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Down the rabbit hole with the Bible

I was looking up one verse, which referenced another, which referenced another. Let’s see where we end up. I was using the Tree of Life version, which I’m coming to like better than the Holman Christian Standard Bible. This isn’t for everyone because there are a lot of Hebrew words in it.
I think it is interesting to note that the Christian Bible is a translation from the very beginning – that the New Testament was written in low Greek (common, everyday Greek) but the people who are being quoted were speaking in either Aramaic or Hebrew. It was written in Greek to appeal to the most people – to try to reach the majority of people with the message, but in order to do this, it was a translation.
Feel free to follow along in whatever translation you like, and to read these in context. The “Bible Gateway” website is very helpful for this because it has hyperlinks to the additional verses at the bottom of each page.

This is where I started –
Psalm 2:7
I will declare the decree of ADONAI.
He said to me: “You are My Son—
today I have become Your Father.

Which referred to this –

MT 3:17 (This is just after Jesus is baptized by John)
And behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased!”

Which referred to this –

Prov. 30:4
Who has gone up into heaven, and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in the palm of His hand?
Who has wrapped the waters in a cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name and what is the name of His son—if you know?”

Which then refers to three different places – (JN 3:13, Eph 4:8 and Rev 19:12, in that order. I’ve changed the order because there are verses mentioned with the Ephesians verse. I’ve also expanded the Ephesians reference to give it context.)

JN 3:13 (This is Jesus speaking)
No one has gone up into heaven except the One who came down from heaven—the Son of Man.

Rev 19:12
12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and many royal crowns are on His head. He has a name written that no one knows except Himself.

Eph. 4:7-10
7 But to each one of us grace was given in keeping with the measure of Messiah’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When He went up on high, He led captive a troop of captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 Now what does “He went up” mean, except that He first went down to the lower regions of the earth? 10 The One who came down is the same One who went up far above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.

Eph. 4:8 refers to Psalm 68:19
You went up on high.
You led captivity captive.
You received gifts from humanity,
even from the rebellious—
so that God might dwell there.

And Eph. 4:10 refers to Isaiah 44:23
Sing, O heavens, for ADONAI has done it!
Shout, depths of the earth!
Break forth into singing, mountains,
forest, and every tree in it!
For ADONAI has redeemed Jacob
and will be glorified through Israel.

And relevant to all of this is the entire first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Hebrews –

At many times and in many ways, God spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets. 2 In these last days He has spoken to us through a Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He created the universe. 3 This Son is the radiance of His glory and the imprint of His being, upholding all things by His powerful word. When He had made purification for our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 Thus He became as far above the angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are My Son.
Today I have become Your Father”?
And again,
“I will be to Him a Father,
and He will be to Me a Son”?
6 And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says,
“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
7 And regarding the angels He says,
“He makes His angels winds,
and His servants a flame of fire.”
8 But regarding the Son He says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
and a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.”
10 And,
“In the beginning, ADONAI,
You laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens are the works of Your hands.
11 They shall pass away, but You remain.
And they will all wear out like clothing.
12 And like a robe You will roll them up,
and like clothing they will be changed;
but You are the same,
and Your years shall never end.”
13 But to which of the angels has He ever said,
“Sit at My right hand,
until I make Your enemies a footstool
for Your feet”?
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out for service to those about to inherit salvation?

——- Which itself has many references within it. You may feel that you are getting drawn into a maze – but know that you aren’t getting lost. At the center of that maze is the One who calls you, who knows you by name.

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