Is There A Connection Between The Number 40, Caleb, Joshua And A Candle?

Caleb is a Hebrew name that means:

faithful, whole-hearted, bold, or brave.

Some people also think that it might mean:

devotion to God.

CALEB. ka’-leb (kalebh; in the light of the Syriac and Arabic words, the meaning is not “dog,” which is kelebh, in Hebrew, but “raging with canine madness”; Chaleb): 

Hebrew, the name is pronounced [kaˈlev]

Strong’s Hebrew: 3612. כָּלֵב (Kaleb) — a son of Jephunneh .

Strong’s Hebrew: 3091. יְהוֹשׁ֫וּעַ (Yehoshua) — “the LORD …

Word Origin. from Yhvh and yasha.

Definition. the LORD is salvation.

The Hebrew name יהושע ( yehoshu’a, Strong’s #3091)

is the combination of יהו ( yeho ),

a short form of the name יהוה (YHWH, Strong’s #3068),

and the verb ישע

( Y.Sh.Ah, Strong’s #3467),

The Hebrew word, יְשׁוּעָה Yeshuah, means

Salvation, or Deliverance.

Its Primitive, 3-letter Verb Root is יָשַׁע Yasha,

meaning to Save, or Deliver. 

There are many places in scripture that the number 40 is used; some say 146, others 149 times, in both the Old and New Testaments.

What does 40 mean?

What is its’ symbolism in scripture?

And what can it mean prophetically?

Our Heavenly Father is a God of order. This means He is precise in every detail and has calculated every aspect of the universe since before the beginning of time. Without a way to measure, order is hard to explain. 

Order is often expressed numerically, and the Scriptures are filled with numbers. We find the first measure in Genesis 1:5, where the end of the first day is indicated.

Seasons, days, weeks, months, and years are measures used many times.

Distances are also measured, and patterns can be seen as the meaning of all these numbers are examined. These numerical patterns provide insight as to the meaning of these numbers and reveal another layer of understanding to be found in the Scriptures. We are told:

it is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search them out. Prov. 25:2.

It’s up to the reader to pay attention to these numbers and look for their deeper meanings. Interestingly in

Daniel 8:13, Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that particular one who was speaking,

the then future Messiah is referred to as the Palmonee, sometimes translated as Palmoni, or the Wonderful Numberer.

The name is ” PALMONI ” and it means. ” the numberer of secrets, or the wonderful numberer “. 

Hebrew: פלמוני, romanized : Palmōnî

In the Hebrew concordance, Strong’s 6422, it states that ” Palmoni means ” certain “. It derives from ” Peloni “, Strong’s 6423, meaning ” a certain one “. ” Peloni ” derives from ” Palah “, Strong’s 6395 { A primitive root }, meaning ” apart .

Palmoni is Pala which is spelled Pey Lamed Aleph.

Palmoni, a numberer or revealer of secrets, … or Palmoni, which some render “the wonderful numberer“; or, “the numberer of secrets”, or “that has all secrets numbered” (g); and apply it to Christ, whose name is “Pele”, wonderfulthe eternal Word of God, that is in the bosom of the Father, and knows all secrets, and the number of times and seasons.

The Hebrew meaning, “the numberer of secrets, or, the wonderful numberer“. “Pali” means “secret” while “pala” means “wonderful” or marvelous; and, “mena/mone” means “to count or number”  The mysterious Palmoni of Daniel 8:13 is none other than the Messianic figure of the Old Covenant period–now known as the Son of God, the child born for our salvation–Yeshua, our Messiah.

Unto that certain saint which spake – Margin, Palmoni, or, the numberer of secrets, or, the wondeful numberer. The Hebrew word, פלמוני palemônı̂y, occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures. The similar form, פלני pelonı̂y, occurs in Ruth 4:1, “Ho, such a one, turn aside;” in 1 Samuel 21:2, “appointed my servants to such and such a place;” and 2 Kings 6:8, “In such and such a place.” The Italic words denote the corresponding Hebrew word.

The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.” Daniel 2:47

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parablesI will utter things [unknown and unattainable] that have been hidden [from mankind] since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35

If we are to understand that repeating a thing indicates its’ significance, then considering the number of times 40 appears, it must be very important! 

God flooded the earth for 40 days and nights.

Moses fasted for 40 days, and

Messiah was in the wilderness for 40 days.

40 generally symbolizes:

a period of testing, trial, proving, probation and revealing;

and the

hardships one must endure to become more spiritually aware.

Another way to understand the meaning of 40 is to look at the Hebrew alphabet, which has its roots in pictograms/pictures. Recall from previous posts that each letter has a symbol and a numeric value. Click link below for more details:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/ancient-pictographic-hebrew-language/

The 13th letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, (Alef bet), is the letter Mem;

has a numerical value of

40

and is the picture symbol of

water.

 The original pictogram for Mem

was a zig-zag pattern that depicts water or chaos.

Although the picture symbol has changed,

today the meaning is the same.

There are many references to the sea in Scripture and used many times, in situations that cause fear or are chaotic. Two examples are the storm that ended with Jonah swallowed by the fish; and when the disciples were caught in the midst of a storm in a boat. Such events with water help us understand the picture of the letter Mem.

While chaos and turmoil are connected with the testing in the two examples, we also see Gods’ Grace as He restored calm

Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is the Living Water, 40 and Mem mean water and chaos, however He is also the Prince of Peace.

Below are a few examples of where the number 40 is clearly seen in the Scripture and what it may mean.   

Moses, Elijah and Jesus each fasted in the desert for 40 days.

It is significant that three of the most important individuals each endured 40 days without food or water as the ultimate test of faith, these fasts were used to reach specific goals.

Moses proved his loyalty to God and received the Ten Commandments/Sayings.

Elijah’s faith was shaken after threats from Jezebel. He went on the run, fleeing to mount Horeb, or the mountain of Elohim, to hear from God. He was fed by an angel and walked 40 days and 40 nights without further sustenance. After 40 days, he heard from God and returned to challenge the priests of Baal which brought an immediate change to the situation in the land.

Elijah gained instruction on how to lead the children of Israel; Messiah Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations, they both passed their tests and in the process gained new insights into the Father’s ultimate plan.

 After His baptism, Messiah Jesus was filled with the Fathers’ Holy Spirit and was immediately separated into the wilderness. His compliance showed His instant obedience and reminds us of the need for fasting and prayer in our lives. Messiah Jesus/Yeshua fasted from both food and water for 40 days and nights and He overcame the devil when He was tempted afterward.

Likewise, today we will face temptations and difficulties. Father’s Holy Spirit may call us to prepare for 40 days before a challenging time. We may even be tested and tempted for 40 days or go through a trial for 40 days as our Savior did. Luke 4:2 Messiah told us He was leaving so He could give the Gift of His Holy Spirit to us as a helper through such times. Messiah set us an example so that we could know how to overcome our challenges.

The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years:

After being freed from Egypt, Moses and the Israelites needed direction. Our Heavenly Father planned for them to go to the Promised Land, this was only possible after the whole generation of those who’d doubted His plan had died. The Hebrews had to travel through the wilderness, living on God’s daily provision of manna, for 40 years, due to the unbelief in their hearts. Only when the last of that generation had died did He allow His people to enter the promised land. This clearly shows that sometimes to fully reveal God’s divine will, patience is necessary.  Despite this testing, He provided for them faithfully. They always had food, protection, and their provisions had a supernatural lifespan.

 

 The prophet Ezekiel was instructed by God to lay on his left side for 390 days and his right side for 40 days to “bear the iniquities” of Israel and Judea (respectively). Ezekiel 4:4-8. The days corresponded to the number of years each kingdom insulted the name of God through wickedness and rebellion. Ezekiel suffered greatly, but his insights helped prepare the Israelites for the coming of Messiah Jesus.

The three great Hebrew kings, Saul, David and Solomon, were each recorded to have ruled for 40 years. This is significant because 40 years is considered by many as a biblical generation; meaning: a new group of Israelites rises up, sustains itself, then dies out. For the 3 kings, this measure of time also serves as a warning as 20 years of their rule was marked by prosperity and 20 years by ruin. It highlights the Prophet Samuel’s misgivings over inducting kings in the first place: as eventually, they’ll take from the people more than they give.

The above examples and context of the number 40, gives us clues regarding the meaning. As 40 is a mark of a generation, it doesn’t refer to how long a person lives but indicates changes are made after this time period. This principle is seen when many kings ruled for 40 years those above and also Rehoboam.

Goliath was a giant Philistine soldier who took pleasure in taunting and humiliating the Israelites. The Philistine and Israelite armies stood on opposite sides for 40 days. A new Hebrew champion would come out each day to meet Goliath face-to-face, only to be destroyed. After 40 days, a young shepherd from Bethlehem, named David, was sent by God to defeat the Philistines, this began a new chapter for the children of Israel bringing solidarity to the kingdom.

40 is connected to change.

The change can occur quickly, sometimes it is very unpleasant and at other times, the change is a process which takes years. Perhaps how quickly the change happens for us to come in line with God’s plan depends on our obedience. In Davids case, he believed God would give him victory over the giant; so the change came immediately when David chose to believe God’s promise.

