Elul

Posted on August 7, 2013 by K. Gallagher
(In 2013, Elul began on the evening of August 6th)

The Season of Teshuvah                                          

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© Katerinalin| Dreamstime.com

Elul is the 6th month on the biblical calendar; it precedes the 7th month of Tishrei that contains the yamim noraim, the Awesome Days, we often refer to as the High Holy Days. Elul typically begins in August or September on the Gregorian calendar. In the year 2011, the 1st of Elul begins on the evening of August 30th. In Hebraic tradition, Elul begins the process of preparing ourselves for the coming yamim noraim (High Holy Days). While the traditions associated with Elul are not specified in the Bible, each custom has been carefully drawn from scripture to assist us in spiritual preparation for the upcoming Holy Days. The Word of G-d clearly admonishes us to be prepared for our coming King[1]. Therefore, it can only profit us to use every tool at our disposal.

 Mat 3:2-3  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  (3)  For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!'”

Elul is called “the month of repentance,” “the month of mercy,” and “the month of forgiveness.” It follows the two previous months of Tammuz and Av, traditionally the months of the two great sins of Israel, the sin of the golden calf and the sin of the spies.  There are exactly 40 days from Elul 1st until Yom HaKippurim (the Day of Atonement) in our yearly feast cycle. Tradition states that Moses’ first trip up to Mt. Sinai (Ex. 24:18) was on Shavuot (Pentecost) at the giving of the Ten Commandments. 40 days later, he smashes the tablets in response to the sin of the golden calf and then returns back up the mountain for an additional 40 days (Dt. 9:18,25) to plead for the lives of the Israelites on account of their sin. Moses returns a third time (Ex. 34: 28) for 40 days up the mountain to receive the second set of tablets on the 1st of Elul, returning on the 10th of Tishri, which is also Yom Kippur.

During Moses’ third 40 day period on the mountain, he requested to see to see YHWH’s glory (Ex. 33:18-23). And mercifully, YHWH complied, but with the stipulation, “You cannot see my face”. It was during this encounter that YHWH proclaimed His divine characteristics unto Moses. (Ex. 34: 6-7). Our Jewish brothers have broken these into the 13 attributes listed below.

Ex. 34:6-7  Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;  (7)  who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

1. YHWH! –G-d is merciful even before a person sins. Even though He is aware that future evil lies dormant within him.
2. YHWH! –G-d is merciful even after the sinner has gone astray.

3. G-d (El)–a title that denotes power as ruler over nature and humankind, indicating that G-d’s mercy sometimes surpasses even the degree indicated by this name.
4. Compassionate (rahum)—G-d is filled with loving sympathy for human frailty and does not put people into situations of extreme temptation, and eases the punishment of the guilty.
5. Gracious (v’hanun)—G-d shows mercy even to those who do not deserve it; consoling the afflicted and raising up the oppressed.
6. Slow to anger (ereh apayim)—G-d gives the sinner ample time to reflect, improve, and repent.
7. Abundant in Kindness (v’rav hesed)—G-d is kind toward those who lack personal worth, providing more gifts and blessings than they deserve; if one’s personal behavior is evenly balanced between virtue and sin, G-d tips the scales of justice toward the good.
8. Truth (v’emet)—G-d never reneges on His word to reward those who serve Him.
9.  Preserver of kindness for thousands of generations (notzeir hesed la-alafim)—G-d remembers the deeds of the righteous for the benefit of their less virtuous generations of offspring (thus we constantly invoke the merit of the Patriarchs).
10. Forgiver of iniquity (nosei avon)—G-d forgives intentional sin resulting from an evil disposition, as long as the sinner repents.
11. Forgiver of willful sin (pesha)—G-d allows even those who commit a sin with the malicious intent of rebelling against and angering Him the opportunity to repent.
12. Forgiver of error (v’hata’ah)—G-d forgives a sin committed out of carelessness, thoughtlessness, or apathy.
13. Who does NOT pardon (lo yenaḳeh )— This is considered a good quality, since through punishment man is moved to repentance, after which he is pardoned and pure. G-d is merciful, gracious, and forgiving, wiping away the sins of those who truly repent.

Since Moses was given the revelation of YHWH’s glorious traits during the month of Elul which precedes the Day of Judgment and Atonement, it has been customary to incorporate the reciting of the 13 attributes during Elul. It is said[2] that this is the month that “the King is in the field”, instead of His Royal Palace. Therefore, “everyone whosoever desires is permitted to meet him, and he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and shows a smiling face to them all.” Although G-d always watches over the world, and is always waiting for our “return,” He is more accessible during the 40-day period beginning with the start of Elul and culminating in the first ten days of the Month of Tishrei. Why? Because He is looking forward to the yearly appointments He has with us during the fall feasts. In order to come into His presence we must first turn (repent). He must be anxiously waiting to hear our voice; ready to forgive us and sweep us into His loving arms.

Hence, it is easy to see that the primary purpose and theme during these 40 days is teshuvah (repentance). We are sinners in need of redemption; we throw ourselves on the mercy of the gracious King and grab hold of His salvation (Yeshua). This way, when our yearly appointed time (moed) to meet our maker arrives, we have prepared ourselves for His coming. We submit ourselves before our King and right any wrongs to our fellowman and our Father. Both play dominate roles in Elul’s activities. Maybe you think that you have no need of repenting; you believe you have no sin. If so, I urge you to use this time to humble yourself, search your heart, and ask the Father to reveal any hidden sin in your life.

Customs

Blowing the Shofar

There are several customs that are designed to assist us in our humbling process and to lead us to teshuvah (repentance). In Jewish synagogues and transversely in Torah observant believer’s homes, the shofar (ram’s horn) is blown and heard as a call to repentance throughout the forty days of repentance. The shofar confuses HaSatan (the enemy), the prince and power of the air. When we blow the shofar, we release into the air (the enemy’s kingdom) a likeness of the voice of Yah[3]. This causes the enemy to scatter and confuses his camp. Likewise, it causes the faithful to come to repentance, calls us to battle, calls us to assemble, and will one day call us to resurrection[4]!

Reading Psalm 27

It has become a tradition to read Psalm 27 every morning and evening throughout the forty days of repentance. At first glance it may not be obvious as to why this particular Psalm was chosen; however, upon a close inspection, the motive becomes most transparent. The following rather long quote comes from an article on MyJewishLearning.com. Rabbi Benjamin J. Segal has offered us a brilliant and contemplative explanation on Elul and Psalm 27. (Emphasis mine)

“… The first three verses increase numerically: two parallel phrases of five [Hebrew]words each, then six, then seven (that number hinting at completion). There follows the central word of the psalm, One. Facing all these threats, the psalmist feels the peace of unity, and throughout this first half the reader senses no doubt, no real threat.

