George W. Bush was born on 7/6/1946. In the Presidents Code, George W. Bush’s Presidency displayed the time period of the Second Temple. The time of the Maccabees, Herod and leading up to the birth of Christ. The Presidents Code is a parable based upon the name meanings of the U.S. Presidents. Their name meanings tell the story of the Biblical text, from the beginning of creation unto the days of Christ. Based upon the premise of this code, it is seen that the very characters of the Presidents, from their personal characters to the events that occurred during their Presidencies reveal in parable form the exact same events of the Biblical narrative of which their name meanings describe. In other words, the history of the United States is displaying a giant parable of the Word of God.
George W. Bushās name meaning is speaking of the Vine of Israel being replanted in the Promised land during the second Temple period where they returned to walking in the ways of the Lord, at least in part. Israel allowed religion to become more important than the Word of God and so fell into the same shame of their forefathers.
George comes from the Greek word Ī³ĪµĻĻĪ³ĪæĻ āgeorgosā which means a farmer or an earthworker. This points to the days of the Vine of Israel being replanted in the Promised Land (Isaiah 60:21; 61:3; Jeremiah 24:6; 31:28; 32:41; 42:10; Psalm 80:14-19).
Walker is an English surname which referred to the medieval occupation of a walker, also known as a fuller. Walkers would tread on wet, unprocessed wool in order to clean and thicken it. The word ultimately derives from Old English āwealcanā which means to walk. Israel returned to the walk of David, desiring to walk in the light of the Lord, His Word (1 Kings 3:14; Deuteronomy 5:33; 8:6; 10:12; 11:22; 19:9; Isaiah 2:3-5; Jeremiah 7:23; Hosea 14:9; Zechariah 1:4-6; 3:7; Ezra 9:7-14; Nehemiah 9:26-38; 13:18).
Bush is an from an Old English word ābuscā which means a bush.Ā In Hebrew ××ש ābushā means shame and is the origin of the English word for bush.Ā A bush is used to mark oneās land as well as hide oneās home for privacy. Israel bore their shame and was judged with exile, but the promise of redemption was given that they might return to their land. This return is associated with the nations being judged and their shame being discovered (Ezekiel 36:6-38; Isaiah 61:7). This occurred, in part, during the days of the Maccabees.
Here we see in Bushās name the regathering of Israel to the Promised land in repentance. Israel returned to walking in the law of God and rebuilt the Temple. However, Israel did not stay true to the law of the Lord. They allowed religion to become an idol and so fell back into the shame of their forefathers (Matthew 23:32).
George W. Bushās Presidency pictures the time period of the second Temple. A time in which Israel returned to the land of promise after being exiled in Babylon. A time in which scribes and rabbis rose to power amongst the people, leading them to a zealousness for the law of God. This zealousness however, was not always tempered with faith and love and so John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah, teaching the people the true meaning and intent of the law (Romans 10:2-13).
It is this shadow picture portrayal of George Bushās Presidency that is the focus of this article. The controversial decisions he made were no doubt done in what he believed were the best interests of the nation. However, these decisions are controversial for a reason as many of them violated the principles of the Constitution. This corresponds with the religious state of Israel during the second Temple period. Most believers were sincere and sought to please God, but did so in a manner that was more in line with their religion and less akin to the teachings of the Word of God from whence their religion came (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:7-9; Romans 10:2-4).
The 2000 election displayed the great divide which occurred in the nation after the Presidency of Bill Clinton. The nation was divided into two camps. One camp desired to see a moral President as a result of the scandalous affairs which occurred throughout the Clinton Presidency. This moral choice was the Christian Evangelical George W. Bush. The second camp wished to disregard Bill Clintonās personal flaws and continue with his economic successes by setting up his Vice President Al Gore.
Al Gore also claimed to be a born again Christian but his liberal views on social issues and the environment caused many to believe he was a āNew Ager.ā In the ācode,ā Al Gore depicts the Queen of Heaven worship in which the Israelites partook of during the days of the Kings, while at the same time being temporally blessed (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17-19, 25).
In one of the closest elections in history, Al Gore won the popular vote 50,999,897 to 50,456,002 while George W. Bush won the electoral vote 271 to 266, thus making him President.
This divide in the nation depicts the state of affairs of Israel in the second Temple period. At first there came a divide between Hellenists who wished to acclimate with the Greek society after Alexander the Great took dominion over the land versus those who wished to cling to the Word of God. This gave rise to the period of the Maccabees. It was during this time period that two more sects came to fruition. The Pharisees and the Sadducees.
The Sadducees claimed descent from the priesthood and represented the aristocracy. Through their control of the Temple, they had authority over the nation. The Pharisees claimed descent from Ezra and the Great Assembly. They represented the ācommon peopleā and as a result held great sway over the decision making of the Sadducees. In modern day terms, the Sadducees were conservative in nature versus the Pharisees who were liberal. In other words, Sadducees were āRepublicansā and Pharisees were āDemocrats.ā Historians even speak of Pharisees as the āLiberalsā and Sadducees as the āConservativesā of their time.
Like his father before him, George W. Bush won the Presidency as a result of the support he gained from Evangelical Christians as they perceived he was one of their own.
When Bush ran for President in 2000, he positioned himself as a candidate who would restore morality and honor to the White House. At the Iowa debates in 1999 the moderator asked the candidates what political philosopher or thinker they identified with and why. George Bush responded:
āChrist, because He changed my heart.ā
The moderator questioned further asking Bush to elaborate what this means to the viewer. Bush said:
āWell, if they donāt know it is going to be hard to explain. When you turn your heart and your life over to Christ, when you accept Christ as the savior, it changes your heart, it changes your life, and thatās what happened to me.ā
This response brought forth cheers from the crowd and set up Bush as the clear choice for evangelicals in the 2000 election. This was not the only public profession of faith which George Bush made. He openly declared his belief in Jesus Christ which set up him up as the candidate of choice for Christians. His open proclamation of faith in Jesus amidst an ever growing secularization of the nation parallels the time period of the Maccabees who stood against the Hellenization, or āsecularization,ā of the nation of Israel during the second Temple period.
āMy faith is an integral part of my whole being, thatās what faith is, I donāt think you can separate your faith from who you are.ā {Maranatha Christian Journal ā 10/12/2000}
āI pray on a daily basis. Iāve got a structure to my life where religion plays a role. I understand religion is a walk, itās a journey. And I fully recognize that Iām a sinner, just like you. Thatās why Christ died. He died for my sins and your sins.ā {George W. Bush: Running on His Faith ā US News Online}
Bushās thoughts on faith are best seen in a speech he gave to the Second Baptist Church on March 6th, 1999 entitled āFaith Can Change Lives.ā
āYou and I are here because we believe that faith can change lives. We know faith can change Texas, and we know faith can help change our culture. Faith is the framework for living. It gives us the spirit and heart that affect everything we do. It gives us hope each day. Faith gives us purpose to right wrongs, to preserve our families, and to teach our children values. Faith gives us conscience to keep us honest, even when nobody else is looking.
And faith can change lives. I know firsthand because faith changed mine. I grew up in the church, but I didnāt always walk the walk. There came a point in my life when I felt empty. And so, by chance, or maybe it wasnāt chance, I got to spend a weekend with the great Billy Graham, and as a result of our conversations and his inspiration, I searched my heart and recommitted my life to Jesus Christ.