Another well known 40 is in the story of Noah. Because the sins of humanity had become too great, God called Noah to build an ark that could hold two of every living creature on earth, as well as his own family. God flooded His earth for 40 days and nights. When Noah and his family found dry land once again, our Heavenly Father made a covenant with Noah promising that He would never completely flood the Earth again. By doing this a level of trust was restored that had been lost since Eden.

Some more references to 40:

The bible was written by 40 different people.

The Holy Place of the Temple Sanctuary was 40 cubits long.

The rains fell in Noah’s day for 40 days and nights. Genesis 7:4

Israel ate manna and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Exodus 16:35

Moses was with God on the mountain, 40 days and nights, without eating bread or water. Exodus 24:18, 34:28

The spies searched the land of Canaan for 40 days. Numbers 13:25

40 lashes (stripes) was the maximum whipping penalty. Deuteronomy 25:3

God allowed the land to rest for 40 years. Judges 3:11, 5:31, 8:28

Abdon, a judge in Israel, had 40 sons. Judges 12:14

Israel did evil; God gave them to an enemy for 40 years. Judges 13:1

Eli judged Israel for 40 years. 1 Samuel 4:18

The holy place of the temple was 40 cubits long.  1Kings 6:17

Elijah had one meal that gave him strength for 40 days. 1 Kings 19:8

Joash reigned 40 years in Jerusalem. 2 Kings 12:1

Egypt to be laid desolate for 40 years. Ezekiel 29:11-12

God gave Ninevah 40 days to repent. Jonah 3:4

Goliath presented himself to Israel for 40 days. 1 Samuel 17:16

Saul reigned for 40 years. Acts 13:21

Ishbosheth (Saul’s son) was 40 years old when he began to reign. 2 Samuel 2:10

David reigned over Israel for 40 years. 2 Samuel 5:4, 1 Kings 2:11

Solomon reigned the same length as his father, 40 years. 1 Kings 11:42.

Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years. Acts 13:21 

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 40 years.  2 Samuel 5:4

Ezekiel bore the iniquity of the house of Judah for 40 days. (Ezekiel 4:6)

Jesus fasted 40 days and nights. Matthew 4:2

Jesus was tempted 40 days. Luke 4:2, Mark 1:13

Jesus remained on earth 40 days after the resurrection. Acts 1:3

Our Heavenly Father gives us types and shadows, or symbols, as warnings and precursors of the real event for that day and time and for later generations. The example of the Hebrew children wandering in the desert for 40 years after Moses was being given the Torah/Law/Teaching/10 Commandments for them, by God.

Moses was raised and educated for 40 years in pharaoh’s household. After murdering the Egyptian, Moses himself was exiled for 40 years. He was forced to learn a completely different lifestyle in Median to prepare him for the next 40 years until the encounter with the burning bush.

The last 40 years of his life required the preparation from the previous two 40 year seasons.

 

1500 years later, Messiah spent 40 days in the wilderness prior to the start of His ministry and eventual atoning death at Calvary. He spent 40 days on earth after the resurrection. The new believers and disciples received His Holy Spirit at Pentecost/Shavuot and all were given 40 years to accept the Fathers gift of grace, then, in AD 70 the Roman destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, judgment came upon the those who would not believe.

Now to connect the number 40 with Joshua and Caleb who were 2 out of 603,550 that left Egypt!  This surely is a remnant!

(Numbers 26 is a similar numbering to Numbers 1)

Numbers 13 begins an insight into the life of Caleb

when he is aged 40!

Josh 14:7 records:

40 years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart”.

The last time we hear of Caleb is at age 85 in Joshua 14. This is a kudos to Calebs integrity and the example of his consistent faithfulness throughout those 45 years. There is no reference to any word of complaint from him, which is commendable considering the fact that he waited for his inheritance wandering with the faithless generation for 38 years in the wilderness. Both Joshua and Caleb were sustained by the Lord through the consequences of the peoples unbelief.

Caleb was a living testimony to the absolute certainty of the promises made by God, as well as a consistent example of faith. Our Heavenly Father kept Caleb as a continual witness to the children of Israel, preserving him as a testimony to the faithfulness of His Word. He is mentioned throughout the record as a witness: 

Numbers 26:65 “For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun”.

Numbers 32:11-12 “Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land…Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord”.

Deuteronomy 1:35-36 “Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord”.

Caleb had another spirit!

The spying mission had not altered Caleb’s outlook, because his reaction was, to go up and possess.

He was embracing the command of God to possess the land! Later in his life, Caleb made the statement: “Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart” Josh 14:7.

Again, the different spirit of Caleb is clearly demonstrated in what he says here. He does not report according to the sight of his eyes, but according to his faith in God’s power. It is not based upon sight, nor perception, nor according to the thinking of others, but according to his own understanding of God’s promises. It was a report based on faith, not fear. He wanted to go ahead immediately in full assurance of God’s good deliverance. 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Heb. 11:1

Sometime we find that in our own lives we can be reluctant to do anything at once/immediately, preferring to procrastinate to wait and see instead. This putting off and delaying, could take place within our own lives, where we have identified an issue, sin, but are reluctant to take action to correct it.

Within the Word of God, Caleb is portrayed as an example of one who is consistent because he had a different spirit and it is surely an example for us.

Caleb, his different spirit, and the very important fact that

he wholly followed the Lord his God.

If something needs correcting in our lives and there needs to be a change for the better; then there is sometimes a need for an immediate/at once kind of action. It is in these times we can show this spirit of immediate obedience, and as in the case of Caleb we will without hesitation... wholly follow the Lord our God. 

Caleb was also an example to the nation of Israel, particularly to the tribe of Judah into which he had been absorbed. This spirit in Caleb not only motivated him, but it also had a positive effect on all of Judah, it affected Othniel, and Caleb’s daughter Achsah, to take hold of their inheritance.

Concerning the report given by the spies, the issue was not the accuracy of the report and the facts were certainly very clear and real.The issue was whether the spies were seeing with their eyes of the flesh or with their eyes of faith and although the report was a true one, it was not a faith-filled one.  The conclusions made by the 10 spies were completely different from those of Joshua and Caleb.

They all had knowledge, but the knowledge they had gained did not automatically lead to faith and the same could be said for us. Just because we read the Scriptures, it does not mean we automatically become faithful servants; in the same way attending weekly meetings doesn’t prove our will is in line with the Father’s will.  The Scriptures must both be read and acted on so that our hearts and minds are affected by its inerrant power and only then our own personal desire will line up to godly principles.  Transformation can only occur as we begin to line up our thoughts and desires to our Heavenly Father’s way of thinking, doing and being.

Calebs different spirit is seen in a number of ways.

He was:

A gentile willing to join the children of Israel no doubt when the nation was still in Egypt.

Well-known and respected among the people. 

A wise man who did not fear man, he feared God.

More faithful than many of the natural children of Israel. 

Able to give a report not out of fear but according to faith.

He employed his eye of faith and not just the eyes of his flesh.

and he was convinced of the promises made to Israel and to the patriarchs.

Compared to the world around us, we should all like Caleb, have another spirit.

Even though we might be thought of as weird, peculiar, and  different in the worlds eyes, being different in this way is a good thing. We need to express a lifestyle that has godly principles, by working hard, being honest and upright in all we do. Sometimes our very stance on certain issues and politics can make us stand apart, especially when we are asked to explain our scriptural view and it can feel that we are quite alone, and that the majority is against us.

This is an opportunity to show that we stand with those like Caleb.

If Calebs example is to teach us anything, it seems that having a different spirit is something our Heavenly father encourages! He looks for those who would stand apart from worldly ways, He seeks those who do not see only with eyes of flesh.

Instead, we should be like Caleb, confident in that which we cannot see, for us it may be the promises which have not yet happened. Instead of us trying and wishing to fit in with the norm, by way of  topics of conversation, local social events etc., etc. we need to be  like Caleb…different…

We should keep our language clean, the topics of our conversation should remain wholesome and the things of the Lord should be preferred over work events. By choosing to set ourselves apart from the world we will have the opportunity to stand with our Lord and with the multitude of His bride/ecclesia/set-apart saints in the Day of Judgment. Those who have followed a different spirit during the times of their testings and trials.

Numbers 14:24 Caleb had a different spirit in him and has followed me fully. And his descendants shall inherit the land.

When we pray and expect answers are we fully ready for what will follow because answered prayers always bring new challenges.

Imagine if all the prayers prayed were answered all at the same time? Yes there would be rejoicing however, there would also be new added responsibility.

With any crisis, there are always changes.

Solomon prayed and asked for wisdom and we too should not only ask for things according to our Fathers will, but also that our hearts will be strengthened to receive, plus that we be given added wisdom for all that follows. It is possible we have seen some people succeed only to end in failure. This happens when individuals seek outer blessings and their inner spiritual strength is neglected, revealing the difference between the carnal and spiritual life. The Hebrew children saw God’s glory, signs and miracles and yet they tested Him 10 times and did not listen to His voice. Because of disobedience and rebellion, not all those who treat our Heavenly Father with contempt will see the promised land/eternity. Verse 26 calls them evil, they grumbled and complained and they died in the wilderness bearing the consequences of their idolatry.

Caleb was not the only faithful spy. When we read Joshua 11:21-22 and the summary of the conquest of the land, we see Joshua as well as Caleb. Both of these men drove out the Anakims, defeating them. What they had believed over 38 years earlier was coming to pass!

