Chapter 5g

The Prodigal Son

Angel Connection

The parable that Jesus gave concerning the prodigal son ties the whole Angelfall message together. Even though this story contains many wonderful applications to this lifetime and in the real world, this most famous of accounts from the Gospel of Luke is a story exclusively about angels and nothing else. This interpretation should be most clear and obvious once a person reads and carefully contemplates the underlying meaning as to what all of this is talking about.

This allegory of the two brothers lays out the whole rebellion in heaven and how that involves the good (but bewildered) angels who remained faithful to God, vs. the young immature angels who left the Father's home in willful rebellion. Theomatics overwhelmingly proves that interpretation.

This account covers almost one entire chapter of the Bible, and consists of 23 verses in all. The large block of text devoted to this one story only goes to prove the fact that the parable itself obviously contains great meaning and significance, otherwise God's Word would not have treated it with such prominence. This certainly warrants a more full and complete investigation as to the depth of meaning.

Important Information

The theomatic patterns that relate men to angels from this passage, hits the nail square on the head on most all of the key words and phrases relative the two brothers who symbolically represent angelic beings. The theomatic patterns that confirm this will be presented in depth with a complete analysis in Chapter 6h. This chapter here will be a more general discussion and commentary without a lot of technical information—it will present in a concise and easy reading format the conclusion that all the evidence points to. However, in this discussion we will show notes that are indented and discuss—what the theomatics evidence clearly indicates (again, see Chapter 6h for all the theomatics data).

Also, a very major statistical study has been done on this passage in Luke, based primarily on the data presented in The Original Code in The Bible—see Chapter 10, p. 131. This comprehensive scientific analysis is shown in complete format here in Angelfall in Chapter 2m. A German statistician also did his own independent analysis of this same study and published his own conclusions on a major website in German. His own analysis and statistical calculations showed odds of better than a million to one against chance occurrence. A portion of that analysis is shown in English at www.theomatics.net.

Let us now quote the entire passage from the King James translation.

Luke 15:10-32

(10) Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (11) And he said, A certain man had two sons: (12) And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. (13) And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. (14) And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. (15) And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. (16) And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. (17) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (18) I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, (19) And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. (20) And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (21) And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. (22) But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (23) And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: (24) For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (25) Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. (26) And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. (27) And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. (28) And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. (29) And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: (30) But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. (31) And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. (32) It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Let us Analyze This

The older son from this story obviously represents loyalty and faith to his Father. It was the younger and more immature boy that wandered from home. The key question here is who and what do these two brothers represent?

The standard evangelical (or literary) interpretation of this parable, would attempt to make the story apply only to people living on planet earth in a real world setting—the meaning of these words of Jesus would simply be God the Father forgiving any person on earth, who made mistakes during his lifetime, and then comes back asking for forgiveness. If one reads the many commentaries on the internet about this parable, Bible students see many wonderful truths, but are completely oblivious to the angelic connection that this story contains.

The literal/grammatical only approach and interpretation contains limited depth and cannot explain any esoteric meaning that God may have deliberately embedded within the various elements of the story—THERE IS NO SOLE EARTHLY APPLICATION TO THIS STORY THAT CAN POSSIBLY MAKE COMPLETE SENSE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY EXPLAIN ALL THE THINGS MENTIONED IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER.

As we discuss and analyze the many items given in these words of Jesus, this fact will become very obvious. There is MUCH MORE to all of this than a simplistic surface meaning or connotation.

It All Begins with Angels

Just before Jesus begins telling the story, He utters these words.

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. And he said, A certain man had two sons…" (vs 10,11).

This opening statement is very significant. Why do angels in heaven rejoice when someone gets saved? Why does this story even mention angels at all? We will explain this angelic aspect at the very end of this discussion.

Give Me the Goods

"And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods (or property) that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living" (vs. 12).

When the son demanded his property rights, the Father apparently did not debate any of this with his younger child, but willingly granted to him as he wished, thus releasing him to depart. It is very important to note that the Father did not use force to make His son stay. Nor did he judge and punish him when he later returned. (In Joh 5:22 Jesus said, "the father judges no man"—this aspect was discussed in Chapter 3g on the character and nature of the heavenly Father).

Theomatics Note: One of the major theomatic designs presented on Angelfall (Chapter 2f), discussed the 102 pattern to do with the little children and babes—this has to do with both innocence and ignorance, where are the inherent characteristics of a child. Everything theomatically to do with the younger son from this story is full of this 102 pattern relative to immaturity and innocence.

Yet what does the story mean when it says that the young son demanded the "portion of goods that falleth on me?" What is that talking about?

Evidently "the goods" spoken of here have to do with certain legal rights that the younger son had. This is obviously NOT talking about material goods or physical belongings such as real estate (it would be impossible to take real property from one geographic area to another, obviously). The word used here in Greek for "goods" is OUSIA; it can mean property, possessions, or estate. But in its basic form it simply refers to "what one has," which essentially could be anything of personal value.