My relationship with God through Christ has given me meaning and direction. My faith has made a big difference in my personal life and my public life as well. I make decisions every day. Some are easy, and some arenāt so easy. I have worries just like you do. I worry about my family. I worry about putting them in the fishbowl of politics.
And I pray. I pray for guidance; I pray for patience. My seventeen-year-old twin daughters think I really need to pray for patience. And I pray for peace. I firmly believe in the power of intercessory prayer, and I know I could not do my job without it.
I have moments of doubt, moments of pride, and moments of hope. Yet my faith helps a lot, because I have a sense of calm knowing that the Bibleās admonition, āThy will be done,ā is lifeās guide. In this hectic world, there is something incredibly reassuring in the belief that there is a divine plan that exceeds all human plans.ā
According to televangelist James Robison, George W. Bush believed that the will of God was for him to run for President:
āI feel like God wants me to run for President. I canāt explain it, but I sense my country is going to need me. Something is going to happenā¦ I know it wonāt be easy on me or my family, but God wants me to do it.ā
Later in 2002 Bush attributed his election to the Presidency to his relationship with God.
āThere is only one reason that I am here in the Oval Office and not in a bar. I found faith. I found God. I am here because of the power of prayer.ā {The Right Man: An Inside Account of the Bush White House ā David Frum pg 283}
Not only did George W. Bush attribute his path to the White House to God, but also spoke of God as directing the course of the nation. He spoke of this as the āangel in the whirlwind.ā In concluding his first Inaugural Address, Bush proclaimed:
āAfter the Declaration of Independence was signed, Virginia statesman John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson: āWe know the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Do you not think an angel rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm?ā
Much time has passed since Jefferson arrived for his inauguration. The years and changes accumulate. But the themes of this day he would know: our nationās grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity.
We are not this storyās author, who fills time and eternity with his purpose. Yet his purpose is achieved in our duty, and our duty is fulfilled in service to one another.
Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing, we renew that purpose today, to make our country more just and generous, to affirm the dignity of our lives and every life.
This work continues. This story goes on. And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.ā
George Bushās proclamation that God is the one who is in control of the events in American history points to the same proclamation that Israel made during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9:6-38) which continued until the aforementioned time period in which Israel began to āHellenizeā (2 Maccabees 3:1).
The proclamations of George Bush in regards to his faith were backed up by his actions. On June 10th, 2000 George Bush proclaimed āJesus Dayā in Texas.
āThroughout the world, people of all religions recognize Jesus Christ as an example of love, compassion, sacrifice and service. Reaching out to the poor, the suffering and the marginalized, he provided moral leadership that continues to inspire countless men, women, and children today.
To honor his life and teachings, Christians of all races and denominations have joined together to designate June 10 as Jesus Day. As part of this celebration of unity, they are taking part in the 10th annual March for Jesus in cities throughout the Lone Star State. The march, which began in Austin in 1991, is now held in nearly 180 countries. Jesus Day challenges people to follow Christās example by performing good works in their communities and neighborhoods. By nursing the sick, feeding the poor or volunteering in homeless shelters, everyone can play a role in making the world a better place.
I urge all Texans to answer the call to serve those in need. By volunteering their time, energy or resources to helping others, adults and youngsters follow Christās message of love and service in thought and deed.ā
It is said that George Bush read the Bible daily despite the business of being President and encouraged his staff to do the same. He began his days by rising before dawn and reading āMy Utmost for His Highestā which is a book of evangelical sermons by Oswald Chambers. White House Meetings were also started with prayer.
āā¦this presidency ā is the most resolutely, āfaith-basedā in modern times, an enterprise founded, supported and guided by trust in the temporal and spiritual power of God.ā {Newsweek Magazine ā Howard Fineman 3/10/2003}
āNobody spends more time on his knees than George W. Bush. The Bush administration hums to the sound of prayer. Prayer meetings take place day and night. Itās not uncommon to see White House functionaries hurrying down corridors carrying Bibles.ā {Justin Webb ā BBC Correspondent}
Furthermore, one of the first acts of George Bushās Presidency was to establish āFaith based initiativesā to help religious based organizations better help the poor and weak.
George W. Bush proclaimed that he became born again while walking and talking with Billy Graham, who was a friend of the family, on the beach at the Kennebunkport family compound.
āOver the course of that weekend, Reverend Graham planted a mustard seed in my soul, a seed that grew over the next year. He led me to the path, and I began walking. It was the beginning of a change in my life. I had always been a āreligiousā person, had regularly attended church, even taught Sunday School and served as an altar boy. But that weekend my faith took on a new meaning. It was the beginning of a new walk where I would commit my heart to Jesus Christ.ā
Billy Graham rose to fame in the 1950s and led the Evangelical movement for the next five decades. It was believed he was extremely influential in the electing of Richard Nixon and later George W. Bush. This is interesting to note as Nixonās Presidency pictured the days of Joshua who conquered the land of Canaan unto the days of the Judges and Samuel which saw Israel become corrupted. Bush pictures the days of the Maccabees who conquered the land of Canaan unto the time of King Herod where Israel was corrupted yet again. Both Presidencies depict time periods in which Israel started out faithful but ended up corrupted and in a rebellious state.
Two days before the 2000 election, Billy Graham openly declared his support for George Bush in Jacksonville, Florida. This was the state which was eventually won by George W. Bush by the smallest of margins and which brought great controversy to the 2000 election. Bush had won the state by less than 1,000 votes and was ultimately awarded the victory by the Supreme Court who stopped further recounts.
Florida has fascinating links to the current portion of the “code” and the George W. Bush ā Second Temple era connection. The name Florida comes from the Latin word āfloridusā which is speaking of a flower in bloom. In Hebrew, this would be rendered as the word פ×Ø× āparachā which literally means a blooming flower. פ×Ø× āparachā is a combination of the words פ×Ø āparā which means fruit and ×Ø× ārachā which means scent or aroma. ×Ø× ārachā is also the root of the word ×Ø×× āruachā which means wind or spirit in Hebrew.
It is during the Second Temple times that the Messenger of the Covenant (Malachi 3:1) would be sent to Israel to reveal to them the true meaning and intent of the law, to lead them to bear fruit of the Spirit which is a sweet smelling odor to God (2 Corinthians 2:14-17; Ephesians 5:2). This fruit brings forth His smell or aroma which is His Word (Matthew 13:18-23; John 15:1-16; Psalm 1:1-3; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:11). Scripture equates His Word with His Name (Revelation 19:13). In Hebrew, the word for name is ×©× āshemā which literally means the āaromaā or breath of a person, their character.
Scripture likens His name to a tower of strength (Proverbs 18:10). The word for tower in Proverbs 18:10 is ×××× āmigdalā which is speaking of something of great size as the root word ××× āgadolā means great or magnificent. This word ×××× āmigdalā is also translated as flower in the Bible (Song of Songs 5:13). ×××× āmigdalā is also translated as pulpit in the book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8:4-6). This points to the pulpit from whence Ezra read the Word of God and saw the beginnings of the move towards scribes leading the nation (Ezra 7:6, 11-12, 21).