It was in Hebron that the spies in Numbers 13:22 saw the Anakims, and it is Hebron Caleb longs to take in victory. Moses swore to Caleb that he would receive the land “whereon thy feet have trodden” Josh 14:9. Caleb trod all over the hill country of Hebron and he was now going to be given the very places he so longingly desired.

Caleb would lead them in the battle; his confidence is the same as it was 45 years earlier. He believed that God could still use him.

In all of this there is a lesson for us:

We should look to the consistent example of those elders in the body of Christ, the ecclesia and our local assembly of believers, we should value their faith, listen to their wise teachings, respect their experience and follow their example. Look how the faith of one person can inspire a generation as it did with Caleb. Let’s not be restricted by our generational age categories but instead, take the time to speak to those who are older, those who have weathered the storms of life and understood the deep things of God because they will not always be around. There is a lesson here also for the older ones amongst us, to continue the work of the Truth while there is strength in our bodies, and that retirement from a paying job or career doesn’t necessarily mean retirement from the work of the gospel of His Kingdom of Truth.

So there is a connection between the number 40, Caleb and Joshua but what about a candle?

Joshua 14:8: “Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God.”  

the heart of the people melt

hearts melted  In Hebrew: himesin ‘eth lev 

את לב המסיו  

Hei Mem Samek Yod Vav   Aleph Taw   Lamed Bet

In Hebrew the meaning is:

melting hearts…as in a candle melting –

candle hearted…. lev mashak.

The 12 spies were sent out to scout out the Promised Land.  

10 returned with a bad report and a recommendation that they not enter the land due to an overwhelming display of power.

Only 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb said:

“God gave us the land, let’s go get it.”   

The report of the 10 spies made

the heart of the people melt. 

 But not so with Joshua and Caleb

The word melt is masah

which is used in a Hiphal form

himesin (hi me sin)  

and literally means

to cause to flow down.

Some modern translators will insert the word fear in here

to indicate that the people were

overcome with such fear, that their hearts melted. 

That is a part of it, but not all of it. Another use of the word

masah is melt

which is a picture of

a candle with a bright flame being fueled by the wax.

Once the wax has melted the flame has gone out.

It wasn’t just fear;

it was the final melting of the wax that held the flame of their expectations alive.

This candle had been melting since the beginning of their journey.

The wax of this candle was made of:

self-sufficiency,

pride,

and an expectation of comfort and security.

Their journey was anything but easy. They faced fear of starvation, thirst, poisonous snakes, invading armies, disease, etc.  God delivered them, but they were getting tired of it all.

Their wax was melting.

Now when they were about to reach their final destination, to finally receive their reward for all the struggles in the wilderness, what did they find out?  Indeed it was a land of milk and honey, but it was also a land full of giants.  

There is a limit to every one’s endurance, everyone has a breaking point.

For the children of Israel this was that breaking point. Although this final challenge wasn’t much different than previous challenges where they had faced certain death due to starvation, thirst or even attacks from enemies armies. They’d seen water come from a rock and manna/food from heaven, and a sea divided to deliver them from pharoahs armies. Now they are told there are giants in the land, but the only difference is that now they had a choice whether to go forward or not.  

Their candle wax was made of selfish desires and was not filled with the desire for God, for His will and plan and purposes.  In the past they had had no other choice but to depend upon Him when they needed water, food or deliverance. Now they had a choice, would they could once again face an impossible situation and trust in God?

Yet, when Joshua relates this story he says:  

“I wholly followed the Lord my God.”  

The word follow/followed is NOT in the Hebrew text,

all there is, is the word:

mala’ti

which literally means:

to be completely filled.

Joshua was saying: I was completely filled with God. 

Unlike the people who let their flame of faith and hope go out, Joshua’s flame only got stronger. His wax was not in the arm of the flesh but in a heart completely filled with God.

Such wax will never melt and the flame will only grow brighter.

To Joshua, this last test, the final trial was not another obstacle to the Promised Land; it was another opportunity to see the power of God, this time by his own choice.  

While the Israelites had all the skills required to run a nation which they had gained from their time in Egypt, they really had no faith and trust in the covenant God had made with them. Instead they trusted their inability to conquer the land! They forgot just Who the great “I AM” really was/is… Isn’t this also true today for some believers, who have little to no understanding of the covenant they have been given with Messiah Yeshua/Jesus and how, if we are obedient to His covenant, He will provide, protect and be with us all of the time?

Our hearts should bear witness with this because if we give our Heavenly Father the glory, it’s impossible to lose. The fact that our Heavenly Father made a covenant with Himself is because only He is able to keep one perfectly.  When our faith is in His Covenant, we please Him and then we can rest, knowing we are always protected and provided for.

The number 40 was also used prophetically in God’s Word, and because of that, we must believe that it holds significance today for us. The inhabitants of Nineveh were given a warning with a testing time frame of 40-days and the punishment on the city was held back because of the Grace of God giving them time to repent.

In Luke 11:30, Yeshua/Jesus points out that as Jonah was a warning to Nineveh, for 40 days, so will He Himself be the warning to His generation. As He stated it in the present tense, the word generation is again a reminder of the number 40. 

Surely this is a warning to every generation, including ours, to turn/teshuvah, from all evil and wickedness and live a life of repentance, in harmony with the will of our Heavenly Father.

Sin in our life may or may not be evident to other people. It may be a sin of fear, doubt and unbelief; however, if we will turn to Him with a humble, repentant heart, He is faithful to forgive us and care for us in every way.

Messiah came to warn us and also to show us He is the One Who can calm the chaos of the waters, the MEM, and all our lifes’ stormy circumstances. Sometimes the duration of our situation depends on us and how long it takes us to totally trust that He is faithful to His Word.

Continuing today, our Heavenly Father tests His children and many times, as in the account of Job, this testing is not always for  correction or punishment; it is to see if His children will remain obedient to His Word, if they will seek Him and still praise Him even in the chaos and storms of life.

And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. Deut. 8:2.

so that the [a]proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and [b]full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of [c]your souls. 1Pet.1:7-9

Faith is not faith until it is tested!

A faith that is not tested cannot be trusted.

If we are in the middle of a fiery trial or a time of testing, don’t grow weary or faint and don’t give up; because our Heavenly Father may not be chastising or disciplining us. He may instead be testing us to see just how strong our faith and trust in Him really is, both for Him and for ourselves to know! This is a great opportunity to pray for our brothers and sisters in Messiah, that we can all pass the tests presented before us; and stay obedient to our Father, keeping our trust in Him unshaken by whatever we may experience in the natural realm.

The scriptures tell us clearly that we’ll have times of trials, tests, sufferings, and we may be wandering in a spiritual wilderness for awhile; and we are to:

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

2 Cor.13:5.

Rest, peace/shalom is coming; the true rest, peace/shalom, that is found when we put our trust/faith in Messiah Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach.

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Our Heavenly Father is always in the midst of the test and there is always an end to it and He promises…

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13.

There does seem to be a connection between the number 40, Caleb, Joshua and a candle: 40 being the years of testing the faith of both Joshua and Caleb, who were the only 2 who passed the test because their hearts were not like candles, they did not masah/melt in the face of seemingly overwhelming obstacles. Their faith /trust was also a living testimony to the surety of the promises made by God.

Let’s not have Melting Hearts – Lev Mashah –  לב מה  but rather..

Let that same spirit be in you Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Phil. 2:5-11  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind, or self-control, discipline, and sound judgment 2.Tim. 1:7.

Let’s be like Caleb …of a different spirit…

faithful, whole-hearted, bold and brave.

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם‎,

Shalom aleikhem

chaverim and mishpachah!

Peace to friends and family.

Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.

Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

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

You are very precious in His sight.

Not sure ..you can be…

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,

SAY IT RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.

Is There Such A Thing As An Excellent Spirit?

In

Daniel 5:12 and 6:3

we read about a man who had

an excellent spirit:

HEB: דִּ֣י ר֣וּחַ ׀ יַתִּירָ֡ה וּמַנְדַּ֡ע וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ

KJV: Forasmuch as an excellent spirit,

Strong’s Hebrew: 1840.

דָּנִיֵּאל

Daniyyel or Daniel

Daniyyel or Daniel

is a masculine name,

a surname of Hebrew origin and

means: God is my judge

Original Word: דָנִיֵּאל.

Transliteration: Daniyyel or Daniel.

Phonetic Spelling: daw-nee-el is pronounced Dah-nee-eyl in the Hebrew text of the Bible.

This name is composed of two words:

– דני (dah-nee) and אל (eyl).

The Hebrew word דן (dahn) Via דין ( din ): means a judge. 

and

אל (eyl) Via אל ( ‘el ):

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

יַתִּירָ֡ה   excellent- yattir

pronounced: yat-eer

YATARA’ RUCHA  רוח יתירא

Resh vav cheth yod taw yod resh aleph

 

EXCELLENT. ek’-se-lent ‘addir, yattir (Aramaic);

Strong’s Hebrew: 3493.

יַתִּיר (yattir) — preeminent, surpassing

Definition. preeminent, surpassing.

