Skip to content
The story of Josiah
is also a cautionary tale
which is still relevant today.
It can be found in 2 Kings 22–23 and 2 Chronicles 34–35.
Josiah was the 16th King of Judah from
approximately 640 to 609 B.C.
2 Kings 22:2 introduces Josiah by saying,
“And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.”
The scripture then presents Josiah as the last God-fearing monarch of the Davidic line before the Babylonian exile, whose reign marks the final bright outburst of covenant faithfulness in Judah.
יאשׁיהו
Josiah’s name means: the one through whom God heals.
It comes from a Semitic root ‘ashah,
meaning: one who supports.
It is also closely related to the word ‘ashur
which is the root word for Assyria,
the whole story of Josiah is told through his name.
In the Hebrew, JOSIAH jō sī’ ə יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ;
and in Greek: LXX ̓Ιωσίας, G2739,
The meaning is: may the Lord support or heal.
Name of a king of Judah, son of Amon and Jedidah.
Yoshiyyah or Yoshiyyahu: Josiah
Original Word: יאֹשִׁיָּה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yo’shiyah
Pronunciation: yo-shee-YAH-hoo
Phonetic Spelling: yo-shee-yaw’
KJV: Josiah
NASB: Josiah, Josiah’s
Word Origin: [from the same root as

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance
Josiah
Or
yo-she-yaw’-hoo;
from the same root as ‘ashuwyah and Yahh;
founded of Jah;
see HEBREW Yahh
Through Josiah YHVH
healed His nation
and it was Josiah who
supported God’s mission and call upon Israel.

Josiah was the last of the good kings in Judah and was considered to be a righteous king, unlike many of his forefathers. Josiah was the son of King Amon and the grandson of King Manasseh, both of them wicked kings of Judah. However, Josiah was a godly king and known as one of the world’s youngest kings; He came to power at the age of 8 and ruled for 38 years after his father King Amon was assassinated.
His father, Amon, a short-lived and idolatrous king who worshipped idols, 2 Kings 21:19–26; was wicked, as were the Jewish kings and their culture for generations before him. Eventually, Amon’s own servants killed him. Josiah’s grandfather, Manasseh, was no better his long apostasy had filled Jerusalem with blood, as recorded in 2 Kings 21:16.
His sons names were Johanan, Jehoiakim (Eliakim),

Shallum (Jehoahaz),

and Zedekiah (Mattaniah).
1 Chronicles 3:15.
King Josiah became the King of Judah at the age of 8.

He not only served the YHVH, he loved Him and through the influence of his Godly mother, he destroyed all the idols.
He experienced a spiritual awakening at age 16. “He began to seek the God of his father David” 2 Chronicles 34:3.
There is an interesting comparison here of zeal for the Lord at an early age. At 8 years old Josiah sat on David’s throne; likewise Messiah Yeshua/Jesus at 12 was found in His Father’s house, about His Fathers business, discussing spiritual matters. Luke 2:49.

In the 18th year of his reign,
Josiah raised money to repair the temple,

It was during the project and making reparation that a life changing discovery was made…..
Hilkiah, the High Priest/Cohen haKadol,

found
the Book of the Law/the Torah scroll
that had been hidden away.
“the Book of the Law of the LORD given through Moses”
2 Chronicles 34:14-15.
Shaphan reading the law before Josiah.

Shaphan in Hebrew: שפן, means “hyrax”,
son of Azaliah,
is the name of a scribe or court secretary mentioned several times in the Hebrew Bible.
Josiah sent a delegation of royal officials to seek out Yahweh’s will and they went to find Huldah, a prophetess in Jerusalem. Huldah’s prophetic words confirmed the authenticity of the Book of the Law/Torah and warned of impending judgment on Judah for their disobedience. Huldah the prophetess gave the king’s men this message from YHVH:
disaster would strike the nation because they had forgotten God and instead worshiped idols.
2 Chronicles 34:2.

Huldah’s prophecy to Josiah lines up with the rest of Scripture regarding judgment and mercy. She foretells that Judah will face consequences for sin, yet, reassures the king of personal peace.
Huldah authenticated the discovered scroll and exhorted Josiah to humble himself. 2 Kings 22:18-19.
She affirmed that judgment on Judah was inevitable but delayed because Josiah’s heart was tender before the LORD,
2 Kings 22:15-20
and she assured him that his humility had moved YHVH to delay that judgment.
Josiah held Huldah’s prophecy in high regard. He followed the instructions which were read out and assembled the people at the Temple in Jerusalem.
It was a delay of judgment but not cancellation of it. Josiah’s reforms stayed God’s wrath, 2 Kings 22:20; yet did not abolish the consequences of generations of sin, teaching that personal righteousness does not automatically protect an unrepentant nation.
Until the copy of the Torah was discovered Josiah’s understanding of doctrine and theology was incomplete; yet even before it was found, Josiah had a heart that was tender and submissive/rakak to YHVH.
Operating in her intellectual and spiritual gifts, Huldah was a true helper/ezer, as she came to the aid of her king and nation. The answer Huldah gave to Josiah is still valid today, humanity is condemned; but each one of us can accept salvation in an individual and personal way. Because of this prophetic directive, Josiah decided to help as many people as possible to accept salvation and seek the Lord.
When Shapan, the secretary, read the Torah scroll to Josiah, and he listened to the horrifying words of coming judgment, he tore his clothes, in an outward sign of mourning and repentance, humbling himself before YHVH.
2 Chronicles 34:19; 2 Kings 22:10–11.

King Josiah called for a time of national repentance and covenant renewal.
“The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant”. 2 Kings 23:3.

The Law was read to the people of the land, and a covenant was made between the people and the Lord and a young king who led his nation towards spiritual awakening and renewal, led the people back to the Word of God and brought a great revival to the land.
When Scripture’s authority was rediscovered, and the impact of the Torah Instructions/Law’s given in public reading; it underscores the sufficiency and binding authority of written revelation on both the ruler/king and the people to whom it was read.

Many reforms followed.
The temple was cleansed from all objects of pagan worship,
and the idolatrous high places in the land were demolished.

Josiah was 20 when this purge of idolatry took place.
2 Chronicles 34:3–7.
Altars, Asherah poles, carved images, and molten images were ground to powder and scattered on the graves of their worshipers. The destruction of the altar at Bethel and the disinterring of the bones of the idolatrous priests’ fulfilled the unnamed prophet’s prediction made some 300 years earlier.
1 Kings 13:2; 2 Kings 23:16.
Cleansing the house of YHVH is a prophetic mirror image of Messiah’s cleansing the Temple in Jerusalem recorded in
Matthew 21:12-13.

There is a great encouragement for us in the fulfillment of the prophecy against Bethel, which confirms the reliability of earlier prophetic words; and further illustrates that divine promises often come to fruition following long periods of apparent delay and seeming denial. 2Peter 3:9.
Delay and denial by our Heavenly Father is not a form of punishment or indifference, but rather a divine strategy for our growth and transformation. It is a way for Him to teach us patience, and that patience undergirds our faith to support and strengthen it. They are divine preparations. He sees what we cannot see and whatever He does is with our best interests in mind, so we need to trust His perfect timing, stay faithful in the waiting, and be ready for His sudden move in our lives.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28.
Joseph waited 13 years
Abraham waited 25 years
Moses waited 40 years (twice)
Joseph waited 30 years…
If our Father is making us wait….
we are in good company!
Josiah was a righteous and reformative king of Judah who not only re-instituted the worship of Yahweh but also restored the observance of the Appointed Time/Moed of Pesach/Passover.
2 Kings 23:2–23.
In 2 Chronicles 35:18-19 we are told
it was the greatest Pesach/Passover
since the days of the judges.
Also recorded in 2 Kings 23:23
HEB: שָׁנָ֔ה לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֑הוּ נַעֲשָׂ֞ה הַפֶּ֧סַח
NAS: year of King Josiah, this Passover
KJV: of king Josiah, [wherein] this passover
INT: year of King Josiah was observed Passover
The Pesach/passover of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 35, became the definitive guideline for later Moedim celebrations. All Israel and Judah participated in it, initiating a desire to restore unity in the fractured identity of the 12 tribes/sons of Jacob/Israel.
The priests and Levites returned to the Mosaic order recorded in 2 Chronicles 35:2-6.
The king personally donated 30,000 lambs and goats and 3,000 cattle, 2 Chronicles 35:7, reflecting royal stewardship in worship.
This sacrificial generosity in the Pesach/Passover foreshadows the greater King who supplies Himself as the Lamb.
The writer of these chronicles placed great emphasis on these events which reveals that:
spiritual renewal involves both right doctrine, which is the Torah Instruction/Teaching/ Laws and Ordinances;
and right practice, obedience to the Torah instructions by celebrating the 7 Appointed Times of The Lord/ His Moedim.
Josiah also removed mediums and witches from the land.
Recorded in
2 Kings 23:24&25.
HEB: וּבִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם בִּעֵ֖ר יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֑הוּ לְ֠מַעַן הָקִ֞ים
NAS: Moreover, Josiah removed the mediums
KJV: and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away,
INT: Jerusalem removed Josiah might confirm

“Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.”
YHVH’s wrath would later come upon Judah due to the evil King Manasseh had done, 2 Kings 23:25, but the judgment was delayed because of Josiah’s godly life and leadership.
2 Kings 22:20.
However, at the end of his life, Josiah feared the Assyrians would make an alliance with Egypt, and would regain their position as a world power and then come against Judah. Even when YHVH spoke through the Egyptian general Necho to stand down, Josiah still fought the battle the Lord had told him not to fight. After a lifetime of walking with YHVH and trusting Him to lead and guide him, he could not trust the Lord in the matter with the Assyrians; and took his army to stop the Egyptians. During the battle that ensued, Josiah was killed.
Sadly it was Josiah’s fear of Assyria that caused him to act in the flesh, he began to look at the circumstances in the natural and by trying to fix it in his own strength and it proved to be his downfall.

