Jacob Ben Avraham

PARASHA: “Shemot” (Names) EXODUS 1:1-6:1 We enter into a new era, Jacob/Israel and Joseph are now in the past, yet their legacy continues, in “Am Yisrael” (The People of Israel). ”70 souls” entered Mitzraim (Egypt). It is interesting that the Hebrew word “Nefesh” is used for “souls” yet the word is in singular, but why? Is there a symbolism here? If we were to read this in English, we would read; “70 soul entered Egypt”. One could say that the word “Nefesh” (Soul) could refer to the whole “Family” of Israel as ONE (Echad) family unit, as we are ONE with Elohim, then all of Israel was ONE as well. hundreds of years later, we have a few million Hebrews. There is a list at the beginning of Exodus of the “b'nei Israel” (the sons of Israel) and they had their children, and their children had children, etc. They remained in the area of “Goshen” along the Nile Delta, farming, and raising cattle, probably a few became merchants, they adapted to life in Egypt, got used to seeing Egyptian deities, and probably understood spoken Egyptian. Who knows if many became “Egyptianized” did they bow down to the deities? How much did they retain about Adonai? El Shaddai? We don't know, but I am sure that the story of Joseph and how he brought his family to Egypt from Canaan was passed down from family to family. The story of the famine, and how Yosef preserved life during the famine. So “b'nei Israel” multiplied, and the land was filled with the “b'nei Israel”, and now the Egyptians started to get nervous. In verse 8, problems start; ” And there arose a new king over Egypt who knew not Joseph” This new king had overthrown the Hyksos rulers, and did not personally know Yosef nor knew of his accomplishments to save Egypt. The new pharaoh might have heard of Yosef, but thought "That's ancient history." Some tradition says that in part, the Hebrews had become “Egyptianized” and failed to keep the memory of Yosef alive and what he did. There are a few ideas of who it might have been. Some believe it might have been “Pharaoh Ahmose” The title “Pharaoh” is not the name, it is only a title which means “ruler”. It might have been “Ahmose” or even “Rameses II”. A little on Egyptian words and etymology, the Egyptian word “meses” or “mose” means “born of” so the name “Moshe” or “Moses” is similar to “meses” (born of) or (Taken from). Since Moses was “Taken from the water, or the river (The Nile). We ask what might have been the Egyptian name Moses used? The Egyptian word for “river” is “iteru” so, his name might have been “Iterumose” or “Iterumeses” (given ancient Egyptian entomology) There were many “Rameses” it means “Born of the god RA” “Ahmose” probably (born of “Ah”) “Thutmose” (born of the god Thut) and so on. So many pharaohs took on those names. Also, the title “Pharaoh” is exactly that, a title, not a name. It comes from two Egyptian words; “per” and “o” “Per” = house, and “O” = great. So the title “pharaoh” means “of the Great House” It would be like saying; “I am going to Washington D.C. to see the White House” What you are saying is that you are going to see the president, who “lives” in the White House. The pharaoh of verse 8 is paranoid and thinks that the Israelites will join, perhaps with the Hittites, to overthrow Egypt. The pharaoh that gave Joseph power to be co-ruler was a foreign king, a “Semite” known as a “Hyksos king”, perhaps that was why he felt some kinship with Joseph. Now slavery starts and the Hebrews (the Egyptian word is “Hapiru”) are made slaves, and the good times are over. Yet Elohim hears the cries of his people, and has selected the tribe of Levi, through a couple; Amran and Jochebed, to bring into the world, “Moshe” who would be a sort of “Mashiach” (like Yosef) to lead Israel OUT of Egypt, in God's appointed time. YHVH has a time for ALL THINGS, we cannot rush God's clock, it ticks slowly for us, yet it ticks out second by second and includes us all in the plan of things. The root meaning of the name "Yochebed" is from "Kavod" weight, and glory. "God's Glory" could be a meaning for the name "Yochebed" and for "Amram" (Exalted people) So, "Amram and Yochebed" could mean "God's glory is his Exalted people" The throne of Egypt probably changed, and the pharaohs continued to be paranoid, one developed a plan to “curb” the birth rate by killing the baby boys, according to the historian 'Ted Stewart' in his book “solving the Exodus Mystery” the pharaoh who ordered the death of the male infants was “Sesostris III” we see that Moshe is adopted by the daughter of this pharaoh. A little about this princess. According to Midrash (commentary from the rabbis) her name was "Bithyah" or "Batyah" A little strange for an Egyptian princess to have this name because in Hebrew it means "a daughter of God (Yah)" Could it be that the daughter of the pharaoh was a proselyte to the Hebrew God YHVH? Is that why she had compassion for the child Moshe? How did she recognize that the baby was Hebrew? Was she bathing at the edge of the Nile? or was it a Mikvah? We learn that the name "Bithyah or Batiyah" comes from 1 Chronicles 4:17-18. There it names some of the children of the Tribe of Judah, "Bithyah, the daughter of Pharoah" was married to "Mered" and they had children together. One thing about the Nile River. It is a dangerous place to swim. It is home to crocodiles and hippos. Both are dangerous to humans. It makes sense that the princess had servants to accompany her, to be "look-outs" for those creatures. She sees the basket and sends her servant to go in and get it. The Midrash says that "Her arm extended far out to reach the basket " One could say that her "extended arm" was her handmaiden who retrieved it. When the basket was opened and she saw baby Moshe, his older sister Miriam was right there and suggested to the princess that a "wet nurse" could feed and raise Moses. It is believed that Miriam was one of the handmaidens of the princess, or that she worked there at the palace. God makes everything work out to good. Moses' own mother raised him and was paid for it. Moshe grows up in the palace, and is raised as a “Prince of Egypt” yet all the time, “retaining (inside) his Hebrew identity”. We remember that he killed an Egyptian in defending one of his own, the Pharaoh that sought his death was “Amenemhet III”. When Moshe fled and spent 40 years in Madian, upon returning, he faced the Pharaoh “Amenemhet IV” who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus, who pursued the Israelites through the Red Sea, (and didn't quite make it, receiving a very fatal water baptism). (T. Stewart, Solving the Exodus Mystery, www.biblediscoveries.com). When Moshe fled, there is an interesting verse, 2:15, which says that “Moshe fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian (which is now Saudi Arabia). “And he sat down by a well” We can read scripture from a literal standpoint. Yes, Moshe fled and probably went East then South to get to the land of Midian. If he took that direct route (no one knows for sure) it would have been a 250-mile hike. We don’t know how many supplies he took with him, how much water, etc, since he was on the run, the pharaoh threatened to kill him. But he arrived might thirsty. A well was a meeting point in those days, so he knew that people would be coming to get water. Sure enough, came Yitro’s daughters to get water and he was there to help and defend the damsels. Yet we need also to look at this from a Derashic and symbolic standpoint. Moshe has made contact with the “well”. A water well represents life. Moshe hangs on to life. One of Yeshua’s titles is “The Living Water”. We might look at that well symbolically as “Yeshua, the Well of Living Water (Yeshua, HaBeer Mayim Chayim) Adonai had grace upon grace to Moshe, since he would be his instrument of redeeming Israel from Egyptian bondage. The word for “grace” is “Rachem” and “Rachamim” is the plural form; “a large and plentiful amount of grace” There is “Mayim” in “Rachamim” (spelled with the Hebrew letters) so grace is like plentiful water, and since Yeshua is the “Living Water” He is the author of “grace”. Moshe would be a “Messiah type” who would “take his people out” and that is the meaning of the name “Moshe” (taken out of) so he would live up to his name. He is something else interesting. How does Moshe represent The Messiah? The word “HaMashiach” is spelled in Hebrew; “Hey, Mem, Sheen, Yod, Chet” and the words “Moshe Chai” (Moses lives) have the “Same Letters!” “Mem, Sheen, Hey, Chet, Yod” Matthew 2:15 states; “Out of Egypt I have called my son” Yeshua went down to Egypt with his parents to escape Herod, they spent some years there and then returned to Israel. Yet also Israel is the son, as he went to Egypt when he was old, and his bones were “carried out” yet Moshe also represents Israel as a nation, and Moshe went out with Israel, and since Moshe symbolizes Mashiach, then, the verse fits both parties (yet primarily, it fits Yeshua first). This Parashah has so much that I wish to concentrate on the “Calling of Moshe” in chapter three of Shemot God calls to Moshe while he is taking care of Yitro's sheep near Mt. Sinai. A note to mention is that God prepares his servants beforehand, before sending them out on the mission fields, “Midian and the flocks of sheep” were the training grounds and subjects of his training, before leading out “Human sheep” to the land of Midian that “he now knew and was familiar with” God calls him saying; “Anochi Elohei Aviyha” (I am the God of your father) so the name “Elohei” is used, then he uses a more personal name in verse 14; “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” if you can call it a name, it is translated as I AM that or who I AM, which is not a name at all. So, what is God trying to convey to Moshe? In a way, he is saying, “Is a proper name so important Moe? Just understand that I EXIST! I have existed in the past, and the present, and will exist in the future” The word “Ehyeh” is a form of “Haya” or “Havayah” meaning “to exist” or “the essence of being” from this we get the most sacred name of God: YHVH. HaVaYaH (re-arrange the letters and we get YHVH) Modern translators put in vowels to get YeHoVaH and have changed the Y to J to become JEHOVAH, but that is not the original name, there exists no “J” in Hebrew. The other name used in chapter 3 is “Elohim” “Elohim” said to Moshe....Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh...” “Elohim” is the “all power God of Creation, the Triune God (im) who we know, as Messianic believers, as being EL (father) BEN-YESHUA, (Yeshua the Son) RUACH-HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit). Elohim has revealed himself to us in human form through YESHUA, and as Moshe leads his people out of the slavery of physical bondage, YESHUA leads us out of the bondage of spiritual slavery of sin, leading us to a new life, in a personal relationship with HIM, as the Israelites entered into a renewed relationship with Elohei starting at Sinai, our relationship starts at Calvary. We are now joined to “His chosen people” through adoption, both native-born in Israel, and those who are from the diaspora, we are all ONE (ECHAD) in Messiah Yeshua Ben David, Ben Adam, and Ben YHVH. We continue to read and we find in chapter 4 that YHVH sends Moshe back to Egypt to lead his people out. We find that God works through people, some very special, others very ordinary. Yet before sending back Moshe, He prepares him in the desert as a shepherd. One can divide the life of Moshe into three parts, the first 40 years as prince and general in Egypt, the second 40 years as an outcast, yet an instrument in the hands of YHVH, and the last 40 years as leader of Israel. Before sending him back, there are three signs that YHVH gives Moshe, as “authority”. When we look at these three signs of authority, we see “Yeshua” in these signs. The first was the “Mateh” (The staff). It was common for every household leader to carry a staff, a little more than just a “walking stick”. The “Mateh” was a sign of leadership and authority. But this one would be changed into a serpent when Moshe threw it down before Pharaoh. The serpent was a sign of “kingly authority” in Egypt, as it was a part of the royal headdress that the pharaohs wore. Shepherds carried a “rod” and a “staff” when leading sheep. The “rod” was a short, heavy club that was used as a weapon, and the “staff” to lead. Yeshua is the “good shepherd” who leads us, who, “crushed the head of the serpent” at Calvary. The second sign was the sign of “disease and healing of said disease” namely “Tza-arat” (leprosy). We see in the Prophets that Elisha healed Naaman the Syrian of leprosy, and Yeshua also healed the sick, including lepers. Even in the desert, those who were bitten by “serpents” were healed by a “bronze serpent on a staff” (again, returning to the staff and serpent). Yeshua is our healer and heals us of the curse of sin and death. The third sign was the “water turned to blood” on dry land (4:9). This reminds us of our Messiah Yeshua, who when on the cross, was pierced by a Roman spear, and out of his side came “blood and water” and this mixture of “blood and water” fell from the cross on dry land. By his shed blood, we are saved, by Yeshua who is the “living Water”. So, we also see in these three signs, the “Torah” the “Prophets” and the “Brit HaDashah”(The New Testament) The blood of Messiah Jesus/Yeshua cleansed us from all sin, from the curse of sin. Payment fulfilled on the Cross of Calvary. Have you accepted His sacrifice for sin? Israelites in Egypt (Wall painting or Papyrus)

1 KINGS 2:1-12 King David is on his deathbed and calls his son Solomon, and tells him “What it is to be a MAN!” so here's the truth to all “macho guys out there who just THINK they know what it is to be a real man. Melech David tells the truth through the Holy Spirit who guides his words; ” Keep the charge of YHVH thy God, Walk in HIS ways, Keep HIS commandments as they are written in the Torah, SO THAT, you may prosper in ALL you do. So, there you have it, what it is to be a man, (or a woman) of God, Trust in Yeshua as LORD and Savior, Depend on HIS righteousness through his blood and sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, which will lead us to a right relation with HIM and with his written word, to put into practice as our way of life. But always remember that salvation is through FAITH, and by FAITH only, and never depending on works! (mitzvoth) the “works” are an “aftermath” of our faith experience. MATT 22:1-23:39 Yeshua tells the story of a king who invited guests to his son’s wedding feast. Yet those who were invited did not show up, so he called others, who DID attend the wedding feast. He says that the “Kingdom of Heaven” is similar to that situation. He ends by saying; “Many are called yet few are chosen. How do we relate that to ourselves? We are part of the human race. The perfect will of Adonai is that ALL come to repentance and accept the gift of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) which was provided through “Yeshua” (no play on words). The gospel message has gone out to all, which means ALL people on this planet called Earth. The great Wedding Feast of the “Son” is in the making. His bride is in the making. Yet many do not heed the calling, they are those who love the world and love darkness, these are the lost and unsaved people of humanity. We ask how can one refuse such an invitation. Perhaps because the things and enjoyments of this world are too appetizing, and they would rather live for the moment, instead of eternity’s bliss. Then there are those who DO accept the wedding invitation. Those of us who accept will be part of the wedding feast. We are part of the bride, the “Kehilah” the “Adat” (Congregation of the redeemed). No matter what name a church is called by, we are all part of “One Assembly” We are all part of “B’nei Elohim” (sons of God) including women too. There is mention of one who was not properly dressed for the wedding, yet in ancient times, those who did not come with wedding attire were usually provided clothing by the bridegroom, so there is no excuse for not being in proper attire. Yeshua also talks about our relationship with others in heaven. Specifically, our marriage partners. Unlike on earth, where we relate with our partners both emotionally, sexually, and spiritually, in heaven, it will not be so. Of course, we will recognize each other, but we will be like “brothers and sisters” since our “Husband” will be “Yeshua.” There is the question; “What is the greatest commandment?” and Yeshua quotes Deut 6; “You shall love Adonai your God with all of your heart, soul, and strength” and He adds “and love your neighbor as yourself.” This is interesting. The word “Torah” in gematria adds up to 611. (Tav, vav, resh, Hey) and when we add this Commandment in Deut 6, and “love your neighbor” these are “2”, when we add “2” to “611” we get “613” which are the total amount of commandments in the entire Torah (first 5 books). To make it very simple, the whole Torah is condensed to “loving God” and “loving your neighbor” That is the gist of ALL the commandments. Our love and devotion to our God, and our love and respect towards our fellow man. Guess that includes animals. He made the animals and we need to respect and treat them also with loving kindness because they are part of Elohim’s creation. (you may want to exclude cockroaches) Yes, they were created, but to serve as a curse, not a blessing.

1 KINGS 2:1-12 King David is on his deathbed and calls his son Solomon, and tells him “What it is to be a MAN!” so here's the truth to all “macho guys out there who just THINK they know what it is to be a real man. Melech David tells the truth through the Holy Spirit who guides his words; ” Keep the charge of YHVH thy God, Walk in HIS ways, Keep HIS commandments as they are written in the Torah, SO THAT, you may prosper in ALL you do. So, there you have it, what it is to be a man, (or a woman) of God, Trust in Yeshua as LORD and Savior, Depend on HIS righteousness through his blood and sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, which will lead us to a right relation with HIM and with his written word, to put into practice as our way of life. But always remember that salvation is through FAITH, and by FAITH only, and never depending on works! (mitzvoth) the “works” are an “aftermath” of our faith experience. MATT 22:1-23:39 Yeshua tells the story of a king who invited guests to his son’s wedding feast. Yet those who were invited did not show up, so he called others, who DID attend the wedding feast. He says that the “Kingdom of Heaven” is similar to that situation. He ends by saying; “Many are called yet few are chosen. How do we relate that to ourselves? We are part of the human race. The perfect will of Adonai is that ALL come to repentance and accept the gift of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) which was provided through “Yeshua” (no play on words). The gospel message has gone out to all, which means ALL people on this planet called Earth. The great Wedding Feast of the “Son” is in the making. His bride is in the making. Yet many do not heed the calling, they are those who love the world and love darkness, these are the lost and unsaved people of humanity. We ask how can one refuse such an invitation. Perhaps because the things and enjoyments of this world are too appetizing, and they would rather live for the moment, instead of eternity’s bliss. Then there are those who DO accept the wedding invitation. Those of us who accept will be part of the wedding feast. We are part of the bride, the “Kehilah” the “Adat” (Congregation of the redeemed). No matter what name a church is called by, we are all part of “One Assembly” We are all part of “B’nei Elohim” (sons of God) including women too. There is mention of one who was not properly dressed for the wedding, yet in ancient times, those who did not come with wedding attire were usually provided clothing by the bridegroom, so there is no excuse for not being in proper attire. Yeshua also talks about our relationship with others in heaven. Specifically, our marriage partners. Unlike on earth, where we relate with our partners both emotionally, sexually, and spiritually, in heaven, it will not be so. Of course, we will recognize each other, but we will be like “brothers and sisters” since our “Husband” will be “Yeshua.” There is the question; “What is the greatest commandment?” and Yeshua quotes Deut 6; “You shall love Adonai your God with all of your heart, soul, and strength” and He adds “and love your neighbor as yourself.” This is interesting. The word “Torah” in gematria adds up to 611. (Tav, vav, resh, Hey) and when we add this Commandment in Deut 6, and “love your neighbor” these are “2”, when we add “2” to “611” we get “613” which are the total amount of commandments in the entire Torah (first 5 books). To make it very simple, the whole Torah is condensed to “loving God” and “loving your neighbor” That is the gist of ALL the commandments. Our love and devotion to our God, and our love and respect towards our fellow man. Guess that includes animals. He made the animals and we need to respect and treat them also with loving kindness because they are part of Elohim’s creation. (you may want to exclude cockroaches) Yes, they were created, but to serve as a curse, not a blessing.

