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Found 10 results

  1. Shalom to all my brothers and sisters called to be saints, Here is an introduction study to the Book of Micah. It may be obvious to a lot of you out there, but you may of know of a new believer who could benefit from it. -------------------------------------- THE BOOK OF MICAH - Level 1 Study Micah, or Mikah in Hebrew, means “Who is like Him?”, with the full name MikaYahu meaning “Who is like Yahu”. The name is related to Michael which means “who is like El (God)?” Micah’s name is a rhetorical question, just like many questions within this book. FACT: Michael (Mi-ka-el in Hebrew) is the name of THE Archangel in the Bible. He is mentioned rising to fight in future Great War the latter days, in Daniel 12:1… "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered." BACKGROUND INFO You need to keep the following in mind to not be utterly lost during the book. So here is a brief news update! Israel has been divided into two kingdoms for many years now, after King Solomon's death. The northern kingdom of Israel has descended into evil, idolatry and all ways contrary to Torah - the Instructions of Yahweh, the God of the Bible. The southern kingdom are going much the same way. Despite some good kings in the south, the general trend is down and away from Torah. Now, whilst all 12 tribes of Israel can be referred to as Jacob collectively, because of this divide, the kingdoms are referred to with different names. The 10 tribes in the north are called either Israel (as they are the bulk of the tribes), Ephraim or Samaria. As for the 2 tribes in the south, they are referred to with the names Judah, Jerusalem or the House of David. We join Micah at about 15 years before the Assyrian Empire took the northern kingdom, Israel, into captivity. As for Judah, they have about 130 years left before the Babylonians would come to take them into captivity. By now, Israel and Judah have had many warnings from the prophets, with painful cries from Yahweh, pleading for them to repent before it’s too late. Sadly, and much like ourselves, they still wouldn’t listen and therefore called Yahweh’s hand. THE MESSIAH Look out for the detailed charges of the injustices and cruelties that were going on in Israel at the time as it’s important to understand that dark time in history. Micah charges the people and towns like a lawsuit but also poetically. In Hebrew, the poetry is on a deeper level, employing a lot of clever wordplay that unfortunately doesn't come across too well in English. However, within this heaviness, we suddenly get the light of the Messiah prophesied in chapter 2, as the coming of the great shepherd and king. The last great 'shepherd-king’ that Israel had was King David. Therefore, within prophetic language, the name David can be used as a title of the Messiah, depending on context. But perhaps even more significant is the prophecy later in the book. In Chapter 5 we read a prophecy about the birthplace of the Lord Yahushua (Jesus Christ), written hundreds of years before it happened, which can be independently verified. The passage reads: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” This amazing prophecy gives us the specific birthplace of the Messiah - Bethlehem Ephrathah. FACT 1: There was another Bethlehem which was in the North of Israel, but the Messiah was indeed born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, which is in the south, near Jerusalem. FACT 2: A highly significant insight that reveals that the Messiah won’t be just a man, but have a timeless pre-existence. FACT 3: Bethlehem means “House of Bread”. Bethlehem Ephrathah was the birthplace of King David (ruled 1010 - 970 BC approx). Although it’s a very small and humble town, it supplied bread and lambs to the Holy City, Jerusalem. Would there be any other town more appropriate for the Lord Yahushua to be born? Especially considering that some of His titles include: “Son of David”, “The Bread from Heaven” and “The Lamb of God”. A great example of prophetic design at work by the Creator. FAVOURITE SCRIPTURE In chapter 6, you’ll find one of my most favourite passages in Scripture. It highlights the "weighter matters of Torah" as the Messiah would say. That is, the fundamental basics which MUST be in place - otherwise everything else is for nothing and just merely legalistic obedience. In this short passage, Micah sums up this principle with a rhetorical poem that surely points to the very heart of Torah and the Gospel: "With what shall I come before Yahweh, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? Will Yahweh be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does Yahweh require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" ------------------------------- If you would like to send this to someone you know, you can find an online version here: www.faithandtheword.com/bible/micah/ Love & Shalom
