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It is usually referring to a specific location, somewhere we can physically go to.
In Hebrew the words are:
מקום Makom and מיקום Mikum.
Both can be translated to “place” or “location” in English, but they are used in different contexts.
The word in Strongs #4725:
מקום makom is more for a location whereas
מיקום Mikum is used “to place” or “to position” something.
In both languages it’s also the word we use when we say: we are laying a place at the table for a meal. Other uses for the word place, are when we position items, like placing cushions or pillows on a bed, sofa/couch; or where we would place a garden shed or build a structure. These are all physical things of the natural realm; however there are spiritual places too.
In Mark 9:2, Matthew 17:2 and Luke 9:29 when Messiah took His disciples up to a high mountain, it was a place of revealed glory. It was where Messiah was transfigured before them in a manner they had not experienced before. They were exposed to the shekinah as Yeshua/Jesus was exalted and spoke with two famous figures who had lived long ago. They were understandably fearful and yet they marveled at the privilege of seeing things in the spiritual realm from our Heavenly Fathers perspective.
There have been times in all our lives where we have seen things from that same place, but just like Peter, James and John, we are never allowed to stay there and camp out in those mountain top experiences. The true test of our spiritual life is in exhibiting the power to come down from the mountain. If we only have power to ascend then something is wrong because although it’s wonderful to be up on that mountain in His presence; we are only brought there so that we can be spiritually energized and empowered to later go down and minister to the spiritually oppressed people in the valley of everyday life. This is very clear if we read verses 14-18.
The height of the mountain top is measured by the boring drudgery of the valley but it’s there we have to live for His glory. In the place of challenge, when we go through those times of embarrassment, dishonor and shame that our true worth is revealed. Most of us can accomplish things if we are full of the mountain top experience; but we are called to walk where we live, in the ordinary day to day level of life, depending on our personal relationship with Him. It is the quality and depth of that relationship that is revealed during these experiences, showing us the areas of our character that need adjustment.
Peter wanted to stay longer on the mountain but Yeshua/Jesus took them down to the valley, where the true meaning of their experience was explained. Vs9: 5-6 14-23.
We are not to live on the mountain top or to prolong other similar experiences, these are moments of inspiration to encourage and strengthen our faith. We are made for the ordinary places in life and that’s where we have to prove our stamina, endurance and faithfulness; yet our spiritual selfishness wants these mountain top moments on a consistent level. We think we would live a more holy life if only we could remain in His glory on the mountain top. These moments are by their very nature, out of the ordinary, and have their purpose and meaning; but we must avoid our spiritual selfishness in wanting them all the time.
The mountain top is not meant to teach us anything, it’s meant to make us something, to mature us by forming in us the character of Messiah. (Galatians 4:19). Many times we think everything is a teaching point and we are not to always measure spiritual matters that way; because this place on the mountain top is a rare and unique moment and is meant for something in our Fathers’ purpose.
In this passage of scripture, immediately afterwards the power of the Lord was channeled out through Him to set a captive free. In Luke 9:38-42 we read:
Suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit keeps seizing him, and he screams abruptly. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It keeps mauling him and rarely departs from him. I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”
He had received power to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually. He told His Disciples/talmidim, that spiritual preparedness by prayer and fasting is essential.
When we are on that place on the mountain, we learn Who Messiah really is and what our Heavenly Father is capable of. At that moment, in that place, our faith soars high like the mountain and we can believe for anything and everything, but what about down in the valley when we are faced with everyday life and its problems, tests and trails?
There is a well known verse in Isaiah 60:1 that not only applies to us but is a great encouragement for our walk through the valley and to set the captives free.
Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee.”
arise, shine – qumi ‘ori קומי אורי
is telling us more than to just wake up.
In Hebrew/Aramaic the word arise is kumi/cumi,
which has a very broad range of meanings.
kumi generally has the idea of:
arising and being restored.
There are places where we read this same word one is in
Mark 5:41, Jesus speaks in Aramaic as he resurrects a young girl: Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” …and be restored.
Another is in John 5:1-16 When Messiah healed the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, He most likely used the identical word in Aramaic in His command to be healed.
“Arise, (and be restored) pick up your mat, and walk” John 5:8.
Messiah had the power to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually and it is available to us today.
As we walk through the dark valley that David speaks of in Psalm 23, we all receive the same command,
kumi – arise and be restored.
When we feel beaten down, oppressed, tired and worn out, His command to us is to: arise and be restored.
As well as arise and be restored we are also to shine.
