MERCHANDISE OF PEOPLE

[Bro Jake]

I think I understand some of what this scripture is saying, but I have a nagging feeling that there is more to it. The scripture reads as follows:

If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you. - Deuteronomy 24:7

Would anyone care to elaborate on this for me?

Thanks

[Ronald A. Nelson]

Actually... it means anyone who takes the things of God... including men themselves and uses them for profit. Either, by engaging in the selling of religious dispensations, artifacts, or the services of the Chruch too include the gifts of God (spiritual and physical gifts)... Or the very men (slavary) made... by God.

Prophet.

[Bro Jake]

Hello, Ron.. Up with the newborn here so mama can get some "sanity sleep". Yes, I agree that there's a little more to it than directly meets the eye at first. For some reason I noticed that the scripture refers specifically to the brethren of the children of Israel. I noticed that it does not directly refer to the captives, children, and slaves taken in war, where GOD made concession that some should live.

Now if I am to interpret this scripture correctly, I would be inclined to think that there must be a difference between "making merchandise" of a brother and the "selling" a brother because the scripture plainly reads, "maketh merchandise of him, or" (emphasis on "or") "selleth him"... This distinction provided me cause to wonder how does one make merchandise of one's brother without actually "selling" one's brother? I am not trying to be facetious here. I readily confess that I don't know all the answers. I am just trying to discern these things correctly; and if I am interpreting this scripture correctly, then I would venture to say that this scripture alone could explain why our nations are in such grave trouble today as they are, being nations under GOD, or at least at some time, being nations under GOD.

For the sakes of our other readers who do not know me quite as well as you do, Ron, I would just like to say that I am not trying to offend anyone here. I suspect that this is very touchy subject material as it broaches on issues of slavery and bondage. That said, it would seem to me that there is much more to the act of making merchandise of brethren than one might think. It is my understanding that GOD actually condemns it. Of course, I am also reflecting on how this might apply to the civil writ of the marriage license contract (which, we are rarely told, is not even a century old in the U.S.A.) and the Roman practice of marriage using fetters, anklets, and rings. Any further input would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou

Bro Jake

[Ronald A. Nelson]

Bro Jake:

The reference to "maketh merchandise of him, or "selleth him" in Deut 24:7... was placed there specifically, to ensure that Israel understand that NEITHER is an acceptable practice in God's eyes. Slavery was very common in the days Deut. 24:7 and God want there to be no mistake... making merchandise (profiting at a brothers expense) or selling (slavery) of a brother was not to occur. You will recall God also forbid Israel to loan money at interest to a brother... and provided for the return of ones property every Jubilee... if one had sold it or lost it for debts. God wanted every Israelite to be secure in their person, and property... too have an eternal inheritance.

Indeed, the practices of merchandising... making money/profit from ones brother is a common practice today. It is rarely considered immoral to take advantage of another Christian today... either in the market place, government, or through the agents of the institutionalized Church. Marriage licenses being just one of many ways men merchandise that which the Lord established without fee... from the beginning. Entire legal practices have been devoted to marriage... divorce and remarriage, support, alimony, custody and the list goes on... all make merchandise of what the Lord ordained freely.

God Bless you and yours;

Prophet.

[Ronald A. Nelson]

I would add that Jesus Himself rebuked those who made merchandise of His people by selling the implaments of worship and sacrifice on the temple steps... It so enraged Him that He made a scourge out of cords, driving those who would make merchandise of His people out of the temple... overturning tables as He drove them away.

[Bro Jake]

Yes, and he called them "thieves" again, just as he did in SPIRIT, by the WORD, in the Old testament.

"...then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you." - Deuteronomy 24:7

"Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves." - Luke 19:46 (See also: Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17)

[Ronald A. Nelson]

Amen... Brother Jake.

Bro Jake, once again you rightly divide the truth... Understanding, that the perfect will of God doesn't include bondage levied upon ones brother, through the merchandising of men... Slavery in its many forms or obeisance to the State included. Merchandising, includes a whole mired of means and methods by which men engage in the trafficking and marketing of mankind. One doesn't have to be a slave in the literal sense to be in bondage and servitude as a slave.

