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Tzephanyahu

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Everything posted by Tzephanyahu

  1. Shalom @Walter and Deborah There's plenty that could be written about these blessings but the one to Yahudah (Judah) is of the most interest. The sceptre DID depart from Yahudah and with perfect timing. In approximately 6 AD, Herod Archelaus was replaced with a the Roman procurator Caponius. This meant that the Sanhedrin no longer had the authority for capital punishment by Torah. Rome was now in control. This must have been a confusing time for the Jews of the day. Little did they know that Shiloh had come and was still just a lad! The fulfilment of the Genesis 49:10 prophecy is highly significant as it's a small window in time in which no one before or after the Messiah could ever lay claim to. And it's right there, in the first book of Moses. Amazing. Love & Shalom
  2. Shalom @Walter and Deborah If Genesis was a TV series, this would be the climax of the last episode. The seed of Adam has faced many perils and challenges – even until the days of Jacob. Jacob had a hard life and at the end. His family was falling apart physically and morally, a son was imprisoned and his special boy was “dead”. Suddenly, the veil is removed from Joseph’s face and Jacob’s hardship. He is now welcomed into the fertile land of Goshen with pomp and celebration – and his family is now afforded the security of the most powerful nation in the world! As if this sudden great safety and abundant provision wasn’t enough, Jacob is called in to bless Pharaoh (thereby declaring him as greater) and got to see his beloved son rule the world wisely for 17 years! These were surely the best years for Jacob and he saw Yahweh’s promise of a Abraham’s great nation starting to form. I’m sure he never imagined such peace and joy being right around the corner whilst suffering in the famine with his family, in a broken state. On an archaeological note, there is significant evidence for Joseph’s reign in Egypt. Ranging from measures he took during the famine, the shift of wealth across the land to one Pharaoh and even Joseph’s tomb. For anyone interested in this, I highly recommend the documentary “Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus” Love & Shalom
  3. Shalom @Walter and Deborah Here, towards the close of Joseph’s story, we have a future parallel with the Messiah’s life – the final reveal to his brothers. Jacob’s sons saw this “Ruler of the Gentiles” as a cruel man that they should stay away from because of the risk of losing their brothers! They couldn’t recognise him as one of their own because of his ascended glory, power and wealth of the nations before him – until the “veil” was removed. This is how it is with the Jews today and how it will be tomorrow. Eventually they will see, as promised. It’s interesting that only now is Jacob informed of Joseph’s survival – up until then, Yahweh was quiet on the matter to Jacob. So what do we have here… Joseph (a type of Messiah) is approach by Judah (the Jews) to offer his life for Benjamin’s (Son of my sorrow who became Son of my right hand). Then the “veil” is removed from Joseph’s face and now even Jacob (the rest of Israel dispersed today) can see. So, perhaps the end will be led by the Jews (Judah) accepting the Messiah’s first arrival (Benjamin), which will lead to immediacy of the veil being removed (the second coming). “Blessed be the King who comes in the name of Yahweh” Love & Shalom
  4. Shalom @Walter and Deborah It must have been very difficult for Joseph to see his brothers begging for food whereas he was once begging them for his life. I can imagine he was hurt, conflicted and even tempted to take vengeance. He seems to have played with the idea of the latter, but never followed it through to fruition. In this matter he also proved faithful – even though they were delivered into his hand. This reminds me of how Yahweh delivered Saul into David’s hand at the cave. Now, the Scripture says how Joseph’s “bowels” yearned for his brother Benjamin. A Hebraism to say “the very core of your being” which would be our equivalent of heart but much deeper. Not just a longing but an inner turmoil which brings that heaviness or pit in your stomach feeling. This give me the chance to share one of the amazing and precious insights into Yahweh’s emotions when He uses the same phraseology… “Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he a pleasant child? For since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still; therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith Yahweh” – Jeremiah 31:20 Love & Shalom
  5. Shalom @Walter and Deborah What I find interesting as a side note to then main narrative is Jacob's experience of all these events. Yahweh is Elohim (God) of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Yet what do we have here? Jacob has been living under such a dark cloud believing that his son, Joseph, is dead. Yet, Elohim doesn't correct this and explain to him that all is okay. In fact, it doesn't seem like Elohim is speaking with Jacob at this time at all. This shouldn't be a surprise as all the patriarchs went long periods of time without hearing Yahweh's voice directly. But they didn't doubt Him or have a sudden crisis of faith during the silence. Elohim knew the good days that were before Jacob, but didn't tell him when or how. (Probably because Jacob would rush to Egypt too early or annoy Elohim incessantly to go!) Yahweh was watching over Jacob, albeit seemingly in silence, preparing for his future and his families future. I think we should all take courage from this. Perhaps Yahweh is doing the same for some of us today? Though He can seem silent it is surely for a reason, like it was with Jacob. He is preparing for our good days to come in due season. And how delightful were the latter days of Jacob because of the hard season before it! Love & Shalom T