PARASHA: “VaYechi” (and he lived) GEN 47:28-50:26 In this we see Jacob (Israel) in his last days, he prepares to “go the way of all men” (As King David put it), Jacob is getting ready to die. He prepares himself and makes sure that his sons and grandsons are blessed and they know what is ahead of them. A father's blessing to his children is very important. We see that he lived 17 years in Egypt, and strangely enough, Yosef came to Egypt at age 17! When we add up the two “17s” we get “34”, then adding 3+4 = 7, we are back to the number “7” which is God's number, Both Jacob and Joseph were in God's perfect will and HE fulfilled HIS perfect purpose through those men. Jacob lived 147 years in total. I guess all of us have a certain number of years to live on this earth. It is interesting to note that from 70 people, Israel grew into a "multitude" yet has always had to fight for survival. Before he dies, Jacob blesses his 12 children and his 2 grandkids and tells them about their futures, some are bleak, and not so nice (one reaps what one sows). Each name of “b'nei Israel” (children of Israel) has a symbolic meaning, what do these names mean to us as “born-again believers in Yeshua HaMashiach?” well, let's see; RUEBEN (Re'eh) is “to see”, SIMEON (Sh'ma) is “to hear”, LEVI (lev=heart) is “united, joined together” Y'HUDAH (contains the most sacred name of God, YHVH) “praise”, DAN “judge”, NAPHTALI “wrestling” GAD “a troop comes”, ASHER “blessed”, ISSACHAR “wages”, ZEBULUN “dwelling with husband”, YOSEF “YHVH will add a son”, BENJAMIN “son of the right hand” MANASSEH “forget my toil and my father's house” (pray 4 Zion, the significance of the twelve tribes of Israel). One interesting note in the prophecy concerning Y’hudah is the verse; “The scepter shall not depart from Y’hudah, nor a scholar from among his descendants until Shiloh arrives and his will be an assemblage of nations. (49:10) Who is “Shiloh?” We can pretty much agree that it is Messiah Yeshua. Even Rashi and Onkelos render: “until the Messiah comes to whom the kingdom belongs.” We can see today that in every nation, we have those who have believed and accepted Yeshua/Jesus as LORD and Savior, and they have become part of HIS kingdom. Those include you and me. All nations of the world will be gathered unto Messiah Yeshua when he returns to reign 1000 years. Here is one interesting thing about “Yosef” it is the blessing that Israel pronounces on his favorite son. It is found in Gen 49:22; “Yosef is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall” Yosef will be “porat” fruitful, because of him bringing his family to Egypt, they “multiplied” in population in four hundred years. The family began with 70 persons, and left Egypt four hundred and some years later with perhaps two million! Now THAT is what I call being FRUITFUL (porat) The verse also says; “Ben Porat” or “son of fruitfulness” This is mentioned TWICE, before and after the name YOSEF. Could this mean a “double portion of fruitfulness?” again, we see 70 persons become two million. Take even the sons of Yosef; Manasseh and Efraim, they became many and it is believed that the descendants of Efraim spread out to many nations, yet Israel claims his grandsons as “his own” meaning they are part of the 12 tribes, which is “Adat Yisrael” (Community of Israel). Also, to be "fruitful" is to bear spiritual fruit, through teaching and sharing God's Word with others. This reminds us of two of the trees in the Garden of Eden. What were the names of the two trees in the Garden of Eden? The Tree of Knowledge, and the Tree of Life! Is there a connection? If we adhere to the instruction of the Torah, we will be blessed with life, and life in abundance and we will be fruitful, not so much biologically, but in bringing “spiritual fruit” bringing others close to Messiah, through witness and teaching others HIS Word. We are then “B’nei Porat” (sons of fruitfulness) This is just an idea. We can think on this. What do we see when we apply the name meanings of the sons of Israel to our lives as “born-again believers?” We can all SEE the changed lives, and the miracles that have been done in believers' lives, and we HEAR of the faith of others who have been challenged by oppressive governments, we HEAR God's Word through SEEING the words in the Torah, and take them into our HEART, so that the words of Torah are JOINED TOGETHER to our lives, so that we may PRAISE the name of YHVH. We must all look at our lives and JUDGE ourselves in light of the scriptures, are we living the way YHVH wants us to live? We must judge ourselves, lest we be judged, yet we will ALL incur JUDGEMENT at the “Judgment seat of Messiah. Every day is a kind of “WRESTLING” match between our old nature and our renewed nature, the sinful flesh against our new “born again” selves. We are Adonai's TROOPS, we are at war against HaSatan, and his unholy fallen angels, it is spiritual warfare, and our weapons are the WORD of God, His Holy Spirit, and HIS holy angels, and our prayers, we have been BLESSED with a new relationship with our creator and redeemer, and we will receive WAGES for our good works, (mitzvoth) in form of rewards in heaven, as “gold, silver, precious stones” Our future hope is one day, to DWELL WITH OUR HUSBAND, who is Messiah Yeshua, who loves us as his “bride”. Every time a lost person is “born again” a SON IS ADDED, to God's redeemed family of believers. We are sons of Adonai's RIGHT HAND, who is Messiah Yeshua, who stretched out his HANDS to receive the nails. We can forget our TOILS, rest from them on the Sabbath, Every Sabbath day is our time to rest from our TOILS and to be in OUR FATHER'S HOUSE. Someday, we will have our permanent “Sabbath rest”. We must not forget that one of the blessings of Judah is the coming forth of SHILOH, who is Yeshua, who will have the ruler's scepter, who will be “king over all the earth” to him and will gather ALL nations. The book of Genesis ends with the word “Egypt” yet begins with “B’Reisheet” (in the beginning). One might say that "In the beginning" God had his plan for Israel. It all started with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, then his 12 sons, but in "Egypt" there was a great population growth, from 70 to perhaps 3,000,000 in 400 years. From 70 souls to a great multitude. The community of Israel has grown to include all those who embrace the gospel of the Good News of Yeshua. We have been added to those who are the original Olive Branch. Ephraim expanded into nations, and the Jewish people are part of almost all nations of the world. Through our Messiah, we have been molded into ONE (Echad) family of believers and followers of "The Way". In this new year of 2024, let's show many people "The Way" before it's too late. Shalom Blessings to all of you at Worthy Forums, from Rabbi and Mrs. Ben Avraham, in San Salvador, El Salvador, May this year 2024 be blessed and fruitful.

Hello and Shalom to all readers, thank you all for your support in 2023. Hope the LORD will keep me on this earth during this new year as well. We have said our goodbye to 2023, with all of its adventures, problems, trials, and blessings. We should approach this new year of 2024 with anticipation as well, knowing that there will also be blessings, trials, and problems to face, yet God is in control of all things. Perhaps we can picture God on a mountaintop and has 2024 in plain sight, and he turns his head back to look at 2023. He knows everything that happened in 2023 and he knows everything that WILL happen in 2024. He has you and me in plain sight as well, walking the path of 2024, day by day, week by week, month by month. He will guide us every step of the way. Like Joseph in Egypt, we will just have to trust HIM and leave the outcome in HIS hands. Many people spend New Year's Eve with relatives. Some relatives come over on the 24th of December and stay until January 6th. Some just come over on December 25 and then return on January 1st. Families are different. Some are close, others are distant (both geographically and/or socially) Some will have roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn, egg nog, hot apple pie. Some (perhaps in England I hear) will have roast geese or mutton, while the Grinch will be carving the roast Beast in Whoville for little Cindy LouWho and family. Others will just have Raman noodles and chicken nuggets, maybe wash them down with a Coke. Who can forget the Honey baked ham with brown sugar and cloves, unfortunately, it isn't kosher, but it tastes good. So how about those "New Year's Resolutions?" Those "so-called" promises that you and I know won't be kept? How do you know you will keep them? Maybe you won't be alive on this earth to keep them! Something to think about. We are a heartbeat away from eternity. But...Maybe the LORD will keep us around on this planet for this new year. We can surely petition that request. So, how do we or should we approach 2024? Maybe something like the following? "Heavenly Father. We come to you and thank you for the past year of 2023, with all of those problems, trials, and blessings. We thank you in advance for the problems, trials, and blessings you will have in store for us in 2024. We ask you to help us with our spiritual maturity, to grow more in our faith, and in trusting you. Help us to know your written Word better and walk with your Living WORD. Help us to be a blessing to those around us, our families and neighbors, help us to love our neighbors as our own selves. Help us to put Deuteronomy 6 into practice. We ask you to keep our souls and spirit within our bodies for one more year. Help us to follow your perfect will in our lives in 2024. In Yeshua/Jesus' name...Amen" There are no promises in this approach, just requests. I think this is the best way to approach 2024. Blessings to all of you, Rabbi and Mrs. Ben Avraham

PARASHA: “VaYechi” (and he lived) GEN 47:28-50:26......1 KINGS 2:1-12......MATT 20:1-21:46 In this we see Jacob (Israel) in his last days, he prepares to “go the way of all men” (As King David put it), Jacob is getting ready to die. He prepares himself and makes sure that his sons and grandsons are blessed and they know what is ahead of them. A father's blessing to his children is very important. We see that he lived 17 years in Egypt, and strangely enough, Yosef came to Egypt at age 17! When we add up the two “17s” we get “34”, then adding 3+4 = 7, we are back to the number “7” which is God's number, Both Jacob and Joseph were in God's perfect will and HE fulfilled HIS perfect purpose through those men. Jacob lived 147 years. Those numbers and significant also. Jacob has “12” sons all together, the “founding fathers” of what and who are the Israelis, Israelites, and Jewish people today. When we add up the numbers 1 +4+7 in the number 147, we get 1+4+7= “12”. To write the number 147 using Hebrew letters we would use a “Qoph” (Q or K) “mem” (M) and a “Zayin” (z) Qoph = 100, Mem = 40, Zayin = 7, how do these numbers tell us about Jacob/Israel? Jacob/Israel was set side “Kadosh” for YHVH's special purpose, to bring forth a “multitude of people “mem” and this people, the Jewish people would have to “fight” (Zayin) for survival, “zayin = weapon”,” mem” = “multitude, water, or chaos” Before he dies, Jacob blesses his 12 children and his 2 grandkids and tells them about their futures, some are bleak, and not so nice (one reaps what one sows). Each name of “b'nei Israel” (children of Israel) has a symbolic meaning, what do these names mean to us as “born-again believers in Yeshua HaMashiach?” well, let's see; RUEBEN (Re'eh) is “to see”, SIMEON (Sh'ma) is “to hear”, LEVI (lev=heart) is “united, joined together” Y'HUDAH (contains the most sacred name of God, YHVH) “praise”, DAN “judge”, NAPHTALI “wrestling” GAD “a troop comes”, ASHER “blessed”, ISSACHAR “wages”, ZEBULUN “dwelling with husband”, YOSEF “YHVH will add a son”, BENJAMIN “son of the right hand” MANASSEH “forget my toil and my father's house” (pray 4 Zion, the significance of the twelve tribes of Israel). One interesting note in the prophecy concerning Y’hudah is the verse; “The scepter shall not depart from Y’hudah, nor a scholar from among his descendants until Shiloh arrives and his will be an assemblage of nations” 49:10 Who is “Shiloh?” We can pretty much agree that it is Messiah Yeshua. Even Rashi and Onkelos render: “until the Messiah comes to whom the kingdom belongs.” All nations of the world will be gathered unto Messiah Yeshua when he returns to reign 1000 years, we can also see that in gematria, the name “Shiloh” (Sheen, Yod, Lamed, Hey) sum 345. The words HaShem (a title for YHVH) also sums 345, and also “Moshe” sums the same. Of course, it does, since HaShem and Moshe contain the same letters. Moshe was a type of Mashiach who redeemed Israel from Egyptian slavery, as Messiah Yeshua redeemed us all from slavery to sin. Also, with the name “Shiloh” we see “Yah” (Yod, Hey) which of course is the shortened form of YHVH. There is one interesting thing about “Yosef” it is the blessing that Israel pronounces on his favorite son. It is found in Gen 49:22; “Yosef is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall” We wonder what could this mean. If we take some of these words in the original Hebrew, we see the words; “Porat” which is a boy’s name in Israel, it means; “fruitful” from the verb “Parah” which means “to bear fruit” then we have the combined words “Alei-Ayin” which, when searched in the dictionary is very hard to find an exact meaning. But in Hebrew letters, it would be spelled out; “Ayin, Lamed, Yod (then a line connecting) Ayin, Yod, Nun. In the basic Hebrew dictionary, I found two meanings for the word; Ayin, Lamed, Yod (Alei) one is “On” and the other is “Pestle” which is part of the flower. The word “Ayin” is “eye” What could we understand with this phrase? Perhaps something like “a bough that bears fruit on the eye, that goes “on” the wall, and then “over the wall” being watered by a spring. Here is one idea, we have to say; “an idea” because one can never be 100% certain of some meanings. What does the “eye” have to do with a plant? a bough? Tree? A pestle which is part of a flower which is part of a tree? Yosef will be “porat” fruitful, because of him bringing his family to Egypt, they “multiplied” in population in four hundred years. The family began with 70 persons, and left Egypt four hundred and some years later with perhaps two million! Now THAT is what I call being FRUITFUL (porat) The verse also says; “Ben Porat” or “son of fruitfulness” This is mentioned TWICE, before and after the name YOSEF. Could this mean a “double portion of fruitfulness?” again, we see 70 persons become two million. Take even the sons of Yosef; Manasseh and Efraim, they became many and it is believed that the descendants of Efraim spread out to many nations, yet Israel claims his grandsons as “his own” meaning they are part of the 12 tribes, which is “Adat Yisrael” (Community of Israel). But what is a possible meaning of “Alei-Ayin?” perhaps we could say that the flowers that bloom on many trees have pestles, and the leaves, well, many are shaped like “eyes” and if the tree is connected to a spring/well of water, it will flourish. The letter “Ayin” in Hebrew symbolizes “sight” or “insight” If we take the two words “Alei-Ayin” and look at the meaning of the words from an ancient Hebrew perspective, we can see the following; “insight through instruction/direction is a done thing! (Alei) and “insight accomplished leads to life” (ayin). What were the names of the two trees in the Garden of Eden? The Tree of Knowledge, and the Tree of Life! Is there a connection? If we adhere to the instruction of the Torah, we will be blessed with life, and life in abundance and we will be fruitful, not so much biologically, but in bringing “spiritual fruit” bringing others close to Messiah, through witness and teaching others HIS Word. We are then “B’nei Porat” (sons of fruitfulness) This is just an idea. We can think on this. What do we see when we apply the name meanings of the sons of Israel to our lives as “born-again believers?” We can all SEE the changed lives, and the miracles that have been done in believers' lives, and we HEAR of the faith of others who have been challenged by oppressive governments, we HEAR God's Word through SEEING the words in the Torah, and take them into our HEART, so that the words of Torah are JOINED TOGETHER to our lives, so that we may PRAISE the name of YHVH. We must all look at our lives and JUDGE ourselves in light of the scriptures, are we living the way YHVH wants us to live? We must judge ourselves, lest we be judged, yet we will ALL incur JUDGEMENT at the “Judgment seat of Messiah. Every day is a kind of “WRESTLING” match between our old nature and our renewed nature, the sinful flesh against our new “born again” selves. We are Adonai's TROOPS, we are at war against HaSatan, and his unholy fallen angels, it is spiritual warfare, and our weapons are the WORD of God, His Holy Spirit, and HIS holy angels, and our prayers, we have been BLESSED with a new relationship with our creator and redeemer, and we will receive WAGES for our good works, (mitzvoth) in form of rewards in heaven, as “gold, silver, precious stones” Our future hope is one day, to DWELL WITH OUR HUSBAND, who is Messiah Yeshua, who loves us as his “bride”. Every time a lost person is “born again” a SON IS ADDED, to God's redeemed family of believers. We are sons of Adonai's RIGHT HAND, who is Messiah Yeshua, who stretched out his HANDS to receive the nails. We can forget our TOILS, rest from them on the Sabbath, Every Sabbath day is our time to rest from our TOILS and to be in OUR FATHER'S HOUSE. Someday, we will have our permanent “Sabbath rest”. We must not forget that one of the blessings of Judah is the coming forth of SHILOH, who is Yeshua, who will have the ruler's scepter, who will be “king over all the earth” to him and will gather ALL nations. The book of Genesis ends with the word “Egypt” yet begins with “B’Reisheet” (in the beginning). One might say that "In the beginning" God had his plan for Israel. It all started with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, then his 12 sons, but in "Egypt" there was a great population growth, from 70 to perhaps 3,000,000 in 400 years. From 70 souls to a great multitude. In this new year of 2024, let's try and grow in faith by leaps and bounds. Pray for a multitude of blessings for those around us.

A look at Isaiah 9:1-7; Let's take a look at these verses and see what they are saying to us. The Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit) speaks through Yeshahayu (Isaiah) and says; The people living in darkness have seen a great light! upon those living in the land that lies in the shadow of death, light has dawned. 2 (3) You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice in your presence as if rejoicing at harvest time, the way men rejoice when dividing up the spoil. 3 (4) For the yoke that weighed them down, the bar across their shoulders, and their driver’s goad you have broken as on the day of Midyan[’s defeat]. 4 (5) For all the boots of soldiers marching and every cloak rolled in blood is destined for burning, fuel for the fire. 5 (6) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; dominion will rest on his shoulders, and he will be given the name Pele-Yo‘etz El Gibbor Avi-‘Ad Sar-Shalom [Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace], 6 (7) in order to extend the dominion and perpetuate the peace of the throne and kingdom of David, to secure it and sustain it through justice and righteousness henceforth and forever. The zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot will accomplish this. (Complete Jewish Bible) So, what is this "Great Light?" "What is this darkness?" "What is the yoke that has been a burden and laid them (Israel) down?" We see some symbolism here. For many years, Israel has been under different "yokes" the "Yoke" of Babylon, the "Yoke" of Persia, the Greco-Syrian yoke during the time of the Maccabees. During the time of Yeshua, Israel was under the yoke of the Eagle of Rome. Yet also, and like us, were under the "Yoke of Sin" The "darkness" being without Torah in their heart. There can be "Torah" but unless the "Torah" is inside us, as a "living entity" we are in darkness. The yoke of sin indeed weighs us down, as the yoke of Rome was heavy on the shoulders of Israel. Yet "A great light" dawned upon Israel. They saw the "Great Light" that evening in the fields of Judeah, the angels lit up the heavens with "Good Tidings of Great Joy" and the shepherds came to the town of Beth-Lechem where the "Bread of Life" was born. It was fitting that the "Bread of Life" be born in the "House of Bread". He was born; "Yeshua Ben Yosef" yet also "Yeshua Ben David." "The Lamb of God" yet also "The Lion of Judah". The first would come before the other. Our Messiah and LORD was born "Yeshua Ben Yosef, the Lamb of God" to teach, clarify, and intensify the teaching of the Torah as the "Wonderful Counselor" (since that is what a counselor, pastor, rabbi does). He came to heal the sick, raise the dead, and to die for our sins. "Mighty God, and Eternal Father" Our mighty God is from eternity past "Haya" and is in the present "Hoveh" and will exist in the future "Yiyah" from where we get the letters YHVH. He is the "Prince of Peace" (Sar Shalom) who gives us internal peace when we are "born again" when we know that the "yoke of sin" has been lifted off our shoulders and has been taken by Yeshua, who "bore the burden of the curse of sin" Political and worldwide peace will come during the Second coming of Messiah Yeshua when He returns as the the "Lion of Judah" and as "Yeshua Ben David." He will sit on the throne of David. The "Government" will sit on his shoulders. Meaning He will rule planet Earth, a Millennial reign. We will all be part of that. His rule will be for "evermore". Hard to fathom "forever" since we are infinite beings inside finite bodies, yet we will find out someday soon. So, rejoice in the Birth of Messiah at this time of remembering. He has come and will come again as our sovereign, Our LORD, Our KING.