When Josiah died his two sons fought over the throne. The youngest Jehoahaz, seized the throne but 3 months later Necho the Egyptian general deposed him. Necho set his brother Jehoaiakim, whose name means: whom God has set up, as a puppet king for Egypt who ruled another 11 years. He is described as a ruthless tyrant in Jewish historical literature. Judah was eventually led into captivity by the Babylonians having never returned to the Lord.
King Josiah, was a man who loved the Lord with all his heart, who helped to start revival in the land and bring his people back to YHVH; then after 38 years of ruling Judah, at age 46 the Lord, took him home. He could have served the Lord for many more years, but he failed at the end of his life. In one of his greatest tests, Josiah didn’t trust YHVH even after so many years of faithful service.


Josiah died in the battle at Megiddo in in 609 B.C.
2 Kings 23:29-30.
II Chronicles 35:22: “Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.”

Above, the Egyptian Pharaoh Necho.
King Josiah was buried in Jerusalem in his own tomb,
and his son Jehoahaz took the role of king.
2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 32 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. 33 Now Pharaoh Necho put him in prison at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and he imposed on the land a tribute of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 34 Then Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. And Pharaoh took Jehoahaz and went to Egypt, and he died there. NKJV.

There is much we can learn from Josiah’s life that is very positive:
First, Josiah shows the influence a person can have from a very young age, even children have enormous potential to live for God and to have great impact.
Secondly, Josiah lived a life fully committed and obedient to YHVH and was blessed for it. He chose total commitment.
There was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses. 2 Kings 23:25.
Josiah models wholehearted obedience that engages the entire covenant of Deuteronomy 6:5.

Thirdly, Josiah responded properly to the Father’s Word. By the time he became king, the Scriptures had long been neglected, and Josiah’s heart was broken by the failure of his people to honor that Word. Josiah had Scripture read to the people and made a commitment to live by it.
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken . . . I also have heard you,’ declares the Lord. 2 Kings 22:19.
Josiah son of Zephaniah, hosted the crowning of the high priest Joshua with a symbolic crown, Zechariah 6:10-14, linking Josiah’s house with messianic expectation.
New Testament writers carry forward the reforming king’s line through Matthew’s genealogy of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus in Matthew 1:10-11, marking him as a crucial link in redemptive history.
Josiah is mentioned in the genealogy of Yeshua/Jesus:

When we face real trials that test our faith and trust in our heavenly Father, we are many times strongly tempted to trust in the arm of the flesh, rather than in Him. There is a great lesson to be learned that even after many years of faithful service, there may be times when we really can’t see how He will intervene in our situation, it is in those times that we must be aware of what happened to Josiah. Even after a lifetime of trusting and serving YHVH, he let fear overtake him, he relied on the arm of the flesh and he failed. For every believer it does not matter how many years of service and of trusting our Heavenly Father and of seeing His power work in and through our lives; the enemy is always lurking in the shadows, and he knows our weaknesses. We should never pride ourselves that we have made it, or are beyond temptation, because while we are in this flesh body we are still vulnerable to attacks, no matter how many years we have trusted in our Lord and Savior. We must always be on guard no matter how strong we think we are and how big our faith is, and we must resist in Messiahs name and not give in, no matter how strong the temptation is to lean on the arm of the flesh. 1Peter 5:8 Be sober minded and alert our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Reader you are not alone neither in your times of trial nor in reality. The truth is our Fathers Holy Spirit is with you to comfort, strengthen and uphold you, He will guide you through and deliver you from the hand of the enemy. He is the God of the impossible. Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?
Jeremiah 32:27…
and your breakthrough is here,
the Lord of Breakthroughs
or
the Lord who bursts through
1 Chronicles 14:10-11….
stand fast, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord today. Exodus 14:13, for today is the day of salvation …For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2.
and He watches over His word to perform it….Jeremiah 1:12.

Shalom aleikhem
chaverim and mishpachah!
Peace to friends and family.
Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.
Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are very precious in His sight.
Not sure ..you can be…
SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,
SAY IT RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.
Like this:
Like Loading...

And it shall be in thay day saith the Lord that you shall call me ISHI my husband and shall call me no more BAALI my master.
Hosea 2:16
The name Hosea/Hoshea like Joshua/Y’hoshua
and Yeshua means
Salvation.
Hebrew: הוֹשֵׁעַ – Hōšēaʿ, ‘Salvation’;
If you have never read the book of Hosea, the content in a nutshell is a love story with a thorn in it. It’s the story of a faithful husband and an adulterous, unfaithful wife. The descriptions of the two main characters Hosea /Hoshea and Gomer, also describe the relationship between Yhvh/God and the children of Israel.
In Chapter 1:2, Hosea is given the most unlikely instructions one could ever imagine; he was told to go and marry a whore/prostitute and have children with her. Hoseas marriage becomes a symbol of God’s love for His adulterous children who were prostituting themselves with idols and foreign gods; worshipping them and committing spiritual adultery against the Living God Who had made covenant with them equal to sacred marriage vows. God commands Hoshea to take a wife who the Lord knows will prove to be unfaithful and adulterous.

Anyone reading this story, may feel this is unfair to Hosea, punishing him with a promiscuous marriage to the unfaithful Gomer. However, here Hosea is speaking on behalf of God and portrays God Himself in acting out this story of the continual/ongoing unfaithfulness and spiritual adultery by Israel. Gomer represents the Isrealites/Jewish people, who are so many times portrayed as God’s beloved wife. Jeremiah 2:3. We should think, if Gomers unfaithfulness is unfair, how much more is Israel’s and His childrens’ unfaithfulness unfair to God?
Gomer the wife of Hosea.
Gomer – Hebrew: גומר,
Original Word: גֹּמֶר.
Strongs 1586
Gomer means: complete
In Hosea 1:3 Gomer is called the Daughter of Diblaim. Diblaim is derived from the word develah meaning: fig-cake; since she was as sweet in everyone’s mouth as a fig-cake; or because everyone would tread on her as on a fig-cake. Gomer’s mother was also in the same profession and both were commonly the subject of slander and gossip. This led to another reference by the Rabbis, that the name Diblaim is a plural form of the word dibah which means: slander, ill repute: [a woman of] ill repute and the daughter of [a woman of] ill repute.
God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, as this was in order to teach him correct behavior for one who was to prophesy to Israel. Despite Gomer’s harlotry, the Rabbis interpret her story as proof that, even when God is angry with Israel, He still loves them.

After two sons, Jezreel and
Lo-ammi
and a daughter,
Lo-ruhamah
were born to Hosea and Gomer,
God ordered Hosea: “You must part from Gomer. You should have learned from your teacher Moses, who parted from his wife because I revealed Myself to him. You, too, separate yourself from her.” Hosea began to weep and said to God: “Master of the Universe! I have children by her. I can neither send her away nor divorce her!” Since he answered Him thus, God said: “Hosea, why do you weep?” He replied: “I take pity on my wife and my children.” God said: “Your wife is a harlot, and your children are children begotten of harlotry, and you do not know if they are yours or from others; nevertheless, you took pity on them. And as for Me—Israel are My children, my beloved children, the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Should I not have pity on them? Israel is one of the four possessions that I have acquired in this world [i.e., the Torah, heaven and earth, the Temple, and Israel], and you tell me to replace them with another nation?!”

Hearing this, Hosea realized that he had sinned and was about to ask for Divine mercy for himself. God told him:
“Hosea, Hosea, three [heavenly] decrees were issued against Israel because of you. Instead of asking for mercy for yourself, ask for mercy for Israel.”
Hosea stood and prayed on behalf of Israel, God then annulled the three decrees and Hosea gave them three blessings:
“The number of the people of Israel shall be like that of the sand of the sea” Hos. 2:1;
“instead of being told, ‘You are Not-My-People,’ they shall be called ‘Children-of-the-Living-God’” Hos. 1:10

“I will sow her in the land as My own; and I will have compassion on her who has not received compassion; and I will say to those who are not My people, ‘You are My people’” Hos. 2:23
Another tradition relates that for every affliction that Hosea prophesied for Israel, he gave them a remedy.
After telling Israel “I will no longer pardon the House of Israel” (Hos. 1:6),
the prophet promises “I will have compassion on her who has not received compassion.”
After having told the Israelites “For you are not My people” (Hos. 1:9),
the prophet assures them “I will say to those who are not My people, ‘You are My people’” (Hos. 2:25). The mouth that uttered “For she is not my wife” (Hos. 2:4) recanted and amended “You will call [Me] Ishi [husband]” (Hos. 2:18).
Even when God is provoked by Israel, He still loves them. Hosea learns this himself when he realizes that Gomer’s harlotry does not prevent him from being attached to her.