The property or goods is obviously symbolic of spiritual matters. What this seems to be talking about—the "goods" represent man's individuality and his right to think for himself and to discern. Although the property does involve this world to some extent because it is here upon earth, i.e. terra firma, that man exercises his freedom of thought and is independent from God.

The clear indication here is that by demanding his rights and the "goods," the younger son was going to exercise his free will to discern good vs. evil. He himself was going to decide what was right or wrong. He was thus going to trust himself instead of obeying the Father's commands, and thus LEAVE his father. To leave the father means to reject the Father's authority over his life.

Theomatics Note: The numerical values here clearly indicate that the goods and the rights that the son demanded positively relates to one's individuality and freedom of choice. All of this is going to relate to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, man deciding for himself. The key numbers—112 in particular to do with man determining right from wrong WITHIN himself—are present here (see Chapter 9a on this 112 pattern).

The Angels in Jude

Look now at this verse in the book of Jude. This is evidently talking about the same identical thing as the prodigal son in Luke 15.

"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day" (Jude 1:6).

It is important to point out here that the angels both LEFT heaven and were likewise CAST out of heaven simultaneously. Here in this parable Jesus gave in Luke—it is focusing solely on the VOLUNTARY leaving aspect of what occurred—man himself CHOSE to disobey God in the Garden of Eden. The rebellion in heaven was a willful and decisive act before God booted man out of paradise and locked the door behind him.

Theomatics Note: The numerical values in this verse about the angels leaving their first estate—this positively relates to the Luke 15 account when the prodigal son left his Father's house. Here too the angels wanted to determine for themselves right from wrong.

After Not Many Days

There exists a very significant statement in this passage that relates to the angels in pre-existence, and how soon after that the fall from heaven took place.

As has been stated many times throughout Angelfall—is the fact that Adam and Eve (who of course represent the angels of heaven) were created in innocence and did not know how to discern good from evil. In reading the context of the Genesis account, it appears that the fall in the garden took place relatively soon after they were created by God. Look now at this verse in Luke.

"And not many days after having gathered all things the younger son took his journey into a far country…" (vs 13).

The King James completely twists around the meaning of this passage. They make it sound as though the prodigal son gathered all things together, and then a short time AFTER THAT he departed. Yet in the Greek it says this,

"And after not many days, having gathered all things together, the younger son departed into a far country…" (vs 13).

The "after not many days" could apply to the time after he was born or created.

It is this author's conclusion that this was indeed the case—the angels who fell to earth were youthful and not very mature or smart, and they were incredibly presumptuous. It has often been said of teenagers, "they think they know everything and can do anything." Such is the cockiness of youth. We see that fact exemplified in this story of the prodigal son. How many politicians who have had their past exposed, refer their mistakes as simply "youthful indiscretions?"

Theomatics Note: The words "And after not" is 141 x 6, and points directly the original creation of the angels themselves, and the two words "after not many" has the most significant feature possible to do with youth, which is 102 x 12—the key number to do with babes and children created in innocence.

Gathering All Together

"And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country…" (vs 13).

When it states that "the younger son gathered all together," that further means that he took it upon himself to discern both good from evil. Theomatics clearly points to that fact. He grabbed all he could from the Father's household and gathered it UNTO AND WITHIN himself—he would become the determiner! (Again, see Chapter 9a relative to the meaning of the serpent and how one determines everything WITHIN HIS OWN BEING, instead of listening the Creator who made him).

Also, the motive behind the son gathering "all together" was greed. We see that everywhere in the world today. People are going after money or fame or power or pleasure, and anything else they can get.

Dividing the Living

Now one more phrase from this verse is important. Let's go back again to verse 12.

" And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods (or property) that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living" (vs. 12).

What does it mean, "And he divided unto them his living?" The living here is talking about conscious living beings, which means the living angels and host of heaven—the two brothers encompass all those who trusted and stayed with the Father vs. those who left—the two groups became divided. That is what is meant by "dividing unto them his living."

Theomatics Note: The two key numbers (141 and 133) to do with both angels and the vast host of heaven are present in this short Greek phrase to do with the separation of the living.

Into a Far Country

"And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey (departed) into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living" (vs 13).

The meaning here should be obvious the "far country" represents this earth, both as a physical place and as a spiritual dimension. The departing comprises simultaneously both the willful leaving aspect, and the process of being cast down (the two aspects of leaving and casting are integrated).

The riotous living is also pretty obvious, spiritually speaking, of the age that we live in.

Theomatics Note: The far country has all the theomatics of the woman fleeing into the wilderness, i.e. the number 126 which is symbolic of the 1260 days and the wilderness itself. This world is obviously a spiritual wilderness as the next verse will show. Also, the casting down number of 122 is present within the words "the younger son departed into a far country."