A look at Isaiah 9:1-7; Let's take a look at these verses and see what they are saying to us. The Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit) speaks through Yeshahayu (Isaiah) and says; The people living in darkness have seen a great light! upon those living in the land that lies in the shadow of death, light has dawned. 2 (3) You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice in your presence as if rejoicing at harvest time, the way men rejoice when dividing up the spoil. 3 (4) For the yoke that weighed them down, the bar across their shoulders, and their driver’s goad you have broken as on the day of Midyan[’s defeat]. 4 (5) For all the boots of soldiers marching and every cloak rolled in blood is destined for burning, fuel for the fire. 5 (6) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; dominion will rest on his shoulders, and he will be given the name Pele-Yo‘etz El Gibbor Avi-‘Ad Sar-Shalom [Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace], 6 (7) in order to extend the dominion and perpetuate the peace of the throne and kingdom of David, to secure it and sustain it through justice and righteousness henceforth and forever. The zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot will accomplish this. (Complete Jewish Bible) So, what is this "Great Light?" "What is this darkness?" "What is the yoke that has been a burden and laid them (Israel) down?" We see some symbolism here. For many years, Israel has been under different "yokes" the "Yoke" of Babylon, the "Yoke" of Persia, the Greco-Syrian yoke during the time of the Maccabees. During the time of Yeshua, Israel was under the yoke of the Eagle of Rome. Yet also, and like us, were under the "Yoke of Sin" The "darkness" being without Torah in their heart. There can be "Torah" but unless the "Torah" is inside us, as a "living entity" we are in darkness. The yoke of sin indeed weighs us down, as the yoke of Rome was heavy on the shoulders of Israel. Yet "A great light" dawned upon Israel. They saw the "Great Light" that evening in the fields of Judeah, the angels lit up the heavens with "Good Tidings of Great Joy" and the shepherds came to the town of Beth-Lechem where the "Bread of Life" was born. It was fitting that the "Bread of Life" be born in the "House of Bread". He was born; "Yeshua Ben Yosef" yet also "Yeshua Ben David." "The Lamb of God" yet also "The Lion of Judah". The first would come before the other. Our Messiah and LORD was born "Yeshua Ben Yosef, the Lamb of God" to teach, clarify, and intensify the teaching of the Torah as the "Wonderful Counselor" (since that is what a counselor, pastor, rabbi does). He came to heal the sick, raise the dead, and to die for our sins. "Mighty God, and Eternal Father" Our mighty God is from eternity past "Haya" and is in the present "Hoveh" and will exist in the future "Yiyah" from where we get the letters YHVH. He is the "Prince of Peace" (Sar Shalom) who gives us internal peace when we are "born again" when we know that the "yoke of sin" has been lifted off our shoulders and has been taken by Yeshua, who "bore the burden of the curse of sin" Political and worldwide peace will come during the Second coming of Messiah Yeshua when He returns as the the "Lion of Judah" and as "Yeshua Ben David." He will sit on the throne of David. The "Government" will sit on his shoulders. Meaning He will rule planet Earth, a Millennial reign. We will all be part of that. His rule will be for "evermore". Hard to fathom "forever" since we are infinite beings inside finite bodies, yet we will find out someday soon. So, rejoice in the Birth of Messiah at this time of remembering. He has come and will come again as our sovereign, Our LORD, Our KING.

PARASHA: “VaYIGASH” (and he drew near) GENESIS 44:18-47:27 In this Parashah, we read that “he (Y'hudah) drew near” to Yosef, and shows himself as truly repentant for his past actions against Yosef, for selling him for the price of a common slave. And we see the reaction of Yosef once he hears Y'hudah, he then reveals himself as his TRUE self, their BROTHER. Before, Yosef stood in front of his brothers as “judge” now he stands before them with “open arms” as “Family” “Savior” and “Provider” Mashiach. But it took a repentant and contrite heart to bring about the “revelation”. It is interesting that “Y’hudah” offers to exchange places with Benjamin. He would stay and be a slave to Yosef, and Benjamin would be set free. We can see the symbolism in our relationship with Messiah Yeshua. The name “Y’hudah” bears the most Holy name of Adonai, the letters YHVH. We see the complete spelling in Hebrew; Yod, Hey, Vav, Dalet, Hey. Y’HUDH. The letter “D’ (dalet) symbolizes a “door” and it is one of Yeshua’s titles; “I AM the Door” (John 10:9). Our relationship with our Heavenly Father must come through Yeshua, who is the “door”. As Y’hudah was willing to change places with Benjamin, Yeshua DID change places with us, He took our sins and gave us His righteousness, our sinfulness for His Holiness. Before we come to Yeshua as a repentant sinner, He is our JUDGE, and as a Holy God, and Judge, he has the right to judge us guilty as lost sinners, yet all this changes when we come and accept him as Savior and LORD, THEN, our position changes, we become members of “Mishpochah Adonai” (Family of God) and Yeshua is our mediator to our Heavenly Father. Yeshua is no longer our “judge” but our Savior, Redeemer, and Messiah, (Yeshuah, Goel, Mashiach) We see something similar. Pharaoh named Yosef his “right-hand man” or Viceroy” Prime Minister if you could call him that. Yosef had to get Pharaoh's permission for his family to go down to Egypt, and of course, permission was granted. For us to get right-standing before our Holy God, we go through Yeshua, who is GOD, in the flesh, as Yosef was “Pharaoh” in a sense, when Pharaoh could not leave the palace. Yosef spoke in the “Name of” Pharaoh, as Yeshua represents the Father who is in Heaven. …..We see the words of Yosef in 45:3 “Ani Yosef!” powerful words, what do they symbolize in the ancient Hebrew letters, “Ani” (I) “Alef” (strong leader, God) “Nun” (who gives life) “Yod” (does mighty works) and the name “Yosef”: “Yod” (who does works) “Vav” (connects) “Samekh” (to lean on, to support, to uphold) “Pey” (mouth, to speak) so, the name “YOSEF” in certain words can mean “He who does might works, speaks to (us) (to his brothers) and connects them to him through support. The words; “Ani Yosef” if spoken to others that were not his kin, would not have caused a reaction, the same way if we would say to someone who does not know us; “I am _______” (and you say your name), the other person would probably say; “so what?’ or “OK, I am ______” But these words, spoken to his brothers caused a sort of “mixed-emotion” reaction, troubled at these words, they could hardly believe their hears, and seeing their brother dressed as an Egyptian, but now, the family is reunited again. As family members, we often offend others and even God through our negative actions, yet once sins are confessed, and the wrong-doing understood and dealt with, the hurts are mended, and there is forgiveness, in this case, Yosef forgiving his brethren. Yosef points out three things; 1) He told them what they did (sold him into slavery) 2) He told them that they are forgiven (As God forgives us all) 3) He told them that God had planned it all. (We are all part of God's plan) The Bible teaches us that we disobeyed God, broke his commandments, and cast Him aside for the things of the world. Yet, as repentant sinners, we can come CLOSE to Him through Yeshua, and He will let us know that we are forgiven. Yosef is the model "Yeshua" who forgives his brethren. We must also do the same for those who have hurt us, as our "neighbor" is our "brother" or "sister" (a distant relative) YES! we are! Are we not all related to either Shem, Ham, or Japheth, the three sons of Noah? He spoke words of comfort to his brothers, promising them “support” throughout the years of famine, they could “lean on him” and thus have that “connection” so we see that “Yosef” (I know, everyone is used to spelling it “Joseph” (the regular English spelling) but the Hebrew does not have a “J” so “Yosef” is the correct and original spelling. “Yosef” is related to our “Messiah Yeshua” in that “Both have spoken words of comfort to us, through His WORD, and we are connected to him through his blood and being “born again” and we can “Lean on Him” who has set captives free. Yosef, who once was a captive slave, went down to Egypt, sold for 20 pieces of silver, (the price of a slave back then), and became the “Savior” of many lives through the distribution of food in that time of famine. Yeshua, who went “down to Egypt” as a baby. Came “up out of Egypt” and was sold for “30 pieces of silver” (the price of a slave then in his times) and became the “Savior” of the world, and saved the world of “Spiritual death and spiritual famine” We see in Chapter 47 that “Jacob” (who is ISRAEL now) goes down to Egypt, with his family of 70 (includes children, grandkids, servants, etc.) “Israel” and “Yosef” meet. Yosef's legal name is “Yosef Ben Israel” or “Ben Jacob” The name ISRAEL comes from “Yasher El” (straight to GOD) Yosef is happy to see “Abba” again and goes “straight to God” as we believers should be happy to go “straight to God” through Yeshua. Jacob at the beginning does not believe his sons when they tell him that Yosef is alive. It took the evidence of the cartloads of food and goods from Egypt to convince him. He had to see to believe. The same thing was with Thomas, the Talmidim of Yeshua told him that Yeshua was there, that he was alive, be he didn’t believe them until Yeshua appeared to Thomas. He told him to put his hand on the nail wounds, and on the spear wound, and “believe” and not to “disbelieve”. Anyone can believe when confronted with the physical evidence, but “Blessed are those that believe and do not see” (the physical evidence). That is what faith is all about. We further see that Yosef cares for his family, bringing them DOWN from Canaan to Egypt, which is now, considered "Food Land" the "Land of PLeanty" They come down as 66 souls. 70 in all being the whole family of Jacob. 66 who came down with Jacob and 4 already in Egypt (Yosef, his wife Asenath, his two children Manasseh and Ephraim) This is where the promise of making Abraham a nation comes into being. The "nation" starts with 70 souls, and leave Egypt under Moses with about 3,000,000 in 400 years. We are on this earth "Canaan" for a time being, yet Messiah will call for us and take us home in his timing, From "Canaan" to "Egypt" then back to "Canaan" for us, from our "Canaan" (earth) to the "New Jerusalem" . This is the beginning of Israel's “sojourn” in the land of Egypt, interesting fact, “Yosef” in a way “Enslaved the Egyptians” by taking from them their land, cattle, and money, in exchange for food. Later on, the “worm turned” and the Egyptians, under the power of a different Pharaoh (who some think was “Ahmose”) enslaved ISRAEL, until the time of Moshe. Israel is still enslaved to tradition, religiosity, and blind eyes that refuse to recognize Messiah Yeshua, as the promised “Mashiach” that the Torah speaks of. Yet many are coming to Mashiach, but there are still many more that need “Yeshuah” (Salvation) Greetings to all and seasons greetings. Happy Holidays, as we remember the event of the birth of Messiah Yeshua at this time (not the date). He came into this world to teach the Torah, heal the sick, raise the dead, and die for our sins, as Yeshua, Messiah Ben Yosef. He brought LIGHT into the DARKNESS of this world. He will return to sit on the Throne of David, as "Yeshua, Messiah Ben David, the Lion of Judah. Ben Avraham 9:30 pm, December 24th. At home in San Salvador, El Salvador Our little city lit up for the holidays; Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador

PARASHA: “VaYIGASH” (and he drew near) GENESIS 44:18-47:27 In this Parashah, we read that “he (Y'hudah) drew near” to Yosef, and shows himself as truly repentant for his past actions against Yosef, for selling him for the price of a common slave. And we see the reaction of Yosef once he hears Y'hudah, he then reveals himself as his TRUE self, their BROTHER. Before, Yosef stood in front of his brothers as “judge” now he stands before them with “open arms” as “Family” “Savior” and “Provider” Mashiach. But it took a repentant and contrite heart to bring about the “revelation”. It is interesting that “Y’hudah” offers to exchange places with Benjamin. He would stay and be a slave to Yosef, and Benjamin would be set free. We can see the symbolism in our relationship with Messiah Yeshua. The name “Y’hudah” bears the most Holy name of Adonai, the letters YHVH. We see the complete spelling in Hebrew; Yod, Hey, Vav, Dalet, Hey. Y’HUDH. The letter “D’ (dalet) symbolizes a “door” and it is one of Yeshua’s titles; “I AM the Door” (John 10:9). Our relationship with our Heavenly Father must come through Yeshua, who is the “door”. As Y’hudah was willing to change places with Benjamin, Yeshua DID change places with us, He took our sins and gave us His righteousness, our sinfulness for His Holiness. Before we come to Yeshua as a repentant sinner, He is our JUDGE, and as a Holy God, and Judge, he has the right to judge us guilty as lost sinners, yet all this changes when we come and accept him as Savior and LORD, THEN, our position changes, we become members of “Mishpochah Adonai” (Family of God) and Yeshua is our mediator to our Heavenly Father. Yeshua is no longer our “judge” but our Savior, Redeemer, and Messiah, (Yeshuah, Goel, Mashiach) We see something similar. Pharaoh named Yosef his “right-hand man” or Viceroy” Prime Minister if you could call him that. Yosef had to get Pharaoh's permission for his family to go down to Egypt, and of course, permission was granted. For us to get right-standing before our Holy God, we go through Yeshua, who is GOD, in the flesh, as Yosef was “Pharaoh” in a sense, when Pharaoh could not leave the palace. Yosef spoke in the “Name of” Pharaoh, as Yeshua represents the Father who is in Heaven. …..We see the words of Yosef in 45:3 “Ani Yosef!” powerful words, what do they symbolize in the ancient Hebrew letters, “Ani” (I) “Alef” (strong leader, God) “Nun” (who gives life) “Yod” (does mighty works) and the name “Yosef”: “Yod” (who does works) “Vav” (connects) “Samekh” (to lean on, to support, to uphold) “Pey” (mouth, to speak) so, the name “YOSEF” in certain words can mean “He who does might works, speaks to (us) (to his brothers) and connects them to him through support. The words; “Ani Yosef” if spoken to others that were not his kin, would not have caused a reaction, the same way if we would say to someone who does not know us; “I am _______” (and you say your name), the other person would probably say; “so what?’ or “OK, I am ______” But these words, spoken to his brothers caused a sort of “mixed-emotion” reaction, troubled at these words, they could hardly believe their hears, and seeing their brother dressed as an Egyptian, but now, the family is reunited again. As family members, we often offend others and even God through our negative actions, yet once sins are confessed, and the wrong-doing understood and dealt with, the hurts are mended, and there is forgiveness, in this case, Yosef forgiving his brethren. Yosef points out three things; 1) He told them what they did (sold him into slavery) 2) He told them that they are forgiven (As God forgives us all) 3) He told them that God had planned it all. (We are all part of God's plan) The Bible teaches us that we disobeyed God, broke his commandments, and cast Him aside for the things of the world. Yet, as repentant sinners, we can come CLOSE to Him through Yeshua, and He will let us know that we are forgiven. Yosef is the model "Yeshua" who forgives his brethren. We must also do the same for those who have hurt us, as our "neighbor" is our "brother" or "sister" (a distant relative) YES! we are! Are we not all related to either Shem, Ham, or Japheth, the three sons of Noah? He spoke words of comfort to his brothers, promising them “support” throughout the years of famine, they could “lean on him” and thus have that “connection” so we see that “Yosef” (I know, everyone is used to spelling it “Joseph” (the regular English spelling) but the Hebrew does not have a “J” so “Yosef” is the correct and original spelling. “Yosef” is related to our “Messiah Yeshua” in that “Both have spoken words of comfort to us, through His WORD, and we are connected to him through his blood and being “born again” and we can “Lean on Him” who has set captives free. Yosef, who once was a captive slave, went down to Egypt, sold for 20 pieces of silver, (the price of a slave back then), and became the “Savior” of many lives through the distribution of food in that time of famine. Yeshua, who went “down to Egypt” as a baby. Came “up out of Egypt” and was sold for “30 pieces of silver” (the price of a slave then in his times) and became the “Savior” of the world, and saved the world of “Spiritual death and spiritual famine” We see in Chapter 47 that “Jacob” (who is ISRAEL now) goes down to Egypt, with his family of 70 (includes children, grandkids, servants, etc.) “Israel” and “Yosef” meet. Yosef's legal name is “Yosef Ben Israel” or “Ben Jacob” The name ISRAEL comes from “Yasher El” (straight to GOD) Yosef is happy to see “Abba” again and goes “straight to God” as we believers should be happy to go “straight to God” through Yeshua. Jacob at the beginning does not believe his sons when they tell him that Yosef is alive. It took the evidence of the cartloads of food and goods from Egypt to convince him. He had to see to believe. The same thing was with Thomas, the Talmidim of Yeshua told him that Yeshua was there, that he was alive, be he didn’t believe them until Yeshua appeared to Thomas. He told him to put his hand on the nail wounds, and on the spear wound, and “believe” and not to “disbelieve”. Anyone can believe when confronted with the physical evidence, but “Blessed are those that believe and do not see” (the physical evidence). That is what faith is all about. We further see that Yosef cares for his family, bringing them DOWN from Canaan to Egypt, which is now, considered "Food Land" the "Land of PLeanty" They come down as 66 souls. 70 in all being the whole family of Jacob. 66 who came down with Jacob and 4 already in Egypt (Yosef, his wife Asenath, his two children Manasseh and Ephraim) This is where the promise of making Abraham a nation comes into being. The "nation" starts with 70 souls, and leave Egypt under Moses with about 3,000,000 in 400 years. We are on this earth "Canaan" for a time being, yet Messiah will call for us and take us home in his timing, From "Canaan" to "Egypt" then back to "Canaan" for us, from our "Canaan" (earth) to the "New Jerusalem" . This is the beginning of Israel's “sojourn” in the land of Egypt, interesting fact, “Yosef” in a way “Enslaved the Egyptians” by taking from them their land, cattle, and money, in exchange for food. Later on, the “worm turned” and the Egyptians, under the power of a different Pharaoh (who some think was “Ahmose”) enslaved ISRAEL, until the time of Moshe. Israel is still enslaved to tradition, religiosity, and blind eyes that refuse to recognize Messiah Yeshua, as the promised “Mashiach” that the Torah speaks of. Yet many are coming to Mashiach, but there are still many more that need “Yeshuah” (Salvation) Greetings to all and seasons greetings. Happy Holidays, as we remember the event of the birth of Messiah Yeshua at this time (not the date). He came into this world to teach the Torah, heal the sick, raise the dead, and die for our sins, as Yeshua, Messiah Ben Yosef. He brought LIGHT into the DARKNESS of this world. He will return to sit on the Throne of David, as "Yeshua, Messiah Ben David, the Lion of Judah. Ben Avraham 9:30 pm, December 24th. At home in San Salvador, El Salvador Our little part of the city lit up for the holidays; Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador

