Crusts & Crumbs – Part 2 – Explaining Obscure Scriptures

August 8, 2021

Explaining Obscure Scriptures

Part 2 A bruised reed,

A shepherds pipe

and

A smoking flax.

“A Bruised Reed” Isaiah 42:3.

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

קָנֶ֤ה

qa neh – reed

רָצוּץ֙

bruised – ra sus

In Israel in the springtime there is an abundance of green pasture, the sheep are allowed to graze close to the village where the shepherd’s home is nearby.

After the grain is reaped, and the poor have had an opportunity to glean what is left for them; then the shepherd brings in his flock. The sheep feed on certain fresh growths, or dried blades, or an occasional ear of grain that the reapers may have left, or was overlooked by the gleaners. When this source of food is exhausted then the pasture is looked for in other places.

The wilderness of Judea, which is located along the western side of the Jordan Valley, is carpeted in the spring with a certain amount of grass and this turns into standing hay as the hot weather comes, this becomes food for the sheep during part of the summer

The shepherd spends much time alone with his sheep isolated in desert places; and his reed pipe, helps to pass the hours cheerfully.

This reed pipe is a frail little instrument of two reeds bound together, hollowed out and with holes on the side. Over time the shepherd learns to play many little tunes on it.

The reed pipe is very easily broken and if it falls it can be quickly crushed by a careless foot, then its’ music is silenced.

This simple pipe is of almost no value, a new one could quickly and easily be made and the bruised pipe simply left by the wayside to disintegrate.

However, the shepherd appears to have a great fondness for this pipe; and because he loves it so much, he will not let it go.

He picks up the crushed reed, and with great affection he tenderly repairs it, binding up its broken parts, until once more he can play it, producing the music he loves so well.

A bruised reed shall he not break.

This is such a precious picture of the sinner, bruised and broken by sin, of no apparent value and lying by the wayside, downtrodden and kicked to the side. Then God’s love and concern is turned towards that one and His desire to restore the broken life reaches down and lifts up the crushed, rejected soul; bringing healing and restoration that will cause songs of praise and tunes of worship to gush forth from a thankful heart.

See

https://www.minimannamoments.com/because-9/

for more on Psalms/Mizmor and the connection to our heart strings.

The Shepherd’s Pipe

A dual-piped flute made of reed is often carried by shepherds in different countries.

These reeds are similar to our bulrushes/cats tails or bamboo/ papyrus.

Only simple musical notes come from this pipe, but the heart of the shepherd is stirred, and the sheep in his flock are soothed by the lively music that comes from the inner being of the shepherd through this simple instrument.

There can be little argument that David probably used such a pipe when he was guarding his sheep, in the same way the young shepherd boys have done for centuries around Bethlehem.

Reeds were also used to make flutes by Jewish children. When they were broken they were discarded and thrown away.

An interesting point is that the word in the Arabic/Aramaic language which is mazmoor

which means:

played on a pipe or flute.

The equivalent of the word in Hebrew word is

מזמור

mizmor.

Which means: a melody.

The phonetic spelling is miz-more’

The Hebrew word for “Psalm” is

tehillim,

The most common reed native to Israel is the Arundo donax (Natural Order Gramineae), known in Arabic as qacabfarasi, “Persian reed.” It still grows today in immense quantities in the Jordan valley along the river and its tributaries.

It also grows at the oases near the Dead Sea, notably around `Ain Feshkhah at the northwest corner. It can often grow up to 20 ft./7metres high, and is still a beautiful fresh green in summer when everything else is dead and dry.

Other scriptures where a pipe is mentioned:

Zechariah 10:8

I will whistle for them –

“hiss, whistle, & pipe”

piping with a shepherds pipe.

Judges 5:16

“Why did you sit among the sheepfolds,

To hear the pipings for the flocks?”

This context does support the shepherd’s reed pipe being used to gather his flock.

He will Strengthen them! (12) He will establish them “back in the land”.

The ancient reed pipe forerunner to gaelic bag pipes with which we are familiar today.

A thought worth mentioning here is that the enemy never created anything, he just takes of our Heavenly Fathers creation and perverts it; changing it to his own nefarious and ugly plans for everything opposed to the good that God has for all of us.

The shepherds pipes makes one recall the pipes of pan. The pan flute is named after Pan, a creature half goat and half man, the Greek god of nature and shepherds!!

Another legend is that of the Pied Piper of Hamelin from the 1300’s. Often what we deem as folklore and old wives tales have very much more truth to them than we choose to believe!

As both of these were the agents of beguiling their followers/children to follow them as they played music, remembering that Lucifer himself was the covering cherub with musical instruments, specifically timbrels and pipes as part of him. see Isaiah 14:12-14; and in Ezekiel 28:13-17

You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.

The timbrel or tabret (also known as the tof of the ancient Hebrews, the deff of Islam, the adufe of the Moors of Spain) was the principal percussion instrument of the ancient Israelites. It resembled either a frame drum or a modern tambourine

The tabret or timbrel was a favorite instrument of the women, and was used with dances, e.g. by Miriam, to accompany songs of victory; it was one of the instruments used by King David and his musicians when he danced before the Ark of the Covenant.

The Smoking Flax

“The smoking flax shall he not quench.”

Here in this Scripture we see a little clay lamp, with its wick floating in an hour’s supply of olive oil. The oil has been used up, and the wick begins to smoke as it burns. We would probably say,

Just throw it away and get a fresh wick; this one is smoking and it’s of no value.

But the owner does not agree to that,

The old will do just fine, all that’s needed is more oil, and the wick will burn as brightly as ever.

That is just what our Heavenly Father does, pouring out His grace upon us and restoring us when the light is almost out.

The smoking flax will he not quench.

The oil is representative of

His Ruach HaKodesh – His Spirit of Holiness.

Known as anointing when poured over the head of one being consecrated or dedicated to the Lord’s service; and also is a type of the Torah. Oil can also represent the qualifying experiences of our halak/walk along lifes’ WAY (Chaim Derek). This oil represents our life and cannot be bought, sold or given as Yeshua/Jesus speaks of with the parable of the 10 virgins.

Jesus/Yeshuas’ listeners understood what He meant because

a smoking flax was a Hebrew idiom

for an untrimmed lamp casting a dim light and

irritating the eyes and nose with smoke.

The people knew that logically the best thing to do with such a lamp is put it out, extinguish or quench it.

Above is a picture of the flax of which the wick is made, and some of the lamps of ancient times which were made of clay and filled with olive oil.

The wick for such a lamp was a few strands of flax fiber or twisted cotton thread.

The flaxen wick was a quick burner and hard to keep lit.

From this understanding …

A smoking flax

represents a state in which there is a little good.

The words

dimly burning flax.

Indicating it is burning; but it is burning very dimly. There is a tiny spark of good within the center, in our case our hearts; which our savior sees and fans the tiny flame until it burns bright enough to become the light that will shine in the darkness again.

ye are the light of the world.

He does not break the bruised reed.

He does not reach out to extinguish it, but to rekindle and to reinforce and strengthen it.

He does not quench the smoking flax! He will not snuff out that smoldering flame, but He will breathe His life/chaim upon it once again.

We can see from these examples that the believer is likened to the smoking flax; which is a picture of an oil lamp with a flax wick that is not properly trimmed or that does not have any oil in reserve. So instead of burning brightly, it is smoking, and instead of providing light in the darkness as it is designed to do, it is smoldering and producing irritants.

We are to be encouraged that Yeshua/Jesus doesn’t throw away His smoking lamps but rather breathes new life into them giving them another opportunity to burn brightly for Him.

Messiah Jesus/Yeshua was bruised for us, the wick has little light and is mixed with smoke BUT, when He blows upon us until we burst into flame, then the smoke of any residual fleshly life in us is burned away.

It is important to remember that when Matthew wrote these words, he was quoting a prophecy from Isaiah 42:1–4. This prophecy was pointing to the actions and character of the then future Messiah,

the bruised reed and the smoldering wick.

In the prophecy, it’s in reference to those who are weak spiritually, physically, or morally. A reed that is bruised may be damaged, but its’ damage is NOT irreversible. Even though a smoldering wick may be about to go out altogether, it can still be rekindled.

To see these in the new Testament, we can read at the beginning of Matthew 12, where we find the disciples walking through a grain field with Yeshua/Jesus, picking grain because they were hungry. Picking grain was a lawful activity according to Deuteronomy 23:25, but the Pharisees, who were always looking for something against Him were quick to condemn what they did, questioning its’ legality because that day was the Sabbath. They accused the disciples of “harvesting” grain and therefore “working” on the Sabbath day.

Yeshua/Jesus explained that doing good on the Sabbath was acceptable in His and the Fathers sight and that there was something more significant happening here than simply the observation of a holy/set apart day, Matthew 12:6. He further explained that the Pharisees were condemning innocent people because they misunderstood the Scriptures, which said,

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice” Hosea 6:6,7

While the Pharisees sought to judge those who did not keep the man made traditions, imposed rules and laws, Yeshua/Jesus sought to grant mercy to all and to restore the correct interpretation of His Fathers Word and to fulfill it. Matthew 5:17.