How strange it is that the second half of the psalm depicts a world so totally opposite. Here we find a desperate search, a constant request, a pleading before the Holy One (“do not hide Your face … do not thrust [me] aside … do not forsake me, do not abandon me”). The author is abandoned by parents and surrounded by enemies. At the apex of this section, the psalmist cries out in agony, with a sentence he cannot finish, for it depicts the worst of all: “Had I not the assurance that I would enjoy the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living ….”

Throughout the second half, the reader hears the echo of the central term: One. The psalmist cries out, demands, asks and pleads that his two worlds are one. I, the sufferer, depressed to the ultimate limits, am that same one who trusts, who is safe, who sits in the presence of the Lord.

Before we can approach repentance or the joy of the Holiday [fall feasts], we must honestly confront again our own faith and belief. Ever since our father Abraham, we have anticipated the rewards of God’s protection, but too often we have seen our trials and tribulations as challenges to our faith. The psalmist testifies once again that love of the Holy One is achieved, not by closing one’s eyes, but, even as with less significance loves, through effort, honesty, and open confrontation.

…The psalmist challenges us, for he did not hide from life’s troubles on one hand, and yet lives within a framework of faith on the other. Reciting this psalm demands that twice a day we struggle with ourselves and our faith, in expectation that we will arrive at the Days of Awe ready for repentance, ready to celebrate on the holiday with a full heart before the Lord…”

We can each find ourselves in David’s shoes and cry out this Psalm to our Maker. After meditating on these words day and night for forty days, one cannot help but find hope in our seemingly paradoxical human condition.

On the one hand, we trust YHWH with complete confidence in faith, but on the other hand we have another side at war with our faith. Our sin and/or the trials of life causes doubt to well up and threatens to overtake us. We cry out to Yah and plead that He hear our cry and never leave our side. In the end, we must realize that like David, we must take courage, look to, and wait upon YHWH. Aren’t these the very thoughts of the Apostle Paul?

Rom. 7:19-25  For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.  (20)  But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.  (21)  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.  (24)  Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?  (25)  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.

This is what Elul and the forty days of repentance are all about. It is our preparation. Searching the depths of our own hearts and confronting the battle in our minds between our spirits and flesh, naturally brings us to repentance and thus prepared to boldly stand in our King’s presence at the moedim (appointed times/feasts).

Selichot Prayers

Another primary custom is to rise early and recite the Selichot, a series of penitential prayers and liturgy, up until Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets). Because YHWH showed favor to the children of Israel during this time (forgiving them of the sin of the golden calf) then, it is considered a favored time, and one in which our prayers are readily listened to and answered. We therefore say Selichot during this time, asking the Father for forgiveness and to find favor with us, so we can start the coming fall Holy Days in confidence.

The Selichot prayers are based on Moses’ 3rd trip up onto Mt. Sinai when YHWH revealed His primary characteristics, it has hints of Psalm 27, and tenderly refers to the Father as “Beloved” as in Song of Songs 6:3. We look to YHWH, for He is our salvation (Yeshua) and our Beloved. The following is a sample of the Selichot prayers.

May You forgive our iniquities and our errors and make us Your heritage. Forgive us, our Father, for we have erred; pardon us, our King, for we have willfully sinned; for You, my Adonai, are good and forgiving and abundantly kind to all who call upon You.

Let us lift our hearts with our hands to God in heaven. Let the groan of the prisoner come before You, as befits the greatness of Your power, release those condemned to die. To Yahweh our Elohim belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him.

As a Father has mercy on his children, so YHWH, may You have mercy on us. Salvation (Yeshua) is YHWH’s, upon Your people is Your blessing. Selah. YHWH, Master of Legions, is with us, a stronghold for us is the God of Jacob, Selah. Yahweh, Master of Legions, praiseworthy is the person who trusts in You. YHWH, save (Yeshua)! May the King answer us on the day that we call.

O Elohim, You are known in Israel to be great. You are YHWH, our Father are You. Whenever we call upon You, draw us close; You are exalted and uplifted among us. You have done us favors despite our guilt, not because of our righteousness and the uprightness of our heart. Our Beloved, though we have been forsaken, redeem us for we are servants. Our sins have brought us to the point of disintegration; our soul is impatiently awaiting You. Where are Your earlier kindnesses with us—that were faithful forever and ever? We have borne anger and our strength has ebbed— O Elohim, do not rebuke us in Your anger.

Forgive, though our sins testify against us; help us, for we depend on You. Bend our stiff neck to be subservient to You, so that we can serve and honor You with love and reverence. Those who think of You have sanctified designated fasts, their awareness is too limited to request their needs. May their whispered prayer come to You, heal every person’s wound and pain. The voice of Jacob moans from Your depths, may You hear in heaven the abode of Your dwelling.

We have become guilty; we have betrayed; we have robbed; we have spoken slander; we have caused perversion; we have caused wickedness; we have sinned willfully; we have extorted; we have accused falsely; we have given evil counsel; we have been deceitful; we have scorned; we have rebelled; we have provoked; we have turned away; we have been perverse; we have acted wantonly; we have persecuted; we have been obstinate; we have been wicked; we have corrupted; we have been abominable; we have strayed; You have let us go astray.

We have turned from Your commandments and from Your good laws but to no avail. Yet You are righteous in all that has come upon us, for You have acted truthfully while we have caused wickedness. Inspire our heart to abandon the path of evil and hasten salvation (Yeshua) for us, as it is written by Your prophet: May the wicked one abandon his way and the vicious man his thoughts; may he return to Yahweh and He will show him mercy, and to our God, for He is abundantly forgiving.

Answer us, YHWH, answer us; answer us, our Elohim, answer us, our Father, answer us, our Creator, answer us; answer us, our Redeemer, answer us; answer us, You who searches us out, answer us; answer us, the faithful God, answer us; answer us… The merciful One Who answers the poor, may He answer us. The Merciful One who answers the brokenhearted, may He answer us. The Merciful One who answers the humble of spirit, may He answer us. O Merciful One, answer us. O merciful One, pity. O Merciful One, redeem. O merciful One, deliver. O Merciful One, have mercy on us—now, swiftly and soon.

While these prayers are an excerpt from a Sephardi siddur, and they don’t believe Yeshua is the Messiah, it is obvious to me that they know YHWH is the only Savior[5] and that there is no sacrifice in the sacrificial system for willful sin. Willful sin requires us to throw ourselves on the mercies of G-d. We can only find hope in His precious grace. This concept isn’t “new” to the Brit Chadashah (New Testament), it is a truth that runs from Genesis to Revelation. Therefore, may we also seek the Father on behalf of our Jewish brethren in this season to see YHWH’s salvation (Yeshua).