This shows us that Hosea was emotionally attached to Gomer and felt obligated to her. God tested and tried him when He told him to part from her and her children, but He did not intend this to be fulfilled. Rather, Hosea was to learn from the husband and wife relationship the emotions of love, compassion, and commitment that a prophet must feel for his people.
We sometimes overlook the significance of the given names in scripture and on occasion the children of prophets give a prophetic indication of God’s plans. For example: the names given by God to Hosea/Hoshea. He had 2 sons and 1 daughter with Gomer
1:4 call him Yizre’el/Jezreel
which means:
scattering, especially about seeds and is the same name as the valley near Megiddo that has been a famous battleground all through history and is the site of the final battle, we are familiar with as Armageddon. This is also pointing strongly to the future of the Northern kingdom and meaning that they will literally be scattered.
The 2 other children, one called
Lo Ruchamah/Lo Ruhama,
meaning: not loved, not received compassion or unpitied.
The other was named
Lo Ammi
meaning: not my people,
which in Hosea’s lifetime is the status of the Northern Kingdom.

Back to meaning of Baali or Ishi?
Baali – Bet Ayin Lamed Yod – my master
From the verb בעל ba’al, to be master, owner or lord.
בעלי
means: to exercise dominion over.
The name Baali isn’t really a name and very few of the original readers and hearers of the Book of Hosea would have thought it was. It is more commonly understood to be a reference to idols or false gods of demonic origin.
Baʻal in Hebrew: בַּעַל baʿal, was as already noted, a title meaning owner, lord in the Northwest Semitic languages spoken in the Levant in those days. The word baal means lord; the plural is baalim. In general, Baal was a fertility god who was believed to enable the earth to produce crops and people to produce children.
Baal or Baali also means the Bull, the Golden Calf and was the god worshipped in many ancient Middle Eastern communities, especially among the Canaanites and Phoenicians they believed it was a deity and the son of the chief god El. In artistic depictions and archeological finds, Baal took the shape of a bull or ram. This was the same golden calf at Sinai incident.
Also in 1Kings 18:29 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal,
“Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god.

Jeremiah 14:5 The people of Judah stopped worshiping me and made this valley into a place of worship for Baal and other gods that have never helped them or their ancestors or their kings.
They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molek,
Jeremiah 32:35
BAALI. ba’-a-li ba`ali, my master
Baal, a common name for all heathen gods, had in common practice been used also of Yahweh.
The name Baali occurs in Hosea 2:16, where the Lord promises that when Israel is restored, that is, when every person’s knowledge of nature is complete, correct and understood; and the people will no longer call the
Creator My Master/ Baali,
but rather
My Husband -Ishi.
The word comes from
איש ‘ish, man or husband.

There’s only a small difference between the words אישי ishi and בעלי ba’ali as both are used to mean my husband.
Ishi is an expression of marital relationship and young love.The word ishi can simply mean my man, which may denote one’s equal, a husband or a man one has employed.
The word baali is more an authoritative title; is an expression of lordship and fear.
it may also mean: my master or my lord.
Hosea 2:16 reveals that at this point in their relationship, Gomer is calling him Baali /my master because whatever she is doing for him is out of obligation, duty and fear. It seems that Baali is the most common word used in Hebrew and Aramaic for husband. This is because in those times most cultures considered that a husband was a master to whom women were forced to be totally submissive, or would face physical punishment or even death for disobedience to their baali/abusive husband. Sadly this is still the case in some Middle Eastern and Asian countries and no doubt has had an influence on the western cultures; who still exert dominance and suppress womens freedoms. Before being influenced by pagan cultures however, the Hebrew children of Israel were known for their fair and equal treatment of women. It is because of this there are the 2 words for husband. As noted, the one is baali that is referring to the husband who is an abusive master figure and the other, Ishi.. The word Ishi can be applied to many relationship types, for example, like a friend, a helper or a companion. Whereas a baali, and uses of the word, all indicate very negative meanings.
Ishi is used in a very positive way because an
Ishi husband is one who loves his wife,
cares for and cherishes her.
On the other hand,
a baali husband
only sees his wife as someone or something, more as a possession; an object who is there to serve him like a slave and meet his needs in every way he wants.
Hosea was speaking God’s words to His people. The prophets’ ministry is just that, hearing from God, taking the message of God to His people, not the prophet’s own message. The priest on the other hand, heard from the people and took the peoples words and offerings and ministered them to the Lord.

The children of Israel saw God as a baali, a master who had to be served in case they suffered severe consequences. It may help us to read this passage of scripture and to see that like Hosea, our Heavenly Father Creator God is pleading for His bride to allow Him to be an Ishi, to be able to show His affection, His love and His caring protection. Gomer could not see the love Hosea had for he because she was so wrapped up in her own guilt, her adultery and promiscuity to believe that Hosea could forgive her and overlook all that she had done.
This raises the questions:
What is God to us?
How do we see him and how do we relate to Him?
Is He a Baali or an Ishi to us?
Do we think of Him as an unfair, abusive, baali husband, demanding that we follow every letter of his laws and rules; living in fear that he will punish us severely and even send us to hell without any mercy grace or loving-kindness?
Are we so deeply wrapped up in guilt over our past sins, our failures and even fear of sinning/falling into sin and being punished; that we don’t see His forgiveness and the power of His unconditional love and tender mercies that are new every morning? Lamentations 22:23

He is the Ishi, the One Who wants to love us, to forgive us and pour out His care, provision and protection.
In Hosea 2:18 Adonai will not continue to discipline Israel forever but he will renew His vows to her and in verse 20, there is a future of promise for the people once again. Hosea is told in chapter 3:1 show love to this wife of yours. Hosea’s relationship with Gomer is once again compared to God’s relationship with the northern kingdom. In speaking of Gomers unfaithfulness, it’s noted by the Rabbis that Hosea cherished Gomer, yet she broke covenant with him by committing adultery under his domain. In this passage the love that the Lord God has for the nation of Israel is given freely but she too strayed from under the Lord’s domain, prostituting themselves with foreign gods whom they did not know.

Chapter 6:2 is seen as predicting Messiahs death and resurrection and verse 6 is an echo of Ps 51:16 which was quoted by Messiah in Matthew 9:13, 12:7.
Our God desires that the relationship between a husband and wife to be that of a partnership, not one of dominance and mastery. And in the Tanach/old testament, the relationship between God and the Jewish people is often compared, to the relationship between a husband and wife.
In Hoshea 2:18-19 We read: “It shall be on that day — the word of God — you will say ‘ishi’ (my Husband) and you will no longer say ‘baali’ (my Master).
An interesting fact is that in 1953, David Ben Gurion wrote a letter stating that on government documents and forms the word “ishi” should be used, as opposed to the word “baali,” since “baali” conjures up images of the husband being the master as well as a god of idol worship and does not show respect for women. Ben Gurion then quoted that verse from Hoshea to prove his point.
David Ben Gurion took the Tanach and Biblical Hebrew seriously. Today, unfortunately, many Israelis are not as well educated in Biblical Hebrew and are only familiar with Modern and Spoken Hebrew.
If more women used the word “ishi” to describe their husbands, the word might eventually become standard. From looking at scripture it seems is clear that “ishi” is the word that God prefers.
Some things that we can learn from this story:
Sin leads to confusion, forgetfulness, and destruction.
Personal and private sin does not stay personal or private for very long.
God is faithful even when we are not.
Only God can redeem and restore; and like Hosea, God was willing to go to extreme lengths to do just that. He used his own marriage to an adulterous wife, to symbolize God’s love for his people
It shows God’s love and mercy for Israel and Judah, who have strayed from Him, and the unlimited forgiveness and redemption available to those who will return to Him.

Gomer was not a born-and-raised, dedicated follower of God: she was a prostitute. This fact speaks volumes about the people God chooses and the enormous depth of His love for us! God commanded Hosea to ‘Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her.’ In a culture which shunned such women, and valued a respectable marriage as a measure of a man’s success. This must have made Hosea wonder, but he trusted in God, and because of his faith, Gomer was given the one thing she never thought she deserved: a loving, holy husband and a new start in life.
However, she messed up and in Hosea 3:1 we are told that she ‘is loved by another man and is an adulteress’ She couldn’t completely give up her old life, and maybe the sense of being unworthy of her new life pulled her back into old habits.
Regardless of this weakness to fall into sin, God commanded Hosea to ‘love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to another god.’ Hosea 3:1. In other words, Hosea forgave her sin against him and accepted her just as she was.
The three very encouraging things we can take from this are:
First, that God will NEVER give up on us!
According to Matthew 18:22; He will forgive us more than ‘70×7’ times for our shortfalls and His love will remain unfailing throughout. There’s nothing we have done or will ever do that will shock our ishi, because as creator of the universe there is nothing that He has not seen or does not know. No matter how far we stray from the path He set out for us, there is always a way back; and when we do return, just like the prodigal son, He will be there waiting for us as if we never left.

