Yearly Archives: 2014

Biblical Equality

Posted on July 9, 2014 by K. Gallagher

john McKee

I just finished a short ebook by J.K. McKee of Outreach Israel Ministries and TNN Online called “Biblical Equality and Today’s Messianic Movement”. It is fantastic and I highly urge you to forgo a $3 coffee to buy this informative document. You will be glad you did. This post will explore some of Mr. McKee’s insights and some of my thoughts that he helped tie together.

Mr. McKee focuses on Galatians 3:28:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua.

Notice that there are three categories of people mentioned in this verse. Most people understand that this verse is emphasizing the equality and freedom we have in Messiah. And, this is true. However, there is more to the story, as explained below.

For now, consider some of our most outspoken disagreements within the whole of Messianic circles. Number one centers on the identity and separation/inclusion of Jews and Gentiles (Greeks). Some Messianic Jewish leaders just released a scathing treatise against those that are for inclusion and equality between these groups back in January 2014. One of their most notable battle cries was IDENTITY markers for Jews, which (they believe) Gentiles should not infringe upon. In their mind, Sabbath, dietary laws, and the moedim (feast days), are those markers. (For a response to this treatise, click here)

They have an unwarranted and unholy fear of Gentiles actually being obedient to the Covenant. In their mind, if there isn’t a line drawn in the sand to separate these racial groups, the Jewish people will cease to exist or be overrun by Gentiles. Thus, they claim that followers of the God of Israel that come from Gentile backgrounds should not seek to keep the Creator’s calendar and Torah, lest they become vile practitioners of supersessionism. What they fail to realize, is that by demanding such, they have placed themselves as the overlords and gate keepers of the covenant. You can’t be the light, draw people in, to only turn them away.

Ungodly fear is at the root of this type of thinking. To lose (perceived) control can be a very compelling goad. Their scare tactics have succeeded somewhat and they have managed to persuade some into their hypocrisy. Sadly, if they would only open a genuine dialogue with those that “see” differently, their fears would be alleviated. In over ten years, I haven’t met one single person from a Gentile background that desires to keep the Torah and cling to the God of Israel that has any notions of usurping Judah, overtaking Israel, or replacing Jews in any form or fashion. Instead, I see a people that would pick up a sword any day of the week to defend Judah, Jews, and the Land. This, even when their name and faith is continually slandered, rebuked, and denied legitimacy by the former.

Mr. McKee posits a poignant question in his book:

What happens in a religious culture that emphasizes distinctions first, rather than common faith and belief in the Lord Yeshua? What will commonly be manifest in such an environment are rivalry, suspicion, self-superiority, factionalism, and division, to be then followed by resentment and bitterness.[1]

Do we not see these things happening right now in those returning to the Torah and their Jewish roots? While non-Jewish believers have been crying out for acceptance and equality in the Body, many have forgotten the last third of Galatians… there is neither male nor female.

Restoring women is a missing key to this equation. Those bent on complementarianism rather than equality or egalitarianism among the sexes are denying the complete restoration and a full return to Edenic values. Mr. McKee puts it this way:

“The LORD God of Israel is not going to honor the request of a Messianic non-Jewish man, to be treated as a welcomed equal in Messianic Judaism, if such a man’s wife might not be treated as an equal, co-leader of the family along with him.”

Mr. McKee observes that the three groups mentioned in Galatians 3:28 are all interconnected. We can’t isolate one group and that be one’s only focus of restoration, for they actually reflect one another. They are each a picture of the other two. Thus, if we desire to seek true freedom and equality, there are three categories that must be simultaneously considered.

Many of my readers are aware that when I began to diligently seek out the biblical role of women, the Father dropped a hidden bombshell on my lap, by revealing the issues of modern day slavery (trafficking). I grasped the connection immediately; and I believed I was seeing the other side of the coin. But, I now realize that what He was actually showing me is more akin to a wicked tripod that supports and gives strength to oppression and domination in all forms. Isn’t it written somewhere that a threefold cord is not quickly broken? (Ecc. 4:12)

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In light of Galatians 3:28, where there are issues of race, there will be issues of slavery and domination. Where there are issues of slavery, there will issues of gender equality and repression. One begets the other. Do you think it is a coincidence that Woman Suffrage, Equal rights, and the abolition of slavery are all intertwined in (recent) United States history? I think Paul saw this link a long time ago.

This is why now more than ever, those returning to the Torah and keeping the Testimony of Yeshua should be breaking the legs of this wicked tripod and uplifting and restoring the marginalized groups back to the original state: Eden.

But how can we accomplish such a feat? Where do we begin? How does a society and a Body entrapped in the dogma of authority, dominance, and control shift gears and do a 180 degree turn?

What many fail to elucidate when examining the issues of race, slavery, and gender equality, is our world’s proclivity toward male oriented authority, dominance, and control. Which are all, by the way, traits that the Creator especially endowed in the masculine side of His Creation. When these characteristics are tempered by the Holy Spirit and the feminine side of Creation, they bring balance and security.

But what happens if these masculine qualities dominate without the opposite, yet complimentary, traits of the feminine? We would expect to see a world entrenched in a power grab for dominance, authority, and control. Is that not the world we live in? On a smaller scale, we see the same thing happening within the Body of Messiah. The scales are tipped too far in the direction of the hard masculine. The Jewish sages, particularly the Chassidic sect, see this unjust scale and foresee a transition coming.

As with the general scheme of the cosmos, so with man and woman and the human consciousness. The history of humankind can be seen this way: A transition from male to female values, from authority to dialogue, from dominance to persuasion, from control to nurture.[2]

Do you hear the heart of this rabbi? He can clearly see the problem… and the solution. Dialogue, persuasion, and nurture are needed for reform. All of these qualities are feminine. But if we continue to deny females to operate in their God given abilities; or worse, deny their legitimacy to minister to the Body altogether, we can expect a continual struggle with race, slavery, and gender. What a vicious cycle!

