Continuing from the question in part 2
What did Jeremiah see?
“Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Jeremiah, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘I see a BRANCH (rod) of an almond tree.’ Then said the Lord to me, ‘You have seen well; for I will hasten my word to perform it’
Jeremiah 1:11-12
In response to the Lords initial question Jeremiah says he sees an almond tree. God then responds that He is watching.
What is the point here? Remembering we are examining the connection between Almonds and olive oil with Messiah and lampstands/menorahs.
In all languages other than Hebrew it makes absolutely no sense.
There is no way to understand this verse in its full meaning as shown here without knowing some Hebrew. It is just another indication that Hebrew is essential to fully understand the Word.
However the answer is in the almond….
The Hebrew word for almond, shakeid, (sha’qed, shaked.) is the same root word for awaken and watch and also means watchful, to be diligent, to strive, be steadfast.
This word is sho’ked.
Remember in the Hebrew Alefbeit/Alphabet, there are no letter vowels so it would read the same – shqd and sometimes written shkd as the Hebrew letter for k and q are the same for its pronunciation.
The word of the LORD came to me, What do you see, Jeremiah? I see the branch of a shaqed, (almond tree), I replied. The LORD said to me, you have seen correctly, for I am shoqed (watching) to see that My Word is fulfilled. Jeremiah 1:11-12
shaqed, (almond tree),
shoqed (watching)
The word play indicates that there is an interrelation between the almond (tree) and divine watching.
So symbolically the almond represents God’s watchfulness over His people.
The almond tree is mentioned a number of times in the Old Testament.
In the Scriptures this play on words regarding the use of almond and God’s watchfulness (i.e., faithfulness) is very specific: The purpose is to give greater insight and intention behind the writers’ words. (Remember pardes).
https://www.minimannamoments.com/pardes-what-is-that/
This is Gods’ way of confirming. 1:7-14… for I am ready to perform my word.
What does this mean?
As the word in Hebrew for almond is shaqed, meaning to keep my word and the word also spelled SHAKEID – Shaqad H8245 is a root meaning to be alert, that is: sleepless, to be on the lookout, (whether for good or ill); hasten, remain, wake, watch for.….
He is saying, ‘THIS’ is how I am going to keep My Word. ‘THIS’, being the manner or way He is going to do it, and as confirming, I am the same yesterday, today and forever; we can understand this meaning when He says it.
As we look at the almond in the physical, we can see and understand that spiritually it means: He is going to keep His Word and to perform/do, His Word.
I am ready to perform to do. It is Time!
It is interesting that the very same root, sha•kad, that God was using to stress His diligence in keeping His word, appears 26 times in the New Testament with the same exact meaning. (The English translation may vary from verse to verse, but the Hebrew root is always shaked, which makes it so much easier to understand).
For example: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer”. Acts 2:42
“to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life”. Romans 2:7
Here is another example of using passive language to convey sha•ked as the active verb,
“Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!” 1 Corinthians 16:13
Here, too, the call is to work hard on the ways of faith and not only just to watch.
Shaked: the root means to be watchful, to awaken and be vigilant.
The Almond Tree being the 1st to blossom, watchful for the CHANGE of the seasons. We are at one of those seasons right now. Change is a word for this season.
A rod of an almond tree — as we have noted the word שׁקד, almond, means primarily wakeful, vigilant, and is applied to this tree because it wakes up to life, and blossoms in January, while the other trees are still in their winter’s sleep. Because of this attribute, it is a natural symbol of vigilance, and so God uses it in suggesting His own ever-wakeful activity.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Psalm 121:5
There is an urgent need to be watchful, for the enemy will attack when we least expect. While righteous men sleep, the enemy does not. This battle is spiritual and spirits do not need to sleep!
1Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober, be vigilant for the devil, your adversary walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” When the righteous people are weary evil lurks in every corner.
The adjective vigilant means watchful, or alert and attentive to danger or trouble. It appears that the LORD has shown Jeremiah that his rod has bloomed like Aaron’s did; and what Jeremiah puts his hand to do will be blessed of God – because here, the rod of the almond tree means to awaken and be ready to do whatever God has for him to do.