NASB Translation. exceedingly (1), extraordinary (4), extremely (2), surpassing (1).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek

3493 yattir: preeminent, surpassing

Original Word: יַתִּיר
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: yattir
Phonetic Spelling: (yat-teer’)
Definition: preeminent, surpassing, excellent

 

The translation of various Hebrew words, chiefly of:

‘addir, “great,” “honorable”

Psalms 8:1,916:376:4;

yattir, “surpassing,” is Aramaic,

occurring in Daniel 2:314:365:12,146:3.

Other words are: bachar,

“to glow,” “try,” “choose” Song of Solomon 5:15;

ga’on, “mounting,” “swelling” Isaiah 4:2;

gadhal, “to make or become great” Isaiah 28:29,

In the New Testament we have diaphoroteros, “greater,” “better” Heb.1:48:6;

kratistos, “most excellent,” “most noble” Luke 1:3Acts 23:26;

the KJV a voice to him from the excellent glory,

the ASRV and the ERV, margin “the Majestic Glory”

kath’ huperbolen “very surpassing” 1 Cor. 12:31,

“Yet I show unto you a more excellent way,”

the RV(UK and USA)

“most excellent”; pleion, “greater,” “fuller”

Heb.11:4.

Strong’s Hebrew: 4022.

מֶ֫גֶד (meged) — excellence

meged: excellence

Original Word: מֶגֶד

Part of Speech: Noun Masculine

Transliteration: meged

Phonetic Spelling: (meh’-ghed)

M g d

מֶ֫גֶד  noun masculine excellence

More Hebrew words for excellence:

noun הִצטַיְנוּת distinction ….noun גָאוֹן genius,

 6833-  metzuyan. מצוין –

excellent, exceptional, wonderful; marked, noted …

Daniel had an

excellent spirit

that sustained him when his faith was tried and tested

by facing hungry lions.

Daniel chapter 3 records the story of the three young men that are thrown in fire because they refused to worship the image of gold that Nebuchadnezzar made. King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:1

There is a promise made by Messiah Himself recorded in Revelation 3:5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Here is a spiritual law in connection with the laws of opposition. We are at war and there has been no real peace on the earth since Jesus time.

When nations declare war, everything changes. Preset protocols are initiated and security systems are enforced and all military and defenses are put on high alert. Life without war is impossible in both the natural and spiritual realms until Messiah establishes His rule and reign of Shalom/Peace in the Millennial Kingdom which is here in part and yet still to be fulfilled by His return/second coming.

Daniel was a man living by faith in a hostile world. The same could be said of believers in Messiah today.

When John saw Messiah open the seals was it a future event??

In Revelation 6–7 Jesus Christ opens the book with seven seals. As each seal is opened, John sees a representation of an event or events in the earth’s history. Chapter 6 records the opening of the first six seals.

The seven seals are one of a series of end-times judgments from God. The seals are described in Revelation 6:1–17 and 8:1–5.

Jesus/Yeshua said in Matthew 10:34:

I have not come to bring peace

I have come to bring judgment.

In

John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will

 have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In this world we will have tribulation.

Note in the verse He is telling us so that IN HIM we will have peace/shalom not in the world. The peace we will know is inside us in our spirit, a deep inner knowing that when our lives are lived IN HIM we are safe and secure. The world cannot and will not provide the peace we need.

The end times began when Messiah Jesus came. There has been no peace since then, wars and rumors of wars, pestilences and famine have been all been ongoing and will continue until He returns.

Rev 5:1 only Messiah is worthy to open the seals.

One of the Elders comforts John with the great news that there is someone worthy to break the seals and read the book. The Lamb of God is equal to the task.

Here we read of a new song in Rev. 5:9  And they are singing a new song, saying “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and You bought for God with Your blood some from every tribe and nation.

Only Messiah is worthy and able to open the seals because of His newly resurrected status. 

We are in a battle and connected to both realms/kingdoms. We are  supernatural eternal spirits in natural physical bodies which will decay, it is not a supernatural body, not yet.  It is a fact that there is a continuing struggle in the physical, mental, moral and spiritual areas of life. Spiritual Health is the balance between the physical parts of our bodies and all the things and forces surrounding us. To maintain good health we must have sufficient internal strength to fight off the things that are external.

Everything outside our physical life is designed to cause our death, including other humans. If we have enough inner strength to fight, we help to produce the balance needed for health. The same is true for the mental life we have to fight. This struggle produces the mental balance we identify as thought. We are to take captive all thoughts…2 Cor. 10:5

Morally it’s the same, because anything that does not strengthen our morals is the enemy of virtue within us. …If there be any virtue…Phil. 4:8….Whether we overcome and produce virtue depends on the level of moral excellence in our lives….

However we must fight to reach that standard, because morality does not occur by accident or chance, or by itself, it is acquired. This also means that anything which is not spiritual can lead to a downfall.

Again…Jesus/Yeshua said,

in the world you will have tribulation… John 16:33

However He also said, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

We must learn to fight against and overcome the things that come against us and in that way produce the balance of holiness in our lives; if we do, then it will create in us a positive attitude when we meet opposition.

Without holiness no man can see God. Heb. 12:14

In context: Hebrews 12:13-15

New American Bible
Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.  Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.

Here we see the danger of roots of bitterness that can grow when peace holiness and grace are lacking…

Everything Adonai says is out of His Holiness.

Psalms 89:36; Amos 4:2;Ps. 60: 8.

God in His Holiness spoke and like the psalmist, we can take joy in His promise and the Nehemiah 8:10  joy of the Lord is our strength.

Holiness is the balance between my/our nature and the law/directions for living/teaching of God/Torah, as expressed in and through Messiah Yeshua/Jesus.

 Excellent Spirit –   

YATARA’ RUCHA  רוח יתירא

in Aramaic 

Resh vav cheth yod taw yod resh aleph

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

Although not by any Hebrew standard Godly, Darius was a spiritual man and he saw an excellent spirit in Daniel.

Chapters 2 through 7 in Daniel are written in Aramaic and the remaining portions are in Hebrew. The Dead Sea Scrolls have revealed five copies of the Book of Daniel and all are in perfect harmony.

In Aramaic the word excellent is yatara

which is slightly different than the word in Hebrew:

yetar and infers more of the idea of: an abundance;

whereas the Aramaic word

yatara carries the idea of pre-eminence.

This suggests a 

yatar rucha or excellent spirit

is one where:

the Spirit of God’s desires, is pre-eminent over a persons flesh/carnal life and desires.

King Darius was very perceptive and he noticed something different in Daniel compared to all the other wise men because Daniel seemed to be more focused on his relationship with God than the other wise men did. The other wise men were continually seeking the king’s favor, yet Daniel was seeking only the favor of his God. Darius recognized Daniel was a man whose spirit was pre-eminent over his flesh.

Daniel would speak of new and wiser things from his God, innovations that would bring about a transformation whereas all the other wise men were repeating the same old things.

Did Darius see a man who was not focused on making an impression but one who would speak the truth of God?

Maybe he could sense Daniels rucha or his spirit/mind?

Whatever the reason, the king recognized that there was something different about Daniel that was pure and holy; and this was no doubt due to the fact that Daniel had a pure heart and pure motives.

Daniel, was a man who had every reason to hate his employer, who was also his king and was now trying to replace his God too. Daniel had to divide and separate within the context of the existing relationships and by establishing boundaries for that which was the preeminent focus of His life and calling. His excellent spirit was the deciding factor and resulted in his elevation before both God and man. Our Heavenly Fathers’ patterns are threaded throughout His Word. When we recognize them we will understand how He is leading us and dealing with us for His Glory. 

Daniel 6:3: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”

It may be true to say that if a person who loves Jesus with all their heart and has an excellent spirit, a yatar rucha, other people will notice but the individual will probably not even be aware of it.

In 607BC, when the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon their identity was to be totally changed by being brainwashed and if necessary, beaten into total submission.

All their hopes were now forced to focus around the ruler Nebuchadnezzar who was also now to be their god: and any dreams of a future family life taken away.

Some 70 years later Belshazzar, while drunk sees the writing on the wall and being terrified, was advised to call for this now elderly seer who may by the Spirit of God, be able to interpret this phenomena.

On meeting Daniel he asks, Art thou Daniel, which art of the captivity of Judah …

This once young prince of Judah was now a very old resident of Babylon, yet there was no change at all to the man of faith inside because his character and the qualities that endeared him to his captors; those that made him stand out, had been formed when he was very young, not in Babylon but in the court of Josiah.

Daniel was a handsome young man; and had the bearing of a person of noble birth, as one from a royal line, dignified but not arrogant; being well educated, and both knowledgeable and wise. Because he could manage himself, he could also manage others, his discerning ways were superior to those of his peers.

Furthermore he was full of courage and faith in His God, which supported this bravery. Equally notable was that he was unwavering and from youth to old age, his outlook and conduct as a man of faith never really changed and due to this steadfast loyalty to his God, his enemies could not take advantage of him.

He must have retained humility to the degree that great rulers promoted him to positions of great power and never felt threatened. They could make use of his insight without being afraid his ego would challenge their leadership.

The one attribute that set Daniel apart which was repeated 3 or 4 times was an excellent spirit, and seems to be the key to really knowing him.

What does an excellent spirit mean?

Basically, that wherever he went and the way he conducted himself and his attitude to life, made an lasting impression on people.

Because he had an excellent spirit in him, he showed respect and dignity to others; He was able to solicit a tender affection from men who were brutal and hardened in cruelty by the careful way that he answered people. He could turn away the wrath of kings and change the attitude of courtiers.