I have great hope that we are on the cusp of real restoration. It has taken us a long, long time to get to where we are today. There is still much struggle and resistance to change (restoration). But I cannot help but to also recognize another connection to the three groups mentioned in Galatians 3:28.

With the reestablishment of the state of Israel in 1948, came also a theological paradigm shift. Israel and the Jewish people have a God given right to exist and flourish. For many Christians, seeing this took a sincere desire to reexamine the Scriptures in light of current events. Old traditions, dogma, and pride had to be laid on the altar of Truth.

Do you believe that it is a coincidence that the Civil rights movement quickly came on the heels of this restoration? And with that, the beginnings of a return of both believing Jews and Gentiles to the Torah of YHWH? Like it or not, all these happenings are CONNECTED.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there is also another spirit that likes to work contemporarily with the Truth and offer the naïve a counterfeit. Sometimes core truths are twisted into a tree that no longer resembles the seed from which it sprang in ideologies such as liberal progressivism and secular feminism. Nevertheless, each started with “good intentions.” If only we could step back and look at the bigger picture of what is happening. We have a problem that begins with IDENTITY.

Identity Crisis

Let’s back up for a minute and reexamine Galatians 3:28.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua.

Mr. McKee pointed out something else in his paper that hadn’t resonated with me before. Was Paul refuting traditions found both in 1st century Judaism and other surrounding cultures on some pretty ingrained social norms in Galatians 3:28?

There is a morning blessing in the orthodox siddur (prayer book) that seems a little offensive without understanding its true background. The prayers in question are in the shacharit.[3]

 “Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, for not having made me a Gentile.”

“Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, for not having made me a slave.”

“Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, for not having made me a woman.”

Before I address the traditional justification for these prayers, I’d first like you to notice that these prayers are not only the exact same “social” classes mentioned by Paul in Gal. 3:28, but they are also in the same order. Is this a coincidence?

I don’t believe Paul’s declaration in Galatians 3:28 was countering these three blessings in the Jewish siddur. As a matter of fact, Judaism wasn’t the only religion or society that held social class views on these subgroups in the first century. The language of the three blessings echoes Greek prayers. In his later years, Plato is reported to have said, “I thank God that I was born Greek and not barbarian, free and not slave, male and not female, but above all that I was born in the age of Socrates.”[4]

Again, is the striking similarity of this proclamation to the Jewish prayer and Paul’s declaration just a coincidence?

It is human nature to compare ourselves to others. We encounter the good and bad results of this in today’s world just as much as they did in the 1st century. Social psychology has developed a theory called social comparison that attempts to explain this tendency. Social comparison centers on the belief that there is a drive within individuals to gain accurate self-evaluations. The theory explains how individuals evaluate their own opinions and abilities by comparing themselves to others in order to reduce uncertainty in these domains, and learn how to define the self.[5] In other words, we compare and distinguish ourselves from others to determine our own IDENTITY. Pay close attention to that last sentence, for it is at the root of much of our quarreling and division.

The common apologetic for the three “blessings” mentioned above from the Siddur is that these three classes of people – gentile, slave, and woman – are not sociological classes, but mitzvah classes. The apologetic insists that the prayer has nothing to do with the equality of these individuals. Instead, they are meant to be expressions of gratitude for the mitzvot (commandments), and each of the people mentioned in each blessing has more mitzvot to fulfill than the one preceding.

While this explanation is compelling, it still stands to reason that this section of the Siddur could have been influenced by the Greek culture of the first century. I am not alone in this assumption. Many Jewish scholars conclude the same thing.

I believe Paul was calling the people to recognize that in a redeemed or restored state, we must forgo our old social comparisons. Our identity is not found in comparing ourselves to others, but in the finished work of the Messiah. Our destiny and proper “social” status is not found in modern society, not in the Middle Ages, not in the first century, and not even in the age of the patriarchs. We must seek to return to our first estate and that place is most akin to the Garden of Eden, before the fall. For it is there where we have no Jew or Greek, no slave or freeman, no male or female; we have perfect oneness and unity!

If we could grasp the Hebraic concept of the cyclical nature of time, seasons, and restoration, instead of a progressive linear view of supersessionism, then the social comparison tendency would have to fall to the wayside. While our propensity remains to be a preoccupation with authority and patriarchalism, Yeshua tried to steer us BACK toward the beginning, to the place of mutual submission, sacrificial love, and servanthood.

Mat. 20:25-28  But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.  (26)  “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,  (27)  and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;  (28)  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

There should be mutual equality, respect, and submission between men and women in the Body based upon the gifts that the Spirit gives to each (male and female) believer. (Acts 2:15-21; Gal. 3:28) Likewise, there should be a mutual equality, respect, and submission within the home between husband and wife. (Eph. 5:21-33)

Mr. Mckee persuasively pointed out WHY the Edenic model is not only powerful, but so desperately needed in the Body of Messiah today. His proposition not only resonated with my heart, but baffled me as to why we have such a hard time seeing this, for it is pure simplicity.

In order to fully realize this, let’s look at the Galatians 3:28 one more time:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua.

Until we jump down from our high horse of social comparison and pick up the lens of the Messiah, we are doomed to repeat the millennia of mistakes of all those that have gone before us. We must exchange our desire for dominance and control with a heart for service, servanthood, and sacrificial love; or we are not fulfilling the law of our King.

Perhaps this is why FLESH was a daily offering. We cannot look out for numero uno (number one) and win the race of the Kingdom. All of God’s children of every race, tribe, and tongue, both genders, are equal and one in the Kingdom of Heaven. What are we waiting for? Why don’t we start living out this principle now?