The Pharisees challenged Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Matthew 12:10-15, and Jesus /Yeshua again showed mercy by healing a disfigured man in front of them. Later still, in a large crowd that was following Him, Jesus/Yeshua

healed all who were ill.

Why did Yeshua/Jesus warn the crowd not to mention His miracles to anyone else?

His instructions for secrecy could have been for the purpose of timing and must have made Matthew remember the ancient prophecy, of Isaiah bringing it into a new understanding with Messiah’s identity being revealed:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope”

Isaiah 42:1–4

In fulfillment of that prophecy, He did not shout rather He worked quietly, to accomplish His Fathers’ will, and many times avoiding the public eye on purpose. Not seeking fame or the spotlight to be on Him until the Fathers’ appointed time of His revealing…

My time has not yet come.

Also there is the bruised reed.

To the world, a bruised reed is a worthless thing. It has no power, no stability, no purpose. It cannot be relied on so it’s good for nothing but to be cut down and discarded. We know that in the world there are many bruised people, individuals who have been wounded emotionally, spiritually, or physically. They are, to most of the world, dispensable.

But NOT to God.

The prophecy that Messiah fulfilled is that

the bruised reed He would not break.

This prophecy that speaks of Jesus/Yeshua’s tender, compassionate care. His loving kindness for the weak and downtrodden.
In Matthew 12, the disfigured man whom Yeshua/ Jesus met was a bruised reed and He cured his shriveled hand and also gave him strength.

In John 8, another bruised reed was the woman taken in adultery. Yeshua/Jesus forgave her sin, and saved her from being stoned to death.

Another bruised reed was Jairus, as he mourned his daughter’s death, but Yeshua/Jesus strengthened his faith and raised his daughter from the dead.

In Luke 8, The woman with the issue of blood was a bruised reed, too; and Messiah restored her to full health.

After his denial of the Lord, Peter was a bruised reed but after His resurrection Yeshua/Jesus gently and lovingly restored their relationship.

All through the gospels, we see Messiah showing His loving kindness and tender mercies towards all the bruised reeds that He met.
Because He was bruised for our iniquities,

Yeshua/Jesus completely understands the

bruised reeds. Isaiah 53:5.

To put it another way,

He was bruised on behalf of those bruised by sin.

He will not despise those who come to Him and they have this promise in Isaiah 61:1 from His own mouth: God has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted

Many are bruised reeds in some way today, pressed down with the troubles of the world. Many struggle with fear, doubt and unbelief. Many may be feeling disheartened and ready to break and give up.

But remember this:

Yeshua/Jesus cares.

He has compassion for the humble,

affection for the repentant hearts,

healing for the afflicted, sick and oppressed

and pity for those with broken-hearts.

We are not to wait on feelings but to come to Him in faith, and to humbly trust in His abilities and strength, and know that we can find He is gracious to everyone.

A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick

he will not quench.

Matthew 12:20

There is not much that can be said of anything that is weaker than the bruised reed or the smoldering wick!

When any wild bird lands on a reed that grows in the marshlands, it snaps under the weight; and if a man’s foot brushes against it, and it is bruised and broken; and every wind that sweeps across the river blows it to and fro.

No two things have more shaky lives than a brittle reed that is bruised and the smoldering wick; because even though it has a tiny spark within it, it is almost smothered; and even a baby’s breath could easily blow it out.

We need never shrink back from His touch and never fear harsh words from Him; though He might well discipline us at times. Bruised reeds shall not receive any harmful blows from Him, and the smoldering wick no smothering actions. He will not crush the weakest reed, or put out a flickering candle and finally He will cause justice to be victorious.

Our Heavenly Father has not forgotten about us.

Look once more at the smoldering wick and what it is referring to as concerns us… It was a ancient bowl of olive oil with a little flax floating in it for a wick. As long as the lamp had enough oil, the wick would soak up the oil and serve as a catalyst for turning it into light. But when the oil was gone, the flax would begin to burn. Flax doesn’t give much light, it just fills the room with smoke and stinks up the room.

Could this be us at times in our walk?

The solution would be to throw out the smoking flax and start over with fresh oil and a fresh wick.

A point here to think on:

It takes a lot of patience to make a smoldering wick burn bright again. Our father has the patience to stick with us when every one else has given up. He certainly looks beyond our faults and sees our needs. Others might give up on us. But He will work with us until we burn brightly again.
Gentleness. Patience. Persistence. We need all three.

Let patience have her perfect work.

Our healer is gentle:
He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

Isaiah 42:2-3

These idioms will bring comfort when we are disappointed in ourselves.

A bruised or broken reed is unreliable and should be broken and thrown away. Yet Messiah will not do this. He knows all too well His people are all broken reeds, damaged by sin, bad habits, selfishness and weakness. Yet regardless of the failure, He will not break any bruised reed. When we are at our lowest, feeling bruised and broken and perhaps having let Him down in some way just like Peter did when he denied his savior, still, we will not be broken, because as soon as we repent He will receive us back and continue to use us as His vessels.

In Israel, a Smoking Flax is the source of light in the darkness coming from the lamp. It held oil and used a wick to burn brightly. The wick, made of flax, was placed in the lamp and raised or lowered for optimum light. In the parable of the ten virgins, the wise not only took extra oil, but when the bridegroom came..

all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

(Mt. 25:7).

They brought trimmers because as the wick burned, its upper portion became charred and the light dimmed. Once charred, when raised to give more light, it would smolder and smoke.

Even the golden lamp stand had wick-trimmers Num. 4:9.

As we have seen a smoking flax was an idiom for an untrimmed lamp casting a dim light and irritating the eyes and nose with smoke and the best thing to do with such a lamp is put it out /quench it.

So who are the smoking flaxes?

Once again Isaiah speaks of those who serve the Messiah as His disciple in an obedient/perfect way.

If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light and you shine as lights in the world.

Lk. 11:36; Phil. 2:15-16.

When we are zealous and holy/set apart; the light does indeed shine brightly, but dims and smokes when we are discouraged or when we sin and fall short. Yet Yeshua/Jesus is not like any other because He will continue to use the smoking flax.

A smoking flax, He will not quench.

What a Savior we love and serve!

He is meek and lowly in heart and in Him we will find rest for our souls.

Isaiah did not justify laziness or unfaithfulness. He gave hope to the weak, the immature, and even those who stumble as mature disciples. Even after a lifetime of working to remove undesirable character flaws we are still

bruised reeds and as the flax, we still smoke sometimes!

But as a bruised reed He will not break us and if our light should become as a smoking flax He will not quench us.

May His true Shalom rest upon each one in Yeshuas’ Name.

You are greatly loved and prayed for daily..

make sure you are secure in the knowledge you are saved

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.

You Are Greatly Loved and You Are Not Alone!

December 25, 2020December 25, 2020

At certain times of the year it is easier to feel more isolated and alone especially at seasons when tradition has family members come together.

Many are restricted for various reasons; health, economic, location, all factor in, and changes in personal circumstances make staying where you are the only option.

MMM invites all visitors, subscribers, family and friends to join together in prayer for those who are hurting, sad, grieving, without a home, without a job. There is without doubt not a single one of us that has not experienced at least one, if not all, of the above.

Always remember that you are NOT EVER alone

for Jesus/Yeshua Himself said

I will never leave you nor forsake you even to the end of the age.

It may not always feel that way but it is His Truth.

He said I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you.

He comes in the presence of His Holy Spirit, His Ruach,

to breathe His

Light

Love

Life

Hope and Comfort

into your life and situation.

Know that your brethren around the world are experiencing similar events.

Trust Him, put all your faith and hope in Him –

it will not be misplaced.

You are all prayed for daily and

love and encouragement

are sent on the wings of His lovingkindness

and tender mercies

to surround, guard and keep you.

Roll your burden onto the Lord and believe Him to lead you every step of the WAY – because He has already been in your tomorrow and knows you and He can handle it.

You are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might,

do not fear nor be dismayed

He loves you with an everlasting love

and this physical life with its tests, trials and hardships

is soon to pass;

and we will rejoice with exceeding great joy

at the vision before us… of joy unspeakable and full of glory,

when we shall behold Him

face to face.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen

Jude 24 & 25

This scripture reads that we are presented before the presence of His glory and the exceeding joy is His !!!! He is so delighted that we are there…that we made it home .. Wow !

December 25^th on the Gregorian Calendar is just a date.

Messiah abides with us and in us every day.

The kingdom of the heavens is within us.

We can rejoice at His 1st coming every day

because of that:

we are His,

forgiven,

redeemed by His precious blood;

and patiently waiting

with oil lamps filled

and wicks trimmed

for our bridegroom to return for us….

Soon and very soon there is going to be a wedding and we are going to see the King!

As you read the following list of countries which span the globe and cover every time line;

know that in every one listed are our spiritual family members reading the same list and by His Holy Spirit we are connected even though we cannot see one another we are united in Him….

Be comforted and encouraged as we pray for one another –

soon, time will be no more….

and behold He will make all things new.

Then, the tears and fears of all the years will be dissolved in His presence forever…..

You are greatly loved more than you can imagine….

Shalom shalom family….

Father in the Name above all names …Yeshua HaMashiach Jesus the Messiah we thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do.We thank you for our salvation and for filling us with Your Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh. We love You with all of our hearts and praise your Name for you alone are worthy to receive all power and honor and glory.