  2. Shalom to the chosen of Yahweh, We see the same old arguments over and over again. It’s tiresome for me and surely boring for many others. The pattern goes like this: Someone posts something about the Law and someone else responds contesting it with Grace. Then you’ll get the same arguments breakout, with many Scripture bombs, and basically it never gets resolved. The problem is this: The accusations that are made during the arguments, from both sides, are exaggerated and blown out of proportion, encouraged by the same handful of people. Those for Torah can falsely accuse “You’re using Grace as a license to sin! What? If there is no Torah are you saying it’s okay to murder? Or commit adultery?” Those for Grace can falsely accuse “You are under the law Judaizer! What? Do you think you can keep all 613 commandments? You cannot add to the Messiah’s work” Both these arguments are immature and foolish. They are exaggerated accusations, based on genuine fears but acted upon irrationally and unreasonably. Before either side can discuss Torah and Grace, why not FIRST act in love, peace and long-suffering towards one another? Why not first assuming the BEST in each other, instead of the worse and slinging unreasonable accusations? Otherwise this whole debate is meaningless. You may win the post but so what? You’ve lost the whole point. There are a handful of people responsible for endorsing this behaviour, whom I will not name because of the rules of this forum. They will say or imply that you are either for Torah entirely or for Grace entirely. Much like the enemy’s schemes, they either pull us in one direction or push us into the other, so that we will fall into error from the narrow path between. Indeed there is a path between Torah and Grace which others walk. I could post more on this but, whilst the forum is in this childish-like state of slinging irrational responses, there is little point. But let’s at least start with assuming the best in our brothers and sisters. Consider their viewpoint without trying to categorise them as a this or that. As for those in here working against the Body with sheep’s clothing and honey-coated words – their fruit is apparent in words and attitude. I see you and hopefully others do to. My advice to the rest is to ignore such people BUT don’t therefore ignore Torah or Grace because of their foolishness, which comes from either their ignorance or from the enemy (pushing or pulling). Consider that the truth is under constant attack from the enemy, in the world, the church and this forum. Don’t be pushed too far this way or pulled too far that way. Walk the path as dictated by the counsel of the whole Word of God and discuss with the assumption you still know little. Only then can we all grow individually and in unity. Love & Shalom
  3. Shalom All, Here's a handy, all-in-one resource that may prove useful for you if you are introducing some to the New Testament and they get caught up on names and issues. Topics covered include: Background info on groups (Pharisees, Sadducees, Sanhedrin, Herodians etc) Understanding all the Herods that appear Understanding the scandals and political issues of the first century Differences between the gospels Page: Understanding the gospels It's written simply so that it shouldn't be too hard for anyone to understand. I hope its of some use to one of you, for His glory. Love & Shalom
  4. Shalom All, Here's an article that might help someone. Either athesists wondering why bother to even read the Bible, or believers wanting a handy page to refer when in need! Topics covered include: Most controversial book in history Miraclous design Survivability www.faithandtheword.com/bother/withbible May it encourage at least one precious soul decide to pick up a Bible, by His Grace. Love & Shalom
  5. Shalom All, Here's a handy source detailing the many supernatural qualities of the Bible, including: ETS Codes Etymological Codes Alphanumeric Codes and more www.faithandtheword.com/supernatural I hope it is a blessing for someone out there, for the glory of our Father, Yahweh, the Great Creator. Love & Shalom
  6. Shalom All, Here's a webpage devoted to providing people with information in the Name of God, Yahweh. I hope it blesses someone out there. The questions it tackles are: The meaning Lost pronunciation Other versions (Jehovah, Yahovah, Yahuah) Should we use it today It's importance www.faithandtheword.com/yahweh May the Name of God, Yahweh, continually be praised always! Love & Shalom
  7. Shalom brothers and sisters, There is a very dark day on our doorstep. In our calendar, it lands on Saturday this week. In the Hebrew calendar, it’s the 9th Av - a day dreaded among the Jews. The 9th Av (Tisha B’Av) has become the anniversary of several big disasters which all hit on, or very close to, that specific day. Strangely, there is no reason for this detailed in Scripture to explain why - although the Sages have theories. Nevertheless, when Tisha B’Av rolls around each year, the Jews mourn for the past and prepare themselves for the worse. Take a look at some of the events that occurred on, or very close to, Tisha B'Av: Israel cowardly refused to enter the Promised Land under Moses and were subsequently designated to die in the wilderness. The First Temple built by King Solomon was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC. The Second Temple built by Ezra and Nehemiah was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The Romans subsequently crushed Bar Kokhba's revolt and destroyed the city of Betar, killing approximately 580,000 Jewish civilians, and plowed the site of the Temple in 135 AD. The First Crusade officially commenced on August 15 1096, killing 10,000 Jews in its first month and destroying