[1] McKee, John Kimball Biblical Equality and Today’s Messianic Movement, 2014. Kindle file.

[2] http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/AID/2918/ShowFeedback/true

[3] Shacharit = Morning Prayers. The name is derived from the Temple service offerings: http://www.myjewishlearning.com/texts/Liturgy_and_Prayers/Siddur_Prayer_Book/weekdayprayer.shtml

[4] http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/e/euthyphro-apology-crito-and-phaedo/plato-biography

See also the classical work: Vitae Philosophorum 1.33

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_comparison_theory

Categories: Messianic Issues, Women | Tags: , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Torah Portion: Emor

Posted on May 3, 2014 by K. Gallagher

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“Speak”

Lev. 21:1- 24:23; Rom. 7-8

Holiness Laws

This portion continues from last week with the instructions in holiness (or set apartness) to YHWH. There is a definite escalation that takes place as YHWH gives these commands to Moses. Last week in Kedoshim,[1] the laws of holiness began with the people in general. The entire camp of Israel is to be holy to YHWH.

Lev. 19:2  “Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.”

But as the text moves forward, the sphere and requirements for holiness becomes more exacting and severe. In Emor, we learn that the Levite line is expected to live a stricter lifestyle than the other tribes. But within this restricted circle, we find that the kohanim (priesthood) must lead and live by the most stringent manner of all Israel. In other words, there are levels to holiness. It’s not that one is better than the other; it’s that YHWH has different expectations for those that serve His people and His House. Those expectations (instructions, commandments) are more stern than those He gives for the average Joe (Israelite). This reminds me of James (Ya’akov’s) warning to those that teach the Word.

Jam. 3:1  Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.

The accountability and expectations are higher for one that ministers to the body in matters of worship, teaching, and counsel. It seems as though those that are a “mouth” or mediator (priest) in the body are meant to live by a stricter standard. On the one hand, we are all called to be holy and servants of YHWH. On the other hand, those that have more influence on the masses, no matter the role, will be judged more stringently. This is because their actions directly affect multiple people (as did the Levites and the priests). People look up to, watch and mimic their leaders. This makes even me, a blog poster, shutter with awe and renewed vision to be diligent and cautious with my words.

 

Holiness Defined

Exactly what is it that makes us holy (kadosh)? Unlike the English word holy, being kadosh is simply the state of being set apart (from all the rest) for a special function. Thus, you can be set apart for something good or something wicked. This is why the same Hebrew word can be used for a harlot and holy ones. (qof, dalet, shin) You see, a harlot is set apart to fulfill their special function. What we are called to be is set apart unto YHWH. This requires us to walk as He instructs; not as we feel, not as we deem appropriate, and not as someone else suggests. And the requirements aren’t too difficult for us. They are near to us; and if we’ve been born from above, they are in our hearts and in our mouths.

Dt. 30:11-16  “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.  (12)  “It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’  (13)  “Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’  (14)  “But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.  (15)  “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;  (16)  in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the LORD your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.

Since the last two week’s portions give us specific instructions in holiness, you may come away from reading them thinking, “Without the Levitical Priesthood and the Temple, how is it possible to follow these commandments?” While it is true that these sections often speak directly to the Temple and Priesthood, there are plenty of instructions that we can observe physically and others we can seek to uphold spiritually. Without a Temple or functioning Levitical Priesthood however, there are numerous commandments that we simply cannot keep. (This eliminates quite a chunk from the 613 if you’re keeping count.)

For example, reverencing your mother and father and keeping YHWH’s Sabbath’s (Lev. 19:3) do not require a Temple. But, offering an animal sacrifice in any way other than the manner described would be a sin itself. These types of physical sacrifices require a Priesthood and Temple.

However, we CAN look at the sacrifices of our lips and deeds. Are they being offered without blemish or defect? In this way, we can still hold to the “heart” of these instructions and see that they are in fact applicable to us in a different way. The point is not to “skim over” these issues because they appear to be foreign or outdated. I assure you that the Word of YHWH is never invalid or archaic! Our peon brains and lustful flesh may desire to sweep all these particulars under the rug, but be careful where you stand, lest you fall!

Our loving Elohim (God) is Good. His Word, Commandments, and Statutes are also Good. And they are, if anything, spiritual!

Rom. 7:14  For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.

The real scary truth about holiness is that you can be holy and just not be set apart unto YHWH. If you are ruled by your flesh, you will disregard the Creator’s Commandments. Flesh prefers the bondage of sin. And we ALL have flesh! So, in this state, we are set-apart (made holy) unto sin, death, and destruction. While it seems crazy to think that anyone would choose this type of holiness (which is harlotry), multitudes do it every day. I still have many areas that need improvement and if you are honest, you do too! This is why we need the Torah so badly! How can we change or improve if we won’t read and heed the instructions? How do we know the depth of our depravity unless we are shown with the Light of the Word? As Paul says in the same passage as above, “Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Rom. 7:24)

Paul clearly illustrates the quandary common to all of mankind. The Law of YHWH is holy and good and teaches us how to bear proper fruit. (Rom. 7:4-5, 7:12-13) But it becomes evident that there is more than one law at work in our members. On the one hand there is the Law of God showing us what sin is. On the other hand, there is the Law of Sin that wages war against the good we know to do.

Rom. 7:21-23  I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.  (22)  For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,  (23)  but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.

Praise Yah for the blood of Messiah Yeshua! He has made the way for us to be set free from the Law of Sin. (Rom. 8:1-4) Are you free from sin? Or is there still a war waging in your members? I freely admit that the war wages on in my life. I must battle my flesh (nephesh) every single day. However, I’ve actually met “believers” that claim that they no longer sin. Not surprisingly, it was obvious just in conversation that the war wages on in their lives as well —- though they deny it.

