Prince of the House of David

By Leona J. Cole

Herein are letters written from a young maiden to her father in the "present time" era of A.D. 26 to A.D. 73. She was sent to Jerusalem to experience the anticipated fulfillment of the promised prophesied Messiah, King. Thus to briefly relate the work of Prince of The House of David"s providential plan of reconciliation of God and man. He came toproclaim state or condition of chosen example Nation/unfaithful wife, yet there was a faithful everlasting is being formed in Christ, in the one, forty-year, Apostolic Age. Then consummated at the end of that age with destruction of the then standing Jerusalem and the Temple.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781449723101

Leona J. Cole

Leona Jane Smith was born in Coldwater, Michigan on July 18, 1925. She attended Sunday School and Church and was baptized in 1936. She graduated High School in 1943. In 1946, she Married Alfred(Bud) E. Cole who was an avid fisherman which became a family enjoyment for their three boys and two girls. Quietly, seeking God's forgiveness in private prayer she dedicated her life to do God's will. The Holy Spirit came into her heart. Now in righteous relation as a regenerate child born again of God, one with Triune God! In 1973, moved to the currant lake home near hometown of Coldwater, Mi. In 2008, Bud passed away . She previously co-authored, with sister, a limited 58 page Biblical Pocket Dictionary.

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Contents

Preface

Introduction

Letters Of Adina

LETTER ONE

LETTER TWO

LETTER THREE

LETTER FOUR

LETTER FIVE

LETTER SIX

LETTER SEVEN

LETTER EIGHT

LETTER NINE

LETTER TEN

LETTER ELEVEN

LETTER TWELVE

LETTER THIRTEEN

LETTER FOURTEEN

LETTER FIFTEEN

LETTER SIXTEEN

LETTER SEVENTEEN

LETTER EIGHTEEN

LETTER NINETEEN

LETTER TWENTY

LETTER TWENTY ONE

LETTER TWENTY TWO

LETTER TWENTY THREE

LETTER TWENTY FOUR

LETTER TWENTY FIVE

LETTER TWENTY SIX

LETTER TWENTY SEVEN

LETTER TWENTY EIGHT

LETTER TWENTY NINE

LETTER THIRTY

LETTER THIRTY ONE

LETTER THIRTY TWO

LETTER THIRTY THREE

LETTER THIRTY FOUR

LETTER THIRTY FIVE

LETTER THIRTY SIX

LETTER THIRTY SEVEN

LETTER THIRTY EIGHT

APPENDAGE

Preface

The inspiration for PRINCE OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID, came by my intense position in Jesus Christ who is the seed of King David; and an inheritance of a novel so named, authored by Reverend J. H. Ingraham, Homewood Publishing Company, AD 1900 copyright, long out of print, used for material and reference, which ended with the ascension of Christ, AD 30.

The Lord was prayerfully sought constantly; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God. I Cor. 2 :5

The purpose of this edition is to humbly present Jesus Christ the Messiah, as Prince of the House of David, the only begotten Son of God. His name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace no end, upon the throne of David, upon His kingdom, to order it, to establish it with judgment and righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6,7. He being of the promised covenant Spiritual lineal seed of King David through son Nathan, to be the fulfillment of all Godly prophecies of the long anticipated and anointed Prophet, Priest, King, the Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer.

And--to offer the reader an opportunity, with some imagination to put yourself in the approximate ‘present time‘ of AD 26 to AD 73. The then era of AD 26 to AD 30, Immanuel, God with us; the bodily presence of Christ; followed by the Apostolic Age of AD 30 to AD 70, whereupon, destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple with all records occurred, as written in the King James Bible, and recorded by historian, Josephus. Many of the exact scripture words of Jesus Christ, and others as written in King James Bible, along with exact events were used; with an Appendage extension to the end of the seven-year war, AD 73.

Therefore, instill in your mind, you could be there---to walk in the shoes, sandals, of those alive in that era; a Jew or Gentile, a Roman, a traveling merchant, an innocent bystander, perhaps a wayward offender of the law, or, as Adina-- to examine the events in ‘this present time‘, with an eye to see and an ear to hear, apprehend.

