BEHOLD THE STONE
BEHOLD THE STONE
Zechariah 3: 7-10
Taught by: Pastor Carolyn Sissom
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
December 12, 2010
There are three
“beholds” in this passage. The first is
the Branch, the second, is the stone; and the third is the engraving upon the
stone.
Zech. 3:7-10: Thus says the Lord of Hosts: If you walk in My ways, and if you will keep My charge, then
you shall also judge My house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give
you places to walk among those that stand by.
Hear now, O Joshua the high priest you and your fellows that sit before
you: for they are men
wondered at:
for Behold, I will bring forth My Servant
the Branch. For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be
seven eyes. Behold I will
engrave the graving thereof, says the Lord of
hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day, says the Lord
of Hosts, shall you call every man his neighbor
under the vine and under the fig tree?”
Teaching from The Sons of Zadok by: C. R. Oliver:
“For they are men
wondered at”. The word wondered is
“mopheth” and means “a wonder, sign portent, marvel, miracle, symbol or
token.” Oliver writes: These men are symbols of the redefinition of
the righteous and the holy. These men
strike a new definition of “Holy Ones.”
When looked upon by the world, they are “wondered at.” These men and their walk with God are more
than signs; they are the epitome of righteousness. Their demeanor, their faces, their lives,
their conduct place them as “specters” at which the religious “gawk”. Just as the Scribes and Pharisees never saw
anyone like Jesus, whose teaching at age twelve eclipsed their most profound
scholars, the religious system has no conception of those like the Sons. Having come from the presence of the Most
High, they walk like Moses among the people. These “spiritual specters” will not be
appreciated by everyone. The fact that
two witnesses will be slain the streets and then come to life again (Rev. 11)
is evidence enough. It is evidence that
the Sons of Zadok are on the scene in these last days and that they receive
power from God operating in them.
Joshua the high priest is seen by Zachariah in a vision
standing before the Angel of the Lord (Zech. 3:1). He is given new garments and a new plate of
pure gold (MITRE) to go on his head.
Everything that happens to and around Joshua has great
significance. Many lights will focus
upon him as the symbol of priesthood for the Zadok ministry.
BEHOLD THE BRANCH:
Immediately upon receiving the MITRE, the Lord shines His
light upon His son and introduces Him to Joshua. Just as all those who are used of God have
had an experience of meeting the Branch, so Joshua symbolically stands for all
the sons of Zadok. Jesus Christ is the
Branch. We are the branches from the
main trunk of the branch.
If the Sons of Zadok are going to operate in the earth as
He operates in heaven, they must know Jesus and be intimately connected with
Him. Paul expressed it like a
communion. “That I may know Him (Phil. 3:10)” the Most High in essence is saying, “Let me
introduce my Son; you are to be connected to Him as He is connected to Me. Every aspect of His life and ministry is
branched directly to Me. As a living
branch, He finds every resource in Me.
As a branch, His uppermost concern in ministry was staying
connected. Without our connectivity, the
constant flow of my will into His life would have been cut off.” Without this connectivity, the power of an
endless life would have ceased to renew Him.
His connection caused the link between heaven and earth empowering Him
to say:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do
nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the
Son also does in like manner for the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all
things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these,
that you may marvel. For as the Father
raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.” (John 5: 19-21 (KJV)
The connection that Jesus had with His father sent Him to
the wilderness to pray, sent Him to the
BEHOLD THE STONE:
The bearing of this whole scene is the changing of
priesthood from the vile to the Holy, from unclean to clean, from sacrilege to
the sacred. When Joshua’s attention is
directed toward the workings of god, it centers around three revelations: The revelation of Jesus as the Great High
priest, the One who suffered in the service of the Most High; the revelation of
the stone with the seven eyes; and the revelation of the engraving upon the
stone.
