Category Archives: Scripture

Scripture Studies

Blow that shofar!

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Psalm 81:3, Blow the trumpet [Heb. shofar] at the time of the New Moon [Heb. chodesh], at the full moon [Heb. keseh meaning full moon or concealed, covered—scholars disagree as to its meaning and the origin of the word], on our solemn feast day [Heb. chag] — NKJV. The ArtScroll Stone Edition Tanach translates this verse alternatively as follows,

Blow the shofar at the moon’s renewal, at the time appointed for our festive day.

The origins of the Hebrew word keseh behind the phrase “full moon” is uncertain and there is debate among the experts on this subject. Some Hebrew lexicons relate it to a Hebrew root word meaning “to conceal, to cover” (e.g. Gesenius; Strong’s number H3677 cp. H3678), while others tell us that it means “fullness; full moon” (e.g. Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Lexicon; cp. The TWOT; Strong’s). BDB tells us that the origin of keseh is unknown and that it may be an Aramaic loan word meaning “full moon.” Gesenius in his lexicon states that the etymology of keseh isn’t clear, but he favors the idea of the moon being covered or concealed in darkness as opposed to being covered in light (i.e., in its full moon state). 

The only other usage of keseh in the Scriptures is found in Prov 7:20, which gives us no clue as to the exact meaning of the word.

Orthodox Jewish scholars tell us that keseh means “to conceal or to cover.” They say that the only biblical festival that occurs at the time of the new moon (biblically, when the first sliver of the new moon becomes visible) is Yom Teruah (or Rosh HaShanah), which occurs on the first day of the seventh month (in late summer). At this time, the moon is nearly completely covered or concealed except for a small, visible sliver.

The next phrase in this verse speaks of a solemn feast day, which is the Hebrew word chag. This word refers to the three pilgrimage festivals, which are Passover and the Feast (or chag) of Unleavened, the Feast (or chag) of Weeks or Pentecost and the Feast (or chag) of Tabernacles (Exod 23:14–16; Deut 16:16).

Jewish scholars relate the word chag to Yom Teruah (which they say refers to Rosh HaShanah, see The ArtScroll Tanach Series Tehillim/Psalms Commentary on this verse). The problem with this interpretation is that the Scriptures never call the day of the new moon (rosh chodesh) a chag, nor is Yom Teruah technically a chag either in the strictest sense of the meaning of the word and its usage in Scripture. Therefore, the word keseh, if it means “concealment” must be referring to both the new moon day (the first day of each month, and to Yom Teruah, which occurs on the first day of the seventh month), while the chag must be referring to the three pilgrimage festivals.

Those scholars who take the word keseh to mean “full moon” say that the phrase in this verse containing this word refers to the pilgrimage festivals (Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Tabernacles), which all occurred on or very near the time of the full moon.

Whichever interpretation you side with, the bottom line is this: The Scriptures command us to sound the shofar at the time of the New Moon, on Yom Teruah and during the three pilgrimage feasts. (See also Num 10:10.)

 

The Reuniting of the 12 Tribes of History and the Biblical Cycles of Redemption

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Genesis 46:1–7, The reuniting of Jacobs family—the twelve tribes of Israel. These verses recount the move of Jacob and his family to Egypt where they were reunited with Joseph and his family. This prophetically foreshadows a time in the future, which the Jewish sages call the Final Redemption, which is to occur just prior to and at the coming of Messiah Son of David (Yeshua the Messiah) as he comes to establish the Messianic Era (or Millennium) on earth. 

The same Jewish sages also teach us that part of that final redemption includes the reunification of the two houses of Israel (i.e. the Messiah-loving Jews and Torah-loving Christians) into one kingdom under Messiah Son of David. Where do we find this prophesied in the Scriptures? (Read Ezek 37:15–28, which interestingly enough is this week’s Haftorah portion!) This speaks of the family reunification or ­reconciliation of Judah and Ephraim at Messiah’s return. (Hos 5:15–6:4; 1:11; Acts 3:21; Ezek 37:25). This will be a supernatural work of the Set-Apart Spirit of Elohim (Ezek 36:19–32).

After the reunification of the divided family, where did the reunited and reconciled family move to? (Read Gen 46:34.) Goshen was in the Nile River delta area and was and to this day is the prime farm land of Egypt. It was a veritable promised land compared to the arid regions of Canaan. 