It could also mean that God is ready to release His judgment, as a rod, is also an instrument of punishment, the rod of the almond may be intended here as the symbol of that punishment which the prophet was about to announce.
What was about to be fulfilled at that moment, was the 2nd thing Jeremiah saw which was a boiling pot facing away from the North.
Judgment was about to be poured out on Israel and as we are spiritual Israel judgment begins at the house of God……1 Peter 4:17
SHAQED means: the almond tree or nut; as being the earliest in bloom.
SHAQAD is a primitive root that also means: to be alert, sleepless; to be on the lookout, remain, wake, awake, watch for, be alert, wait.
The Greek words: GREGOREUO [gray-gor-yoo-o], means: keep awake, watch, be vigilant.
שקד shaked, from שקד shakad, to be ready, to hasten, to watch for an opportunity to do a thing, to awake; because the almond tree is the first to flower and bring forth fruit.
(Repetition in this post is on purpose we need to pay attention and remember its’ meaning as it is so pertinent to our current season).
It blossoms in January, when other trees are locked up in their winter’s repose; and it bears fruit in March, just at the commencement of spring, when other trees only begin to bud.
It was here the symbol was given with which God was about to fulfill His promises.
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7. As He also did with Abraham Gen.18:17.
(The word מקל, (makkel,) though ordinarily meaning rod, is here used in the sense of shoot or twig.)
Almond Trees in bloom meant to look forward with certainty to happiness in the married state. Spiritually the meaning for us is:
Winter is going to end..
Suddenly and
maybe out of season
then
The King will say:
“Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, come with me.
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.” Song of Songs 2:10-13.
Are we diligently looking for our spiritual Bridegroom?
The Bridegroom IS returning for His Bride.
Here it seems, is the most significant part of this post.
The message was not just for Jeremiah it was prophetic …..then, and it’s as true and as sobering today.
It is extremely important and could be said to have an urgency to it.
If that is correct, then it needs to be understood by all at this hour in which we are serving our Messiah Jesus/Yeshua. Perceiving the seriousness of our times is our responsibility and it behooves us to pay attention, according to His words, which were repeated many times, both in the Gospels and in those of the other New Testament writers. Mark 13:33 Matt 24:36 Luke 21:36 etc.
Watch means to stay wide awake. When the New Testament commands us to watch, it is usually the translation of one of two Greek words (gregoreuo and agrupneo), which have similar meanings—to stay awake and to be sleepless. They are usually meant in the metaphorical and spiritual sense – to be vigilant and on guard, fully awake, aware, alert and intently focused – with several applications and implications.
An intense watching over.
Eph 5:14. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
1Peter 5:8. Be sober, be vigilant
Be watchful – Stay alert.
The adversary is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch us napping.
Keep your guard up.
We are not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians/Believers all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith, the suffering won’t last forever and not beyond what we are able to endure. 1Cor.10:13
Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the ALERT when He comes; is also referring to the 10 virgins parable.
The meaning of the almond tree, therefore, is that God in heaven watches a sinful nation walking away from Him and declares it will have consequences. His message to humanity today is still the same: God is watching!
He will watch over His word either for curse or for blessing.
When sin and immorality engulf nations and even penetrate the Ecclesia/Church, we should remember: God is watching!
When nations assail Israel and seek to divide her land, we can be sure: God is watching!
Still, the message of the almond does carry a strong encouragement. Jeremiah also foresees a miraculous restoration for Israel.
“And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them, to destroy, and to afflict… so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 31:28)
If we decide to consecrate our lives to God, then He promises to watch over us for good. Even with our weaknesses and frailties, His eyes are always upon us!
Jeremiah saw a BRANCH
Yeshua Jesus Messiah
is the Branch
and we are grafted in.
Recall the shapes in the design of the Menorahs branches,
which reminds the onlooker of a flowering tree of life.
The same Tree of Life in Beresheet/Genesis, Eden and in Revelation/New Jerusalem/Shamayim.