Jewish communities in France and the Rhineland. The Jews were expelled from England on July 18, 1290. The Jews were expelled from France on July 22, 1306. The Jews were expelled from Spain on July 31, 1492. Germany entered World War I on August 1–2, 1914, which caused massive upheaval in European Jewry and whose aftermath led to the Holocaust. On August 2, 1941, SS commander Heinrich Himmler formally received approval from the Nazi Party for "The Final Solution." As a result, the Holocaust began during which almost one third of the world's Jewish population perished. On July 23, 1942, began the mass deportation of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka. The AMIA bombing, of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, killed 85 and injured 300 on July 18, 1994. The Israeli disengagement from Gaza began in the Gaza Strip, expelling 8000 Jews who lived in Gush Katif; August 15, 2005. A very strange and interesting topic in Jewish History. It seemed timely to share it with all who may not know about it, seeing as it’s just around the corner! Hopefully, the news will be quiet this year on Saturday, Yahweh willing. Love & Shalom
  8. Shalom to you brother/sister in the name of our Lord Yahushua (Jesus Christ), We often think a prophet as someone who only predicts future events, but a Prophet of Yahweh is much more than that. The Hebrew word for Prophet is Navi. The word means “to bubble forth” like a fountain. This should hopefully remind you of the Lord Yahushua’s words in the New Testament (Book of John) where He says how the Holy Spirit will be like a fountain of life within you. Consider the eternal nature of the word fountain for a moment. Where you would say a fountain of water actually IS? Is it in what is springing forth? Or is it in what has sprung forth already? Well, it's neither AND both. That is to say, it is what is springing (present tense) forth - that is the essence of a fountain. In the same way, the concept of eternal life can be seen as a fountain - it's a present thing you have, not had or will have, but rather “have now and ongoing”. So then, the Navi (Prophet) would be someone filled with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). The Spirit bubbles forth in the person and always brings Gifts! The Gifts brought to the Navi are often plentiful. They are given great miraculous power, unbelievable moments of invincibility, the power to control time and many other wondrous signs. But, whatever their calling, they all seem to share the same Gift of being able to hear the very words of Yahweh. Hearing the words of Yahweh is quite a glib phrase, when you truly consider what an incredible thing it must be! Hearing the very words of The Creator of the Universe speaking to you, personally, with a mission... absolutely incredible. It would surely have a tremendous psychological impact. So let’s take a moment to empathise with these chosen people. The Calling The Prophets would often describe how when Yahweh called them, He would speak to them very personally. In summary: “I know you Jeremiah. I knew you before you were born. I formed you in the womb with a special purpose in mind. To be my Navi to my people.” As you can imagine, this had mixed responses from the Prophets! However, they would all feel utter reverence to The Creator and instantly understand their uncleanliness, unworthiness, and feel very, very “earthy”. The Purpose The Prophets would go on to describe how Yahweh would then explain His purposes. An example might be “Isaiah, have you seen how my people are? They commit injustices, they oppress the poor, they abuse the widows, they worship idols on the mountains and then come to my Temple to offer a sacrifice, expecting me to accept it! These people worship me with their lips, but their heart is far from me! Therefore, go and tell my people this....” The Prophets would feel the hurt the Father felt, His deep sadness, His anguish, His disgust, His terrifying anger, His shock, His pain, His hope, His overwhelming love, His promises, His happiness, His laughter, His joy and even His singing. Yes, He sings over those He loves! The Road Ahead The Prophets would often describe how they were promised a tough ride. For instance, a Prophet may be told: “Moses, go and tell the pharaoh this..” or “Isaiah, speak my words to this people, even though they will not listen to you and despise you because of it” or “Jeremiah, keep speaking my words although you will be outcast from society and even your own family”. The Prophets were still only human and so found these times very tough. That said, they understood the heart message so much that it outweighed the hurdles of the tough times. Effectively, Yahweh prepared the Prophets for war and was being completely honest with them - but He would also promise that He would step in at times! It’s almost like He says “Look, it going to be tough out there for you boy. But I will be with you. I will strengthen you with my Spirit. I will give you the words to say. You will say this to that person and he will get furious, but I won’t let him harm you.”