1 KINGS 3:15-4:1 In this scripture portion, we see Solomon lifting up “burnt offerings” and “peace-offerings” after also having “dreams” In his dream YHVH asked him what he wished for, “For wisdom, an understanding heart to judge these people” and YHVH thus granted him what he wished for. This should be a guide for us when we wish for things. I think the best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ. As we see. God gave Solomon that and more. I think that God already knows what we wish for. There are a lot of things I guess we could say that "we want". However, do we really need them? Sometimes, God will give us what we WANT, yet, when we get our wish answered, we don't WANT what we GET. It proves to be a headache more than a blessing. God listens to all prayers, and He answers all prayer requests. There are needs and wants. He always provides for our needs, and at times, even our "wants" Yet be careful, we might "want" the wrong things. The things that are not convenient to us. If God asked you "What do you want me to do for you or give to you?" How would you answer? Many look at God as the "Upstairs Genie in the magic lamp" who will grant your every wish and desire. Nothing doing! He is our Heavenly Father who knows EXACTLY" what we need, and what we want. To fulfill His plan for our lives here on earth, He will do accordingly. Solomon asked for the right thing; "wisdom to govern the people of Israel". Maybe we could ask for "wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ, and wisdom to serve those around us. How about, "Keep me from harm's way and protect my mind from carnal desires. (I guess the list could go on) ” Burnt offerings” symbolize our sinful nature, and the “peace offerings” speak of our happiness and joy because of our salvation experience. Today these offerings are “offered up” in “prayer and thanksgiving” The prayers of confession of sin are always heard, and so are the prayers of praise and thanksgiving, because we know we have been forgiven. MATT 16: 1-17:27 The “leaven” of the Pharisees is non-the less “unbelief” as Yeshua said, this reminds us of when He was visiting the temple during this same time of Hanukkah, and the Jews came around him and said; “tell us plainly if you are the Messiah or not!” yet He rebukes them saying “I have already told you and you do not believe!” He had already given signs through his miracles of healing, and raising of the dead, how much more proof did they need? What does “leaven” do in bread? It “puffs up the bread” and that is what pride does, it “puffs up”the person, and sometimes, stubborn pride brings on unbelief. Kefa exhibits his faith when he says; “You are Messiah, the Living God” Faith is “believing what we cannot see” Yet Kefa sees Yeshua and sees the miracles, and so he believes, yet Yeshua says later on after the resurrection, “You have believed because you see, blessed are those who do not see yet BELIEVE! 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5 Rav Shaul (The Apostle Paul) is speaking to the local believers of Corinth. This was one of the churches that this Rav started. I was in Corinth in 1999. He is stating very simply that he witnessed about Yeshua very plainly, without fancy words, without an intense religious vocabulary, just simply, “Yeshua died on the cross, was crucified for our transgressions, for our sins He gave up his life.” When we tell others about Yeshua, we should do it not by force but by invitation. Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice. Thus we can allow the Spirit of God to work on the person, It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers. Not our work, but HIS work. Have a blessed week. (Shavua Tov) Ben Avraham

1 KINGS 3:15-4:1 In this scripture portion, we see Solomon lifting up “burnt offerings” and “peace-offerings” after also having “dreams” In his dream YHVH asked him what he wished for, “For wisdom, an understanding heart to judge these people” and YHVH thus granted him what he wished for. This should be a guide for us when we wish for things. I think the best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ. As we see. God gave Solomon that and more. I think that God already knows what we wish for. There are a lot of things I guess we could say that "we want". However, do we really need them? Sometimes, God will give us what we WANT, yet, when we get our wish answered, we don't WANT what we GET. It proves to be a headache more than a blessing. God listens to all prayers, and He answers all prayer requests. There are needs and wants. He always provides for our needs, and at times, even our "wants" Yet be careful, we might "want" the wrong things. The things that are not convenient to us. If God asked you "What do you want me to do for you or give to you?" How would you answer? Many look at God as the "Upstairs Genie in the magic lamp" who will grant your every wish and desire. Nothing doing! He is our Heavenly Father who knows EXACTLY" what we need, and what we want. To fulfill His plan for our lives here on earth, He will do accordingly. Solomon asked for the right thing; "wisdom to govern the people of Israel". Maybe we could ask for "wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ, and wisdom to serve those around us. How about, "Keep me from harm's way and protect my mind from carnal desires. (I guess the list could go on) ” Burnt offerings” symbolize our sinful nature, and the “peace offerings” speak of our happiness and joy because of our salvation experience. Today these offerings are “offered up” in “prayer and thanksgiving” The prayers of confession of sin are always heard, and so are the prayers of praise and thanksgiving, because we know we have been forgiven. MATT 16: 1-17:27 The “leaven” of the Pharisees is non-the less “unbelief” as Yeshua said, this reminds us of when He was visiting the temple during this same time of Hanukkah, and the Jews came around him and said; “tell us plainly if you are the Messiah or not!” yet He rebukes them saying “I have already told you and you do not believe!” He had already given signs through his miracles of healing, and raising of the dead, how much more proof did they need? What does “leaven” do in bread? It “puffs up the bread” and that is what pride does, it “puffs up”the person, and sometimes, stubborn pride brings on unbelief. Kefa exhibits his faith when he says; “You are Messiah, the Living God” Faith is “believing what we cannot see” Yet Kefa sees Yeshua and sees the miracles, and so he believes, yet Yeshua says later on after the resurrection, “You have believed because you see, blessed are those who do not see yet BELIEVE! 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5 Rav Shaul (The Apostle Paul) is speaking to the local believers of Corinth. This was one of the churches that this Rav started. I was in Corinth in 1999. He is stating very simply that he witnessed about Yeshua very plainly, without fancy words, without an intense religious vocabulary, just simply, “Yeshua died on the cross, was crucified for our transgressions, for our sins He gave up his life.” When we tell others about Yeshua, we should do it not by force but by invitation. Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice. Thus we can allow the Spirit of God to work on the person, It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers. Not our work, but HIS work. Have a blessed week. (Shavua Tov) Ben Avraham (1970) Two young teens search for meaning in life. 26 years later, they found each other (me and the Mrs.) Who looks tougher, me or her?

Parashah: “Miketz” (at the end of) GENESIS 41:1-44:17 Gene When we look into this parashah study, we see Yosef, who was, in a way of speaking, in the “pit” He was cast into the prison for something he did not do, yet he continued to trust YHVH for his needs. This reminds us of Melech David's words “You will not leave my soul in Sheol” This was a time of testing for Yosef. It was out of his hands. He came to Egypt as a slave, got a good position in Potiphar’s house, and went from a common slave to the comfort of a house, from house to the prison, and from prison to fame and fortune. All in YHVH's perfect timing and planning. We might ask ourselves, if Yosef could have managed an escape from the house of Potiphar, or even from prison, he probably would have headed straight back to his home in Canaan. No one would have been in Egypt to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, and thus, save the world from starvation. Yet we see that Yosef did submit himself to the perfect will of HaShem, and he was finally taken out of prison via the “cupbearer” (Oh yes, now I realize my shortcomings, there IS a guy in prison that can interpret your dreams your majesty...) Yet Yosef gives all glory to God, “God will give the interpretation” which is a positive witness to YHVH. Pharaoh probably saw the shortcomings and weakness of the Egyptian priests who were “supposed” to get their wisdom from Egyptian gods, yet this foreign “Hebrew” gets his wisdom by interpreting dreams from an “invisible” God. Another thing we see is that Yosef not only gives the interpretation but also the “solution”. For what good is an interpretation of a dream that speaks “calamity” if there is no solution to the problem? It is kind of like saying; “Hey king, your country is doomed, 7 years of famine, starvation, death...well OK.... nice meeting you Mr. King.” yet Yosef is faithful and brings a solution, through YHVH's wisdom and perhaps the experience he already had in agriculture and livestock when he was in Canaan as a teen. Now, he is elevated to “assistant in command” to Pharaoh, and goes from “rags to riches” He is now in a position to sort of “run the country” and we see that in time, Yosef's brothers come in search of food, of course they do not recognize him, in Egyptian clothing, some 20 years later, no beard, etc. The brothers have to be tested to see if they are sorry for what they did to Yosef, Yosef needs to see “true repentance”. Yosef is now in the position as “judge” yet when he tested them, using Benjamin, he sees true repentance through Y'hudah, now that he sees this, he reveals his true self, “Ani Yosef!!” (I AM Yosef) He is no longer in the position of “judge” but “family” We can see the relationship between Pharoah and Yosef, like our Heaven Father and Yeshua. Yeshua was in subjection to the Father as Yosef was under the command of Pharaoh, whose name was Sesostris I. or Senwoset I. (according to Egyptian archeology). We can see Yosef as a type of Messiah, who saves Egypt and the countries nearby that are also suffering from famine, from physical starvation. Yeshua has saved the repentant world of spiritual starvation. He provided complete redemption through the "New Birth" yet we strive through life, through testing, falling down and getting up, maturing through the WORD, and just "trusting the outcome" in God. We all start with one light and then, life gets brighter as the other 7 lights are lit. Keeping our eyes always on the "Servant" lamp. The "Servant" has been "Lifted up, and is high" The lamp of life was kind of dim for Joseph, being sold, being cast into prison, then the lamp got bright, as he became second in command, got married, had children, reconciled with his brothers, and saw his father once again. On the special Hanukkah Menorah lamp, we see 9 candle holders. and they can go from "Galut" (Exile) to "G'ulah (redemption) Joseph was "exiled" from his land in Canaan when he was sold by his brothers, and ended up in Egypt. But as things got better for Joseph, we can see, as I mentioned, the "Lamps" getting brighter, and a bright and hopeful future is for Joseph and the whole world. We see that "his brothers are redeemed" (in our next study) when they come before Joseph repentant of what they did. thus, we can see all 9 lamps are lit. thus illustrating "from Galut to G'ulah. (using the Menorah). When we were lost sinners, Yeshua was in the position as our “judge” As many who will continue to reject the gift of salvation, they will be “judged” guilty by Messiah Yeshua at the Great White Throne Judgment, yet once we come to Yeshua and accept Him as our Savior and LORD, then, we come “Family” members, and we will be treated as “family”. “Y'hudah” symbolizes “Israel” who, in the future, will recognize “HE who was pierced” and those in Israel will say, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of YHVH” as Yosef then “Talked” with his brothers, so YHVH desires to “talk” with us, through prayer and fellowship. As Yosef invited ALL his family to Egypt, so ALL who come to recognize Yeshua as Mashiach, are invited to join the “Heavenly family” Yosef is a “Messiah type” who saved the local world from physical famine, Yeshua saves the world from “spiritual famine” to all those who come to HIM and accept him as Savior and LORD! Shalom, have a blessed week. Last day at VBS (Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador) "Our group" Teens and teachers"

Parashah: “Miketz” (at the end of) GENESIS 41:1-44:17 Gene When we look into this parashah study, we see Yosef, who was, in a way of speaking, in the “pit” He was cast into the prison for something he did not do, yet he continued to trust YHVH for his needs. This reminds us of Melech David's words “You will not leave my soul in Sheol” This was a time of testing for Yosef. It was out of his hands. He came to Egypt as a slave, got a good position in Potiphar’s house, and went from a common slave to the comfort of a house, from house to the prison, and from prison to fame and fortune. All in YHVH's perfect timing and planning. We might ask ourselves, if Yosef could have managed an escape from the house of Potiphar, or even from prison, he probably would have headed straight back to his home in Canaan. No one would have been in Egypt to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, and thus, save the world from starvation. Yet we see that Yosef did submit himself to the perfect will of HaShem, and he was finally taken out of prison via the “cupbearer” (Oh yes, now I realize my shortcomings, there IS a guy in prison that can interpret your dreams your majesty...) Yet Yosef gives all glory to God, “God will give the interpretation” which is a positive witness to YHVH. Pharaoh probably saw the shortcomings and weakness of the Egyptian priests who were “supposed” to get their wisdom from Egyptian gods, yet this foreign “Hebrew” gets his wisdom by interpreting dreams from an “invisible” God. Another thing we see is that Yosef not only gives the interpretation but also the “solution”. For what good is an interpretation of a dream that speaks “calamity” if there is no solution to the problem? It is kind of like saying; “Hey king, your country is doomed, 7 years of famine, starvation, death...well OK.... nice meeting you Mr. King.” yet Yosef is faithful and brings a solution, through YHVH's wisdom and perhaps the experience he already had in agriculture and livestock when he was in Canaan as a teen. Now, he is elevated to “assistant in command” to Pharaoh, and goes from “rags to riches” He is now in a position to sort of “run the country” and we see that in time, Yosef's brothers come in search of food, of course they do not recognize him, in Egyptian clothing, some 20 years later, no beard, etc. The brothers have to be tested to see if they are sorry for what they did to Yosef, Yosef needs to see “true repentance”. Yosef is now in the position as “judge” yet when he tested them, using Benjamin, he sees true repentance through Y'hudah, now that he sees this, he reveals his true self, “Ani Yosef!!” (I AM Yosef) He is no longer in the position of “judge” but “family” We can see the relationship between Pharoah and Yosef, like our Heaven Father and Yeshua. Yeshua was in subjection to the Father as Yosef was under the command of Pharaoh, whose name was Sesostris I. or Senwoset I. (according to Egyptian archeology). We can see Yosef as a type of Messiah, who saves Egypt and the countries nearby that are also suffering from famine, from physical starvation. Yeshua has saved the repentant world of spiritual starvation. He provided complete redemption through the "New Birth" yet we strive through life, through testing, falling down and getting up, maturing through the WORD, and just "trusting the outcome" in God. We all start with one light and then, life gets brighter as the other 7 lights are lit. Keeping our eyes always on the "Servant" lamp. The "Servant" has been "Lifted up, and is high" The lamp of life was kind of dim for Joseph, being sold, being cast into prison, then the lamp got bright, as he became second in command, got married, had children, reconciled with his brothers, and saw his father once again. On the special Hanukkah Menorah lamp, we see 9 candle holders. and they can go from "Galut" (Exile) to "G'ulah (redemption) Joseph was "exiled" from his land in Canaan when he was sold by his brothers, and ended up in Egypt. But as things got better for Joseph, we can see, as I mentioned, the "Lamps" getting brighter, and a bright and hopeful future is for Joseph and the whole world. We see that "his brothers are redeemed" (in our next study) when they come before Joseph repentant of what they did. thus, we can see all 9 lamps are lit, thus illustrating "from Galut to G'ulah. (using the Menorah). When we were lost sinners, Yeshua was in the position as our “judge” As many who will continue to reject the gift of salvation, they will be “judged” guilty by Messiah Yeshua at the Great White Throne Judgment, yet once we come to Yeshua and accept Him as our Savior and LORD, then, we come “Family” members, and we will be treated as “family”. “Y'hudah” symbolizes “Israel” who, in the future, will recognize “HE who was pierced” and those in Israel will say, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of YHVH” as Yosef then “Talked” with his brothers, so YHVH desires to “talk” with us, through prayer and fellowship. As Yosef invited ALL his family to Egypt, so ALL who come to recognize Yeshua as Mashiach, are invited to join the “Heavenly family” Yosef is a “Messiah type” who saved the local world from physical famine, Yeshua saves the world from “spiritual famine” to all those who come to HIM and accept him as Savior and LORD! Shalom, have a blessed week. VBS (Vacation Bible School) last day, "our Group" me in the middle. Iglesia Salem en Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador.

AMOS 2:6-3:8 The prophet preaches “judgment on Israel” (because they sell the righteous for silver), and for many more evil deeds, they have turned away from God and are behaving like the heathen, that know not the LORD. Yosef was righteous, and he sold for 20 pieces of silver, Yeshua was/is righteous, and was sold for 30 pieces of silver. Israel has traded a “Torah” (30-20=10) walk for an “unrighteous” walk and lifestyle, trouble is ahead, judgment is coming, and it came, God used Babylon, Greece, Antiochus, and Rome, as instruments of judgment, yet Israel prevailed, through YHVH's grace, goodness, righteousness, and through a “few gallant men” who fought the fight of freedom. MATT 14:1-15:39 , JOHN 10:22-23 , ACTS 7:9-16 “Yeshua blesses the crowd” We see that Yeshua went to a place alone, perhaps to mourn the death of his cousin, Yochanan the Baptist, yet the crowd found him, he had compassion and healed the sick, and he fed them when he multiplied the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Interestingly enough, when we add 5 and 2 we get “7” the perfect number, the number of Holiness, we have the “Bread (loaves) of Life” and he who makes “fishers of men” (fish). Also, the symbol of the “fish” was used in early messianic believers. In John, we see that Yeshua attends the Feast of Hanukkah, the “dedication.” The root word for “Hanukkah” is “Chanakh” which, in Hebrew letters is; Chet, Nun, Kaf. It means to “initiate, discipline, dedicate, train up, habituate (being accustomed to doing something). So, “Hanukkah” is “re-dedication of the temple”. It was in the temple where the Jews gathered on the Sabbaths to be “trained up” and “disciplined in the teaching/learning of the Torah”. Today, our bodies are the Temple where the Holy Spirit reigns, to teach us, discipline us in the ways of the Torah, getting us accustomed to serving our Savior and Redeemer. Yeshua, at this time of Hanukkah, takes this opportunity to tell the Jews, “I AM the Messiah....yet you do not believe” The choice to believe, is always OURS. In Acts 7:9-16, we read the account told by Stephen, the first martyr, of Yosef who was sold into slavery by his brothers, went down to Egypt, yet with “Adonai “ was made to be elevated, thus saving Egypt and close by nations from starvation. When we look at this account from the Hanukkah perspective, we might see Israel as a type of Yosef, who was oppressed and enslaved by “Antiochus” (Egypt), yet as Adonai was with Judah Ben Mattityahu (The Maccabee) He triumphed over Antiochus and brought deliverance to Israel and restored the Temple again Adonai likewise, was with Yosef, who was transformed from slave to “associate King” bringing a blessing to Egypt and other nations when starvation and famine were at the door. Israel received a Spiritual blessing when Antiochus was defeated. One last item. During the 8 days of Hanukkah, we use the 8 branch menorah, the "Hannukiah" The middle candle is the "servant" candle, or the "Shamash" It is a bit more elevated than the other candles or candle holders. Why? when we read Isaiah 52:13, we read; "Behold! My servant will prosper. He will be HIGH and LIFTED UP and greatly EXALTED" The middle candle/candle holder symbolizes Yeshua, who is the Servant who has been lifted up and exalted. The other candles are lit from the servant candle. We receive our light from Yeshua. Another symbolism is when we start to light the candles, there is little light, but on the 8th day, the last candle is lit and now there is "full light and illumination". It can be compared with "Exile to Redemption" (Galut to G'ulah) Before trusting in Yeshua, we are "exiled" from fellowship and unity with God, when we trust in the LORD as our personal savior, we experience "Redemption" We are "born again" in that moment, yet we need to grow in faith, and that takes a lifetime, so we go through all 8 lights, and finally, at death, we experience complete and full redemption, we are no longer tied to the physical body which is sinful in nature. Another example is the "Children of Israel" who were in "exile" in Egypt. Moses came and showed, "the first light" hopes of redemption. The lights of redemption grew brighter and brighter as God threw plague after plague down to the Egyptians. Finally, they were led out of Egypt and experienced their redemption at Sinai. Judah the Maccabee offered the "first light" towards redemption from Greek-Syrian exile. (exiled in their own land, exiled from the freedom of worship the true GOD). The three-year war brought redemption to Israel and the temple re-dedicated on the 25th of Kislev. So, we honor the tradition of lighting 8 lights on the special Menorah.