In Hebrew shine is the word ’or
which is the word for light.
The Hebrew verb אוֹר (ʾōr), meaning:
“ to shine,” “ to give light,” or “ to illuminate,”
and is often used for glory /shekinah; and a grammatically correct translation here is enlightened.
1 John1:5 tells us God is light and the fact that Messiah, Who is the light of the world, has come. This is what we are
enlightened
about, that will cause us
to arise and be restored.
When the light – or, the Messiah, comes into our lives it means that our restoration is already here and if we are oppressed in that dark valley, we need to be enlightened to that fact. He has come to bring light to that valley which is dark only because our eyes need to see and focus on Yeshua/Jesus. Even though we may still be in the valley, He will lighten our way ahead out of that place and will restore our strength to pass through and continue on beyond that valley.
The last part of the verse tells us that:
The glory of the Lord has risen on you.
Here the word for risen is zarach, which has a common use for example, with the rising of the sun.
The compassion and loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father is expressed in zarach and gives a picture of looking to the direction of the rising son/sun while walking through that dark valley; because our Heavenly Father’s loving-kindness and compassion are rising to bring the needed warmth and comfort for our journey.
Many times as we are walking through life’s many dark valleys, places which give us feelings of hopelessness, abandonment, loneliness, loss of direction and meaning assault our minds and try to crush our faith.
It is at these moments in this place of testing and trial that we are to remember Isaiah’s words; that the coming of Messiah, brings us enlightenment.
We are to hear that He is saying: Arise and be restored; because without any doubt,
He will impart to us the strength we need,
He will be the light on our path and the lamp to our feet.
Consider the Hebrew letters and ancient word picture of the word for light. See chart below.
Recall from previous posts that each pictograph reveals the original function of the word and that similar to every translation, there are several words to choose from. So it’s always possible to alter a meaning to support an individuals personal opinion. Because of this tendency, we must examine each word picture, in its original culture and context for the most accurate understanding.
The first and most well known use of light/oor/’or is in the very first chapter of Beresheet/Genesis.
And God – אֱלהִים Elohim said, “Let there be Light – אוֹר Oor,” and there was Light – אוֹר – Oor) Genesis 1:3
The original Hebrew word אוֹר, pronounced Or with a Hebrew letter Resh, shows us a word picture of its function, meaning what Light does:
Alef א = Ox Head, Strong, Power, Master, Teacher, Leader, Elohim
Vav וֹ = Nail, Tent Peg, Hook, to Attach, Secure, Establish, (Adding the. letter resh/reysh)
Resh ר = Head, Person, Highest, Top, Chief, Beginning
This could then be read as:
Strength – Established – by the Highest
Yeshua/Jesus, the Living Word of YHVH, will walk through that place, that valley, with us, His banner over us, covering us with His victory, loving-kindness and compassion.
(Song Sol 2:4 and also Jehoveh Nissi – The phrase “the Lord is my banner” comes from Exodus 17:15)
As David said in
Psalm 23 concludes with the promise that for those walking in that place, in harmony with our Heavenly Father, “Surely goodness and mercy/loving-kindness shall follow me all the days of my life.”
The Messiah is here in wherever the place is that we are right now. We do not have to be alone passing through any valley in darkness for He is the or/Light, He will walk with us as He places His hand and His presence upon us.
Surely we will find Him when we seek Him in the secret place of Psalm 91, which is not so secret that we cannot find it
Shalom shalom
‘Mishpachah’
‘Family/Tribe’
משפחה
Mish-pa-KHa,
friends, visitors and every reader…
Please don’t leave this page before making certain you are His
and are truly born again from above.
Know of a certainty that Jesus/Yeshua is
your Redeemer, Savior, Lord
and soon returning King
and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, not Religion.
NOT SURE? YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus 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 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 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. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Psalms 23:5:
Thou preparest
a table
before me in the presence of mine enemies:
What do we think of when we read this well known verse?
Do we think or visualize a table full of food?
Do we think of physical provision to sustain bodily strength and stamina?
Or do we think more of the spiritual provision of the abundant life in our Father by His Spirit through Yeshua/Messiah?
Why would David be eating at a table in front of enemies?
Why is this table coupled with anointing his head with oil?
There is a similar scripture in Psalm 78:19 about
a table in the wilderness.
Is this a reference to our Heavenly Father being able to provide supernatural sustenance, as in manna from heaven; in the same way He did for the children of Israel during their desert wilderness journey?
What kind of table does David mean?
As we look a little more closely at the Hebrew words we get a wider picture of the context in which David, as King, was thinking.