. That said, they did often get lynched by crowds or horribly killed. This is the way it must be sometimes - in Yahweh’s ultimate plan. Therefore, the selfless commitment of the Navi was to stand for truth, regardless of the cost. Their death was not only a sign for their integrity to the truth for the witnesses, but also a charge added against that wicked generation. At other times, the tough ride would involve acting out a theatrical prophecy with their lives. These would be very tough missions! We’ll look at each one of these as we go through the books individually. But these theatrical prophecies/analogies would help reach the uneducated, the curious, the ignorant and even empower the Prophet’s words (once they have a personal relation to the Father’s heart, through doing the act). Indeed, being a Navi was a tough life. Serving Yahweh’s people, who are living contrary to His ways, is never going to be easy. So then, did some Prophets ever disobey Yahweh? Yes, some did. After all, a Prophet is still just a man. Sometimes they would do things THEIR way or even stubbornly outright refuse! Consider this matter objectively. If you heard or even saw (as some did) The Creator of All, speaking to little ol’ you, directly and personally, giving you a personal audience, would it be wise to refuse Him and run? Yet, one DID run away, and some tried the whole “you got the wrong guy” routine! But what’s so wrong about this though? Well, such actions actually imply “I know better than YOU do God, I know more about this situation than YOU, therefore MY judgement overrules YOURS”. This, of course, is not well received by Yahweh, the Great King. Yahweh would then either remind them who they were talking with or reveal why He is to be feared more than anyone they may face! Ultimate Obedience Required We can understand someone outrightly refusing Yahweh to be in trouble, but their are many layers of disobedience which can be much more subtle to detect. For example, let's look at Moses, who was also a Prophet). Yahweh once asked Moses to strike a rock to provide water for Israel in the wilderness. Moses did so - and all went well. However, years later, Yahweh asked something similar of Moses but this time said “SPEAK to the rock and it will give water for Israel”. But this time Moses went out and said “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?”, then he struck the rock, twice! Yahweh provided the water, for the sake of His people, but then put Moses on time out - "you shall not lead my people into the promised land". Why though? Wasn't it just a mistake? Well yes. But, In a way, you could say Moses' “disobedience” was in treating the word of Yahweh lightly, or common. Let me explain… Moses had a personal relationship with Yahweh, which was very beautiful, personal, frank and real. The Father spoke to Moses like a close friend and spoke openly with Him about everything. Moses, who at first refused to accept Yahweh’s mission (at the Burning Bush), would now talk confidently to Yahweh. Moses had asked Yahweh to change His mind and plans before, and even argued with Him cheekily before - but he always respected Him. With the second rock-water incident, Moses may have let that friendship side eclipse the important business-relationship they had. Moses was to be as God to the people, speaking His very words. Did Moses perhaps hear Yahweh reply about this second rock and go “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it already, let me sort this”, without really listening? Let’s see what happened again: Moses goes out and calls Israel “rebels”. Wait! when did Yahweh say that? Was Yahweh angry? “Must we bring water from this rock?” Moses goes on. Wait, who do you mean by we? Moses then goes on to strike the rock twice. But what’s the big deal? Speak or strike, so what? Well, this was to be a theatrical prophecy Yahweh was showing (that’s for another article) but now, the "theatre", and therefore analogy, was ruined - because of Moses not following the order correctly. Is it no wonder then that Yahweh called Moses aside? Treating Yahweh’s commands as common is one thing. Doing so as the leader of the nation, is simply not acceptable. It cannot be one rule for one and another for another. No, the leader must lead by example. A Prophet must always accurately reflect the message of Yahweh - a haphazard or misrepresented message is not acceptable. I'm not aiming to critique Moses unfairly here, as he is to be admired for the great service he carried out for Yahweh.! But hopefully the above illustrates to you the very subtle way that disobedience can creep in to even our lives - IF we don't revere every word of Yahweh as Holy, and start to get overly familiar. Yes, He is our Abba, who knows us intimately. But He is also the Creator of all things - He says what He means and means what He says. Conclusion So we have seen how a Navi is much more than a man or woman who simply has a prediction about the future. They are Yahweh’s chosen warrior on earth, equipped with words of power and supernatural Gifts. They hear the words of The Creator Himself and understand His heart and His feelings. Sure, they doubted and feared, but they were also amazed, fired up and ready for war! The word which they spoke and recorded would go on to help countless billions across time and throughout the world - and tragically they never knew it at the time. They often thought they failed their mission and yet it was there job to plant the seed, not watch it grow. One day, they will be so richly rewarded for the brave deeds these heroes carried out for Him. They will be like pillars in the world to come, who will greatly respected and honoured, instead of despised and beaten - like they were for their short years on Earth. The books of the Prophets are collectively called Navi’im - which is the plural of Navi. You will hear Jews refer to the the Old Testament as "the Tanak". This is actually an acronym TaNaK, standing for: Torah (Guidance) Navi’im (Prophets) Ketuvi’im (Writings) In our next study of Understanding the Prophets, we shall look into how to understand the prophecies, which will naturally lead us as to why the Jews refuse to accept that the Lord Yahushua is their Messiah. Love & Shalom