These prayers are very lengthy (as what is offered here is a small tidbit) and cover more areas of repentance than any one of us could recall in one sitting. How many believers do you know that diligently seek the Father with such devotion and detail on a regular basis[6]? These prayers aren’t “vain repetition” as some falsely accuse. Rather they are designed to aid us, to keep us focused, to keep our minds from wandering, to help us remember, and to help us repent.

We must not forget that YHWH is King and deserves reverence and respect. Many would go through extensive preparation to meet the president of the United States; learning proper ways to greet him, practicing proper etiquette in all areas of speech, dress, and manners. They would rearrange their schedules and obligations in order to have such an honored meeting.  How much more should we prepare to meet the King of Kings! The selichot prayers are one tool to help us in our endeavor.

I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine     

elul-3The four letters of the name Elul are an acronym for the initial letters of the phrase in the Song of Songs (6:3): “I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me.” “I am to my beloved” in repentance and complete desire to return to YHWH. “And my beloved is to me” with the Divine expression of grace found in His forgiveness.

Ani l’dodi v’dodi li (I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine), is a common phrase on wedding bands and other religious articles. If we are YHWH’s, then we are His bride. He desires an intimate relationship with us; one as familiar as a man and wife. When we sin, we are breaking our wedding vows (covenant) to our husband. The penalty should be death, but our husband is merciful, praise YHWH!

He bore our punishment for us on the tree. This is the most merciful act in the history of the world! We would be hopeless without His sacrifice. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and offered Himself for us—-His Beloved! He didn’t do this to give us new wedding vows, but to renew the one’s we broke. His vows (commandments) were perfect the first time around. The problem wasn’t with the vows, but with us—-our hearts. He promises to give us new hearts; hearts with the vows (Torah) written upon them.[7]

As we seek Him during the days of Elul, may we never forget that He is our King and we shall treat Him as such—-with great fear and reverence, but He is also our Husband, our kinsmen Redeemer, and our Savior. He loves us fervently and desires us to return (repent) to Him and spend eternity in His arms.

Ideas for Celebrating the Forty Days of Repentance

  1. Blow the shofar daily, or at least hear a recording of the shofar blast online.
  2. Read Ps. 27 every morning and every night.
  3. Set aside fast days once or twice a week (not on Shabbat) if you are physically able
  4. Pray and seek the Father for repentance. Ask Him to reveal hidden sin, sins against Him and our brothers/sisters. Make amends with the people we may have intentional or unintentional offended
  5. If you have an orthodox siddur, find the selichot prayers (sometimes transliterated as selichos) and read through them in your prayer time or use the small excerpt in this writing as a guide for your own free-will prayer. It may be helpful to write your prayers to keep your focus on YHWH

[1] Is. 57:14-15;Mt. 25; and countless other places in the scripture

[2] Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi

[3] Num. 10:9;  Judges 7: 21-22; Joshua 6:20; 2 Sam. 6: 15; Neh. 4:20; Ezek. 33: 3-6; Eph. 2:2; Rev. 1:10, 4:1

[4] 1 Thes. 4:16

[5] Is. 43:11

[6] These prayers are also used for days of fasting, which many Jews and Torah keepers do often, even weekly.

[7] Jer. 31:31-33; Hebrews 8: 8-12

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The Light of the World Part III

Posted on August 1, 2013 by K. Gallagher

Rainbows and the Throne of Glory

Rainbow Science

Before we look at the majestic rainbow in Scripture, let’s review what modern science teaches about this unparalleled display of “colorful” LIGHT. In order for a rainbow to occur, three particular criteria have to be met. The sun has to be shining “behind” you. A rain cloud or moisture in the air must be in “front” of you. And, the sun’s rays have to shine through the cloud at an anti-solar point of 42 degrees. (The anti-solar point is where the shadow of your head is)

When a beam of sunlight passes through a water droplet it slows down and spreads out, separating each color that makes up white light. The process of light refracting or bending can be more accurately described as the process of light changing speed as it moves through different densities. The reason why rainbows appear as an arc is because of the bending of and dispersing of light through millions of water droplets. The colors will always display in the same order due to the fact that each color has its own wavelength or intensity.

The most common rainbow is called a primary rainbow. It shows red on the outside with violet on the inside. Often this “bow” of light will have another larger but fainter arc above it. We typically call this a “double rainbow”, but scientists call it a secondary rainbow. The double bow occurs when the water droplets in the primary rainbow reflect light TWICE. Since it is the reflection of the primary bow, the colors are reversed. The “double” bow occurs at 50-53 degrees from your anti-solar point.

 

Adonai’s Rainbow

Gen. 9:11-17  “I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth.”  (12)  God said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations;  (13)  I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.  (14)  “It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud,  (15)  and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh.  (16)  “When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”  (17)  And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (NASB)

The rainbow, according to the Creator, is THE sign of His covenant with every living creature that He will never again destroy all flesh with water. So…were their no rainbows before the flood of Noah’s day? Many Creation Scientists believe the evidence points to the possibility that before the flood it had never rained on the earth. For example, Walt Brown[1], director of the Center for Scientific Creation in Phoenix postulates that rain as we know it was unknown to preflood peoples[2]. If this theory is true, it would have been impossible for a rainbow to form “in the cloud” since there were no clouds. However, this question is not a new one. The ancient sages debated this among themselves for centuries and they likewise considered modern “science” of their day.

The Biblical commentator Ramban argued that a simple experiment proved easily enough that a rainbow is the result of light being refracted through water, which was enough proof in his mind that they were present from creation forward. He never believed that the verses we quoted above, upon close inspection, contradicted science. He states, “Whether the rainbow was created now or whether it had always been a part of nature, the reason for it representing the sign remains the same.”[3]

Regardless of whether rainbows existed pre-flood or not, the Creator plainly stated that it was AFTER the flood that He “set” His bow in the clouds as the SIGN of His covenant.

Keshet   קשׁת

The Bow and the Throne

In Biblical Hebrew, a bow as in “rainbow” and a bow as in a “bow and arrow” are the same word, keshet. The mindset behind this is similar to our English idea: they both BEND. In Noah’s day, Adonai sovereignly chose to judge the earth with a weapon or “bow” of water. Therefore, it is fitting that God chose the rain “bow” as the sign of His promise to never again judge the earth. The rainbow points toward heaven instead of earth as a sign of peace. Bible commentator John Gill puts it this way: “Though it is a bow, yet without arrows, and is not turned downwards towards the earth, but upwards towards heaven, and so is a token of mercy and kindness, and not of wrath and anger.”[4]

The Ramban (Nahmanides) has a similar idea for Adonai’s choice of a rainbow: “Ancient cultures fought their wars with the bow and arrow, and the side which surrendered, pursuing peace instead of war, would express their will to do so by raising an inverted bow that the enemy could see. Similarly, G-d places an inverted bow in the heavens as a sign that He is no longer warring against humanity.”