Secondly as Gomer found out, even the best man in the world, one who could bring happiness and give meaning and satisfaction to our lives, should not take the place of Messiah. These days, so much emphasis is placed on the search for the perfect husband and/or wife, and it can be become more important than our desire for a deeper relationship with Messiah. The truth is, that true satisfaction cannot be found anywhere else but in the Blood of Jesus/Yeshua; because that alone leads us to eternal life with our Father in Heaven. A man or woman who is sent by God will enhance the life you already have, but no one can give what Messiah Jesus can. He must be first in our lives, then we can know the fulfillment and worth that our hearts long for.
Lastly in the story of Gomer we see revealed the deep emotional healing and total redemption that only a loving ishi can provide. Falling into sin does not mean that a person is tainted forever, because by turning to Jesus/Yeshua as with any sin repented of, His Blood cleanses us. Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

As with any sin, if we turn to Jesus/Yeshua and repent, He will remove it completely and it will be as if it had never happened.
This is how much our Ishi loves us and is always calling us back to Him, and He wants us to live the abundant life He has provided free from guilt and shame. Just as Gomer returned to Hosea, we can return to Messiah, our Ishi.
The essential aspect of this story is for us to realize that God loves us so very much and longs for us to turn to Him and want to be with Him, just as the loving relationship between a husband and wife. No matter what we have done there is forgiveness. There is no guilt, grief, or shame that cannot be removed by the love God showed in sending His Son who shed His Blood so that all sin can be wiped away completely and forever. If we say that God cannot forgive us, we are denying His Almightiness and if we say we cannot forgive ourselves; or the shame is too deep, we are denying the power in the sacrificial Blood of Messiah.
Don’t allow the enemy to make you believe you are beyond redemption because when we turn to the Lord in humility and trust, He will not turn us away.
We do not comprehend nor understand the depth of the love of the Creator of the Universe but that is no reason to reject His merciful grace. You can be free today right now all guilt and shame removed forever. Your worth in God’s eyes has never decreased, and will remain the same as it ever was. Like Gomer returned to Hosea, you can return to God.

Shalom aleikhem
chaverim and mishpachah!
Peace to friends and family.
Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.
Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are very precious in His sight.
Not sure ..you can be…
SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,
SAY IT RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.
Like this:
Like Loading...

Caleb is a Hebrew name that means:
faithful, whole-hearted, bold, or brave.
Some people also think that it might mean:
devotion to God.
CALEB. ka’-leb (kalebh; in the light of the Syriac and Arabic words, the meaning is not “dog,” which is kelebh, in Hebrew, but “raging with canine madness”; Chaleb):
Hebrew, the name is pronounced [kaˈlev]

Strong’s Hebrew: 3612. כָּלֵב (Kaleb) — a son of Jephunneh .
Strong’s Hebrew: 3091. יְהוֹשׁ֫וּעַ (Yehoshua) — “the LORD …
Word Origin. from Yhvh and yasha.
Definition. the LORD is salvation.
The Hebrew name יהושע ( yehoshu’a, Strong’s #3091)
is the combination of יהו ( yeho ),
a short form of the name יהוה (YHWH, Strong’s #3068),
and the verb ישע
( Y.Sh.Ah, Strong’s #3467),
The Hebrew word, יְשׁוּעָה Yeshuah, means
Salvation, or Deliverance.
Its Primitive, 3-letter Verb Root is יָשַׁע Yasha,
meaning to Save, or Deliver.
There are many places in scripture that the number 40 is used; some say 146, others 149 times, in both the Old and New Testaments.

What does 40 mean?
What is its’ symbolism in scripture?
And what can it mean prophetically?
Our Heavenly Father is a God of order. This means He is precise in every detail and has calculated every aspect of the universe since before the beginning of time. Without a way to measure, order is hard to explain.
Order is often expressed numerically, and the Scriptures are filled with numbers. We find the first measure in Genesis 1:5, where the end of the first day is indicated.
Seasons, days, weeks, months, and years are measures used many times.
Distances are also measured, and patterns can be seen as the meaning of all these numbers are examined. These numerical patterns provide insight as to the meaning of these numbers and reveal another layer of understanding to be found in the Scriptures. We are told:
it is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search them out. Prov. 25:2.
It’s up to the reader to pay attention to these numbers and look for their deeper meanings. Interestingly in
Daniel 8:13, Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that particular one who was speaking,
the then future Messiah is referred to as the Palmonee, sometimes translated as Palmoni, or the Wonderful Numberer.

The name is ” PALMONI ” and it means. ” the numberer of secrets, or the wonderful numberer “.
Hebrew: פלמוני, romanized : Palmōnî
In the Hebrew concordance, Strong’s 6422, it states that ” Palmoni means ” certain “. It derives from ” Peloni “, Strong’s 6423, meaning ” a certain one “. ” Peloni ” derives from ” Palah “, Strong’s 6395 { A primitive root }, meaning ” apart .
Palmoni is Pala which is spelled Pey Lamed Aleph.
Palmoni, a numberer or revealer of secrets, … or Palmoni, which some render “the wonderful numberer“; or, “the numberer of secrets”, or “that has all secrets numbered” (g); and apply it to Christ, whose name is “Pele”, wonderful; the eternal Word of God, that is in the bosom of the Father, and knows all secrets, and the number of times and seasons.
The Hebrew meaning, “the numberer of secrets, or, the wonderful numberer“. “Pali” means “secret” while “pala” means “wonderful” or marvelous; and, “mena/mone” means “to count or number” The mysterious Palmoni of Daniel 8:13 is none other than the Messianic figure of the Old Covenant period–now known as the Son of God, the child born for our salvation–Yeshua, our Messiah.
Unto that certain saint which spake – Margin, Palmoni, or, the numberer of secrets, or, the wondeful numberer. The Hebrew word, פלמוני palemônı̂y, occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures. The similar form, פלני pelonı̂y, occurs in Ruth 4:1, “Ho, such a one, turn aside;” in 1 Samuel 21:2, “appointed my servants to such and such a place;” and 2 Kings 6:8, “In such and such a place.” The Italic words denote the corresponding Hebrew word.
The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.” Daniel 2:47
This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things [unknown and unattainable] that have been hidden [from mankind] since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35
If we are to understand that repeating a thing indicates its’ significance, then considering the number of times 40 appears, it must be very important!
God flooded the earth for 40 days and nights.
Moses fasted for 40 days, and
Messiah was in the wilderness for 40 days.
40 generally symbolizes:
a period of testing, trial, proving, probation and revealing;
and the
hardships one must endure to become more spiritually aware.
Another way to understand the meaning of 40 is to look at the Hebrew alphabet, which has its roots in pictograms/pictures. Recall from previous posts that each letter has a symbol and a numeric value. Click link below for more details:
The 13th letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, (Alef bet), is the letter Mem;


has a numerical value of
40
and is the picture symbol of
water.

The original pictogram for Mem
was a zig-zag pattern that depicts water or chaos.
Although the picture symbol has changed,
today the meaning is the same.
There are many references to the sea in Scripture and used many times, in situations that cause fear or are chaotic. Two examples are the storm that ended with Jonah swallowed by the fish; and when the disciples were caught in the midst of a storm in a boat. Such events with water help us understand the picture of the letter Mem.

While chaos and turmoil are connected with the testing in the two examples, we also see Gods’ Grace as He restored calm.
Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is the Living Water, 40 and Mem mean water and chaos, however He is also the Prince of Peace.
Below are a few examples of where the number 40 is clearly seen in the Scripture and what it may mean.
Moses, Elijah and Jesus each fasted in the desert for 40 days.
It is significant that three of the most important individuals each endured 40 days without food or water as the ultimate test of faith, these fasts were used to reach specific goals.
Moses proved his loyalty to God and received the Ten Commandments/Sayings.
Elijah’s faith was shaken after threats from Jezebel. He went on the run, fleeing to mount Horeb, or the mountain of Elohim, to hear from God. He was fed by an angel and walked 40 days and 40 nights without further sustenance. After 40 days, he heard from God and returned to challenge the priests of Baal which brought an immediate change to the situation in the land.
Elijah gained instruction on how to lead the children of Israel; Messiah Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations, they both passed their tests and in the process gained new insights into the Father’s ultimate plan.
After His baptism, Messiah Jesus was filled with the Fathers’ Holy Spirit and was immediately separated into the wilderness. His compliance showed His instant obedience and reminds us of the need for fasting and prayer in our lives. Messiah Jesus/Yeshua fasted from both food and water for 40 days and nights and He overcame the devil when He was tempted afterward.
Likewise, today we will face temptations and difficulties. Father’s Holy Spirit may call us to prepare for 40 days before a challenging time. We may even be tested and tempted for 40 days or go through a trial for 40 days as our Savior did. Luke 4:2 Messiah told us He was leaving so He could give the Gift of His Holy Spirit to us as a helper through such times. Messiah set us an example so that we could know how to overcome our challenges.
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years:
After being freed from Egypt, Moses and the Israelites needed direction. Our Heavenly Father planned for them to go to the Promised Land, this was only possible after the whole generation of those who’d doubted His plan had died. The Hebrews had to travel through the wilderness, living on God’s daily provision of manna, for 40 years, due to the unbelief in their hearts. Only when the last of that generation had died did He allow His people to enter the promised land. This clearly shows that sometimes to fully reveal God’s divine will, patience is necessary. Despite this testing, He provided for them faithfully. They always had food, protection, and their provisions had a supernatural lifespan.
The prophet Ezekiel was instructed by God to lay on his left side for 390 days and his right side for 40 days to “bear the iniquities” of Israel and Judea (respectively). Ezekiel 4:4-8. The days corresponded to the number of years each kingdom insulted the name of God through wickedness and rebellion. Ezekiel suffered greatly, but his insights helped prepare the Israelites for the coming of Messiah Jesus.