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
Psalm 23:5
HEB: תַּעֲרֹ֬ךְ לְפָנַ֨י ׀ שֻׁלְחָ֗ן נֶ֥גֶד צֹרְרָ֑י
NAS: You prepare a table before
KJV: Thou preparest a table before
INT: prepare before A table the presence of my enemies
In some translations the word prepare reads as
Furnish, meaning: make available.
“Yea, they spoke against God; they said,
Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?”
Psalm 78:19
HEB: אֵ֑ל לַעֲרֹ֥ךְ שֻׁ֝לְחָ֗ן בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃
NAS: God prepare a table in the wilderness?
KJV: God furnish a table in the wilderness?
INT: God prepare A table desert
In Hebrew the word for table is:
Shulachan – שלחן
Shin Lamed Cheth Nun
shulchan: Table
Original Word: שֻׁלְחָן
Transliteration: shulchan
Pronunciation: shool-khawn’
Phonetic Spelling: shool-khawn’
Definition: Table
Meaning: a table, a meal, from an unused root meaning:
to spread out.
G5132 (trapeza): Often used in the New Testament to refer to a table, including the table of the Lord’s Supper.
The Hebrew word “shulchan” primarily refers to a table, often used for eating, displaying items, or conducting business. In the biblical context, it can denote both ordinary household tables and sacred tables used in religious rituals, such as the Table of Showbread in the Tabernacle and Temple.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the table was a piece of furniture in both domestic and religious settings. It symbolized fellowship, hospitality, and provision. The Table of Showbread in the Tabernacle, for instance, held twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying God’s continual provision and presence among His people.
Tables were also places of negotiation and covenant-making, reflecting their role in social and communal life.
Brown-Driver-Briggs
שֻׁלְחָן71 noun masculineExodus 25:23 table (on form of word compare GFMl.c.; properly (see above) skin or leather mat spread on ground, see also, on early Semitic ‘table,’ Thes1417 WeSkizzen iv. 157 RSSemitic i. 184; 2nd ed. 201KennedyEncy. Bib iii. 2991); — absolute ׳שׁ 1 Samuel 20:34 +; construct שֻׁלְחַן 1 Kings 5:7 +; suffix שֻׁלְחָנִי Judges 1:7 +, etc.; plural שֻׁלְחָנוֺת Isaiah 28:8 +, construct שֻׁלְחֲנוֺת 1 Chronicles 28:16 (twice in verse); —
3 especially Ezekiel, P for sacred uses: in tabernacle Exodus 25:23 17t. 25-40, Numbers 3:31, שֻׁלְחַן הַמָּנִיםNumbers 4:7 (compare 2 Chronicles 29:18 below); הַטָּהֹר׳הַשּׁ Leviticus 24:26 (compare 2 Chronicles 13:11 below); in Solomon’s temple 1 Kings 7:48; 2Chronicles 29:18, also (10 in number) 2 Chronicles 4:8,19; 13:11, compare 1 Chronicles 28:16 (4 t. in verse), also Ezekiel 23:41 (with עָרַךְ); in Ezekiel’s temple Ezekiel 40:39 (twice in verse) + 6 t. Ezekiel 40 (8 in number), Ezekiel 40:42 (of stone, 4 in number); like altar Ezekiel 41:22, = altar of burnt-offering Ezekiel 44:16; in second temple, ׳שֻׁלְחַן י Malachi 1:7, אֲדֹנָֻ׳שׁ Malachi 1:12; for idolatrous meal Isaiah 65:11; figurative of ׳י’s sacrificial feast Ezekiel 39:20(eschatological).
With these meanings in mind, it seems strange that every modern English translation renders the Hebrew word shalachan as a table.
Shalachan comes from the root word shalach.
Original Word: שָׁלַח
Transliteration: shalach
Phonetic Spelling: shaw-lakh’
Definition: to send, to let go, to stretch out
Meaning: to send away, for, out
G649 (apostellō): To send away, to send forth
– G3992 (pempō): To send, to dispatch
The Hebrew verb “shalach” primarily means “to send” or “to let go.” It is used extensively in the Old Testament to describe:
the act of sending someone or something away,
dispatching a message, or
extending one’s hand.
The term can also imply
releasing or setting free,
as well as the act of stretching out one’s hand,
often in the context of reaching or attacking.
In ancient Hebrew culture, the act of sending was significant in various contexts, including familial, military, and religious settings. Sending a messenger or emissary was a common practice for communication between tribes and nations.
