<p>12:20&nbsp;<em>A bruised reed he shall not break and a smoking wick he shall not quench</em>- The Hebrew words used in Is. 42:3 suggest this is a reference to the candlestick; the words respectively mean a shaft / stem, and a wick. Little strength, little light (if the reference is to the reed which took oil to the lamps of the candlestick), little heat- but all the same, the Lord seeks to fan it into life rather than walk away in disappointment; and by doing so, sets a challenging example to many of us, whose most frequent complaint is the weak state of the brotherhood's members. If the reference is to a damaged and smoky candlestick, this becomes the more poignant- for the candlestick was a clear symbol of Israel and then of the ecclesias (Rev. 1:12,13,20; 2:1).&nbsp;</p>
<p>When judgment is finally cast out by mercy at the last day, then the dysfunctional candlestick will be quenched or destroyed in condemnation. Note how the metaphor of quenching a fire is used here for condemnation; but in another metaphor, condemnation is spoken of as the very opposite- unquenchable fire. This is sure proof that we are not to read 'unquenchable fire' as literal.</p>
<p><em>Until</em>- The Lord's patience with the useless candlestick of Israel and the weakness of the ecclesia will be &quot;until&quot; His final victory over judgment. That happened in one sense on the cross, but in another sense it will only happen when death is swallowed up in victory at the day of judgment. Until then, both He and us are to patiently bear with the damaged and dysfunctional ecclesial candlestick. But in that day, those elements of the candlestick which refuse to give light to the house will be &quot;broken&quot;, the Greek meaning 'broken in pieces'- the language of condemnation (Mt. 21:44).</p>
<p><em>He sends forth judgment to victory-&nbsp;</em>Gk. to cast out, thrust out. See on 12:19&nbsp;<em>show justice</em>. Judgment is cast out&nbsp;<em>eis</em>, &quot;in&quot;, victory.</p>
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