainly not twelve."

     "Right again", Harold chided, "but GOD!  Yes, God has a plan -- He will bring back the `whole house of Israel', there will be the need for places for them to gather.  Now, per Ezekiel, chapter 48 and verses 1-7 we see that seven of the tribes are to be located in the north part of the land, above the Oblation area. Then, similarly, the remaining five tribes are to be located in the southern part of the land, below the Oblation area -- see chapter 48 verses 23-28. By the way, Jacob, these tribal areas  just fit, that is, seven equal areas in the northern part and five of the same size in the south, just fit!!"

     "That is interesting", Jacob mused, "-- it seems to corroborate the prophesy doesn't it?"

      "Indeed it does", Harold said "-- you are really getting into this!"

     "It is good to see this", Jacob commented, "I haven't read these passages for years -- certainly never saw this before."

     "It is of particular interest, Jacob, to note that in verse 22 of the 48th chapter of Ezekiel, the Levites (sounds like your particular tribe, Jacob) and the Prince will occupy part of the Oblation Area -- this leaving two portions for Joseph (namely Manasseh and Ephraim)."  

      "What about that Prince", Jacob falteringly asked, "-- is he indeed King David, as that fellow said this morning?"

     "Hey, they got your attention too -- yes", said Harold, "I believe so.  In fact, `that fellow', I am satisfied, is indeed King David resurrected.  Just as those others are  who he said they were -- Moses, Samuel, and Joseph."   

     "What do we do?" -- moaned Jacob. "We are really between the rock and the hard place!"

     "You are certainly in an interesting place -- a place of FAITH!" -- Phoebe  interjected.

     "That is really true", Harold noted, "-- a place that all Israel has prayed and pleaded for for generations. Your primary problem now is to do and be just what your God wants."

     "That is hard to do, isn't it?" -- Jacob rejoined.

     "Well", said Harold, "it shouldn't be, but then we humans tend to be disobedient rather than obedient!  I believe we really know His will, we just don't want to do it!  At this particular junction in the affairs of man and Israel, we and you are getting some rather pointed and specific guidance.  Will we take it or not?"

     "That is indeed the question", Jacob rather pensively responded.

     "Remember, Jacob", Harold continued, "-- God wants us to walk in FAITH -- that doesn't mean BLIND , -- rather, it means following His lead -- doing as He requests. It is always appropriate to seek His will and way -- ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.  I know, Jake, you are feeling that age old stress of Jew to Gentile misunderstandings.  And, by the way, it is primarily misinformation. And, by the way (again),  there is not (at least should not be) -- bottom line -- that much stress between our groups."

     "I'm not following you, Harold", Jacob inserted.

     "Well, Jacob",  when you add it all up and come out to the end, you find Israel and the Church sharing the same Messiah -- slightly different roles but in the same eternity enjoying `our' God and His Messiah together.  

      It is not fully clear just what these relationships are, but they are close, as close as our own body is close to us, or as our wife is close to us.  Terrific, right."

     "That certainly sounds great, although I confess I don't really  understand how it might happen!" -- Jacob submitted half frowning..

      "True, Jacob,-- none of us really knows, we only see darkly now, but the indication is that this will clear up and we will see very clearly as time goes on.  The situation demands faith -- obedience to His leading.  Well, Mr. Levi, sir, -- we have covered some mighty potent areas, any other things we should discuss?"

     "How would you handle King David, Harold?" --  asked  Jacob.      

     "Very carefully", Harold said, "-- a lot like the 800 lb gorilla, he sleeps wherever he wants to. Right?  Right!!"

   "Jacob", Harold continued, "King David and any of these resurrected ones, have powers now that are unbelievable to us -- they can not be hurt or killed, they can be here or any place at will. They don't have to eat, although they can if so desired. They  can be touched or not as they desire.  How do we handle them  --  ??  Good question!!"  

     "Yes", Jacob almost whispered, "that is it! We must follow them -- do exactly as they say."

      "That is certainly my recommendation, Jacob", Harold said. "God has shifted the gears on His program, -- we are in the End Time, we are going to see many wonderful things -- even greater than we have experienced to date."

     "In effect", Harold continued, "we see the Prince essentially orchestrating these matters, leading eventually to the Messiah’s return."

     "King David will push to get the  Tabernacle assembled -- you did see in the paper, here, we have a copy, -- they have  the tabernacle  and expect to have it here tomorrow night."

      "No I hadn't seen that, -- wow, said Jacob, that does it -- that is  proof positive, right!!"

     "Right you are, Jacob", said Harold, "that is certainly a strong `point on the curve'.  What a power curve we are on!!"

     "I would guess they will get it assembled, at least in skeletal form, and start worshiping there this Sabbath -- starting preparations at 6 p.m. on Friday evening."

     "I think you are right!!" Jacob exclaimed -- almost jumping out of his skin!  "Now that is truly  AWESOME!!!"

      "Yes, and we can then expect Israel to be ready to celebrate the Passover with the lamb, sprinkling it's blood on the door posts and lintel -- just as in olden times!"

     "Can I ask some pointed questions as to your position?", asked Jacob.

     "Sure", Harold replied.

     "How do you Christians -- the church -- fit into this", Jacob ventured. "I see that there is a pattern developing here".

