the Hebrews in the wilderness of Sinai following their escape from Egypt under Moses. In Numbers 21:9 we read of Moses ordering the erection of a brazen (bronze, not brass) serpent to protect the children of Israel when plagued by "fiery serpents." This quasi-idol survived for about 600 years, until destroyed by Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4). This brazen serpent enters Christianity in the Gospel of John, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up" (3:14). Of subtle but equally important significance is the numerological equivalence of the words Messiah and serpent. The Hebrews used letters to designate numbers and thus every word was a
number. Both Messiah and serpent in Hebrew can be seen as representing the same number: 358. Thus, through this common number, the one (serpent) may be substituted for the other (Christos, Greek for Messiah). Although few now take numerology seriously, it is important to keep in mind that it, along with astrology; was the source of much of the symbolism that pervades Christianity, Freemasonry, and Templary; Sir Knight Rex R. Hutchens, KYGCH, is the Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Commandery of Arizona. He is a member of Arizona Commandery No. 1, Tucson, Arizona. He resides at 4678 Coachlight Ln, Tucson, AZ 85718
Northeast Tennessee York Rite College Confers "Boy Scout" Master Mason Degree Scout leaders in Northeast Tennessee York Rite College No. 153 conferred the Master Mason degree on fellow Scout leader, Glen Allen Hazelwood, in Overton Lodge No. 5, Rogersville, Tennessee, early 2003. The degree team wore Scout uniforms during the degree. Overton Lodge No. 5 is the oldest continuous lodge in Tennessee. All of the team except Chris Hawk are members of Kingsport Commandery No. 33; Chris is a member of Watauga Commandery No. 25. Pictured, left to right, are: Tommy Kenner, Commander of Kingsport No. 33; David Gibbs; Martin Gourley; Glen Hazelwood (front, middle), new Master Mason; James Brooks, Captain General of Kingsport No. 33; Chris Hawk, Governor of Northeast Tennessee York Rite College No. 153; and Richard Burow, Recorder of Kingsport No. 33 and Grand Governor of Tennessee. (submitted by Richard Burow)
January 2003
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