it is interesting to note that the word prevent used as it was back then ment to go before, was hindered but not stopped/ Im sorry i was behind a flock of sheep thay walk slow and barred my way/ the man was prevented in this case by sheep

See Ecclesiastes 12:7 At death, spirit (breath) returns to God who gave it. Also look at our study Soul and Spirit for more information regarding the difference between the soul, which is an individual, and the spirit, which is the breath of life.

According to the bible where does our spirit go. as soul and body goes to hades.

In response to "Where are the dead?", we will prove using the correct scriptures that when a person dies, they are asleep, until the time of resurrection. The time of resurrection does not occur until the time of Christ's second coming.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 (King James Version-verse 7).
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." The subject of verses 1-7 is when a man or woman dies. Verse seven says the "spirit" shall return to God. This spirit is speaking of the breath of life. The same spirit noted in Genesis 7:21-23 is the breath of life of all flesh, human and animal, that died from the flood at Noah's time.

Genesis 7:21-23 (American Standard Version)
"All flesh that moved on the earth perished, birds and cattle and beasts and every swarming thing that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind; of all that was on the dry land, all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, died. Thus He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark."

The spirit or breath of life is what God gives to man to become a living soul.

Genesis 2:7 (King James Version)
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

There is a difference between the spirit which is the breath of life, a living soul, and a dead soul. Refer to our study on "Soul and Spirit" and "Death and Resurrection" for more on this subject.

"Where are the dead?" comments, "When we die we are instantly with the Lord. There are scriptures quoted below that require an adjustment to that thought.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 KJV)

"Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption." (Acts 13:35-37 KJV)

Only Christ has been resurrected to heaven. Moses, Noah, David, Paul, Mary, and all others are alseep until it is time for their resurrection. Christ has to be the first one resurrected. Moses, Noah, and all of those who lived before Jesus the Christ, did not get pre-eminence in resurrection over Christ.

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." (1 Corinthians 15:20-23 KJV)

The comment from "Where are the dead?" misses these points and has not addressed all scriptures. There is meaning and purpose by Jehovah God to have his people wait in sleep before the time of resurrection. Man does not instantly go to heaven after death and play harps for eternity or something like that. God has a purpose and a great plan for those who want to understand his will and listen to his son, Jesus Christ.

See more informatiuon on our web site regarding the Kingdom of God. Anyone can be a part of this great plan.

The following passages would indicate that only our dust and ashes return to the earth:

Eccl 12:1-7
John 5:25
Revelation 14
etc.

When indeed the spirit returns to God and clay to clay, what need of these has God ? Perhaps from our temporal it (The Ressurection) is in our subjective future.... but our Lord, having the power to bring John into The Lord's Day, which is in our subjective future, would indicate that The Lord is transcendental of time. When we die we are "instantly" with The Lord.