Something noble shone forth from him and they saw in him a disposition that was warm and appealing, by maintaining that throughout his whole life: it never left him and neither did the favor of those around him.

This favor was said of both Samuel, and Messiah, that they grew in favor with God and men. And Daniel had the same spirit, because he pleased God and men doing the right thing and in the right way.

It is noteworthy that Daniel and Ezekiel were of similar age and both spent their childhood and early teenage years in Jerusalem. They carried Jeremiah’s mantle together into the Babylonian captivity even though they lived around 50 miles or 80 kms apart.

In a nutshell, Daniel’s life began around 626BC born of royal stock. His relationship to King Josiah although close is not certain. Following the rediscovery of the book of the Law, the palace walls echoed with the words and prophecies of Jeremiah so His childhood was lived in an era of spiritual regeneration/revival.

Josiah was killed in battle when Daniel was around 15 years old, and 3 years later the conquering king of Babylon arrived in Jerusalem and Nebuchadnezzar forced the Jewish academics and intellectuals to relocate to Babylon. These included Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah who were all very gifted young princes. They were selected to serve as royal court officials. They were made eunuchs which was a very cruel act to the self worth of any man and especially to ones so young. It meant that even though they were of a royal blood line they now had no possibility of royal offspring.

The city that Daniel found himself was the one that had come to dominate the world.

Daniel, was already an accomplished scholar, further achieved remarkable proficiency in many disciplines, along with his three colleagues. We may be more familiar with them as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego who was already an accomplished scholar,

A royal decree was issued to slay all the wise men of the kingdom for their failure to help Nebuchadnezzar recall a mysterious dream he had seen. Daniel heroically averted this when with less than 24 hours to live, the 4 of them pleaded before the Lord to interpret the dream. Their request was granted and Daniel was able to remind the king of his dream, and also gave him a remarkable vision of the future.

King Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed that he promoted Daniel to the governors position over the whole province of Babylon and also to be prime minister over all the wise men of Babylon, whose lives were also spared.

Daniel served the One True God and he prayed and worshiped God faithfully every day. There is something about a person when their light is shining that causes them to be noticed.

The wisdom and favor with the king given to him by God caused jealousy in the hearts of the 120 Princes, who tried to find fault with Daniel however the only thing they could find was to pick on was his religion. He was faithful to his God and to the king and all he did was blessed so the Princes planned to trick the King. They suggested that the King make a decree that for 30 days that no one be allowed to ask anything of anyone else except of the King and the penalty for breaking this decree was the offenders were to be cast into the lions den.

Here we have a spiritual principle, which shows that Daniel was not rebellious, but he was faithful to his God.  There are times when we must obey God over human civil rulings when it violates what the Scriptures decree.

We should obey God rather than man…

Acts 5:29

The scheming Princes found Daniel praying as he always did and told the King who, realizing he had been deceived, tried to find a way out, but he couldn’t as the men reminded him that his own decree was irreversible. Finally the King summoned Daniel and told him, I believe your God is able to save you, and I hate to do this, but I must cast you into the lions den.

The King fasted and prayed all night, until morning and with a sorrowful voice he called out, “Daniel, was your God whom you serve, able to deliver you?”

Daniel replied, from the lion pit,“Oh King, my God sent an angel to shut the lions mouth and I am safe.” 

 The King was relieved and angry at the same time; relieved that Daniel was alive but angry at the Princes.  He ordered them and their wives to be cast into the lions den; their bodies did not reach to the den’s floor before the lions killed them.

The third chapter of Daniel tells another account of King Nebuchadnezzar who made an image of gold to be worshipped and any failure to do so would result in being cast into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to bow down to the statue and some of the Chaldeans reported their rebellion.

The King was angry but gave them a second chance to worship the image.

They stated, Be it know to you oh King, our God is able to deliver us, but if NOT, we will not serve your gods.

Infuriated by their non compliance, he commanded that they be bound and cast into the burning furnace, however as the people watched, they clearly saw not only the three men but also a fourth figure walking around in the fire.

The king became fearful and called them to come out, he realized that their God had sent an angel to protect and deliver them. When they emerged from the furnace, they were not harmed, their hair wasn’t singed, nor did they even smell of smoke. Because of this miracle, the King promoted them with honor making a new decree with penalties, that no one was to speak against the Hebrew children’s One True God.

We may all have had people we thought were our friends, and then they planned evil against us, perhaps they snared us into a pit, betraying our trust and bringing great sadness to our lives….but God’s plan is to bring us new life in Messiah Jesus. He can restore what has been lost or stolen from us in every area and relationship and with our loving Heavenly Father the new is always better. He has a good plan for each of us and will bless those who are faithful to keep His commands and serve Him, charging His angels to protect and watch over us. It is up to us to keep our relationship with our Father in Heaven consistent and to be like Daniel, who was faithful to pray and worship Him every day. Reading His Word and building ourselves up in our faith and courage by feeding daily on fresh manna, getting to know Him and the reason we are here and what He wants us to do.

Continue to be faithful family and know that the choices we make to love and serve Him with our whole heart, mind and strength really do matter.  We know not one of us is perfect, only He alone is perfect, yet He is continually working on us, with us and through us, to become mature/perfection in His eyes, by our willing obedience and fulfilling the task He has placed before us; and like Daniel staying humble, that excellent spirit may come to indwell us too!

Daniel purposed in his heart  …we can too!

Understand that Messiah is returning soon for those who have repented of their sins, been washed in His Blood and fully received Him into their life.  All we have to do is Ask, Seek, Knock and the door of salvation shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9.

Shalom shalom mishpachah/family

and cheverim/friends!

You are loved, appreciated and prayed for..

It’s all about Life and Relationship,

NOT Religion.

You are precious in His sight.

NOT SURE?

YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen

What Filled Messiah With Simchah-Chedvah-JOY?

One word for Joy in Hebrew is

simchah – שִׂמְחָה –

joy, happiness, gladness, mirth.

Another word for JOY is

chedvah: חֶדְוָה –

 joy.

Strong’s Concordance #2304.

Original Word: חֶדְוָה.

Part of Speech: Noun Feminine.

Transliteration: chedvah.

Phonetic Spelling: khed-vaw’.

Strong’s Hebrew: 8057.

שִׂמְחָה (simchah) — joy, gladness, mirth

Original Word: שִׂמְחָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: simchah
Phonetic Spelling: (sim-khaw‘)

exceedingly, gladness, joyfulness, mirth, pleasure, rejoicing.

From sameach; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)  exceeding (-ly), gladness, joy (-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice delight (1), exceeding joy (1), extremely* (1), festival (1), gladness (34), happiness (1), joy (38), mirth (1), pleasure (6), rejoice (1), rejoiced (1), rejoicing (6).

At that moment …

He was filled with JOY – שִׂמְחָה

שִׂמְתָה שָׂשׂן

Transliteration: sim•cha, sa•son

Simcha, Joy, is one of the most used words in the Scriptures; it appears over 400 times, together with its synonym, sa•son. Interestingly, the English word ‘sassy’ came from sa•son.

Both words together form a beautiful expression that is said in every Jewish wedding, as weddings themselves and other events such as a child birth are called by the general name ‘sim•cha’.(The word is spelled both with and without an h at the end.)

This expression, used by the prophet, Jeremiah, says:

‘kol sa•son ve•kol sim•cha, kol cha•tan ve•kol ka•la’.

“The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride” Jeremiah 33:11

We can also see this as prophetic concerning Messiah returning for His Bride/Challah/.

From the references to joy, the first time it is mentioned in the Brit Chadashah/New Testament it is noted with the birth of Jesus, Yeshua:

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy”

Matthew 2:10

We may be most familiar with joy being listed among the fruit of the spirit which are qualities noted in Galatians 5:22-23. 

The second fruit of the Spirit is joy, ‘sim•cha.

Sim•cha is connected to the name of an important Jewish Holiday – Sim•chat To•rah – the Rejoicing of the Torah.

This holiday is celebrated on She•mi•ni A•tze•ret, which is the first day following the seventh day of Sukkot also called

Feast of Booths, Feast of Tabernacles. 

The holiday commemorates the completion of reading portions of the Torah during the year; there are 52; each portion is read each week of the year all over the world.

This custom is biblical because it was first done by Ezra the Scribe.

Luke 10:21-25

when we hold someone dear and love them in truth we want to know what makes them happy ….happiness is an emotion of the soul and often does not outlast the occasion or reason for its declared feeling.   We are in a flesh body but we are spirit first and foremost; and we must learn to NOT be led by our feelings but by His Spirit of Holiness within us, guiding and leading our spirit not our flesh. 

The scripture does not say Yeshua/Jesus was happy,

it says

He was filled with joy. Luke 10:21

The scripture says in

Nehemiah 8:10 This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the lord is our strength.

Nehemiah 8:10, Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!

We may assume that our strength comes from the joy our Heavenly Father gives to us. 

Have we ever thought to ask, where does that joy really come from? 

 The word joy that is used in Nehemiah is the word chadoth which is really the word for pleasure

The pleasure of God is our strength.

But what does that mean?

Psalms 105 may give us an answer.