The three great Hebrew kings, Saul, David and Solomon, were each recorded to have ruled for 40 years. This is significant because 40 years is considered by many as a biblical generation; meaning: a new group of Israelites rises up, sustains itself, then dies out. For the 3 kings, this measure of time also serves as a warning as 20 years of their rule was marked by prosperity and 20 years by ruin. It highlights the Prophet Samuel’s misgivings over inducting kings in the first place: as eventually, they’ll take from the people more than they give.
The above examples and context of the number 40, gives us clues regarding the meaning. As 40 is a mark of a generation, it doesn’t refer to how long a person lives but indicates changes are made after this time period. This principle is seen when many kings ruled for 40 years those above and also Rehoboam.
Goliath was a giant Philistine soldier who took pleasure in taunting and humiliating the Israelites. The Philistine and Israelite armies stood on opposite sides for 40 days. A new Hebrew champion would come out each day to meet Goliath face-to-face, only to be destroyed. After 40 days, a young shepherd from Bethlehem, named David, was sent by God to defeat the Philistines, this began a new chapter for the children of Israel bringing solidarity to the kingdom.
40 is connected to change.
The change can occur quickly, sometimes it is very unpleasant and at other times, the change is a process which takes years. Perhaps how quickly the change happens for us to come in line with God’s plan depends on our obedience. In Davids case, he believed God would give him victory over the giant; so the change came immediately when David chose to believe God’s promise.
Another well known 40 is in the story of Noah. Because the sins of humanity had become too great, God called Noah to build an ark that could hold two of every living creature on earth, as well as his own family. God flooded His earth for 40 days and nights. When Noah and his family found dry land once again, our Heavenly Father made a covenant with Noah promising that He would never completely flood the Earth again. By doing this a level of trust was restored that had been lost since Eden.

Some more references to 40:
The bible was written by 40 different people.
The Holy Place of the Temple Sanctuary was 40 cubits long.
The rains fell in Noah’s day for 40 days and nights. Genesis 7:4
Israel ate manna and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Exodus 16:35
Moses was with God on the mountain, 40 days and nights, without eating bread or water. Exodus 24:18, 34:28
The spies searched the land of Canaan for 40 days. Numbers 13:25
40 lashes (stripes) was the maximum whipping penalty. Deuteronomy 25:3
God allowed the land to rest for 40 years. Judges 3:11, 5:31, 8:28
Abdon, a judge in Israel, had 40 sons. Judges 12:14
Israel did evil; God gave them to an enemy for 40 years. Judges 13:1
Eli judged Israel for 40 years. 1 Samuel 4:18
The holy place of the temple was 40 cubits long. 1Kings 6:17
Elijah had one meal that gave him strength for 40 days. 1 Kings 19:8
Joash reigned 40 years in Jerusalem. 2 Kings 12:1
Egypt to be laid desolate for 40 years. Ezekiel 29:11-12
God gave Ninevah 40 days to repent. Jonah 3:4
Goliath presented himself to Israel for 40 days. 1 Samuel 17:16
Saul reigned for 40 years. Acts 13:21
Ishbosheth (Saul’s son) was 40 years old when he began to reign. 2 Samuel 2:10
David reigned over Israel for 40 years. 2 Samuel 5:4, 1 Kings 2:11
Solomon reigned the same length as his father, 40 years. 1 Kings 11:42.
Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years. Acts 13:21
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 40 years. 2 Samuel 5:4
Ezekiel bore the iniquity of the house of Judah for 40 days. (Ezekiel 4:6)
Jesus fasted 40 days and nights. Matthew 4:2
Jesus was tempted 40 days. Luke 4:2, Mark 1:13
Jesus remained on earth 40 days after the resurrection. Acts 1:3
Our Heavenly Father gives us types and shadows, or symbols, as warnings and precursors of the real event for that day and time and for later generations. The example of the Hebrew children wandering in the desert for 40 years after Moses was being given the Torah/Law/Teaching/10 Commandments for them, by God.
Moses was raised and educated for 40 years in pharaoh’s household. After murdering the Egyptian, Moses himself was exiled for 40 years. He was forced to learn a completely different lifestyle in Median to prepare him for the next 40 years until the encounter with the burning bush.
The last 40 years of his life required the preparation from the previous two 40 year seasons.
1500 years later, Messiah spent 40 days in the wilderness prior to the start of His ministry and eventual atoning death at Calvary. He spent 40 days on earth after the resurrection. The new believers and disciples received His Holy Spirit at Pentecost/Shavuot and all were given 40 years to accept the Fathers gift of grace, then, in AD 70 the Roman destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, judgment came upon the those who would not believe.

Now to connect the number 40 with Joshua and Caleb who were 2 out of 603,550 that left Egypt! This surely is a remnant!
(Numbers 26 is a similar numbering to Numbers 1)
Numbers 13 begins an insight into the life of Caleb
when he is aged 40!
Josh 14:7 records:
“40 years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart”.
The last time we hear of Caleb is at age 85 in Joshua 14. This is a kudos to Calebs integrity and the example of his consistent faithfulness throughout those 45 years. There is no reference to any word of complaint from him, which is commendable considering the fact that he waited for his inheritance wandering with the faithless generation for 38 years in the wilderness. Both Joshua and Caleb were sustained by the Lord through the consequences of the peoples unbelief.
Caleb was a living testimony to the absolute certainty of the promises made by God, as well as a consistent example of faith. Our Heavenly Father kept Caleb as a continual witness to the children of Israel, preserving him as a testimony to the faithfulness of His Word. He is mentioned throughout the record as a witness:
Numbers 26:65 “For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun”.
Numbers 32:11-12 “Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land…Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord”.
Deuteronomy 1:35-36 “Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord”.
Caleb had another spirit!

The spying mission had not altered Caleb’s outlook, because his reaction was, to go up and possess.
He was embracing the command of God to possess the land! Later in his life, Caleb made the statement: “Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart” Josh 14:7.
Again, the different spirit of Caleb is clearly demonstrated in what he says here. He does not report according to the sight of his eyes, but according to his faith in God’s power. It is not based upon sight, nor perception, nor according to the thinking of others, but according to his own understanding of God’s promises. It was a report based on faith, not fear. He wanted to go ahead immediately in full assurance of God’s good deliverance.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb. 11:1
Sometime we find that in our own lives we can be reluctant to do anything at once/immediately, preferring to procrastinate to wait and see instead. This putting off and delaying, could take place within our own lives, where we have identified an issue, sin, but are reluctant to take action to correct it.
Within the Word of God, Caleb is portrayed as an example of one who is consistent because he had a different spirit and it is surely an example for us.
Caleb, his different spirit, and the very important fact that
he wholly followed the Lord his God.
If something needs correcting in our lives and there needs to be a change for the better; then there is sometimes a need for an immediate/at once kind of action. It is in these times we can show this spirit of immediate obedience, and as in the case of Caleb we will without hesitation... wholly follow the Lord our God.
Caleb was also an example to the nation of Israel, particularly to the tribe of Judah into which he had been absorbed. This spirit in Caleb not only motivated him, but it also had a positive effect on all of Judah, it affected Othniel, and Caleb’s daughter Achsah, to take hold of their inheritance.
Concerning the report given by the spies, the issue was not the accuracy of the report and the facts were certainly very clear and real.The issue was whether the spies were seeing with their eyes of the flesh or with their eyes of faith and although the report was a true one, it was not a faith-filled one. The conclusions made by the 10 spies were completely different from those of Joshua and Caleb.
They all had knowledge, but the knowledge they had gained did not automatically lead to faith and the same could be said for us. Just because we read the Scriptures, it does not mean we automatically become faithful servants; in the same way attending weekly meetings doesn’t prove our will is in line with the Father’s will. The Scriptures must both be read and acted on so that our hearts and minds are affected by its inerrant power and only then our own personal desire will line up to godly principles. Transformation can only occur as we begin to line up our thoughts and desires to our Heavenly Father’s way of thinking, doing and being.
Calebs different spirit is seen in a number of ways.
He was:
A gentile willing to join the children of Israel no doubt when the nation was still in Egypt.
Well-known and respected among the people.
A wise man who did not fear man, he feared God.
More faithful than many of the natural children of Israel.
Able to give a report not out of fear but according to faith.
He employed his eye of faith and not just the eyes of his flesh.
and he was convinced of the promises made to Israel and to the patriarchs.

