“And Shemaiah The Son Of Nethaneel The Scribe, One Of The Levites, Wrote Them Before The King, And The Princes, And Zadok The Art

King and queen
King and queen
So, you look at those captains and then at yourself and you wonder: “Why them, and not me?” As you paddle along in your pitiful state, a canoe you hope no one will see. But there’s just enough room for those trusted to you for safe passage, provisions, and tare. So, you keep to yourself, and you follow the shore, making passage for those in your care.
I sat, long ago, on an Asian hill with a Shakya Mundi friend, and watched the autumn leaves fall down from high above, giants in the forest casting off their wakefulness, falling progressively into winter’s long, white sleep. “The important thing to know about trees” he said, “is that they are most beautiful in autumn; just before the winter snow. They live and grow through the entire year just for these brief moments of stunning beauty. We are like that.” He said, “but we have only one autumn, and a very long winter.”
King and queen
Out where the river runs wild and free and only the brave dare row; where the rapids are deep, and the challenge is fresh and it takes them where it means to go. With breakneck speed, grinning into the wind, standing straight on the bow of their craft, just a glimpse now and then of those captains you’ll catch flying by, near capsizing your raft. They’ve no time for advice to those standing on shore or to aid the ones just wading out, for their task is to pilot this current, they think, and it’s all they can do to stay out of the drink, and their lives could be gone in the space of a wink should they lose but a moment to doubt. Standing tall, they never must doubt!
“And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.” (2 Kings 4:22, KJV)
Golden Age Fantasy Illustration Style, Painterly Realism, Crystalline Underwater Photography Aesthetic. A stunning view looking down through impossibly clear ocean water at a royal hunting party of Narnian Merpeople riding through ancient, seaweed-covered ruins on the seabed. The Crucial Riding Posture: The Merpeople are riding large, powerful, scaled hippocamps (mythical sea-horses). Crucially, the merfolk are perched securely in a distinct side-saddle position on the backs of their mounts. Their powerful, scaled fish tails are coiled elegantly around the side flank of the hippocampus for stability, rather than straddling them like a human. The Seahorse Anatomy: The hippocamps themselves have massive, armored tails that curl tightly forward beneath their own bodies, pushing them through the water. Key Figures & Details: The Mer-King, with flowing white hair and fierce eyes, sits side-saddle, holding a gold-tipped spear. His deep amethyst tail is visible coiled against the mount’s scales. A Mer-Queen rides beside him. Bright shafts of sunlight pierce the water, illuminating the specific details of their riding posture and glittering scales.
Golden Age Fantasy Illustration Style, Painterly Realism, Crystalline Underwater Photography Aesthetic. A stunning view looking down through impossibly clear ocean water at a royal hunting party of Narnian Merpeople riding through ancient, seaweed-covered ruins on the seabed. The Crucial Riding Posture: The Merpeople are riding large, powerful, scaled hippocamps (mythical sea-horses). Crucially, the merfolk are perched securely in a distinct side-saddle position on the backs of their mounts. Their powerful, scaled fish tails are coiled elegantly around the side flank of the hippocampus for stability, rather than straddling them like a human. The Seahorse Anatomy: The hippocamps themselves have massive, armored tails that curl tightly forward beneath their own bodies, pushing them through the water. Key Figures & Details: The Mer-King, with flowing white hair and fierce eyes, sits side-saddle, holding a gold-tipped spear. His deep amethyst tail is visible coiled against the mount’s scales. A Mer-Queen rides beside him wearing a shimmering gown. Bright shafts of sunlight pierce the water, illuminating the specific details of their riding posture and glittering scales.
Out where the river runs wild and free and only the brave dare row; where the rapids are deep, and the challenge is fresh and it takes them where it means to go. With breakneck speed, grinning into the wind, standing straight on the bow of their craft, just a glimpse now and then of those captains you’ll catch flying by, near capsizing your raft. They’ve no time for advice to those standing on shore or to aid the ones just wading out, for their task is to pilot this current, they think, and it’s all they can do to stay out of the drink, and their lives could be gone in the space of a wink should they lose but a moment to doubt. Standing tall, they never must doubt!
Fancy text: Jesus said, Before Abraham was born, I AM
A thrilling and vibrant scene from the board game Candy Land, capturing the excitement of sliding down its biggest, most iconic slide. The slide itself is massive, curving, and made entirely of a glistening, colorful candy material, like a giant, rainbow-striped candy cane or smooth, translucent hard candy. A cheerful, diverse group of children (or classic Candy Land characters like Princess Lolly or Mr. Mint) are depicted in mid-descent, laughing and filled with joy, their hands in the air. Below and around the slide, the fantastical landscape of Candy Land stretches out: rolling hills of frosting, lollipop trees, rivers of chocolate, gingerbread houses, and giant gumdrops. The colors are incredibly vivid and saturated, creating a truly fantastical and edible world. The perspective is dynamic, looking down the slide with the characters, enhancing the sense of speed and fun. The lighting is bright and cheerful, emphasizing the candy's sparkle and the overall joyful atmosphere.