A Mighty Famine

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want (vs 14).

There is so much to talk about here. The famine obviously ties into the concept of the wilderness. Nothing grows in a wilderness—it is a land of famine. The word "famine" has a theomatic value of 126 x 7, same as the wilderness (also 1260). This is obviously all very spiritual and very symbolic, and has nothing to do with biological plants growing or literal food.

When the text states that "he had spent all," it simply means that he ran out of ideas. He exhausted himself morally and spiritually, and finally realized that just like Adam and Eve, he was naked and uncovered with no protection.

As someone once said, " Sin always promises more than it gives, takes you further than you wanted to go, and leaves you worse off than you were before." Sin promises freedom, but in the end it brings slavery.

Feeding the Pigs

"And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. " (vs. 15,16).

By joining himself to one of the citizens he went to work for a stranger. This no doubt was a final compromising of any degree of dignity or self respect the son had left, a sheer act of desperation. He then found himself in physical slavery and performing a detestable job to the Jewish people in Bible days—feeding pigs.

Pigs have a connotation in scripture of demonic activity. When Jesus cast the demons out of the Gadarene demoniac, they wanted to go into the herd of swine (Mat 8:28-33). They are dirty filthy animals all through the Bible. The lowest of the low.

By giving food to the lowest life form possible—this could be compared to people today who are totally given over to Satan in both their spirits and their bodies. By men eventually giving themselves over to human debauchery such as drugs, gross immorality, child abuse, pornography, acid rock music, defacing bodies with piercings and tattoos—all of this could be compared to the feeding of swine. Man becomes a slave of sin to the point where he actually DESIRES and seeks after evil, and "would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat." Husks have no nutritional value.

And finally, the fact that "no man gave to him," this shows that people in this world who are fallen have lost all genuine love for their fellow man. Once a person's wealth and status is gone, who really cares? We live in a world where it is "every dog for himself."

Coming to His Senses

"And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father" (vs 17 and 18).

Here the son finally comes to grip with reality. He realizes that he was under a delusion, and is now dead broke. He realizes that he had squandered all that His Father worked so hard for, on selfish shallow fulfillment, and lost everything in the process.

This dead end street became for the son a realization that apart from God there is no hope. The son began to see his Father in new light. He longed to return to the state of fellowship with his Creator that was lost before Adam fell. The wonderful part of the story is that he was willing to finally be humble and admit his wrong, even if that meant going back and asking for forgiveness and willing to take a more lowly position of servitude. He was willing to actually give up his rights as his Father's son and become a slave.

Sinning Against Heaven

"I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee" (vs. 18).

In relation to Angelfall, the thing that immediately stands out here is the fact that the sin was against heaven. Obviously, any sin man commits upon this earth is a sin against God's character, and God lives in heaven. So in that sense all sin is against heaven. Yet it is clear that here this is talking about much more than earthly matters—it is talking about sin that was actually committed AGAINST heaven and IN heaven.

Theomatics Note: This phrase, "I have sinned against heaven and before thee," clearly contains the numbers that speak of the original sin in paradise when the angels ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and thus violated the very purpose for which God created them originally, which was to be in His image. The word "I sinned" is 570, and that is THE number in all of theomatics to do with the eating of the forbidden fruit from the forbidden tree (see entire Section 10), and also trying to enter heavens gate. The word "gate" in reference to heaven's gate also equals 570.

Servants vs. Sons

"I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants" (vs. 18,19).

Now we come to one of the major spiritual aspects of this entire story. Here it is important to point out some very fundamental facts. The "hired servants" have the same theomatics as the massive hosts of heaven. To be a hired servant is most certainly the status of an angel and not a man. Look at this verse in Job.

"Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly" (Job 4:18).

Angels throughout the Bible are portrayed by God as servants who perform His bidding. This is apparent from Genesis to Revelation. It is a strictly superior/inferior relationship. There is no intimate relationship between a master and a servant as a requisite. In order for one to have rights to an inheritance, there must first be a position of RELATIONSHIP and SONSHIP. The status of a son is what God intended for Adam—as heir of God's creation and to have dominion. In order for a man to ultimately be created in God's image and have God as his Father, he must first become a son.

You can always fire or get rid of your servants and slaves. But your offspring will always be your offspring. As someone once said, "you can divorce your husband or wife, but you can never divorce your kids" (because they obviously CAME from you).

So the difference between servants vs. sons in this story relate to one's active STATUS and legal POSITION. Servants and angels are not necessarily dissimilar beings. All angels are sons of God to some degree, at least potentially—God obviously created them. Many people can work in a large corporation. Some are in management as CEO's. Others work in the warehouse. But they are all human beings. When in the Old Testament the Bible refers to angels as "sons of God," (Gen 6:2,4 and Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7), this was evidently only a matter of potential status (as a crown prince before he becomes king). Even the prodigal son was still called a "son" before he left the Father's house in rebellion (Comment: The expression BENE ELOHYM, which means "sons of God" in Hebrew should not be construed to have quite the same meaning as the redeemed "sons of God" in the New Testament).