AMOS 2:6-3:8 The prophet preaches “judgment on Israel” (because they sell the righteous for silver), and for many more evil deeds, they have turned away from God and are behaving like the heathen, that know not the LORD. Yosef was righteous, and he sold for 20 pieces of silver, Yeshua was/is righteous, and was sold for 30 pieces of silver. Israel has traded a “Torah” (30-20=10) walk for an “unrighteous” walk and lifestyle, trouble is ahead, judgment is coming, and it came, God used Babylon, Greece, Antiochus, and Rome, as instruments of judgment, yet Israel prevailed, through YHVH's grace, goodness, righteousness, and through a “few gallant men” who fought the fight of freedom. MATT 14:1-15:39 , JOHN 10:22-23 , ACTS 7:9-16 “Yeshua blesses the crowd” We see that Yeshua went to a place alone, perhaps to mourn the death of his cousin, Yochanan the Baptist, yet the crowd found him, he had compassion and healed the sick, and he fed them when he multiplied the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Interestingly enough, when we add 5 and 2 we get “7” the perfect number, the number of Holiness, we have the “Bread (loaves) of Life” and he who makes “fishers of men” (fish). Also, the symbol of the “fish” was used in early messianic believers. In John, we see that Yeshua attends the Feast of Hanukkah, the “dedication.” The root word for “Hanukkah” is “Chanakh” which, in Hebrew letters is; Chet, Nun, Kaf. It means to “initiate, discipline, dedicate, train up, habituate (being accustomed to doing something). So, “Hanukkah” is “re-dedication of the temple”. It was in the temple where the Jews gathered on the Sabbaths to be “trained up” and “disciplined in the teaching/learning of the Torah”. Today, our bodies are the Temple where the Holy Spirit reigns, to teach us, discipline us in the ways of the Torah, getting us accustomed to serving our Savior and Redeemer. Yeshua, at this time of Hanukkah, takes this opportunity to tell the Jews, “I AM the Messiah....yet you do not believe” The choice to believe, is always OURS. In Acts 7:9-16, we read the account told by Stephen, the first martyr, of Yosef who was sold into slavery by his brothers, went down to Egypt, yet with “Adonai “ was made to be elevated, thus saving Egypt and close by nations from starvation. When we look at this account from the Hanukkah perspective, we might see Israel as a type of Yosef, who was oppressed and enslaved by “Antiochus” (Egypt), yet as Adonai was with Judah Ben Mattityahu (The Maccabee) He triumphed over Antiochus and brought deliverance to Israel and restored the Temple again Adonai likewise, was with Yosef, who was transformed from slave to “associate King” bringing a blessing to Egypt and other nations when starvation and famine were at the door. Israel received a Spiritual blessing when Antiochus was defeated. One last item. During the 8 days of Hanukkah, we use the 8 branch menorah, the "Hannukiah" The middle candle is the "servant" candle, or the "Shamash" It is a bit more elevated than the other candles or candle holders. Why? when we read Isaiah 52:13, we read; "Behold! My servant will prosper. He will be HIGH and LIFTED UP and greatly EXALTED" The middle candle/candle holder symbolizes Yeshua, who is the Servant who has been lifted up and exalted. The other candles are lit from the servant candle. We receive our light from Yeshua. Another symbolism is when we start to light the candles, there is little light, but on the 8th day, the last candle is lit and now there is "full light and illumination". It can be compared with "Exile to Redemption" (Galut to G'ulah) Before trusting in Yeshua, we are "exiled" from fellowship and unity with God, when we trust in the LORD as our personal savior, we experience "Redemption" We are "born again" in that moment, yet we need to grow in faith, and that takes a lifetime, so we go through all 8 lights, and finally, at death, we experience complete and full redemption, we are no longer tied to the physical body which is sinful in nature. Another example is the "Children of Israel" who were in "exile" in Egypt. Moses came and showed, "the first light" hopes of redemption. The lights of redemption grew brighter and brighter as God threw plague after plague down to the Egyptians. Finally, they were led out of Egypt and experienced their redemption at Sinai. Judah the Maccabee offered the "first light" towards redemption from Greek-Syrian exile. (exiled in their own land, exiled from the freedom of worship the true GOD). The three-year war brought redemption to Israel and the temple re-dedicated on the 25th of Kislev. So, we honor the tradition of lighting 8 lights on the special Menorah.

PARASHA: “VaYeshev” (and he settled) GENESIS 37:1-1-40:23 In this study, the focus is on Yosef, who is going to be in the limelight of God. Things seem to be going from bad to worse for this young teenager. it wasn't all his fault we could say. His father Jacob held him high up on a pedestal, “Papa's favorite”. Always when there is family favoritism among sons and daughters, there is bound to be trouble, especially from the other siblings who are the “less preferred” Papa Jacob makes him a “coat of many colors” This coat was a symbol of leadership; The Torah doesn’t specify that it was of “many colors” only that this type of garment had sleeves down to the wrists and that reached the ankles. this is like getting a kid a three-piece suit made of fine silk and then sending him out to the fields where his brothers are wearing overalls and straw hats. This is going to arouse jealousy. These brothers are boiling mad, and to make matters worse, Yosef is given dreams by YHVH and he doesn't keep them to himself, he shares them. He shares them not to be haughty, but just to let his family know what is happening, or rather, what is “going to happen” in the future. But I don't think that at that time, Yosef understood the meaning of the dreams. We understand that the dreams include sheaves of wheat that bow down before Yosef’s sheaves of wheat. How might one see this? Here’s an idea. Wheat is made into bread, and Yeshua is the “Bread of Life”. Yosef is a “type or symbol of Messiah” He saves the known world of physical starvation, and Yeshua saved the whole world of spiritual starvation. Just like Yosef’s brothers bowed down to him in honor, the whole world will “bow down” to Yeshua, who is the “Bread of Life”. To make a long story short, he gets out to the fields, the brothers strip him of his coat, rip it, dip it in goat's blood, and plan to kill him, Judah talks them out of it, and instead, throws him in an empty well, wait until a group of Ishmaelite traders comes by, they sell him to the buyers for 20 pieces of silver, and that is how they are rid of brother Yosef, “daddy's boy” the dreamer, yet unknowingly, they are playing right into the perfect plan of YHVH, they are “investing” in their future welfare. One interesting fact about these events is what happened before Yosef found his brothers in Dothan. 37:15 says that a “certain man found him wandering in the field, and the man asked him; "what are you looking for?” Israel sends Yosef to look for his brothers in Shechem, but when he gets there, he doesn’t find them because they go on to Dothan. Josef is now lost, just “wandering” so the man says that they said “Let’s go to Dothan” So the man redirects Yosef to find his brothers and continue in Adonai’s perfect plan for his life. Who is this man? No one knows, perhaps he was just a man who happened to be there near Yosef’s brethren and overheard them talking. Some rabbis believe it wasn’t just a man, but an angel who was sent to give the “message” to Yosef that his brothers were in Dothan. Angels (Malachim) are “messengers” to help us in times of need, and Yosef was in need at that time. God, who looks down from beyond the heavens, from a multi-dimensional universe, sees the end before it happens, and this man was essential to fulfill the words of the Torah and the promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Without this man, Yosef would not have found his brothers, and they wouldn’t have sold him into slavery. He never would have made it to Egypt to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and save the world from starvation. The sons of Israel would not have moved to Egypt, and the prophecy of “Israel being in Egypt” might not have come true. Yet it all DID, because God had that certain “Man” (or an angel) in place at the right time. Little may we know it but we probably have been in the “right places” at the “right times” to help people achieve their goals because we have a God in the universe that oversees all things and places people in those places to fulfill his will in them and in others. But let's go back to the events. How do these events symbolize, and compare with Messiah Yeshua? We do not see any blemish on Yosef, as if he is “perfect and righteous” as Yeshua was/is “Tzadik kadosh” (Righteous and Holy” Yosef is the “victim” of his own people (his brothers). As Yeshua was given up to the Roman governor, by a group of religious leaders. We know that Adonai is with him, and he is going to be a testimony to those around him, namely the Egyptians. The name “Yosef” is spelled (in Hebrew) “Yod, Vav, Samech, and Pey sofit”( for those who know a little Hebrew) In ancient symbolism, the name Joseph can mean; "hand, connect, support, and mouth" The hand means action, and his action to save Egypt was connected to his mouth, giving orders and a plan for going through the years of famine, and all Egypt could "lean on his wisdom" His action supported what came from his mouth, words of wisdom and wise planning." When problems arise, it is good to recognize the problem, but also, to have a solution to the problem. Joseph had both. He gave GOD the glory. The brothers stripped Yosef of his coat, the coat was dipped in goat's blood. Yeshua was stripped of his clothing, and was beaten, his flesh “ripped” by a Roman whip, until the blood poured out. The “goat's blood” reminds us of “Yom Kippur” where goats were sacrificed and one was “set free” The blood of the goat reminds us of our sins “covered by the blood” (back then) but now, our sins are “erased” by the blood of “God's chosen LAMB” the “Lamb of God” which taketh away the sins of the world. Yosef was thrown into a pit, an empty cistern, void of water. Scripture doesn't say, but I imagine that his brothers tied him up with a rope and lowered him into the pit by the rope. A “water well” symbolizes “Life” but when it is empty, it can symbolize “death”. Just try to climb out a deep pit with dirt sides without anything, you can't, might as well be dead. Yosef being lower into the pit can symbolize Yeshua's death, and his descent into “Sheol” yet when the Midianites came by, the brothers pulled him “out” of the pit, it could symbolize Yeshua's “resurrection unto life”. Before the pit, Yosef was part of his immediate family, after the incident of the pit, he is on his way to a “new life”, with trials, tests, troubles, suffering, and finally, rewards! Doesn't that sound like our life today? The waterless pit can also symbolize the Torah itself. The pit without water is a place without the Torah. This can also point to the time of the evil King Antiochus (since we are approaching Hanukkah) who ruled “No Torah” in Judea until Y’hudah Ben Matityahu (Judah Ben Mattathias, the Maccabee) kicked Antiochus out of Judea and restored the Torah to Judea. Yosef was sold for “20 pieces of silver” by “Y'hudah Ben Ya'akov” (Judah son of Jacob) Yeshua was sold for “30” pieces of silver by “Y'hudah Ish Kariot” (Judah, a man from the region of Kariot). The price of a slave was 20 pieces of silver in the time of Yosef, and through inflation, it rose to 30 pieces in the time of Yeshua. Y'hudah Ben Ya'akov was part of Jacob's family, whose name changed to Israel. Y'hudah Ish Kariot was part of Yeshua's family of talmidim (disciples) by “name only” not spiritually. The name “Israel” comes from “Yasher-El” (straight to God) “Yeshua” relationship is “straight to God”. The difference between 30 pieces of silver and 20 pieces of silver is “10” the number of “Torah”. ALL is recorded and written down in the Torah, and Yeshua is the “Living Torah”. In Chapter 38, the scene switches to “Judah”. We see that Judah is not doing a very wise thing as he goes into a Canaanite woman. He leaves his brethren and has kids with a Canaanite! The first two are evil and Adonai kills them, Shelah is his third son and he hesitates to marry him to “Tamar” yet she poses as a prostitute and deceives Judah into sleeping with her and getting her pregnant. But the question is why was he looking for a prostitute? Believers can wander away from God’s will for their lives in such ways, as marrying unbelievers, committing adultery or fornication, the list can go on. Adonai still loves us and will continue to reach down to us and redirect us, even though it hurts at times, the chastisements can come in the form of sadness and depression, a loss of love and excitement for the things of the LORD because we know we are “doing wrong”. The result of Tamar’s pregnancy was that twins were born, the first one pushed his hand through the womb and the midwife tied a “scarlet thread” on it to say, “This is the first-born” yet the baby pulled back inside and his brother came out, then HE came out in second place…yet…he was in “first place” (if you get my drift). There is symbolism in these births. A way we can look at this is that the scarlet thread can symbolize Yeshua the Messiah, and his “first coming” then, his “second coming”. Tamar is part of the lineage of King David, and from King David come Mary and Yosef, who are the legal guardians and adoptive parents of Yeshua! Here is something else. Yosef Ben Israel went DOWN to Egypt, not by his own accord, but as a slave. Yeshua Ben Yosef, Ben David went DOWN to Egypt with his parents, yet returned home later on. Yosef Ben Israel returned to Canaan to be buried, yet BOTH are enjoying fellowship in Heaven today!

PARASHA: “VaYeshev” (and he settled) GENESIS 37:1-1-40:23 In this study, the focus in on Yosef, who is going to be in the limelight of God. Things seem to be going from bad to worse for this young teenager. it wasn't all his fault we could say. His father Jacob held him high up on a pedestal, “Papa's favorite”. Always when there is family favoritism among sons and daughters, there is bound to be trouble, especially from the other siblings who are the “less preferred” Papa Jacob makes him a “coat of many colors” This coat was a symbol of leadership; The Torah doesn’t specify that it was of “many colors” only that this type of garment had sleeves down to the wrists and that reached the ankles. this is like getting a kid a three-piece suit made of fine silk and then sending him out to the fields where his brothers are wearing overalls and straw hats. This is going to arouse jealousy. These brothers are boiling mad, and to make matters worse, Yosef is given dreams by YHVH and he doesn't keep them to himself, he shares them. He shares them not to be haughty, but just to let his family know what is happening, or rather, what is “going to happen” in the future. But I don't think that at that time, Yosef understood the meaning of the dreams. We understand that the dreams include sheaves of wheat that bow down before Yosef’s sheaves of wheat. How might one see this? Here’s an idea. Wheat is made into bread, and Yeshua is the “Bread of Life”. Yosef is a “type or symbol of Messiah” He saves the known world of physical starvation, and Yeshua saved the whole world of spiritual starvation. Just like Yosef’s brothers bowed down to him in honor, the whole world will “bow down” to Yeshua, who is the “Bread of Life”. To make a long story short, he gets out to the fields, the brothers strip him of his coat, rip it, dip it in goat's blood, and plan to kill him, Judah talks them out of it, and instead, throws him in an empty well, wait until a group of Ishmaelite traders comes by, they sell him to the buyers for 20 pieces of silver, and that is how they are rid of brother Yosef, “daddy's boy” the dreamer, yet unknowingly, they are playing right into the perfect plan of YHVH, they are “investing” in their future welfare. One interesting fact about these events is what happened before Yosef found his brothers in Dothan. 37:15 says that a “certain man found him wandering in the field, and the man asked him saying what are you looking for?” Israel sends Yosef to look for his brothers in Shechem, but when he gets there, he doesn’t find them because they go on to Dothan. Josef is now lost, just “wandering” so the man says that they said “Let’s go to Dothan” So the man redirects Yosef to find his brothers and continue in Adonai’s perfect plan for his life. Who is this man? No one knows, perhaps he was just a man who happened to be there near Yosef’s brethren and overheard them talking. Some rabbis believe it wasn’t just a man, but an angel who was sent to give the “message” to Yosef that his brothers were in Dothan. Angels (Malachim) are “messengers” to help us in times of need, and Yosef was in need at that time. God, who looks down from beyond the heavens, from a multi-dimensional universe, sees the end before it happens, and this man was essential to fulfill the words of the Torah and the promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Without this man, Yosef would not have found his brothers, and they wouldn’t have sold him into slavery. He never would have made it to Egypt to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and save the world from starvation. The sons of Israel would not have moved to Egypt, and the prophecy of “Israel being in Egypt” might not have come true. Yet it all DID, because God had that certain “Man” (or an angel) in place at the right time. Little may we know it but we probably have been in the “right places” at the “right times” to help people achieve their goals because we have a God in the universe that oversees all things and places people in those places to fulfill his will in them and in others. But let's go back to the events. How do these events symbolize, and compare with Messiah Yeshua? We do not see any blemish on Yosef, as if he is “perfect and righteous” as Yeshua was/is “Tzadik kadosh” (Righteous and Holy” Yosef is the “victim” of his own people (his brothers). As Yeshua was given up to the Roman governor, by a group of religious leaders. We know that Adonai is with him, and he is going to be a testimony to those around him, namely the Egyptians. The name “Yosef” is spelled (in Hebrew) “Yod, Vav, Samech, and Pey sofit” When we add up the letter values, we get 156 in gematria. We can look at this is two ways, “1” is Adonai as “Echad” (One in unity) “5” is the number of grace, and “6” is the number of man. One way to understand these numbers is to say that “Yosef is a man that will have a close relation to Adonai, and show grace to those around him. As we will see in the future, to the Egyptians, and to his brethren during the years of famine. 1+5+6 = 12. Yosef is part of the 12 tribes, the 12 sons of Israel. Here is something interesting, in Psalm 81:5; It reads; “This he ordained in Yosef for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt..” What did He ordain? He ordained his “Torah” So Yosef was a testimony for Adonai before Pharaoh and before the Egyptians. The spelling in verse 5 for the name “Yosef” is “Yod, Hey, Vav, Samech, Pey sofit”. ( Y + H +V + S + F) “YHosef” This is the only place in the Torah where Yosef’s name is written so. We see that Adonai has placed one of his names (YaH) in Yosef’s name. Those two letters are the first two letters in Adonai’s most holy name YHVH. The brothers stripped Yosef of his coat, the coat was dipped in goat's blood. Yeshua was stripped of his clothing, and was beaten, his flesh “ripped” by a Roman whip, until the blood poured out. The “goat's blood” reminds us of “Yom Kippur” where goats were sacrificed and one was “set free” The blood of the goat reminds us of our sins “covered by the blood” (back then) but now, our sins are “erased” by the blood of “God's chosen LAMB” the “Lamb of God” which taketh away the sins of the world. Yosef was thrown into a pit, an empty cistern, void of water. Scripture doesn't say, but I imagine that his brothers tied him up with a rope and lowered him into the pit by the rope. A “water well” symbolizes “Life” but when it is empty, it can symbolize “death”. Just try to climb out a deep pit with dirt sides without anything, you can't, might as well be dead. Yosef being lower into the pit can symbolize Yeshua's death, and his descent into “Sheol” yet when the Midianites came by, the brothers pulled him “out” of the pit, it could symbolize Yeshua's “resurrection unto life”. Before the pit, Yosef was part of his immediate family, after the incident of the pit, he is on his way to a “new life”, with trials, tests, troubles, suffering, and finally, rewards! Doesn't that sound like our life today? The waterless pit can also symbolize the Torah itself. The pit without water is a place without the Torah. This can also point to the time of the evil King Antiochus (since we are approaching Hanukkah) who ruled “No Torah” in Judea until Y’hudah Ben Matityahu (Judah Ben Mattathias, the Maccabee) kicked Antiochus out of Judea and restored the Torah to Judea. Yosef was sold for “20 pieces of silver” by “Y'hudah Ben Ya'akov” (Judah son of Jacob) Yeshua was sold for “30” pieces of silver by “Y'hudah Ish Kariot” (Judah, a man from the region of Kariot). The price of a slave was 20 pieces of silver in the time of Yosef, and through inflation, it rose to 30 pieces in the time of Yeshua. Y'hudah Ben Ya'akov was part of Jacob's family, whose name changed to Israel. Y'hudah Ish Kariot was part of Yeshua's family of talmidim (disciples) by “name only” not spiritually. The name “Israel” comes from “Yasher-El” (straight to God) “Yeshua” relationship is “straight to God”. The difference between 30 pieces of silver and 20 pieces of silver is “10” the number of “Torah”. ALL is recorded and written down in the Torah, and Yeshua is the “Living Torah”. In Chapter 38, the scene switches to “Judah”. We see that Judah is not doing a very wise thing as he goes into a Canaanite woman. He leaves his brethren and has kids with a Canaanite! The first two are evil and Adonai kills them, Shelah is his third son and he hesitates to marry him to “Tamar” yet she poses as a prostitute and deceives Judah into sleeping with her and getting her pregnant. But the question is why was he looking for a prostitute? Believers can wander away from God’s will for their lives in such ways, as marrying unbelievers, committing adultery or fornication, the list can go on. Adonai still loves us and will continue to reach down to us and redirect us, even though it hurts at times, at times, the chastisements can come in the form of sadness and depression, a loss of love and excitement for the things of the LORD because we know we are “doing wrong”. The result of Tamar’s pregnancy was that twins were born, the first one pushed his hand through the womb and the midwife tied a “scarlet thread” on it to say, “this is the first-born” yet the baby pulled back inside and his brother came out, then HE came out in second place…yet…he was in “first place” (if you get my drift). There is symbolism in these births. A way we can look at this is that the scarlet thread can symbolize Yeshua the Messiah, and his “first coming” then, his “second coming”. Tamar is part of the lineage of King David, and from King David come Mary and Yosef, who are the legal guardians and adoptive parents of Yeshua! Here is something else. Yosef Ben Israel went DOWN to Egypt, not by his own accord, but as a slave. Yeshua Ben Yosef, Ben David went DOWN to Egypt with his parents, yet returned home later on. Yosef Ben Israel returned to Canaan to be buried, yet BOTH are enjoying fellowship in Heaven today!