Could Goshen be a tiny prophetic picture of the millenial age that will occur after King Messiah defeats the Babylon the Great new world order (a type of end times Egypt) at his second coming? Possibly. As the ancient Jewish sages study the Scriptures, they have a sense that history for the people of Israel is continually repeating itself in cyclical patterns as YHVH works his purposes out among his people. As such, he is constantly endeavoring to reveal his plan of redemption and reconciliation to his people—at least to those who have eyes to see, and he is continually reaching out his loving hand of reconciliation to the next generations of Israelites. Therefore the Israelites settling in Goshen is but one more picture of the cyclical pattern of redemption that we see YHVH working throughout in the pages of Scripture, with all of these cycles pointing toward a final climax at the end of the age where all of the children of Israel will worship YHVH in spirit and in truth (John 4:23) under the rulership of King Yeshua the Messiah, Son of Joseph and Son of David.

 

Happy New Unbiblical New Year!

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How about something a little different and kinda fun? Let’s start out the new year thinking about the land of Israel—the land of our promised inheritance, and where the redeemed saints will meet Yeshua our King and rule with him when he returns.

My wife just found the hard drive that had all of our photos from our 2008 Israel trip, and I just finished going through them all. Can I share some of my favorite fun photos with you? Well, I’m going to anyway…

That spring, YHVH graciously provided Sandi and I with the funds to be able to go to Israel to help in the abib barley search with Nehemia Gordon and team. We were in the land for two weeks and got to travel to many places. After traveling to the land of the Bible, the Scriptures have never been the same as before. Now you can actually visualize the land and many of the places the Bible speaks about because you’ve been there! The Bible comes alive a new and powerful way, to be sure.

Here are a few pictures that I picked out to share with you. Please enjoy…

Here I am visiting with a camel in the Jordon Valley.
As you can see, we became quick friends.

Dead Sea mud anyone? You’ve never seen me like this before!
Sitting in the remains of a synagogue in Capharnaum on the Sea of Galilee. Though this synagogue was built several hundred years after the time of Yeshua, it was likely constructed on top of the one Yeshua preached in.
Here Sandi is standing next to “the Jesus boat” which is in a museum near Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. This boat was found in the mud at the bottom of the lake and restored and is now on display. It is from the time of Yeshua and is like the ones that he and the disciples used. He may have even ridden in this same boat. Who knows?
In northern Israel near the base of Mount Hermon taking a drink from of one of the streams that forms the Jordon River.
Here I am with my back up against the Western Wailing Wall (the Kotel) in the Old City of Jerusalem. (Can you spot me?)
In south Jerusalem with the Mount of Olives in the background.
Outside the city walls of the Old City near the Damascus Gate.
Descending the stairs, which is at the base of “the Pinnacle” of the Temple Mount, that leads across the Kidron Vally and over to the Garden of Gethsemane at the base of the Mount of Olives.
At the Sea of Galilee.
I love the Sea of Galilee!
Here I am on the Temple Mount standing on the remnants of the soreg also known as the middle wall of partition—a wall that kept the Gentiles out of the Temple area. That wall has now come down and everyone can come to Yeshua regardless of their ethnicity, for there is not longer Jew or Gentile—just the one new man, called the Israel of Elohim (Gal 6:16)! As you can see, I have a gleeful smile on my face as I’m reflecting on this reality.
Here I am in the Jordon Valley standing on the wreck of an Israeli tank likely from Israel’s war of independence in 1948.
This is in northern Israel at Tel Dan, the place where King Jeroboam set up his government when he split way from Judah, and where he built a temple to compete with the one in Jerusalem.
On the Temple Mount in Jerusalem with some relics of Herod’s Temple.
At the Yemin Moshe neighborhood looking toward the Old City of Jerusalem.
After running around the land of Israel for two weeks pounding your feet on all that hard stone, finally a guy has to rest his weary legs. Here I am sitting on what’s left of a 2,000 year old public comfort station (otherwise know as a toilet) in some ruins below the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
 

The Silver Lining in Joseph’s Cloud

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Genesis 45:5, 7, 8, Elohim sent me. Joseph was sold into slavery at age 17, was freed from prison and made ruler of Egypt at age 30. After that, seven years of plenty followed, and then two years of famine had passed by the time he was reunited with is brothers. Only after 22 years in Egypt did Joseph finally figure out Elohim’s grand and wonderful plan for his life, and how it involved the saving of his family.

Had Joseph lost faith along the way, become embittered over his multiple misfortunes, and turned away from Elohim, the nation of Israel may have never been preserved. 

