Tokens #7

Friday, June 21, 2024

“And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:…” (Genesis 9:12 KJV).

What are “tokens” in Scripture?

Going over to Isaiah 44:23-26, we read of a prophecy. It is both short-term (to be fulfilled in the centuries before Christ) and long-term (to be brought to fruition beyond our day). Israel’s redemption and Jerusalem’s restoration are in view.

“[23] Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. [24] Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; [25] That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; [26] That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:….” In this context, “tokens” (verse 25) evidently refer to the signs or omens that the false prophets foretold—and JEHOVAH God prevents (“frustrates”) their predictions from coming to pass, instead choosing to bless Israel (delivering her from the curses of her transgressions).

When betraying the Lord Jesus, Judas Iscariot had arranged to secretly identify Him before the apostate Jews and unbelieving Roman officials: “And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely” (Mark 14:44). The companion verse is Matthew 26:48: “Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast [securely, firmly].” We can gather how “token” and “sign” are used interchangeably here; they are indications or signals.

Though we have read of many “tokens” in the biblical record, several more remain for us to locate and explain….