The concept of sending also held spiritual significance, as seen in the sending of prophets or divine messages.
The act of stretching out one’s hand could symbolize authority, blessing, or aggression, depending on the context.
again (5), bade his farewell (1), burned* (1), cast (2), cast off (1), casting (1), certainly let (1), certainly let the go (1), delivered (1), direct (1), dismissed (2), dispatch (1), divorce (3), divorces (1), drive (1), driving them away (1), escort (1), escorted him away (1), extended (2), extends (1), forlorn (1), gave (1), gave them over (1), get rid (1), gets his own way (1), go (11), go away (1), go free (4), grow long (1), laid (2), lay (8), let (8), let her go (2), let him go (3), let me go (4), let my go (11), let my go free (1), let out freely (1), let the go (8), let them down (1), let them go (6), let you go (7), let your loose (1), let go (1), let loose (2), let…down (1), let…go (3), lets his loose (1), lets you go (1), letting the go (1), letting them go (1), letting us go (1), loot (1), pointing (1), put (10), put forth (7), puts (2), putting (1), reached (3), reached* (1), release (2), released (3), remove (1), rushed (1), scattered (1), send (139), send him away (2), send it away (2), send me away (4), send them away (1), send you away (2), send away (4), sending (13), sending me away (1), sending them and again (1), sends (10), sent (420), sent her away (5), sent him away (5), sent his away (1), sent me away (2), sent the away (3), sent them away (9), sent you away (3), sent your away (1), sent away (7), sent…away (3), set (12), set your free (1), set free (1), shot (1), spread (2), spreads (3), stretch (13), stretch forth (3), stretched (11), stretches (2), surely let (1), surely let me go (1), throw (1), thrown (1), thrust (1), urgently send (1), use (1), will (1).
… shilluchim
Phonetic Spelling: shil-loo’ akh
Definition: a sending away, parting gift
Word Origin from shalach
NASB Translation dowry (1 ), parting gifts (1 ) .
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7964.htm
… shelach
Phonetic Spelling: sheh’ lakh
Definition: a missile, weapon, sprout.
NASB Translation defenses (1 ), Sheol (1 ), shoots ( …
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7973.htm
… shelach
Phonetic Spelling: (shel-akh’)
Definition: to send
Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to shalach
Definition: to send
NASB Translation attempts* (1 ), send (1 ), sent (12) . …
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7972.htm
… :11 ; figurative of ׳ י’s sacrificial feast Ezekiel 39:20 (eschatological) . Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance table From shalach; a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal- table. see HEBREW shalach Forms …
As a verb shalach means to send someone away,
to lay a hand on a person.
In other words to forcibly remove a person.
Its very origins lie in the idea of separation.
It is also a word that is sometimes used for a divorce where a woman is forced to leave against her own desires. As a noun, it has been used to represent a spear which follows the idea of sending away as you would throw a spear.
In rare cases, it is used for a table.
We automatically assume that a table represents a place to eat.
Historical information records that tables used for eating were invented by the Greek and Roman cultures.
In Egypt those who were wealthy used pedestals for eating, however the general rule was that everyone else sat and ate on the ground.
When the children of Israel heard the word shalach/table
in their minds it was referring to
the table in the mishkan/tabernacle
where the shewbread was placed
by the priests to show this
separation from the cursed earth.
When kings, leaders or chieftains of different tribes and nations would negotiate peace treaties in ancient times, a table was used. They would serve and share a drink or a meal as a sign of good faith and trust in their agreement; and clearly showed that they weren’t using the opportunity to poison each other.
When people wanted to settle a dispute, the table became a symbol of that desire. It’s a well known phrase that today where situations need to be resolved, we speak about moving to the negotiating table; and so the origin of the Hebrew word shalak meaning: table, comes from the idea of separating one from each other’s differences.
Because the context clearly speaks of the Hebrews complaining about manna, and desiring some variety in their diet, translations associate the table with food and eating. This is not eliminating the association as there are PaRDeS to consider.
However the question remains why David used the word shalach in this verse which merely suggests food, and not the word ‘okel which clearly indicates a variety of food?
We may find an answer in the other psalm where a table in the wilderness was mentioned.
Psalm 78:19: “Yea, they spoke against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?”
This verse tells us that they spoke against God. The word spoke is dabar which are words from one’s heart. Ps. 78:19.