Keeping one’s eyes on YHVH Elohim, and refusing to lose faith during the dark times of one’s life can yield some amazingly triumphant outcomes, as we learn from the life of Joseph. This is because YHVH watches over those who place their trust in him and who obey him the best they can. Their lives are in his hands, and the circumstances of their lives are under his guidance. Because of his love for his children, and because of the good plans he has for them, whatever he allows to happen to them will be for their ultimate good. So find the blessing in everything and your love and faith in your Creator will be strengthened.

Does the story of Joseph sound like a trite chliché to you? Well, read the Bible; it is full of such stories of hope, faith and blessing. Moreover, millions of Bible believers down through the ages have similar stories to tell because they trusted in the Word and promises of Elohim. So put your trust in him today. What have you got to lose except your dark despair and empty hopelessness?

 

The Overcoming Faith of the Patriarchs—Lessons to Be Learned

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Scripture records that Abraham was the patriarch (literally chief father) of the Hebrew people, and a pillar of faith because of his trust in and obedience to YHVH Elohim. As such, he is often referred to as the Father of the Faithful. But when Elohim first called this man of faith and grandfather of the Israelite people, was he a giant in his faith? Not at all.  Yes he had faith, but his faith was imperfect; it had to grow, and it was a process, which we will discuss below.

Abraham’s faith, like the proverbial mustard seed, started out small, but it was still enormous compared to most other people. After all, on a mere promise from Elohim, he uprooted his entire family and travelled on foot hundreds of miles across the dangerous desert and through various countries and encountering many hardships along the way in hopes of a better life. It was if he were moving from New York City to Jawbone Flats, Oregon, a virtual ghost town in the mountains—population four!

Abraham’s first steps of faith were measured, cautious, incremental and at times hesitant, yet through it all YHVH was gracious because Abraham’s heart was inclined to do his will. Because of Abraham’s faithfulness, YHVH still counted it to him for righteousness (Gen 15:6). Not only that, but he passed his mountain moving, gravity defying faith on to his children and grandchildren and beyond, and this legacy of faith lives on in many of his descendants to this day. 

There is much that we, as the children of Abraham through our faith in Yeshua the Messiah, can learn from this pillar of faith and his immediate descendants and associates that will strengthen our own faith in YHVH Elohim and his promises.

Abraham and Sarah

Genesis 12:1, Get thee out of thy country. Did Abram immediately leave his father’s house and go directly to the country that YHVH would show him, or did he fulfill YHVH’s will for his life in incremental steps? Compare Genesis 11:31 with Genesis 12:1. Did Abram leave his father’s house completely, or take part of his father’s house with him including his father and nephew? Haran is located in northern Mesopotamia and is nowhere near Canaan. When Abram finally made his way to Canaan minus his father, did he still have part of his kindred with him, something YHVH instructed him to leave behind (Gen 12:1)? Did his nephew Lot prove to be a help or a hindrance to Abram in fulfilling YHVH’s mission for his life in a new land? What lessons can we learn from this account? 

First, YHVH is gracious to us even when we don’t obey him completely and immediately. Scripture still refers to Abraham as the father of the faithful or faithfulness (Rom 4:12, 16). 

Second, Abram was a man of prominence in Babylon (Chaldea), was recognized as a mighty prince (Gen 23:6), and was 75 years old when YHVH asked him to leave the comforts of life in Babylon to trek across the desert to the backwoods region of Canaan. No doubt, this was not an easy move for Abram for the reasons already stated. 

Those who would follow Yeshua have to make similar choices as Abram did: to stay in the Babylon of this world, or to leave it. What did Yeshua tell his disciples about the sacrifices that they would need to make to be a follower of YHVH? (See Matt 10:35–39.) At the same time, what did Yeshua say would be the eternal rewards of those, who like our father Abraham, set out in faith for a new spiritual destiny? ( See Matt 19:29.) What physical obstacles stand in your way of fulfilling YHVH’s spiritual calling, mission and destiny for your life?

Genesis 16:1–16, Abraham takes matters into his own hands. The faith of Abraham, the father of the faithful, was tried greatly. After waiting years for a son, he finally gave in to doubt and unbelief. In stead of waiting for YHVH to give him a son, Abraham too matters into his own hands and endeavored to work out YHVH’s plans and purposes in his life through fleshly means. The result was Ishmael, the father of many of the modern Moslem Arabs. What can we learn from this mistake of Abraham? 