So God's relationship in ages past with the angels was apparently a Master/servant relationship. It operated on rules, laws, and commandments, i.e. angelic law. When God created Adam and Eve, they were strictly on probation. Their right to exist was probationary, i.e. "in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Gen 2:17). This meant that they were potentially able to lose everything that God promised, including their very own existence, if they disobeyed. Adam and Eve were never promised or guaranteed eternal life.

Now when we come to the New Testament we find some very interesting verses that definitely relate to this entire discussion. Here are the words of Jesus.

"Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you" (John 15:15).

"And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called sons of the living God" (Rom 9:26).

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not" (1 John 3:1).

The reason people on this earth "knew him not," is because in past ages they were only servant/angels. It is very important to point out the fact that it was necessary for Jesus to come to earth and die on the cross for our sins, first, in order to redeem us so we could become true and lasting sons of God (Heb 2:10). There was no other possible way the fallen angels could ever be redeemed and restored to the Father and because His actual children, without unequivocal faith in God's only begotten son, along with a new birth. We can only become sons of God through faith and repentance in Jesus. Only then will we be able to receive the spirit of sonship as "joint-heirs" with Christ. We do not become sons simply by being created—it requires baptism into the family of God (1 Pet 3:21).

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal 4:6).

Nowhere in the Bible does it state that God gives His Holy Spirit to angels (although angels can be involved in administering the Holy Spirit—see Heb 1:13,14).

The Prodigal Comes Home

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him" (vs 20).

This is without a doubt the most beautiful part of the story. Jesus portrayed the Father as waiting for His son, perhaps scanning the horizon for an appearance. The Father saw him when he "was yet a great way off." He was longing for him, eager to restore the lost relationship. He literally ran to meet him and threw his arms around him and kissed him.

"And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son" (vs 21).

The Father did not question him or lecture him. Instead he UNCONDITIONALLY FORGAVE him. On the spot! He was so thrilled at His son's return, that he hardly let him finish his confession. He immediately ordered a celebration. This is a wonderful picture of how the heavenly Father feels toward sinners who repent. He patiently waits for them, and then receives them with open arms in full pardon and forgiveness.

"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet" (vs 22).

There are a number of important aspects related to these three things—a robe, a ring, and some shoes. The prodigal son went from a state of complete destitution to complete restoration. He was restored to the full status of a son. And then some.

A robe in Bible days had the meaning of dignity and honor. The prodigal son was to be clothed with the very best robe, perhaps even the Father's own. This proved to everyone that he had been accepted back into the family. He was now clothed with the robe of righteousness.

A ring on the hand is a sign of authority (people who confer with the pope kiss the pope's ring). In Bible days a king's ring was also his signet or sign of authority.

In the Bible days, servants did not traditionally wear shoes. To wear shoes meant respect and dignity. In Ephesians 6:15 it says, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." However, when Jesus sent forth his disciples into the world to preach the gospel, they were not allowed to wear shoes (Mar 10:10,14 Luk 10:4). They had to shake the dust off their feet. This showed total humility as God's servants in the world.

There may be many more applications and symbolic meaning to these three items.

The Significance of the Fatted Calf

"And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry… And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound" (vs. 23,24,27),

This is going to be major. What is the meaning of the fatted calf? The slaughter of the fatted calf is really the capstone of the entire parable that Jesus gave. Not until Angelfall will it be possible to fully understand the meaning of this. A huge chapter could be written relative to this profound aspect of the story. Here our discussion will be only a summary. And a very interesting discussion.

We start out by looking at this verse in the book of Acts. This is concerning the event in the wilderness when the children of Israel made a golden calf and were dancing around it, and later committed fornication.

"And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?" (Acts 7:41,42).

There is a direct link between worshipping the golden calf and the hosts or angels of heaven. We will talk more about that shortly. But let us now go back to the very beginning and look at this verse from Genesis.

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman… And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life" (Gen 3:1,14).

This is indeed a very strange verse from the Bible. A verse that few people have ever thought about how ridiculous it is. Why in the world did God say to the serpent that it was "cursed above all cattle?"

When it comes to biology and the classification of animal species, nothing could be more dissimilar than a snake and a cow. Why did God place a reptile into the same category as cattle and call the serpent "cattle"? Many Christians have speculated that because of this statement, snakes once had legs and walked on all fours in the garden of Eden. But such an idea is far fetched. A snake that slithers will always be a snake that slithers. The serpent in Genesis is obviously symbolic, and so is the comparison to cattle.

Theomatics Note: There is a huge chapter in Angelfall (Chapter 9a) that discusses the actual meaning of the serpent. It contains the astounding 112 pattern.