In the revelation of the stone, we search the purpose of
the stone. What kind of stone is it,
what is the significance of the stone, and what is its spiritual
implication? It is interesting that Bill
Yount preached Sunday morning on Joshua 4:7 about the memorial stones of when
the waters of the
What is the purpose of the stone in Zechariah’s
vision? Oliver states there are three
very good cases formulated among scholars, each of them with merit. The first is that the stone “laid before Joshua” is the cornerstone
symbolic of Jesus, “The Chief
Cornerstone.” If this is wholly the
case, then it neatly fits with Zechariah 4: 7, 10. Zechariah called the stone, in this case, the
“capstone or top stone.” (In a building, the cap stone is placed in front of
the cornerstone (acting as one unit) and on it is normally inscribed the name
of the building, the person responsible for it, and a date. (Some times, a building dedication is
included.) This would fit into the new
Jer. 51: 24-26: “And I will repay
A second observation would further spiritualize and say
that it connects with the Pauline theology and the Petrine comments about the
“living stone.” (1 Peter 2: 4-10 speaks of all the elements involved such as
“holy priesthood,” “chief corner,” and “the stone the builders rejected.” Ephesians 2:20 emphasizes Jesus being the
chief cornerstone. David Baron in his
commentary on Zechariah makes a beautiful observation:
According to the Talmud, the Eben Shetiya---the foundation
stone of the Second Temple, which was some inches higher than the level of the
Holy of Holies---had the sacred Tetragrammation (the four Hebrew letters making
up the ineffaceable name “Jehovah”) graven upon it. (Baron Pg. 117)
Baron concludes that this is the stone spoke of in
Zechariah because it has the engraved name.
However, some characterize this aspect as the “living stone
concept”. Living stones might represent
the spiritual stones of the Breastplate of the high Priest, hence the third
theory. Baron cites Baumgarten:
Baumgarten things the stone laid before Joshua represented
the jewels belonging to the high priest’s breastplate (the Urim and Thummin,
which, by the way, never existed in the Second Temple), or even some single
precious stone which supplies the place of the jewels that were lost (notice
the jewels were lost. Think of what the
church has lost throughout the centuries since Acts.) (Baron Pg. 114)
As the Aaronic priest had garments for his priesthood, so
he had a breastplate with the twelve tribes represented as precious stones set
in it. They were arranged in a square in
groups of three around a center where the Urim and Thummin was placed. Also, onyx stones graced his right shoulder
with inscriptions of the tribes. He
literally bore upon his heart and his shoulders the people and the knowledge of
God (Ex. 28: 15)
Andrew Bonar’s comments on Leviticus offer a concise
construct of the breast-plate and the significance of the stones. Regarding the High Priest wearing the
breast-plate he offers this paragraph:
Israel now say their name---the name of each
tribe---blazing on the precious stones of the breastplate, as Moses lifted it
up to bind it upon Aaron’s heart. They
see that their high priest carries on his heart the memorial of every tribe, a
token of his love for all, and care for all, and a pledge that he will offer
sacrifice and intercede for all.
Jesus yet more fully still, bears on his soul, and writes
on the palms of his hands, the name of every individual of all that enumerable
company, from every kindred, and tongue, and people given him by the
Father---and for each he offers himself as the Atonement, and for each he
intercedes. Oh, how unutterably blessed
to know that it is so! “Set me, Lord as a seal upon your heart.”
(So. 8:6) (Bonar) (20)
About the placing of the Urim and Thummin in the middle of
the stones he writes:
The Urim and Thummin would be in the midst, corresponding
to the place of the ark; and the stones in rows on each of the four sides. If so, do we not see
Each of these three excellent ideas presents a problem,
concerning the nature and use of the stone.
Brother Oliver states that the Lord gave him a revelation for this. “I believe the stone placed before Joshua
(true Son of Zadok) is in line with is investiture and is put there to assist
him in his new position. The
significance of the stone is found in the fact that it is a stone. It is forever (related to Moses receiving the
Ten Commandments). When God writes, it
is forever. His writings on stone,
however, are rare. Things written on
stone are to be established; they can be counted on. Job wished that his confession was written in
stone, for in great faith he cried out:
‘Oh that my words were now
written! Oh, that they were printed in a book; that they were engraved, with an
iron pen and lead, in the rock forever!
For I know that my redeemer lives and that he shall stand at the latter
day upon the earth.” (Job. 19: 23-24)
The character of writing in stone is permanence. (Archeological findings have proven the
historical value of stone writing.) In
Revelation, Jesus promises to write in stone, as evidence of his great love for
the overcomer. Like the heart and arrow,
carved in the mighty oak, gives evidence of the intent of lovers, so the written
talisman gives greater evidence of continued promise. In Revelation 2:17, a talisman stone is
mentioned. “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the
churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and
will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man
knows except he that receives it.”