A STUDY ON HANUKKAH, WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT? “And it was at Jerusalem the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah), and it was winter, and Yeshua (Jesus) walked in the temple in Solomon's porch” (John 10:22,23) the chapter goes on to say that the Jews gathered around him, asking him to tell them plainly if he was the Messiah. Hanukkah was an important festival, important enough for our Messiah to be at the temple and answer questions. The meaning of the word “Hanukkah” means “dedication”. To understand this better, we need to go back and read 2 Chronicles 7:8-10. King Solomon finished building the first temple, and he celebrated with the people by making a big sacrifice, sacrificing thousands of bulls and sheep, he invited the people and they shared in the festivity. He celebrated for 8 days, during the time of Sukkot, (Feast of Tabernacles) on the 8th day, “Hoshanah Raba” he blessed the people and sent them home. A lot happened after that time, the priests and much of the people took their eyes off the LORD and went into idolatry. Years later, the Prophet Malachi prophesied that YHVH would punish the people, and the end result would be that the temple would be desecrated, and the “seed” of Israel would be “contaminated”. You can read this in Malachi 1:6; 2:1,2,8,9. The Prophet Daniel was more precise. He had visions of what would happen in the future. The visions of Daniel in chapter 8 had to do with “two” end time periods. One, the end time before the first coming of Messiah Yeshua, and the second, the end time before the second coming of Messiah, which is still in the future. In Chapter 8:5 the prophet sees a “he-goat” (Greece) and a “ram” (Persia). This is when Alexander the Great went forth to conquer many nations, he traveled very fast (touched not the ground). This happened around 330 B.C. He went from the West (Greece) towards the East (nations East of Greece) these nations included Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Israel (Judea). The prophet mentions the “horn that was broken” (Alexander's death) and from that, 4 other horns came out (four generals took over). (Daniel 8:8). “Ptolemy” took control of Egypt, which is why we see the dynasty of “Ptolemy pharaohs” Queen Cleopatra was a “Ptolemy”. Seleucid took control over Syria. From Seleucid, came the “little horn that waxed great”. This was the rise of Antiochus (Daniel 8:9). First there was Antiochus III, and afterward, Antiochus IV (Epiphanes). It was Antiochus Epiphanes who wreaked Havoc in Judea, was a tyrant, a murderer who was satanically controlled. He proclaimed himself “Zeus incarnate” thus the title “Epiphanes” An epiphany is a carnal likeness of a god. But what happened to Judea before the rise of Antiochus? Alexander had introduced “Hellenism” to the conquered world. Judea could either accept the new Greek ways or reject them. Most Israelites rejected them, they stayed Torah observant and worshiped YHVH. Some accepted the new Greek ways, new Greek-style clothing, music, philosophy, gymnastics, drama, language, etc... Under Alexander, and even under the first Antiochus (III) Judeans had a choice, either accept or reject, it didn't really matter, but when Antiochus III died and his son Antiochus IV came to power, all changed. Everyone had to convert to Hellenism, accept Antiochus as supreme ruler and “god” manifested in human form, or die. No longer could they study the Torah, the scrolls were destroyed, circumcision of males was a capital offense. So life was “hell” for all of Israel that did not convert or accept Hellenism, and accept Antiochus as “Zeus incarnate”. On the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, 167 B.C., Antiochus invades the temple in Jerusalem and desecrates it. He sets up a statue of Zeus and to celebrate, he sacrifices pigs on the sacred altar in the temple, he then takes all the temple furniture made of gold and silver, including the Menorah, and takes them to Syria. The temple is now bare and desecrated, and now dedicated to Zeus and pagan sacrifices. (Daniel 8:11-12). The next thing that Antiochus did was to replace the Judean “Onias” the high priest and put his brother “Jason” as a priest instead of Onias. Jason started promoting “Zeus worship, and swine sacrifices” throughout Judea. He went to the city of Modin, where the priest Mattathias lived with his five sons; John, Jonathan, Judah, Simon, and Eleazar. This is where the resistance started. Jason had sent an officer to offer Mattathias riches and honor if only he would set the example and offer pig sacrifices to Zeus. The officer was not prepared for the reaction of Mattathias. With a loud voice, he responded; “Though all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him and fall away everyone from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments, yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers. God forbid that we should forsake the Torah and the ordinances. We will not obey the king's words to go from our religion, either on the right hand or the left!” (1st Book of Maccabees) After hearing these words, another priest standing nearby offered to sacrifice, in exchange for gold and silver. When the priest tried to go forward, Mattathias took a sword and slew him there, and also slew the officer in charge. Now, Mattathias and his sons were wanted criminals in the eyes of Antiochus. Mattathias and his sons had to flee the city and they went into the hills of Judea to hide and prepare themselves for battle. Other faithful Judeans heard what Mattathias had done, and went out to be with him and his sons, thus, forming a small army. Yet what did they have, but perhaps wooden spears, a few knives, pitchforks, and not many swords? Judeans from all classes in society went to join him and his sons. There out in the wilderness, they prepared for battle. They would strike out against Antiochus and his trained Greek-Syrian forces. They would fight with guerrilla warfare tactics. They knew the terrain, the Greeks didn't. This reminds us of the Revolutionary War in the United States when the 13 colonies were under British rule. George Washington (America's Mattathias and Judah the Maccabee) took untrained colonists and fought against the well-trained British troops, they fought long and hard but finally gained independence from Great Britain. Antiochus now knew that Mattathias and his small army were serious. Mattathias was old and he died during this war. He left his eldest son, Judah, to take command. His surname “Maccabee” comes from the Hebrew/Aramaic word “Makabah” which means “Hammer” so his whole name in Hebrew “Y'hudah Makavi” is telling us “My God YAH is my hammer”. With the strength and blessings of God, Y'hudah and his army went forth to fight against Antiochus and his armies. Antiochus sent out four generals; Apollonius, Georgias, Seron, and Nicanor. The strength of these armies was probably 100,000 or more. Yet Judah fought them all, (guerrilla-style strike and run, strike and hide, ambush, etc...) As these armies were vanquished, Judah and his armies captured their swords, spears, shields, etc... and now they were well-equipped. Needless to say, Judah pushed forward and finally drove the Greek-Syrians out of Judea. He and his army re-took Jerusalem. The temple was in shambles, the altar desecrated with swine blood and guts, and the Temple emptied of its treasures. Judah and his men got to work, they tore down the pagan altar and built an altar for YHVH. He went and “brought in new vessels, the candlestick (Menorah) the table of Shewbread, and the altar of incense, which were made of gold” (Josephus, the complete works, pg. 393). Another question is where did they “bring in new vessels from?” Did they have them made? Did Judah send a detachment or a regiment of soldiers to Antioch to re-capture the temple furniture and bring them back to Jerusalem? We know that Antioch was the headquarters of Antiochus and he probably took the golden temple furniture to Antioch. That is a possibility. Judah and his men went to work and made the temple like new again, re-lit the menorah, and made a “feast of dedication” for 8 days, just like in the days of Solomon, when he dedicated the first temple for eight days. Judah offered sacrifices on the newly built brazen altar just like Solomon did. This also happened on the same day, 25th of Kislev, 164 B.C. three years after it had been desecrated. Some believe that there was just one clay flask or jar of oil left in the temple. The belief is that this flask of oil was only enough for one day of light, but it lasted for eight days. The problem with this is that it was never written down in history that it happened. It is believed that it was just a made-up story. Now could it have happened? Sure, anything is possible. However, if a clay jar of oil had been found in the temple after the desecration by Antiochus, what with all the swine sacrifices, blood, etc.… anything in clay jars would have been considered “tamei” (unclean) and unfit for temple use! Unless it had been preserved in a metal jar or contained and sealed, then, it could have been used. But no one knows for sure where the oil came from. It could have been plentiful, being used for almost everything, cooking, lighting, etc. We just know that the Menorah we re-kindled. Today, we still celebrate this time of year. Many people have a special 9-branch menorah called a “Hanukkiah”. This is used especially for this time. The middle branch is called the “Shamash” (the helper) from this middle branch which holds and candle or oil with a wick, the other candles are lit each night for 8 nights. As Messianic Jewish believers, we see the symbolism in the middle branch as “Yeshua” who is the “Light of the World” and we are the “little lights” we get our light from Messiah Yeshua. He even said, “Ye are the light of the world. We can see 9 aspects of the faith in each of the 9 branches of the special Hanukkah menorah; “Teshuvah” (repentance) “Tzedakah” (charity and giving) “Mitzvot” (good works) “Emunah” (faith) “Yeshua” (Salvation) “Mishpochah” (family) “Ahavah” (love) “HaTorah” (God's Word) “Israel” (the Holy Land) are all inter-related and we can also add “Chen” (faith) because by “faith” we are saved, not of works lest any man should boast. many also “spin the dreidel” which is a four-sided top, with the letters N, G, H, S, (but in Hebrew) which symbolize, “Nez, Gadol, Haya, Sham,” (A great miracle happened there). What was the miracle? That a small army of about 10,000 men fought against a superior army of 100,000 or more, yet not through the might of swords and spears, but through the might and power of YHVH, they won and achieved victory. Also, that Israel was saved from being consumed and inter-mixed with the Greeks. Israel was also "exiled" from true worship at the temple, and now they had been "redeemed" from the rule of Antiochus. From "Galut' (exile) to "G'ulah" (redemption) over a period of three years. These 4 Hebrew letters also symbolize 4 nations that tried to annihilate Israel, persecuted the Jews, or took Israel into exile; Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon) Gog (Russia) Hellas (Greece) Seir (Rome). Messiah gave the victory. This year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on the eve of December 7th. We all know that date as the "Day of Infamy" when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. We can see comparisons with the fight against Greek rule in Judeah. The Japanese had the Pacific islands under their domain and control. The islanders "exiled" or "under control" on their own turf. Then the American forces came and fought against the Japanese and in 4 years, with the help of the Atomic bomb, "liberated" those islands. So, from "Galut" to "G'ulah" (exile to redemption) if we choose to use those words. He also gives us the victory in our lives against sin. We can think of “Dedication” at this time of year to re-dedicate our lives to Messiah Yeshua, to serve him, and keep on serving him, and to be “lights” in dark places. Our work and service in Messiah Yeshua end on earth when we are called home, and even in heaven, we will continue to serve, and see His LIGHT forever. A good idea is, for the next 8 days, to look up Bible verses that have to do with "light" and meditate on those verses. How can we relate to those verses? What do those verses tell us? So, for all those who choose to celebrate; "Happy Hanukkah" (I mean, if Jesus celebrated it, shouldn't we?) Hanukkah memories