In most places, the word keshet denotes a bow of archery or the archers who handle bows. I could only find three[5] other references to the majestic seven colored rainbow in the Scriptures. In most of these verses, the bow is found surrounding the throne of the LORD. The first place is in Ezekiel’s vision of the FOUR living creatures. I highly suggest you read all of chapter one for context. Also, be sure to take note of all the words associated with light; there are many!

Ezek. 1:26-28  Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.  (27)  Then I noticed from the appearance of His loins and upward something like glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something like fire; and there was a radiance around Him.  (28)  As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.

The vision must have been amazing! Can you imagine what this must have been like for Ezekiel? First, notice the reference to the “expanse” or as some translations say, the “firmament”. This should remind you of day 2 of creation when God placed an expanse or firmament between the heavenly and earthly waters. (Gen. 1:6-8) God’s throne and the One with “the appearance of a man” are seen ABOVE this “expanse.”

The One with the likeness of man is oddly described from His loins and upward and His loins and downward, yet both resemble fire – a form of LIGHT. This radiance is said to “surround” Him as a rainbow of colorful light. Thus, we can imagine that seeing Adonai is like seeing bright white light refracted into the 7 colors of the rainbow. Perhaps the color or refracted light is seen because our eyes cannot perceive His full nature as pure white (spiritual) light. It must be refracted, bent, or slowed down in order for our “eyes” to see it. This is something to think about. We must remember that the natural world teaches us spiritual truth.

The remaining two verses about Adonai’s throne and the rainbow are both found in the Book of Revelation.

Rev. 4:2-3  Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.  (3)  And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.

Rev. 10:1  I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.

In these verses, we get to explore the Greek word for rainbow, iris[6]. We get such words as iris, iridescent, iridium, and iridology from this Greek word. These cognates are named due to their association with a colorful appearance. What I find most interesting about this Greek word is that it is found one time in the Septuagint.[7] It is used in the recipe for the Holy Anointing Oil.

Ex. 30:22-25  Moreover, the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,  (23)  “Take also for yourself the finest of spices: of flowing myrrh five hundred shekels, and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, two hundred and fifty, and of fragrant cane two hundred and fifty,  (24)  and of cassia (iris) five hundred, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and of olive oil a hin.  (25)  “You shall make of these holy anointing oil, a perfume mixture, the work of a perfumer; it shall be holy anointing oil.

So, the question becomes: What does the spice cassia have to do with an iris or a rainbow? The Hebrew word for cassia is kiddah and means to roll, shrivel, or contract. The spice is made from the bark of the cassia tree. Sections are rolled and dried from both sides toward the center so that they end up resembling scrolls. This rolling like a scroll is hint of creation day 2 and the expanse or firmament between the earthly and heavenly waters. One day instead of being stretched out (Is. 42:5) like a rainbow, the heavens will be rolled up like a scroll. (Is. 34:4, Rev. 6:14)

But our Hebrew word kiddah most often means bowing the head in worship or in great respect. (i.e. Gen. 24:26) Since Hebrew is a very action or verb based language, the verb form of kiddah gives us insight into why the Rabbis translating the Hebrew Tanakh into Greek chose this particular word in reference to the cassia spice.

Cassia is the FOURTH ingredient in the holy anointing oil. I don’t think it is a coincidence that the Rabbis used “iris” for “kiddah” in reference to the Holy Anointing Oil. Four is another picture of completeness or seven[8]. Yeshua the Messiah comes from the house of Judah, Jacob’s 4th son. He is the Anointed One standing in the midst of the 7 branched menorah, representing the Light of God[9]. If you read my previous two posts on the Light of the World, you also recall that the menorah is the perfect motif for not only the 7 Spirits of God, but also for light’s 7 forms in the electromagnetic spectrum and its 7 colors of visible light. The rainbow’s 7 colors is a perfect (natural) display of the splendor of His Kingdom and throne.

As a side note, this should really open our eyes to the blasphemy of His glory and Kingdom when the homosexual community uses this motif as a symbol of their rebellion. While it may appear bright and cheery, it is in reality a counterfeit wicked lamp[10] of darkness.

The Rainbow Was Upon His Head

In Revelation 10:1, we are told of a strong messenger with a rainbow upon his head. Some would envision something like a halo. But the halo doesn’t originate in Scripture. It comes from ancient sun god deities[11], the oldest form of false worship. Nevertheless, we have many places in the Bible where a shining or glowing light, even fire, emanates from either God or a person[12]. I freely admit that it is possible that this “rainbow” upon the messenger’s head in Revelation 10:1 may actually be similar to a halo. Please allow me to explain why.

A rainbow actually forms a full circle around the point directly opposite of the observer from the light source. Since the light source is usually the sun, the center of the circle is the anti-solar point (the observer’s shadow). Most often only a portion of the circle is above the ground so that the visible part is an arc or bow. When the observer is located at a considerably higher altitude, like an airplane or mountain top, the full circle of the rainbow can be seen. The picture below was taken while the observer was skydiving.

 

© Sureshcg1979
| Dreamstime.com

Could this circular rainbow be an allusion as to why Moses’ face shone with light after his encounter with YHWH on the mountain top? In other words, when Moses ascended up to that lofty point on the earth, his shadow didn’t block any of YHWH’s glorious light! Don’t we see this same marvel when Yeshua takes Peter, James, and John up to the mountain of transfiguration?

Mat. 17:1-6  Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.  (2)  And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.  (3)  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.  (4)  Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  (5)  While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”  (6)  When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified.

Do you suppose that the faces of Moses and Yeshua were similar when they “shone”?

Ex. 34:29-30  It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses’ hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him.  (30)  So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.

I find it fascinating that in the natural, one must be at a high altitude, such as a mountain top in order to “see” a complete rainbow —- a picture of God’s covenant. I personally believe that the shining faces of both Yeshua and Moses would have been similar to the circular rainbow. Yeshua is the one standing in the “midst” of God’s menorah. He IS the Light of YHWH, but at the time of the transfiguration, He was not yet glorified. In other words, it is possible that the light was still “veiled” or refracted (bent or slowed down) and this enabled His disciples to perceive it — and Him.

A rainbow in all its fullness is not just a “bow” or arc, it is a circle! For those of you that have been studying the Hebraic mindset, this shouldn’t be too surprising. God and His creation, His calendar, and His Word are all cyclical in nature. Do you recall our first passage in Ezekiel with the living creatures? Earlier in chapter one, these beings are said to be powered by great sparkling “wheels” or circles.