××× āgadolā is also the root word of ×××× āgediylā which is one of the words used to translate the tassels which were worn by believers upon the four corners of their garments (Deuteronomy 22:12). The other word for these tassels was צ×צ××Ŗ ātzitziytā which literally means a blooming flower.
What is the significance flowers and tassels in regards to this parable? They are strongly associated with the promise of the Lordās coming. He was prophesied to come with healing in His wings, where these four tassels hung (Malachi 4:1-2). It would be a day which would āburn as an ovenā in which the wicked would be burned up (Malachi 4:1).
The Messenger of the Covenant who was sent to Israel is likened unto a refinerās fire (Malachi 3:1-3). John the Baptist, in the spirit of Elijah, was sent to prepare the way for this Messenger and to warn of His fire (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 3:1-12; 11:13-14; 17:10-13; Luke 1:17; John 1:21-23).
The fruit which Israel was called to produce was the āgoodlyā fruit of His Word (Jeremiah 11:16). However, Israel did not produce this fruit but brought forth wicked fruit (Jeremiah 24:2-8). As a result, God brought fire upon this olive tree, breaking the branches thereof (Jeremiah 11:16-17). The Hebrew word for āgoodlyā in Jeremiah 11:16 is ×Ŗ××Ø ātoarā which means a shape, form, outline or figure of a thing. ×Ŗ××Ø ātoarā is a cognate of the word ×Ŗ××Ø× ātorahā which literally means instruction which defines the border of a people or the āimageā of a people. ×Ŗ××Ø× ātorahā is most commonly translated as ālaw.ā Here we see that Israel was to produce the fruit of His Law which would bring forth His image to the world. His Image is that of love (1John 4:8, 16; Matthew 22:35-40).
However, Israel did not bring forth this image of love (Luke 7:36-47; 10:27-37; 18:9-14). Although they were zealous for the law (Acts 21:20; 22:3), in their zealousness they corrupted its true meaning (Romans 10:2). They were outwardly religious, yet inwardly full of wickedness (Luke 11:39; 16:15; 20:47; Matthew 6:2-5, 16; 23:5, 25-27). They separated themselves from the peoples of the world, declaring anyone who didnāt worship God according to their traditions was an unclean heathen (John 4:9; 8:48; Acts 10:28).
By their traditions they had put up a dividing wall between themselves and others (Acts 21:28; Ephesians 2:14-15), preventing them from drawing nearer to God (Luke 11:52) as Israel was the custodians of His Word (Romans 3:2; John 4:22) which reveals His nature to mankind. It was these traditions which corrupted the Word of God (Matthew 15:2-9; Mark 7:3-13; Colossians 2:8) and perverted the message of His love to mankind, which led Jesus Christ to declare them as lawless (Matthew 23:28; John 7:19). It is because of this lack of love (Matthew 5:22; John 15:25) that the Lord was sent to Israel to separate the good trees from the bad (Malachi 3:2-3; 4:1; Matthew 3:10-12; Luke 3:9; John 15:2).
Let us examine this concept in the light of the Bush Presidency. After the attacks of 911, Bush declared to the world that you are either for us or for the terrorists.
āEvery nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.ā {Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People 9/20/2001}
Here we see the dividing wall set up. From here Bush declared a War on Terror which was based upon protecting Americans by strengthening security at home and spreading Democracy and freedom to the rest of the world. However, this would not be done by being a shining example of a city on a hill as was the vision of the Founders, but by the use of force and encouraging revolutions in countries which were deemed as tyrannical. Furthermore, numerous unconstitutional laws were passed as a result of this War on Terror. They were justified as a means to protect the nation. The problem with this is that Benjamin Franklin rightly stated:
āThey who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.ā
Israel had corrupted the true intent of the Word by their traditions (Matthew 15:1-6). These traditions were set up as a means of security, preventing Israel from going astray and consequently going back into exile.
The time of Ezra and Nehemiah was a time in which Israel rededicated itself to God and sought to walk in His law (Ezra 3; Nehemiah 8; 9:38; 10:29). It was this zealousness for the law which gave rise to the ātraditions of the eldersā which were rules set up as āfencesā to keep the people from breaking the law of God. Israel rightly saw that their punishment of exile from God came as a result of their rejection of His Word so they sought to establish a code of conduct amongst the people which would prevent this from happening again (Ezra 9:7-14; Nehemiah 9:26-38; 13:18; Zechariah 1:4-6). However these ātraditions of the eldersā over time became the focus of Israel and took their eyes off of the law of God on which they were based (Matthew 15:2-9; Mark 7:3-13).
So too, the Bush administration set up laws like the Patriot Act and authorized domestic spying which violated the Bill of Rights, in the name of security.
Freedom is a gift from the Creator, an unalienable right which man must believe in before he can walk therein. Man cannot be forced to believe in the Creator and therefore he cannot be forced to believe in the rights which He has given. This must come from an inward conviction. So too, the letter of the law which the Jews were following during the Second Temple period can never change the heart of man. It is only the Spirit of the Law which is brought forth by faith in the Creator and repentance towards Him (2 Corinthians 3:6; John 6:63) that can change the heart (Deuteronomy 4:30; 30:1-3; Jeremiah 24:7; 31:33; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16; Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:26-27; Psalm 119:32; Isaiah 51:7; Romans 2:15, 26-29; 8:4).
With that foundation being set up, let us continue with the storyline of George Bushās Presidency.
The above painting, which President Bush had put into the background of his official Presidential photo was an appropriate choice to represent his Presidency. The name āCharge to Keepā comes from a hymn which was written by Charles Wesley based upon Leviticus 8:35. The rider, who has an uncanny similarity to George Bush, is said to be one of the Methodist circuit riders who brought the message of the Gospel to the Alleghenies during the 1800s.
Bush speaks of the painting as epitomizing his mission:
āWhen you come into my office, please take a look at the beautiful painting of a horseman determinedly charging up what appears to be a steep and rough trail. This is us. What adds complete life to the painting for me is the message of Charles Wesley that we serve One greater than ourselves.ā
The problem with Bushās story is that the actual painting was made for a short story called āThe Slipper Tongueā which is depicting a horse thief who is fleeing from a lynch mob. Herein lies the dichotomy of the Bush Presidency. A lofty proclamation of battling evil on behalf of the good but in reality bringing forth the fruit of falsehood. This is seen in the unconstitutional acts which occurred during the Bush Presidency in the name of defending liberty. This is seen in the signing of the Patriot Act which gives the government the ability to violate the 4th Amendment. It is seen in going to war on false pretenses against Iraq without the necessary declaration of war prescribed by the Constitution. Warrantless wiretaps and domestic surveillance which violates the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is another example. The detaining of āenemy combatantsā indefinitely without access to counsel or a trial violating the 6th Amendment in the Bill of Rights is yet another.
These actions correspond to the religious leaders of Israel during the second Temple period who appeared outwardly religious but inwardly were full of lawlessness (Luke 11:39; 16:15; 20:47; Matthew 6:2-5, 16; 23:5, 25-27; John 7:19; Matthew 23:28; Galatians 6:13).