Quotes from Scripture are as recorded in the King James Bible translation of Holy Word of God.

HONOR AND GLORY

TO GOD THE FATHER

JESUS CHRIST THE SON

AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

DEDICATED TO THE LIGHT OF LIFE

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

AND

LIVELIHOOD

OF A

GODLY PEOPLE

OF INDIVIDUALS

AS A CHILD OF GOD

REGENERATE IN MESSIAH CHRIST

IN NEW GODLY KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

Includes

My Immediate Loving Family

Introduction

Letters Of Adina

Adina, the writer of the following letters, was the only child of Manasseh Benjamin, who though an Israelite of the tribe of Judah, was a native of the Graeco-Romano city of Alexandria. His ancestor was the learned David Esdras, Manasseh, one of the Septuagint (or LXX) appointed by Ptolemy Philadelphus in 277 B.C. to translate the sacred scripture from the original Hebrew tongue into the Greek. Esdras, with his companions, had accomplished this important work, and was invited by the king to remain in Egypt to hold an office of trust and honor. His descendants for five generations were eminent men, who shared the confidence of the rulers of Egypt, under whom they accumulated possessions of worldly means which were finally inherited by Manasseh Benjamin, a man worthy in his own right of such distinguished ancestry. He was revered in Alexandria for his integrity, knowledgeable wisdom and rank, as well as his wealth. His steadfast, profound faith and veneration for the land of his Patriarchs, the Holy City and Temple of Jehovah were not lessened by his nativity as an Egyptian Jew.

He had been sent in his youth to Jerusalem by his father in 4/3 B.C., that he might further his knowledge, under the teaching of the Jewish Rabbi, of the history and prophesied future of Nation Israel; while at the same time to experience life in the city King David had made the capital and worship center in 998B.C. Thus, King David brought the northern ten Israel Gentile Tribes/Nations to reunite with the two southern Israel Tribes of Judah to form the separated factions back into one Nation under God; a foreshadow of the work of son-of David-Son of God, Christ, and Apostles; for the two factions had again split under Solomon,

Both father and son held the prophecies close in their heart and mind. The long journey was approached with excited expectation of the possibility, even probability, as the time of the expected virgin birth drew nigh, to be in close proximity of the prophesied birthplace of the anticipated royalty, the Messiah, King! There were cherished memories of that eventful disclosure; but--their King? born in a stable? Of a carpenter? Of Nazareth, Galilee? Was there questionable authenticity? Yet, there was fulfillment of the prophets explicit prophecies! Time will tell!

It had been a privileged lively experience wherein he had resolved that within God’s time and will, his first-born son should be granted the opportune advantage and responsibility to be in Jerusalem, the Holy City, to personally witness developments.

Benjamin’s wife struggled through the rigor of child birth to give him his first-born. Failure to meet the hopes and expectation of a son, she consoled her husband with the thought of the next one to be the son and heir. That was not to be God’s will, for she did not survive, bereaving Benjamin of a wife and a mother for Adina. With the love of his life so abruptly gone, Benjamin found his light of love in the gift God had given him, a comfort and responsibility, not lightly taken. With God’s guidance, as Adina grew, he had undertaken to share his competent knowledge of the sacred scrolls as he would have with a first-born son, as his father had so done with him.

He taught her as beseemed a Jewish woman as the inheritress of his name and wealth, for he sensed the impelling necessity, not only due to her position, but most importantly, to rightfully prepare for the challenge of the prophetic last days, which the scripture proclaimed, must also seem to be on the horizon of the fast approaching day.

It had been thirty years since the long awaited announcement of the fulfillment of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. There had been - in the doorways, at the Agora, wherever two or more met - the hushed, yet excited voices to proclaim or question the truth of the matter. Some spoke of Isaiah’s words, of signs, of …His kingdom to order and establish with judgment and righteousness, from henceforth forever. These words, and others, echoed in their heart, with yearning, could this baby be the covenant King?-the Prince of the House of David?