Ezek. 1:15-20  Now as I looked at the living beings, behold, there was one wheel on the earth beside the living beings, for each of the four of them.  (16)  The appearance of the wheels and their workmanship was like sparkling beryl, and all four of them had the same form, their appearance and workmanship being as if one wheel were within another.  (17)  Whenever they moved, they moved in any of their four directions without turning as they moved.  (18)  As for their rims they were lofty and awesome, and the rims of all four of them were full of eyes round about.  (19)  Whenever the living beings moved, the wheels moved with them. And whenever the living beings rose from the earth, the wheels rose also.  (20)  Wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go in that direction. And the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

These shining wheels with rims full of eyes (a symbol of Adonai’s Spirit) are what powered or gave energy to the beings. This can be none other than Adonai’s Light, His Spirit that is symbolized beautifully in the 7 days of creation, the 7 Spirits of God (Is. 11:1-2), and in the 7 Feasts! This is why the 7 branched menorah and the 7 visible colors function as a LIGHT display. Creation Gospel students will instinctively perceive why there are 4 living creatures, for this is a picture of 7!

How fitting it is that the LORD chose a rainbow as the first[13] sign of the covenant with mankind and all the creatures of earth! There are more “types” of rainbows than I mentioned in this post. It is a fascinating subject to explore; I urge you to do your own research and see where it takes you. I hope we are all fortunate enough to see a rainbow very soon and take in all its symbolic glory! Imagine the shining faces of Moses and Yeshua and the gleaming Throne Room of the Most High. I leave you with a traditional blessing for when you do see one.

Blessing When Seeing a Rainbow

“Blessed are you, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who remembers His covenant, is trustworthy in His covenant, and fulfills His word.”

Related Post: Overcome by a Rainbow

Go back to Part I or Part II

[2] Article, “Did It Rain before the Flood? “ http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/FAQ29.html (7/31/13)

[4] John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible, from my e-sword.org bible program on Genesis 9:13.

[5] Including the first rainbow of Noah’s day, this totals FOUR biblical references to the rainbow. Creation Gospel students will recognize once again that 4 is another picture of 7!

[6] Yes, in case you were wondering, our flower by the same name does come from this Greek word! It is aptly named because the iris flower grows in a “rainbow” of colors.

[7] The Septuagint is the Greek version of the Tanakh or Old Testament.

[8] Four also stands for the servant, government, authority, kingdom, the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost), the door, and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. (For more information on why this is true please seek out a Creation Gospel trainer)

[9] Rev. 1:12-14  Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands;  (13)  and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.  (14)  His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire.

[10] Pr. 21:4  Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

[12] Ex. 34:29, Mt. 7:2, Mark 9:2, Heb. 1:3, Rev. 1:14-15, etc.

[13] While many theologians declare that YHWH’s first covenant was with Adam, Scripture doesn’t use the Hebrew word for covenant, brit, until Genesis chapter six with Noah. Many commentators assert that Noah’s covenant was merely an expanded form of God’s covenant with Adam, and perhaps this is true. Regardless of whether God’s first covenant was with Adam or Noah, the first SIGN of the covenant is the rainbow.

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The Light of the World Part II

Posted on July 14, 2013 by K. Gallagher

The mystery of light still baffles modern scientists and theologians alike. We explored some of the reasons why in The Light of World Part I. In this post, I hope to take the scientific and spiritual dynamics a step further.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is the term used by scientists to describe the entire range of natural light. This spectrum is broken into seven specific regions.

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Subdividing into smaller spectra is done mostly on the basis of how each region of electromagnetic waves interacts with matter. The diagram below depicts the electromagnetic spectrum’s seven regions.

As the graphic above shows, visible light only comprises about 1.5% of the entire light spectrum. Thus, we could say that we are “blind” to the vast majority of light. And the only reason we can see visible light is because God built special receivers right into our heads: our eyes.

If the natural world teaches us about the spiritual world, then we can deduce that (left to ourselves) we are “blinded” to at least 98.5% of spiritual light as well. Since light in the Bible is often synonymous with the Torah (Law), Word, and Yeshua (Jesus), is it any wonder that God compares us to a blind person when we reject His Law, Word, and/or Yeshua? Consider the following Scripture verses:

 

The Torah (law), the Word and Yeshua are LIGHT

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  (Ps.119:105)

The entrance of thy words give light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Ps.119:130)

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law (Torah) is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (Pr. 6:23)

To the law (Torah) and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Is. 8:20)

“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.  (20)  “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.  (21)  “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” (Jn. 3:19-21) 

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. (Jn. 12:46)

 

What the above verses teach us is that God’s light is the only true light. Only His light can illuminate our darkness. Therefore, it is vital that we receive His light. Sadly, many of those that claim to follow Yeshua (Jesus) reject His Torah or law, and replace it with traditions of their own making. According to Isaiah (8:20), there is no light in this type of worldview.

Perhaps Israel (God’s people — including both Jews and Gentiles), truly are “blind in part” as Paul stated in Romans 11. Something is missing. But this is a lengthy discussion best treated with its own set of posts. For now, consider that God uses the Torah (law), the Word and Yeshua as equivalent expressions throughout Scripture. Each of these concepts is what YHWH judges to be His LIGHT.  And they are NOT mutually exclusive of one another no matter what modern theology claims.

It is no coincidence that the electromagnetic spectrum has SEVEN ranges or types of natural light. Spiritually speaking, this is a perfect picture of the SEVEN branched menorah — the epitome of God’s Spiritual light that radiates through and by our Messiah, Yeshua.

Visible Light

If all the different wavelengths of visible light fall on the eye at the same time, white light is seen. However, if that light is refracted, there are SEVEN (that number keeps popping up!) possible colors visible to the human eye as shown in the figure below.

 

ROY-G-BIV is the acronym that represents all of the colors in the visible spectrum of light. R (red) – O (orange) – Y (yellow) – G (green) – B (blue) – I (indigo) – V (violet). Not only are those the colors we can see as humans, but they are also in the right order. Red has the longest wavelength and violet has the shortest. In other words, red is the least energetic and violet is the most energetic of the visible spectrum[1]. We will look more closely at these colors when we explore the “rainbow” in a later post.

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The prophet Ezekiel was blessed with a colorful vision of heaven. In the verses below, notice the many colored stones, the mention of fire (a form of light), and the reference to the rainbow. All these images are given to us by the prophet to describe the throne room and glory of YHWH.

Ezek. 1:26-28  And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.  (27)  And I saw as the color of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.  (28)  As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of YHWH. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

In a like manner, the Beloved disciple John was also given a vision of the throne room. Notice the similarities and the reference to colors and light.