The Hebrew word for cattle is very interesting. It is BE-HEY-MAW; from an unused root, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal, cattle. (It is the word from which "behemoth" is derived)

What is interesting is that the root word itself means "a dumb beast." Yet the Bible says that the "serpent was crafty." The best way of saying this, is that the serpent was the smartest of the dumb beasts, but still a dumb beast none-the-less. This will help us understand what the cow represents in the Luke 15 story.

The Meaning of Cattle

The first question we must ask is: What do cows and cattle represent in the Bible? All animals have symbolic significance. As we saw earlier, pigs and swine represent uncleanness and the lowest life form (Luk 15:15,16). Sheep and lambs represent humility and helplessness and are a type of Christians (Isa 53:7, Rev 7:17). Goats are a type of stubbornness and cleverness and they are much smarter than sheep (Mat 25:33). Bulls speak of beligerance and rebellion (Psa 22:12, Jer 50:11). The lion the Bible is something that destroys and devours (2 Tim 4:17, 1 Pet 5:8). The dove in the Bible is gentle and a type of the Holy Spirit (Mar 1:10). Every animal, fish, or bird in the Bible has a symbolic meaning—literally hundreds of instances and examples are mentioned throughout the Bible.

So what do cattle represent symbolically? Two things.

1. The cow represents motherhood, abundance, and fertility. It provides meat and milk and cheese for humans. It is also symbolic of "mother earth." This was especially true of the Israelites when they dwelt in Egypt and raised cattle in the Nile river delta. When they made the golden calf and danced around it in the wilderness, this fertility aspect is no doubt what the Israelites had in mind. "These are thy gods, Oh Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt."

2. Yet more importantly, a careful examination will reveal that throughout the Bible, cows have another meaning. The cow is the symbol of STUPIDITY and low spirits. The word "cattle" in Hebrew means "a dumb beast." If you have ever visited a farm or a dairy where cattle are raised, one observation is quite obvious. Cows are not bad animals, they are just incredibly stupid and dumb. They do little but stand around all day chewing their cud. Calves are even worse. They jump and scamper all over the place aimlessly, and are symbolic of immaturity and the impulsiveness of youth (similar to the younger prodigal son). Cows could hardly be classified as intellectual animals.

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness, and during the time God was giving Moses the ten commandments up on the Mount, they held what was probably the world's first rock festival. They built themselves a golden calf and danced around it worshipping it. It was made from their pierced earrings which were melted down and cast into the idol (Exo 32:2-4). The Bible says that when the people rose up to play (an obvious reference to a sex orgy), Moses came down from the Mount and broke the ten commandments on the rocks. When that happened the Lord sent serpents among the people, and twenty-three thousand Israelites were bitten and died in one day because they committed fornication (1 Cor 10:7-10). That is when God told Moses to lift up a serpent on the pole (a type of Jesus on the cross). Whoever looked at the serpent hanging on the pole was healed instantly and did not die (Joh 3:14). Now here is what the text says about those who worship dumb and stupid idols.

"And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands" (Acts 7:41).

The Bible says that Aaron fashioned the golden calf as a "graven image" (Exo 32:4).

"What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make DUMB idols?" (Hab 2:18).

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these DUMB idols, even as ye were led" (1 Cor 12:1,2).

Theomatics Note: There is an incredible pattern in theomatics the ties together the concepts of the calf, cattle, idolatry, and idols together, as well as the works of man's own hands—all based upon the prime number 103. This was shown in The Original Code in the Bible, pp. 143-157. The concept of the stars and host of heaven also tie directly into all of this in a clear and dramatic fashion, along with worshipping both the calf and the angelic hosts. There is also complete chapter here in Angelfall that shows all the theomatics related to that as well (see Chapter 6i entitled "The Astounding 103 Fatted Calf, Serpent, Beast, Stars, Moon Pattern."

The Host of Heaven, the Calf, and the Moon

So the question now arises as to what all of this means relative to the prodigal son and the slaughter of the fatted calf?

In a nutshell, the fatted calf is all about dumb wisdom. It is the full ripening of all of man's wisdom and is symbolic of CONSUMMATE wisdom—the full embodiment of all intellectual wisdom apart from God. This goes way back into the angelic realm.

In Chapter 5a we discussed extensively the woman in Revelation 12 who was seen in heaven, clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet (Rev 12:1). This woman represents Eve and all the stars or angels of heaven, i.e. the female/subjective aspect of the angel persona.

What is most interesting to note is the symbolic meaning of the moon under the woman's feet. The fact that the moon was objectively under her feet means is that the female aspect was supposed to have dominion over the moon and be in control of what the moon represents. Which brings up the question, What then does the moon represent? There is a definite connection of the moon to cattle (again, see Chapter 6i).

lease read carefully the following verses, which I will then explain more fully.

"But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression" (1 Tim 2:12-14).

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor 11:3).