Be with the broken hearted and comfort those mourning and grieving. Surround each one with your true Shalom that passes understanding and fill each heart and mind with your unconditional love. Let all isolation, rejection and loneliness flee from before your presence as your joy becomes our strength and fills every cell of our being.

As we hide under the shadow of Your wings in the cleft of the Rock of our Salvation, bring healing to each one in whatever area is needed. Feed the hungry Father, house the homeless and clothe those in need.. You are the great Provider and need-meeter. Above all bring sweet sleep to all who are tired and weary and give them the Rest that you promise in Your Word.

Thank you that where any 2 of us agree You are there, watching over Your Word to perform it and it will not return to You void but will accomplish what You send it forth to do.

We give you praise and thank you in Jesus/Yeshuas name..

amein – el melek ne’eman. God is a faithful King.

Please don’t leave this page without assurance in your heart that He loves YOU…

It’s all about Life and Relationship,

NOT Religion.

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

NOT SURE if you know the One

who the shepherds were told had come?

YOU CAN BE CERTAIN..

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.

What Is The Connection Between Almonds and Olive Oil With Messiah and Lampstands? Part 3

January 24, 2020

Continuing from the question in part 2

What did Jeremiah see?

“Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Jeremiah, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘I see a BRANCH (rod) of an almond tree.’ Then said the Lord to me, ‘You have seen well; for I will hasten my word to perform it’

Jeremiah 1:11-12

In response to the Lords initial question Jeremiah says he sees an almond tree. God then responds that He is watching.

What is the point here? Remembering we are examining the connection between Almonds and olive oil with Messiah and lampstands/menorahs.

In all languages other than Hebrew it makes absolutely no sense.

There is no way to understand this verse in its full meaning as shown here without knowing some Hebrew. It is just another indication that Hebrew is essential to fully understand the Word.

However the answer is in the almond….

The Hebrew word for almond, shakeid, (sha’qed, shaked.) is the same root word for awaken and watch and also means watchful, to be diligent, to strive, be steadfast.

This word is sho’ked.

Remember in the Hebrew Alefbeit/Alphabet, there are no letter vowels so it would read the same – shqd and sometimes written shkd as the Hebrew letter for k and q are the same for its pronunciation.

The word of the LORD came to me, What do you see, Jeremiah? I see the branch of a shaqed, (almond tree), I replied. The LORD said to me, you have seen correctly, for I am shoqed (watching) to see that My Word is fulfilled. Jeremiah 1:11-12

shaqed, (almond tree),

shoqed (watching)

The word play indicates that there is an interrelation between the almond (tree) and divine watching.

So symbolically the almond represents God’s watchfulness over His people.

The almond tree is mentioned a number of times in the Old Testament.

In the Scriptures this play on words regarding the use of almond and God’s watchfulness (i.e., faithfulness) is very specific: The purpose is to give greater insight and intention behind the writers’ words. (Remember pardes).

https://www.minimannamoments.com/pardes-what-is-that/

This is Gods’ way of confirming. 1:7-14… for I am ready to perform my word.

What does this mean?

As the word in Hebrew for almond is shaqed, meaning to keep my word and the word also spelled SHAKEID – Shaqad H8245 is a root meaning to be alert, that is: sleepless, to be on the lookout, (whether for good or ill); hasten, remain, wake, watch for.….

He is saying, ‘THIS’ is how I am going to keep My Word. ‘THIS’, being the manner or way He is going to do it, and as confirming, I am the same yesterday, today and forever; we can understand this meaning when He says it.

As we look at the almond in the physical, we can see and understand that spiritually it means: He is going to keep His Word and to perform/do, His Word.

I am ready to perform to do. It is Time!

It is interesting that the very same root, sha•kad, that God was using to stress His diligence in keeping His word, appears 26 times in the New Testament with the same exact meaning. (The English translation may vary from verse to verse, but the Hebrew root is always shaked, which makes it so much easier to understand).

For example: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer”. Acts 2:42

“to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life”. Romans 2:7

Here is another example of using passive language to convey sha•ked as the active verb,

“Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!” 1 Corinthians 16:13

Here, too, the call is to work hard on the ways of faith and not only just to watch.

Shaked: the root means to be watchful, to awaken and be vigilant.

The Almond Tree being the 1^st to blossom, watchful for the CHANGE of the seasons. We are at one of those seasons right now. Change is a word for this season.

A rod of an almond tree — as we have noted the word שׁקד, almond, means primarily wakeful, vigilant, and is applied to this tree because it wakes up to life, and blossoms in January, while the other trees are still in their winter’s sleep. Because of this attribute, it is a natural symbol of vigilance, and so God uses it in suggesting His own ever-wakeful activity.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Psalm 121:5

There is an urgent need to be watchful, for the enemy will attack when we least expect. While righteous men sleep, the enemy does not. This battle is spiritual and spirits do not need to sleep!

1Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober, be vigilant for the devil, your adversary walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” When the righteous people are weary evil lurks in every corner.

The adjective vigilant means watchful, or alert and attentive to danger or trouble. It appears that the LORD has shown Jeremiah that his rod has bloomed like Aaron’s did; and what Jeremiah puts his hand to do will be blessed of God – because here, the rod of the almond tree means to awaken and be ready to do whatever God has for him to do.

It could also mean that God is ready to release His judgment, as a rod, is also an instrument of punishment, the rod of the almond may be intended here as the symbol of that punishment which the prophet was about to announce.

What was about to be fulfilled at that moment, was the 2nd thing Jeremiah saw which was a boiling pot facing away from the North.

Judgment was about to be poured out on Israel and as we are spiritual Israel judgment begins at the house of God……1 Peter 4:17

SHAQED means: the almond tree or nut; as being the earliest in bloom.

SHAQAD is a primitive root that also means: to be alert, sleepless; to be on the lookout, remain, wake, awake, watch for, be alert, wait.

The Greek words: GREGOREUO [gray-gor-yoo-o], means: keep awake, watch, be vigilant.

שקד shaked, from שקד shakad, to be ready, to hasten, to watch for an opportunity to do a thing, to awake; because the almond tree is the first to flower and bring forth fruit.

(Repetition in this post is on purpose we need to pay attention and remember its’ meaning as it is so pertinent to our current season).

It blossoms in January, when other trees are locked up in their winter’s repose; and it bears fruit in March, just at the commencement of spring, when other trees only begin to bud.

It was here the symbol was given with which God was about to fulfill His promises.

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7. As He also did with Abraham Gen.18:17.

(The word מקל, (makkel,) though ordinarily meaning rod, is here used in the sense of shoot or twig.)

Almond Trees in bloom meant to look forward with certainty to happiness in the married state. Spiritually the meaning for us is:

Winter is going to end..

Suddenly and

maybe out of season

then

The King will say:

“Arise, my darling,
    my beautiful one, come with me.
See! The winter is past;
    the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
    the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
    is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
    the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
    my beautiful one, come with me.” Song of Songs 2:10-13.

Are we diligently looking for our spiritual Bridegroom?

The Bridegroom IS returning for His Bride.

Here it seems, is the most significant part of this post.

The message was not just for Jeremiah it was prophetic …..then, and it’s as true and as sobering today.

It is extremely important and could be said to have an urgency to it.

If that is correct, then it needs to be understood by all at this hour in which we are serving our Messiah Jesus/Yeshua. Perceiving the seriousness of our times is our responsibility and it behooves us to pay attention, according to His words, which were repeated many times, both in the Gospels and in those of the other New Testament writers. Mark 13:33 Matt 24:36 Luke 21:36 etc.

Watch means to stay wide awake. When the New Testament commands us to watch, it is usually the translation of one of two Greek words (gregoreuo and agrupneo), which have similar meanings—to stay awake and to be sleepless. They are usually meant in the metaphorical and spiritual sense – to be vigilant and on guard, fully awake, aware, alert and intently focused – with several applications and implications.

An intense watching over.

Eph 5:14. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

1Peter 5:8. Be sober, be vigilant

Be watchful – Stay alert.

The adversary is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch us napping.

Keep your guard up.

We are not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians/Believers all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith, the suffering won’t last forever and not beyond what we are able to endure. 1Cor.10:13

Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the ALERT when He comes; is also referring to the 10 virgins parable.

The meaning of the almond tree, therefore, is that God in heaven watches a sinful nation walking away from Him and declares it will have consequences. His message to humanity today is still the same: God is watching!

He will watch over His word either for curse or for blessing.

When sin and immorality engulf nations and even penetrate the Ecclesia/Church, we should remember: God is watching!

When nations assail Israel and seek to divide her land, we can be sure: God is watching!

Still, the message of the almond does carry a strong encouragement. Jeremiah also foresees a miraculous restoration for Israel.

“And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them, to destroy, and to afflict… so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 31:28)

If we decide to consecrate our lives to God, then He promises to watch over us for good. Even with our weaknesses and frailties, His eyes are always upon us!

Jeremiah saw a BRANCH

Yeshua Jesus Messiah

is the Branch

and we are grafted in.

Recall the shapes in the design of the Menorahs branches,

which reminds the onlooker of a flowering tree of life.

The same Tree of Life in Beresheet/Genesis, Eden and in Revelation/New Jerusalem/Shamayim.