Rev 4:2-3  And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.  (3)  And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Ezekiel and John could see a rainbow (refracted light) surrounding the throne of the LORD, which means the one at its center, must be pure white light. Also notice Ezekiel’s description of seeing amber. Amber has a GOLDEN look and sheen. Can you think of a symbol in scripture that is amber or golden in color and also displays light?

The Menorah

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There is no better symbol in all of scripture to encompass the theme of “YHWH/Yeshua as Light” than the Menorah. The menorah was first described to us through Moses when YHWH gave him instructions for the furnishings of the holy place in the tabernacle. Menorah is the Hebrew word for a candlestick or lamp stand. This word literally denotes the means by which light comes or that which bears light. The menorah had a very specific design. Speaking of this holy piece of furniture, YHWH said:

Ex. 25:31-39  And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made… (32)  And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:  (33)  Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick… (37)  And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it…(39)  Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.

While other implements of the sanctuary were to be overlaid with gold, ONLY the menorah was to be made of ONE solid piece of PURE gold. In three passages of scripture, the menorah is called “the pure menorah”[2]. All the tabernacle furnishings were to be made precisely as YHWH showed Moses on the mountain[3], but He repeats the instruction only in reference to the menorah emphasizing its significance.

Ex. 25:40  “So see, and do according to the pattern which was shown to you on the mountain”

Let’s look at some facts about the menorah[4]:

  • It is fashioned out of ONE piece of hammered gold.
  • It’s designed to resemble and almond tree. (Notice its decorations)
  • It has ONE central shaft with 3 out workings on each side. (7 Branches)
  • Common Israelites, not the priests, provided the pure olive oil that kept the menorah continually burning. (Ex. 27:20-21)

One Piece of Hammered Gold

The menorah was the only piece of holy furniture that was made solely of pure gold. Even the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place was made of acacia wood overlaid in gold. The fact that it took one piece of gold measuring a talent to make the menorah speaks to the oneness of this set apart object. Since the Holy Place was completely covered, the menorah would be the only light source for the priests to perform their duties. When you look at or think of the golden menorah, your first thought should be the on its first description: One. Which is UNITY.

Dt. 6:4  “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one.”

Almond Tree

© Nika Lerman | Dreamstime.com

God’s instructions for the menorah included decorations from the almond tree. In Hebrew, the almond is called esh’kedia, which literally translated means “to be alert, watchful, and to be awake”. Interestingly, the almond tree is the first tree to bloom or “wake-up” in Israel in the early spring. Moreover, an almond is shaped like the human eye, thus in Hebrew it is named after the function of the eye. Jeremiah has a passage that illustrates these concepts beautifully.

Jer. 1:11-12  Moreover the word of YHWH came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see the branch of an almond tree [esh kedia]. (12) Then said YHWH unto me, “Thou hast well seen: for I am watching [sho’ked] over my word to perform it.”

In this passage, YHWH uses something very tangible (the almond tree) to picture something abstract (His watchful eyes). Zechariah confirms this image.

Zec. 4:2-6  And he said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I see, and behold, a menorah all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and seven lamps on it, with seven lips on each of the lamps that are on the top of it.  (3)  And there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”  (4)  And I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”  (5)  Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.”  (6)  Then he said to me, “This is the word of YHWH to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says YHWH of hosts.

The angel goes on to further explain the vision.

Zec. 4:10 For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of Yahweh, which range through the whole earth.”

The seven flames of the golden Menorah are like seven eyes proceeding from YHWH (the LORD), that scan to and fro throughout the earth. In both Jeremiah and Zechariah, the emphasis is on seeing and YHWH’s continual watchfulness over the fulfillment of His Word.

Ps. 121:4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.

This motif also suggests that YHWH is the Light (the menorah itself) and that the branches are truly His eyes. These are the seven spirits that John describes in Revelation[5]. In nature, it is through the one pure white channel of visible light refracting into six branches that we are able to see glorious color; and so it is through the one main shaft of the menorah branching into six other flames that we see the glory of our Holy God. Perhaps this why Isaiah says of the BRANCH (Messiah):

Is. 11:1-2  There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a BRANCH from his roots shall bear fruit.  (2)  And the Spirit of YHWH shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of YHWH.

The 7 Branches and 7 Spirits of Adonai

Like the Menorah’s seven branches, there are seven Spirits of God. The fullness of the Spirit of Adonai is represented in the main shaft of the golden menorah. All the other 6 branches are rooted and spring forth from this single shaft: wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and reverence (fear). Each of these manifestations of God’s Spirit operates as creative forces or agents in creation, restoration and renewal from Genesis to Revelation.

As I’ve mentioned in several other places on this blog, Dr. Hollisa Alewine’s The Creation Gospel explores these spirits in detail. If I could recommend one thematic study or biblical paradigm for you to learn, The Creation Gospel would be at the top of the list every time. This study helps you to build understanding by showing you how the smaller pictures found in the Scriptures fits into the greater picture. For now, consider that the 7 Spirits of God are like the 7 tongues of fire that illuminate the golden menorah.

Imagine the electromagnetic spectrum transposed with a likeness of the tabernacle menorah. The visible spectrum’s 7 colors would come forth from the main stem (central) of “white” light. Remember the heavenly throne room pictured by Ezekiel and John? What better symbolism could have been given to these men to illustrate the majesty of the God of LIGHT? He truly covers Himself with light as a garment!

  Ps. 104:2  Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain.

Conclusion

  • The electromagnetic spectrum depicts 7 forms of light. Of these 7, we can only see 1 tiny sliver equaling 1.5% of the spectrum.
  • Visible white light refracts into 7 seven colors or wavelengths that increase in intensity.
  • YHWH uses a 7 branched golden menorah to symbolize His Light.
  • Imagery in Scripture equates YHWH’s Light with the Torah (Law), His Spirit, Messiah, His Word, His Eyes, His Power, etc.

Do you think it is a coincidence that “science” describes natural light with 7 “manifestations” long after YHWH established this fact in Scripture with the menorah?

More to come on the Rainbow and Adonai’s Throne, The Menorah, the Tree of Life, Mt. Moriah and Resurrection. Click here for Part III.

[1] Creation Gospel students will find this truth rather fascinating because the “spring” side of the menorah deals more with families and individuals while the “fall” side deals with a nation or the nations. There is a direct increase in intensity as the spring feasts of YHWH progress into the fall festivals. This mimics increase in intensity of the colors energy wavelengths as they progress on the spectrum.