All of this is connected to the angelic realm. Adam or the male was to be a covering over the woman's head (or intellect).

"Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head BECAUSE OF THE ANGELS" (1 Cor 11:9,10).

When it comes to spiritual matters, women are far more attuned spiritually. Yet women are generally more easily deceived than men. When it comes to the occult, there are far more female witches than warlocks (male witches). Most all fortune tellers and crystal ball gazers are women. Many religious cults down through the years have been started by women.

In the original creation, Adam was to provide a covering for Eve. The male represents objective truth and is symbolic of the sun, whereas the moon is association with the woman and can only reflect light from the sun. It was supposed to be UNDER her authority. Yet without the proper foundation of truth, the female is easy prey for deception. And that is precisely what happened when Eve was alone and the serpent deceived her.

The Cow Jumped Over the Moon

Hey diddle diddle, the cat the fiddle,

The cow jumped over the moon,

And the plate ran off with the spoon.

This author doubts that there is any divine significance to this old time riddle. Yet much of what comes out of society in general, such as literature, poetry, music, drama, is many times spiritually based. In the Bible there is a most definitely connection between cows and the moon. Recently I found this most interesting and revealing statement on the web.

Even though the cow is a very earthly symbol, her crescent-shaped horns make her an ancient symbol of the moon. Many lunar and mother goddesses around the world wear cow's horns on their heads. The moon personified is sometimes pictured riding the skies in a chariot pulled by a cow. (from ww2.netnitco.net/legend01/cow.htm)

The words "lunacy" and "lunatic" are derived from the word "luna," for moon. While the cow is the symbol of stupidity and being a dumb beast, the moon is likewise associated with stupidity or being in a stupor (such as people who are "moon eyed"); but more commonly the moon is the symbol of CRAZYNESS.

In two verses of the Bible the word "lunatic" appears, which is a derivative of the word "moon." The Greek SELENIAZO means "to be crazy" or "moonstruck."

"And they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic… and he healed them" (Mat 4:24).

"Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water" (Mat 17:15).

The full moon has been linked to crime, suicide, mental illness, disasters, accidents, fertility, and werewolves, among other things. People try to get pregnant based upon the phases of the moon. Some people even buy and sell stocks according to the phases of the moon (a method probably as successful as any). Numerous studies have tried to find lunar effects in all sorts of things. Much of this is no doubt full of myths and superstitions.

The moon is simply a rocky ball of nothingness circling the earth—nothing really originates from it (the major scientific benefit are the ocean tides). Even its light is reflected. In Genesis it was placed by God "to rule the night." The question is what Biblical basis might there might be for the moon?

Theomatics Note: The full meaning of the moon from God's perspective is going to be revealed through theomatics. In Chapter 6h on the significance of the prodigal son, this will be shown in its entirety. The same identical 103 pattern relative to the stupidity of the calf and cattle and the craziness of the moon, is most apparent, and it is absolutely mind boggling in its consistency—IT PROVES THE CONCEPTUAL CONNECTION BETWEEN BOTH CATTLE AND THE MOON. And the whole thing is tied symbolically into the angels and host of heaven (see Chapter 6i).

Now here is the connection of all this to Angelfall.

The Angel Connection

Eve, again, represents the angels of heaven. In 1 Corinthians it stated, "For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head BECAUSE OF THE ANGELS." This power is represented not only by the male covering, but also by the crown of 12 stars in Revelation. But the moon (or craziness) was to be kept under her feet.

In numerous Bible verses it talks about the moon "turning to blood." The moon turned to blood when the woman's soul life issued out of her after the fall from heaven (as the woman Jesus healed with the issue or flow of blood—there is a whole theomatics connection to this). Interestingly, a woman's periods (when she sheds blood) are based upon the phases of the moon. All of these things are natural as well as highly spiritually symbolic.

As this verse was quoted earlier, this entire thing is related to the angelic realm.

"And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to WORSHIP THE HOST of heaven" (Acts 7:41,42).

Worshipping the angels is directly linked to the calf idol. When the Israelites in the wilderness took off their jewelry and melted into a golden calf, and then committed fornication, they were essentially doing symbolically what the host or angels actually did in heaven—the earthly events reflect all of that. The "fornication" in the wilderness and being bit by serpents relates directly to Eve committing fornication in the garden when she was seduced by the serpent's lie.

To rejoice in the works of one's hands means to essentially try to save one's self by one's own efforts—to determine WITHIN one's self, good from evil. It is a worship of the beastly nature of the flesh—man thinks he becomes god himself, but in the final analysis (in God's estimation) is nothing but a dumb beast.

It should be pointed out that this entire beast concept is consummated in the book of Revelation, when the great seven headed beast carries Eve the great harlot on its back (Rev 17:7).

The Bible says that the serpent was "more crafty than any beast of the field," and was "cursed above all cattle." So the cow and the serpent are linked together. A biological comparison has little or nothing to do with this, but what is important is the SYMBOLIC meaning of what snakes and cows represent.