The bowls

גְ֠בִעִים

ḡə-ḇi-‘îm

[shall be] made like almond [blossoms]

מְֽשֻׁקָּדִ֞ים

mə-šuq-qā-ḏîm

blossom bloom pricha פְּרִיחָה

blossoms blooms prichot פְּרִיחוֹת

on branch

בַּקָּנֶ֣ה
baq-qā-neh

[with] an [ornamental] knob

כַּפְתֹּ֣ר
kap̄-tōr

וָפֶרַח֒

wā-p̄e-raḥ

and a flower

On each of the six side arms were 3 golden almond blossoms and together with the 4 on the center shaft, there were exactly 22 almond blossoms. Between the 22 flowers, there are 21 connections. From the lowest flower to the top flower on the shaft to the 6 lamps, there are 3×8+3=27 connections, and together with the highest connection from the top flower on the shaft to the middle lamp, there are a total of 28 (4×7) connections. Together they are 50 parts + 7 lamps.

God paid attention to the details from the very beginning; for He commanded that every single almond blossom on the Menorah should consist of 3 parts, namely, the cups, buds and blossoms (petals).

(3 parts yet still one! each coming forth from the other in progression and connected – needing each other in order to do what they were created to do!)

Together they are 3 x 22=66 single flower parts.

Seven branches and 7 lamps

נִיר

ner – lamp: pronounced neer.

Kanim: plural from qaneh. Strongs: 7070 prononced: kaw-neh

קָנֶה

The Menorah had 7 lamps 1 lamp on top of the middle stem and 1 on top of each of the other 6 branches. Each lamp was made of the same gold used to form the rest of the menorah. The lamps were boat shaped with pointed ends that faced the center lamp.

(The picture below is the correct orientation of the wicks.)

The center of the lamps resembles a basin. Each lamp had a cover on it with a hole in the middle for the oil. (see picture in part 2)

The wicks were positioned by either bending them towards the center or by clamping them down between the bowl and the cover.

They were lit daily from right to left. (Same direction as the Hebrew language is read and Messiah sits on the right.)

פְּרָחִים flowers perachim

פֶּרַח flower perach

Nine flower blooms these were ornamental parts to beautify the menorah. According to historical documents the flowers was similar to roses.

Not as the western roses rather more like the Dog rose.

They were fashioned at the top of each branch just before the lamps. The other two flowers were on the main stem and included one at the base of the menorah. The sages connect the flowers with the book of Leviticus because which begins with 9 words.

כַּפְתֹּרִֽים plural

kaf-to-ree’m

literal meaning: descendants

11 fruits

These were the decorations that extended from the shaft and the branches at the top just before the lamps. The branches extended outward from the top of the three fruits on the main stem, and also appeared at the top of each branch, shaped like apples. They are sometimes likened to the buds/flowers, that develop into fruit.

All of the fruits had almond decorations engraved on them.

The sages connect the buds with the book of Exodus where the first verse begins with 11 words.

22 cups

גְּבִיעַ

a cup – gabia

Phonetic Spelling: gheb-ee’-ah

The flower cups or goblets that resembled almond buds were really chalice like containers used to hold large quantities of liquid. They are likened to stems that supply the liquid for the blossoms and fruit of a tree. 3 cups were located at the top of each branch and an extra cup located lower on the main stem.

Note: There are so many variations of the design! However the illustrations included are to help our understanding of the spiritual meaning God was conveying to us through the Menorah.

There are 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which are considered the building blocks used in divine revelation; and have been assigned to the design elements of the Menorah.

The sages connect the flower cups with the book of Deuteronomy where the first verse begins with 22 words.

טֹ֖פַח Handbreadth

to’-fakh – tophach

(add im, for plural.)

This refers to the height of the Menorah. The first 3 tefachim were the base itself.

The other elements the cups, buds and flowers were then placed up the tree.

The sages connect the height of the Menorah with the book of Numbers where the first verse begins with 17 words.

One base (i.e., yarech: יָרֵךְ) with three legs.

(see picture further down)

Strongs #3409

yaw-rake

יָרֵךְ

The base was either square or rectangular in shape and was made of pure hammered gold.

The Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Definition of this word gives some further insight that out of the side of Messiah came the church
1) thigh, side, loin, base

1a) thigh

1a1) outside of thigh (where sword was worn)

1a2) loins (as the seat of procreative power)

1b) side (flank) (of object)

1c) base

Just as God exclusively chose Aaron to minister before Him, Jesus/Yeshua, was the One exclusively chosen to be the great High Priest of the re-newed covenant. Heb 5:4

And just as Aaron’s lifeless rod miraculously brought forth life, Jesus/Yeshua’s cross which was also made of wood resulted in buds and blossoms of new life following His resurrection. He went into the sanctuary made without hands and there offered His blood for the everlasting atonement.

אַהֲרוֹן Aaron Aharon (a-har-one’) 4294

מַטֶּה matteh or mattah (mat-teh’)

a staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe.

Aaron’s rod, was a picture of God’s authority of judgment, just as the Messiah cross and resurrection justifies Gods exclusive choice of Jesus/Yeshua, who is the Lord our Righteousness.

The light from the Menorah was a spiritual light. It was not seen from the outside of the Mishkan in the wilderness, but only while inside the holy chamber. It enabled service to God to be performed and was not light used for profane purposes.

The six lamps faced the Central lamp which is a picture of Jesus/Yeshua; the light of the world, whose arms and legs were beaten /hammered for our sins.

The Shamash.

He is the light of the world – the servant lamp, the suffering servant who brings light to everyone in the world. The central shaft held the light of the servant lamp and served as a base for the other branches.

The Menorahs radiance symbolized divine light and this light is the radiance of Jesus/Yeshua. 1John 1:5; John 8:12.

Messiah is pictured in the Menorah as the tree of light/life and the servant of the Lord, the light of life and the One who is likened to pure beaten/ hammered gold. He provides us with support, sustenance and light from the oil of the Holy Spirit, therefore our lives grow out of our connection and relationship with Him.

He is the light of the Lord. Psalm 27:1. He is the Shamash who comes down to ignite the light of life within all who will believe. For the one who has the Son has life.

One Menorah. Exodus 25:36, 26:6. The Torah is made up of five separate books but it is one. Similarly, the children of Israel were divided into priests, Kohanim, Levites and Israelites; put together they form one nation.

The Menorah was to be made by hammering the single piece of solid gold into one shape.

The word translated hammered or beaten comes from the Hebrew word meaning difficult.

Strong’s Hebrew: 4749. מִקְשָׁה (miqshah מִקְשָׁה

Strong’s Hebrew: 7186 קָשֶׁה qasheh (kaw-sheh’)

One commentary says that the pattern and method for making the menorah was difficult for Moses to understand.

Strongs #8403

תַּבְנִית tabnith (tab-neeth’)
Definition: construction, pattern, figure

Because of this, he was to give the task of constructing it to Betzalel – (the carpenter from the tribe of Judah!)

Another image of hammered or beaten gold suggests that it is shaped and refined through testing and pressure.

The Menorah symbolizes light, growth, unity, the tree of life and the unity of Torah. All its parts were formed from a single piece of pure gold that was beaten and hammered into shape. Exodus 25:36

This is a symbol of the divine substance as Gold has a hint of the color of blood combined with the pure white.

The Menorah sat on a three legged base which was an allusion to the hashilush ha kodesh – His triune nature, which is the root of all reality. Just as the many parts of the Mishkan were put together to form one tabernacle so the many parts of the Menorah would likewise fashion to form one lampstand. Jesus/Yeshua taught that there would be one flock from both Jews and Gentiles – one new man having one shepherd. John 10:16

Messiah Jesus/Yeshua did not command us to become Jewish or to observe Talmudic Laws. The word law being: instruction, direction, describing our boundaries and guide to life which is contained in the 10 commandments. Jesus/Yeshua reiterated these in Mark 12:31 and includes loving your neighbor as yourself; which is from Leviticus 19:18 – ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.

It would seem that the only newly stated law we are connected to is the law of the spirit of life in Jesus/Yeshua.

Romans 8:2

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Haronem

H r n m

menorah

מְנוֹרָה

The Hebrew word Menorah has a simple meaning of lamp.

The pictographs could read: Behold the Headperson nailed/pegged, brings life from chaos/water.

מְנוֹרָה seven-lamp (six branches)

The lamp stand in today’s synagogues, called the ner tamid (lit. the continual lamp; usually translated as the eternal flame), symbolized by the Menorah.

Verse 37: 7 places for the oil. The receptors for the wicks were 7, in center the servant branch. The wicks placed a certain way on each side so that the 3 wicks pointed to the center, to the servant candle in the middle. This one in the center the servant candle was always lit and always burned.

The hatavah – the cleaning and replenishing of the oil lamps and the replacing of the wicks – There were 3 steps for the priests to stand on to maintain the wicks; and oil every day new oil fresh oil, as yesterdays oil was not appropriate for today, it was replaced daily.

Pattern, a word used often in the scriptures and Jesus/Yeshua is our pattern; and we can see that pattern in the Menorah also.

