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Welcome
to
The Bible Name Expose'
The
purpose of the "Bible Name Expose' " is to thoroughly examine the
names of the Bible in their respective languages. Why is
this important?...
This kind
of study quite often reveals hidden kernels of Bible truth....
Our
Feature study is: " Methuselah "
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The names of the Bible are absolutely
fascinating!!! They quite often contain hidden nuggets of valuable truth
that make the Bible even more fun to read & study. Such is the case
with the name: “Methuselah”… Most people are generally familiar with
“Methuselah”. He was the son of Enoch (the righteous preacher). He was the
grandfather of Noah (of Noah’s Flood). He was also the man with the
longest life-span in the Bible (969 years)… But!!!... What most people don’t know about
“Methuselah” is the special Hebrew meaning behind his name. This Hebrew
name actually carries behind it a Divine prophecy concerning the deluge
(flood) of Noah. How so?... Let’s investigate!!!... The most common English interpretation for
“Methuselah” (meth-oo-sheh’-lach) is “Man of a Dart” (Strong’s #
4968)… This word (or name) is broken down into two
separate parts (in Hebrew): # 1 - “Meth” or “Math” = “Man (an adult)” # 2 – “Shelach” = “A Missile (for
attack)” Note: The Hebrew noun “Shelach” can denote a
missile, a dart, a spear, a javelin, a sword, or a branch. It is derived from the Hebrew root
verb “Shalach” meaning “to send out” or “to send away”. Notice the
similarity with the Greek word “Apostle” (one sent
forth)!!! So what we have here is an illustrative picture of
a man (presumably a warrior) holding a spear in his hand. And what does a
warrior normally do with a spear? He throws (“sends out”) the spear at his
enemy!!! The spear shoots forth!!! The spear is
launched!!!... Thus!!!... The name “Methuselah” can denote two
separate meanings: # 1 – A Man Holding a Spear!!!... “On the Attack”…
OR…. # 2 – A Man on Now here’s where things get very
interesting!!! There is a
third (more concrete) meaning for “Methuselah” hidden even deeper (like a
long lost treasure) within the Hebrew language. We’re talking about the
actual core meaning behind the name
“Methuselah”!!!... What meaning?.... Here
goes!!!... The name “Methuselah” at its core actually
means: “When he is dead it
shall be sent”…. (Note: Doesn’t this remind you of that mysterious
sounding voice in “The Field of Dreams?”. Every once in a while, the main
character would hear this whispering voice say, “If you build it, they
will come!”… Anyway, this reminds me of that
movie!!!...) What we have here is a Divine prophecy concerning
the deluge (flood) of Noah, and it’s hidden within this man’s name. How do
I know this is an actual prophecy? The deluge (flood) of Noah took place
the very same year of Methuselah’s death… True
fact!!!... This is no mere
coincidence!!!.... The sinful world (at the time) was virtually safe
from God’s impending judgment as long as “Methuselah” breathed air in a
flesh body. However, once “Methuselah” dies, things will drastically
change for the rebellious inhabitants of the earth. How so?... Upon Methuselah’s death, God’s plan is to send
forth (like a spear) the deluge (flood) of Noah upon an unrepentant sinful
world (God’s enemy). So what we have here is a perfect illustrative type
(example) of the Lord’s battle against sin &
rebellion… And this illustrative type (and prophecy) is
perfectly contained within the name “Methuselah”… “When he is dead it
shall be sent”…. Let me say one more thing about
“Methuselah”!!!…. I find it interesting to think about “Methuselah”
as the man with the longest life-span in the Bible (969 years). Now that
we know the precise meaning of his name, it becomes easier to see the
grace of God during this very dark period of earth’s history
(pre-flood)… How so?... Think about it!!!... The very fact that this man
holds the all-time record for the longest life-span on earth (969 years)
is a direct testimony (in my opinion) to the enduring patience &
longsuffering of God towards mankind. It’s like the scripture says: 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not
slack concerning His promise
(Christ’s Return), as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering
(patient) to us-ward (mankind), not willing (it’s not His will) that any
should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.” The Lord used the extremely long (record-breaking)
life-span of “Methuselah” as a period of grace (so to speak) to allow
mankind a unique opportunity to repent for their sinful rebellion against
God before the Day of Judgment (Noah’s flood)… And guess
what?... The Lord is doing the exact same thing for us
(today) before our Day of Judgment (Christ’s Return)… So I would like to encourage anyone who reads this
message to accept God’s gracious gift of salvation today before time runs
out. Another flood is coming… Not of water!!!... But Fire!!! And you don’t
want to be caught outside God’s designated Ark of
Salvation. What is God’s Ark of Salvation?.... Jesus
Christ!!!.... So come into the “Ark of Salvation” today, and
find the only true “Rest” you’re ever going to find!!!...
(Note: The name “Noah” means “Rest”….)
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