Back to the Fatted Calf

When the great celebration took place at the return of the prodigal son, and he realized his mistake and came back to his heavenly Father—at that point in time the fatted calf had reached the stage where it was now proven to the universe—to both the good and the fallen angels—that all the consummate wisdom apart from God, i.e. the wisdom of this present cosmos that emanated from the Garden of Eden and the lie of the "cow serpent"—it had finally reached its full maturity. THE FATTED CALF REPRESENTS THE FULL RIPENING OF CREATURE STUPIDITY APART FROM DIVINE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. It was now ready to be slain and consumed. And there would be great rejoicing.

Much more could be discussed here to do with the fatted cow. This is indeed a vast subject.

Finally, let us discuss the last major part of this story. As mentioned earlier, both brothers represent the angels—the good ones that stayed faithful to the Father. And the younger more immature son who left home in rebellion.

The Significance of the Older Brother

"Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found" (vs 25-32).

Everybody that reads this story thinks of the younger prodigal son. But there are two brothers mentioned, and the second one is an equally important part of the story. Over one third of all the verses in this chapter—eight of them in fact—concern the older son.

There is a major misconception that exists in present day evangelical or Christian thought. It is the idea that God's angels in heaven are essentially sinless and perfect, i.e. they are "angelic," and that it is impossible for them to do anything wrong. That is a false premise. The story of the prodigal son proves otherwise.

All of God's angels were originally created in innocence. They had to learn how to distinguish good from evil. And that means overcoming sinful and selfish tendencies. Yes, angels can experience feelings of jealousy and anger just like anybody else.

"Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly" (Job 4:18).

While it is true that God's angels in heaven are not fallen in the full sense of the word (they obviously did not turn against their creator in consummate rage and hatred and leave heaven), yet they are far from being sinless. Nothing in the Bible teaches us that angels are incapable of sinning. The Bible makes it very clear that sin actually began in heaven, not upon earth. The angels in the book of Job who challenged God's smarts, are a good example. All of them were up in heaven. And to further make the point, most Christians believe that the angels who appeared in Job and debated with the Almighty—that all happened BEFORE Satan fell.

Angels do Not Know Everything

The Bible teaches us that angels are not allowed to see everything or know everything. Down through the past ages of eternity, certain things have been kept secret from the host of heaven. Look now at the implications of these verses.

"… the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints" (Col 1:26).

"… the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ" (Eph 3:9).

"… according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since times eternal began" (Rom 16:25).

And in 1 Pet 1:12, it refers to "the mystery of the gospel." This is something the angels apparently were not allowed to examine.

"Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into" (1 Pet 1:12).

See further discussion on this aspect in Chapters from Section 10.

The Blood of Jesus

Another important aspect is the fact that Christ's atoning blood, was not just for the purpose or matters related to this earth. The Bible says that "things in the heavens" needed to be dealt with by the blood. Even the unfallen angels were in need of Christ's redemptive sacrifice in certain respects. According to 1 Pet 1:12, the full manifestation of the gospel (which involved the work of the cross), had not been made known to them. The implications from the following verses in the book of Hebrews are very significant.

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (Heb 9:22-24).

Theomatics clearly indicates that the "things in the heavens" that needed to be purified, involved the whole rebellion and fall, and causative factors related to that. There is an entire chapter here on angelfall that discusses the significance of the blood of Jesus (see Chapter 7f).

So now, how does this implicate the older son in the Luke 15 story?

The Older Son in the Field

"Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing" (vs 25).

The fact that the older son was in a field is very significant. According to the words of Jesus here is the meaning of "the field" in the Bible.

"The field is the world (or the cosmos); the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one" (Mat 13:38).

Jesus talks about good and evil being in the field. Both the expressions "children of the kingdom" and "children of the wicked one," have the theomatic numbers to do with angels.

There is an amazing parallel in this Luke 15 account to another well known story related to two brothers in the Bible, who were also in a field. The story of Cain and Abel is embedded in the story of the prodigal son. Here is the complete passage from Genesis.

A Type of Cain and Abel

"And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. (2) And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. (3) And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. (4) And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: (5) But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was VERY WROTH, and his countenance fell. (6) And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? (7) If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. (8) And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were IN THE FIELD, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. (9) And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? (10) And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. (11) And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; (12) When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. (13) And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. (14) Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. (15) And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. (16) And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden" (Gen 4:1-16).

This too relates back into the angelic realm. There is so much to discuss here. Only a few significant points will be made at this time. Again,

"The field is the world (cosmos); the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one" (Mat 13:38).

Here Jesus makes a contrast between the good and the evil ones. In the story of the prodigal son, the older brother was in the field as well, and it was in the field that he became very angry (just like Cain). The field is evidently a symbol for the second heaven—the field was AWAY from the Father's house somewhere out on the prairie.