Denying the battle would certainly strip you of your armor and weaken your faith. You would have to be wondering what the hell was going on in your life all the time. Because it would indeed be “hell”, and you’d be losing! You might even accuse Yeshua of not holding up His end of the deal (Yah Forbid!) This was the evidence I saw in the couple that claimed to be “free from sin”. A devastating circumstance had happened in their lives. The woman was so overcome with grief that she sat in the kitchen of a stranger (me) and cried —- searching for an answer. She was vulnerable and under great condemnation. Which ironically, is spoken about in the verse preceding their “pet” proof text.

Rom. 8:1-2  Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  (2)  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Are you living in condemnation? If you are in Messiah and feel overwhelmed, overcome, defeated, or condemned, your flesh (nephesh) is at the helm of your ship! Choose Life! You have every tool you need to fight this battle. Quit letting your mind, feelings, and flesh dictate your emotional state and daily life. We are NOT called to be ruled by the beast (our flesh), but by the Spirit of the Living Elohim (God)! This is what being holy is all about. CHOOSE, on purpose, to get back on the path whether you lost your way, took a wrong turn, or someone kicked you to the curb. Persevere!

 

Slaying the Beast

Slaying the beast (the flesh) is easier said than done, especially if it has had uncontested reign for a long time. Sadly, most believers are not ruled by the Spirit. This is why we have so many problems such as strife, envy, backbiting, jealousy, lust, divisions, slander, and gossip within the body and in our assemblies. This is also why there is a lack of love, mercy, kindness, humility, patience, gratitude, order, honor, and responsibility. We are like the beasts of the field doing what comes natural to our flesh and demanding that everyone around us accept that this is just the way we are. Or equally as repulsive, we may expect those around us to cater to our poor, pitiful, and pathetic life —- yet we wouldn’t dare to lift a finger to change our mindset, emotions, or estate. Flesh likes attention any way it can get it. CHOOSE differently!

I apologize if my words are harsh, but this message is “a burning in my bones!”[2] We ARE supposed to be overcomers! We are to walk in the Light and not in the darkness. We need to learn how to truly walk in the Spirit. We need to learn how to think like the Spirit. We need to act like the Spirit! Believe it or not, the choice is ours to make every single day.

One sure fire way to determine whether the beast (your flesh) or the Spirit is sitting on the throne is to evaluate your thought and conversational life.

Rom. 8:5-8 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  (6)  For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,  (7)  because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,  (8)  and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 

Where is your mind? What things do you think on? What sort of things do you talk about or “dwell” on? Are you victorious or are you defeated? The flesh is HOSTILE to the Law of God. The flesh is focused on SELF. Me, myself, and I. (My, my, my.) What is one of the first words of child? “MINE!”

Dear one, the biggest battle you will ever fight is with YOURSELF. (And it’s a daily war!) Outside circumstances and people are just that. They are “outside.” You have no control over them. And you never have. And you never will. There is only ONE thing you are supposed to take control of: YOUR NEPHESH (flesh).

Can you imagine how different our homes, families, and assemblies would be if we stopped trying to control other people and our circumstances? What if instead of complaining about so-in-so or our lot in life we CHOSE to do something about our own outlook, disposition, and actions. What if we chose to actually REJOICE in all things?[3] If we did this, do you think we would have all the hurt, strife, and division that we currently see?

 

Burning Flesh on the Altar

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Have you ever noticed that most of the sacrifices were flesh and blood beasts (clean animals)? I’m sure you have. Mankind and beasts were both created on day 6 of creation.[4] Therefore, the number of man and the number of the beast are both 6. Have you ever considered that we share a lot of commonalties with these beasts of the field? After all, within the sacrificial system they are dying in the place of us! What can we learn from this? We have some flesh that NEEDS to be placed on the altar. And this process needs to take place on a DAILY basis.

But the flesh doesn’t want to die. It rebels. It rebukes. It makes excuses. It justifies. It throws tantrums. It runs. It hides. Your flesh will do just about anything to keep itself on the throne. One of its preferred tactics is to blame anyone, but itself. It’s all somebody else’s fault that I’m this way or that I did this or that. “If only” is also a favored phrase. “If only I had this or if s/he would do that, then… then I’ll be happy. Then, I’ll be satisfied.” Beloved, the flesh is NEVER satisfied. It cannot be satiated. There is always another dangling carrot for it to aimlessly chase.

I want to slay this beast and lay it on the altar. Though I know it will hurt and it won’t “feel” good, I want the fat to burn up in smoke as a sweet smelling aroma before my Adonai and King. I know that you do too! Let’s do it together!

So in light of all this, what do you think the tests, trials, and tribulations in life are all about? What about all those hard-to-deal-with people? They each are an opportunity for YOU to offer your beast (your flesh) upon the Holy Altar. By choosing to slay the beast, you are gaining LIFE!

Rom. 8:10-11  If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.  (11)  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Too many of us only really look inward occasionally. Maybe at one of the appointed times. Maybe after a test has knocked us off our high horse. But, the flesh was offered on the altar EVERYDAY. I think the biggest stumbling block we have is that we look “outside” of ourselves all the time. Yes, our eyes are like marbles rolling here and there. We look at people and circumstances. We may even look at our “outward” obedience and check it often. But, we fail where it matters most. We fail to discern the difference between the man and the beast, which is the Spirit of the Living God.

 

Back to Emor

This was supposed to be a Torah commentary on Emor. Holiness in the Priesthood. The Holy Moedim (Feast Days). The Holy Menorah. But none of this matters if we have no self-control. Holiness requires reverence. A selfish (flesh ruled) person only reverences himself.

2Cor. 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

We can either have it our way or His Way. To fear the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. If we want to be a holy vessel, we must empty ourselves and be filled with the Spirit of God. Both the outside AND the inside must be clean. And our “flesh” (inside) can NEVER please Him.[5] I think the reason I’ve been “stuck” in Romans 7-8 while trying to study and write on Emor is no accident.