  9. Shalom to you brother/sister in the name of our Lord Yahushua (Jesus Christ) Imagine you find out your a prophet by Yahweh asking you to marry a prostitute. Not only to marry her but have kids, let her sleep around and then take her back again! The Book of Hosea is precious chance to read how Yahweh feels about sin. Not in “do not do this” and “you shall do that”, but in “it hurts me when you do this” and “I love it when you do that”. Yahweh shares His feelings through the Hosea in a depiction of, what should be, the most important relationship in our lives, marriage. According to the first marriage ever recorded in the Bible, it’s revealed that the man and woman become “one flesh” or, in Hebrew, “echad”. Echad means; as one, unity, whole. Your oneness with your spouse is one of the flesh, that is to say, of THIS world. But the one Israel had with Yahweh was one of the spirit, or of the spirit realm. Yahweh speaks to Israel with the shock of a husband walking in on a cheating wife. The heartache of a man who gave everything for His wife only to be persistently disrespected, hated and betrayed in return. So vividly real is the relationship we have with Yahweh and how seriously He values it and the vows. But let’s remember here, the marriage is only an analogy. So we should understand that the analogies used in this book are basically to evoke an “emotional wisdom” within us to help us understand - much like a parable. In the same way, what Hosea is asked to perform some really tough theatrical prophecy (see “Understanding the Prophets” article). Why was Hosea instructed to act out such things we read in the book? It was probably for the sake of making the message clear to the lay-folk and to embue Hosea with experiential understanding - for passionate speaking. Hosea (meaning “He saves”) was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel primarily, warning and pleaing them to change their ways. Because if they continued to push Yahweh away, He would indeed go and leave them at the mercy of their enemies. All that they took for granted from their “Husband” will be gone. His warmth, the supply and the protection. Unfortunately, Israel did persist to push Yahweh away with their behaviour and were finally exiled. BUT, not all is so dismal... Yahweh, in His great love and mercy, says that He will bring them back to Him. Even after she has gone off prostituting herself for free, satisfying her lusts and suffering the losses. After she has been ravished by all those she previously wanted, He will take her back, and make her His again. He will, again, show His deep love and mercy towards her and she will realise her wrongdoings of the past. Such is Yahweh's love and commitment to Israel - yesterday, today and tomorrow. FAVOURITE SCRIPTURE: Chapter 11 is a very special to me. I think it’s one of the most amazing passages in the Bible. This time, rather than relating Israel to a wife, He uses a comparison of another major relationship in our lives, a parent and child. It breaks my heart when I hear Yahweh speak like this (particularly the pain you can feel in 11:8-11) but, at the same time, it makes my heart swell. It was with a heavy heart that Yahweh had to finally exile Israel. But, when repentance and mercy is despised continually, eventually Yahweh will bring judgement. NECESSARY BACKGROUND INFO: You need to keep the following in mind to not be utterly lost during the book. So here is a brief news update! The Northern Kingdom, Israel, is a complete mess. The dynasty ruling there is the worst its been. Many false gods are worshipped there, the principle one called Ba’al. Strangely, they also worship Yahweh in the form of a golden calf (again!) which they set up in Bethel. This was so they didn’t have to go all the way to Jerusalem in the south to the Temple. Partly out of laziness, partly because of the political climate. Anyway, it is a dark, dark time. Much bloodshed and cruelty, far from the guidance of Torah. The Northern Kingdom can also referred to as Ephraim and Samaria. The Southern Kingdom, Judah, is not in a much better state. Judah had better kings than Israel, but ultimately, they were on very shaky ground at this time. They can be referred to as Israel and Jacob as well, when Yahweh is talking about all 12 tribes collectively. That can be quite confusing, but you pick when that context applies through rereads really. Other synonyms can include Jerusalem and the House of David. Now, David has been dead for a long time. So the appearance of his name used in this book is in reference to the Messiah - one of His many titles. Hosea is prophesying roughly between 785 to 722 BC - when