Mystery Babylon: Chapter 17

Praise No Longer Heard: Tyrus Too

As stated in our last chapter, Ezekiel chapter twenty-seven is very similar to Revelation chapter eighteen. This would include Ezekiel chapter twenty-six and a portion of chapter twenty-eight as well. Much of what is taught pertaining to Mystery Babylon is also taught concerning Tyrus. These sections of scripture seem to be describing the same dreadful event at the end of time. While it is true that they may had had partial fulfillments in Old Testament history, nenetheless theysemto be ultimately focusing in on the Church of Christ as God brings judgment upon it's corporate and outward body. When Revelation chapter eighteen states that the voice of harpers shall be heard no more at all in thee, we see in the Greek that the word "voice" is also translated as noise or sound. The harpers will be heard no more at all in this religious harlot. But don't we see a vast number of churches today singing and praising God with many instruments and hugh choirs? True, but we must realize that music of praise brought forth from a congregation that is no longer faithful to God's Word will not be praiseworthy to God. Therefore, the sound or voice of harpers shall be heard no more at all in thee.

We also read in Revelation 18:23 that the voice of the bride and the voice of the bridegroom shall be heard no more at all in this harlot. The bride being Christ’s elect and the bridegroom being Christ Himself. We need to fully understand that the Word of God which is the "voice of the bridegroom" is not being faithfully declared any longer from most congregations. Therefore, it has become another gospel in most cases. When God declares that the voice of the bride and the voice of the bridegroom is no longer heard, it is because God has taken the truth of His Word from these unfaithful congregations.

The word "harper" simply means one who plays the harp. Whenever scripture mentions the playing of a harp, we can rest assured that this music is - in most instances - played for the worshiping of the God of creation. In other words scripture does not speak of the playing of the harp in any worldly sense, or for one's own glory. Therefore, we know beyond any doubt that the harpers which are no longer heard in Tyrus and/or Mystery Babylon are depicting the harpers of the true Church which, in most cases, are no longer found in the unfaithful congregations. They are the true worshipers of God. They have fled because Satan has taken his seat in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God, II Thessalonians 2:4. All that remain, for the most part, are harpers harping to the music of defiled gospels. Isaiah 24:8 confirms this: "The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth." Isaiah chapter twenty-four goes on to say that there is crying for wine in the streets. There is no gospel to be found. The city is left in desolation (cf. the abomination of desolation), and the gate is smitten with destruction, Isaiah 24:11,12.

The true meaning of harp playing in scripture is for the worshiping of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:

We also read in Revelation 18:22 that the voice of the musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters shall be heard no more in thee. "Musicians" is defined as minstrels: the playing of musical instruments in praise to the Lord; or to sing to the harp. A "piper" is defined in the Greek as a flute player. Naturally, it is this true musical praise that, along with the spiritual merchandise, is no longer to be found in this great city.

How must we interpret the remainder of verse twenty-two? "... and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee ..." At first glance it would appear that God is speaking of the craftsmen of the world. This, however, will not harmonize with the rest of the chapter. The word [51*]"craftsman" in the Greek denotes an artisan, or figuratively symbolizes a founder or the Creator. It is translated also as "builder," specifically a trade or skill. We see this word used in Acts 19:24,38 which signifies a worldly trade in the historical setting:

In addition to its usage in signifying a trade, we find it's usage in Hebrews 11:10 to mean something much more than a mortal craftsman:

As "builder" or "craftsman" are no doubt in reference to the Creator, this verse also designates God as "maker." In the Greek the word "maker" means a worker for the people, i.e. mechanic (spoken of the Creator). We do not have to limit ourselves to literal or worldly interpretations simply because a certain Greek or Hebrew word will be used in many literal ways. Let us not forget that Christ speaks in parables, and a parable will always leave a heavenly and spiritual meaning to be interpreted.

In Revelation 18:22 we find that the pipers, harpers, trumpeters, and musicians are symbolizing the worship of the one true God through music. The word "craftsman" and "builder" (same Greek word) carries a highly spiritual and symbolical connotation to God Himself, and to all of His elect who are partaking of the body (Temple) of Christ. In verse twenty-two we see that all of the craftsmen "of whatsoever craft he be" are found no more in thee (Mystery Babylon). Could these "craftsmen" be a reference to the spiritual builders, makers, or craftsmen of the New Testament Temple? We know that Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone of His Church, the Temple, and all true believers are spiritual stones and builders of this Temple.

From the above verses we see that all believers in Christ are to be spiritual builders of the Temple of God. We are to build upon Jesus Christ, who is our only foundation. The above usages of the word "build" and "buildeth" carries the strict meaning of building thereupon, as does the following references:

All true believers make up a portion of Christ's house, Hebrews 3:6. Jesus Christ is our Apostle and High Priest, Hebrews 3:2, and it was He who built our spiritual house, Hebrews 3:4. We are to continue to build upon Christ's' foundation; that is we are to continue to build upon the Word of God and the works of Christ as spiritual sacrifices to God, our heavenly Father.

Going back to Revelation 18:22 we now should have a clearer picture of what is meant when we read that no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in this harlot woman of the wilderness. Those who are spiritually building a spiritual house, and whose foundation was laid by Christ Jesus, are exercising their spiritual craft by building upon the foundation of Christ. This is the true born-again Christian. They have left the corporate church and have fled to Christ!

Back : Chapter 16 - Her Merchants are Weeping; Tyrus' Mariners are Wailing

Next : Chapter 18 - Her Plagues: One Day Her Desolation: One Hour