Emor shows us what holiness looks like on the outside. If we look closely, we will also see that it shows us the inside as well. The calendar you keep will inevitably govern your day to day life. Leviticus 23 clearly outlines the appointed times and Sabbaths of the Creator. Most people would prefer the world’s calendar —- it “appears” easier because everyone is doing it. Others go to the other extreme and set out to “find” the perfected calendar of YHWH. (Can you just hear their pompous flesh demanding to be elevated for such a lofty discovery? Can you also hear their flesh condemning everyone else who isn’t as right as they are? You will know them by their fruit.) Thus, even Torah keepers can become “good” at keeping the outside of the cup clean while the inside is full of filth and abominations.

We are to be salt and light. The holy menorah should be burning within us! If so, the trials and tribulations of life will press and crush us like an olive and give way to pure oil that will keep the heavenly lamp aish tamid (burning eternally). And like the daily sacrifice, it must be tended to every morning and every evening. If we neglect this duty, the holy lamp will burn low and the fiery heat of our (unslain) nephesh will grow stronger instead.

Perhaps this is why Emor ends on a rather tragic note. An Israelite’s son blasphemed the Name of Adonai. At first glance, it seems as though this story is misplaced. But alas, it is a prime example of what happens when we fail to reverence God. When we fail to offer our flesh on the altar. When we fail to be governed by the Creator’s calendar. When we fail to tend the holy menorah.

Lev. 24:22-23  ‘There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger as well as the native, for I am the LORD your God.‘”  (23)  Then Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, and they brought the one who had cursed outside the camp and stoned him with stones. Thus the sons of Israel did, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

There is one standard, one mishpat. In Hebrew, this word is “judgment”. There is one judgment for blasphemers. One verdict. Only someone acting out in the flesh could commit such a crime. In fact, verses 15-21 give us some examples of what type of behavior is being dealt with in this passage. Most of these deal with mistreating your fellowman and his property. So even here, we can see the underlining heart of the matter: to love Adonai and love our neighbor. The Torah teaches us how to do both. The flesh desires to do neither; instead it wants only to pleasure itself.

So, how does one become holy? It’s more than “Jesus makes me holy.” Yeshua certainly sets us apart when we accept Him as Lord and Savior. But if we CHOOSE to remain in the flesh, well then that’s our choice. Freewill doesn’t disappear when you make a confession of faith. Real holiness is separating your flesh from the throne and laying it on the altar of our holy Elohim! It is a choice.

  “You shall be holy, for I, Adonai your God, am holy.”

 

[1] Lev. 19:1- 20:27

[2] Jer. 20:9  But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.

[3] Philippians 4:4

[4] For a detailed look at the flesh, nephesh, and the beast, please see Dr. Hollisa Alewine’s complete works in the Creation Gospel series of workbooks. Much of my insight into these analogies have been gleaned by her anointed work and ministry to YHWH’s people.

[5] Rom. 8:8  and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

 

 

 

Categories: Torah Portions | Tags: , , , | 4 Comments

Deborah the Bee Part II

Posted on April 24, 2014 by K. Gallagher

Part I

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidot, was judging Israel at that time. (Jdg. 4:4)

The Flaming Bee

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The fourth judge of Israel was Deborah, a woman of flames/torches/lamps/lightning.[1] This is according to the bolded phrase above when viewed in the Hebrew (eshet lappidot). I find it captivating that the Hebrew uses such fiery connotations when it presents this unique woman in the Bible. All this imagery is lost and falls flat with the transliterated word Lappidot for those that do not know Hebrew. Blazing torches and fire brands are much more exciting and unpredictable – another reason I love the holy tongue! Have you ever thought of Deborah as fiery? This is how the Bible describes her. Not only that, but she was a prophetess and a judge. Talk about a woman with weighty responsibility! I even imagine her with flaming red locks to accompany her “sparky” introduction.

Lappidot is usually designated as Deborah’s husband in most translations. But the Hebrew phrase eshet lappidot could easily be rendered as “Woman of Torches.” This has led some scholars[2] to conclude that this phrase is descriptive of Deborah’s character, or that it refers to her occupation as a wick maker. The latter is particularly interesting as it denotes that she was tasked with providing the wicks that kept the eternal flames of the holy menorah burning. Other Jewish scholars think this phrase connects Deborah to Barak, for his name actually means “lightning.”[3] The inference is that Barak was her husband. No matter which way you slice this pie, Deborah is connected with fire and lights.

 

The Palm of Judgment

She used to sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the sons of Israel came up to her for judgment. (Jdg 4:5)

© Kisha Gallagher

As a judge, Deborah not only had judicial power, but she commanded the military. This was the function of Israel’s judges. I believe one reason that Deborah is connected to fire and flames is her ranking number among Israel’s judges. As the fourth judge of Israel, Deborah was unique in several ways. She is the only judge of Israel that was female. She was also the only judge to have a dual role as a prophet (aside from Samuel), and she was the only judge that was cast in a totally positive light in the narrative. In fact, the judges succeeding her are depicted with a decline in virtue until Samuel (the last judge) was raised up.[4]

Amazingly, I have read and heard some teachers diminish the “judging” aspect of Deborah because she was a female. Apparently, to maintain continuity in their theology, they must regulate the actual role and function of this female prophet and judge. (She wasn’t really making Torah judgments over men, was she?) This not only requires some theological gymnastics, but a stubborn refusal to allow the Word to speak literally. Those less persistent in their preconceived notions grant that she only held this position because there wasn’t a man willing to step up and fulfill this role, but that isn’t found, or even hinted at, in the text.