(These two promises are based on overcoming the doctrine of
Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes.
Both of these are interconnected.
Balaam preached to the highest bidder.
Though capable of imparting spiritual blessings, instead he chose to
commandeer his office on his terms. In
Philosophy, the term is “religious self-determination.” The Nicolaitanes embraced doctrines of
humanism and sported the competency of man to accomplish religious goals. These two sins portray the “system” as it
operates in the “system churches.”
The Spirit misses nothing.
The Spirit promised hidden manna first. (Hidden Manna is provision for
enduring a spiritual wilderness. Manna
was the perfect food for any taste. It
was individualized for each person.) Then
He promised a “stone” and on that stone a name written which no one knows but
the one receiving it. Again, God reveals
a strictly personal manifestation, which is based on intimate contact.)
Bro. Oliver states that he believes the stone laid before
Joshua was a stone of this kind. Written
upon the stone were the intimate things known only to Joshua and God.
The seven eyes are the seven Spirits of God, wisdom,
knowledge, understanding, council, might and the fear of God. The Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of
God, to reveal things that are to come, and to bring to remembrance the living
Word of God. The seven eyes are cut
within to remind the sons that the Spirit is their only guide! Dependence upon flesh will fail! The “System” relies upon its communal wisdom;
sons rely wholly upon the Spirit. Their
sowing is to the Spirit (Eph. 6:8). The
seven eyes remind Joshua the manifestation of power for His Priesthood is only
in the Spirit. It is the Sprit that is
his law (Romans 8:2), that bears His witness as true (Ro. 8:16), that makes
intercession (8:26); that gives power (1Co. 2:4), that searches to correct and
counsel, (1 Co. 2:4), who gifts for service (1 Co. 12:4); who affords the
liberty to minister (11 Co. 3:17), who bears fruit within and without (Eph.
5:19).
Religious men have “religious or spiritual” conversation
and fleshly conversation. Until we come
to the place where we are “one with the Spirit, people separate and
compartmentalize their lives into “spiritual vs. fleshly.” Their life in the “world” is different than
their life in church or at religious functions.
They do this to camouflage their depravity, but “every plowing of the wicked
is sin (Prov. 21:4).” The eyes are not
“on” the stone, they are “in” the stone.
The spirit and the Stone are one.
It is the Holy Spirit that affords our access to God (Eph.
1:18); it is the Spirit which constructs the habitation of God (Eph. 2:22); it
is His strengthening which gives us strength (Eph. 3:16); He is the unifier of
the sons, whereby they move as One unit to the glory of God. (Eph. 4:3). He is the power (Eph. 6:17); He is the
fellowship (Phil. 2:1).
“system Servants” declare they have scriptural fellowship
within the “system” churches, but their fellowship and the fellowship
established between the Sons of Zadok is different in nature, character, time
and intent. The love that characterizes
the Sons of Zadok is rooted in the spirit (Col. 1:18); The Sons are justified
by Him. Tim. 3:16). The Sons are made
alive through the Spirit) 1 Pet. 3:18).
The ministry of the blood in the Sons is through Him (11 Tim. 4:22); 1
Pet. 1:12). The Holy Spirit leads the
Sons to perfection.
Perfection by the spirit is a portent lying before Joshua,
engraved in stone. It is embraced by the
sons, not as an unattainable goal but an open door of access made real by the
Sprit. The Spirit is the Sons’
breastplate of righteousness. He is the
jewel which distinguishes the ministry of the priesthood of the Sons of Zadok
fro all “system” ministries. It is
blasphemy to minister under any other direction than His. Ministry is not ministry apart from the Holy
Spirit.
BEHOLD I WILL ENGRAVE:
Joshua saw his life work (labors) engraved in the stone.
“Behold, I will engrave his labor (graving), says the Lord
of hosts… (Jubilee Bible Zech. 3:9)
The revelation of the engravings comes with the knowledge
that no Son of Zadok has to wonder about his task. His work is written on the stone at the time
of his investiture. Characteristic of
the Son is the astute knowledge of is areas of responsibility in the
kingdom. He knows as assuredly as a
lover knows the meaning of a glance by the eye.