He called down famine on the land,
broke off all their food supply,
17 but sent a man ahead of them —
Yosef, who was sold as a slave.
18 They shackled his feet with chains,
and they bound him in irons;
19 until the time when his word proved true,
God’s utterance kept testing him.
20 The king sent and had him released,
the ruler of peoples set him free;
21 he made him lord of his household,
in charge of all he owned,
22 correcting his officers as he saw fit
and teaching his counselors wisdom.

This Psalm vs. 16-22 holds a very interesting reference to Joseph.  Most scholars agree that this reference means; that until the time came for Joseph to fulfill his purpose or mission in life, which was to become a prime minister of Egypt and thus bring his family into safety from a famine; he first had to go through various trials to be tested by Adonai. This testing/trial proves faithfulness and obedience, vs.19.

Joseph learned to be joyful in every situation because

the joy of the Lord was his strength.

His pleasure is our strength …a verse in Philippians also helps us understand:

For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. Phil. 2:13. Amp. and again in Rev. 4:11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Here is confirmation of two things that believers in Messiah understand to be true; and that is,

we are all created for a specific purpose in life

and

that our Heavenly Father puts us through times of trial/testing or as it’s often referred to as spiritual boot camp.

This is for the purpose of developing our

obedience and faithfulness

and to bring us to the place where we fulfill the mission /calling He has placed on our lives.

These verses are important for us.

Why?

Because it gives us a scriptural basis, revealing that we are not put on this earth haphazardly, or by chance or mistake; rather that our Heavenly Father has placed us here at this specific time to fulfill a specific role. 

It also gives us an understanding of the reason why we all go through trials in life; that it is to provide a training ground which helps prepare us to fulfill the role chosen for us in His plan.

Concerning

the joy of the Lord is your strength;

it’s not the joy you feel,

but the joy our Heavenly Father has in us

and reveals it to you through devar.

The Hebrew word

devar:

Strong’s Hebrew: 1697.

דָּבָר  dabar/devar –  speech, word.

Davar or dabar means word and it also means thing.

This fact reflects a deep facet of a Jewish world view.

Words are the creative energy of the world. God spoke, and through words brought the universe into being.

It directly correlates to Yeshua for it is the Hebrew equivalent to “Logos” found in John chapter 1.

In Hebrew John 1: 1 reads, 

“Bereishit hayah hadavar. V’davar haya et haElohim, vElohim hayah hadavar.” 

In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Yeshua is Hadavar Elohim, “The Word of God.”

The Fifth book of the Bible, Deuteronomy is called “Davarim” (Words) in Hebrew. It was written at the end of 40 years of the Children of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness. 

There is something interesting to be seen here.

The Hebrew word for “wilderness” is Midvar. Davar is the root word for Midvar. Notice that the last three consonants of Midvar are the same as the three consonants of Davar. 

Davar is spoken by Moses (a type of Yeshua) at the end of the 40 years of testing in the wilderness. After Moses’ death, Yehoshua (Joshua, another type of Yeshua) leads the children of Israel to the Promised Land (yet another picture of Yeshua).

Yeshua at the end of the 40 days of testing in the Midvar (wilderness) is confronted by Satan. Three times Satan tries to tempt Yeshua. Yeshua responds only one way. He uses Hadavar Elohim (the Word of God).

Which book does Yeshua quote from all three times?

Davarim. 

Interesting Note:

Davar HaChaim (The Living Word)

is in the Midvar using the Hadavar Elohim,

specifically the book of Davarim to defeat the adversary!!

We all know that as God, Jesus/Yeshua could have just simply performed a miracle and thrown Satan out of the desert, but He didn’t. So why did He

The Living Word

Davar HaChaim

use the Word of God to defeat the adversary?

because He is our example.

Jesus/Yeshua,

the Living Word/Davar HaChaim

had to show that Satan/adversary can be defeated by the

Hadavar Elohim/the Word of God

and in the power of His Spirit of Holiness/Ruach HaKodesh. Had Messiah done something to the adversary/devil that only God can do, He would not have been much of an example for us, as that option would not have be available to us.

The word/devar that is 

spoken from the heart of God. 

Devar represents a

word of power

and could also be

a word of prophecy or inspiration. 

Devar – DBR – is spelled with a

Daleth

which is a doorway

to the

Beth (b and/or v)

or the heart

of the Resh or Spirit of God.  

So Devar is:

a doorway to the heart of God.  

It’s the heart of God that gives us strength!

When we enter His heart, we find it is

filled with JOY over us and our faithfulness

and when we see the JOY of the Lord…

that becomes our strength to overcome!

So Yeshua/Jesus was filled with strength also ..

this joy is a spiritual force that helps us in our halak/walk;

this too is to be our joy – our strength!

For Yeshua/Jesus too, the joy that filled Him, came by way of His Fathers’ Spirit of Holiness/Ruach HaKodesh; as He saw what JOY was in His Fathers’ Heart as His will and plan was being fulfilled.

21 At that moment he was filled with joy by the Ruach HaKodesh and said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I thank you because you concealed these things from the sophisticated and educated, yet revealed them to ordinary people. Yes, Father, I thank you that it pleased you to do this.

22 “My Father has handed over everything to me. Indeed, no one fully knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

He continued to speak

23 Then, turning to the talmidim, he said, privately, “How blessed are the eyes that see what you are seeing! 24 Indeed, I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you are seeing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them.”

Just before that moment He had told His talmidim/disciples in

verse 20, don’t be glad that the spirits submit to you be glad that your names have been recorded in heaven.

His Joy/Simchah/chedvah, was at the declaration of His Fathers will being literally fulfilled!

He and His disciples and anyone at that time who saw what was happening were seeing what the prophets had desired to see!

 “Blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it” (Matthew 13:16-17).

In other words, to experience something that marvelous, was that which many wise and holy people had longed to experience but couldn’t …this should make us aware that we are truly blessed, and should cause us to be very thankful.

In 1 Peter 1:10-12. he is encouraging us to express a more grateful attitude and respect for our salvation because the old testament prophets and the angels of heaven longed to see what we have now experienced through the gospel of Messiah.

This salvation referred to in vers. 5 & 9, reveals that 10 The prophets, who prophesied about this gift of deliverance that was meant for you, pondered and inquired diligently about it. 11 They were trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of the Messiah in them was referring in predicting the Messiah’s sufferings and the glorious things to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that their service when they spoke about these things was not for their own benefit, but for yours. And these same things have now been proclaimed to you by those who communicated the Good News to you through the Ruach HaKodesh sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things!

 

If this is true then the days we are living in should also fill us with that same JOY!!?…

again this JOY is not an emotion or a feeling from our soul based on a carnal based reaction to our physical body’s 5 senses. It is rather a definitive condition of our spirit based on truth and rooted in His devar/Word; both the written and Word made flesh in Messiah.

It was the fulfilling of His Fathers will that filled Yeshua/Jesus with Joy/simcha/chedvah.

As we see prophecy being fulfilled at an almost alarming pace, we too should be filled with His joy/simcha/chedvah;

as His and our Heavenly Fathers will is being literally fulfilled today!

The hour is at hand!

Matt 26:45 behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners

He also said in Luke 22:53

When the authorities come to take Jesus/Yeshua away, He tells them in verse 53

this is your hour — when darkness reigns.

It could be translated as

this the hour of the authority of darkness.

The physical darkness is a representation of something deeper that happens.

Then Jesus/Yeshua said to the chief priests, temple officers, and elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against an outlaw? 53

Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. But this hour belongs to you andto the power of darkness.” 

Messiah was facing a time of crisis.

An hour of darkness.

And we all face those because, there is a power in darkness. It’s the power of uncertainty, and anxiety and fear. However He tells us to fear not

WHY?

Because…

He has overcome the world and all things are in the Fathers hand. He is in control whatever our 5 physical senses try to tell us…

Knowing what His Word says regarding these things we experience in our flesh, will dispel ALL fears; and when we resist them in the name of Jesus/Yeshua; and keep ourselves under His protective, redeeming  blood, by being obedient to what He has told us to do and be… then…. no weapon formed against us can prosper.

Yeshua/Jesus called the adversary, the prince of this world, who indeed did offer Him all the kingdoms of the world. Messiah did not choose the easy way but chose instead to complete His Fathers’ plan for His life

because this is why He came.

Likewise we must fulfill that for which we are here.

There are times that the darkness seems to be winning but it’s only for a designated hour!

The hour is at hand for us …as the end of the age presses in and

all things must be fulfilled Luke 24:44

That day and that hour Luke 21 36

We are called to set a watch in the night time.

This is both physical night and times/days of spiritual darkness. When Yeshua/Jesus said,

the hour has come…

darkness had its designated but short reign.

This manifested presence, although dark, was still the will of His Father however, it was restricted within the boundaries and restraints of our Fathers’ perfect plan of the ages.

Even the wicked in Prov. 16:4

Adonai made everything for its purpose,
    even the wicked for the day of disaster.

and

Isaiah 45:7 I form light, I create darkness;
I make well-being, I create woe;
I, Adonai, do all these things.

Are we distracted by lifes’ events?

Are we pressured by conforming to the ever increasing dates for activities and celebrations on mens’ calendars?

Should we not be more concerned with our Heavenly Fathers’ timeline and calendar?

What is the word watch for?

It is to rise and pray..

WHY?

So that the hour does not come on us unaware

and

that we do not fall into temptation.