In Part I, we saw how Rebekah’s nurse Deborah was associated with a tree (etz) and here there is palm tree associated with Deborah the Judge. A judge gives counsel (etzah), which is the feminine form of the word for tree (etz). Do you remember where the nurse Deborah was buried? It was in Bethel under an oak tree. Notice that the judge Deborah sits in the seat of judgment and counsel not very far from her predecessor’s grave. In fact, many commentators suggest that the palm of Deborah and the oak tree where the Deborah the nurse was buried are one and the same. Either way, these women are connected.

The sons (benai) of Israel came up (aliyah) to her for judgment (mishpat). What sort of judgment calls was Deborah making? Strong’s defines misphat as:

H4941 משׁפּט mishpâṭ From H8199; properly a verdict pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree of divine law, including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty.[5]

It comes from the root shaphat (again defined by Strong’s):

H8199 שׁפט shâphaṭ A primitive root; to judge, that is, pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication to vindicate or punish; by extension to govern; passively to litigate.[6]

These Hebrew words for judgment are used in verses such as these:

Ex. 18:15-16 Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. (16) When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

Dt. 16:18 “You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.”

Nothing about these definitions diminishes Deborah’s role as a judge of Israel. She decided cases of Torah law and halachah, as was required of all appointed judges. There is no indication that the men of Israel had any problem with the fact that she was a woman. They neither were shamed by her gender, nor did they fear that she had usurped a male-only position. The Body of Messiah could learn a thing or two from this Biblical example.

Four & the Hidden Woman

       © Maksim Prochan | Dreamstime.com

I’ve mentioned several times that Deborah was the fourth judge of Israel. This is significant because the number four is indicative of authority and government. Those of you familiar with The Creation Gospel will pick up the theme immediately. For example, the fourth day of creation is associated with the governing action of the sun, moon, and stars. The fourth son of Jacob, Judah, was given authority to rule over Israel. There are four corners of the altar. Palm branches (associated with Deborah) are one of the four species waved at the four corners of the earth during Sukkot. The fourth commandment is to keep Shabbat. The fourth feast is Shavuot (Pentecost). The fourth disciple called by Yeshua was John, and so on.

Essentially, four is similar to seven, or the whole, but with an emphasis on government. This can be visualized if you imagine a seven branched menorah (lampstand) folded in half. The center stem is not only the source for the six outer branches, but it is also the hinge on which the others hang. In the folded menorah, you distinctly see four stems instead of seven, yet the whole is still present. (You can learn all about this by studying The Creation Gospel model by Dr. Hollisa Alewine)

The governing aspect of the number four is also portrayed in Deborah’s prophetic song that comprises the whole of chapter five. Before Deborah “rose up” there was disorder and strife in Israel (vs.6-11). Apparently, this is why Adonai chose to raise up a “mother” in Israel. Deborah realizes the significance of her role in bringing unity and order to Israel. Do you remember the root and meaning of Deborah from Part I? Truly her name is indicative of her persona and character as one who brings order to disorder. This IS what the Word, davar, of Adonai does, which is the root of her name. Deborah’s association with the number four only magnifies this truth.


She Speaks

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The song of Deborah demonstrates her gift of prophecy. There can be no doubt that Deborah’s primary weapon was words as testified by her name (lit. dibberah: “she speaks”). I cannot help but to wonder what would have happened if she had been silenced or ignored due to her gender. Deborah, a woman on fire with the Word, spoke! Her words brought righteous judgment and order to chaos. The “ways” of the people were crooked and the “watering” places became a place of division and war…UNTIL Deborah arose!

Jdg 5:6-11 “In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, In the days of Jael, the highways were deserted, and travelers went by roundabout ways. (7) The peasantry ceased, they ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah, arose, Until I arose, a mother in Israel. (8) New gods were chosen; then war was in the gates. Not a shield or a spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel. (9) My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel, the volunteers among the people; Bless the LORD! (10) You who ride on white donkeys, You who sit on rich carpets, and you who travel on the road – sing! (11) At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places, there they shall recount the righteous deeds of the LORD, the righteous deeds for His peasantry in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.”

Deborah not only “roused” herself, but calls the remnant of the faithful in Israel to arise and battle for truth and the God of Truth, YHWH. As usual, the call is to “Wake Up!”

Jdg. 5:12-13 “Awake, awake, Deborah; Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, Barak, and take away your captives, O son of Abinoam. (13) Then survivors came down to the nobles; the people of the LORD came down to me as warriors.”

Does this not remind you of another prophecy in the Torah regarding Israel?

Num. 24:8-9 “Elohim who has brought him out of Egypt is for him like the lofty horns of the wild ox; he shall eat up the nations that are his foes, and shall break their bones in pieces, and shall pierce them through with his arrows. (9) He has crouched; he has lain down like a lion, and like a lioness; who shall rouse him up? Blessed is everyone that blesses you, and cursed is everyone that curses you.” (HRB)

Dr. Tikva Frymer Kensky beautifully illustrates how the alternate meaning of Deborah, a bee, ties all of this together:

Like the queen bee, she raises up the swarm for battle, sending out the drones to protect the hive and conquer new territory.[7]

The Song

Deborah’s song describes three particular women. The first, of course, is Deborah herself. I believe we already have a good understanding of the fact that she clearly represents both the activity of the Holy Spirit and of the righteous assembly of Adonai. The second woman is Yael (Jael). It was by her hand that King Sisera met his demise. Yael means “to ascend” and “mountain goat.” An ideal wife will be to her husband a fountain (notice the woman/water imagery) and a graceful hind (mountain goat).

Pr. 5:18-20 “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. (19) As a loving hind and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; be exhilarated always with her love. (20) For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a foreigner?”