The bowls
גְ֠בִעִים
ḡə-ḇi-‘îm
[shall be] made like almond [blossoms]
מְֽשֻׁקָּדִ֞ים
mə-šuq-qā-ḏîm
blossom bloom pricha פְּרִיחָה
blossoms blooms prichot פְּרִיחוֹת
on branch
בַּקָּנֶ֣ה
baq-qā-neh
[with] an [ornamental] knob
כַּפְתֹּ֣ר
kap̄-tōr
וָפֶרַח֒
wā-p̄e-raḥ
and a flower
On each of the six side arms were 3 golden almond blossoms and together with the 4 on the center shaft, there were exactly 22 almond blossoms. Between the 22 flowers, there are 21 connections. From the lowest flower to the top flower on the shaft to the 6 lamps, there are 3×8+3=27 connections, and together with the highest connection from the top flower on the shaft to the middle lamp, there are a total of 28 (4×7) connections. Together they are 50 parts + 7 lamps.
God paid attention to the details from the very beginning; for He commanded that every single almond blossom on the Menorah should consist of 3 parts, namely, the cups, buds and blossoms (petals).
(3 parts yet still one! each coming forth from the other in progression and connected – needing each other in order to do what they were created to do!)
Together they are 3 x 22=66 single flower parts.
Seven branches and 7 lamps
נִיר
ner – lamp: pronounced neer.
Kanim: plural from qaneh. Strongs: 7070 prononced: kaw-neh
קָנֶה
The Menorah had 7 lamps 1 lamp on top of the middle stem and 1 on top of each of the other 6 branches. Each lamp was made of the same gold used to form the rest of the menorah. The lamps were boat shaped with pointed ends that faced the center lamp.
(The picture below is the correct orientation of the wicks.)
The center of the lamps resembles a basin. Each lamp had a cover on it with a hole in the middle for the oil. (see picture in part 2)
The wicks were positioned by either bending them towards the center or by clamping them down between the bowl and the cover.
They were lit daily from right to left. (Same direction as the Hebrew language is read and Messiah sits on the right.)
פְּרָחִים flowers perachim
פֶּרַח flower perach
Nine flower blooms these were ornamental parts to beautify the menorah. According to historical documents the flowers was similar to roses.
Not as the western roses rather more like the Dog rose.
They were fashioned at the top of each branch just before the lamps. The other two flowers were on the main stem and included one at the base of the menorah. The sages connect the flowers with the book of Leviticus because which begins with 9 words.
כַּפְתֹּרִֽים plural
kaf-to-ree’m
literal meaning: descendants
11 fruits
These were the decorations that extended from the shaft and the branches at the top just before the lamps. The branches extended outward from the top of the three fruits on the main stem, and also appeared at the top of each branch, shaped like apples. They are sometimes likened to the buds/flowers, that develop into fruit.
All of the fruits had almond decorations engraved on them.
The sages connect the buds with the book of Exodus where the first verse begins with 11 words.
22 cups
גְּבִיעַ
a cup – gabia
Phonetic Spelling: gheb-ee’-ah
The flower cups or goblets that resembled almond buds were really chalice like containers used to hold large quantities of liquid. They are likened to stems that supply the liquid for the blossoms and fruit of a tree. 3 cups were located at the top of each branch and an extra cup located lower on the main stem.
Note: There are so many variations of the design! However the illustrations included are to help our understanding of the spiritual meaning God was conveying to us through the Menorah.
There are 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which are considered the building blocks used in divine revelation; and have been assigned to the design elements of the Menorah.
The sages connect the flower cups with the book of Deuteronomy where the first verse begins with 22 words.
טֹ֖פַח Handbreadth
to’-fakh – tophach
(add im, for plural.)
This refers to the height of the Menorah. The first 3 tefachim were the base itself.
The other elements the cups, buds and flowers were then placed up the tree.
The sages connect the height of the Menorah with the book of Numbers where the first verse begins with 17 words.
One base (i.e., yarech: יָרֵךְ) with three legs.