  6. Shalom @Walter and Deborah Joseph’s brothers imprisoned Joseph in the well and Potiphar’s wife imprisoned him in the dungeon. Though both of these things worked out for the good, are we perhaps seeing traces of satan’s footsteps? Perhaps satan stirred up the already present jealousy and hatred in Joseph’s brothers. But when they lacked the courage to kill him, perhaps he wanted to get Joseph to sin before Elohim with a married woman? From reading more of this account in the Book of Jubilees it certainly seems as if she was almost possessed by the idea of taking Joseph, as she harassed him many times. There is a view that Potiphar believed Joseph was innocent. Because such a horrendous crime by a Hebrew slave would ordinarily lead to a death sentence. But Potiphar only imprisoned Joseph,. It was as if he wanted to keep the innocent man alive but to save face before his subjects and wife by still responding with punishment. I like this idea as I believe anyone around Joseph could recognise his goodness – as did the prison guard over joseph. If this is true, is it possible that Potiphar is the same Potiphera in Chapter 41:50 who gives Joseph his daughter as a wife? Again, I like this idea! Love & Shalom T
  7. Shalom @Walter and Deborah There is nothing insignificant in Scripture. Especially in Genesis which greatly compresses many hundreds of years and stories into a few chapters. Why then this seemingly trivial note in 37:15-17? Dothan means "two wells", so it's possible that Joseph was thrown into one of them (see verse 24). This means that potentially Joseph would have not been spared by his brothers had they still been in Shechem, as originally thought. Ironically, the dry well in Dothan was the perfect protection for Joseph's life, thanks to the quick thinking of Reuben It's interesting that Reuben is separated from his brothers in their will. It could be that he was more righteous than them or it could be the heavy heart he had following the shame of sleeping with Bilhah. This could have put him in the frame of mind of reassessing his life and reforming his ways that causes this break in unity with his brothers. Either way, Dothan turns out to be a crucial part of the story as it shows Yahweh's provision for Joseph began with his brothers wondering off from where they should have been! Love & Shalom
  8. Shalom @Walter and Deborah There's a part in this passage which always makes me sad and that's the death of Rachel. I can almost see the scene. Jacob is moving with his family gently but as swiftly as possible, just desperately trying to reach a shelter in Bethlehem in the dead of night. The little town is within view, and so close now. Rachel, the love of his life, is crying aloud in the most painful of labours and surely Jacob's own heartbeat was just as deafening to him. But just out of reach from the Messiah birthplace, their journey must come to a sudden halt, as Rachel collapses under the pain and goes into delivery. Rachel's last words reflect the horrendous experience she went through by the roadside as she finally slipped away. She left Jacob devastated and yet also blessed with another son. His emotions were probably so out of control and confused immediately after. But this was just the beginning of sorrows for Jacob - Reuben lays with Bilhah, his father dies not long after and Joseph is soon to be taken from him. It's interesting how this tragic moment of Rachel's wailing cry outside Bethlehem would stand in the minds of Israel throughout their generations thereafter, being referred to by the Prophet Jeremiah and the Apostle Matthew. Love & Shalom
  9. Shalom @Walter and Deborah, The exciting climax of this portion of Scripture couldn't have concluded better. Esau arrives with a smile and an embrace, leaving the reader just as surprised as Jacob. Is Esau the bigger man, able to forgive and forget? Possibly. Although I think it is what we have seen before with Abraham, and summarised in Proverbs 16:7: "When a man's ways pleases Yahweh, He makes even his enemies be at peace with him" Perhaps there is hope for some of us reading this who fear an impending day of confrontation, either on a personal matter or for the sake of being a Christian. Never give up hope, trust in Yahweh always, and be brave in the face of adversity. All things are possible with Him. Love & Shalom
  10. Shalom @Walter and Deborah This, for me, is one of the most mysterious passages in the whole Bible and I'm not sure I understand it at all... The questions I have are: Did Jacob know He was an Angel before wrestling Him? Why did they wrestle? How is it that weak Jacob was prevailing against an Angel? Why did the Angel want to go before day break? Why is the place Peniel in verse 30 but Penuel in verse 31? I don't know if there are answers to these questions, we might never know. However, if someone has some insight it would be interesting to read. Love & Shalom
  11. Hey @Tyler22 What happened in your life in June/July? Any significant events or moments you remember from that time? Love & Shalom