Israel was finally exiled. LESSONS FOR TODAY: What if we were to understand this book as theatrical prophecy for us today? Shouldn’t we learn from Israel’s mistakes? What if, instead of gods, we were worshipping other stuff instead? Foreign gods are clearly wrong on the surface level, but let’s look at the symbolic level now. It’s basically a “thing” which you serve your heart and mind to more than to Yahweh. It’s also something that comes before Yahweh, in terms of importance. So perhaps the historical theatre of Israel being attacked and taken into captivity is symbolic warning for us today as well. Check out what Paul says about this in Romans, whilst thinking of the historical example of Israel’s fall. Romans 1:18-32 . The historical example was foreign invaders and captivity - whereas Paul's example is sin and death. In both instances, what was taken for granted is removed - Yahweh's warmth, supply and protection. But there is also a great lesson in Hosea about the love of Yahweh. His thoughts, feelings and desires are intimately shared with us. We do not serve an Elohim (God) who is cold towards us and always angry with us, as some think, those who foolishly call Him "the Old Testament God". No, Yahweh is full of love, compassion, and good will towards us. He must remain a just judge, but He prefers mercy. He goes to great lengths to see that we benefit from His merciful side, rather than pushing Him for disciplining correction - which will increase in measure. There is also a lesson for husbands and wives in this book. For how a husband should love and be utterly dedicated to his wife, as Yahweh is, and how a wife should love her husband - by observing the qualities that were lacking in Israel. Loyalty in marriage these days is very fickle and transient. But thankfully Yahweh remains loyal and dedicated to His vows, even if we or Israel do not. Let's not take advantage of that grace and do our best to please Him. Not to be "saved by obedience"m but rather to please Him with our obedience. If possible, keep all the above in mind, the next time you read Hosea. It will open up alternative layer of reading of the book, of Yahweh’s love and zeal and serve as a sober warning pleaing for our obedience, before it's too late. Love & Shalom
  10. Shalom to you brother/sister in the name of our Lord Yahushua (Jesus Christ) Jonah, or Yonah in Hebrew (meaning "dove"), was called by Yahweh to deliver a prophecy but, interestingly, to a gentile nation and not Israel! He was given a mission to preach to the Assyrians at their religious and judicial capital, Nineveh. He was to tell them to repent before Yahweh brought great disaster upon them. Very symbolic of the Christian message today. This was of course no small feat! Nineveh had more religious significance and pomp than Vatican City in her prime and comprised of more that 120,000 residents. It was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, which was the dominating force in the world at that time of Jonah at around 780 BC. For context on what a force the Assyrian Empire was like in its prime, look here. In its prime, it stretched from Egypt to Iran, up to Russia and into across into Turkey. It was quite the beast, until Babylon took over. To get an idea of what Nineveh itself looked like, you can see here. So, how did Jonah react to this gigantic mission? He ran! He got in a boat headed for Tarshish (Great Britain) to get as far away as possible! But not because he was scared. Rather, it was something much darker. Jonah was actually running away in an attempt to sabotage Yahweh's plans! Jonah thought that if Nineveh repented then Yahweh wouldn't bring punishment upon them. But Jonah wanted them to be punished, so he decided not to deliver the message! Seemed like a good plan to him, but how foolish to run from the Creator of all things! Why is it then, that Lord Yahushua relates Himself to Jonah? Well, just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so the Messiah was buried in a tomb. This suggests that Jonah was dead in the great fish and resurrected, which makes sense practically and of Jonah's prayer, in Jonah 2:1-10. More on this exciting passage later. As well as that similarity, the message of Jonah's is also mirrored to the Lord's - "Repent". Now, if this happened and Nineveh did repent, this would be quite a significant event in Assyrian history! But is there any historical/archaeological evidence to support this? Yes, of course. HISTORY LESSON ALERT (RUN!): Jonah would have probably spoke to Nineveh in 780BC. Up until then, the rulers of Assyria were absolute tyrants. They expanded their empire violently and all nations feared their "Vlad Tepes" approach to warfare, captivity and torture. Real nasty crowd. However, Ashur-dayan II, who ruled at the time of Jonah's message, was a very quiet ruler... He neither expanded the empire nor consolidated it. He was just... very, very quiet. Historians have no real idea why (being ignorant of Jonah's effect). Not only that, but Ashur-dayan II's successor (his brother) was the same as well! Just quiet, calm and, effectively, "played nice". Nowhere in the history of Assyria had this type of behaviour been witnessed before nor after. A very interesting indicative piece of evidence supporting the Bible, yet again. But sadly, in 745BC, Tiglath-Pileser III