Since Proverbs 31 depicts the Eshet Chayil or Woman of Valor as a Warrior,[8] it’s not surprising that a woman named “Yael” was given the honor of defeating Israel’s enemy. She is a fountain of living waters[9] to her husband and a mother to Israel (like Deborah). She was a warrior woman like the women who served at the doorway to the Tent of Meeting.[10] And her bravery ascends up to heaven like the sweet aroma of the goat Olah sacrifice.

It is for these reasons that I find it intriguing that Sisera asks Yael for water, but she instead gives him milk. Ponder this. A woman is a picture of life giving waters; Yael has anything but life in mind for Sisera. Like a baby, she gives him milk and he falls asleep between her thighs. This is when she hammers a tent peg through his temple. Again, with the “tent peg,” we see the imagery of a woman… she builds her house. Obviously, Sisera is a threat to the expanding of her tent or home. Yael may appear to be acting like a harlot, but in reality she is a righteous warrior of her home and for the people of Israel.

The third woman in Deborah’s song illustrates the other side of the coin. Remember, we are constantly shown the dichotomy of a righteous woman and a harlot in the Scriptures. They call to the same people, sit in the same places, and often wear similar colors. It is our job to discern which one we are dealing with, or which one we are acting like (this is true for men and women). Yael appeared to be a harlot by calling Sisera into her tent, but in the end, she is revealed to be righteous.

The unnamed mother of Sisera is the third woman mentioned, and she is depicted as anxiously looking (seeing/false prophecy) for her son to return home with the spoils of war. Notice that part of the expected “spoil” is the daughters of Israel. The Hebrew term used for these Israeli maidens is racham (wombs)![11] The enemy, the harlot, and the dragon desire to devour the offspring of the (righteous) woman.[12] Moreover, the other spoils of war mentioned are dyed and embroidered works. These “works” are associated with the righteous women of Israel who provided them to cover and beautify the Tabernacle or Dwelling Place of Adonai (Ex. 35:25, Pr. 31:22). The enemy wants to capture, destroy, and rape the daughters and prevent or pervert their righteous acts.

Can you see the poetic justice between Yael and Sisera’s mother? Sisera desires to steal the “wombs” of Israel, but instead he dies between the thighs of the righteous woman (Yael). If you aren’t paying close attention, you just might miss this point. Or worse, you may misinterpret the actions of Yael and accuse of her of unsavory character. While this story makes the actions of the righteous woman more clear, other stories utilizing this same dichotomy are more subtle. For example, consider Tamar, Rahab, or Ruth. Each of their actions could be misconstrued if you’re not reading carefully.

But why all this emphasis on the women? In the eyes of Adonai, His people are the daughter, the sister, the wife, the bride, and the woman. If our view of natural women is skewed, then our prophetic outlook on the whole Body will also be out of kilter. So in that sense, when we look into the narratives and lives of the women, we are really investigating the sons of Adonai too. The Hidden Ones (both men & women) are revealed in the Woman. Look for her!

In the natural, women have been oppressed throughout secular and religious history. I believe this is a picture of what’s happening in the spiritual realm as well. It is a woman that both men and women are compared to in the Scriptures. When we liberate and restore natural women, the WHOLE (spiritual) Body is restored. If the enemy can steal the wombs of Israel, we are weakened and the tent fails to expand. To produce LIFE, it takes both a man and a woman. May the Deborah’s in Adonai’s camp ignite the hive to proclaim Truth and battle all the Sisera’s of our day.

Footnotes:

[1] The phrase (the wifeH802 of Lapidoth,H3941 )is the following two Hebrew words respectively defined by Strong’s:

H802 ish-shaw’, naw-sheem’ The first form is the feminine of H376 or H582; the second form is an irregular plural; a woman (used in the same wide sense as H582).: – [adulter]ess, each, every, female, X many, + none, one, + together, wife, woman.

H3941 lap-pee-doth’ Feminine plural of H3940; Lappidoth, From an unused root probably meaning to shine; a flambeau, lamp or flame: – (fire-) brand, (burning) lamp, lightning, torch, the husband of Deborah: – Lappidoth.

[2] Eshet lapidot could be translated “wife of Lapidot,” but it also means “woman of torches.” Lapidot, “torches,” comes where we would ordinarily expect a husband’s name, but it is a strange‑sounding name for a man and, moreover, does not have the standard patronymic “son of.” (Dr. Frymer-Kensky) http://www.myjewishlearning.com/texts/Bible/Prophets/Former_Prophets/Book_of_Judges/Deborah.shtml?p=1

[3] http://biblehub.com/topical/l/lappidoth.htm

[4] When looking into the number of Israel’s judges, there is not a unanimous opinion on how many there actually were. The number usually falls between 12 and 15. This is due to the fact that some “rulers” like Abimelech aren’t directly referred to as a “judge”, but ruled Israel all the same. No matter whom you include in your count, Deborah is the fourth in order.

[5] Emphasis mine. Definition shortened in order for easier reading.

[6] See footnote 2.

[7]http://www.myjewishlearning.com/texts/Bible/Prophets/Former_Prophets/Book_of_Judges/Deborah_Prn.shtml

[8] See The Biblical Role of Women Part IV.

[9] See The Cup of Miriam Part III.

[10] See The Mirror Waters and the Gatekeepers.

[11] Jdg. 5:30 ‘Are they not finding, are they not dividing the spoil? A maiden (racham), two maidens (racham) for every warrior; To Sisera a spoil of dyed work, A spoil of dyed work embroidered, Dyed work of double embroidery on the neck of the spoiler?’

[12] Rev 12:4 And his tail *swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. Rev 12:17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Categories: Women | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

The Mirror Waters and the GateKeepers

Posted on April 22, 2014 by K. Gallagher
As I was writing Part II of Deborah the Bee, my study took me in an unexpected direction. So, humor me and I promise to post Part II next time. (:
 
 

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Ex. 38:8 Moreover, he made the laver of bronze with its base of bronze, from the mirrors of the serving women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

While it’s probably not news to you that the bronze laver was made from the mirrors of the women, the role or service of these women just might be — it was to me. However, for the sake of those that haven’t considered the links of the laver, water, and women, let’s explore that first.

