Circling the centre of the seven sermon layers

Like being in the eye of a hurricane, we shall calmly observe what storms of controversy have revolved around the most mysterious number in Christendom. A broad overview of the columns at the ends and middle of the seven layers of the sermon will confirm the distinct messages encrypted in the 333s, 666s, and 999s.

The first observation of the three is that only the middle contains the word "kingdom." It is the only one with the words "wide," "sheeps" and the verb "they thieve" (twice).

Secondly, both the 333s and 999s are identified as "blesseds" but the 666s are introduced by three words: "they shall be called that wickedness" [κληθήσονται ὅτι πονηρὸν].

It will now be necessary to focus on two deceptively innocuous words serving as occult markers throughout the Greek Testament (this will be paramount in the study of Revelation). One is neuter of the rare relative pronoun that is used causatively or demonstratively ("that | ὅτι"). The other is a particle that is a play on the third and third last letter of the Hebrew alphabet ("for | γὰρ").

According to Barbara Thiering, the cipher ὅτι is representative of the Herodian western party. In the hierarchy (priest-rule system of grades and classes), γὰρ (gar) is a play on the Hebrew letters gimel and resh. "If a lay celibate claimed to be a priest, as Simon Magus did, the word γὰρ was applied to him." (Jesus of the Apocalypse, 1997)

The writings about the Herodian party are flagged by ὅτι ("that") and those of the eastern party of the Hebrews are identified by a primary particle γὰρ ("for"). It is obvious reading Matthew's beatitudes that he is writing for the western viewpoint. He uses "because" with each of the eight "blesseds" (ὅτι as a causative, 5:3-10).

The ratio of east/west (γὰρ/ὅτι) across seven layers of the sermon is 6:1 (333), 3:4 (444), 3:0 (555), 3:3 (666), 3:3 (777), 1:2 (888) and 2:3 (999). Religious authorities reading poll numbers of their popularity would certainly alarm a Hebrew establishment under Roman occupation.

Natural elements of earth, air and water represent organizations with relative powers. A simple simile or metaphor can turn men into fishes or trees (Mark 8:24). Mundane forces organized against a house that falls, such as winds, rivers and rain, as well as rock and sand, will therefore be capitalized. The 333s mention Rock and the 999s have Rain, Rain, Rivers, but only the 666s include Rock, Rain, Winds, Sand, Rivers, and Winds again. Remember, this is the group exclusive to the word "wide" (gate).

Tree is an important metaphor. In the 333s, we distinguish between two types: "good," "rotten" and the "fruits" each makes or carries. "To it [the Life] of the false prophets, from thus good it makes a tree; fruits wicked to carry, not rotten | αὐτήν τῶν ψευδοπροφητῶν, ἀπὸ οὕτως ἀγαθὸν ποιεῖ δένδρον; καρποὺς πονηροὺς ἐνεγκεῖν, οὐδὲ σαπρὸν." The only other synoptic writer to use "false prophets" in his book (before redactions) is at Luke 6:26.

Cryptically, we read in the 999s: "Every tree making is thrown of the heavens, by will of me | πᾶν δένδρον ποιοῦν βάλλεται τῶν οὐρανῶν, θέλημα μου." The last word of the message is numbered 880 (666). The numerical value of the name Jesus in Greek is 888.

Unusually, the message in the 666s is very succinct: "Every tree is out-chopped | πᾶν δένδρον ἐκκόπτεται." However, it is preceded by the prophecy to Pharisees and Sadducees by Rabbi Jesus at 3:10. Therefore, cursing a fig tree was of a metaphorical, not natural tree.

We shall conclude on a familiar note concerning divorce. It seems someone remembers what was said in "the heart": "If from [her], for to her, but he may be wedded | εἰ ἀπὸ, γάρ αὐτῇ, δὲ γαμήσῃ." What follows must be an explanation: "Ye heard by the Lord oaths of a great one, but one thing out of the wicked thing | ἠκούσατε τῷ κυρίῳ ὅρκους μεγάλου, ἓν δὲ ἐκ τῷ πονηρῷ." The Herod family was notorious for their marriages, and the name Herodias is infamous!

Divorce may be such a controversy in the synoptics because ultra-conservative religious leaders would deem serial monogamy to be very wicked.

Predictions are made in each grouping: eleven to the 333s, seven to the 666s and six to the 999s. Before turning to "that wickedness," we will look at the last of "the blesseds," the 999s.