(see picture further down)
Strongs #3409
yaw-rake
יָרֵךְ
The base was either square or rectangular in shape and was made of pure hammered gold.
The Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Definition of this word gives some further insight that out of the side of Messiah came the church
1) thigh, side, loin, base1a) thigh
1a1) outside of thigh (where sword was worn)
1a2) loins (as the seat of procreative power)
1b) side (flank) (of object)
1c) base
Just as God exclusively chose Aaron to minister before Him, Jesus/Yeshua, was the One exclusively chosen to be the great High Priest of the re-newed covenant. Heb 5:4
And just as Aaron’s lifeless rod miraculously brought forth life, Jesus/Yeshua’s cross which was also made of wood resulted in buds and blossoms of new life following His resurrection. He went into the sanctuary made without hands and there offered His blood for the everlasting atonement.
אַהֲרוֹן Aaron Aharon (a-har-one’) 4294
מַטֶּה matteh or mattah (mat-teh’)
a staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe.
Aaron’s rod, was a picture of God’s authority of judgment, just as the Messiah cross and resurrection justifies Gods exclusive choice of Jesus/Yeshua, who is the Lord our Righteousness.
The light from the Menorah was a spiritual light. It was not seen from the outside of the Mishkan in the wilderness, but only while inside the holy chamber. It enabled service to God to be performed and was not light used for profane purposes.
The six lamps faced the Central lamp which is a picture of Jesus/Yeshua; the light of the world, whose arms and legs were beaten /hammered for our sins.
The Shamash.
He is the light of the world – the servant lamp, the suffering servant who brings light to everyone in the world. The central shaft held the light of the servant lamp and served as a base for the other branches.
The Menorahs radiance symbolized divine light and this light is the radiance of Jesus/Yeshua. 1John 1:5; John 8:12.
Messiah is pictured in the Menorah as the tree of light/life and the servant of the Lord, the light of life and the One who is likened to pure beaten/ hammered gold. He provides us with support, sustenance and light from the oil of the Holy Spirit, therefore our lives grow out of our connection and relationship with Him.
He is the light of the Lord. Psalm 27:1. He is the Shamash who comes down to ignite the light of life within all who will believe. For the one who has the Son has life.
One Menorah. Exodus 25:36, 26:6. The Torah is made up of five separate books but it is one. Similarly, the children of Israel were divided into priests, Kohanim, Levites and Israelites; put together they form one nation.
The Menorah was to be made by hammering the single piece of solid gold into one shape.
The word translated hammered or beaten comes from the Hebrew word meaning difficult.
Strong’s Hebrew: 4749. מִקְשָׁה (miqshah מִקְשָׁה
Strong’s Hebrew: 7186 קָשֶׁה qasheh (kaw-sheh’)
One commentary says that the pattern and method for making the menorah was difficult for Moses to understand.
Strongs #8403
תַּבְנִית tabnith (tab-neeth’)
Definition: construction, pattern, figure
Because of this, he was to give the task of constructing it to Betzalel – (the carpenter from the tribe of Judah!)
Another image of hammered or beaten gold suggests that it is shaped and refined through testing and pressure.
The Menorah symbolizes light, growth, unity, the tree of life and the unity of Torah. All its parts were formed from a single piece of pure gold that was beaten and hammered into shape. Exodus 25:36
This is a symbol of the divine substance as Gold has a hint of the color of blood combined with the pure white.
The Menorah sat on a three legged base which was an allusion to the hashilush ha kodesh – His triune nature, which is the root of all reality. Just as the many parts of the Mishkan were put together to form one tabernacle so the many parts of the Menorah would likewise fashion to form one lampstand. Jesus/Yeshua taught that there would be one flock from both Jews and Gentiles – one new man having one shepherd. John 10:16
Messiah Jesus/Yeshua did not command us to become Jewish or to observe Talmudic Laws. The word law being: instruction, direction, describing our boundaries and guide to life which is contained in the 10 commandments. Jesus/Yeshua reiterated these in Mark 12:31 and includes loving your neighbor as yourself; which is from Leviticus 19:18 – ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.
