Tag: Shamash (servant)

Aliyah – Come Up Higher!

Come

Up

Higher!

Hebrew words for higher:

adjective: עִלִי. overhead, upper, topmost.

In Hebrew 

לבוא means: come up (verb) – lavo

 כאן – here – kan

Strong’s Hebrew: 5927. עָלָה (alah) —

to go up, ascend, climb

A primitive root;

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or

actively mount.

Strong’s Hebrew: 4605. מַ֫עַל (maal) — above, upwards

above (7), above* (32), covered* (1), exceedingly (1), forward (2), greater (1), greatly (1), heaven (4), high above (1), high* (1), higher

Strong’s Hebrew: 1361b. gabah — to be high, exalted

Word Origin a prim. root. Definition to be high, exalted (NASB Translation) build high (1), exalt (2), exalted (4), haughty (4), high (4), higher.

Strong’s Greek: 511. ἀνώτερος (anóteros) — higher

come up higher 

Anaba Ἀνάβα   come up

hōde ὧδε here

We have just recently remembered Pentecost/Shavuot/shavuoth/shavos/shevuoth on our Heavenly Fathers calendar. (There are several ways of spelling the Hebrew Appointed Time; however most people know it as Pentecost.)

Our Fathers Appointed Times also reveal His glory in His creation. As the days grow darker in the world, there remains an everlasting light, Jesus/Yeshua said:

I am the light of the world;

and it is the

Servant Light

of our Savior and of His/our Father that will never be extinguished. Recall from previous posts that the center light of menorah is called the Shamash, meaning servant, and this light is also remembered with the observance of Pentecost/Shavu’ot, the 50th day following the waving of the First Fruit harvest sheaf.

The Menorah מְנוֹרָה

was the source of light to enable the priesthood to

SEE

giving light to minister

in the wilderness Mishkan/Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

His Spirit of Holiness/RuachHaKodesh was the fire/light which descended upon them at Shavuot/Pentecost enabling them as members of the born from above priesthood, to boldly minister the good news of the kingdom. Exodus 25:31-40

The 7 branched menorah is described in the Torah in exquisite detail, however, one detail is not clearly defined: this detail is the actual shape of the 6 branches which extend from the main stem of the menorah. Are the 6 branches straight, or are they curved? While many scholars believe that the 6 branches are rounded, there are a few who think that the 6 branches are straight; both shown below.

The shamash 

is the candle used to light the other candles of the Hanukkah menorah.

In Hebrew, 

shamash: pronounced shah-MAHSH 

literally means helper.

He is the suffering servant

the shamash,

who lights everyone in the world who comes to Him.

He is the center, the supporting trunk for the other branches.

John 15:5  A picture of Jesus/Yeshua, the light of the world, whose arms and legs were hammered for our sins, just as the hammering of the gold shaped the menorah. The light itself came from the burning of pure olive oil; a symbol of anointing and Ruach HaKodesh/His Spirit of Holiness, which was kindled by the hand of a man of peace and humility.

It is a spiritual light and not seen from the outside of the Temple, only from the inside, and only for Holy/Kadosh purposes.

For more detail on Shamash/menorah click link below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/what-is-the-connection-between-almonds-and-olive-oil-with-messiah-and-lampstands-part-3/

A Chanukah/Hanukkah menorah,

also known as a chanukiah, has 9 candles:

8 candles in a row, and 1 helper candle, known specifically as a shamash,

which is set apart/sits higher, from the others.

It is not counted as one of the candles.

For students of Gods’ Word, this was the day that marked

the birth of the

called out assembly/ecclesia

in Yerushalayim/Jerusalem by the impartation of

His Ruach ha’Qodesh/Spirit of Holiness appearing like cloven tongues of fire

on the Disciples/Talmadiym/Talmidim

who had waited together for this serious moment.

(holiness spelled both Kodesh or Qodesh)

The significance of the tongues of fire appearing as cloven was surely a comfort to the talmidim/disciples as their understanding of Torah and the Holy/set apart/clean vs. unclean animals were identified by their cloven feet.

Cloven hooves are hooves that split into two toes. Under these restrictions, camels, which chew cud but do not have cloven hooves, would not be kosher, nor would pigs.

Clean Animals Have Split Hooves.

Of the clean animals that walk on the earth Yehovah said:

You may eat every animal with cloven hooves, having the hoof split into two parts, and chews the cud.

Recalling also that this commemorates another day, when Moses/Moshe brought to the whole of the house of Israel

the great covenant of Yahuah –

the Ten Devariym/sayings:

handwritten on caphire/sapphire stone

by the very finger of our Heavenly Father,

these are the instructions in

the covenant of life/chaim

and were also given on the

50th day.

More details at link below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/sapphire-and-10-sayings/

For those of us who seek to come out of Babylons’ worldly system – to be separate and apart from its ways and to live our lives in harmony with Our Heavenly Father and Jesus/Yeshuas’ instructions, His light remains. It is a powerful light, and like the menorah shining brightly, we are to be glowing brilliantly with Yeshua/Jesus, the light of the world in us!