Golden Age Fantasy Illustration Style, Painterly Realism, Crystalline Underwater Photography Aesthetic. A stunning view looking down through impossibly clear ocean water at a royal hunting party of Narnian Merpeople riding through ancient, seaweed-covered ruins on the seabed. The Crucial Riding Posture: The Merpeople are riding large, powerful, scaled hippocamps (mythical sea-horses). Crucially, the merfolk are perched securely in a distinct side-saddle position on the backs of their mounts. Their powerful, scaled fish tails are coiled elegantly around the side flank of the hippocampus for stability, rather than straddling them like a human. The Seahorse Anatomy: The hippocamps themselves have massive, armored tails that curl tightly forward beneath their own bodies, pushing them through the water. Key Figures & Details: The Mer-King, with flowing white hair and fierce eyes, sits side-saddle, holding a gold-tipped spear. His deep amethyst tail is visible coiled against the mount’s scales. A Mer-Queen rides beside him wearing a shimmering gown. Bright shafts of sunlight pierce the water, illuminating the specific details of their riding posture and glittering scales.
A sharp and satirical political cartoon in a bold, distinctive political cartoon style. The scene depicts protestors alongside a city street, but instead of typical protestors, the crowd is made up entirely of elderly folks with a Pennywise style of exaggerated clown makeup, wearing regular clothing, but their expressions are not menacing, rather they are comically defiant, fitting the protest theme. They hold signs which say "No Kings"
A dramatic, richly detailed scene in the ancient Babylonian royal court. In the foreground, three wise and esteemed Babylonian court magicians (Chaldeans/astrologers) are gathered around a central figure, possibly the king, or intently studying an inscribed clay tablet. They are dressed in opulent, finely woven robes of deep blues, reds, and gold, with elaborate turbans or headwear. Their long, meticulously styled beards and hair indicate their status and wisdom. One magician holds a stylus, another points to intricate cuneiform script on a clay tablet, and the third gazes thoughtfully, perhaps at a celestial chart or into a symbolic brazier. The background reveals the grand, awe-inspiring architecture of the Babylonian palace, with glazed brick walls adorned with depictions of mythical creatures (like the Ishtar Gate lions) and massive, ornate columns. The atmosphere is one of profound intellectual pursuit, ancient wisdom, and mystical interpretation under the watchful eyes of the king. epic fantasy art, cinematic lighting, ultra-detailed, dramatic shadows, mystical glow"
“And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted. And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle. And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's. And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.” (Genesis 30:37-43, KJV)
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)
A cinematic, hyper-realistic wide shot of six valiant biblical warriors, the sons of Tola, standing as "heads of their father’s house" in an ancient Levantine desert landscape. In the center, Uzzi is a massive, muscular commander clad in bronze armor, incongruously wielding a modern tactical Uzi submachine gun with gold engravings. Surrounding him are his brothers: Rephaiah holding a staff entwined with healing herbs; Jeriel standing atop a massive foundation stone looking toward heaven; Jahmai enveloped in a warm, protective golden aura; Jibsam Holding a detailed censer releasing fragrant incense smoke.; and Shemuel in a posture of listening, hand to his ear as if hearing a divine whisper. In the background, a vast army of 22,600 soldiers stretches to the horizon under the golden sun of King David’s era. Epic composition, dramatic chiaroscuro lighting, intricate leather and metal textures, 8k resolution, ArtStation style.
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)
Macro Product Photography, Museum Archival Style, Warm Lantern Light. A detailed photograph of a complete, hand-carved set of unique pirate-themed chess pieces arranged loosely on a weathered wooden captain's desk alongside old charts and a compass. The pieces are crafted from a mix of dark aged oak, tarnished cast brass, and accents of stolen gold and rough rubies. The Ranks: The King (Captain): The tallest piece, an imposing Pirate Captain figure with a grand tricorn hat, a long beard, a detailed cutlass, and one boot resting on a miniature treasure chest. The Queen (Quartermaster/Pirate Lord): A fierce, elegant female figure with dual flintlock pistols, a flowing coat, and a stern, commanding expression. The Bishops (Navigators/Voodoo Priests): Hunched figures holding sextants and mystical skull staffs, adorned with beads and feathers. The Knights (Boarding Party): Dynamic pieces showing a pirate mid-swing on a rope, holding a grappling hook and a boarding axe. The Rooks (The Ship/Fort): Heavy, fortified pieces shaped like the barnacle-covered stern castle of a galleon, bristling with tiny cannons. The Pawns (The Crew): A group of smaller, identical scruffy deckhands holding mops, buckets, and simple daggers. The focus is sharp on the intricate textures of the wood grain and metalwork.