Now, in the year of A.D. 27, preparations that had been made, were finalized by Manasseh Benjamin for sixteen year old Adina to be sent on the journey of a lifetime to the holy city, Jerusalem; to reside and be cared for in the home of her uncle, Rabbi Amos, an older brother of her deceased mother. His wife and baby died at childbirth about twelve years ago, leaving a daughter, Judith, a year or so older than Adina, and an older son, Joshua. Judith is espoused to cousin John, and they are very close friends with Lazarus of Bethany, and his two sisters, Martha and Mary. Adina knew she would enter into a strange land, to live with unfamiliar people, in a different environment; to have contact with her father only through correspondence of written word which traveled many days before arrival. So, though with excited anticipation of an unusual adventure, there was yet some trepidation of leaving her father and of what the future should hold.

Embodied within a caravan, in the care of a Rabbi friend of her father’s, behold, she set forth.

LETTER ONE

My dear father —My first duty, as it is my highest pleasure in filial love to obey your command —’write, as soon as you arrive in Jerusalem!’ Sending a letter to you by every monthly caravan headed for Cairo is my obliging aim, and if there are more frequent opportunities, I intend to exercise the ability you afforded me on the fine tutoring provided, in anticipation of this very time of our separation after being so close these sixteen years.

We entered the city just before the sixth hour of evening and were soon at the home of our relative, Rabbi Amos. They received me warmly, as if I had a daughter’s claim to their embraces, thereby assured the welcome into their home and family life. The accommodation presented me is very gratifying, luxuriously comfortable. It would seem they so long to make me as nearly at ease as possible in this transitional disruption from the security of you, father, and the only home I have ever known.

The gifts you sent were delightfully well received; the family desire to be commended to you.

It is truly amazing to actually be in the Holy City! Even that statement renders a profound reverence, a remarkable change from reading and hearing about the awe inspiring prominence of Jerusalem, and then have the privilege to experience the very heart of it.

Our fourteen-day journey hither, the count by Rabbi Ben Israel, was as you advised rather tedious, yet the wonder of what each day might offer and the excitement to contemplate my destination would stir my heart and mind. The sight of the gentle rolling sea was a most welcome relief. For most of three days we enjoyed the blue expanse, scarcely able to discover where the water joined the sky. We also saw several barges which the Rabbi Ben Israel, under whose excellent care you entrusted me, always ready to gratify my thirst for knowledge, informed me were Roman galleys bound to Sidon, and others to the Nile. As we were to leave the seashore, I noticed a wrecked vessel with it’s huge black body out of the water. The Rabbi gave me to understand it had come from Alexandria laden with wheat bound for Italia, and was cast ashore in a raging storm. My respect for the sea increased at that story.

We stopped at Gaza two days, entered the gateway of which Sampson carried away the gates; and noted the hill two miles to the Southeast where he left them. Among the other places of interest in historical scripture shown me, was the field in which we traveled was where Sampson put to flight the Phillistine hosts with much slaughter; a lion’s cave out of which they stated, came the lion he slew, sufficed for his famous riddles. The dry well where the ten Israelite sons of Jacob lowered their brother Joseph, was pointed out to me by our Arab guide, that included the rock upon which the Ishmaelites told down the pieces of silver. It seemed the old Arab relished the unfolding of the occurrence with more elation than needful, as to impress me, for with great pride he drew attention to the fact that our ancestor had once been the purchased slave of theirs! They would take occasion to elevate their own race and bring reproach upon the sons of Israel. When we were encamped at Isaac’s well, Aben Hussuff, our white bearded chief of this caravan, in a lengthy discussion with Rabbi Ben Israel would have it that Isaac was the son of the bond woman and Ishmael the true heir. He declared Ishmael was disinherited and cast off through the wiles of the bondwoman, who would have her son be the inheritor. But of course, my knowledge in our history prevented my giving heed to such a discourse.. The Arabs though, all took part with their chief, and contended for the truth of what he asserted as warmly and zealously as the learned Rabbi did for the truth of his side.