A STUDY ON HANUKKAH, WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT? “And it was at Jerusalem the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah), and it was winter, and Yeshua (Jesus) walked in the temple in Solomon's porch” (John 10:22,23) the chapter goes on to say that the Jews gathered around him, asking him to tell them plainly if he was the Messiah. Hanukkah was an important festival, important enough for our Messiah to be at the temple and answer questions. The meaning of the word “Hanukkah” means “dedication”. To understand this better, we need to go back and read 2 Chronicles 7:8-10. King Solomon finished building the first temple, and he celebrated with the people by making a big sacrifice, sacrificing thousands of bulls and sheep, he invited the people and they shared in the festivity. He celebrated for 8 days, during the time of Sukkot, (Feast of Tabernacles) on the 8th day, “Hoshanah Raba” he blessed the people and sent them home. A lot happened after that time, the priests and much of the people took their eyes off the LORD and went into idolatry. Years later, the Prophet Malachi prophesied that YHVH would punish the people, and the end result would be that the temple would be desecrated, and the “seed” of Israel would be “contaminated”. You can read this in Malachi 1:6; 2:1,2,8,9. The Prophet Daniel was more precise. He had visions of what would happen in the future. The visions of Daniel in chapter 8 had to do with “two” end time periods. One, the end time before the first coming of Messiah Yeshua, and the second, the end time before the second coming of Messiah, which is still in the future. In Chapter 8:5 the prophet sees a “he-goat” (Greece) and a “ram” (Persia). This is when Alexander the Great went forth to conquer many nations, he traveled very fast (touched not the ground). This happened around 330 B.C. He went from the West (Greece) towards the East (nations East of Greece) these nations included Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Israel (Judea). The prophet mentions the “horn that was broken” (Alexander's death) and from that, 4 other horns came out (four generals took over). (Daniel 8:8). “Ptolemy” took control of Egypt, which is why we see the dynasty of “Ptolemy pharaohs” Queen Cleopatra was a “Ptolemy”. Seleucid took control over Syria. From Seleucid, came the “little horn that waxed great”. This was the rise of Antiochus (Daniel 8:9). First there was Antiochus III, and afterward, Antiochus IV (Epiphanes). It was Antiochus Epiphanes who wreaked Havoc in Judea, was a tyrant, a murderer who was satanically controlled. He proclaimed himself “Zeus incarnate” thus the title “Epiphanes” An epiphany is a carnal likeness of a god. But what happened to Judea before the rise of Antiochus? Alexander had introduced “Hellenism” to the conquered world. Judea could either accept the new Greek ways or reject them. Most Israelites rejected them, they stayed Torah observant and worshiped YHVH. Some accepted the new Greek ways, new Greek-style clothing, music, philosophy, gymnastics, drama, language, etc... Under Alexander, and even under the first Antiochus (III) Judeans had a choice, either accept or reject, it didn't really matter, but when Antiochus III died and his son Antiochus IV came to power, all changed. Everyone had to convert to Hellenism, accept Antiochus as supreme ruler and “god” manifested in human form, or die. No longer could they study the Torah, the scrolls were destroyed, circumcision of males was a capital offense. So life was “hell” for all of Israel that did not convert or accept Hellenism, and accept Antiochus as “Zeus incarnate”. On the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, 167 B.C., Antiochus invades the temple in Jerusalem and desecrates it. He sets up a statue of Zeus and to celebrate, he sacrifices pigs on the sacred altar in the temple, he then takes all the temple furniture made of gold and silver, including the Menorah, and takes them to Syria. The temple is now bare and desecrated, and now dedicated to Zeus and pagan sacrifices. (Daniel 8:11-12). The next thing that Antiochus did was to replace the Judean “Onias” the high priest and put his brother “Jason” as a priest instead of Onias. Jason started promoting “Zeus worship, and swine sacrifices” throughout Judea. He went to the city of Modin, where the priest Mattathias lived with his five sons; John, Jonathan, Judah, Simon, and Eleazar. This is where the resistance started. Jason had sent an officer to offer Mattathias riches and honor if only he would set the example and offer pig sacrifices to Zeus. The officer was not prepared for the reaction of Mattathias. With a loud voice, he responded; “Though all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him and fall away everyone from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments, yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers. God forbid that we should forsake the Torah and the ordinances. We will not obey the king's words to go from our religion, either on the right hand or the left!” (1st Book of Maccabees) After hearing these words, another priest standing nearby offered to sacrifice, in exchange for gold and silver. When the priest tried to go forward, Mattathias took a sword and slew him there, and also slew the officer in charge. Now, Mattathias and his sons were wanted criminals in the eyes of Antiochus. Mattathias and his sons had to flee the city and they went into the hills of Judea to hide and prepare themselves for battle. Other faithful Judeans heard what Mattathias had done, and went out to be with him and his sons, thus, forming a small army. Yet what did they have, but perhaps wooden spears, a few knives, pitchforks, and not many swords? Judeans from all classes in society went to join him and his sons. There out in the wilderness, they prepared for battle. They would strike out against Antiochus and his trained Greek-Syrian forces. They would fight with guerrilla warfare tactics. They knew the terrain, the Greeks didn't. This reminds us of the Revolutionary War in the United States when the 13 colonies were under British rule. George Washington (America's Mattathias and Judah the Maccabee) took untrained colonists and fought against the well-trained British troops, they fought long and hard but finally gained independence from Great Britain. Antiochus now knew that Mattathias and his small army were serious. Mattathias was old and he died during this war. He left his eldest son, Judah, to take command. His surname “Maccabee” comes from the Hebrew/Aramaic word “Makabah” which means “Hammer” so his whole name in Hebrew “Y'hudah Makavi” is telling us “My God YAH is my hammer”. With the strength and blessings of God, Y'hudah and his army went forth to fight against Antiochus and his armies. Antiochus sent out four generals; Apollonius, Georgias, Seron, and Nicanor. The strength of these armies was probably 100,000 or more. Yet Judah fought them all, (guerrilla-style strike and run, strike and hide, ambush, etc...) As these armies were vanquished, Judah and his armies captured their swords, spears, shields, etc... and now they were well-equipped. Needless to say, Judah pushed forward and finally drove the Greek-Syrians out of Judea. He and his army re-took Jerusalem. The temple was in shambles, the altar desecrated with swine blood and guts, and the Temple emptied of its treasures. Judah and his men got to work, they tore down the pagan altar and built an altar for YHVH. He went and “brought in new vessels, the candlestick (Menorah) the table of Shewbread, and the altar of incense, which were made of gold” (Josephus, the complete works, pg. 393). Another question is where did they “bring in new vessels from?” Did they have them made? Did Judah send a detachment or a regiment of soldiers to Antioch to re-capture the temple furniture and bring them back to Jerusalem? We know that Antioch was the headquarters of Antiochus and he probably took the golden temple furniture to Antioch. That is a possibility. Judah and his men went to work and made the temple like new again, re-lit the menorah, and made a “feast of dedication” for 8 days, just like in the days of Solomon, when he dedicated the first temple for eight days. Judah offered sacrifices on the newly built brazen altar just like Solomon did. This also happened on the same day, 25th of Kislev, 164 B.C. three years after it had been desecrated. Some believe that there was just one clay flask or jar of oil left in the temple. The belief is that this flask of oil was only enough for one day of light, but it lasted for eight days. The problem with this is that it was never written down in history that it happened. It is believed that it was just a made-up story. Now could it have happened? Sure, anything is possible. However, if a clay jar of oil had been found in the temple after the desecration by Antiochus, what with all the swine sacrifices, blood, etc.… anything in clay jars would have been considered “tamei” (unclean) and unfit for temple use! Unless it had been preserved in a metal jar or contained and sealed, then, it could have been used. But no one knows for sure where the oil came from. It could have been plentiful, being used for almost everything, cooking, lighting, etc. We just know that the Menorah we re-kindled. Today, we still celebrate this time of year. Many people have a special 9-branch menorah called a “Hanukkiah”. This is used especially for this time. The middle branch is called the “Shamash” (the helper) from this middle branch which holds and candle or oil with a wick, the other candles are lit each night for 8 nights. As Messianic Jewish believers, we see the symbolism in the middle branch as “Yeshua” who is the “Light of the World” and we are the “little lights” we get our light from Messiah Yeshua. He even said, “Ye are the light of the world. We can see 9 aspects of the faith in each of the 9 branches of the special Hanukkah menorah; “Teshuvah” (repentance) “Tzedakah” (charity and giving) “Mitzvot” (good works) “Emunah” (faith) “Yeshua” (Salvation) “Mishpochah” (family) “Ahavah” (love) “HaTorah” (God's Word) “Israel” (the Holy Land) are all inter-related and we can also add “Chen” (faith) because by “faith” we are saved, not of works lest any man should boast. many also “spin the dreidel” which is a four-sided top, with the letters N, G, H, S, (but in Hebrew) which symbolize, “Nez, Gadol, Haya, Sham,” (A great miracle happened there). What was the miracle? That a small army of about 10,000 men fought against a superior army of 100,000 or more, yet not through the might of swords and spears, but through the might and power of YHVH, they won and achieved victory. Also, that Israel was saved from being consumed and inter-mixed with the Greeks. Israel was also "exiled" from true worship at the temple, and now they had been "redeemed" from the rule of Antiochus. From "Galut' (exile) to "G'ulah" (redemption) over a period of three years. These 4 Hebrew letters also symbolize 4 nations that tried to annihilate Israel, persecuted the Jews, or took Israel into exile; Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon) Gog (Russia) Hellas (Greece) Seir (Rome). Messiah gave the victory. This year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on the eve of December 7th. We all know that date as the "Day of Infamy" when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. We can see comparisons with the fight against Greek rule in Judeah. The Japanese had the Pacific islands under their domain and control. The islanders "exiled" or "under control" on their own turf. Then the American forces came and fought against the Japanese and in 4 years, with the help of the Atomic bomb, "liberated" those islands. So, from "Galut" to "G'ulah" (exile to redemption) if we choose to use those words. He also gives us the victory in our lives against sin. We can think of “Dedication” at this time of year to re-dedicate our lives to Messiah Yeshua, to serve him, and keep on serving him, and to be “lights” in dark places. Our work and service in Messiah Yeshua end on earth when we are called home, and even in heaven, we will continue to serve, and see His LIGHT forever. A good idea is, for the next 8 days, to look up Bible verses that have to do with "light" and meditate on those verses. How can we relate to those verses? What do those verses tell us? So, for all those who choose to celebrate; "Happy Hanukkah" (I mean, if Jesus celebrated it, shouldn't we?) A Hanukkah memory from long ago (I'm the giant)

OBADIYAH 1:1-21 This prophet talks about Esau as “Edom” similar to the name “Adam” yet spelled with a “vav” Edom is condemned, for his attack on Jacob, later on, the Edomites attack the Israelites, (brothers against brothers) Edom will be “brought down from the lofty cliffs” I have been to “Edom” which is in Jordon, the city of “Petra” has many caves in the cliffs, and as tourists go through Petra, the guides tell the visitors that the cliff caves were homes to Edomites, later on they became burial places, and today, they serve as “toilets” for the tourists that have to take care of business, imagine that, how lowly Edom has fallen, from cave homes to “out-houses” We see that the promise of YHVH to Israel prevails, try to destroy, harm, attack Israel, you will be brought down. The prophet goes on to say, “Do not gloat over the misfortune of Judah” Even though we know that Israel will go by the wayside, and forsake YHVH, and will receive punishment, Edom has no business being happy for that reason. It is like a brother laughs when his other brother is being punished by dad, that brother has no business to be happy because HIS turn will come sooner or later. Today, do you know of any Edomites? There are none, yet do you know of any Israelites? Yes, there is a nation in the Middle East full of Israelites, it is called “Eretz Israel” I have been there, twice! It is an honor to serve Israel as a military support personnel. MATT 13:1-58; 26:36-46 Yeshua speaks to the people in parables, He tells of the “Sower of the seed” he goes on to tell his Talmidim that the people “hear but do not understand” it is because their hearts are dull, and that they are not looking for the truth. So there are today, many people who will “hear” the gospel but do not “listen” and if they do not “listen” they will not “understand” just like the Sower who sowed the seed on the different soils, some did not take root, some grew but were choked out, some grew into maturity, so is the WORD of God, to some people it has no effect, on others, it is only a “pass time” or a “fad” for a while, but for others, it is the “real thing” and “life-changing” has it changed your life? In verses 36-46, in chapter 26, Yeshua finds himself in “Gat-Shemini” (Gethsemeni) We see that He also prays to the Father, a prayer of rescue. Jacob prays also, a prayer of rescue. The prayers differ a bit. Jacob prays; “LORD, save me from my brother Esau” Yeshua prays; Father, let this cup pass from me” or in other words; “Save me from this ordeal which I am about to enter” We know the outcome. Esau returned to Jacob in peace, Yet Yeshua embraced the violence of the cross. In both ways, the LORD answered the prayers. “Yes, I will save you from Esau, He will not harm you”. “NO, my son, you HAVE to go through the ordeal of the cross, for the sake of the whole world” Yet, there is a relationship between the prayer of Jacob and the prayer of Yeshua. Jacob and Esau were restored as brothers, and there was peace between them both after Jacob prayed "Adonai, save me from my brother Esau." Yeshua prayed that the "Cup of suffering might be lifted from him" yet when He went through with the cross and suffering, Peace was re-established between fallen mankind and God. He died in our place, in the place of all the Esaus, Labans, and Jacobs of this world. If He embraced the cross, will YOU embrace HIM? Shalom, have a blessed week, Hanukkah is almost here (starts Thursday evening)

OBADIYAH 1:1-21 This prophet talks about Esau as “Edom” similar to the name “Adam” yet spelled with a “vav” Edom is condemned, for his attack on Jacob, later on, the Edomites attack the Israelites, (brothers against brothers) Edom will be “brought down from the lofty cliffs” I have been to “Edom” which is in Jordon, the city of “Petra” has many caves in the cliffs, and as tourists go through Petra, the guides tell the visitors that the cliff caves were homes to Edomites, later on they became burial places, and today, they serve as “toilets” for the tourists that have to take care of business, imagine that, how lowly Edom has fallen, from cave homes to “out-houses” We see that the promise of YHVH to Israel prevails, try to destroy, harm, attack Israel, you will be brought down. The prophet goes on to say, “Do not gloat over the misfortune of Judah” Even though we know that Israel will go by the wayside, and forsake YHVH, and will receive punishment, Edom has no business being happy for that reason. It is like a brother laughs when his other brother is being punished by dad, that brother has no business to be happy because HIS turn will come sooner or later. Today, do you know of any Edomites? There are none, yet do you know of any Israelites? Yes, there is a nation in the Middle East full of Israelites, it is called “Eretz Israel” I have been there, twice! It is an honor to serve Israel as a military support personnel. MATT 13:1-58; 26:36-46 Yeshua speaks to the people in parables, He tells of the “Sower of the seed” he goes on to tell his Talmidim that the people “hear but do not understand” it is because their hearts are dull, and that they are not looking for the truth. So there are today, many people who will “hear” the gospel but do not “listen” and if they do not “listen” they will not “understand” just like the Sower who sowed the seed on the different soils, some did not take root, some grew but were choked out, some grew into maturity, so is the WORD of God, to some people it has no effect, on others, it is only a “pass time” or a “fad” for a while, but for others, it is the “real thing” and “life-changing” has it changed your life? In verses 36-46, in chapter 26, Yeshua finds himself in “Gat-Shemini” (Gethsemeni) We see that He also prays to the Father, a prayer of rescue. Jacob prays also, a prayer of rescue. The prayers differ a bit. Jacob prays; “LORD, save me from my brother Esau” Yeshua prays; Father, let this cup pass from me” or in other words; “Save me from this ordeal which I am about to enter” We know the outcome. Esau returned to Jacob in peace, Yet Yeshua embraced the violence of the cross. In both ways, the LORD answered the prayers. “Yes, I will save you from Esau, He will not harm you”. “NO, my son, you HAVE to go through the ordeal of the cross, for the sake of the whole world” Yet, there is a relationship between the prayer of Jacob and the prayer of Yeshua. Jacob and Esau were restored as brothers, and there was peace between them both after Jacob prayed "Adonai, save me from my brother Esau." Yeshua prayed that the "Cup of suffering might be lifted from him" yet when He went through with the cross and suffering, Peace was re-established between fallen mankind and God. He died in our place, in the place of all the Esaus, Labans, and Jacobs of this world. If He embraced the cross, will YOU embrace HIM? Shalom, have a blessed week, Hanukkah is almost here (starts Thursday evening)

Parashah: “VaYishlach” (and he sent) GENESIS: 32:3-36:43 We see in this week's parashah, that Ya'akov is on his way home to Beth-El, He comes to his “encounter” with his brother Esav. It is a time of tension for him, as we know, he “stole” from him the blessing. Or was it really theft? Remember that Esav “sold” or “traded” his birthright for a “bowl of red lentils” so, was it theft? Perhaps we can say that Jacob took advantage of his brother's worldliness and carnal nature, some say it was “deceit” but was it? Yes, it WAS deceit. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, being blind, pretending to be Esau. Isaac suspected something; "The voice is the voice of Jacob...! Jacob and Esau departed as enemies. Time has passed and Jacob has had much to think about. He feels perhaps guilt and remorse for having taken advantage of his brother. YHVH has blessed him with wives and children, the future “Am Yisrael” He now feels a need for “compensation” for wrongdoing. Therefore, to “ease” the angry spirit of Esau, (so Jacob thinks) he sends him gifts of cattle, hoping to “cool him off” But let's think about that, is compensation necessary for wrongdoing? The Torah says YES, it is. If I borrow your camera, and I drop it, break it, I will owe you another camera, if you and I have a wrestling match, and I accidentally break your hand, I would have to pay the doctor's bill, etc. This is the true meaning of “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” Just for precautionary measures, he separates his family, “just in case” Esau is still on the warpath. Can we blame Jacob? Esau is coming to meet his brother with 400 armed men! Oi Vey, why with 400 men? Armed too! Could this be an attack? Or friendship rekindled? Jacob is “Schvitzen” (sweating). But now he is about to encounter “GOD” in the flesh. We need to remember the blessing that Isaac gave Esau. That he would "live by the Sword" We might imagine then how he lived his life. The Torah doesn't say. But we might imagine that to "live by the sword" might mean that he hired an army and lived by being a mercenary, soldiers for hire, fighting the battles of other countries, or kings. This is just an idea. Why else would Esau come with 400 armed men? He says “Adonai, help!” hey God, remember your promise? To keep me safe? You aren't going back on your promise, are you? YHVH responded with a personal visit that night. A very interesting visit. The Torah says that during the night “a man wrestled with him until the break of day” Ya'akov didn't know it then, but he was wrestling with “HaMalach Elohim (The Angel of the LORD). How do we wrestle with God today? Ever think of that? Good question! We all “wrestle” with God in trying to understand his ways in our lives, some of his ways are uncomfortable, his ways might be testings, trials, hardships, and trying to understand how these events will work for “good” in our lives. The Hebrew word for "wrestle" is "Avak" Trying to find HIS perfect will for our lives is one way, dealing with “flesh vs spirit” issues is another way. Trying to get HIM to follow “us”, instead of “us” following HIM is another way. Just seeing where we fit in with his plan for our lives is a wrestling match It is also interesting that both the angel and Jacob ask for names. First, the angel asks for his name, and then, Jacob asks for a name. Remember that in the book of Exodus, Moshe asks God his name also. The same answer is given; “Why do you ask me my name?” We are so different from God since we are finite beings, our names (at times) describe who we are. We are, in a sense, boxed in by names. We tend to act according to our names. Yet, God is very different. Why is that? Adonai-Elohim can not be “boxed in” by a name, He is “beyond names,” He told Moshe; “Ehye Asher Ehye” (I am who I am) which is not answering the question, He is telling him “I have existed, I exist, I will exist” Now that answer was not given to Jacob (now Israel) Adonai answered his question with a question; “Why ask me my name?” Today, we have many, many names that describe who God is. The most common three have been and are; Elohim, El, and Yah. When we read the names of prophets, they contain either of the two “El” or “Yah”. We also see that Israel states; “I have seen the face of God and have lived (Panim el Panim) But why “faces?” and why not “face?” one could say “13 faces” or “attributes” which describe who Elohim is. Jacob finds himself alone, facing, as he thinks, the eminent danger of being slaughtered by his brother Esau, He puts his family in hiding, and he sends gifts of cattle to Esau to maybe “soften him up” he might think. Now comes a wrestling match. Jacob is at his wit's ends, it is only he and Elohim. Elohim comes to visit him in the form of the “Angel of YHVH” The Torah says that he “wrestled with a man all night” and Jacob did not relent, he did not give up the wrestling match until the Angel touched his thigh, thus wounding him. Then comes the interesting part, the Angel gives him a blessing, and he changes his name from “Jacob” to “Israel” From “heel” to “straight to G-d” When we see the name “Yisrael” it can be divided into two parts; “Yasher- El” (straight to G-d) the name “Yisrael” also contains the acronyms of the patriarchs and matriarchs who played a part in forming the nation of Israel; “YI” Yitzchak “S” Sarah “R” Rachel and Riv’kah “AE” Abraham “L” Leah. Israel now says something interesting; “Vayikra Ya’akov shem haMakom Peniel Ki ra’iti Elohim Panim Et Panim” (and Jacob called the name of that place “Peniel” (face of God) for I have seen Elohim “faces to faces”. What is interesting is that here, the word “face” is used in the singular and the plural. Peni-el, (face of God) in the ancient paleo-Hebrew letters, the word is symbolized as “mouth, life, action, God, Leader” What does this say about God? That He is our Leader. He has given us life, and He has acted on His Word, spoken through His Mouth, through the Prophets of old, and through the writers of the New Testament. But “Panim El Panim” (faces to faces) is somewhat strange, or is it? How many faces does God have? Or does he even have a face, since he is “spirit”? In one way, he “has a face” in physical form as the “Angel of YHVH, Jacob saw him, Abraham also saw him. But now “faces?” what could that mean? Here is one idea; I am sure you can remember as a child, making “funny faces” in the mirror. You might have seen in elementary school; school work papers that have different “faces” and you have to guess what they are. A “sad” face, a “happy” face, an “angry” face, etc. do the “faces” describe the person? Or are “faces” an indication of the person’s internal being? I am sure you can remember your mother or father’s face when you disobeyed or goofed up on something, you knew you “were in trouble” just by looking at their face. Just as our parents had their “faces” which illustrated what was going on inside their soul and being, our Heavenly Father has different attributes, personalities, feelings, attitudes, etc. that “could” be compared with “Panim” (faces). He has the “Panim Rachamim” (faces of Mercy) or “mercies” (endless mercy!”) He has the “face of forgiveness” the “face of longsuffering” the “face of patience” yet the faces of “punishment” “chastisement” “judgment and condemnation” for unrepentant sinners, the faces of “joy” and “wrath” of “happiness and sadness” “approval and disappointment” the face of a “God who listens and responds” the list could go on. We can just imagine the “face” of God when he sees us doing certain things, both holy and unholy. If we can imagine his faces, then, we can imagine how he is feeling inside when we are in obedience or disobedience. Another way of seeing “Panim El Panim” is “Faces God Faces” because “El” is one of God’s names. (the shortest one) Can we say that during that night of ordeal, when Jacob wrestled with the “Malach Elohim” he saw the different “faces” of God? perhaps he saw in the “Panim Elohim” the future of his descendants, his 12 sons! Of course, we know that YHVH is spirit, and in the natural realm, the creator of the universe doesn’t really have a “human-like” face, yet we still use the word “face” and “faces” to try and imagine our heavenly father. Something to think about. Israel is now surrendered to the will of YVHV. He meets Esau, and the meeting is touching, with no hard feelings. And Israel renders homage before his brother, with a very penitent attitude. They fall upon each other’s necks and kiss and weep! The “Midrash” has a funny explanation for that. The “Midrash” (a rabbinical commentary) says that the reason Esau wept was because he tried to bite Israel's neck, yet Israel's neck has turned to iron, and Esau broke his teeth, trying to bite him! Kinda funny, but when we look at the symbolism, we see the idea of Israel being a “stiff-necked people” (I would say iron is stiff, just try to bend it) yet many will try to “bite” or destroy Israel, and Israel will prevail! But not before suffering because of having a “stiff neck”. Here’s this to think about. How do you bend an “iron neck?” You HEAT it in the fire, and then, it will bend. Israel went through a lot of tests and trials and still is going through times of trouble. Sometimes, God must apply the HEAT so that we might BEND to His will. Here’s an interesting word. The word is “garti” (in Hebrew) meaning “I stayed with”. Jacob sent “messengers” to seek out Esau to tell him that his brother Jacob wanted to meet with him. These “messengers” were none other than “Malechim” (Angels). They were there as an “encampment” to watch over and protect Jacob. The message was; “I stayed with Laban and remained until now…” (Gen 32:4) The word “garti” is rather interesting in that the gematria of that word adds up to “613” which is the number of the commandments in the Torah. One way to look at that is to say that even though Jacob stayed with Laban, and despite Laban’s trickery, and his idolatry (since he had pagan idols in his house, remember that Rachel stole them) Jacob did not become corrupted by him. Jacob kept his eyes on God, He revered the teachings of Adonai. This was before the written Torah. The 613 commandments didn’t come until after the 400 years of slavery in Egypt. We could say then that this was about 600 years before the event of Sinai and the written Torah. One can say that Jacob was following the Oral Torah, which was learned from his father Isaac, and his grandfather, Abraham. Who is to say that Adonai didn’t teach Jacob also, perhaps in dreams? One can only imagine. The most important commandment of the Torah is “Love thy God with all of thy heart, soul, might, and strength, and love thy neighbor as thyself” These are Yeshua’s words! That is the way he summed up the whole Torah. That is how Jacob lived, he loved God and showed love for his neighbor, “his brother” whom he defrauded and who is now making “restitution” by sending him all the gifts of cattle. Making amends is very important. There is such a thing as “restoration” (of relationships) and “restitution” (for things, perhaps stolen, destroyed, etc.) Israel and his children go to Shechem, where we see that “Dinah is raped” and the brothers take drastic action and retaliate, destroying the city. I would say very “rash” and “violent “action. But why would they want to associate with people who are idol worshipers? The case being, that they had no business there in the first place. If you are in the wrong place and at the wrong time, you're bound to get “bit”. However, Jacob (Israel) built an altar there and called it “El-Elohei-Israel” (God, the God of Israel) He stands firm in his convictions, yet his sons have a lot to learn. There are probably many times when we act rashly and do not do kosher things, embarrassing our relationship with YHVH. Yes, Israel was very angry with his sons, plus they used “circumcision” as a trick to weaken the men of Shechem, something sacred was used for vengeance. There are quite a few things we can learn NOT to do, by observing the “sons of Jacob”. What we learn from this Torah portion is; that from wrongdoing, we offer restitution, and from restitution, we get restored fellowship. But at times, we cannot offer material restitution for wrongdoing, only a sincere “I am very sorry for what I did, please forgive me” and we must leave it at that, now the ball is in the other person's hand, they can either throw it back to us with forgiveness, or “throw it away” with forgiveness. We just have to leave it in God's hands.