In the ācode,ā the second term of Bill Clinton depicted the return of Israel to the Promised land after their exile in Babylon. It was at this time that the second Temple was built. The leaders of Israel rightly understood that their exile was caused as a result of their rebellion against the Law of God. As a result, they purposed to return to walking in His laws (Ezra 9:7-14; Nehemiah 9:26-38; 13:18; Zechariah 1:4-6). Later, the leaders of the nation set up āfencesā around the law to protect the people from going into exile again. These fences were the foundation of the āoral lawā or the ātraditions of the eldersā which are spoken of in the New Testament (Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:8; 1 Peter 1:18; Galatians 1:14) which led to the message and movement of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
This was a time in which scribes and rabbis rose to prominence in the nation who were to teach Israel the law of God (Ezra 7:25; Nehemiah 8:7-8). This focus on religious education in the Second Temple period is seen in the Presidency of George W. Bush as the No Child Left Behind Act was passed. The No Child Left Behind Act was passed in 2001 which expanded the role of the Federal Government in education. This parallels the āeducationā system of Israel during the days of the Second Temple. The role of parents as educators was diminished in deference to scribes and rabbis. As a result, the religion of Judaism was formed.
These were times of relative peace until the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes (2 Maccabees 3:1). This points to the end of the Clinton Presidency which was a time of relative peace in the United States. Antiochus Epiphanes rose to power in the 2nd century BC following a period in which Israel began to mix their ways with that of the heathen around them (1 Maccabees 1:11-15). This led to punishment in the past (2 Kings 3:3; 10:29, 31; 13:2, 6, 11; 15:9; 17:22-23) and it would lead to punishment yet again when Antiochus invaded the land of Israel and desecrated the Temple (1 Maccabees 1:20-64).
This invasion of the land of Israel corresponds with the attack of September 11th, 2001. The terrorist attacks during the Clinton and Bush administration line up with various foreign invasions of the land of Israel. The invasion by Antiochus led to the rise of the Maccabees who led a great revival amongst the people of God, leading them back to obedience to His laws. As a result, Israel would not be invaded again until the end of the 1st Century after the time period in which the New Testament was written.
This rise of the Maccabees is displayed by the War on Terror and the declaration of George Bush that this battle was between good and evil.
āEvery nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.ā {Address to a Joint Session of Congress 9/21/2001}
George Bush proclaimed that the attacks of Al-Qaeda were in fact attacks upon Americaās belief in the unalienable rights given by the Creator which points to the law of God.
āThe attack on our Nation was also an attack on the ideals that make us a nation. Our deepest national conviction is that every life is precious, because every life is the gift of a Creator who intended us to live in liberty and equality.ā {September 11th 2002 ā Address to America}
These declarations are reminiscent of the words of Mattathias who slew the servant of Antiochus who was attempting to have Israel leave their religion and worship at a false altar. Mattathias proclaimed that those who were zealous for the law of God were to follow him. This is paralleled in George Bushās comments that those who were zealous for freedom, i.e. the law of God, were to follow him and America.
1 Maccabees 2:27 And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.
This declaration began the movement of the Maccabees who returned Israel to zealousness for the law of God (1 Maccabees 2:48). This restoration led to Israel regaining dominion over the land of Canaan. Three years from the date that Antiochus defiled the Temple, the Maccabees regained control over the land and restored the Temple (2 Maccabees 10:5). This re-dedication of the Temple was then celebrated thereafter under the name of Hanukkah (2 Maccabees 1:9, 18). The restoration and re-dedication of the Temple corresponds with George W. Bushās involvement in the Road Map for Peace. In the ācode,ā peace agreements between Israel and her neighbors are parables which depict the building and restorations of the Temple of God, as seen in the Presidencies of Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
For the sake of clarity, let us review these peace agreements and their Biblical counterparts. The Camp David Peace Accords which Jimmy Carter instrumented were a picture of the designs of the Temple which David gave his son, Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:11-12, 19). George H.W. Bush took part in the Madrid Peace Conference which depicted the building of the Temple by Solomon (2 Samuel 7:13; 1 Kings 5:5). Bill Clinton took part in multiple peace talks depicting the restorations of Solomonās Temple and the building of the second Temple during the days of Ezra (2 Kings 12:5, 12; 2 Kings 22:5; Ezra 3:10; 6:15). This leads up to the Road Map to Peace of which George W. Bush took part in, picturing the restoration of the Temple after the defilement of Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Maccabees 4:54).
In 2007, George W. Bush met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the Annapolis Conference to discuss a ātwo-state solutionā in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These peace talks line up with the āupgradeā of the Temple done by Herod, which caused the second Temple to be known as āHerodās Templeā thereafter (John 2:20). This is interesting to note as the first Temple was known as Solomonās Temple which is depicted in the Presidency of George H.W. Bush. So we see Solomonās Temple linked to Bush 41 and the Herodās Temple linked with Bush 43. This is interesting to note as the name Bush brings forth the meaning of something āhidden.ā In the Scriptures, the Temple of God was known as His āsecret placeā (Ezekiel 7:22).
These connections are further strengthened through the Hanukkah celebration as it was a āreplayā of the Biblical Feast of Tabernacles (2 Maccabees 1:9, 18; 10:5-7) which is also known as the festival of dedication as the first Temple was dedicated during this feast in Solomonās days (1 Kings 8:2, 63-65).
Further connecting the War on Terror with the wars of the Maccabees is the concept of fighting for justice. In an address to Congress, President Bush declared that those responsible for the terrorist attacks of 911 would be brought to justice.
āTonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.ā {Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People 9/20/2001}
So too, the cause of the Maccabees was declared to be that of justice.
1 Maccabees 2:27 And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.
1 Maccabees 2:28 So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city.
1 Maccabees 2:29 Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into the wilderness, to dwell there:
Continuing in his address to the nation, Bush defined what the goals of Al-Qaeda were.
āAl Qaeda is to terror what the mafia is to crime. But its goal is not making money; its goal is remaking the world ā and imposing its radical beliefs on people everywhere.ā
This corresponds with the goals of Antiochus Ephiphanes who sought to impose his beliefs upon the entire world.
1 Maccabees 1:41 Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people,
1 Maccabees1:42 And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.
Bush continued in his speech speaking of Americaās courage and the declaration that we will not fail which corresponds to the speech which Mattathias gave his sons before his death (1 Maccabees 2:49-51).
āGreat harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom ā the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time ā now depends on us. Our nation ā this generation ā will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.ā {Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People 9/20/2001}
1 Maccabees 2:49 Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:
1 Maccabees 2:50 Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
1 Maccabees 2:61 And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.
In this declaration of war, Bush proclaimed Americaās reliance upon God for the victory.
āI will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it. I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.
The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them.
Fellow citizens, weāll meet violence with patient justice ā assured of the rightness of our cause, and confident of the victories to come. In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America.ā
George W. Bushās final remarks in his address to the nation are reminiscent of the words of Judas Maccabees.
1 Maccabees 3:19 For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.
1 Maccabees3:20 They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:
1 Maccabees 3:21 But we fight for our lives and our laws.
1 Maccabees 3:22 Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.
The victories of the Maccabees over the Greek empire established the Hasmonean dynasty over the land for nearly 100 years where Israel ruled independently similarly to the days of Solomon. Solomonās time period is displayed in the ācodeā by George Bush Sr.