Original Word: דָבָר
Transliteration: dabar
Phonetic Spelling: daw-baw’
Definition: speech, word
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1697.htm
dabar: to speak
Original Word: דָבַר
Transliteration: dabar
Pronunciation: dah-VAHR
Phonetic Spelling: daw-bar’
Definition: to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
Meaning: to arrange, to speak, to subdue
Greek 2980 (λαλέω, laleo) – to speak, to talk
– G2036 (εἶπον, eipon) – to say, to speak
– G4487 (ῥῆμα, rhema) – word, saying
The Hebrew verb “dabar” primarily means “to speak” or “to declare.” It is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to denote the act of speaking, whether it is God speaking to humans, humans speaking to each other, or even the act of declaring or commanding. The word can also imply a formal or authoritative speech, such as a command or a promise. It is a versatile term that encompasses a wide range of verbal communication.
In ancient Hebrew culture, spoken words held significant power and authority. The act of speaking was not merely a means of communication but was often seen as an expression of one’s will or intent. This is particularly evident in the context of divine speech, where God’s words are seen as creative and authoritative, bringing about reality and change. The concept of “dabar” reflects the importance of speech in covenantal relationships, legal settings, and prophetic declarations.
There is a hebrew letter beth placed as a prefix before the word Elohim – God. The Beth is often used for the preposition in or on. And sometimes it can read as meaning: against. So we can read this as they spoke in authority in God.The individuals in question were not foolish enough to speak against Elohim, however they spoke in God suggesting they were speaking God’s will.
If we are honest, many times we tend to do the same, we state God’s will as being our will; with the authority that who can argue against God’s will?
The next words: “Can God furnish” uses the word
la’arok which is rendered as furnished.
Psalm 78:19
HEB: הֲי֣וּכַל אֵ֑ל לַעֲרֹ֥ךְ שֻׁ֝לְחָ֗ן בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃
NAS: God prepare a table
KJV: God furnish a table
INT: Can God prepare A table desert
The word la’arok is in an infinitive construct state which would express a purpose or result. This comes from the root word ‘arak which means: to set in order or arrange.
6186 arak: To arrange, set in order, prepare, compare, value
Original Word: עָרַךְ
Transliteration: `arak
Pronunciation: ah-RAHK
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-rak’)
Definition: To arrange, set in order, prepare, compare, value
Meaning: to set in a, row, arrange, put in order
G3903 (paratithemi): To set before, to place beside, to present
– G5021 (tasso): To arrange, to appoint, to ordain
The Hebrew verb “arak” primarily means to arrange or set in order. It is used in various contexts, including the preparation of items, the arrangement of troops for battle, and the setting of a table. The word can also imply the act of comparing or valuing something, indicating a process of evaluation or judgment.
In ancient Israelite culture, the concept of order and arrangement was significant, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God bringing order out of chaos. The act of arranging or setting things in order was not only practical but also symbolic of divine order and purpose. In the context of worship, for example, the careful arrangement of offerings and the setting of the table for the showbread in the Tabernacle were acts of reverence and obedience to God’s commands.
in common life (compare RS Sem i. 189 f., 2nd ed. 200 f.), arrange a table
So what we have is: “Is God not able to arrange a table?”
They were suggesting that:
they would ‘negotiate with God’
and ‘work out a settlement’!
From these references it would seem very likely that under the inspiration of the Fathers Holy Spirit, David used the word
shalach (table) rather than ‘okel (food)
to show a much deeper problem
than just wanting just a variety of food to eat.
400. Strong’s Concordance okel: food
Original Word: אֹכֶל
Transliteration: okel
Phonetic Spelling: (o’ kel)
Definition: food.
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/400.htm
… : oklah
Phonetic Spelling: ok-law’
Definition: food, eating
NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin fem. of okel Definition food, eating NASB Translation eat (1 ), food (13), fuel (3 ) . …
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/402.htm
The Psalmist was showing that by wanting to
negotiate with God
they were stating that
redemption was not enough,
the presence of God was not enough,
they wanted more, and they wanted their own fleshly desires satisfied as well.
What they were saying was that, God was big enough to give them all they desired and they could still have His presence as well.
As we often do too, Israel was only fooling themselves. If we are really honest In our hearts, there have been times we do not want a father or a husband/wife, instead we want a sugar daddy who will give us everything on demand.
Instead of visualizing a banqueting table or smorgasbord of physical food to satisfy our flesh life and carnal desires; let’s re-read these verses with our renewed Hebraic mindset, and think more of King David’s position and of the spiritual provision of the abundant life available from our Heavenly Father by His Spirit, through Yeshua/Messiah. Final thoughts in next post…
Shalom, shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
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.
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