Compared to the world around us, we should all like Caleb, have another spirit.
Even though we might be thought of as weird, peculiar, and different in the worlds eyes, being different in this way is a good thing. We need to express a lifestyle that has godly principles, by working hard, being honest and upright in all we do. Sometimes our very stance on certain issues and politics can make us stand apart, especially when we are asked to explain our scriptural view and it can feel that we are quite alone, and that the majority is against us.
This is an opportunity to show that we stand with those like Caleb.
If Calebs example is to teach us anything, it seems that having a different spirit is something our Heavenly father encourages! He looks for those who would stand apart from worldly ways, He seeks those who do not see only with eyes of flesh.
Instead, we should be like Caleb, confident in that which we cannot see, for us it may be the promises which have not yet happened. Instead of us trying and wishing to fit in with the norm, by way of topics of conversation, local social events etc., etc. we need to be like Caleb…different…
We should keep our language clean, the topics of our conversation should remain wholesome and the things of the Lord should be preferred over work events. By choosing to set ourselves apart from the world we will have the opportunity to stand with our Lord and with the multitude of His bride/ecclesia/set-apart saints in the Day of Judgment. Those who have followed a different spirit during the times of their testings and trials.

Numbers 14:24 Caleb had a different spirit in him and has followed me fully. And his descendants shall inherit the land.
When we pray and expect answers are we fully ready for what will follow because answered prayers always bring new challenges.
Imagine if all the prayers prayed were answered all at the same time? Yes there would be rejoicing however, there would also be new added responsibility.
With any crisis, there are always changes.
Solomon prayed and asked for wisdom and we too should not only ask for things according to our Fathers will, but also that our hearts will be strengthened to receive, plus that we be given added wisdom for all that follows. It is possible we have seen some people succeed only to end in failure. This happens when individuals seek outer blessings and their inner spiritual strength is neglected, revealing the difference between the carnal and spiritual life. The Hebrew children saw God’s glory, signs and miracles and yet they tested Him 10 times and did not listen to His voice. Because of disobedience and rebellion, not all those who treat our Heavenly Father with contempt will see the promised land/eternity. Verse 26 calls them evil, they grumbled and complained and they died in the wilderness bearing the consequences of their idolatry.
Caleb was not the only faithful spy. When we read Joshua 11:21-22 and the summary of the conquest of the land, we see Joshua as well as Caleb. Both of these men drove out the Anakims, defeating them. What they had believed over 38 years earlier was coming to pass!


It was in Hebron that the spies in Numbers 13:22 saw the Anakims, and it is Hebron Caleb longs to take in victory. Moses swore to Caleb that he would receive the land “whereon thy feet have trodden” Josh 14:9. Caleb trod all over the hill country of Hebron and he was now going to be given the very places he so longingly desired.
Caleb would lead them in the battle; his confidence is the same as it was 45 years earlier. He believed that God could still use him.
In all of this there is a lesson for us:
We should look to the consistent example of those elders in the body of Christ, the ecclesia and our local assembly of believers, we should value their faith, listen to their wise teachings, respect their experience and follow their example. Look how the faith of one person can inspire a generation as it did with Caleb. Let’s not be restricted by our generational age categories but instead, take the time to speak to those who are older, those who have weathered the storms of life and understood the deep things of God because they will not always be around. There is a lesson here also for the older ones amongst us, to continue the work of the Truth while there is strength in our bodies, and that retirement from a paying job or career doesn’t necessarily mean retirement from the work of the gospel of His Kingdom of Truth.
So there is a connection between the number 40, Caleb and Joshua but what about a candle?
Joshua 14:8: “Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God.”
the heart of the people melt
hearts melted In Hebrew: himesin ‘eth lev
את לב המסיו
Hei Mem Samek Yod Vav Aleph Taw Lamed Bet
In Hebrew the meaning is:
melting hearts…as in a candle melting –
candle hearted…. lev mashak.
The 12 spies were sent out to scout out the Promised Land.
10 returned with a bad report and a recommendation that they not enter the land due to an overwhelming display of power.
Only 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb said:
“God gave us the land, let’s go get it.”
The report of the 10 spies made
the heart of the people melt.
But not so with Joshua and Caleb

The word melt is masah
which is used in a Hiphal form
himesin (hi me sin)
and literally means
to cause to flow down.
Some modern translators will insert the word fear in here
to indicate that the people were
overcome with such fear, that their hearts melted.
That is a part of it, but not all of it. Another use of the word
masah is melt
which is a picture of
a candle with a bright flame being fueled by the wax.

Once the wax has melted the flame has gone out.
It wasn’t just fear;
it was the final melting of the wax that held the flame of their expectations alive.
This candle had been melting since the beginning of their journey.
The wax of this candle was made of:
self-sufficiency,
pride,
and an expectation of comfort and security.
Their journey was anything but easy. They faced fear of starvation, thirst, poisonous snakes, invading armies, disease, etc. God delivered them, but they were getting tired of it all.
Their wax was melting.

Now when they were about to reach their final destination, to finally receive their reward for all the struggles in the wilderness, what did they find out? Indeed it was a land of milk and honey, but it was also a land full of giants.
There is a limit to every one’s endurance, everyone has a breaking point.
For the children of Israel this was that breaking point. Although this final challenge wasn’t much different than previous challenges where they had faced certain death due to starvation, thirst or even attacks from enemies armies. They’d seen water come from a rock and manna/food from heaven, and a sea divided to deliver them from pharoahs armies. Now they are told there are giants in the land, but the only difference is that now they had a choice whether to go forward or not.
Their candle wax was made of selfish desires and was not filled with the desire for God, for His will and plan and purposes. In the past they had had no other choice but to depend upon Him when they needed water, food or deliverance. Now they had a choice, would they could once again face an impossible situation and trust in God?
Yet, when Joshua relates this story he says:
“I wholly followed the Lord my God.”
The word follow/followed is NOT in the Hebrew text,
all there is, is the word:
mala’ti
which literally means:
to be completely filled.
Joshua was saying: I was completely filled with God.
Unlike the people who let their flame of faith and hope go out, Joshua’s flame only got stronger. His wax was not in the arm of the flesh but in a heart completely filled with God.
Such wax will never melt and the flame will only grow brighter.
To Joshua, this last test, the final trial was not another obstacle to the Promised Land; it was another opportunity to see the power of God, this time by his own choice.

While the Israelites had all the skills required to run a nation which they had gained from their time in Egypt, they really had no faith and trust in the covenant God had made with them. Instead they trusted their inability to conquer the land! They forgot just Who the great “I AM” really was/is… Isn’t this also true today for some believers, who have little to no understanding of the covenant they have been given with Messiah Yeshua/Jesus and how, if we are obedient to His covenant, He will provide, protect and be with us all of the time?
Our hearts should bear witness with this because if we give our Heavenly Father the glory, it’s impossible to lose. The fact that our Heavenly Father made a covenant with Himself is because only He is able to keep one perfectly. When our faith is in His Covenant, we please Him and then we can rest, knowing we are always protected and provided for.
The number 40 was also used prophetically in God’s Word, and because of that, we must believe that it holds significance today for us. The inhabitants of Nineveh were given a warning with a testing time frame of 40-days and the punishment on the city was held back because of the Grace of God giving them time to repent.
In Luke 11:30, Yeshua/Jesus points out that as Jonah was a warning to Nineveh, for 40 days, so will He Himself be the warning to His generation. As He stated it in the present tense, the word generation is again a reminder of the number 40.
Surely this is a warning to every generation, including ours, to turn/teshuvah, from all evil and wickedness and live a life of repentance, in harmony with the will of our Heavenly Father.
Sin in our life may or may not be evident to other people. It may be a sin of fear, doubt and unbelief; however, if we will turn to Him with a humble, repentant heart, He is faithful to forgive us and care for us in every way.
Messiah came to warn us and also to show us He is the One Who can calm the chaos of the waters, the MEM, and all our lifes’ stormy circumstances. Sometimes the duration of our situation depends on us and how long it takes us to totally trust that He is faithful to His Word.
Continuing today, our Heavenly Father tests His children and many times, as in the account of Job, this testing is not always for correction or punishment; it is to see if His children will remain obedient to His Word, if they will seek Him and still praise Him even in the chaos and storms of life.
And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. Deut. 8:2.
7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1Pet.1:7-9
Faith is not faith until it is tested!
A faith that is not tested cannot be trusted.
If we are in the middle of a fiery trial or a time of testing, don’t grow weary or faint and don’t give up; because our Heavenly Father may not be chastising or disciplining us. He may instead be testing us to see just how strong our faith and trust in Him really is, both for Him and for ourselves to know! This is a great opportunity to pray for our brothers and sisters in Messiah, that we can all pass the tests presented before us; and stay obedient to our Father, keeping our trust in Him unshaken by whatever we may experience in the natural realm.
The scriptures tell us clearly that we’ll have times of trials, tests, sufferings, and we may be wandering in a spiritual wilderness for awhile; and we are to:
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
2 Cor.13:5.