Around 63 BC, Rome captured Jerusalem and in 37 BC Marc Antony set up Herod as king. This ended the Hasmonean dynasty and established the Herodian era which is seen in the New Testament writings.
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have interesting parallels to the days of the Maccabees and the Herodian kings that would follow.
Afghanistan means the land of the Afghans who obtained their name from a legendary ancestor known as āAfghanaā who was said to be the grandson of King Saul. Here we see a link to the establishment of Hasmonean ākingsā after the Maccabees regained control over the Promised Land for Israel. This position of king would later be taken over by the Herodians who would reign through the days of Messiah.
Iraq is the Arabic name for the region known as Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia literally means ācountry between two riversā speaking of the Tigris and Euphrates. This points to the division of Israel during the days of the Hasmonean dynasty between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. This division allowed Herod to rise to power.
The justification for the Iraq war was based upon lies. This deception was instrumental in George Bushās fall from being the most popular President in history to one of the least popular. This is significant as Herod was set up as King of the Jews but in reality was an Edomite. A false king. Herod knew well of his illegitimacy which is why he attempted to kill Jesus when He was born as He was the true King of Israel (Matthew 2:1-18).
Osama bin Laden took credit for the terrorist attacks of September 11th. The terrorist attacks on American soil seen during the Clinton administration and then the attacks on 911 were caused as a result of Osama bin Ladenās belief that American forces in Saudi Arabia were desecrating Islamic holy land. This came about during the Presidency of George H.W. Bush, picturing the fall of Solomon due to his false worship and turning away from the Word of God. So too, during the days of the Maccabees, Israel had turned away from the Word of God again and accepted the customs of the Greeks which profaned His Word.
It is interesting to note that the proclaimed formation of Al-Qaeda was based around a goal to ālift the word of God, to make his religion victorious.ā The Lord sends terror upon His people as a punishment for their going astray from His Word (Leviticus 26:16; Deuteronomy 32:25) which is designed to lead them to repentance (Leviticus 26:40-45).
Osama bin Ladenās name meaning also connects to the time period of judgment upon the nation of Israel through Antiochus Epiphanes and the wars which ensued. Osama means ālionā in the Arabic language. Laden means a burden. In Scripture, judgment is likened to an attack of a lion (Jeremiah 2:30; 4:7; 5:6; Lamentations 3:10; Hosea 5:14; 13:8) and to a burden as well (Isaiah 30:27; 46:2; Habakukk 1:1).
However, Scripture also likens the victories of Israel over their enemies in the same lion imagery (Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24; 24:9; 2 Samuel 7:10; Isaiah 31:4; Revelation 5:5). Judas Maccabee who led Israel into battle against the Greeks was also likened to a lion.
1 Maccabees 3:1 Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.
1 Maccabees 3:2 And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel.
1 Maccabees 3:3 So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.
1 Maccabees 3:4 In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lionās whelp roaring for his prey.
1 Maccabees 3:5 For He pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up those that vexed his people.
1 Maccabees 3:6 Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.
1 Maccabees 3:7 He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.
Here we see the War on Terror depicting the struggles between Israel and those who would have dominion over them. This began with the dominion of the Greeks over Israel, followed by the victory of the Maccabees and the institution of the Hasmonean kingdom. This was short lived however, and the Romans would then take dominion over the people and the land. This is the time period in which the New Testament was written, a time in which Israel was still in a struggle against foreign dominion.
This was a time in which the people hoped for their Redeemer who they believed would conquer their enemies in military battle as did the Maccabees before. They were waiting for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to conquer their foes but did not understand that He had to first come as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world (Revelation 5:5-10).
Amazingly, the terrorist attacks of 911 are depicted in veiled form in a prophecy from Isaiah which is speaking of a time in which Israel is full of sinners and hypocrites (Isaiah 33:14) as was seen in the days of the Maccabees when the Hellenist movement came to power.
Isaiah 33:18 Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?
The āscribeā in the context of Isaiah 33 is speaking of those who count or number the persons in an army (2 Kings 25:19). This links to the attacks upon the Pentagon, the symbol of the U.S. military which corresponds to the great army of Antiochus Epiphanes which was raised up to go to war against Ptolemy and afterwards came into Israel to defile the Temple and subdue the people (Daniel 11:25; 1 Maccabees 1:17-24).
The āreceiverā is speaking of foreigners who collect taxes. This was seen when Antiochus Epiphanes took control of the land of Israel and put the people under tribute (Daniel 11:20; 1 Maccabees 1:29). This economic aspect of Isaiahās prophecy points to the twin towers which were a symbol of Americaās economy.
On October 2nd 2003, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act was signed into law which prevented doctors from performing abortions on babies which were brought out of the womb and still living. In the Presidencies of Nixon and Bush Sr., legalized abortions are a picture of Israel passing their seed through the fires to Molech. Here we see during the second Temple period a halt to at least a part of these worship rituals. However, a complete abandonment was not seen. Stephen alludes to Israel still partaking of this mixed worship in Acts 7:43, Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:13; Jeremiah 7:8-11; Isaiah 56:7-12) and Paul (2 Corinthians 6:15-18) refer to it as well.
Following the attacks of 911, George W. Bush had a 90% approval rating, the highest that any President had ever received. However, like his father before him, his record setting approval rating quickly diminished after the nation learned of the deceit that was associated with the Iraq war. Controversy over domestic surveillance, the Patriot Act and the use of torture also tarnished his image in the eyes of the country. By the time Bush ran for re-election in 2004, his approval rating had dropped to around 50%.
This transition from unanimous support to division in the country points to the transition from the Hasmonean dynasty to the Herodian dynasty. As mentioned previously, during the days of the Hasmonean dynasty, Israel had split into two political parties, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. When Herod took power, the Sadducees followed the Hasmoneans while the Pharisees separated themselves.
This is interesting to note as the Sadducees were Conservative in nature while the Pharisees were considered Liberal. This points to the 2004 election which was not as tight as the 2000 election but was still extremely close and portrayed this division seen in Israel during the days of King Herod. Bush was elected with the narrowest margin of victory of any incumbent President who won re-election.
The 2004 election saw John Kerry run against George W. Bush. John Kerryās name meaning speaks of the time in which Israel lost their dominion over the land during the reign of the Hasmonean dynasty and was put under subjection to the Romans who appointed Herod as their king.
John means the camp of Yah, referring to the people and land of Israel. Forbes comes from a Scottish place name meaning āfield.ā Kerry comes from the Irish word āciarā which means black, depressed or gloomy. Here we see the camp of Yah, which is Israel, brought low in their āfieldā or land. This displays Israel being put under subjection to the Romans.
Both George W. Bush and John Kerry were members of the Skull and Bones society of Yale which is quite incredible as only 15 members are elected each year. Kerry was ātappedā in 1966 while Bush entered the society in 1968. The Skull and Bones society links back to the Mystery Religions and ultimately to the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
The Skull and Bones logo has the number 322 beneath which some have postulated refers back to Genesis 3:22 which speaks of man becoming like God after partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The Mystery Religions and secret societies which sprang forth from their doctrines are founded upon this āye shall be as godsā message of the serpent in Genesis 3:4-5.