It would seem that the only newly stated law we are connected to is the law of the spirit of life in Jesus/Yeshua.
Romans 8:2
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Haronem
H r n m
menorah
מְנוֹרָה
The Hebrew word Menorah has a simple meaning of lamp.
The pictographs could read: Behold the Headperson nailed/pegged, brings life from chaos/water.
מְנוֹרָה seven-lamp (six branches)
The lamp stand in today’s synagogues, called the ner tamid (lit. the continual lamp; usually translated as the eternal flame), symbolized by the Menorah.
Verse 37: 7 places for the oil. The receptors for the wicks were 7, in center the servant branch. The wicks placed a certain way on each side so that the 3 wicks pointed to the center, to the servant candle in the middle. This one in the center the servant candle was always lit and always burned.
The hatavah – the cleaning and replenishing of the oil lamps and the replacing of the wicks – There were 3 steps for the priests to stand on to maintain the wicks; and oil every day new oil fresh oil, as yesterdays oil was not appropriate for today, it was replaced daily.
Pattern, a word used often in the scriptures and Jesus/Yeshua is our pattern; and we can see that pattern in the Menorah also.
Pure beaten oil for the lamp. Not candle wax or other oil to burn with. Olive oil burns with a bright light and little smoke, so it had to be clear and pure. In everyday families homes, the best oil was used daily for eating and lesser oil for burning for light, but only the best was used in the tabernacle. The small Ceramic lamps were for home use.
Focus was on the main servant light, at no time there was no light on the menorah.
From evening until morning, sundown to sunup.
The Holy Place was always illuminated by the light of the Menorah; from within.
So too, the Holy Place, the abode of Gods’ Holy Spirit is within – our life, and we should always be illuminated with His glorious light as He indwells us by His spirit. The only source of light and nourishment (table of shewbread) was in the Holy Place: our nourishment comes from within. He is the Bread of Life.
The darkest hours were given light from all the combined lamps. The darker it is, the brighter the light appears.
Wick פְּתִילָה ptila
When wicks were needed they came from the priests white linen garments, which were recycled when too old or torn to be worn. Cut into strips and woven together, these fed the oil to the flame.
The old garments were also used as swaddling clothes for the newborn!
Above picture: The illustration shows the western lamp as the source of the flame of all six of the other lamps. Far right: The kohen is holding the lit wick of the western lamp on the right, and directing it toward the unlit wick of the lamp that is positioned adjacent to it on the Menorah. The same procedure was then repeated, extending the flame of the 2nd lamp to the wick of the 3rd lamp and in this way all 7 lamps were kindled.
A recent 2018 reassessment of artifacts in hitherto unpublished report of 1930s excavations, relating to a discovery in the Negev desert town of Shivta in the 1930s; yielded a very rare 1500-year-old flax lamp wick. Above: the Byzantine-period flax wick and its copper casing.
Without the priestly connection there would be no flame for the temple lamps.
Yeshua/Jesus is our High Priest. Walking in His Ways produces light in our lives.
The extra oil will be needed for the bride to enter the bridal chamber when her bridegroom returns.
The real question is not
where is the Menorah
but
WHO is the representation?
The source of fire for all seven of the Menorah lamps is the – נר המערבי – western lamp. Jesus/Yeshua is the light of the world and this light will never go out nor can it be extinguished.
The Menorah – Why do we have it?
Heb. 9:24 tells us the earthly sanctuary is a type of the heavenly sanctuary –
the earthly are copies of the true,
the real.
For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Berean Study Bible
Hebrews 9:23 So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Hebrews 10:1 For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves.
God gave us a hint, a shadow of what He was about to do and when
Jesus/Yeshua was about to come.
The Menorah not only speaks of the light of the world but about also the resurrection of Jesus/Yeshua and the first fruit; as in the almond blossom on the Menorah, the first to bloom.
Where is the real Menorah? According to historians, many treasures were stored in the Vatican basement.
St. Peter Basilica Vatican
The important thing is…
not where is it but,
Who is the menorah?