The Spirit of God has placed the sons in their several places in order
to accomplish the complete will of God.
All the details may not be revealed to the, but not one of them will
deny knowing their place in the kingdom.
The assurance that emanates from this knowledge is unbelievable. Just as Jesus knew His task, so the Sons of
Zadok are “about their father’s business.”
The “system” has no such assurance. The “system” appoints or calls its ministers
based on theological agreement and/or political maneuvering. The “system” arrives at its tasks by virtue
of demand by its public. It determines
its needs by committee. The “system” is
characterized by its masses, misses, mess-ups, and mixture. Carrying no divine mandate or direction, they
emulate each other. What one has, the other
most certainly must have it also.”
Secular at heart and sacerdotal in spirit, they continue to confuse the
multitudes through their muddled ministry.
Notice the difference between the “system” and the
disciples. After their investiture in
the upper room, they were propelled by the Spirit. The spiritual world was turned upside
down. Their labor was not the product of
their own minds. Theirs was Divine
labor. Divine labor directed Simon to
pass by the gate beautiful at just the proper moment. Divine labor called Philip to leave his easy
chair and run to instruct a Eunuch.
Divine labor became a Pauline epistle.
Divine labor had Jesus stand by a well and teach an adulterous woman
greater truths than were known by Rabbis.
Divine labor is being nailed to a cross, beheaded by kings, torn by
lions, wandering about in wildernesses which in their totality qualify to be
named in the book as “those of whom the
world was not worthy” (Heb. 11:38).
Whether the stone is construed to be a talisman or
breastplate is immaterial; whether it is simply observed and worn is
immaterial. What is material is that it
was acknowledge by Joshua as part of the planned Power of God for His life.
The Lord ends Zechariah’s vision with a promise: (God
awakens Zechariah from the vision just after this.)
“I will remove the iniquity of the land in one day. In that day, says the Lord of the hosts,
every one of you shall call his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree.
(Zeph. 3: 9-10).
Atonement is in this verse.
Atonement is the task of the Priest to bring God and man together. It is the reason for the Blood of Jesus being
ministered before the Divine Altar in the heavenly
The Sons of Zadok are commissioned to maintain their
ministry until the blood has finished its work.
In that final day, when it is a completed work in all the earth, our God
will “remove the iniquity of the land in one day.” How is this promise tied to full redemption?
“In that day, says the Lord of hosts, shall you call every
man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree?”
Baron comments:
We are told in the Talmud (Yoman, vii.4) that, when, on the
day of Atonement, the high priest had performed the various duties of the
solemn day, he was escorted home in a festive manner, and was accustomed to
give a festal entertainment to his friends.
The maidens and youths of the people went forth to their gardens and
vineyards with songs and dances; social entertainment took place on all sides,
and universal gladness closed the festival of that solemn day. (Baron, page
122)
Breastplate or talisman, whatever you are happy with, the
point of all the garments, the Branch, the stone, and the writing is the final
Atonement. Sons of Zadok minister daily
to see the last saint sealed and the great High Priest Jesus return to announce
redemption’s final chapter. This is the
capstone, “Grace, Grace unto it!” O
Zerubbabel, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of the
hosts.”
Carolyn Sissom, Pastor
Eastgate Ministries, Inc.
Scripture from K.J.V. unless otherwise noted. Text and quotes from The Sons of Zadok by: C.
R. Oliver, Ransom Press International, 10160 Main Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida, 354135; David Baron, Commentary on Zechariah, His Visions and
Prophecies. Comments and conclusions are
my own and not meant to reflect the view of those from whom I have gleaned.
From: Zadok [mailto:zadok8@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2010 9:43 AM
To: CAROLYN
Subject: Re: Dr. Oliver
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Thank you for doing this.
Yes, I give you permission as long as you cite the bibliographic materials
showing where the quotes were taken. That is courtesy that use as
well. How very happy I am that you circulate your work. Recently,
I received an email from
Do you subscribe to the
newsletter? I don't watch over those lists, but please use any of the
books or messages you find at www.zadokpublications.com.
Currently, I am preparing for an interview on TruNews network, so pray for me
on Monday at 1:30pm. Many blessings to you, Dr. O
.
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