Rest, peace/shalom is coming; the true rest, peace/shalom, that is found when we put our trust/faith in Messiah Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach.
For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Our Heavenly Father is always in the midst of the test and there is always an end to it and He promises…
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13.
There does seem to be a connection between the number 40, Caleb, Joshua and a candle: 40 being the years of testing the faith of both Joshua and Caleb, who were the only 2 who passed the test because their hearts were not like candles, they did not masah/melt in the face of seemingly overwhelming obstacles. Their faith /trust was also a living testimony to the surety of the promises made by God.
Let’s not have Melting Hearts – Lev Mashah – לב מה but rather..
Let that same spirit be in you Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Phil. 2:5-11 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind, or self-control, discipline, and sound judgment 2.Tim. 1:7.

Let’s be like Caleb …of a different spirit…
faithful, whole-hearted, bold and brave.
שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם,
Shalom aleikhem
chaverim and mishpachah!
Peace to friends and family.
Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.
Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are very precious in His sight.
Not sure ..you can be…
SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,
SAY IT RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.
Like this:
Like Loading...

In
Daniel 5:12 and 6:3
we read about a man who had
an excellent spirit:
HEB: דִּ֣י ר֣וּחַ ׀ יַתִּירָ֡ה וּמַנְדַּ֡ע וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ
KJV: Forasmuch as an excellent spirit,

Strong’s Hebrew: 1840.
דָּנִיֵּאל
Daniyyel or Daniel

Daniyyel or Daniel
is a masculine name,
a surname of Hebrew origin and
means: God is my judge
Original Word: דָנִיֵּאל.
Transliteration: Daniyyel or Daniel.
Phonetic Spelling: daw-nee-el is pronounced Dah-nee-eyl in the Hebrew text of the Bible.

This name is composed of two words:
– דני (dah-nee) and אל (eyl).
The Hebrew word דן (dahn) Via דין ( din ): means a judge.
and
אל (eyl) Via אל ( ‘el ):

Daniel 5:12
HEB: דִּ֣י ר֣וּחַ ׀ יַתִּירָ֡ה וּמַנְדַּ֡ע וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ
NAS: [This was] because an extraordinary spirit,
KJV: Forasmuch as an excellent spirit,
INT: whom spirit an extraordinary knowledge and insight
יַתִּירָ֡ה excellent- yattir
pronounced: yat-eer

YATARA’ RUCHA רוח יתירא
Resh vav cheth yod taw yod resh aleph
EXCELLENT. ek’-se-lent ‘addir, yattir (Aramaic);

Definition. preeminent, surpassing.
NASB Translation. exceedingly (1), extraordinary (4), extremely (2), surpassing (1).
NAS Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek
3493 yattir: preeminent, surpassing
Original Word: יַתִּיר
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: yattir
Phonetic Spelling: (yat-teer’)
Definition: preeminent, surpassing, excellent
The translation of various Hebrew words, chiefly of:
‘addir, “great,” “honorable”
Psalms 8:1,9; 16:3; 76:4;
yattir, “surpassing,” is Aramaic,
occurring in Daniel 2:31; 4:36; 5:12,14; 6:3.
Other words are: bachar,
“to glow,” “try,” “choose” Song of Solomon 5:15;
ga’on, “mounting,” “swelling” Isaiah 4:2;
gadhal, “to make or become great” Isaiah 28:29,
In the New Testament we have diaphoroteros, “greater,” “better” Heb.1:4; 8:6;
kratistos, “most excellent,” “most noble” Luke 1:3; Acts 23:26;
the KJV a voice to him from the excellent glory,
the ASRV and the ERV, margin “the Majestic Glory”
kath’ huperbolen “very surpassing” 1 Cor. 12:31,
“Yet I show unto you a more excellent way,”
the RV(UK and USA)
“most excellent”; pleion, “greater,” “fuller”
Heb.11:4.

meged: excellence
Original Word: מֶגֶד
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: meged
Phonetic Spelling: (meh’-ghed)
M g d
מֶ֫גֶד noun masculine excellence
More Hebrew words for excellence:
noun הִצטַיְנוּת distinction ….noun גָאוֹן genius,
6833- metzuyan. מצוין –
excellent, exceptional, wonderful; marked, noted …

Daniel had an
excellent spirit
that sustained him when his faith was tried and tested
by facing hungry lions.

Daniel chapter 3 records the story of the three young men that are thrown in fire because they refused to worship the image of gold that Nebuchadnezzar made. King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:1
There is a promise made by Messiah Himself recorded in Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Here is a spiritual law in connection with the laws of opposition. We are at war and there has been no real peace on the earth since Jesus time.
When nations declare war, everything changes. Preset protocols are initiated and security systems are enforced and all military and defenses are put on high alert. Life without war is impossible in both the natural and spiritual realms until Messiah establishes His rule and reign of Shalom/Peace in the Millennial Kingdom which is here in part and yet still to be fulfilled by His return/second coming.
Daniel was a man living by faith in a hostile world. The same could be said of believers in Messiah today.

When John saw Messiah open the seals was it a future event??
In Revelation 6–7 Jesus Christ opens the book with seven seals. As each seal is opened, John sees a representation of an event or events in the earth’s history. Chapter 6 records the opening of the first six seals.
The seven seals are one of a series of end-times judgments from God. The seals are described in Revelation 6:1–17 and 8:1–5.

Jesus/Yeshua said in Matthew 10:34:
I have not come to bring peace
I have come to bring judgment.
In
have trouble. But take heart! … I have overcome the world.”
In this world we will have tribulation.
Note in the verse He is telling us so that IN HIM we will have peace/shalom not in the world. The peace we will know is inside us in our spirit, a deep inner knowing that when our lives are lived IN HIM we are safe and secure. The world cannot and will not provide the peace we need.
The end times began when Messiah Jesus came. There has been no peace since then, wars and rumors of wars, pestilences and famine have been all been ongoing and will continue until He returns.
Rev 5:1 only Messiah is worthy to open the seals.
One of the Elders comforts John with the great news that there is someone worthy to break the seals and read the book. The Lamb of God is equal to the task.
Here we read of a new song in Rev. 5:9 And they are singing a new song, saying “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and You bought for God with Your blood some from every tribe and nation.

Only Messiah is worthy and able to open the seals because of His newly resurrected status.
We are in a battle and connected to both realms/kingdoms. We are supernatural eternal spirits in natural physical bodies which will decay, it is not a supernatural body, not yet. It is a fact that there is a continuing struggle in the physical, mental, moral and spiritual areas of life. Spiritual Health is the balance between the physical parts of our bodies and all the things and forces surrounding us. To maintain good health we must have sufficient internal strength to fight off the things that are external.
Everything outside our physical life is designed to cause our death, including other humans. If we have enough inner strength to fight, we help to produce the balance needed for health. The same is true for the mental life we have to fight. This struggle produces the mental balance we identify as thought. We are to take captive all thoughts…2 Cor. 10:5
Morally it’s the same, because anything that does not strengthen our morals is the enemy of virtue within us. …If there be any virtue…Phil. 4:8….Whether we overcome and produce virtue depends on the level of moral excellence in our lives….
However we must fight to reach that standard, because morality does not occur by accident or chance, or by itself, it is acquired. This also means that anything which is not spiritual can lead to a downfall.
Again…Jesus/Yeshua said,
in the world you will have tribulation… John 16:33
However He also said, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
We must learn to fight against and overcome the things that come against us and in that way produce the balance of holiness in our lives; if we do, then it will create in us a positive attitude when we meet opposition.
Without holiness no man can see God. Heb. 12:14
In context: Hebrews 12:13-15
New American Bible
Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.
Here we see the danger of roots of bitterness that can grow when peace holiness and grace are lacking…
Everything Adonai says is out of His Holiness.
Psalms 89:36; Amos 4:2;Ps. 60: 8.
God in His Holiness spoke and like the psalmist, we can take joy in His promise and the Nehemiah 8:10 joy of the Lord is our strength.
Holiness is the balance between my/our nature and the law/directions for living/teaching of God/Torah, as expressed in and through Messiah Yeshua/Jesus.
Excellent Spirit –
YATARA’ RUCHA רוח יתירא
in Aramaic
Resh vav cheth yod taw yod resh aleph

Daniel was a godly man forced to serve a pagan Persian king whose belief system was Zoroastrianism, which is one of the oldest monotheistic religions dating back to ancient Iran 3,500 years ago. It’s similar in some ways to the Hebrew faith and yet still very different. The Zoroastrianism god is known as Ahura-Mazda (as in the make of the car). This god is considered the supreme deity and the name means Wise Lord. The belief is that this Ahura -Mazda is almighty but not omnipotent; the emphasis on duty to protect nature puts it in the pantheistic fold of religions.
Although not by any Hebrew standard Godly, Darius was a spiritual man and he saw an excellent spirit in Daniel.