Now, do I hear you chuckling father?

The morning of the last day of this journey we could see at a great distance to the east, the sea of Sodom and Gomorrah, where the impressive wrath of Jehovah was displayed in their destruction. We also caught a glimpse of the Jordan north of it, which looked like a silver thread; yet near as it appeared to be, the guide informed us it was a good day’s journey for a camel to reach its shores.

Our way then lay along a narrow valley for some time, when all at once, as we reached the height of the ridge, there appeared JERUSALEM, the city of ZION! Like a city risen out of the earth, it stood before us so unexpectedly, for we were still, as it were, in the dessert; yet so near on the side of our approach does the dessert advance to its walls that it was not two miles off when we beheld it.

I cannot, dear father, describe my emotions on this first sight of the Holy City, so distinguished in the holy scripture, and being the birth place of my dear mother. We Jewish travelers alighted from the camels to prostrate ourselves in humble, loving honor to our Holy God. I unveiled with bowed head in profound sacred reverence. The attendant Arabs also bowed and knelt in homage. You taught me, dear father, that the patriarchs were their ancestors as well as ours, though through Ishmael, who they believe lay with Isaac and Jacob in sepulchers upon Mount Zion.

Now, gazing upon this city of David, my thoughts drifted to historical recorded events; I could almost assume to be a part of it — of Isaac bound upon an altar on yonder height; -- of Isaiah sawn asunder in the gloomy valley at my feet; -- of David’s forty-year glorious reign, when he made Jerusalem the capital city, and united all Israel to worship there; -- the capture and destruction of the wall and temple by Nebuchadnezzar; -- after the seventy years captivity, the faithful remnant’s return to rebuild Jerusalem in reverential worship and physical structure, led by Ezra and Nehemiah.. Throughout all, the Presence of Jehovah, Almighty God, had been worshipped here century after century. That brought my attention to the Temple, of the sacrifices on the altar, the holy place and its adornments, then the holy of holies wherein the mercy seat of the ark and the cherubim, the testimony of the covenant table of stone, Aaron’s budded rod, the pot of manna, with the cloud of presence----suddenly a cry from our guide—The Roman! The Roman! Aroused me! Startled alert, all quickly remounted to leave the road open to the cohort that galloped up the ridge, an eagle was carried in advance.

In the first exaltation of pride in the past glory of this land of the prophets and kings anointed by God, the Roman conquest was momentarily forgotten. Reality abruptly presented itself as the troops passed by with the jingle and clashing of their trappings and the pounding of the many hoofs.

We rode on; our pathway wound down around this hill covered with tombs. The Rabbi pointed one out as that of the prophet Jeremiah. We then crossed a small green valley, beautiful with groves, fountains, and terraces. A multitude of men and women seemed to enjoy a stroll at leisure here outside the city walls among booths arranged on one side of the shady walk where merchants from many areas sold their wares. The Rabbi accounted for this concourse to inform me our arrival was on a great feast day.

Upon the ascension of a low hill, there, from another view-point, was the splendid city in all its magnificence.

How utterly wondrous! my thought was voiced with much feeling.

With haughty confidence the Rabbi proclaimed, Men cannot destroy the City of God; she will stand forever!

Point out, good Rabbi Ben Israel, some of the prominent places, like that imposing castle.

That is the ‘City of David’, the castle of the kings, who protected the Temple and town. David fortified himself in it, as so did the Macabees. It was built by King Melchizedek, a friend of our Father Abraham. He paused, It is now garrisoned by numerous Roman soldiers.

With a sigh, I then asked, and that graceful tower that the sunbeams burnish like gold?

The one with the palm growing by its side and nearly as lofty? he questioned. I nodded assent, and he continued. That is David’s tower where his watchmen stood when he looked for tidings from Absalom; the woods of Ephraim you see far to the northeast is where Prince Absalom was slain.

What of this palace which the setting sun lights up so brilliantly as if it were covered with silver?