Today, we find slavery has taken on new forms; forms, more akin to being a bond servant to the State... Through such venues as welfare and the regulation of the social order of men, the State mandates obedience to its rule. Other forms of pseudo-slavery include: excess debt, withholding a living wage, inflation, taxation, the States' regulation of marriage and the family, etc. Keeping, many in a semi-state of servitude, as they live from pay check to pay check, or by being bound to the laws of an ungodly State.

All these issues matter little to those who serve God and not the world... For, those who are in Christ, are set free from the desires that snare men and make merchandise of them. The True believer avoids debt, and dependency upon others... the State or man. They live by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God and depend on God for their life and living. Amen.

For he who the Son sets free is free indeed... free from the cares of the world, the snares and lusts for the things in the world... They are not easily made merchandise of, by men or their ungodly laws, for they serve God first and last.

Prophet

[JACOB EDWARD KING]

Thankyou for your input, Ronald. As I stated earlier, I am not going to pretend that I know it all, but I have some strong convictions concerning this subject. Most of what I have learned comes directly through inspiration and the rest of it through information. I must admit that I certainly have some ideas about this ancient custom of making merchandise of GOD's people, and it would seem to me that slavery was indeed a godly penalty applied to those who chose not to follow YHWH, even as it was also applied to the Hebrew and to the Israelite. The story of bondage to Egypt tends to be glossed over, I find, a little too often, when it is shared from the pulpit. In my opinion, what needs to be declared every time when relating this story, is the biblical fact that the Hebrew Nation was in bondage to the Pharaoh for their deliberate failure to serve the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob the Bigamist. Likewise, Israel fell under the bondage of Babylon, in much the same way, all over again, and all the earth must bear record of the consequence that there shall be none upon the face of the earth that are with excuse. Ultimately, ignorance is not bliss.

I have resolved to call Jacob "Jacob the Bigamist" every time I refer to him now because I think it needs to be understood that Jacob, who evidently never repented of bigamy, will be sitting at the marriage supper. I don't believe that this is because GOD "winked" at the sin of ignorance for a season because if it were so, the scripture would have said so. Rather the sin addressed in ACTS 17 was the practice of idolatry and the example used here is the example of Israel (and other Nations) a whoring after other gods and idols. If a merciful and just GOD made provision for Jacob's sins regardless of whether or not he repented, then this same merciful and just GOD must make provision for all sinners, regardless of whether or not they repent also. And this GOD has done through Christ; if only the sinner would repent that they might receive His provision which He has freely granted. I believe that Jacob the Bigamist sits at the marriage supper because biblical bigamy is NOT a sin when practiced according to GOD's rules and regulations governing marriage, even as biblical monogamy is not a sin when practiced according to GOD's Moral Law. (See: Exodus 21:10, Dueteronomy 21:15) And though all of these ancient Mosaic laws were not in effect during the time of Jacob, it is clear that Moses (the Bigamist) passed down these laws from the Almighty GOD to the Nation of Israel without putting any extra words in GOD's mouth. Surely the LORD does not embrace ignorance or establish laws that ignorance should prevail; but rather, GOD overlooked the sin of idolatry for a time, knowing full well that this sin was often committed out of ignorance. Lest it be said that I am "fudging" the scripture to suit my own, personal agenda, I would encourage the reader to examine the verse that qualifies the context in the Book of Acts, Chapter 17:

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (emphasis added)

What ignorance did GOD wink at? I would invite the reader to examine the entire Chapter because the scripture specifically states precisely what this ignorance was, and is.

GOD's moral law does not change.

Now we are told in the scripture that those who wilfully continue in sin afterwhich they have received the knowledge of the truth have no sacrifice. If Jacob the Bigamist (who is Israel) had no knowledge of the truth, having failed to receive it, I rather doubt that he would be at the marriage supper; but consider the words of the Messiah in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 8:

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Who is getting cast out into outer darkness here? Is it not the children of the kingdom? Why would the children of the kingdom be cast out into outer darkness? Why would Jacob the Bigamist still be permitted to sit with Abraham and Isaac at the marriage supper if Jacob the Bigamist never repented of his marriage to his wives (plural)? A: GOD's moral law does not change. I believe that with GOD, all things are possible. I believe that JESUS came to set the captive free and to give us life exeedingly and abundantly. I believe that slavery and bondage to sin and death, suffering and anguish, are not GOD's plan for us. I believe there are consequences for rejecting GOD's Holy Word also. Yes, there is a place for civil disobedience. Disobedience is civil when we disobey the rulers of the darkness of this world and start obeying GOD's Holy Word. I for one, will not bow down to the Sodomites and Neo-Feminist Misandrists of a secularist government that holds little to no regard for GOD. It's high time Christians start showing a little backbone and pastors stop teaching the assemblies to obey those who only pretend to have the rule over GOD's people. I highly doubt GOD anoints the rulers of the darkness of this world to lead His people in righteousness and truth. Pastors world wide need to stop making excuses for wicked leaders, ungodly government, and all the Pharaohs of this world. Nowhere in scripture are we commanded to obey ungodly laws that are contrary to GOD's Holy Word. The LAW of the LAND is the LAW of the LORD.