This Skull and Bones aspect of the Bush Presidency depicts the corrupted spiritual state of Israel when Herod became king and the reason why the openly religious leaders of Israel were spoken of as ālawlessā by Jesus (John 7:19; Matthew 23:28) and the Apostle Paul (Galatians 6:13).
As mentioned before, when Israel came out of exile from Babylon and re-entered the land of promise, the nation rededicated itself to following the law of God. Over time, Hellenization occurred which changed the nation into a mixture of Biblical faith and the customs of the Greeks. Then the Maccabees rose up and returned the people to the law of God (1 Maccabees 2:48). It this time period that the Pharisees and Sadducees rose to power in the nation.
The Pharisees believed that God had given two laws to Israel at Mt. Sinai. One written and another oral. The Sadducees disagreed with this and believed that the written law was the only guideline for the people but when Herod rose to power the Sadducees joined with the Herodians which corrupted their religious faith, some even proclaiming Herod as their Messiah (Matthew 16:6; Mark 8:15).
The corruption of the Pharisees is seen in their oral law, or āTalmud,ā called in Scripture the ātradition of the elders.ā
āThe Talmud, then, is the written form of that which, in the time of Jesus was called the traditions of the elders and to which he makes frequent allusionsā {History of the Talmud ā Michael Rodkinson pg 70}
The oral law came about during Israelās exile in Babylon and by the time of the Messiah was held with equal esteem to the Written Word. A close examination of the Oral Law reveals it to be a mixture of the Word of God and the Mystery religions. It is not the purpose of this code, however, to go into a discourse on the Oral law, the author will leave that up to the reader to research the issue further if he or she so desires. The New Testament writings make it clear that there was corruption in the leadership of Israel and it was based upon a corrupted religion that was formed while they were in Babylon. Jesus called this corrupted religion leaven (Matthew 16:6, 12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1) that made void the Word of God (Matthew 15:4-14). He even went so far as to call these corrupted Jews the synagogue of Satan (Revelation 2:9; 3:9) whose father was the devil (John 8:37-44; Matthew 23:33-36).
Furthermore, Scripture associates the corrupted leaders of Israel with the tree of knowledge of good and evil from whence came the Mystery religions. Isaiah 43:27 speaks of the sin of Adam and links it to the transgressions of the teachers of Israel.
Isa 43:27 Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.
The word for āteachersā that Isaiah uses is ××ׄ ālutzā which is the same word translated as āscornersā in Psalm 1:1. These āscornersā are those who bear the fruit of the wicked which comes from the tree of knowledge (Psalm 1:4).
When Jesus proclaimed that the devil was the father of these corrupted teachers, He says that they did the lusts of their father (John 8:44). This lust links back to the tree of knowledge of good and evil (1 John 2:16; Genesis 3:6). Paul, who was a zealous follower of the religion of the Jews before his conversion (Galatians 1:14), warns believers in Christ of this religion as well. He warns of their ābeguiling wordsā (Colossians 2:4, 8) linking back to the ābeguilingā of the serpent (Genesis 3:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3). He warns of Jewish fables, called the commandments of men of which Jesus links with the traditions of the elders (Titus 1:14; Colossians 2:22; Matthew 15:9).
Now this is not to say that the religious leaders of Israel were completely evil or that the religion which the nation followed was in complete error. Many aspects of the religion of Israel in the second Temple period were based upon the Holy Scriptures and even supported by Jesus when He walked the earth. A good example is the teaching of Jesus which has come to be known as the āSermon on the Mount.ā The principles of hatred being equated with murder (Matthew 5:21-22) and lust with adultery (Matthew 5:28) can be seen in the writings of the Oral Law. Praying with heartfelt intent (Matthew 6:7), not doing your good deeds to be seen by men (Matthew 6:1-3) and not worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-31) are all seen in various forms in the Oral law as well. Even the teaching of the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) was spoken of by Hillel years before Jesus walked the earth. The problem is that the religious leaders of Christās day had become hypocritical in their actions. Speaking truth but walking in wickedness (Matthew 23:2-33).
So too, the actions of President Bush were not completely negative and the reasonings behind his actions were not necessarily based in evil. Many of George Bushās declarations were founded in truth. However, the Bush administration had the same problem as the religious leaders of the second Temple. Their speech was lofty but their actions did not always line up.
The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina which occurred in 2005, further established Bushās second term in office as the days of Israel living under the rule of the Romans. The name Katrina traces back to the Greek word ĪµĪŗĪ±ĻĪµĻĪæĻ āhekaterosā which means āof the two.ā This is pointing to the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The most significant damage that the hurricane brought forth was to the New Orleans area. Orleans derives its name from Aurelius which was a Roman family name used for numerous leaders of the Roman Empire.
This state of affairs in Israel during the days of Herod was paralleled in the Bush Presidency through a corrupted version of Patriotism. Patriotism transformed from a love of country to a blind subservience to the leaders of the country. The Patriot Act was passed which gave the government unprecedented powers over the people of the nation and transgressed the Bill of Rights, in particular the Fourth Amendment.
The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are all shadow pictures pointing to the Word of God. Just as Bushās Presidency saw a corruption of the Constitution in the name of security, so too the Oral law of the Jews corrupted the Word of God in the name of āsecurityā or fences which were to keep the people from incurring the wrath of God due to disobedience.
Matthew 15:3, 6 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?ā¦ Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Looking at the violations of the Bill of Rights seen in the Bush, and later the Obama Presidencies, in light of the corruptions of the Ten Commandments during the days of the second Temple is fascinating. The Amendments in the Bill of Rights which were violated or corrupted during the Bush administration, correspond with the same commandments in the Decalogue which the religious leaders of the second Temple violated or corrupted.
As mentioned previously, the Patriot Act violates the principles of the fourth Amendment of the Bill of Rights which is the right of the people to be secure in their property. The Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant. The Patriot Act allows the government to override this Amendment in the name of defending the country against terrorism. This corresponds with the Fourth Commandment given by God.
The Fourth Commandment given at Mt. Sinai is in regards to the sabbath. The religious leaders of Israel did not openly violate the sabbath but did add their own restrictions in regards to the commandment which violated the spirit of the law. The sabbath was created to be a festival for believers to remember that God is their Creator (Exodus 31:16-17) and Redeemer (Deuteronomy 5:15), a joyous time which the religious leaders of Israel had turned into a religious burden (Mark 2:27; Matthew 12:7-12; Luke 6:1-10).
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution states that a person is not to be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. This was violated by the Bush administration by the establishment of Guantanamo Bay. In June 2004, the Supreme Court even ruled that the military tribunals which Bush instituted at Guantanamo Bay violated this Amendment.
The Fifth Commandment speaks of honoring oneās parents. Jesus said that the religious leaders of His day blatantly violated this commandment (Matthew 15:3-6).
The Sixth Amendment gives people the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury. Guantanamo Bay also violates this amendment in the case of anyone deemed as an āenemy combatant.ā
The Sixth Commandment prohibits murder. This commandment was corrupted by the religious leaders of the second Temple period as can be seen in the account of the unjust condemnation of the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:3-9) as well as their bloodlust against the Messiah Himself (Luke 23:14-16; John 18:31; 19:6-7; Matthew 27:24).
