Posted by Jerry Higdon on September 30, 2002 at 22:19:45:
In Reply to: Re: Rev 16 verse 13 The three frogs posted by Elana Janson on September 25, 2002 at 03:18:51:
Ms. Janson,
Thanks for your considered and considerate response. I'm honored that you would take the time. Obviously, you've devoted a lot of time to your studies, which I respect and admire; but, respectfully, I think you should reconsider your position.
You said:
"The understanding of “the three evil spirits that looked like frogs” could be done the way you have illustrated (i.e. deceptive words leaped from the dragon’s (Satan’s), the beast’s, and false prophet’s mouths like frogs) for the past two thousand years. The meanings you have given connected to “the three evil spirits that looked like frogs” are understandable, but they remain generalizations."
My response:
Actually, they were meant (as inspired) as generalizations – not three specific entities - referring to representative types or groups, specifically false teachers, deceivers, or, as you say, "forces that have the power to undermine the Christian message."
As for the “looked like frogs,” I don’t know which Bible version you use, but I was quoting the KJV, which doesn’t say “looked like frogs,” but “like frogs.” The Catholic New American Bible also says “like frogs.” The NIV does say “looked like frogs,” but that’s a gloss (interpretation), rather than a literal translation of the original Greek. Since the versions differ, especially the less literal ones like the NIV, let’s consider the original Greek for “like” used here. It is transliterated “hos,” with a long ‘o’ sound, and can mean “as” or “like,” and is describing the unclean spirits’ actions “come out of the mouths of,” not the appearance of the spirits (or the speakers), but 'how' the unclean spirits or lying words came out or the mouths of the speakers, i.e., “like frogs.” That’s what it says in the KJV, the NAB (Catholic) and The Greek New Testament (Fourth Revised Edition), considered the by most to be the most reliable Greek text available.
Certainly, much of Revelation is "relevant to what is happening today" and progresses through some past, present, and future history; but we mustn't destroy its very crucial message by wrong association. Rev. 16:13 is in no way referring, nor linked, to the 1952-3 cloning of frogs. God is using symbolism to tell us that the deceivers who claim the monopoly on Divine wisdom are imposters. Let's not destroy or cloud His vital message by associating or linking words (out of context) to the cloning of frogs. His Words have life and/or death significance or a scale most can't even imagine.
You said:
"It is all very well to say that the three evil spirits are telling lies and falsehoods, but what does that help in 2002 if most people of today see no evil in anything."
My response:
It wasn’t meant for “most people,” but for God’s Children, the few to whom the truth is important and whom He wants to know that the status quo (the self-serving religious empires, and individuals in false Christianity, and governments indirectly controlled by them) is deceiving them, and whom He knows will listen and believe His truth ... to whom He says in Rev. 18:4 "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues," referring to false-Christian evil empires and organizations, who place their false teachings above God's. We must reveal, not further conceal God's end-time message. This is our last chance. Think about that, please!
You said the Lord said to you, "What you know, you must make known." Consider those words very carefully, and do 'exactly' as the Lord said and you will do well.
God Bless,
Jerry Higdon
www.jdhigdon.com
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