GOD bless the reader

[Ronald A. Nelson]

Amen... Jacob

I agree "...slavery and bondage to sin and death, suffering and anguish, are not God's Plan." I also agree that civil disobedience is the responsibility and duty of true beleivers... whenever, the civil law disobeys God's Law. Further, we are in agreement concerning the consequences of rejecting God's Holy Word.

The Children of the Kingdom that are cast out... They are the Jews who refused Christ, those who were the chosen of God, by right of birth... heirs of Abraham, born to be part of the Kingdom but refused to enter the kingdom when it was present with them. These are they who are similar to those Moses lead out of Egypt but refused to believe and perished in the wilderness...

Prophet.

[JACOB EDWARD KING]

Amen, Ronald

We agree on many things and it comes as no surprise to see that we agree once again. You know I was cast out of many forums for the cause of upholding civil disobedience in the name of GOD. I believe we are witnessing the beginning of sorrows in North America; but now the new nations are gaining ground on the rest of the global condition. In my Nation there is a Federal Legislation called the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This Charter is a double-edged sword which provides protection and immunity to those cultures which deviate from the main stream. Alas, this sword is abused by a multitude of deviants who have little to no regard for the laws and tenants of the Only Wise GOD and I have witnessed many banging this sword against the rocks, causing it to lose its integrity and its edge. The Charter has served sodomites, lesbians, and draft dodgers equally well, and it serves paganism more than it serves men like me, who have chosen to uphold sound biblical doctrine. Christianity is not that popular in Canada. It has also been my personal experience that according to mainstream mores and the various secularist philosphies of the people in Canada, Christians are now considered deviants. Christians have "deviated" from the party line as it were, failing to uphold the secularist persuasion of the Nation and failing to support the pagan proclivities of the majority. It would seem that Christians are to be blamed for most of our society's problems by a majority of people here, and it has been my personal experience that this sort of view is vastly become the standard opinion of the majority of Canadians: Christians (real ones) are to be blamed.

I do not deny that Canada has become one of the major atheistic and pagan capitals of the world, but, to be fair, I must state that not unlike our beloved statist Sister to the South, Canada was also founded upon biblical principles and Judeo-Christian values. All of this has changed. Although Canada still upholds the concept of "Freedom of Religion" in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the legal focus in this particular Charter currently seems to be aimed more toward culture than cults. Winston Blackmore of Bountiful, British Columbia, Canada, has strength of argument for the preservation of his religious practices and traditions because he can readily demonstrate that he and his people are more than just another fly-by-night cult. He can trace his lineage generations back, to the days of its early founders and their dealings with Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. Canadian Federal Law cannot touch this so efforts are made to keep it out of the Supreme Justice courts of Canada. For all intents and purposes, Winston Blackmore is "untouchable" and I applaud him for it, knowing that he is fully entitled to his wives and his progeny. I do not applaud Mormon doctrine. When a culture can illustrate practices and traditions that have been consistently followed up to the third and forth generation, it can hardly be considered a "cult" any more than any other that shares this same condition. It can be freely argued with merit that all religious groups, including so-called "orthodox" Christian denominations are indeed cults and/or the products of cults. I might add that it is common knowledge among many that our dictionaries define any religious institution or organization as a "cult" and that there are over a dozen definitions of the word to choose from so, in my opinion, this word, like many words in the English language, carries a very moot and diluted definition. For all intents and purposes, the word "cult" is a wash-out.