Chapters 2 through 7 in Daniel are written in Aramaic and the remaining portions are in Hebrew. The Dead Sea Scrolls have revealed five copies of the Book of Daniel and all are in perfect harmony.
In Aramaic the word excellent is yatara
which is slightly different than the word in Hebrew:
yetar and infers more of the idea of: an abundance;
whereas the Aramaic word
yatara carries the idea of pre-eminence.
This suggests a
yatar rucha or excellent spirit
is one where:
the Spirit of God’s desires, is pre-eminent over a persons flesh/carnal life and desires.

King Darius was very perceptive and he noticed something different in Daniel compared to all the other wise men because Daniel seemed to be more focused on his relationship with God than the other wise men did. The other wise men were continually seeking the king’s favor, yet Daniel was seeking only the favor of his God. Darius recognized Daniel was a man whose spirit was pre-eminent over his flesh.
Daniel would speak of new and wiser things from his God, innovations that would bring about a transformation whereas all the other wise men were repeating the same old things.
Did Darius see a man who was not focused on making an impression but one who would speak the truth of God?

Maybe he could sense Daniels rucha or his spirit/mind?
Whatever the reason, the king recognized that there was something different about Daniel that was pure and holy; and this was no doubt due to the fact that Daniel had a pure heart and pure motives.
Daniel, was a man who had every reason to hate his employer, who was also his king and was now trying to replace his God too. Daniel had to divide and separate within the context of the existing relationships and by establishing boundaries for that which was the preeminent focus of His life and calling. His excellent spirit was the deciding factor and resulted in his elevation before both God and man. Our Heavenly Fathers’ patterns are threaded throughout His Word. When we recognize them we will understand how He is leading us and dealing with us for His Glory.
Daniel 6:3: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
It may be true to say that if a person who loves Jesus with all their heart and has an excellent spirit, a yatar rucha, other people will notice but the individual will probably not even be aware of it.
In 607BC, when the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon their identity was to be totally changed by being brainwashed and if necessary, beaten into total submission.
All their hopes were now forced to focus around the ruler Nebuchadnezzar who was also now to be their god: and any dreams of a future family life taken away.
Some 70 years later Belshazzar, while drunk sees the writing on the wall and being terrified, was advised to call for this now elderly seer who may by the Spirit of God, be able to interpret this phenomena.
On meeting Daniel he asks, “Art thou Daniel, which art of the captivity of Judah …”
This once young prince of Judah was now a very old resident of Babylon, yet there was no change at all to the man of faith inside because his character and the qualities that endeared him to his captors; those that made him stand out, had been formed when he was very young, not in Babylon but in the court of Josiah.
Daniel was a handsome young man; and had the bearing of a person of noble birth, as one from a royal line, dignified but not arrogant; being well educated, and both knowledgeable and wise. Because he could manage himself, he could also manage others, his discerning ways were superior to those of his peers.
Furthermore he was full of courage and faith in His God, which supported this bravery. Equally notable was that he was unwavering and from youth to old age, his outlook and conduct as a man of faith never really changed and due to this steadfast loyalty to his God, his enemies could not take advantage of him.
He must have retained humility to the degree that great rulers promoted him to positions of great power and never felt threatened. They could make use of his insight without being afraid his ego would challenge their leadership.

The one attribute that set Daniel apart which was repeated 3 or 4 times was an excellent spirit, and seems to be the key to really knowing him.
What does an excellent spirit mean?
Basically, that wherever he went and the way he conducted himself and his attitude to life, made an lasting impression on people.
Because he had an excellent spirit in him, he showed respect and dignity to others; He was able to solicit a tender affection from men who were brutal and hardened in cruelty by the careful way that he answered people. He could turn away the wrath of kings and change the attitude of courtiers.
Something noble shone forth from him and they saw in him a disposition that was warm and appealing, by maintaining that throughout his whole life: it never left him and neither did the favor of those around him.
This favor was said of both Samuel, and Messiah, that they grew in favor with God and men. And Daniel had the same spirit, because he pleased God and men doing the right thing and in the right way.

It is noteworthy that Daniel and Ezekiel were of similar age and both spent their childhood and early teenage years in Jerusalem. They carried Jeremiah’s mantle together into the Babylonian captivity even though they lived around 50 miles or 80 kms apart.
In a nutshell, Daniel’s life began around 626BC born of royal stock. His relationship to King Josiah although close is not certain. Following the rediscovery of the book of the Law, the palace walls echoed with the words and prophecies of Jeremiah so His childhood was lived in an era of spiritual regeneration/revival.
Josiah was killed in battle when Daniel was around 15 years old, and 3 years later the conquering king of Babylon arrived in Jerusalem and Nebuchadnezzar forced the Jewish academics and intellectuals to relocate to Babylon. These included Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah who were all very gifted young princes. They were selected to serve as royal court officials. They were made eunuchs which was a very cruel act to the self worth of any man and especially to ones so young. It meant that even though they were of a royal blood line they now had no possibility of royal offspring.
The city that Daniel found himself was the one that had come to dominate the world.
Daniel, was already an accomplished scholar, further achieved remarkable proficiency in many disciplines, along with his three colleagues. We may be more familiar with them as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego who was already an accomplished scholar,
A royal decree was issued to slay all the wise men of the kingdom for their failure to help Nebuchadnezzar recall a mysterious dream he had seen. Daniel heroically averted this when with less than 24 hours to live, the 4 of them pleaded before the Lord to interpret the dream. Their request was granted and Daniel was able to remind the king of his dream, and also gave him a remarkable vision of the future.
King Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed that he promoted Daniel to the governors position over the whole province of Babylon and also to be prime minister over all the wise men of Babylon, whose lives were also spared.
Daniel served the One True God and he prayed and worshiped God faithfully every day. There is something about a person when their light is shining that causes them to be noticed.

The wisdom and favor with the king given to him by God caused jealousy in the hearts of the 120 Princes, who tried to find fault with Daniel however the only thing they could find was to pick on was his religion. He was faithful to his God and to the king and all he did was blessed so the Princes planned to trick the King. They suggested that the King make a decree that for 30 days that no one be allowed to ask anything of anyone else except of the King and the penalty for breaking this decree was the offenders were to be cast into the lions den.
Here we have a spiritual principle, which shows that Daniel was not rebellious, but he was faithful to his God. There are times when we must obey God over human civil rulings when it violates what the Scriptures decree.
We should obey God rather than man…
Acts 5:29

The scheming Princes found Daniel praying as he always did and told the King who, realizing he had been deceived, tried to find a way out, but he couldn’t as the men reminded him that his own decree was irreversible. Finally the King summoned Daniel and told him, I believe your God is able to save you, and I hate to do this, but I must cast you into the lions den.
The King fasted and prayed all night, until morning and with a sorrowful voice he called out, “Daniel, was your God whom you serve, able to deliver you?”
Daniel replied, from the lion pit,“Oh King, my God sent an angel to shut the lions mouth and I am safe.”

The King was relieved and angry at the same time; relieved that Daniel was alive but angry at the Princes. He ordered them and their wives to be cast into the lions den; their bodies did not reach to the den’s floor before the lions killed them.
The third chapter of Daniel tells another account of King Nebuchadnezzar who made an image of gold to be worshipped and any failure to do so would result in being cast into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to bow down to the statue and some of the Chaldeans reported their rebellion.
The King was angry but gave them a second chance to worship the image.
They stated, Be it know to you oh King, our God is able to deliver us, but if NOT, we will not serve your gods.

Infuriated by their non compliance, he commanded that they be bound and cast into the burning furnace, however as the people watched, they clearly saw not only the three men but also a fourth figure walking around in the fire.
The king became fearful and called them to come out, he realized that their God had sent an angel to protect and deliver them. When they emerged from the furnace, they were not harmed, their hair wasn’t singed, nor did they even smell of smoke. Because of this miracle, the King promoted them with honor making a new decree with penalties, that no one was to speak against the Hebrew children’s One True God.
We may all have had people we thought were our friends, and then they planned evil against us, perhaps they snared us into a pit, betraying our trust and bringing great sadness to our lives….but God’s plan is to bring us new life in Messiah Jesus. He can restore what has been lost or stolen from us in every area and relationship and with our loving Heavenly Father the new is always better. He has a good plan for each of us and will bless those who are faithful to keep His commands and serve Him, charging His angels to protect and watch over us. It is up to us to keep our relationship with our Father in Heaven consistent and to be like Daniel, who was faithful to pray and worship Him every day. Reading His Word and building ourselves up in our faith and courage by feeding daily on fresh manna, getting to know Him and the reason we are here and what He wants us to do.
Continue to be faithful family and know that the choices we make to love and serve Him with our whole heart, mind and strength really do matter. We know not one of us is perfect, only He alone is perfect, yet He is continually working on us, with us and through us, to become mature/perfection in His eyes, by our willing obedience and fulfilling the task He has placed before us; and like Daniel staying humble, that excellent spirit may come to indwell us too!
Daniel purposed in his heart …we can too!

Understand that Messiah is returning soon for those who have repented of their sins, been washed in His Blood and fully received Him into their life. All we have to do is Ask, Seek, Knock and the door of salvation shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9.
Shalom shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
You are loved, appreciated and prayed for..
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen
Like this:
Like Loading...
You must be logged in to post a comment.