Question: What is the significance of the ending of Revelation Chapter two verse nine?
As you probably know; Orthodox Jews do not accept that Jesus Christ is their Messiah; and preach that they are still waiting and looking for him!
They say that when he appears to them, he will be of human stock, and not Divine; as is Christ Jesus!
It is possible that they will adopt the personage who is known in the Bible as the “Assyrian”; who will be the “Anti-Christ”; who is awaited by Christians!
The recent changes in Syria may auger such a personage becoming prominent; and as per Daniel’s prophecy being trusted by the Jews, to the point that they say “peace and safety” (1Thess.5:3)!
An alternative view of Rev.2:9:
V.9 I know thy tribulation, and poverty (but thou art rich), and I know the (a)blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not, but are of a (b)Synagogue of Satan.
(a) To be a Jew in that time and place is clearly important and the reasons are given in the notes at the top of this Chapter. So much so that Satan wishes to infiltrate, and as usual, deceive. The blasphemy is counterfeiting the Holy Spirit (see 14:1c) and the usual perversion of Truth to the end of neutralising the Jews in membership, neutralising or perverting the Truth, causing sin and dissent in the members, all to the effect of increasing physical poverty, attempting to diminish their spirituality, and leading to physical tribulation, as happened previously prior to their Babylonian exile. Satan again attempts to defeat them by the same methods, (see notes 2:2). Satan's attack at that time, mirrors that on the Old Testament tribes of Israel, which neutralised the help of Almighty God, and brought them to defeat, and led them to the exile in Babylon and Assyria, and later to worldwide dispersion. In this future re-attempt of Satan, his object is to again defeat Israel, and by implication Jehovah God! He knows that if he succeeds again, the "oil" (spirit) will not flow to the "Lamps"! At the present time, Satan is attacking Christ - Ones (Christians), for the same purpose, to reduce their effectiveness in witness of Christ and Acts 4:12, by enticing them to sin, and reducing their reliance on Christ the Holy Spirit indwelling them!
There is a grouping on Earth calling themselves "the ten lost tribes of Israel". See:The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel . Their members are worldwide, but particularly in Europe, Scandinavia and USA. Their main teaching seems to be that the decline on Earth is attributable to the lack of adherence to all the Jewish Law and customs, and they seem to feel they can reverse that trend by strict adherence. This obviously means they are teaching Salvation by works, as opposed to the truth of this Age (Administration), which is based on Acts 4:12. As most if not all of them are not of Jewish decent, there is clearly much delusion in them.
It is clear from Ezra 6:17, that the sin offering is for all Israel, and the number 12 is quoted, i.e. all 12 tribes. As the division of Israel happened after the death of Solomon, and in Ezra is the restoration, (see: Ezra 6:17 & 1Kings 12:17 etc.) there are clearly many of Israel and Judah together again, after the carrying away to Babylon in two waves, and to Syria of Israel. If those calling themselves the “lost tribes” are some of those referred to in Chp. 3:9 they will obviously oppose the will of the Spirit by their doctrine, and hence the warning by the Spirit.
However, it is our view that the "lost tribes" groupings are not being referred to here, but are yet future peoples controlled by Satan whose purpose is to disrupt this latest scenario instigated by God the Father and the Holy Spirit.
(b) "Synagogue of Satan"; Interlinear has; "but are a Synagogue of Satan". Strongs no. 4864 from 4863, for Synagogue has; “a gathering, group, assembly, congregation, a Synagogue specifically for Jews”! The statement is a powerful confirmation of Satan’s groups and forces throughout the world, but here referred to, as they oppose the truth being given by Christ Jesus to Smyrna. These comments also confirm that those spoken to are Jews, and not as most teachers say "the Church"!
If you have questions or comments, please click here.
Subjectindex or