The Seventh Amendment is the right of civil trial by jury. This was established to give Americans the right to sue government officials and to have their case heard by a jury. On numerous occasions the Bush administration prevented lawsuits against them by using the Patriot Act. For example, the ACLU attempted to challenge the legality of the Patriot Act but was silenced by the Act itself.
The Seventh Commandment prohibits adultery. Jesus spoke of Israel as an evil and adulterous generation who was lacking in faith (Matthew 12:39; 16:4; Mark 8:38). If those who wrote the Patriot Act had faith in its legality they would not hinder cases which challenge its legitimacy. So too, if the religious leaders of Christās day were walking in faith they would have not opposed Him (Matthew 15:14; 23:16-24).
The Presidency of George W. Bush saw the rise of the Neo-Conservative movement to power in America. One of the foundations of the Neo-Conservative movement is based upon using American power to āspreadā Democracy to other nations in the guise of protecting America and its interests abroad. To achieve this they even support pre-emptive war which had never been apart of the rule of conduct for America.
This doctrine can be seen in George W. Bushās second Inaugural Address.
āThere is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom.
We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.
Americaās vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nationās security, and the calling of our time.
So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.ā
āWe will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.
We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. Americaās belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.ā
āToday, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world:
All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.
Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.
The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: āThose who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.ā
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.ā
As mentioned previously, Democracy and the concept of human liberty cannot be spread by the barrel of a gun. In Bushās second Inaugural speech we see the essence of the āBush Doctrine.ā A veiled proclamation that America has declared āwarā on any country that is deemed tyrannical. This is a dangerous formula for unending wars in the name of promoting freedom. This corresponds to the corrupt proselytizing done by the scribes and Pharisees during the time of the second Temple.
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
The leaders of Judaism did not desire to convert other nations to Judaism for the sake of lofty religious ideals. They wanted to āconvertā them for the sake of base gain (Isaiah 56:10-12; 1 Peter 5:2). They spoke of proselytes as a āscab to Israel.ā John Lightfoot in his commentary of the New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraica said the following:
āYet in making of these they used their utmost endeavours for the sake of their own gain, that they might some way or other drain their purses, after they had drawn them in under the show of religion, or make some use or benefit to themselves by them. The same covetousness, therefore, under a veil of hypocrisy, in devouring widowsā houses, which our Saviour had condemned in the former clause he here also condemns in hunting after proselytes; which the scribes and Pharisees were at all kind of pains to bring over to them. Not that they cared for proselytes; whom they accounted as āa scab and plague;ā but that the more they could draw over to their religion, the greater draught they should have for gain, and the more purses to fish in. These, therefore, being so proselyted, āthey made doubly more the children of hell than themselves.ā For when they had drawn them into their net, having got their prey, they were no further concerned what became of them, so they got some benefit by them. They might perish in ignorance, superstition, atheism, and all kind of wickedness: this was no matter of concern to the scribes and Pharisees; only let them remain in Judaism, that they might lord it over their consciences and purses.ā
So too, the Americaās leading of other nations to āconvertā to Democracy has produced the same imagery. The countries which America has āledā to Democratic elections still view America unfavorably as an hypocritical foreign power that is only there to draw forth their riches, oil (Matthew 6:2, 5; 15:7; 23:13-15, 23-29; Luke 11:44).
This forced spread of Democracy to other nations of the world is justified under the doctrine of āAmerican Exceptionalism.ā This idea is based upon Americaās goodness seen in its form of government which is based upon rights given by a Creator. Its the concept of a āshining city upon a hill.ā The problem with the usage by the Neo-Conservative movement is that the concept of a shining city upon a hill has always been one of setting an example for others to follow, not forcing American ideals upon them by warfare.
Both the Pharisees and Sadducees believed that the Messiah would come to save Israel by force, destroying their enemies through war and setting up Israel as the head of the nations. This is depicted by the Neocon idea that the American empire will spread by the use of its military power and thus lead the peoples of the world into freedom. Contrariwise, Jesus Christ came preaching the Gospel of love and repentance towards God. The message that the Kingdom of God begins within the heart of man (Luke 17:21) and would spread by peace, not violence (Mark 16:15; Luke 4:18; Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15).
The neoconservativeās corrupted view of American Exceptionalism is further seen in the belief of Jews during the Second Temple period that they were somehow better, or more exceptional, than other peoples because they were the seed of Abraham (John 8:33). This belief was rebuked by John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
The message of Jesus was that the actions of believers, walking in the love of the Word of God is what makes them the shining city upon a hill.
John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abrahamās children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Scripture declares this light as the Word of God (Proverbs 6:23; Psalm 119:105), who became flesh and dwelt among us (Isaiah 9:2; John 1:9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46). During the second Temple period, Israel had come to boast that they were this light, forgetting that it is not they, but the Word of God that shines as light into the world (Romans 2:17-29). This corrupted view is seen in George W. Bushās 2002 speech on the anniversary of September 11th where he declared the cause of America as the hope of all mankind, borrowing a phrase from John Chapter 1 which is referring to the Word of God.
āTomorrow is September the 12th. A milestone is passed, and a mission goes on. Be confident. Our country is strong. And our cause is even larger than our country. Ours is the cause of human dignity; freedom guided by conscience and guarded by peace. This ideal of America is the hope of all mankind. That hope drew millions to this harbor. That hope still lights our way. And the light shines in the darkness. And the darkness will not overcome it.ā
āAnd the light shines in the darkness. And the darkness will not overcome it.ā The Scripture says this is referring to Jesus Christ.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
This portion of Scripture in the book of John declares that Jesus is the Word made flesh, who was in the beginning with God (John 1:1-3). This Word in the beginning corresponds with the Declaration of Independence as true independence comes from the Word of God who is Messiah (John 8:31-32).
The problem with the Bush Doctrine is that many of the means which were instituted to spread Democracy to other nations were based in unconstitutional actions. The right message was being put forth, but the means by which it was to be instituted was corrupted. This was the problem with Israel during the days of King Herod.
The religious leaders of Israel during the days of King Herod were zealous for the law, but this zealousness was not mixed with the true intent of the law which is faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). As a result, God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Messiah (Matthew 3:1,3; 11:10; Luke 3:4; 7:27). The message of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ was one of restoration (Malachi 3:3-4; 4:5-6; Matthew 17:11-12; Mark 9:11-13), restoration to the true meaning and intent of the Word of God (Luke 1:68-79; 3:3-18).
The religious leaders of Israel had inherited a zealousness for the law from the Maccabees and saw their religion as that which defined them (1 Maccabees 2:19; 2 Maccabees 8:1; 14:38). The message of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ was not that of religion, but of relationship with God through covenant (Acts 5:20; Luke 3:8; 13:25-29; Matthew 7:21-23; 18:3; 21:31; Luke 6:46).
The religion which was set up by the leaders of Israel became known as the tradition of the elders (Matthew 15:3), a set of guidelines which the nation was to follow. In and of itself this is not a negative thing but the problem is that the people exalted their traditions above the Word of God. As a result, this religiosity became in reality, lawlessness (John 7:19; Matthew 23:28; Galatians 6:13).
During George W. Bushās Presidency, the controversy over same sex marriage arose in America. The issue of homosexuality coming to the forefront in America is a shadow picture pointing back to the corruption of the priesthood in Israel.