Pure beaten oil for the lamp. Not candle wax or other oil to burn with. Olive oil burns with a bright light and little smoke, so it had to be clear and pure. In everyday families homes, the best oil was used daily for eating and lesser oil for burning for light, but only the best was used in the tabernacle. The small Ceramic lamps were for home use.

Focus was on the main servant light, at no time there was no light on the menorah.

From evening until morning, sundown to sunup.

The Holy Place was always illuminated by the light of the Menorah; from within.

So too, the Holy Place, the abode of Gods’ Holy Spirit is within – our life, and we should always be illuminated with His glorious light as He indwells us by His spirit. The only source of light and nourishment (table of shewbread) was in the Holy Place: our nourishment comes from within. He is the Bread of Life.

The darkest hours were given light from all the combined lamps. The darker it is, the brighter the light appears.

Wick פְּתִילָה ptila

When wicks were needed they came from the priests white linen garments, which were recycled when too old or torn to be worn. Cut into strips and woven together, these fed the oil to the flame.

The old garments were also used as swaddling clothes for the newborn!

Above picture: The illustration shows the western lamp as the source of the flame of all six of the other lamps. Far right: The kohen is holding the lit wick of the western lamp on the right, and directing it toward the unlit wick of the lamp that is positioned adjacent to it on the Menorah. The same procedure was then repeated, extending the flame of the 2nd lamp to the wick of the 3rd lamp and in this way all 7 lamps were kindled.

A recent 2018 reassessment of artifacts in hitherto unpublished report of 1930s excavations, relating to a discovery in the Negev desert town of Shivta in the 1930s; yielded a very rare 1500-year-old flax lamp wick. Above: the Byzantine-period flax wick and its copper casing.

Without the priestly connection there would be no flame for the temple lamps.

Yeshua/Jesus is our High Priest. Walking in His Ways produces light in our lives.

The extra oil will be needed for the bride to enter the bridal chamber when her bridegroom returns.

The real question is not

where is the Menorah

but

WHO is the representation?

The source of fire for all seven of the Menorah lamps is the – נר המערבי – western lamp. Jesus/Yeshua is the light of the world and this light will never go out nor can it be extinguished.

The Menorah – Why do we have it?

Heb. 9:24 tells us the earthly sanctuary is a type of the heavenly sanctuary –

the earthly are copies of the true,

the real.

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Berean Study Bible

Hebrews 9:23 So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Hebrews 10:1 For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves.

God gave us a hint, a shadow of what He was about to do and when

Jesus/Yeshua was about to come.

The Menorah not only speaks of the light of the world but about also the resurrection of Jesus/Yeshua and the first fruit; as in the almond blossom on the Menorah, the first to bloom.

Where is the real Menorah? According to historians, many treasures were stored in the Vatican basement.

St. Peter Basilica Vatican

The important thing is…

not where is it but,

Who is the menorah?

The Menorah symbolizes Jesus/Yeshua: He is the light of the world, because He is the love of the Father in person, the Word and the Savior.

The Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh, without the oil, there is no light and no illumination.

The Bible/Word: 7 parts, 49 scrolls with 66/70 books = the Word of God = the light in this dark world.

The Book of Life/Chaim: eternal life (Rev. 3:5, 20:12-15), and it is to be our way of life, as a light in this world (Mt. 5:13-16)

The Menorah is not a normal lampstand; it is a miracle, just as the Bible itself is also a miracle.

Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of JESUS CHRIST… this man stands here before you whole… Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:10-12).

In the beginning was the WORD, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the LIGHT of all mankind. The LIGHT shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that LIGHT, so that through him all might believe.

He himself was not the LIGHT; He came only as a witness to the LIGHT. The true LIGHT that gives LIGHT to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The WORD became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:1-14).

I am the LIGHT of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the LIGHT of life (John 8:12).

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6).

And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work (Rev 22:12).

So why did God choose an almond tree to show how His Word will come to pass?

In Israel, because as we have found out, the Almond tree is one of the earliest to bloom and actually blossoms in late winter.

The process from the BRANCH growing and ready to yield fruit takes two years but from this point,

literally overnight,

a beautiful white flower appears.

In fact, it happens so quickly sometimes the blossoms will form even before its leaves grow.

After a long wait the tree SUDDENLY blossoms.

In Jeremiah 1:11-12, the prophet Jeremiah talks to God, who uses the symbol of the almond branch to suggest He is watching the Israelites to see that they follow His Word.

It is a symbol of new beginnings and God’s watchfulness,

To the Hebrews the almond-tree was the symbol of a new life. It is at the foot of an almond-tree (luz) that access can be obtained to the mysterious city of Luz, It is also the name of the town close to which Jacob/Israel, had his vision and which he named Beith-el, or House of God.

The connection between the almond-tree and heaven, indicates that the idea of immortality may be explained yet again by the symbolism of the almond – also called luz. לוז

more at:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/i-will-put-my-name-part-2/

The almond tree symbolizes:

a quick budding out of season

and why The Lord uses almonds in scripture to relay the message that:

He is watching over His Word to HASTILY perform it.

We are in a season where God is watching faithfully over His word and bringing it to pass in an accelerated time!

Because the almond tree not only blossoms very quickly, but it also blossoms during the winter while all the other tree and herbs are waiting (sleeping), for the next season. His reference to it at this hour, indicates that we are in a season where God is not waiting for the perfect conditions to bring His word to pass, but He is making it come to pass during the off season!

The season when no one is looking for anything, the season where everything is supposed to be hibernating, and in slumber, when everything is not aware.

The season of awakening, of quickening is happening while everyone is asleep. He is waking up the ecclesia/’church’, during the season of slumber, and He is doing it quickly.

Summary for original question 2:

What is the connection between Almonds and olive oil with Messiah and lampstands?

The connection to the Menorah and Almonds: Almond tree first to bud, bloom and yield fruit. He is the first fruit resurrected. Death to life.

Aarons staff/rod: proclaimed him the one chosen to be high priest.

Jesus/Yeshua is the good Shepherd from Ps. 23 and John 10:11.

Jesus/Yeshua is the high priest. (See Psalm 2:7, Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 5:5.)

Jesus/Yeshua is the light of the world, the light of the holy place.

He was there in Genesis 1:1 the Alef and Tav written in the middle of the first verse. (See chart depicting this in last post).

He is the light of the Holy of Holies where the ark of the covenant is and in which was placed the Staff/Almond Rod of Aaron.

He is the servant, the Shamash, the Center candle of the Menorah.

Jesus/Yeshua is the Branch; the tree of life; the Olive tree, the one to whom we are grafted in, and whose oil (spirit), filled the almond shaped lamps of the Menorah.

One final and very timely reference is that of Jeremiah who interestingly enough also found himself at the bottom of a well…looking UP for his redemption!

https://www.minimannamoments.com/well-well-now-eye-see/

Shaqad – ready to perform my Word.

Everything is in Gods timing.

What do we see?

God is even now fulfilling His prophetic Word.

Next time we look at an almond, remember the Menorah, the Messiah and the Word/ Jesus/Yeshua Himself.

He is about to perform, to do.

The almond staff of the high priest who is also the good Shepherd, the symbol of new resurrection life were placed in the box/ark, under the kapporet – under the blood -in the holy of holies!

What do we see?

Now we are His ark in the earth.

The container of His Ruach/Spirit.

His life is in us.

His is light is in us, and the oil for the almond Menorah lamps is in us by His indwelling, the Ruach HaKodesh. It is up to us to allow Jesus/Yeshua, our High Priest, to daily trim our wicks and give us fresh olive oil every morning with His daily mercies.

And we have become the Shamash light, serving others and kindling light into the lives of those around us in the world who are still in a great darkness; and also to be encouraging to those who have seen the light but who need reminding who’s we are and whom we serve.

What do we see?

He is about to perform His Word. Fulfillment of our ultimate destiny is at hand. His plan will be performed in His time.

Be alert – Be watchful.

We live in unprecedented times and prophecy is unfolding even as we read this. Matt 24:33 Look up redemption draws near.

Remember the almond and be ready.

Shaqad!

The King is coming and this time, not as a suffering servant but as judge and King, sovereign over all.

The sign of the almond tree and the Menorah is warning those watching to stay alert and Be Ready…

Bride Be Ready!

1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

The almond tree represents the sure timing of the Lord, just as certain as spring will follow winter, Gods’ Word will come true. He watches diligently over it. His promises, purposes and judgments are all fulfilled, whether we believe it or not.

Minimannapropheticmoment:

God is releasing the ability to see the things of the Spirit/Ruach with the eyes of our faith.

How many are waiting for their suddenly, and their breakthroughs? For everyone who is waiting for their fulfillment of a Word given by God. Know for certain that He is diligently watching over His word to you, making sure to fulfill it.

Take this Word to heart.

This Almond tree is a picture of strength and endurance. Why? Because although this flower looks fragile and delicate, it can withstand harsh winter winds and rain.

James 1:2-4 Consider it all a joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The almond tree blossom heralds the soon arrival of spring. In the Spirit, many find ourselves toward the end of a very long winter. Well, hold on because (spiritual) spring is coming and your sudden breakthrough of God’s word is about to blossom and bear fruit.

Remember the Almond

For our part, we are to be alert …so…

what do YOU see?