     "You are right as rain Jacob, truly so -- for actually the Passover is a true picture of God's own lamb that He gave for us all. Unfortunately for the Jew and Israel, He was originally rejected primarily because He didn't fit their idea of a King.  He came as a servant, he came to die as `our Passover Lamb' -- He came to reconcile us to God. That He did and that He has been doing over the last 2,000 years. Being rejected by Israel/Judah, He turned to the gentiles."

     "You certainly know that your old scriptures very clearly state He would do that, that is, open up His salvation and plan to the gentile".

     "That has not been a major issue certainly in any of our Jewish considerations", Jacob noted.

     "Jacob, we, Phoebe and I, and all true Christians, are very grateful to God for His plan that includes us, but we are also grateful for the Jew, for Israel, for it was through them that we received His Word, His plan, His power -- as He made it available to us through the Lord Jesus Christ (your and our Messiah) and His faithful disciples and apostles."

     Jacob sat dumbfounded, completely  absorbed in thought, -- sitting for some time, letting these truths settle into his mind and understanding. Finally he shook all over and as if coming from a dream,  apologized for his lack of attention -- but that he had just been saturated, needed a moment or two of `sorting' time.

     "Will this pace keep up forever?", Jacob asked.

     "No", Harold said, "I think we will see a time of `soaking' for almost 6-months awaiting the repeat of the `Passover'.  You will notice in Ezekiel 45:21-25 that there are two periods of sacrifice, the second initiated 6-months and a day after the start of the other. But during that soaking time, Israel will be led to follow the wrong person -- the anti-messiah or anti-Christ as we call him. I think that earlier I noted to you that I would bet that this anti-messiah will try to `legislate' out the Daily Sacrifice that the Prince will start shortly after the second `Passover'. It appears he will get such an order in effect, but not with enough power to implement it, on/about 1010 days (2.7 years) later." 

     "Jacob, the scripture tells us that 1290 days after that order goes out, probably the anti-messiah will have gained strength and will actually take over in the temple of God proclaiming that he is God.  For some unknown and unstated reason Israel allows this anti-messiah to build in strength, yet, will reject him, will turn from him -- will understand the truth of the true Messiah and will gladly turn about and trust Him -- looking for His appearing about 3-1/2 years later."

      "We, Phoebe and I, and of course all true Christians, are looking with great anticipation to our being gathered to meet our Savior, our Messiah, in the air -- in a special resurrection just after a 45-day Tribulation period which starts at the time the Abomination of Desolation occurs (that, Jacob is the same time the anti-messiah goes into the Temple of God and declares himself to be God).  In God's economy of time and things, He will somehow cleanse Israel through this process, looking for those that pass His test to come out of it as true Israel, the Bride of Messiah!"

     "That is all pretty heavy", said Jacob.

     "True, and that is only an overview as you requested", plied Harold, further noting, "this is a wonderful plan, one that includes Jew and Gentile -- providing very special and yet different situations for each. Indeed, providing an eternity for each,  with each  yet a mystery on it's own merits."   

     "Man alive", Jacob whistled, "this is getting wilder and wilder".

     "Seems that way, doesn't it", replied  Harold, "but, this is what the Prophet Ezekiel states very clearly -- actually, all of this is keyed to `dividing the land' and the start of the Passover!"

     "You mean", interjected Jacob. "If the land is divided and the  Passover actually starts this next Tuesday, that this will all follow?"

     "That's it", said Harold, "everything seems set to go".

     At that point, Phoebe could contain herself no longer, "Wow", she said.

     "Wow, indeed", affirmed Jacob. "Now, just exactly what do we do with all of this information?"

     "That too is a good question", Harold prompted, "but, for sure, if at all possible, you and others of your Knesset should meet with the Prophet Ezekiel and the Prophet Daniel to confirm these  schedules and find out if this is the time, if this is the year."

     "Great idea", Jacob ventured after a brief time for thought, "I'll get right on that yet tonight -- but I wonder if these prophets can be reached?"

     "That may be a significant problem", Harold noted, "but, the way our God has been providing us information, I can't help but feel this too will be available.  It certainly will be -- in His time". 

      They had all really finished their dinner, and were rather unconsciously toying with their food in between verbal entries.

      At this juncture, Jacob volunteered, "I'm going to get right over to my office, -- I have my work cut out for me.  As I see it, we need to tie down a lot of loose ends".

     "Be sure", Harold ventured, "that you seek God's will and way -- He will keep you on the right path if you seek His help!".

     "From our discussions", Jacob said looking first to Harold then to Phoebe "I know that you folks are for real and know how to pray -- would you, -- ah, -- would you please remember all of us that must deal with this set of circumstances -- these problems?"

     "That we will do", acknowledged Harold, along with Phoebe's        positive nod, "-- and even now, let's join our hearts in a brief prayer, ok?"

     "That would be especially appreciated", Jacob said with real conviction.

     With that, Harold and Phoebe bowed their heads, followed almost immediately by Jacob doing likewise, "Father", Harold said, "as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we come to you right here in this  restaurant, asking you to meet with Jake and the other leaders of Israel in a special way, allowing them to see clearly with their physical as well as innermost eyes of faith.  It would appear that the Prophet Ezekiel and the Prophet Daniel have added information that is needed -- we pray that you would bring all that is needed to their understanding.  We pray this all in the name of the Messiah -- even The Lord Jesus Christ".

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