In my posts on the Cup of Miriam, we took a long hard look at why women are so closely associated with water. It is just like our Elohim to use articles from women to build the one piece of furniture in the Tabernacle that contained water. Even more significant is the fact that mirrors are used to reflect an image. Thus, we often hear how the waters in the laver were there so the priests could “see” the dirt and wash their hands and feet.

But it’s more than that. A mirror reflects beauty and defects. The Word of Elohim also reveals both when we look into it.[1] This is why we need the constant washing of the water of the Word.[2] The Hebrew word for mirror or looking glass is marah[3], but this word is ONLY elsewhere translated as “vision” — as in I saw a vision.[4]

You can see the connection with seeing “into” something. In other words, the purpose of the laver was to give spiritual insight about the state of a person’s heart. The washing was more symbolic than a remedy to physical dirt. In order to serve the King, you must be washed by His Water, which is the Word. Only the Torah can show you at once how beautiful and precious you are in the Father’s eyes and at the same time reveal your unsightly blemishes and spots. The Water of the Word is meant to cleanse us of these marks as James so aptly remarks in 1:25.

This idea is expanded by the Hebrew word for laver, keeyor. This word means a furnace and also to purify. Once again we see the dichotomy of fire and water, both cleanse and purify. But who are these “serving” women at the doorway of the tent of meeting? The answer to this question is what provoked me to write this post.

Translator’s (both Jewish and Christian) have a terrible tendency to diminish the roles or service of women. We have become so accustomed to this that we read right through a verse such as Exodus 38:8 and focus on the bronze (or brass if you prefer) laver and/or the mirrors. Yet, we know that there is not an idle word in the Torah. These women were important; and I for one, am ashamed that I never noticed their position until now. But, that’s what I’ve come to expect: the woman is always hidden! And I know that YHWH had divine intent and purpose for that as you will begin to see in my post on Deborah the Bee Part II.

The Hebrew phrase for “the serving women who served” is hatzovot asher tzaveu. You can probably see the repetition of the Hebrew verb tzvah, which means to go forth, wage war, fight, and serve. It is directly related to YHWH Tz’vaot (LORD of Hosts). It carries strong military connotations. This should remind us of the eshet chayil or woman of valor.[5] She too, is often obscured by translation and softened from a warrior to a woman of virtue, goodness, worth, or excellence. Why?

Would it surprise you to know that tz’vaot is feminine? When we call on the God of Armies (YHWH tz’vaot), we are really saying God of (women) warriors. Apparently, the women who “served” at the doorway to the Tent of Meeting were warriors! Now, considering the context of their station, it would appear as though this was more of a “spiritual” guardianship. After all, the laver was made from their “visions” or “mirrors”. I imagine these women to be warriors of the faith, prophetesses, prayer warriors, and guardians of the Water of the Word. I believe there is evidence of this with the prophetess Anna.

Luke 2:36-37 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, (37) and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.

Of course, we also have a witness as to what happens when these women are either taken advantage of or in outright rebellion.

1Sa 2:22 Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

In this verse, their role has been perverted; these women have become like the harlot mentioned in Proverbs instead of the righteous woman. Whether or not these women were manipulated, forced, or were the seducers themselves is not mentioned. I believe we have evidence of all these possibilities happening in our assemblies still today. Regardless of the reason these women strayed, we see the male counterparts in this story also falling away from their purpose.

1Sa 3:1-2 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. (2) It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well).

There can be no coincidence that as the Word of God and visions began to diminish, so did Eli’s eyesight. What is not immediately apparent is that the women are also related to the reduced visions by their association with the mirrors (visions) of the laver and the doorway. The proverbial “chicken or the egg” question might pop into your head. We want someone to blame. But, I believe the point is that improper worship, negligence, perversion, and the like is the culprit here. Lack of the Word means lack of vision and eyesight (insight, foresight, and hindsight). Torah is our One True Mirror! Without it we perish in our perversion.

Since women are often associated with vision and the prophetic, these next verses shouldn’t surprise you.

John 18:15-17 Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, (16) but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. (17) Then the slave-girl who kept the door *said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He *said, “I am not.”

The Greek indicates that this “slave girl” was actually a bond-servant. Notice that Peter has to go through HER to get inside. She is the gate-keeper to get to the court of the high priest. And what does she do? She immediately “sees” right through Peter. She knows that he is one of Yeshua’s disciples! But he lies, and this becomes the first of three denials he makes of the Master.

This happens with wives and their husbands as well. A woman meets her man at the door to question him on some issue and if he lies or denies the thing —- she can usually “see” right through him! Since women were created to be managers and guardians of the home, we shouldn’t be surprised that YHWH gave women this role in His House as well.

If we lack vision, perhaps we need to visit the laver. What do you see when you look into the mirror waters? Look closely and allow the waters to fully reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly. Once revealed, true beauty emerges.

     © Giovanni Triggiani | Dreamstime.com

 

[1] James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (KJV)

[2] Eph. 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (26) so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, (27) that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

[3] H4759 from H4758 (mareh) meaning view or appearance.

[4] H4759: Total KJV Occurrences: 9 visions, 5 Gen.46:2, Eze.1:1, Eze.8:3, Eze.43:2-3 (2) vision, 3 Dan.10:7-8 (3) lookingglasses, 1 Ex.38:8 (2)

[5] For more information, see my post The Biblical Role of Women Part IV, which defines the Eshet Chayil or Woman of Valor.

Categories: Biblical Symbols, Women | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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