The time is short – 

Final salvation, days of His glory, are nearer to us now, than when we first believed – It is continually advancing, flying forward upon the swiftest wings of time.

“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” Romans 13:11.

 Even so, the events that Yeshua/Jesus mentions in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 lead to the end of this worlds age; and because of this, we know that

the hour is at hand

and our final salvation is indeed

nearer to us than when we first believed.

Yeshua/Jesus went on to say,

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Mark 13:32-33.

The storm is gathering fast and He calls us to discern the events that are currently forming in the affairs of men. We are to be observant of their warning, that disaster and and holocaust are in the making and shaping up to be released.

Doom and gloom you say??

NO!

Rather it is prophetic declaration of the Words of our Lord and Savior; and it let’s us know He is soon returning!

It’s a season for every believer to rejoice and be joy filled

and for those looking for Him who are the redeemed bride,

they will say what

Is. 25:9 says…

this is the Lord for whom we have waited.

On that day they will say,
“See! This is our God!
We waited for him to save us.
This is Adonai ; we put our hope in him.
We are full of JOY so glad he saved us!”

We are a chosen generation…

chosen to see the culmination of the ages

Yeshua/Jesus said in Matthew 24:21

21 For there will be trouble then worse than there has ever been from the beginning of the world until now, and there will be nothing like it again![b] 22 Indeed, if the length of this time had not been limited, no one would survive; but for the sake of those who have been chosen, its length will be limited.

this will be a time like no other and never will be again…

James 5:7 So, brothers, be patient until the Lord returns. See how the farmer waits for the precious “fruit of the earth” — he is patient over it until it receives the fall and spring rains.[a]

He waits only for the precious fruit of the earth, until the times of the gentiles (the last 2000+years) be fulfilled Luke 21:24.

He waits for our Heavenly Fathers’ timing…

Matthew 24:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

We must be ready, we must be in the company of the wise virgins. The call has already gone forth, so we must be listening more and more to Him than to what the world around us is saying.

Keep our focus on Him and things above.

We must learn to

be still before Him,

as chaotic disturbances scream for our attention.

Be obedient when He speaks and raise the standard of our personal discipline and dedication to a higher level….NOW…

He has called us to come up higher… Did we move yet?

Or are these just words that we give mental assent to, agreeing and acknowledging, but with no action or response!

Once His face was set like flint towards Yerushalayim/Jerusalem for the hour had come…

It’s time to set our faces towards His will for us!

Setting our face to go to Jerusalem means letting go of home, a sense of security, and a place in society. If we set our face to go to Jerusalem, then we have put ourselves on a path of change and transformation according to His Will plan and purpose for us.

Darkness and all its works have an allocated time for all prophecy to be fulfilled. Again remember…

The LORD has made everything for His purpose–even the wicked for the day of disaster. Proverbs 16:4

If there was no bad, we would not comprehend what good is. Our Heavenly Father has created a perfectly balanced universe, beyond our finite minds can understand. He is infinite.

The day of reckoning and judgment is in His hand. These things Yeshua/Jesus said must take place. Read Matt. 24:34 & Luke 1:20.

He will lift up His voice as the sound of a trumpet.

Isaiah 58:1 and Heb. 12:9 Rev. 3:20.

Those with ears to hear will recognize the clear tone of His call.

As we prepare ourselves, being more with Him, allowing His Ruach/Spirit to fill us to a greater capacity; this will keep us from the influences and deceiving elements of the prince of this world, and all his wiles. We must become like our Lord and when the devil comes be able to say…

he finds nothing in me!

for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me.

John 14:30

Hold fast to the profession of your faith. Hebrews 10:23

to that which is good

But examine all things; hold fast to what is good. 1 Thess.5:21

and godly

Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Rev.3:11.

and

occupy till He comes. Luke 19:13.

1 Tim. 5:21; 2 Tim. 1:13. Titus 1:9; Heb 4:14, 10:31; Rev. 2:13; Ps. 11:6; Is. 62:1; Jer. 6:11;  Acts 3:11; Rom. 14:4; 1Cor. 14:30.

Hold Fast in Hebrew is:

tamak:

to grasp, support, attain

Original Word: תָּמַךְ
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: tamak
Phonetic Spelling: (taw-mak’)
Definition: to grasp, support, attain

Found in

Proverbs 4:4 
HEB: וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לִ֗י יִֽתְמָךְ־ דְּבָרַ֥י לִבֶּ֑ךָ


NAS: to me, Let your heart hold fast my words/dabar;

 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for

He who promised is faithful….Hebrews 10:23

For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does, Psalm 33:4.

So that we may stand and be found worthy to escape all these things coming upon the earth and to stand before the son of man Luke 21:36, having finished our race. 2Tim. 4:7.

Watch for the signals, the signs of His coming. We will see the sky change and things appear in unfamiliar ways. The veil is torn and dimensions are merging. Read Matt 24:32 , Mark 13:28 and Luke 21:30 and Revelation among other prophets it will give clear details of the events unfolding before our eyes.

The time has come

the hour is upon us

summer is nigh..

lets not cry with those in Jeremiah 8:20

“The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.”

Not only are we to prepare ourselves, we are to warn others, help and encourage them.

Jude 1:23 says save others snatching them out of the fire.

Ephesians 5:14 So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

The alarm has sounded in the spirit – no time for apathy or pressing the snooze button... There has never been a time in all His Story that is more crucial than now ..

Stay alert and be ready –

the hour has come and soon and very soon

we are going to see the King –

the one who we have waited for.   

Hold fast to that which you have.. Hold and do not let go… whatever we see ….whatever we are told.. do not waver in your faith and trust in Him leaning not to our own understanding. Do not be swayed by science, proof or so called facts and evidence presented by anyone or anything other than the Word of our Heavenly Father and His Messiah. His spirit/ruach leads us to all truth and our very salvation depends on our faith in Him and His promise; which are always yes and amen. He is the author and finisher of the faith within us, (Heb. 12:2); and He will bring all things to completion, Phil 1:6. Stand and having done all stand, Eph.6:13. He is right there with us….always.

What filled Yeshua/Jesus with JOY?

At that moment …

His joy was at the declaration of His Fathers’ will being literally fulfilled…

let’s be a moment of joy to both our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ/Yeshua Hamashiach..

Look up with that same joy family, our redemption draws ever closer.

Shalom shalom mishpachah/family

and cheverim/friends!

You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the posts. If they have been a blessing and if you haven’t already, please sign up for free email notification, like, share and subscribe, it all helps to freely spread the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth and reaches others with His Truths.

Meanwhile let’s continue to stay alert and ready, be in prayer and in His Word for in an hour we think not He is coming… and…

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.

Who Was Jerubbaal and What Was He Wearing?

In Judges 6:11 a man called Joash the Abiezrite

calls his son Jerubbaal, meaning:

Let Baal Contend Against Him,

or, let Baal show increase;

The Lord Contends; Baal Contends.

JERUBBAAL jĕr’ ə bāl יְרֻבַּ֣עַל,

jer-u-ba’-al, je-rub’-a-al  yerubba`al,

ירבעל

Why did he do that?

The son of Joash the Abiezrite was Gideon, the fifth judge of Israel

And the name Jerubaal was given to Gideon when he destroyed his father’s Baal altar at Ophrah. 

The name

Jerubbaal

is a combination of two Hebrew words:

the first is

riyb or rub,

which means literally

to grapple

and holds the figurative meaning

to wrangle

or

to hold a controversy.

From (1) the verb ריב (rib), to contend,

ריב

This very common verb ריב (rib) means

to strive or contend

and ranges from

a mere bickering to full scale combat.

Noun ריב (rib) means

strife, dispute or plea.

Noun יריב (yarib) denotes

an opponent or adversary.

Noun מריבה (meriba) refers to

a place or agent of strife or contention.

and

The second is the proper noun

Baal, the name of the Phoenician god

that Gideon contended against.

the verb בעל – ba’al, to be lord. 

The verb ba’al

בעל

means to exercise dominion over;

to own, control or be lord over.

The noun ba’al means

lord, master and even husband,

and its feminine counterpart

ba’ala

means mistress or landlady.

Jerubbaal/Gideon, had seventy sons by several wives, and he had one son, named Abimelech, by his servant girl, or his concubine. Gideon, as one of the judges in Israel, was a true servant leader, as were all of the judges of Israel, in those days.

גדעון

Gidon: a judge of Israel.

Original Word: גִּדְעוֹן.

Part of Speech:

Proper Name Masculine.

Transliteration: Gidon.

Phonetic Spelling: (ghid-ohn’) 

The name Gideon comes from the Hebrew verb

גדע 

gada’ 

meaning

to hew down or cut off

mostly of religious regalia and holy trees. 

There are no nouns formed from this verb,

suggesting that whatever was cut off,

was no longer discussed and

even cut off from speech itself.

The waw/vav-nun/noon extension

of the name Gideon

denotes a personification of the verb:

he who does what the verb means.

His name is connected with his occupation, that is,

he wasHacker 

or 

One Who Hewed Down the enemy.

Now we know why computer hackers are so named!

GIDEON

גדעון

Gimmel Daleth Ayin Vav Nun

Strong’s Hebrew: 1439. גִּדְעוֹן (Gidon) — a judge of Isr.