The Menorah symbolizes Jesus/Yeshua: He is the light of the world, because He is the love of the Father in person, the Word and the Savior.
The Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh, without the oil, there is no light and no illumination.
The Bible/Word: 7 parts, 49 scrolls with 66/70 books = the Word of God = the light in this dark world.
The Book of Life/Chaim: eternal life (Rev. 3:5, 20:12-15), and it is to be our way of life, as a light in this world (Mt. 5:13-16)
The Menorah is not a normal lampstand; it is a miracle, just as the Bible itself is also a miracle.
Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of JESUS CHRIST… this man stands here before you whole… Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:10-12).
In the beginning was the WORD, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the LIGHT of all mankind. The LIGHT shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that LIGHT, so that through him all might believe.
He himself was not the LIGHT; He came only as a witness to the LIGHT. The true LIGHT that gives LIGHT to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The WORD became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:1-14).
I am the LIGHT of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the LIGHT of life (John 8:12).
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6).
And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work (Rev 22:12).
So why did God choose an almond tree to show how His Word will come to pass?
In Israel, because as we have found out, the Almond tree is one of the earliest to bloom and actually blossoms in late winter.
The process from the BRANCH growing and ready to yield fruit takes two years but from this point,
literally overnight,
a beautiful white flower appears.
In fact, it happens so quickly sometimes the blossoms will form even before its leaves grow.
After a long wait the tree SUDDENLY blossoms.
In Jeremiah 1:11-12, the prophet Jeremiah talks to God, who uses the symbol of the almond branch to suggest He is watching the Israelites to see that they follow His Word.
It is a symbol of new beginnings and God’s watchfulness,
To the Hebrews the almond-tree was the symbol of a new life. It is at the foot of an almond-tree (luz) that access can be obtained to the mysterious city of Luz, It is also the name of the town close to which Jacob/Israel, had his vision and which he named Beith-el, or House of God.
The connection between the almond-tree and heaven, indicates that the idea of immortality may be explained yet again by the symbolism of the almond – also called luz. לוז
more at:
https://www.minimannamoments.com/i-will-put-my-name-part-2/
The almond tree symbolizes:
a quick budding out of season
and why The Lord uses almonds in scripture to relay the message that:
He is watching over His Word to HASTILY perform it.
We are in a season where God is watching faithfully over His word and bringing it to pass in an accelerated time!
Because the almond tree not only blossoms very quickly, but it also blossoms during the winter while all the other tree and herbs are waiting (sleeping), for the next season. His reference to it at this hour, indicates that we are in a season where God is not waiting for the perfect conditions to bring His word to pass, but He is making it come to pass during the off season!
The season when no one is looking for anything, the season where everything is supposed to be hibernating, and in slumber, when everything is not aware.
The season of awakening, of quickening is happening while everyone is asleep. He is waking up the ecclesia/’church’, during the season of slumber, and He is doing it quickly.
Summary for original question 2:
What is the connection between Almonds and olive oil with Messiah and lampstands?
The connection to the Menorah and Almonds: Almond tree first to bud, bloom and yield fruit. He is the first fruit resurrected. Death to life.
Aarons staff/rod: proclaimed him the one chosen to be high priest.
Jesus/Yeshua is the good Shepherd from Ps. 23 and John 10:11.
Jesus/Yeshua is the high priest. (See Psalm 2:7, Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 5:5.)
Jesus/Yeshua is the light of the world, the light of the holy place.
He was there in Genesis 1:1 the Alef and Tav written in the middle of the first verse. (See chart depicting this in last post).
He is the light of the Holy of Holies where the ark of the covenant is and in which was placed the Staff/Almond Rod of Aaron.
He is the servant, the Shamash, the Center candle of the Menorah.
Jesus/Yeshua is the Branch; the tree of life; the Olive tree, the one to whom we are grafted in, and whose oil (spirit), filled the almond shaped lamps of the Menorah.
One final and very timely reference is that of Jeremiah who interestingly enough also found himself at the bottom of a well…looking UP for his redemption!
https://www.minimannamoments.com/well-well-now-eye-see/
Shaqad – ready to perform my Word.