Cinematic Historical Photograph, Gritty Realism, Chiaroscuro Lighting. A tense, high-stakes chess match taking place between two seasoned pirates inside the cramped, dimly lit stern cabin of a rocking galleon at sea during the night. The Players: On one side sits a grizzled, older Pirate Captain with a heavy grey beard and a scarred face, leaning over the board, his hand rubbing his chin in deep concentration. Opposite him is a younger, cunning Quartermaster with a gold tooth and a confident smirk, holding a clay pipe. The Board & Pieces: Between them is a heavy wooden table stained with grog. The chessboard is carved directly into the tabletop, with squares made of inlaid mother-of-pearl and burned wood. They are playing with the custom pirate-themed chess set (previously designed): The Captain's side uses pieces carved from yellowed whalebone (King with tricorn, Ship Rooks), and the Quartermaster's side uses pieces cast from dark, tarnished iron. A bone "Knight" piece is currently threatening an iron "Queen." The Atmosphere: The cabin is lit by a single, swaying oil lantern hanging overhead, casting long, moving shadows and illuminating the smoke in the air. Mugs of rum, a flintlock pistol, and rolled charts are cluttered around the board. Outside a stern window, a dark, stormy ocean is visible. The photo has a film grain texture.
Macro Product Photography, Museum Archival Style, Warm Lantern Light. A detailed photograph of a complete, hand-carved set of unique pirate-themed chess pieces arranged loosely on a weathered wooden captain's desk alongside old charts and a compass. The pieces are crafted from a mix of dark aged oak, tarnished cast brass, and accents of stolen gold and rough rubies. The Ranks: The King (Captain): The tallest piece, an imposing Pirate Captain figure with a grand tricorn hat, a long beard, a detailed cutlass, and one boot resting on a miniature treasure chest. The Queen (Quartermaster/Pirate Lord): A fierce, elegant female figure with dual flintlock pistols, a flowing coat, and a stern, commanding expression. The Bishops (Navigators/Voodoo Priests): Hunched figures holding sextants and mystical skull staffs, adorned with beads and feathers. The Knights (Boarding Party): Dynamic pieces showing a pirate mid-swing on a rope, holding a grappling hook and a boarding axe. The Rooks (The Ship/Fort): Heavy, fortified pieces shaped like the barnacle-covered stern castle of a galleon, bristling with tiny cannons. The Pawns (The Crew): A group of smaller, identical scruffy deckhands holding mops, buckets, and simple daggers. The focus is sharp on the intricate textures of the wood grain and metalwork.
A hyper-realistic, documentary-style photograph of the ancient Hebrew army from Judges 20:11. The low-angle perspective is within the ranks, showing thousands of battle-hardened men in leather and bronze armor. Focus on a tight group of soldiers actively clamping and interlocking their massive, round bronze-faced shields. Their muscles are strained, veins bulging, as they grip the shield edges and spear shafts, physically causing themselves to be fused into one solid unit (Hithpalpel causative-reflexive action). The pattern repeats (Reduplication) in an endless, rhythmic grid of humanity and metal. Dust rises, sweat glistens, faces are set in absolute, synchronized determination. Cinematic golden hour lighting (the vivid amber-orange of a Jerusalem sunset) catches the edges of the bronze, adding intense color and depth. Shallow depth of field, incredible historical texture, 8k resolution.
1950s Vintage Illustration Style, Saturday Evening Post Aesthetic, a heartwarming scene under a decorated Christmas tree. Two fluffy kittens, one a ginger tabby and the other a calico, are joyfully playing in a chaotic pile of discarded Christmas wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows. The ginger kitten is tangled in a long piece of shiny red and green paper, batting at a curled ribbon. The calico kitten is pouncing from inside a torn open cardboard gift box, surrounded by crumpled tissue paper. Torn pieces of colorful wrapping paper (gold foil, snowman patterns, stripes) and empty gift tags are scattered everywhere on a plush rug. The Christmas tree above them is glowing with warm fairy lights and decorated with traditional ornaments. The background is a cozy living room with a fireplace.