  12. Shalom @Walter and Deborah I'll be honest, I have always had difficulty with this passage because of how Rebekah and Jacob lied to Isaac. It just doesn't seem right. From reading the complimentary Scriptures to this, such as the Book of Jubilees, it seems that Isaac greatly loved Esau above Jacob. It seems that, in Isaac's eyes, Esau was the symbol of strength and power that could lead the family well in Canaan, rather than the weak introvert of Jacob. It's almost as if Isaac was refusing to listen to Elohim's, Abraham's and Rebekah's guidance on this and saw it his own way. Perhaps that's why Yahweh dimmed his sight physically as Isaac dimmed his own spiritually? Whatever the case, there does seem to be a repercussion for Jacob later in a similar vein. He is given Leah over his desired bride Rachel. Much like how Isaac's blessing was given to Jacob instead of his desired target, Esau. Love & Shalom
  13. Shalom, I think people often forget the fact that Israel and Esau are twins. How incredible. They were completely different in physique and mentality and yet they are twins. This surely shows not only Yahweh's election but a separation, as it were, of Isaac's seed - presumably in a manner of purity. This divergence in Isaac's seed would escalate into bouts between Israel and Edom for many years after, even through the Amalekites (descendants of Esau), and would culminate in one of Esau's descendants ruling the land at the time of Messiah. Some say Esau's descendants still survive today and are involved on controlling the Promise Land today through the UN. I'm not sure if that's true but it wouldn't surprise me if this ancient battle still raged on today in some way. Love & Shalom
  14. Shalom @Walter and Deborah A sad day, for sure. But Sarah had an exciting life and was happier in her later years than ever before. It's strange to see the Hittites acting so respectfully towards Abraham. It truly shows the effect this man had upon those he met. Abraham, even in his grief and under the favour of Ephron, still carried out a fair business arrangement. Surely out of respect for Elohim, Sarah and Ephron. It reminds me of the story between David and Araunah the Jebusite in 2 Samuel 24:18-24 Love & Shalom
  15. Yeah I see that. However, on the flip side of the coin, couldn't that also been indicative of one creative signature? Apple make ipads, macs, iphones, watches, earphones and much more. At the simple circuitry level there will be many similarities in there manufacturing. Conclusive proof? Definitely not. Reasonable hypothesis? I think so. It would make sense for a creator to use existing design assests in other creations. But wouldn't evolutionary mutations with such radical diversity show more dramatic variations at the genetic core? I don't know, I'm no expert! But I do think the mainstream interpretation of the genetic data is with heavy bias, and not impartial in any form. Such questions aren't even permitted to be investigated, which is hardly a scientific approach. But I'm guessing there is something more behind your confidence than this alone? In an ideal world, what kind of evidence would you need? That's a reassuring statement. Your last line especially resonated with me. Yes the term Christian has become very muddled with negativity over time. But at the end of the day, it's a very broad title. The believers after the Messiah resurrected were called followers of The Way. So yeah, whether "Christian" or a believer, what matters is the truth of your heart rather than your title. Is your friend no longer around? Hah, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to get rid of you! Oh I see. Well I'm glad you tried again. You can't go wrong with an open mind and plenty of questions. Even if you come out the other side still an atheist, at least you've learned more than those who won't ask at all! It's always important to hear the other side.
  16. Perfectly reasonable. So what would you say is the one key factor that makes you believe that. I appreciate that, realistically, there's going to be a lot more to it than that! But if you had to choose one key factor on which your confidence is based, what would it be? I'm so sorry to read that. I too have fell foul on this site as well from those who are quicker to criticise than conversate. My wife was an atheist for a long time not because of the Bible per se, or God or even the concept of sinful nature, but rather it was Christians and the Church. The hypocrisy she saw and the judgmental attitude. I know you don't necessarily believe in the Bible as full truth or Jesus, but He did predict this would happen in the last days. That the church, in general, wouldn't be all good. What I'm trying to say is don't let any one representing God in name keep you from actually connecting with God. Regardless of however mean some are being, this is between God and you. What made you come back? Love & Shalom
  17. Hi @FluffyBunny. You raise a good point. Many Christians to portray or misunderstand atheists with a wrong heart. Whilst I do not share the same reasoning as that group, I apologise on behalf of us believers who should know better than to judge someone by a label. Interesting subject, intelligent design. Indeed there is plenty of indicative evidence for intelligent design - more so than evolving design. Interestingly, some evolutionists are now adapting their theory to compensate for these tales of design by introducing "panspermia" into their theory. Effectively it a merging of intelligent design and evolution combined. Do you currently subscribe to the theory of evolution or another? You sound like you approaching this matter with objectivity and a level-mind, which is good. The Bible doesn't require anyone to lose or ignore their academic faculties. If anything, it could aid you in understanding the bigger concepts in the Bible. However, it sounds like you have had bad experience with some who have judged you immediately based on the term atheist and your questions. Am I right? If so, hopefully you already realise that not every "Christian" is the same just as not every "atheist" is the same So may I ask what makes you, personally, write off intelligent design as a possibility? Love & Shalom