Be watchful and know what is happening around you and don’t be casual with the things of God and we won’t become casualties, spiritual or otherwise.

For those with eyes to see whose spiritual heart is sensitive to the times in which we are living, it is clear that the days are moving us quickly to a time prophesied in the word by Jesus Himself. The signs of the end of this age are all around us and are rapidly increasing the birth pangs are getting closer together and we are instructed to be ready to be spiritually alert.

We must be prepared, we must have our lamps filled with oil, just as the high priest filled the oil of the temple menorah daily, so that when he lit the lampstand it gave light into the sanctuary and then shone forth from the kaporet /mercy seat, out through the windows to the world outside.

We are to daily invite the ruach of our high priest Jesus/Yeshua to fill our sanctuary, our spirit, soul and bodies, with the oil that will in turn give forth light when lit by the holy set apart fire of His spirit. Then we will be the light of the world as He was and that He said we would be.

We are crucified with Christ, the tree of resurrection life has made place for us to be grafted in branches as typified in the almond tree and the menorah.

So the connection is:

Almonds that were on the Menorah decoration had great meaning and a double inference to watching.

The tree was the source of the rod that budded and declared the confirming of the Aaronic priesthood and of death to life in resurrection.

The staff that budded was kept in the ark/box the dwelling place of God. His throne, the place of His presence; of heaven on the earth at that time.

Look up for our redemption draws nigh. Meaning, we are not yet fully completed and must endure to the end. Look up to Him.

For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Revelation 19:10

When the angel tells John that:

the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy;

he saying that the prophecy is giving glory to Jesus/Yeshua.

The Spirit of Prophecy Points Back to God, the Spirit of prophecy has and always will point man to the goodness of God towards man and also the good news that Messiah paid the price for our sins on the Cross because the Spirit of Yeshua/Jesus has, and will always, bring reconciliation for man to the Father.

The Menorah/Lampstands of Revelation refer to the Ecclesia, the called out ones, the congregation of believers.

It’s time to stop playing, we need to focus on the gospel of the kingdom.

We’ll know we’re following the laws of the ReNewed Covenant when everything we do, say, or think,

(like the flames on the Menorah),

points to The Shamesh; in other words, TO Yeshua/ Jesus, giving Him all the honor, all the praise, and all the glory. When we are occupied only with how much we are loved by our wonderful Savior, and are enveloped by what He did for us, we will not even be conscious of the fact that we are following and obeying His commandments.

Shalom Shalom ‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’!

Please don’t leave this page until you are certain He is the Light of your life.

It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.

You are greatly loved and 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.

What’s The Connection Between Almonds and Olive Oil with Messiah and 2 Lampstands?

December 23, 2019January 2, 2020

Including the Apocalypse of the Menorah – The Light of the World.

The season is here again for remembering the birth of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus the Christ.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/a-lambs-tale-and-a-mysterious-tower/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/because-he-came/

For both Messianic Jews and those who do not recognize Jesus as Messiah it is also the season of remembering the Re-Dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the relighting of the Temple Menorah known as the festival of lights. In Hebrew it’s called Hanukkah or Chanukah. This year both celebrations are in the same week beginning at sundown on Sunday night, Dec. 22, 2019 … and ending at sundown on … Monday, December 30, 2019.

The Hebrew word ḥanuká usually spelled חֲנוּכָּה

is a transliteration, also romanized as Chanukah or Hanukkah and חֲנֻכָּה means dedication. It is a Jewish holiday, and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.

The Maccabees successfully rebelled against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. 168-143 BCE. After the victory, the Maccabees entered Jerusalem in triumph and ritually cleansed the Temple, reestablishing traditional Jewish worship there and installing Jonathan Apphus, Judah’s youngest brother, as high priest.

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

The menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, is the oldest symbol of the Jewish religion, and a variation of it a 9-branched candle holder is called a Hanukkah-menorah or Chanukiah/Chanukiyah, is used for the observance of Chanukah/hannukah which is mentioned in the new Testament John10:22 however there is no reference to the 9 branch Chanukiah/Chanukiyah found in scripture.

The 7-branched candle holder is called a Menorah and was lit in the Jewish Temple is recorded in (Exodus ch.25).

מְנוֹרָה seven-lamp (six branches)

The menorah for

hannukah חֲנוּכָּה

is a 9 lamp candlestick.

The Menorah stands for light, wisdom, and Divine inspiration.

Why Nine candles? It comprises Eight for the eight days of Hanukkah. The ninth is for the helper-candle used to light the others.

The Kohanim/Priests, lit the Menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. The Nine Branched Menorah -used only during Chanukah, also known as the Chanukiyah, is commonly patterned after this Menorah, because Chanukah commemorates the miracle that a day’s worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days.

For more on hannukah חֲנוּכָּה click links below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/hanukkahchanukah-believers-today/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/chanukah-or-hanukkah/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-miracle-of-the-hammer-men/

In Jewish homes on each night of Hanukkah a new branch is lit. The ninth holder, called the shamash (helper or servant), is for a candle used to light all other candles and/or to be used as an extra light. To be kosher the shamash must be offset on a higher or lower plane than the main eight candles or oil lamps.

If and when we Messianic believers light a Chanukkiah, remember that the candle the Shamash or shammash – the servant/attendant candle and could be considered a caretaker for the others, this is the one that is used to kindle the other candles, represents Jesus/Yeshua, the light of the world. It is He Who lights the other branches!

To give this hanukkah greater significance we should also remember that the symbol which we term as being the star of David is not referenced in the Bible!! Interestingly because the star is on the flag, doesn’t mean that the symbol is the scriptural representation of Israel.

According to the scriptures the correct and official symbol of Israel is the Menorah and is included on all important documents.

2000+ yrs ago, many symbols were used to decorate buildings and therefore archeologists cannot define them as Jewish simply by the symbols found amongst ruins because Swasticas and pentagrams and other symbols have also been identified.

In Ex 25:31-40. The Lord gave Moses a specific instruction:

³¹And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.

³²And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:

³³Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop,(knob), and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.

³⁴And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knobs and their flowers.

³⁵And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knob under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.

³⁶Their knobs and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.

³⁷And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

³⁸And the tongs thereof, and the snuff dishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.

³⁹Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.

⁴⁰And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Pure gold and to be fashioned from this one piece the candlestick lampstand was to be fashioned comprising:

A stem and 6 branches 3 one side and 3 on the other; and the specific reference in vs. 33 to the almond tree that the menorah is connected with.

Three bowls made like unto almonds.

It is interesting that it was not the olive tree and its blossom, nor the fig tree and its blossom, or even the cedar tree, or any other tree mentioned by God in scripture.

Moses is given instruction that the knobs and branches are to be of one piece so it was made from one “talent,” or kikar of gold – one piece of pure beaten gold,

The menorah (מְנוֹרָה) was formed from one piece of pure beaten gold weighing 3,000 shekels of silver (nearly 100 pounds).

It was a highly decorative work that had seven branches (with seven lamps), nine flower blooms, eleven fruits, and twenty two cups.

The menorah’s height, measured at 18 handbreadths, and considered to be the height of an average man.

The cups which were fashioned on the branches were compared to Alexandrian goblets, which are wide with a narrow bottom, like wine glasses.

As to the menorah’s branches, some opinions hold that they were hollow (Ibn Ezra), but the majority maintain that they were solid. The greatest controversy regarding the menorah concerns its basic structure, i.e., the shape and direction of its branches. Some ancient diagrams, as well as historical evidence, depict the menorah as having rounded branches; other opinions maintain that the branches rise diagonally, straight out from the middle.

Within the Holy Temple, the menorah stood inside the Sanctuary on the southern side, and its seven lamps were to be lit in such a manner, that they would all shine towards the center. Each day a priest would tend to its the lamps’ flames, fixing and preparing the wicks and kindling them anew.

It is the symbol of light and therefore takes the most central role because its light burst forth from the sanctuary; it was spiritual, as well as physical illumination.

So when we declare Jesus Christ/Yeshua Messiah as the light of the world today; there, in the mishkan in the middle of the wilderness was that prophetic light!

The windows in the walls of the sanctuary were constructed differently than any other windows in the world. These were just the opposite of ordinary windows, for that which is the normally considered the function of windows -to let the light in…….

The Sanctuary’s windows were in order to allow the special spiritual light emanating from the Temple Menorah to burst out into the world from within the Holy Place

As Jesus said, I am the light of the world. He must also replenish the oil for the each if the lamps; which He does by the continual infilling of His Holy Spirit.

One flame of the Menorah, the “western” lamp, burned perpetually. This candle was never extinguished, for the other flames were kindled from its fire. Concerning this flame the verse states, “raise up a constantly-burning lamp” (Lev. 24:2-3). This is the second flame from the end on the eastern side.

The Menorah was not to be constructed in separate pieces then joined together to make one stand, but one stand with many branches and specific details. These instructions were given to Moses during one of the 40 days periods that he was on Mt Sinai. Moses delegated this very precise and intricate construction to the man with the God given ability to create such an exquisite thing. His name was Bezalel בְּצַלְאֵל and means in the shadow [protection] of God.

Bezalel is described in the genealogical lists as the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. He was said to be highly gifted as a workman, showing great skill and originality in engraving precious metals and stones and in wood-carving.