[2] Ex. 31:8, 39:37, Lev. 24:4

[3] Ex. 25:9

[4] Valerie Moody has an excellent workbook on the menorah called: Secrets of the Menorah. Even seasoned Hebraic Roots followers will find some treasures in its pages. Although I didn’t see this particular book at her website, you can contact her about possibly obtaining a copy. http://www.vmoody.com/

[5] Rev. 1:4

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Torah Portion: Mattot and Massei

Posted on July 6, 2013 by K. Gallagher

Numbers 30:1- 36:13, Jer. 1:1-2:4-28, 3:4, Mt. 5:33-37, James 4:1-12

Mattot

The first of our double portion for this week’s Torah reading is Mattot. Mattot is translated as “tribe(s)” 182 times in our Tanakh (O.T.); and as rod(s) or staff another 66 times. Below is Strong’s definition followed by the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible’s entry for this word.

Strong’s H4294

    מטּה From H5186; a branch (as extending); figuratively a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively a support of life, for example bread): – rod, staff, tribe.

AHLB#: 1285-H (N)

1285) ac: Shake co: Branch: The pictograph “mem” is a picture of water, the “tet” is a picture of a basket which contains objects. Combined these mean “liquid contained”. A green branch still contains water allowing the branch to be flexible. A green branch can then be bent to the desired shape and left to dry.

Based on the light shed by our lexicons, what is it to be a tribe? Have you ever heard the phrase “When you’re green you’re growing”? According to ancient Hebrew, to be part of a tribe is to be a tree branch— a green growing branch that is still moldable or flexible. To remain green, this branch must have life giving water still flowing through it. In other words, the word picture shows us a tree (a whole complete unit) and that tree has many branches, but all the branches are a part of the one tree. I recall Yeshua using this very word picture to explain our relationship to Him in John 15.

 John 15:1-8  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  (2)  “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.  (3)  “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  (4)  “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.  (5)  “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.  (6)  “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.  (7)  “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  (8)  “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. (NASB)

Branches exist for the purpose of producing leaves and fruit. The leaves absorb light/energy which is likened unto the (Torah) and this light ultimately is what powers the leaves to produce food for the whole tree. [Bread from Heaven, anyone?] The fruit however, has an entirely different purpose.

Trees produce fruit for the sole purpose of propagating seeds. And those seeds will produce the exact same tree. This is why Yeshua said, “You will know them by their fruit”. If the fruit doesn’t match the tree they are claiming to be, then we can be sure that they are liars. Trees are known by what kind of fruit they produce.

Mat. 7:15-20  “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  (16)  “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?  (17)  “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.  (18)  “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.  (19)  “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  (20)  “So then, you will know them by their fruits. (NASB. See also Mat. 7:16, 12:23; Luke 6:44)

Now that we understand that as a “branch” or “tribe” of Israel we should be absorbing light (learning Torah) and producing fruit (keeping Torah), is it any wonder that Paul uses the analogy of the olive tree for Yah’s family in Romans chapter 11? Please go and reread this whole chapter.

Yeshua and Sha’ul/Paul are teaching the same message. If you or I (branches) do not do what we were created to do (produce fruit) we are cut off from the tree (Messiah). However, if we do what we were created to do, then we are grafted into The Olive Tree: Yeshua. Therefore, a tribe is a branch in the house of Israel/Yeshua.

Vows

This aptly named Parashah begins by teaching us the Torah of vows in chapter 30. There is basically a simple rule for men: he must keep his vow. Period. There is no recourse for him should he break his vow or obligation. (vs. 2). But the rest of this chapter deals with vows made by women. If you’ve read any of my posts on women, you know that I seek godly restoration for the roles of men and women. That being said, most commentaries on this passage tend to use a skewed lens as they peer into the fact that while a man’s vow must be kept, a woman’s vow may be annulled by her father or husband. Sadly, too many commentators write that this is because the woman is weak, easily deceived, and acts impulsively compared to a man.

If we allow the WHOLE counsel of God to speak to this issue, we can easily see that an assessment such as this is a result of flawed theology and doesn’t even come close to connecting how YHWH created woman or how He SEES her. Remember Hagar? She is the one that proclaims that YHWH was the Elohim that sees her— El Roi[1].

I believe that YHWH not only created woman with a unique role, but with a special purpose in the restoration of all things. If we find ourselves feeling put out like Hagar, we need only to meet the Master by the well of Living Waters. There, He will allow us to SEE with new eyes. How glorious it is when we realize that the Creator of Heaven and Earth really SEES us! This passage is far from being misogynistic.  Instead, if we have eyes to SEE, it is liberating not only to women, but to the Body of Messiah.

In His most endearing of terms for His people, YHWH calls us His wife and His Bride. Both men and women have an opportunity to be included in this glorious remnant. As His special treasure, we are kept in His care. As our Master, Father, and Husband He takes responsibility for us —- flaws and all. What better hands could we ever hope to trust in? When I read this passage about the importance of vows and the glaringly obvious difference between the responsibility of men and women, I have to conclude that this passage is teaching us about YHWH and His people. You see, only He — our Father and Husband — can annul the foolish vows that we make. While it is not impossible to make good on our vows, it is improbable. What else could have motivated the Messiah and James to say the following?

Mat 5:33-37  “Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’  (34)  “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,  (35)  or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.  (36)  “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.  (37)  “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.

Jam. 5:12  But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

I am very thankful that as my Abba and Husband, YHWH can annul vows for me. I believe men would also give a hearty A-mein to that! A bond-servant relinquishes all of his rights into the hands of his Master. The servant trusts the Master with his/her life. A servant has no need to make a vow, for he/she lives to serve/please the will of the Master. I am continually amazed by the Messiah’s presence in the volume of the Scroll[2]! It really is all about Him and His relationship with us. But like Hagar, we have to first meet Him at the well and have our eyes opened to His splendor and most tender affection for us.

Massei

This is the last parashah (portion) in the book of B’midbar (Numbers). B’midbar is a book that means “in the wilderness.” It chronicles each step and stop of the Israelites as they marched toward the Promised Land over a 40 year period. Our portion, Massei, can be defined as “pulling up stakes” as this is the word picture we are given from the Hebrew. We usually translate it as “journeys,” since a journey can convey the meaning of pulling up tent pegs to move toward another location.

At this point in the wilderness, the children of Israel are preparing to go in and take possession of the Promised Land, Canaan. YHWH instructs Moses to record each of the 42 stops or encampments that Israel made while dwelling in the wilderness. (Num. 33:2) An inexperienced Torah reader may be tempted to skim or skip over most of chapter 33’s place names. They may seem boring or even arbitrary to the untrained eye. But nothing could be further from the truth! These 42 stops have many past, present, and future implications for those that follow our Master, Yeshua, and keep His commandments.

The rabbis have long taught that each of the 42 encampments is a clue to the “journey” that we are on as we walk and sometimes limp toward the Promised Land. There can be no coincidence that there are also 42 months (3 ½ years) in the Great Tribulation. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. I’d first like to draw your attention to the number 42.