  18. Shalom @Walter and Deborah I wonder if there is an intentional link between these verses... The term "bowshot" is not a regular form of measurement in the Bible. I don't think the term appears in the rest of the Torah, but I might be wrong. But even if it does appear, it's a very rare term. Abimelech's dealings with Abraham are interesting here... Abimelech is aware of the one true Elohim - whether because it's not long after the Flood or because of His renown in dealing with Abraham. Either way, Abimelech knows that there one true Elohim and doesn't want to be on the bad side of Him, even though he likely had his own gods. But these Philistines were are peace with Abraham, which must be Proverbs 16:7 in full effect. Love & Shalom
  19. Shalom @Walter and Deborah Is it possible that the Angels were going to lead Lot up the mountain where Abraham and Sarah were? In Genesis 18:16 it reads as if Abraham and the Angels looked down upon Sodom and Gomorrah. They certainly had a strategic overview of the cities, as if on an elevated plateau. And, if the Angels went down to Sodom from Abraham, it would make sense that they would return Lot and his family to Abraham's care. However, Lot pleads for this not to happen. Rather that follow the will of Yahweh through His Angels, he pleads for his own way according to his weakness. The result is the emergence of two enemy nations - the Moabites and Ammonites. Just like how Sarah's plan for a son produced the Ishmaelites. The repercussions of our decisions outside of Elohim's direction are beyond calculation! Love & Shalom
  20. Shalom @Walter and Deborah This is an interesting passage in which 3 new names are given. It gives a good indication that Elohim was watching over Abraham and Sarah since birth. As the original names Abram and Sarai are surely setup for this slight wordplay adjustment later. Interesting. So this wasn't just a audible voice but a physical presence as well. The way I think it's best to understand circumcision is like a wedding ring. It's a symbol of devotion in the flesh. Now, if a married man, wearing a wedding ring, cheats on his wife ... won't his "wedding ring" be counted as no "wedding ring"? Or "circumcision" counted as "uncircumcision". Conversely if a betrothed man, without a wedding ring, refuses to cheat on his woman... won't his "uncircumcision" be counted as "circumcision"? Love & Shalom
  21. Shalom Walter, Interesting post, thank you for sharing it. I base my choice on Yahweh rather than Jehovah because of the the evidence collated here: Faithandtheword.com/yahweh But I don't let the pronunciation come between me and a brother! However, ignorning the Name altogether is a violation of the third commandment, in my eyes, as detailed in that link above. I think it's important we praise and honour His Name figuratively and literally. Again, thank you very much for sharing the info. May Elohim bless you both this coming week. Love & Shalom
  22. Shalom @Walter and Deborah Interesting fact - this was referring to the time spent in Canaan and Egypt, not Egypt alone. The Masoretic Text incorrectly lists the slavery in Egypt for 400 years unlike the Septuagint. I say incorrectly, because if you look at Moses genealogy in Exodus 6:14, which lists the names between Levi and Moses, it's impossible to 400 years across those generations. For a short summary of the actual stay of the Israelites in Egypt, I highly recommend this short video You can't get away from the similarity of Ishmael and Israel. A fascinating similarity. The first is the earthly, fleshly child brought forth by the plan of a woman. The second is the child of promise brought forth by the plan of Elohim. Nevertheless, as a descendant of Abraham, Ishmael was blessed greatly and begat 12 princes (similar to Israel who would begat 12 sons). So here we have a depiction of physical Israel, born in Egypt (or of Hagar) and spiritual Israel who comes after, born by Spirit (or by promise). Love & Shalom
  23. Shalom @Walter and Deborah I hope you both had a blessed Sabbath. This is just one proof that Abram knew of the name Yahweh. The reason I bring that up is there is seemingly a translational error in Exodus, which is in just about every English version of the Bible. Exodus 6:2 it reads "And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am Yahweh. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Yahweh I was not known to them." However in Hebrew this can been read as rhetoric question. So it could be translated as... "And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am Yahweh. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty. By My name, Yahweh, was I not known to them?" Indeed, all the patriarchs referred to Him by Name and why else would Yahweh tell Moses in Exodus 3 to tell the children of Israel "Yahweh has sent me" if the patriarchs never knew the name? Just one more example of Abram knowing the Name. Legend has it, from at least two sources, that Amraphel was another name for Nimrod, of the Tower of Babylon. Fascinating if true. Love & Shalom
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