The "issue" is rarely the issue, I keep saying. People are rarely brought before magistrates on the account of the charges placed upon the defendant in such matters touching personal religious beliefs and practices. Even "little guys" like me have been brought before judges by means of religious persecution and the issue was certainly not the issue that was put before the judge. The people who took me before the justice seat were ruthless misandrists, actively aiding and supporting a sexist agenda aimed at men. They are full of corruption and full of themselves. They think they won this war but the battle is the LORD's. I already know that they're paying for what they did to me. It isn't over until it's over and it isn't over by a long shot. Vengence is the LORD's and I have suffered this blow to the glory of GOD. I have legal grounds to sue them and I can hardly see how any magistrate in his right mind would fail to throw the book at them for what they did, but for the sakes of my young wife and my two little daughters, and for the greater good, I will suffer this injustice even as I have suffered many injustices in this short and meaningless life. May the Lord rebuke them.

Verily, verily, the children of the kingdom are cast out and the earthly Zionists who say they are Jews and are not, but do lie, will bear retribution and the wrath of the Almighty for the wickedness they have wrought upon the whole earth. I am convinced that for the most part Benjamin Freedman told the truth and I am also convinced that for this same reason the Islamic Nations despise the United States. If the people of the U.S.A. truly believed in their Constitution they would demand that the President of their Nation would publicly declare the Constitution of We the People fully active and operative; but the people of the U.S.A. only care that there is food in their bellies, a place to live, and clothes on their backs. Anything else is "gravy" in the form of materialism... Beer in the fridge, a full-screen TV, and the creature comforts of moral decadence. The People could care less about their constitution. Only the minority cares enough to speak out and take CIVIL ACTION. The people are as sheep led to the slaughter and they will readily sell their own sons and daughters into slavery if it would give them temporary relief — and they freely do so with the blessing of the pastor who also made a covenant with the United States of earthly Zion. For the most part, that is the state of affairs and the state of the union in those not-so-united states of North America.

GOD bless you, my friend

Keep the good fight

[Ronald A. Nelson]

We are in agreement again...

It is of a curious note that Canada and the United States were more than sisters in the beginning of our great adventure as a separate nation... In the early years of our revolution the Confederacy of The United States of America (1774-1789) Article 9 pre-approved the admission of Canada if it so chose to become part of the original rebellion against England.

I also note your reference to the beginning of sorrows and heartily agree... we are now experiencing what John wrote of on Rev 12:17 and are working toward Rev13:7. We live in the last days and this generation shall see the coming of the Lord in clouds as recorded in Acts 1:11.

Have a great day and look up for the Lord shall come in clouds of glory for His bride... soon and sooner than most think.

Prophet.

[JACOB EDWARD KING]

It is also my understanding that the war of 1812 settled that issue and those survivors who lost the war against the British promptly defected to those united States of America afterward. What I find most ironic about this rather obscure event in Canadian History is that the lion's share of French Canadians were more adamantly opposed to joining those united States than any other ethnic group in Canada at that time, whereas many Anglos were divided by the prospect. It is said that some of the sparser population of Western Canada also found the prospect of joining with those united States of America quite appealing, having been largely neglected by the high-browed eastern block and basically regarded as "lowlifers" whose purpose was servitude to "higher caste" in the east (this is no news today). After the Louisiana Purchase I suppose the French probably had had enough. In this respect, thousands of former Canadians actually did join those united States by default after having been exiled under orders from the Crown; but where they were sent was not yet part of those united States until President Jefferson made one of the most brilliant moves in U.S. history. See: Louisiana Purchase

In Canada, the "blue coats" lost the war and our Nation actually had a king to whom all Canadian citizens were required to pledge allegience. Some still refused to do so. These were the Acadians, the French that refused to pledge loyalty to the King of England at the time that you mentioned in your brief missive. Another largely unknown fact is that Canada is the only Nation in history (so far) that actually succeeded in burning down the White House. What I find most interesting is how the majority of pastors will preach about how the assembly is to obey them that have the rule over them. Well, if the GOD fearing assemblies in the U.S.A. had done this there would likely not be any U.S.A. to speak of. Perhaps the U.S. should think about joining Canada... Perhaps the N.A.U. is not such a bad idea after all.

Bro Jake

[Ronald A. Nelson]

I'm for joining the US and Canada...in a union of states. The problem is that the N.A.U. includes Mexico... Mexico is nothing more than a 3rd world nation.

Whereas... Canada and the US have much in common including advanced and well established economies and cultures rooted in historic alliances and traditions.


Have a great day and the Lord bless you and yours Bro. Jake.

Prophet.