Strong’s Greek: 1066. Γεδεών (Gedeón) — Gideon, an Israelite

Transliteration: Gedeón. Phonetic Spelling: (ghed-eh-own’) Definition: Gideon, an Israelite. Usage:Gideon, one of the Judges of Israel. 

The account in Judges tells us that when Israel was experiencing invasive attacks for 7 years by the Midianites, an angel of YeHoVeH  appeared to Gideon.

 

When the angel of the Lord first met Gideon he was hiding out in a winepress threshing wheat – Judges 6:11.

You don’t thresh wheat in a winepress.

The threshing floor stood in the open,

the winepress was usually below ground or in a low area,

a place where someone could easily hide

which Scripture tells us Gideon was actually doing, hiding or fleeing.

The word in Hebrew is

lenis or lehanis

from the root

word nos or nus 

(noos)

which means

to flee or disappear. נוּס

Strong’s Hebrew: 5127. נוּס (nus) — to flee, escape

At that time, the Midianites were in control in Israel who had no standing army, There was no one to lead an army against the Midianites who were a well armed band of mercenaries who would suddenly appear and raid the Israelites homes killing everyone in that town or city and take what they wanted and destroying the crops on the land, It was a horrible time for the children of Israel and they lived in perpetual fear of an enemy attack that would come without warning. This scenario could be likened to the nations in the world today Many are living in constant fear of attack from both a seen and an unseen enemy such as a virus.

As is the case in most places where people have faith in the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob/Israel, some were on their knees, some interceding by weeping and petitioning in prayer. However, Gideon was not praying, his attitude needed an adjustment because, when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and announced he was a great and mighty warrior (verse 12) his response was to ask why has God forsaken us, why are we being tormented by these Midianites, where are all the miracles, the promises of God? Many are asking that question today and God is answering, we just need to listen and pay more attention to what He is saying. First, the angel of the Lord said that God had called him to deliver Israel and that He would be with Gideon and would empower him (verse 14). Gideon’s response was not exactly full of faith! (verse 15). The second time the Angel of the Lord reassures him in verse 16.

This was still not enough for Gideon and he asks for a sign in verse 17. Gideon prepared an offering and the Angel of the Lord touched it with his staff and immediately it burst into flames.

Gideon was so impressed that he became fearful that he had just seen God Himself and might die. Due to the belief that if anyone saw God they would die or you were dead. However Gideon now had enough confidence to confront the Midianites pagan god and tear down the idol of the and offer a sacrifice to God on the same place.

Judges 6:11-24

The angel of the LORD came and sat down – under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite,

where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites

and instructed him to cut down the altar of Baal that same night

and to destroy the nearby

image of Asherah, אשרה אשירה

plural, אשרים or Asherim

 a primary Canaanite goddess namely אשרות or Asheroth.

Judges 3:7, & Judges 6:25.  

In the Bible, Asherah is mostly associated with

sacred trees or poles Exodus 34:13, Judges 6:25.

When the people who lived there found their shrines destroyed the next day, it didn’t take them long to find out who had done it.

They went to Joash and demanded that he surrender his son Gideon, because they wanted to execute him.

Joash responded by saying that if Baal wants his revenge, they would be foolish to ruin his pleasure by killing Gideon before their god could get him. He cleverly challenged them by saying that if Baal was truly a god, Baal would contend with Gideon, and if he were not, then Gideon would contend with Baal!

This is why Joash named his son Jerubbaal.

The people were not worshipping the one true God and their false gods and idols had to be removed before they could have victory over their enemies.

This is true for believers in Yeshua today we are to tear down any altars we have made to anything or anyone else in our lives. Putting our Heavenly father first place in everything we do is essential in walking a victorious life by His spirit.

After that Gideon goes after the Midianites and the other members of the Eastern Coalition. 32,000 men from Israel joined up for the battle, after God instructs Gideon to separate out the chosen ones only 300 remain.

He gives the 300 each a trumpet, a pitcher and a torch and at midnight they attack because of their unusual approach it caused the Midianites to stampede. As they fled, Gideon summoned the entire Israeli army and they pursued them, killing their leaders and 120,000 swordsmen.

Judges 7:15, 20: The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword of the LORD and of Gideon!”

After Gideon’s victory over Midian, Israel remains undisturbed for 40 years. When Gideon dies, his son Abimelech  takes the office of Judge of Israel.

Gideon had 72 sons, namely Abimelech, the seventy brothers he killed, and Jotham who got away.

Paul mentions Gideon in his letter to the Hebrews 11:32

calling him a hero of the faith spelled Γεδεων, Gedeon

There is much more to the story of Gideon but for the purpose of this post there are 2 points one is in 6:34 where

Judges 6:34 So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who

Came upon

Strong’s 3847: Wrap around,

to put on a, garment,

clothe Gideon, גִּדְע֑וֹן (giḏ·‘ō·wn)

Noun – proper – masculine singular

Strong’s 1439: Gideon — 

a judge of Israel and he blew וַיִּתְקַע֙ (way·yiṯ·qa‘) 

God Put On Gideon!

Strong’s Hebrew: 3847. לָבַשׁ (labash or labesh) — to put on

law-bash’, law-bashe’

 to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear

1a2) to put on, be clothed with (figuratively)

1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed

1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress

2304sbl (לבסה LBSh) AC: Clothe CO: Clothing AB: ?

  1. V)sbl(לבסה LBSh) – Clothe: To put on clothing. [Hebrew and Aramaic] KJV (115): (vf: Paal, Hiphil, Pual) clothe, put, array, wear, arm, came, apparel, upon – Strongs: H3847 (לָבֵשׁ), H3848 (לְבַשׁ) 

  2. dm)sfbl(לבוסה LBWSh) – Clothing: [Hebrew and Aramaic] KJV (34): clothing, garment, apparel, vesture, clothed, put, raiment, vestment – Strongs: H3830 (לְבֻשׁ), H3831 (לְבוּשׁ) 

admsfblm (מלבוסה MLBWSh) – Clothing: KJV (8): apparel, raiment, vestment – Strongs: H4403 (מַלְבֻּשׁ) 

icf2tsfblt (תלבוסהת TLBWShT) – Clothing: KJV (1): clothing – Strongs: H8516 (תִּלְבֹּשֶׁת)

It has to be noted that in the Hebrew it is written

which is very interesting!

And second,

the angel called him a mighty man of valor

or a valiant warrior

we saw him hiding in fear in the threshing floor

yet the angel spoke of him as a man of valor

what is this word

in Hebrew?

Mighty man or masterful man

is

גִּבּ֥וֹר

gibbowr or gib·bōr

Strongs 1368

And

of Valor

הֶחָֽיִל

he·ḥā·yil. Or chayil

Strongs 2428

He ha yil gib bo w rim me ka Yahweh

יְהוָ֥ה עִמְּךָ֖ גִּבּ֥וֹר הֶחָֽיִל

Gideon was filled with fear and even after five miracles he still needed help to overcome his fears. But there is a reason that He delivered a nation, that God gave him a wonderful victory and restored his land:

 

He was obedient.

He prayed,

he called out to God

and ultimately let God take charge

so that the world could see this deliverance

was from God and God alone.

echil gbur

masterful man of the valor

translated as

mighty man of valor

If as the scripture says

He

meaning God

put on Gideon

then it would seem clear that His Ruach haKodesh

filled Gideons spirit;

both his inner man as well as his physical body.

Reading it one more time

God PUT ON and wrapped Himself in Gideon!

And as the meanings above say,

like He was putting on a garment of clothing

which really seems like

God was wearing Gideon!

Hebrew for PUT ON…

Our bodies cannot function without us inside them so as we are born again by His spirit the scripture tells us Yeshua said,

I and My Father will come to live abide IN you!

If He is inside us then He is wearing us too!

With this thought a inexplicable spiritual reality and His ways not being our ways shouldn’t we then be walking in all manner of holiness.

Christ in us the hope of glory! So when we think are we wearing God as His representative

or is it that like Gideon,

He is wearing us.

This gives another aspect of the things Yeshua said about not being concerned or anxious about what we shall wear, our physique, what we look like or following the fashion.

Fashion is nothing more than the worlds attempt at beautifying the flesh.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Romans 7:18

and this is a liberating message. Gender,skin tone, shape size weak strong, its all physical and temporary. We will not be taking these bodies with us.

The new ones we are promised may not be exactly as we are now for even Mary did not recognize Messiah in His glorified form outside the tomb until He called her by name (Jn 20:14-16).

This flesh will die, it’s not acceptable in any form to the Father; flesh is full of decay as a result of sin. We must look beyond what our senses say and walk not after the flesh but after the spirit. Yes be a good steward of your mode of transportation and means to fulfill the Lords will for our lives. Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness and we need to feed it healthy food just as we feed our spirits on His life giving word.

We are filled with His Ruach which is joined to our own.

YaHoVeH PUT ON Gideon.

He had prophetically called him mighty man

and then like a garment He put Gideon on!

Conclusion in Part 2

May His true Shalom/Peace

rest upon each one in Jesus/Yeshuas’ Name.

‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’

משפחה

Mish-pa-KHa

you are greatly loved and prayed for daily..

NOT SURE if you are part of His Family?

YOU CAN BE..

Say the following and mean it from your heart…

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 came in the flesh and 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 in my spirit 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.