A master workman under Moses; son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. God gave him special wisdom and skill for his task, which was, to superintend the making of the tabernacle and its furniture ( Exodus 31:2; 35:30; 36:1,2; 8; 37:1; 38:22; 1 Chronicles 2:20; 2 Chronicles 1:5 ).

He accomplished this with the aid of Oholiab of the tribe of Dan, who was associated with him and subordinate to him, had the charge of the textile fabrics (Ex. 36:1, Ex. 36:2; 38:22).

The Tabernacle was a pattern, a replica of the heavenly things; and also prophetic of the things to come in the life and person of Jesus/Yeshua.

The candlestick/menorah, stood before the ark, representing the same throne of God in heaven (for the ark of the covenant is a throne/mercy seat/place of His manifested presence).

And they make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell in their midst. According to all that I show you, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all its vessels, even so shall ye. Exodus 25: 8-9

In Revelation 4:5 John saw the coming heavenly pattern of the temple as represented by the menorah he was shown and also..

And before the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven Spirits of God. Revelation 4:5

The candle dispelled the darkness of both the Tabernacle and the Temple (1 Kings 8:12). To get to the ark, the high priest had to pass the menorah walking through its light, revealing/the apocalypse of the WAY to the Ark/Holy Throne/Presence.

Jesus/Yeshua said unto him, I am the way and the truth and the life; No one comes to the Father but by me. John 14: 6

He is also our High Priest who leads us to the mercy seat the kapporet , He lights the WAY.

Therefore, the menorah/candelabrum is symbolizing the WAY/the path (Psalm 119: 105) that in the midst of darkness (2 Peter 1:19)

When was the menorah initiated?

It was part of the Mishkan furniture the tent of meeting the tabernacle in the wilderness Ex. 33.

It was in the tent of meeting where Moses met with the Living God face to face.

Ex 33: depart and go up from here. To your descendants. And I will send my angel before you the 7 nations.

This was after the golden calf incident and God did not go with them but instead sent His angel.

The LORD said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.’

²I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, theAmorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

³Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”

⁴When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments.

⁵For the LORD had said to Moses, “Say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. So now take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do with you.’” ⁶Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.

The Tent of Meeting

⁷Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.

⁸Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent.

⁹When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the LORD would speak with Moses.

¹⁰And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door.

¹¹Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.

Moses’ Intercession

¹²Moses said to the LORD, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’

¹³Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”

¹⁴And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

¹⁵And he said to him, If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.

¹⁶For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”

¹⁷And the LORD said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”

¹⁸Moses said,“Please |show me your glory.”

¹⁹And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

²⁰But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” ²¹And the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock,

²²and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

The Golden lamp stand or candlestick stood opposite the golden table, on the southern side of the Holy of Holies. (Exodus 40:24-25).

South is the direction of earth (Ezekiel 47:1), as north is of heaven.

Perhaps specifying this direction for the lamp stand indicates that the Church is still in the flesh while in the holy, holding forth the light of Truth. This is also indicated by the five copper sockets at the entrance to the holy, copper representing human nature, either just or justified.

A description of the lamp stand for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25:31-39 is directly from God to Moses. This is God’s design. It is particularly detailed in relation to the beautiful almond blossom we see in spring.

Exodus 25:33 (KJV) — “Three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a calyx and a blossom bud; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a calyx and a blossom bud — so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.”

[Note: The Douay-Rheims Bible says of each decoration, “as it were nuts … and a bowl withal, and a lily” (Exodus 25:33). Thus we understand that there were three elements per decoration.]

There were three branches on either side of a central stem (i.e. shaft), with each of the seven extremities holding a lamp containing oil for burning.

This is symbolizing the following: six of them represent the human, because 6 is number representing the man, since man was made the sixth day of creation (Genesis 1: 26- 31 / Revelation 13 : 18).

The seventh, in the center, represents Jesus Christ as immortal Master (Matthew 23: 8). When we are united to Christ we are seven, (eternity), without Him we are just six – a finite number of mortal man.

Each of the six branches was adorned with three sets of cups shaped like almond blossoms, with a knop (knob, bud or bulb) and a flower; the centre stem was adorned with four of these.

Thus, there is a total of 22 such sets. These might represent the original 22 books of the Old Testament writings which graced the early church. The Hebrews associated the number of them with the 22 patriarchs from Adam through Jacob, and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

However, our Bible contains also the New Testament, and in later times the books have been divided into a total of 66. If the three identified elements — bowls, knops, flowers — are numbered separately, this would total 66 in the entire lamp stand. The three branches on one side, together with the centre stem, would contain 39, and three remaining branches 27, which is the division of books in our Old and New Testaments.

The five petals of the cups shaped like almond blossoms are a fitting number to represent the new creation [in Christ], later represented by the five wise virgins of Matthew 25.

Almonds, it is said, produce flowers before leaves, and the Hebrew word for almond means ‘hasten,’probably in observation of this early seasonal produce of the almond flowers. So with the church; they produce the lovely graces of the spirit before their leaves of profession and teaching will be observed by the world in the kingdom.

This meaning of the name ‘almond’ explains Jer. 1:11,12, where the appearance of an almond rod, or branch, is a token from the Lord that ‘I will hasten my word to perform it.’ In this passage it may refer prophetically to the raising of the saints early in the harvest as the work preliminary to the judgments of the Lord which follow shortly thereafter. Aaron’s rod that budded Num.17, was to establish his Divine appointment to the priesthood, was possibly also from the almond tree.

Aarons lifeless rod budded and miraculously, it brought forth life – (resurrection life); just as the cross of wood also ‘budded and produced blossoms’, after his resurrection from the dead.

Aarons Rod was a picture of Gods authority judgment, just as The Messiahs cross and resurrection vindicates Gods exclusive choice of Yeshua/Jesus as our Mediator before God. Those who reject his choice will ultimately share the same fate as those who party with Korach’s Rebellion, when Aarons Rod budded.

אַהֲרֹ֖ן מַטֹּתָֽ

mattheh Aaron

The Hebrew word for the staffs of Moses and Aaron, is mattheh. It can mean staff or rod, and it can also mean tribe, showing the connection between the staff and the person and even the tribe which is represented by the person. It also means a scepter, an object used to show authority.

Above picture is an individual oil lamp, with its cover closed. Below see the lamp with its cover opened, (on the left of picture insert). In the bowl of the lamp is a depression large enough to hold 1/2 log of pure olive oil, and toward the far left is a channel through which the wick will extend. In the top of the picture we see the seven lamps placed upon the Menorah.

And you shall make a menorah of pure gold. The menorah shall be made of hammered work; its base and its stem, its goblets, its knobs, and its flowers shall all be one piece with it. And six branches coming out of its sides: three menorah branches from its one side and three menorah branches from its second side. Three decorated goblets on one branch, a knob and a flower, and three decorated goblets on one branch, a knob and a flower; so for the six branches that come out of the menorah. And on the stem of the menorah shall be four decorated goblets, its knobs and its flowers. And a knob under the two branches from it, and a knob under the two branches from it, and a knob under the two branches from it; so for the six branches that come out of the menorah. Their knobs and their branches shall all be one piece with it; all of it shall be one hammered mass of pure gold.” (Exodus 25:31-36)

These six verses describe the structure of the Menorah, and concludes,

“all of it shall be one hammered mass of pure gold.”

Exodus 25:37 then adds, “And you shall make its lamps seven, and he shall kindle its lamps [so that they] shed light toward its face.”

From this we learn that the seven lamps which held the oil and the wicks were separate from the Menorah.

This is further stated in 2 Chronicles 4:20: “And the menorah and its lamps to kindle them as is required, before the Devir, (parochet separating the Sanctuary from the Holy of Holies), of refined gold.”

Again, the Menorah and the seven lamps are referred to as distinct and separate entities.

We see this distinction a third time in the words of the prophet:

Zechariah, 4:2: “And he said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I saw, and behold there was a menorah all of gold, with its oil-bowl on top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; seven tubes each to the lamps that were on top of it.”

According to the ancient writings, each of the seven lamps consisted of a bowl into which 1/2 log (approx. 285 grams) of pure olive oil was poured and the ptil (wick) was placed, and a cover to protect the oil and to keep it clean. It would be opened when cleaning out and replenishing the oil, as was done each morning, and closed before kindling the wick.

The burning bush, an almond tree, the menorah. All symbols of the Tree of Life and of God’s presence.

The tabernacle preceded the construction of Solomons Temple and the reconstructed Temple of Herod in Jerusalem.

David had too much blood on his hands to be able to build the house of God.

When Solomon built it, he had 10 menorah lamp stands made for the temple 1000BC 1Kings.

The inner sanctuary had 5 on the right and 5 on the left side. There was only need for one. The temple was destroyed in 586 B.C. by Nebuchanezer, king of Babylon. There is some belief that the temple furniture was hidden prior to the destruction and it is a fact that the ark was never present in the 2^nd temple in the holy of holies when it was rebuilt. It is possible that at least one of the 10 menorahs was saved prior to the destruction.

The menorah was huge and the High Priest needed a ramp to be able to access and light the lamps with fresh oil every day.

New every morning just like His mercies. The lamp gave light all day every day.