"’Tis the palace of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who reigns in Jerusalem as a king. But why do you shudder? He asked, as he followed the direction of my eyes; not far distant, opposite the city gate, two crosses with bodies nailed to them were seen. A guard of soldiers and a crowd of people watched the writhing of the victims.

"That is the hill of Calvary, where the Romans execute their malefactors. It is a cruel punishment, not so mild as stoning to death; but the Romans have little feeling. Let us move on.

As we passed the garden with olive trees he explained, This is Solomon’s garden, now called Gethsemane. It is like all the royal woods, desolate.

Yet, even beautiful in its desolation. How majestically the walls of the temple rise seen from this valley! What is this, partly covered with trees behind the garden?

Olivet, also a portion of the kings gardens in the days of Israel’s glory. The village beyond it is Bethlehem.

The Bethlehem of Judah? I exclaimed. Out of which the prophet says shall come a Ruler over all of Israel?

The same! And we expect one day to have that prophesy fulfilled, to have a King and Governor of the royal seed of David.

"And do any of David’s family now exist? I earnestly pursued, as I looked intently on the bearded face of the Rabbi.

Yes, the prophesy will be accomplished, though, they are, as far as known, poor and humble. But I have no doubt that somewhere among the nations there exists some of the royal stock who are reigning princes, as Daniel and Joseph reigned in Persia and Egypt, from whence will come a conqueror to rule over Israel.

Thoughtfully, I asked, How then can they spring from yonder village of Bethlehem?

The Rabbi, embarrassed and rather stymied by this equation, sought for a reply, when we came upon a flock of sheep mingled with a drove of cattle being driven into the city for the altars of sacrifice, which blocked the road. It was with some maneuvering our way was made through to the Damascus gate. And so, dear father, we now enter the city as was afore stated.

It is Uncle Rabbi Amos’ course to serve in the Temple, so not much is seen of him, but he seems to be a man of piety and benevolence with a great love for his family life.

Farewell, dear father, and let us pray for the glory of Israel.

Your affectionate Adina

LETTER TWO

My dear Father --- I have been once to the temple. Its outer court was thronged with men selling animals and doves for the sacrifice. The confusion of tongues and noises made the place appear other than the Holy Temple of God. Getting safely through the Bazaar, which allows under the patronage of it, every other sort of traffic, I reached the women’s court. With great awe, I bowed my head toward the Presence of God in the Holy of Holies. Never have I felt so near to God. Clouds of incense floated above the heads of the multitude, while rivers of blood flowed down the marble steps of the altar of burnt offering. What a strange fearful ritual, that the blood of an innocent lamb should atone for my sin and for those of the many of our Nation Israel.

As I returned from the Temple, I met many individuals walking, some mounted, all crowding out the gate; and have since learned there is a very extraordinary man believed to be a true prophet of God that lives in the wilderness, eastward, near Jordan River, said to Preach with power unknown in the land since Elijah and Elisha. It is to see and hear this prophet many go daily out from Jerusalem. Reportedly, he lives in a cave, feeds on plants, locust and honey, drinks only water, and is clothed in the skin of a lion. As you and I would note, father, his sustenance is wholly by God’s provision! And certainly appears to answer to the word you had received ere my departure, to be the voice in the wilderness, as prophesied, saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! His influence is so exceptionally remarkable that it would almost encourage one to believe he is really endowed with the Spirit of the Prophets. Food for Thought ?!

Adieu father

LETTER THREE

My dear father --- The Rabbi Ben Israel has just made known his intention to return to Egypt tomorrow, inquiring if I had any notice to entrust him with for my friends in Alexandria. Instead of this letter he will bear unto you, I would rather commit myself a second time to his care. This parchment then would be replaced by my presence to be once again with you, but it is by your earnest wish that I am here. Though I sigh to behold you, I will make the effort to be content in my absence from you knowing my restlessness would cause you sorrow.

So far as a daughter can be happy far from the only life and surroundings ever known, everything has been provided to render me so.The good Rabbi Amos in his kindness recalls your mild dignified countenance; his daughter Judith, in her affectionate