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Blog Scripture Readings for 12-29-19 Through 1-4-20

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Parashat Vayigash — Genesis 44:18 – 47:27
Haftarah — Ezekiel 37:15-28
Prophets — 1 Samuel 25:1 – 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:1-27
Writings — Psalms 77:1 – 82:8
Testimony — Mark 14:53 – 16:20; Luke 1:1-66

Our new annual Scripture Reading Schedule for 2019-2020 with daily readings is available to download and print. If you are still working through 2018-2019’s Scripture Reading Schedule, the link will still be available on the right sidebar under “Helpful Links”. If you are using a mobile device or tablet, the link may be below, meaning you’ll need to scroll down instead.

Most of this week’s blog discussion points will be on these passages. If you have general comments or questions on the weekly Scripture readings not addressed in a blog post, here’s a place for you to post those. Just use the “leave a reply” link or the “share your thoughts” box below.

The full “Read Through The Scriptures In A Year” schedule, broken down by each day, can be found on the right sidebar under “Helpful Links.” There are 4 sections of scripture to read each day: one each from the Torah, the Prophets, the Writings, and from the Testimony of Yeshua. Each week, the Torah and haftarah readings will follow the traditional one-year reading cycle.

Weekly Blog Scripture Readings for 12/29/19 through 1/4/20.

 

Judah and Benjamin—A Story of Fraternal Love and Redemption

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Genesis 44:32–34, Became surety for the lad. On this passage states Christian commentator Matthew Henry, “Judah’s faithful cleaving to Benjamin, now, in his distress, was recompensed long afterwards by the tribe of Benjamin keeping with the tribe of Judah, when the other tribes deserted it” (Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, p. 56). This is a small piece of biblical trivia that had historical ramifications for hundreds of years later.

It is amazing that some 800 years later the fraternal love between these two brothers remained in the collective psyches their descendents such that the tribe of Benjamin remained loyal to that of Judah. 

What does this say about generational blessings (and curses) or attitudes that are passed on down to one’s descendants? If curses can be passed on down to the third or fourth generation (Exod 20:5), how about blessings? The Book of Proverbs states that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” (Prov 18:21) and that, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit,” (Prov 15:4). ­

Generations of our descendants can be affected positively or negatively by the inclination of our hearts and the words of our mouth. 

It had been Judah’s idea originally to sell Joseph to slave traders. Since that time, Judah’s heart had changed so that now he was willing to lay down his life for his brother, Benjamin, Joseph’s only full brother. This change of heart on Judah’s part and the resulting outpouring of love for his youngest brother had lasting positive results. What are the prophetic implications of this relationship between Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) and Judah?

Did Judah recognize Joseph, or did Joseph have to reveal himself? (Read Gen 45:1–4.) Was Judah “blinded” to whom Joseph was? Why? What is this a prophetic picture of? (See Rom 11:25.) As we have seen in previous studies, Joseph was a type of the Messiah as well as the father of Ephraim and Manasseh, the dominate tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, who went apostate and became as “lost sheep” among the nations of the world (Hos 7:8; 8:8; Ezek 34:16 and numerous other Scriptures). Therefore, who does Joseph prophetically represent? This is a prophetic picture of the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” and the Messiah who would come to seek out those lost sheep (Matt 15:24; 10:6). And whom does Judah represent? Is Judah a prophetic shadow of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who would later come as the Messiah to redeem his “brother” who would be lost in spiritual Egypt? Or does he represent the Southern Kingdom of the house of Judah who is “blind” to his Messiah? Perhaps he is a prophetic picture of both. These are potentially difficult questions to answer. One could easily force these scriptures in Genesis to fit into a false prophetic scenario.

This has been a head scratcher for the Jewish sages as well. They have seen in the story of Joseph, the Suffering Servant, a Messiah Son of Joseph figure who they felt would be a descendant of Ephraim and who would come to redeem the lost sheep or exiles of the house of Israel in preparation for a second Messiah to come whom they refer to as the Conquering King or Messiah the Son of David, (Mesorah PublicationsTheArtScroll Bereishis,vol. 1b, pp. 2121–2122). They see these Messiahs as two separate individuals. Yet in our story of Joseph and Judah can we see the antetypes of these two Messiahs acting out their roles at the same time? Could Judah and Joseph point to both comings of Messiah Yeshua? At his first coming, did not Yeshua, the Suffering Servant, come to redeem a remnant of lost Judah in addition to a much larger portion of “the lost sheep of the house of Israel”? Yet at his second coming, will not this same Messiah Son of Joseph come back as the Lion of Judah to be revealed to his Jewish brothers (the modern day Jewish people) who had previously rejected him? (See Zech 12:10.)