Forty-Two

The number 42 is significant for several reasons. For those of you that are familiar with the Creation Gospel model, the fact that 42 is the product of 6 x 7 will be very telling.

First, 6 x 7 is the number of man (and/or the beast) and of rest, spiritual perfection, or wholeness. Second, 6 and 7 are also representative of the Spirits of Knowledge and Reverence, the festivals of Yom Kippur and Sukkot, and the assemblies of Philadelphia and Laodicea.

These pairings suggest two similar paradigms. The first paradigm is man, as E.W. Bullinger suggests[3], working out his opposition to God. Every person is capable of acting like a man created in the image of Elohim or resorting to his/her base nature (i.e. evil inclination, flesh) that reflects the image of a beast. This inward struggle is common to all of mankind. Like Cain, we have a choice — everyday. Will we walk in the Way of Messiah and mirror His image? Or will we relent to the desires of our flesh and reveal the image of the beast? Both man and beast were created on day 6. This is why the number of the beast is also the number of man[4].

For those that deny or afflict their souls on Yom Kippur (6), sweet rest and rejoicing follows on Sukkot (7). But there is another paradigm revealed in this number as well. Consider some other instances of the number 42 in Scripture:

  • If one counts the 2 years from the original Pesach in Egypt to the evil report and 40 years from Kadesh Barnea to Jericho when Israel finally enters the Land, there is a total of 42 years.
  • Israel’s wilderness journey’s had 42 stops or stages where they sometimes cooperated with YHWH and other times they opposed Him.
  • There were young boys that mocked the ascension of Elijah to Elisha and 42 of them perished before Elisha in the Name of YHWH by 2 female bears. (2 Kings 2: 23,24)
  • The beast is given 42 months to control the earth (Rev 13:5). We also know that 42 months equals 3 ½ years.
  • In our Parashah, the number 42 comes up twice. Once in the wanderings listed above and a second time in chapter 35. The Levites were designated 42 cities among their brothers in the Promised Land, besides the 6 cities of refuge.

While the first paradigm reveals an inward struggle, the second pattern exposes a very real outward battle. Those that choose to live by their own desires will find that they are indeed enslaved by the beast. As his captives, they have a natural hatred for the servants of the Most High. We can see this pictured in the last two assemblies mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, symbolizes people who are willing to sacrificially love God and others. This is the epitome of the Holy Spirit of Knowledge[5]. This intimacy is portrayed by the 42 cities given to the Levites in the Land. It is vital that Adonai’s people have an intermediary present. But as we progress to the last assembly, Laodicea, we see a very different image.

Laodicea is neither hot nor cold, so she believes she is just right. But her condition is so vile that it makes the Master want to vomit. In other words, she has no reverence or fear of the LORD — the 7th manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The white garments she should have received on Yom Kippur (6) are missing when Sukkot (7) comes around. Yet she childishly wallows in her pride and ignorance. Without sincere repentance, the beast will overtake her like the 2 bears that slew the 42 young boys who mocked the ascension of Elijah to Elisha.

Have you ever wondered why the beast is given “42” months to control the earth? Most people understand that the number 40 represents probation, trial, and chastisement for those whom YHWH loves[6]. But what happens when we add “2” to that number? Two denotes division and difference in the Bible. For example, the second day of creation DIVIDES the upper and lower waters, the second sentence in scripture speaks of chaos, and the second chapter reveals 2 trees representing life and death. These instances continue throughout the Bible in regard to the number two[7]. While it is true that the world that YHWH loves is put to the ultimate test (40) in the Apocalypse, the addition of the number 2 reveals the vehicle that YHWH will use to accomplish this task: the enemy.

Obviously, the heart of YHWH desires for us to come to repentance above all else. This is what our trials and tribulations are all about. We must tame the animal nature or beast within and choose to walk in His Way, reflecting His image. This is expressed in its fullness when we love YHWH with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves.

Moving with the Cloud

Our journey begins in the same place for all people living in all times——- Rameses. One thing those of us that are returning to the Torah know and know well is that all roads do not lead to Rome——– or even Egypt——- but to Babylon, or Babel. Rameses means “child of the SUN” and all false worship can be traced back to sun worship that was first concocted in Babylon.

I urge you to look up each of the 42 place names of Israel’s wilderness journeys in Hebrew. I’m certain that you will find a place name that expresses your current life situation, station, trial, or movement. Like Israel, we all are all on journey with YHWH. We may not all be at the same place at the same time, but there will be a day that we are. In the meantime, consider it another test when you are faced with brethren who are not as far down the path or who are further ahead of you in the Way. How we treat or mistreat them may dictate our next stop on the journey.

Moreover, it is clear that there is real war along the Way. One of the more pronounced foes is the Canaanites. While the Canaanites are outward enemies, the “spirit” of the Canaanites can reside in our hearts if we allow the beast within (our flesh/evil inclination) to have rule. YHWH gives us this warning:

Num. 33:55-56  ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live.  (56)  ‘And as I plan to do to them, so I will do to you.'”

This is essentially the same message He gives to us in the 42 month rule of the beast in the Book of Revelation. If we do not repent and walk after Him, we will be counted with the beast and receive its punishment.

Rev. 12:14  But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time and times and half a time (42 months), from the presence of the serpent.

Rev. 14:9-12  Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,  (10)  he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.  (11)  “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”  (12)  Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

We must willingly pull up the tent pegs when YHWH’s cloud moves our encampment. This is our perseverance as verse 12 above attests. This double portion and all of Scripture for that matter tells the same story in different ways again and again. YHWH loves us and desires for us to dwell with Him in His house. However, we have 2 interwoven enemies that battle for our affections. The first one is the beast within (our flesh, evil inclination, or fleshly desires). The second is the serpent from the beginning, who speaks to our desires. We are told that we CAN overcome the enemy by choosing the Life YHWH has offered us in Yeshua. This New Life of YHWH has House rules that keep or guard us from the beast: His commandments.

But as we live out these earthly lives, we are in a constant state of choosing. This is why our journey requires perseverance! To persevere is to persist, continue, endure, insist, proceed, stick with, etc. And with the empowerment of the free gift of the Spirit of God, we can do just that.

Chazak! chazak! V’neet’chazek!

(Be Strong! Be Strong! And let us be strengthened!)

[1] Genesis 16

[2] Hebrews 10:7

[3] Bullinger, E.W., Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance, Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1967, p.268

[4] Rev. 13:18. Also, The Creation Gospel Workbook 1 explores this further.

[5] Is. 11:2

[6] Bullinger, E.W., Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance, Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1967.

[7] For instance, even the Brit Chadashah (N.T.) displays this pattern. Consider the 2nd books of Corinthians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Peter, and 2 John; they each speak either about the enemy/antichrist or the church in ruin/apostasy.

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