Homosexuality is associated with the sin of sodomy, depicted in the acts of the wicked men of Sodom (Genesis 19:5) and is expressly forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 23:17). Literally, sodomy in the Hebrew means a ācult prostitute,ā speaking of the immoral sexual acts performed by the priests of the Mystery religions.
During the second Temple times, the priesthood was indeed corrupted. The Prophet Malachi speaks of this corruption and associates it with marriage/sexual union (Malachi 2:5-17).
The corruption of the priesthood began during the days of the Maccabees where illegitimate priests were set up who led the country into the ways of the heathen (1 Maccabees 7:9; 2 Maccabees 4:7-13, 23-29; 14:3). The Maccabees restored the priesthood temporarily until a prophet would rise to restore the office permanently (1 Maccabees 14:41-42). This prophet would be John the Baptist, the son of Zacharias the priest (Luke 1:5), the messenger who prepared the way for the Lord (Malachi 3:1). It would be Jesus Christ the Lord who was set up as Priest in the restored priesthood (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 6:20; 7:1-28; 1 Samuel 2:35; Revelation 1:6).
When Herod took power, he corrupted the priesthood yet again by instituting the office of High Priest according to election, in many cases by bribery, as opposed to an inheritance by lineage (Exodus 28:1). By the time of the writing of the New Testament, the High Priest was changed on a yearly basis (John 11:49-51; 18:13; Luke 3:2) based upon who paid the most for the office.
This corruption of the priesthood brought forth a curse upon the blessings of the nation (Malachi 2:1-2). This curse is paralleled in the recession which occurred at the end of George Bushās Presidency.
In 2007, the U.S. entered the longest recession since World War II. Many economists have determined that the situation had became the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. This recession in Bushās second term points to the famines which occurred during the reign of Herod (Josephus Antiquities Book XV Chapter 9}. It was during these days that John the Baptist and Jesus were born who would bring forth the message of restoration to the people (Malachi 3:3-4; 4:5-6; Matthew 17:11-12). Interestingly, it was also 2007 that Nancy Pelosi was made Speaker of the House. Pelosiās name is pointing to John the Baptist as will be seen later.
George W. Bush left the White House with one of the lowest approval ratings in history. This is because his Presidency represents the days Israel being under the rule of King Herod, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The people of Israel were not satisfied with their leaders and were desiring something else. This is what led to the popularity of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:5) and eventually the masses following of Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:25). So too, in America people had become dissatisfied with their government. Both the President and Congress had approval ratings which dropped below 25%. The people were ready for a change which paved the way for Barack Obama.
In 2008, Barack Obama won the Presidency against John McCain who was portrayed as a continuation of the George W. Bush Presidency. Obama ran on the promise of change, portraying the coming of Messiah (Acts 6:14; Hebrews 1:1-2; 7:12).
Barack Obamaās election to the Presidency portrayed the days of the Messiah. Obama rose to prominence through his message of hope and change which resonated in the hearts of the people as they had grown jaded towards the government as a result of years of corruption. So too, when Christ came on the scene, the people of Israel were ready for a change as a result of the corruption of the religious leaders of their days (Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10).
However, while there were some changes from the previous administration, for the most part, America still continued in the same general direction. This too corresponds with the aforementioned time period in the Bible. Although the Messiah had come to earth, the political power of the nation was still in the hands of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
The Presidency of Barack Obama displayed the Jewish people during the days of Christ.Ā The people drew nigh to God with their mouth and honored Him with their lips but their hearts were far from Him.Ā Their worship was in vain as they walked according to the doctrines of Judaism as opposed to walking in true faith (Matthew 15:7-10; Isaiah 29:13).Ā So too, the speeches and message of President Obama were honorable.Ā However, the actions taken during His Presidency did not match his message.Ā The Obama Presidency did not bring significant change and did not bring the hope promised.Ā His Presidency aligned more with the corrupt political structure of the āstatus quoā/ādeep stateā that corresponds in the code with the corrupt Jewish leadership which opposed Christ Jesus.
Following is a āchartā which gives a quick synopsis of the Presidents Code:
George Washington The Garden planted Genesis 2
John Adams Adam in the Garden Genesis 2
Thomas Jefferson Serpent in the Garden Genesis 3
James Madison Seed of Woman vs. The serpent Genesis 3
James Monroe War between the seeds Genesis 3
John Quincy Adams War won by the Seed of woman Genesis 3
Andrew Jackson Victory of the Promised Seed Genesis 3
Martin Van Buren Cain, Abel & Seth Genesis 4
William Henry Harrison Days of Noah Genesis 6
John Tyler The ark of Noah Genesis 6-7
James Polk Mountains of Ararat, Noahās vineyard Genesis 8-9
Zachary Taylor Covenant with Noah and his vineyard Genesis 8-9
Millard Fillmore Blessing of Shem, curse of Canaan Genesis 9
Franklin Pierce The Blessing of Shem Genesis 9
James Buchanan Nimrod and the Tower of Babel Genesis 10-11
Abraham Lincoln Abraham Genesis 12-21
Andrew Johnson Isaac Genesis 22
Ulysses S. Grant Jacob & Esau Genesis 25-28
Rutherford B. Hayes Jacob flees Genesis 29
James A. Garfield Jacob and Laban Genesis 29-31
Chester A. Arthur Jacob returning to Canaan Genesis 30-32
Grover Cleveland Jacob & the Angel Genesis 32
Benjamin Harrison Israel & Shechem Genesis 33-35
Grover Cleveland (2) Covenant between God and Jacob Genesis 35
William McKinley Joseph and his brothers Genesis 37
Theodore Roosevelt Joseph in Egypt Genesis 39-41
William Howard Taft Josephās in prison, exalted Genesis 39-47
Woodrow Wilson Joseph ruler of Egypt Genesis 41-50
Warren G. Harding Israel dwelling in Goshen Genesis 46-50
Calvin Coolidge Joseph & Israel in Egypt Genesis 50-Exodus 1
Herbert Hoover Joseph & Israel in Egypt Genesis 50-Exodus 1
Franklin D. Roosevelt Pharaoh & Moses Exodus 1-2
Harry S. Truman Deliverance from Egypt Exodus 1-19
Dwight D. Eisenhower Israel at Mt. Sinai Exodus 17-20
John F. Kennedy The 2nd Generation of Israel Numbers 20-36
Lyndon B. Johnson The book of Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 1-34
Richard Nixon Joshua and the Judges Joshua ā 1 Samuel 2
Gerald Ford Samuel, Saul & David 1 Samuel 1-25
Jimmy Carter The struggles of David 1Samuel 16 ā 2Samuel 24
Ronald Reagan King David 1 & 2 Samuel
George H.W. Bush Solomon 1 Kings 1-11
Bill Clinton Kings, Ezra & Nehemiah 1 & 2 Kings ā Nehemiah
George W. Bush The Second Temple period Ezra ā Malachi
Barack Obama The days of Jesus Matthew
Donald Trump Battle between Christ and Jewish leadership/the Crucifixion Matthew
Joe Biden End of Matthew to the beginning of Mark Matthew-Mark
Donald Trump (2) Death & Resurrection of Christ to His Advent Matthew ā Mark
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