reversed the recent peaceful path of Assyria and brought the empire back with vengeance. He was the first ruler who was involved in taking captive the Northern Kingdom of Israel, as Yahweh warned through other prophets. LESSON FOR THE CHRISTIAN TODAY: Yahweh controls fate: In Jonah 1:7, we read that the men on the boat cast lots to find out who was responsible for the storm that shook the boat. The lot fell to Jonah. Yahweh controlled this incident of "random chance". Now, I'm not saying you should live your life according to the roll of a dice! But interestingly this isn't the first time we see Yahweh controlling random chance in the Bible. Again, we shouldn't make decisions by casting lots, the Holy Spirit graciously guides us today. However, are some seemingly insignificant random chances in your life actually events carefully guided by Yahweh? Yahweh's ultimate control of nature: Besides the ultimate control over the great fish in the story, what else do we learn about the All-Powerful Creator? In Jonah 4:6 Yahweh prepares a plant to give Jonah shade. In 4:7, He prepares a worm to destroy the plant. In 4:8, He prepares a hot east wind. Consider this thoroughly. It shows Yahweh's great power and control over the environment. In doing so, He was providing an illustration or a "experiential parable" to Jonah. Maybe Yahweh is orchestrating big and small things in your life (good and bad events) to teach you great truths, through experience. It should also bring you great peace when you realise that the destroyer (in this instance, the worm) and great trouble (the east wind) are all in Yahweh's control. What is there to fear if you are walking with Him? Yahweh's mercy to gentiles: The Assyrian Empire was very ferocious and an enemy of Israel. Nineveh was the capital of a false gods. Yet Yahweh, in His great grace and kindness, extended His hands to that people - "Stop! Change your ways!" Yahweh is the Elohim of Justice as well, so He will not let wickedness go unpunished - whether it's this life or the next. But He doesn't take pleasure in it. He would rather people would change. The last words of the book are a sobering message to Jonah (and us) who yearned for the wicked to be punished - "And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?" They were a people so immersed in wickedness and darkness, they didn't know what was right or wrong anymore. It's even more sobering then when the Lord Yahushua would say, hundreds of years later, to the Pharisees and Sadducees, "The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here." Yahweh's grace to believers: Jonah had the wrong heart. He desired for his enemies to be destroyed by Yahweh. At first, Jonah outright refused Yahweh's calling, and ran away. Then it's like he tries to commit suicide out of stubbornness, witnessing to gentiles that he is running from the Creator of the sea and then asking to be plunged into it! Graciously, Yahweh preserved Jonah's life for the mission He had called him for. But Jonah was still reluctant, even after this! Jonah's "heartfelt" message to save the Ninevites was his famous words: "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown". And finally, Jonah set himself upon a hill hoping to witness the destruction of his enemies. What amazes me is how Yahweh is so gracious towards Jonah in all these types of disobedience - whether in action or heart. But as wrong as his heart was towards his enemies, it seems his heart was at least right towards Yahweh. Yes, Jonah tried running away but because he had so much faith in Yahweh's goodness! Jonah knew that Yahweh was gracious and faithful towards repentance, so much so he was scared to tell his enemies! The Father was very patient towards Jonah and graciously taught him through the withering plant, that Jonah held in higher esteem than the hundreds of thousands people before him. Let's all keep in mind that what may seem worthless in our eyes, may be worthy to Yahweh. Favourite Scripture: For me, the prayer of Jonah in chapter 2 is very special. I see it as the foreshadowing of the faith we should have in Yahweh, as we face our death, which is unfortunately inevitable. That said, as its poetry, it can equally apply to a believer who is going through some really bad times. When you read chapter 2, try and replace in your mind the words "Holy Temple" with "Lord Jesus". Being the helpful chap I am, I have done so for you below, based upon the NKJV translation. I cried out to Yahweh because of my affliction, And He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice. For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. Then I said, "I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward the Lord Jesus." The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head. I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Yahweh, my God. When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Yahweh; And my prayer went up to You, through the Lord Jesus. Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of Yahweh. (in Hebrew, Yeshua is of Yahweh) Don't get me wrong, I rarely recommend doing this type of "concept-interplay". However, in this instance, I hope you agree that it makes for an interesting prayer and meditation, for the next time you read Jonah. Love & Shalom
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