Parashah: “VaYishlach” (and he sent) GENESIS: 32:3-36:43 We see in this week's parashah, that Ya'akov is on his way home to Beth-El, He comes to his “encounter” with his brother Esav. It is a time of tension for him, as we know, he “stole” from him the blessing. Or was it really theft? Remember that Esav “sold” or “traded” his birthright for a “bowl of red lentils” so, was it theft? Perhaps we can say that Jacob took advantage of his brother's worldliness and carnal nature, some say it was “deceit” but was it? Yes, it WAS deceit. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, being blind, pretending to be Esau. Isaac suspected something; "The voice is the voice of Jacob...! Jacob and Esau departed as enemies. Time has passed and Jacob has had much to think about. He feels perhaps guilt and remorse for having taken advantage of his brother. YHVH has blessed him with wives and children, the future “Am Yisrael” He now feels a need for “compensation” for wrongdoing. Therefore, to “ease” the angry spirit of Esau, (so Jacob thinks) he sends him gifts of cattle, hoping to “cool him off” But let's think about that, is compensation necessary for wrongdoing? The Torah says YES, it is. If I borrow your camera, and I drop it, break it, I will owe you another camera, if you and I have a wrestling match, and I accidentally break your hand, I would have to pay the doctor's bill, etc. This is the true meaning of “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” Just for precautionary measures, he separates his family, “just in case” Esau is still on the warpath. Can we blame Jacob? Esau is coming to meet his brother with 400 armed men! Oi Vey, why with 400 men? Armed too! Could this be an attack? Or friendship rekindled? Jacob is “Schvitzen” (sweating). But now he is about to encounter “GOD” in the flesh. We need to remember the blessing that Isaac gave Esau. That he would "live by the Sword" We might imagine then how he lived his life. The Torah doesn't say. But we might imagine that to "live by the sword" might mean that he hired an army and lived by being a mercenary, soldiers for hire, fighting the battles of other countries, or kings. This is just an idea. Why else would Esau come with 400 armed men? He says “Adonai, help!” hey God, remember your promise? To keep me safe? You aren't going back on your promise, are you? YHVH responded with a personal visit that night. A very interesting visit. The Torah says that during the night “a man wrestled with him until the break of day” Ya'akov didn't know it then, but he was wrestling with “HaMalach Elohim (The Angel of the LORD). How do we wrestle with God today? Ever think of that? Good question! We all “wrestle” with God in trying to understand his ways in our lives, some of his ways are uncomfortable, his ways might be testings, trials, hardships, and trying to understand how these events will work for “good” in our lives. The Hebrew word for "wrestle" is "Avak" Trying to find HIS perfect will for our lives is one way, dealing with “flesh vs spirit” issues is another way. Trying to get HIM to follow “us”, instead of “us” following HIM is another way. Just seeing where we fit in with his plan for our lives is a wrestling match It is also interesting that both the angel and Jacob ask for names. First, the angel asks for his name, and then, Jacob asks for a name. Remember that in the book of Exodus, Moshe asks God his name also. The same answer is given; “Why do you ask me my name?” We are so different from God since we are finite beings, our names (at times) describe who we are. We are, in a sense, boxed in by names. We tend to act according to our names. Yet, God is very different. Why is that? Adonai-Elohim can not be “boxed in” by a name, He is “beyond names,” He told Moshe; “Ehye Asher Ehye” (I am who I am) which is not answering the question, He is telling him “I have existed, I exist, I will exist” Now that answer was not given to Jacob (now Israel) Adonai answered his question with a question; “Why ask me my name?” Today, we have many, many names that describe who God is. The most common three have been and are; Elohim, El, and Yah. When we read the names of prophets, they contain either of the two “El” or “Yah”. We also see that Israel states; “I have seen the face of God and have lived (Panim el Panim) But why “faces?” and why not “face?” one could say “13 faces” or “attributes” which describe who Elohim is. Jacob finds himself alone, facing, as he thinks, the eminent danger of being slaughtered by his brother Esau, He puts his family in hiding, and he sends gifts of cattle to Esau to maybe “soften him up” he might think. Now comes a wrestling match. Jacob is at his wit's ends, it is only he and Elohim. Elohim comes to visit him in the form of the “Angel of YHVH” The Torah says that he “wrestled with a man all night” and Jacob did not relent, he did not give up the wrestling match until the Angel touched his thigh, thus wounding him. Then comes the interesting part, the Angel gives him a blessing, and he changes his name from “Jacob” to “Israel” From “heel” to “straight to G-d” When we see the name “Yisrael” it can be divided into two parts; “Yasher- El” (straight to G-d) the name “Yisrael” also contains the acronyms of the patriarchs and matriarchs who played a part in forming the nation of Israel; “YI” Yitzchak “S” Sarah “R” Rachel and Riv’kah “AE” Abraham “L” Leah. The gematria for the word “Yisrael” (Yod, Sheen, resh, aleph, lamed) adds up to 541, when we add together 5+4+1 = 10. “10” symbolizes the Torah, it was to the nation of Israel that the 10 Commandments were given as a “wedding contract” or “contract of nationhood” Israel now says something interesting; “Vayikra Ya’akov shem haMakom Peniel Ki ra’iti Elohim Panim Et Panim” (and Jacob called the name of that place “Peniel” (face of God) for I have seen Elohim “faces to faces”.What is interesting is that here, the word “face” is used in the singular and in the plural. Peni-el, (face of God) in the ancient paleo-Hebrew letters, the word is symbolized as “mouth, life, action, God, Leader” in gematria, the word “Peniel” adds up to 171, (the unique, one (Echad) G-d is perfect) when we add 1+7+1 = 9. “9” is the number of “emet” (truth) and “Yeshua” also has that title. But “Panim El Panim” (faces to faces) is somewhat strange, or is it? How many faces does God have? Or does he even have a face, since he is “spirit”? In one way, he “has a face” in physical form as the “Angel of YHVH, Jacob saw him, Abraham also saw him. But now “faces?” what could that mean? Here is one idea; I am sure you can remember as a child, making “funny faces” in the mirror. You might have seen in elementary school; school work papers that have different “faces” and you have to guess what they are. A “sad” face, a “happy” face, an “angry” face, etc. do the “faces” describe the person? Or are “faces” an indication of the person’s internal being? I am sure you can remember your mother or father’s face when you disobeyed or goofed up on something, you knew you “were in trouble” just by looking at their face. Just as our parents had their “faces” which illustrated what was going on inside their soul and being, our Heavenly Father has different attributes, personalities, feelings, attitudes, etc. that “could” be compared with “Panim” (faces). He has the “Panim Rachamim” (faces of Mercy) or “mercies” (endless mercy!”) He has the “face of forgiveness” the “face of longsuffering” the “face of patience” yet the faces of “punishment” “chastisement” “judgment and condemnation” for unrepentant sinners, the faces of “joy” and “wrath” of “happiness and sadness” “approval and disappointment” the face of a “God who listens and responds” the list could go on. We can just imagine the “face” of God when he sees us doing certain things, both “kosher” and “un-kosher” If we can imagine his faces, then, we can imagine how he is feeling inside when we are in obedience or disobedience. Another way of seeing “Panim El Panim” is “Faces God Faces” because “El” is one of God’s names. (the shortest one) Can we say that during that night of ordeal, when Jacob wrestled with the “Malach Elohim” he saw the different “faces” of G-d? perhaps he saw in the “Panim Elohim” the future of his descendants, his 12 sons! Of course, we know that YHVH is spirit, and in the natural realm, the creator of the universe doesn’t really have a “human-like” face, yet we still use the word “face” and “faces” to try and imagine our heavenly father. Something to think about. Israel is now surrendered to the will of YVHV. He meets Esau, and the meeting is touching, with no hard feelings. And Israel renders homage before his brother, with a very penitent attitude. They fall upon each other’s necks and kiss and weep! The “Midrash” has a funny explanation for that. The “Midrash” (a rabbinical commentary) says that the reason Esau wept was because he tried to bite Israel's neck, yet Israel's neck has turned to iron, and Esau broke his teeth, trying to bite him! Kinda funny, but when we look at the symbolism, we see the idea of Israel being a “stiff-necked people” (I would say iron is stiff, just try to bend it) yet many will try to “bite” or destroy Israel, and Israel will prevail! But not before suffering because of having a “stiff neck”. Here’s this to think about. How do you bend an “iron neck?” You HEAT it in the fire, and then, it will bend. Israel went through a lot of tests and trials and still is going through times of trouble. Sometimes, God must apply the HEAT so that we might BEND to His will. Here’s an interesting word. The word is “garti” (in Hebrew) meaning “I stayed with”. Jacob sent “messengers” to seek out Esau to tell him that his brother Jacob wanted to meet with him. These “messengers” were none other than “Malechim” (Angels). They were there as an “encampment” to watch over and protect Jacob. The message was; “I stayed with Laban and remained until now…” (Gen 32:4) The word “garti” is rather interesting in that the gematria of that word adds up to “613” which is the number of the commandments in the Torah. One way to look at that is to say that even though Jacob stayed with Laban, and despite Laban’s trickery, and his idolatry (since he had pagan idols in his house, remember that Rachel stole them) Jacob did not become corrupted by him. Jacob kept his eyes on God, He revered the teachings of Adonai. This was before the written Torah. The 613 commandments didn’t come until after the 400 years of slavery in Egypt. We could say then that this was about 600 years before the event of Sinai and the written Torah. One can say that Jacob was following the Oral Torah, which was learned from his father Isaac, and his grandfather, Abraham. Who is to say that Adonai didn’t teach Jacob also, perhaps in dreams? One can only imagine. We can also look at “garti” in this manner. It adds up to “613” yet 6+1+3 = 10. “10” is the number of the “whole Torah” The most important commandment of the Torah is “Love thy God with all of thy heart, soul, might, and strength, and love thy neighbor as thyself” These are Yeshua’s words! That is the way he summed up the whole Torah. That is how Jacob lived, he loved God and showed love for his neighbor, “his brother” whom he defrauded and who is now making “restitution” by sending him all the gifts of cattle. Making amends is very important. There is such a thing as “restoration” (of relationships) and “restitution” (for things, perhaps stolen, destroyed, etc.) Israel and his children go to Shechem, where we see that “Dinah is raped” and the brothers take drastic action and retaliate, destroying the city. I would say very “rash” and “violent “action. But why would they want to associate with people who are idol worshipers? The case being, that they had no business there in the first place. If you are in the wrong place and at the wrong time, you're bound to get “bit”. However, Jacob (Israel) built an altar there and called it “El-Elohei-Israel” (God, the God of Israel) He stands firm in his convictions, yet his sons have a lot to learn. There are probably many times when we act rashly and do not do kosher things, embarrassing our relationship with YHVH. Yes, Israel was very angry with his sons, plus they used “circumcision” as a trick to weaken the men of Shechem, something sacred was used for vengeance. There are quite a few things we can learn NOT to do, by observing the “sons of Jacob”. What we learn from this Torah portion is; that from wrongdoing, we offer restitution, and from restitution, we get restored fellowship. But at times, we cannot offer material restitution for wrongdoing, only a sincere “I am very sorry for what I did, please forgive me” and we must leave it at that, now the ball is in the other person's hand, they can either throw it back to us with forgiveness, or “throw it away” with forgiveness. We just have to leave it in God's hands.

JOHN 1:51 Then He said; “I assure you; You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the 'Son of Man'. What is this “ascending and descending” mean? Could this have a meaning? Well, all things, activities, and actions have meanings. One way we might look at this is that all angels are at the disposition of our Messiah. They serve Him day and night, they are also in our service, and that is why we each have “guardian angels”. The angels going up the ladder might be because they are receiving instructions from Yeshua, the ones going down might be carrying out the instructions, (just an idea) Mystery solved, YESHUA is the ladder!!! HOSEA 12:13-14:9 The prophet condemns Israel for “forsaking the LORD” Israel was led out of Egypt by a prophet (Moshe) and tended to, provided for by YHVH, yet Israel forsake the LORD chasing after false gods, going into idolatry. Now the LORD will punish, and his wrath will fall upon his people. Yet YHVH still loves his people, yet will exact punishment, and judgment, like a father, will punish and judge a disobedient son or daughter. Can we expect anything less from Adonai? If we abandon our LORD and live like a lost person, loving the desires of the lost world and the flesh, can we expect anything less than judgment from HIM who set us free from sin? YHVH makes some interesting and important statements: 13:4,5 "I am YHVH thy God, from the Land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me. "I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought." The Israelites were exposed to many false Egyptian deities in the 400 years they were in Egypt, yet YHVH is stating that HE was also there in Egypt with them. He was present with them even though He didn't reveal himself until the time of Moses. Then, the "battle of the gods" ensued. He more than proved himself. All were false gods, HE, the Only GOD. He was also with them in the wilderness (BaMidbar) Yet they had HIS WORD (D'bar) and His presence, and He tested them. There is little or no water during a drought, and many believers live their spiritual lives as if in a drought, the "Water of the WORD" is drunk now and then, even though it is plentiful. 13:14 "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death" What powerful prophetic words that were spoken to Hosea, God's prophet. Yeshua's death and resurrection were the ransom from the power of the grave and the redemption from death. He was raised from the dead so that we too will be raised unto Salvation and eternal life with HIM. Those who reject the gift of salvation will suffer eternal death in the Lake of Fire. Yet there is hope. In Chapter 14 starts with; “Shuvah Israel ad YHVH Eloheikha” (Return Israel unto the LORD thy God…” There is always hope while we have the breath of life. The word “Ad” or “Ed” have the same Hebrew consonant, “Ayin Dalet” It can also mean “Witness" Those two letters could symbolize "The Eye is at the Door" Yeshua describes himself as "The Door" (John 10:9) He is watching you, so HE is a witness. Adonai witnesses our waywardness as well as our “return” to Him. There is sin and there is also repentance, this is what he wanted His people to do, and this is what He wants US to do, since we are all part of His people. Shavua Tov (Have a blessed week) El Salvador supports Israel, especially this business