And He Was Angry

What is interesting to note, is that in both instances both Cain and the older brother in Luke were very angry.

"And Cain was VERY WROTH, and his countenance fell" (Gen 4:5).

"And he was ANGRY, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him" (vs 28).

The parallels here are rather stark. In Genesis, Abel brought a blood sacrifice to the Lord—the firstlings of his flock of sheep as an atonement offering (a type of Christ's blood sacrifice for sin which was something that God Himself provided). Cain instead gave of his own efforts, produced from the ground God had cursed when Adam fell, which was totally unacceptable to the Lord. Cain was furious when God refused to accept what he presented. Likewise, the prodigal son gave the Father a perfect sacrifice when he gave himself and HIS OWN LIFE back to the Father in full repentance. The older brother obviously did not need to repent of anything like that. Yet his reaction to the return of his brother was very wicked. Like Cain, he too was full of anger. The only difference is that he did not carry his anger all the way to its logical conclusion, which would have been to murder his righteous brother.

One of the main things that is mentioned throughout the New Testament in both the gospels and the epistles, is how IMPORTANT it is to God that there be love amongst the brethren. In the world to come, God will not tolerate a lack of love or concern for others. This is a huge issue of importance. Look at these words.

"Again, a NEW COMMANDMENT I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes" (1 John 2:8-11).

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mat 22:37-39).

The Calf vs. the Goat

When the great feast of celebration took place, the fatted calf was killed and eaten. It is presumed that the older boy attended the feast, but the Bible does not say that he actually did. In verse 28 it states he "would not go in." Yet there is another subtle aspect of this story that is very revealing. Here is what the older son protested to his Father.

"And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends" (vs 29).

The word for "kid" in Greek means a "young goat." The difference between a cow and goat is stark. A cow is a dumb animal. A goat is anything but dumb. Goats are very intelligent and clever, and very mischievous as well. Even arrogant. People who raise goats can tell you all about the personality of goats. In Matthew 25, when Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous at the final judgment, the sheep on his right are contrasted with the goats, or sinners, on his left.

Now when the older son complained because the Father never gave him a goat so he could celebrate a feast with his friends, this is a good description of the nature of one who did not understand the grace of his Father. There was a vast difference between the goat nature (for the older law abiding son to celebrate) and the calf nature (for the repentant son to celebrate). The older son obviously preferred having the goat.

The key point to all of this, is that the older brother, even though he had obeyed God's laws and commands, was totally PERPLEXED by the whole redemptive celebration. When he heard the music and the dancing "… he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant?" He was baffled by it all. In his way of thinking, he was SELF RIGHTEOUS because he had obeyed God's law and "neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment." This is a perfect illustration of those who think they can EARN their favor with God by works—it breeds pride and self righteousness (that is why many "sanctified" and "holiness" Christians are full of pride and very judgmental of others who don't conform to their standard). This is also a strong indicator as to why the unfallen angels in heaven are also in need of Christ's redemptive blood sacrifice and humility as the LAMB of God. They too must grow in grace and learn God's ways.

This is also, no doubt, the attitude of the angels in heaven who did not rebel. By all human logic, because they had obeyed the Father's commands, they would have no reason to believe in the concept of forgiveness. They would expect to be rewarded for their works (which apparently never occurred in Luke 15).

What is important to note from this story, is that the only celebration that actually took place was a celebration based upon grace, not works or being good.

The Young Lad

Another aspect is this verse.

"Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf" (vs 26,27).

The word "servants" is a bad translation. The Greek word PAIDION means a "youngster." It should have been translated, "he called one of the young lads."

The older son did not understand the significance as to what was happening with all the festivities. In fact, he was not even there, he was out "in the field." It required a YOUNG person (not an old servant) to try and explain to him what the rejoicing was all about. This is very significant, because it speaks of innocence and open mindedness. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children (PAIDION), ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Mat 18:3).

An older servant probably would not have been able to explain what was happening.

But all of these verses are not the end of the story—the bottom line actually occurred at the beginning. Why did Jesus mention in the very first verse all the angels rejoicing?

Finally, The Angels of God Rejoice

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (vs 10).

Here is the tremendous paradox to this story. Here is the grand finale. The older son in the story was jealous, bewildered, and angry. Yet Jesus begins this account by telling us that the angels of God in heaven actually rejoice "over one sinner that repenteth." What is the difference?

What this is telling us, is the fact that NOW the angels are able to understand and comprehend God's whole eternal plan and purpose, including the wondrous plan of redemption. The shed blood was for their benefit as well. And when all the negative thoughts of jealousy and temper are washed away, when forgiveness and grace are granted, then joy and happiness is the only possibility. The heart has been humbled by grace. That is why God's unfallen angels are now capable of rejoicing with us.

Because of the Father's love and what Jesus accomplished on the cross, they DO UNDERSTAND what all of that means.

To God be the Glory.