In 70 AD there was a great Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire that began in 66AD. When Espacio was called back to Rome to become Caesar, his son Titus continued the battle against the Jews, and eventually destroyed the temple.

The Roman empire had its roots in the descendants of Edom/Esau.

Roman Emperor Domitian constructed the Arch of Titus 82 AD on Via Sacra, Rome, to commemorate the capture and siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, which effectively ended the Great Jewish Revolt, although the Romans did not achieve complete victory until the fall of Masada in 73 CE.

Emperor Nero then sent Vespasian.

The Romans Destroy the Temple at Jerusalem, 70 AD.

In the year 66 AD the Jews of Judea rebelled against their Roman masters. In response, the Emperor Nero dispatched an army under the generalship of Vespasian to restore order.

Titus, the son of Emperor Vespasian, captures Jerusalem after a four month siege.

The emblem of the menorah was taken from the frieze on the Arch of Titus

and it became the symbol of Israel today.

Above & Below:The Arch of Titus in Rome

this menorah as part of many other things that the Jewish people were carrying in a victory procession of the Romans all the way into Rome.

Recorded by historian Josephus Flavius who documented Titus’s Triumphal Procession in Rome, 71 C.E. BOOK VII, Chapter V.

They brought all the temple treasures to a place called the temple of Peace built by Vespasian where the most precious trophies were housed and it included the temple menorah, at least one of them, and the silver trumpets also carved into the arch.

The menorah was in the tabernacle and in the first and 2^nd temples and then it was gone from Jerusalem.

Above:The Temple of Peace (Latin: Templum Pacis), also known as the Forum of Vespasian (Latin: Forum Vespasiani), was built in Rome in 71 AD under Emperor Vespasian in honour to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. built by Vespasian with the spoils of the Jewish War that he brought to Rome after the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 71.

Dedicated in 75, it was one of the most impressive monuments in the city. It stood to the north of the Basilica Aemilia in an area that still had not recovered from the great fire of A.D. 64.

It was huge but burned in the 1^st century.

Zach 14 prophesied of Jesus return and everything on the Temple mount will be changed. Scripture indicates that Messiah will reign from Jerusalem for 1000 yrs.

Ez. 40 even described the 4^th temple!

There was a 1^st 2^nd Temple and a 3^rd about to be built.

Then there will be a 4^th.

For those with eyes to see, whose spiritual heart is sensitive to the times in which we are living; it is clear that the days are moving us quickly to a time prophesied in the Word by Jesus Himself. The signs of the end of this age are all around us and are rapidly increasing. The birth pangs are getting closer together, and we are instructed to be ready spiritually. To be prepared, to have our lamps filled with oil. Just as the high priest filled the oil of the temple menorah daily, so that when it was lit, the lamp stand gave light into the sanctuary and then shone forth from the kaporet /mercy seat, out through the windows to the world outside.

We are to daily invite the Ruach of our High Priest Jesus/Yeshua to fill our sanctuary, our spirit, soul and bodies, with the oil that will in turn give forth light when lit by the Holy/set apart fire of His spirit. Then we will be the light of the world as He was and that He said we would be.

We are crucified with Christ, the tree of resurrection life has made place for us to be grafted in branches as typified in the almond tree and the menorah.

Why were they told to make the Menorah with shape of almond blossom and not olives, vines or figs???

We will look deeper into that question for an amazing conclusion…..in part 2.

As we remember whose we are and why we celebrate whether ‘Christmas’ or ‘Hanukkah’ or both may His light illuminate our hearts and lives as that same kavod light of His glory shines on us and over us.

Shalom Shalom, ‘Mishpachah’ משפחה ‘Family’, Happy ‘Christmas’ and Happy Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Please Don’t leave this page until you are certain He is the Light of your life.

It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.

You are greatly loved and 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.

Explaining Obscure Scriptures

Part 2

A bruised reed,

A shepherds pipe

and

A smoking flax.

“A Bruised Reed” Isaiah 42:3.

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

קָנֶ֤ה

qa neh – reed

רָצוּץ֙

bruised – ra sus

In Israel in the springtime there is an abundance of green pasture, the sheep are allowed to graze close to the village where the shepherd’s home is nearby.

The wilderness of Judea, which is located along the western side of the Jordan Valley, is carpeted in the spring with a certain amount of grass and this turns into standing hay as the hot weather comes, this becomes food for the sheep during part of the summer

The shepherd spends much time alone with his sheep isolated in desert places; and his reed pipe, helps to pass the hours cheerfully.

This reed pipe is a frail little instrument of two reeds bound together, hollowed out and with holes on the side. Over time the shepherd learns to play many little tunes on it.

The reed pipe is very easily broken and if it falls it can be quickly crushed by a careless foot, then its’ music is silenced.

This simple pipe is of almost no value, a new one could quickly and easily be made and the bruised pipe simply left by the wayside to disintegrate.

However, the shepherd appears to have a great fondness for this pipe; and because he loves it so much, he will not let it go.

He picks up the crushed reed, and with great affection he tenderly repairs it, binding up its broken parts, until once more he can play it, producing the music he loves so well.

A bruised reed shall he not break.

See

https://www.minimannamoments.com/because-9/

for more on Psalms/Mizmor and the connection to our heart strings.

The Shepherd’s Pipe

A dual-piped flute made of reed is often carried by shepherds in different countries.

These reeds are similar to our bulrushes/cats tails or bamboo/ papyrus.

Only simple musical notes come from this pipe, but the heart of the shepherd is stirred, and the sheep in his flock are soothed by the lively music that comes from the inner being of the shepherd through this simple instrument.

There can be little argument that David probably used such a pipe when he was guarding his sheep, in the same way the young shepherd boys have done for centuries around Bethlehem.

Reeds were also used to make flutes by Jewish children. When they were broken they were discarded and thrown away.

An interesting point is that the word in the Arabic/Aramaic language which is mazmoor

which means:

played on a pipe or flute.

The equivalent of the word in Hebrew word is

מזמור

mizmor.

Which means: a melody.

The phonetic spelling is miz-more’

The Hebrew word for “Psalm” is

tehillim,

The most common reed native to Israel is the Arundo donax (Natural Order Gramineae), known in Arabic as qacabfarasi, “Persian reed.” It still grows today in immense quantities in the Jordan valley along the river and its tributaries.

It also grows at the oases near the Dead Sea, notably around `Ain Feshkhah at the northwest corner. It can often grow up to 20 ft./7metres high, and is still a beautiful fresh green in summer when everything else is dead and dry.

Other scriptures where a pipe is mentioned:

Zechariah 10:8

I will whistle for them –

“hiss, whistle, & pipe”

piping with a shepherds pipe.

Judges 5:16

“Why did you sit among the sheepfolds,

To hear the pipings for the flocks?”

This context does support the shepherd’s reed pipe being used to gather his flock.

He will Strengthen them! (12) He will establish them “back in the land”.

The ancient reed pipe forerunner to gaelic bag pipes with which we are familiar today.

A thought worth mentioning here is that the enemy never created anything, he just takes of our Heavenly Fathers creation and perverts it; changing it to his own nefarious and ugly plans for everything opposed to the good that God has for all of us.

The shepherds pipes makes one recall the pipes of pan. The pan flute is named after Pan, a creature half goat and half man, the Greek god of nature and shepherds!!

Another legend is that of the Pied Piper of Hamelin from the 1300’s. Often what we deem as folklore and old wives tales have very much more truth to them than we choose to believe!

As both of these were the agents of beguiling their followers/children to follow them as they played music, remembering that Lucifer himself was the covering cherub with musical instruments, specifically timbrels and pipes as part of him. see Isaiah 14:12-14; and in Ezekiel 28:13-17

You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.

The timbrel or tabret (also known as the tof of the ancient Hebrews, the deff of Islam, the adufe of the Moors of Spain) was the principal percussion instrument of the ancient Israelites. It resembled either a frame drum or a modern tambourine

The tabret or timbrel was a favorite instrument of the women, and was used with dances, e.g. by Miriam, to accompany songs of victory; it was one of the instruments used by King David and his musicians when he danced before the Ark of the Covenant.

The Smoking Flax

“The smoking flax shall he not quench.”

Here in this Scripture we see a little clay lamp, with its wick floating in an hour’s supply of olive oil. The oil has been used up, and the wick begins to smoke as it burns. We would probably say,

Just throw it away and get a fresh wick; this one is smoking and it’s of no value.

But the owner does not agree to that,

The old will do just fine, all that’s needed is more oil, and the wick will burn as brightly as ever.

That is just what our Heavenly Father does, pouring out His grace upon us and restoring us when the light is almost out.

The smoking flax will he not quench.

The oil is representative of

His Ruach HaKodesh – His Spirit of Holiness.

Jesus/Yeshuas’ listeners understood what He meant because

a smoking flax was a Hebrew idiom

for an untrimmed lamp casting a dim light and

irritating the eyes and nose with smoke.

The people knew that logically the best thing to do with such a lamp is put it out, extinguish or quench it.

Above is a picture of the flax of which the wick is made, and some of the lamps of ancient times which were made of clay and filled with olive oil.

The wick for such a lamp was a few strands of flax fiber or twisted cotton thread.

The flaxen wick was a quick burner and hard to keep lit.

From this understanding …

A smoking flax