Everything is in Gods timing.
What do we see?
God is even now fulfilling His prophetic Word.
Next time we look at an almond, remember the Menorah, the Messiah and the Word/ Jesus/Yeshua Himself.
He is about to perform, to do.
The almond staff of the high priest who is also the good Shepherd, the symbol of new resurrection life were placed in the box/ark, under the kapporet – under the blood -in the holy of holies!
What do we see?
Now we are His ark in the earth.
The container of His Ruach/Spirit.
His life is in us.
His is light is in us, and the oil for the almond Menorah lamps is in us by His indwelling, the Ruach HaKodesh. It is up to us to allow Jesus/Yeshua, our High Priest, to daily trim our wicks and give us fresh olive oil every morning with His daily mercies.
And we have become the Shamash light, serving others and kindling light into the lives of those around us in the world who are still in a great darkness; and also to be encouraging to those who have seen the light but who need reminding who’s we are and whom we serve.
What do we see?
He is about to perform His Word. Fulfillment of our ultimate destiny is at hand. His plan will be performed in His time.
Be alert – Be watchful.
We live in unprecedented times and prophecy is unfolding even as we read this. Matt 24:33 Look up redemption draws near.
Remember the almond and be ready.
Shaqad!
The King is coming and this time, not as a suffering servant but as judge and King, sovereign over all.
The sign of the almond tree and the Menorah is warning those watching to stay alert and Be Ready…
Bride Be Ready!
1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
The almond tree represents the sure timing of the Lord, just as certain as spring will follow winter, Gods’ Word will come true. He watches diligently over it. His promises, purposes and judgments are all fulfilled, whether we believe it or not.
Minimannapropheticmoment:
God is releasing the ability to see the things of the Spirit/Ruach with the eyes of our faith.
How many are waiting for their suddenly, and their breakthroughs? For everyone who is waiting for their fulfillment of a Word given by God. Know for certain that He is diligently watching over His word to you, making sure to fulfill it.
Take this Word to heart.
This Almond tree is a picture of strength and endurance. Why? Because although this flower looks fragile and delicate, it can withstand harsh winter winds and rain.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all a joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
The almond tree blossom heralds the soon arrival of spring. In the Spirit, many find ourselves toward the end of a very long winter. Well, hold on because (spiritual) spring is coming and your sudden breakthrough of God’s word is about to blossom and bear fruit.
Remember the Almond
For our part, we are to be alert …so…
what do YOU see?
Be watchful and know what is happening around you and don’t be casual with the things of God and we won’t become casualties, spiritual or otherwise.
For those with eyes to see whose spiritual heart is sensitive to the times in which we are living, it is clear that the days are moving us quickly to a time prophesied in the word by Jesus Himself. The signs of the end of this age are all around us and are rapidly increasing the birth pangs are getting closer together and we are instructed to be ready to be spiritually alert.
We must be prepared, we must have our lamps filled with oil, just as the high priest filled the oil of the temple menorah daily, so that when he lit the lampstand it gave light into the sanctuary and then shone forth from the kaporet /mercy seat, out through the windows to the world outside.
We are to daily invite the ruach of our high priest Jesus/Yeshua to fill our sanctuary, our spirit, soul and bodies, with the oil that will in turn give forth light when lit by the holy set apart fire of His spirit. Then we will be the light of the world as He was and that He said we would be.
We are crucified with Christ, the tree of resurrection life has made place for us to be grafted in branches as typified in the almond tree and the menorah.
So the connection is:
Almonds that were on the Menorah decoration had great meaning and a double inference to watching.
The tree was the source of the rod that budded and declared the confirming of the Aaronic priesthood and of death to life in resurrection.
The staff that budded was kept in the ark/box the dwelling place of God. His throne, the place of His presence; of heaven on the earth at that time.
Look up for our redemption draws nigh. Meaning, we are not yet fully completed and must endure to the end. Look up to Him.
For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation 19:10
There is a further 
R 
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