A profound and epic scene depicting the Vision of the Dry Bones from Ezekiel 37. In a desolate, vast valley, countless dry human bones are scattered, stark white and ancient. A powerful, divine wind (ruach) swirls through the valley, imbued with a sacred, ethereal glow, causing the bones to rattle and miraculously knit together. Tendons, flesh, and skin rapidly form over the skeletal structures, transforming them into fully-formed human figures. As the divine breath enters, the figures rise, not as individuals, but as a colossal, awe-inspiring army standing upright, gazing forward with renewed life and purpose. The sky above is dramatic, perhaps with stormy clouds breaking to reveal a divine light. The overall mood is one of miraculous resurrection, immense power, and hopeful restoration."
First century Jerusalem at the "gate beautiful" to the temple grounds. Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
Cinematic Still Life Photography, Atmospheric Chiaroscuro Lighting, Macro Details. A high-stakes chess game mid-match, set upon a unique, well-worn board inside the dimly lit quarters of a pirate captain. The Board: The chessboard isn't separate; the squares are carved directly into the surface of a thick, heavy oak table, stained with rum rings and knife marks. The light squares are inlaid, scratched mother-of-pearl, and the dark squares are burned wood. The Pieces in Play: The unique pirate-themed pieces (from the previous design) are scattered across the board. One side (The 'White' pieces): Carved from aged, yellowed whale bone. A "King Captain" piece is cornered behind a line of "Pawn Deckhands." The other side (The 'Black' pieces): Cast from heavy, tarnished blackened iron. An iron "Knight Boarding Party" piece (on a rope swing) is aggressively positioned near the center. The Atmosphere: The scene is lit dramatically by a single, smoky oil lantern hanging overhead, casting long shadows. Scattered around the board on the table are a few real gold doubloons mixed with captured pieces, a half-empty bottle of grog, and a rolled-up parchment chart. The background is dark wood paneling and a glimpse of a flintlock pistol. The focus is razor-sharp on the textures of the carved bone and corroded iron pieces.
Cinematic Still Life Photography, Atmospheric Chiaroscuro Lighting, Macro Details. A high-stakes chess game mid-match, set upon a unique, well-worn board inside the dimly lit quarters of a pirate captain. The Board: The chessboard isn't separate; the squares are carved directly into the surface of a thick, heavy oak table, stained with rum rings and knife marks. The light squares are inlaid, scratched mother-of-pearl, and the dark squares are burned wood. The Pieces in Play: The unique pirate-themed pieces (from the previous design) are scattered across the board. One side (The 'White' pieces): Carved from aged, yellowed whale bone. A "King Captain" piece is cornered behind a line of "Pawn Deckhands." The other side (The 'Black' pieces): Cast from heavy, tarnished blackened iron. An iron "Knight Boarding Party" piece (on a rope swing) is aggressively positioned near the center. The Atmosphere: The scene is lit dramatically by a single, smoky oil lantern hanging overhead, casting long shadows. Scattered around the board on the table are a few real gold doubloons mixed with captured pieces, a half-empty bottle of grog, and a rolled-up parchment chart. The background is dark wood paneling and a glimpse of a flintlock pistol. The focus is razor-sharp on the textures of the carved bone and corroded iron pieces.
A profound and epic scene depicting the Vision of the Dry Bones from Ezekiel 37. In a desolate, vast valley, countless dry human bones are scattered, stark white and ancient. A powerful, divine wind (ruach) swirls through the valley, imbued with a sacred, ethereal glow, causing the bones to rattle and miraculously knit together. Tendons, flesh, and skin rapidly form over the skeletal structures, transforming them into fully-formed human figures. As the divine breath enters, the figures rise, not as individuals, but as a colossal, awe-inspiring army standing upright, gazing forward with renewed life and purpose. The sky above is dramatic, perhaps with stormy clouds breaking to reveal a divine light. The overall mood is one of miraculous resurrection, immense power, and hopeful restoration."
“And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” (Ezra 6:12, KJV)
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.” (Psalms 24:9, KJV)
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.” (Luke 1:5, KJV)
It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV) Only create 12 tribal ensigns.
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)
Mr. Chen has arranged for the little family to cross secretly into Hong Kong—a place known for its bright skyline and bustling streets. Under the cover of darkness and with careful planning, Siu Zi, her father and Grandmother, along with Mr. Chen have boarded a small boat that carries them silently across the water. The sea is calm, its surface reflecting a tapestry of starlight, as if the heavens themselves are guiding them. Siu-Zi lies nestled between her father and grandmother, wrapped up in blankets, in the forward part of an open boat with quiet motors propelling them along. Their is an air of mystery and tension.
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Revelation 7:4-8, KJV)