These Appointed Times are

an annual call to each of us,

not only to dig deeper into His Word and understand all that He wants to reveal to us there, but also to

come up higher…

as John was instructed..

Why?

so He can show us things..

for those with eyes to see and ears to hear

these things will be revealed …

it’s all about timing and preparation.

Revelation 1:10-11

And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. Rev. 4:1

He was saying to John

I want you to SEE..

far beyond what you see right now…

but you must 

Come! Come up higher.

I will show you things to come.

I will open your eyes to see!

“Go up. Come up. Come up higher.”

He wants us to see certain things;

and in order to see more,

we have to go up.

The word

aliYAH,

is a common word among the Jews…

Aliyah in Hebrew means:

elevation or going up

and can refer to two different parts of Jewish life. It either refers to being called up to say the blessing before or after reading the Torah in the synagogue, or it refers to moving to the land of Israel. It is considered a great honor to be given an Aliyah – going up, to recite the blessing over the Torah.

The term aliyah, going up to Israel, is used in Genesis in reference to Jacob’s bones being brought from Egypt to what would be the Land of Israel, Eretz Israel, in Hebrew.

Also defined as

the act of going up that is, towards Jerusalem

making Aliyah by moving to Israel

and is used by those returning to the land of Israel.

Aliyah means to ascend,
literally: go up to YAH.

עליה

Pronounced: a-LEE-yuh for synagogue use,

ah-lee-YAH for immigration to Israel,

Origin: Hebrew, literally, to go up.

When we obey what His instructions are,

we are literally

going up

to see what He has to tell us.

Our obedience brings us into His presence so that He can show us more of Himself,

more about ourselves, and

more insight to the strategies concerning the work of the adversary/enemy.

He will give us the Way to walk forward in the midst of His glory.

He will provide a fearlessness and boldness, courage that will enable us to be over-comers in this life.

We have recently remembered Pesach/Passover, which also celebrates the subsequent exodus out of Egypt, Israel was in the wilderness 40 years.

As the pilgrims

go up – making aliyah to Jerusalem/Yerushalayim

for the shalosh regalim

they sing the Psalms of David and Solomon.These are called the Psalms/Songs of ASCENT..

In Hebrew, the word translated as

ascent is ma’alah (מעלה),

which means:

ascent or degree

and indicates a movement upward.

There are 15 Psalms of Ascent, 

Psalms 120-135 

 שִׁירים הַמַּעֲלוֹת 

Shirim haMa’alot, 

תהילים של עלייה

psalms of ascent.

Our Heavenly Father wanted them to

aliyah/go up

annually so that they could see that He, who had done mighty things on their behalf, was about to do mighty things again and to bring them into the Promised Land of Israel and fulfill all that had been prophesied.

We too are in a wilderness and He wants us to reflect on

where we are

as we press forward to the promised land in glory.

We have heard His voice:

to come out of Egypt, and

to come out of the world,

to come out of the religious system that is sneakily riddled with traditions of men.

He says, “Come up – come up higher!”

Don’t settle for less

because our Heavenly Father

ALWAYS has more for us..

Now to Him who is able to do

exceedingly abundantly above

all that we ask or think, 

according to the power that works in us…

Eph. 3:20.

We should be like Caleb’s daughter Acsah

who asked her father for springs of water.

כָלֵ֑ב Caleb 3612

Acsah or achsah עַכְסָ֥ה   aksah 5915

Upper and lower springs.

Digging deeper into wells of salvation/lower springs

and the coming up to higher springs/places; where the springs of living water flow down the mountains. This should remind us of the rivers of living water and His outpouring into our lives of His Ruach HaKodesh/Spirit of Holiness.

…Caleb asked [Acsah], “What can I do for you?”
She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.”
So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. Judges 1:14b-15, 

Achsah, was Caleb ben Yefune’s only daughter.

She was offered in marriage to the man who would lead an attack on the city of Debir, also called Kirjath-sepher/Kirjath-sannah.

This was done by Othniel, Caleb’s brother’s son, who accordingly obtained her as his wife.

 

Achsah in Hebrew: עַכְסָה, also Acsah.

One meaning of her name is: courageous

עַכְסָה

also: Adorned, or Bursting the Veil!

Acsah or achsah.  עַכְסָ֥ה   aksah 5915

Othniel   עָתְנִיאֵ֥ל     6274   Joshua 15:17

כָלֵ֑ב    Caleb.   3612

בֶּן־ son – ben 1121

קְנַ֖ז of Kenaz 7073

Achsah was the daughter of Caleb, prince of the tribe of Judah.

She was the only girl in the family, and had three brothers. 

Achsah also has the meaning of

ankle-chain, anklet.

Her father promised her in marriage to whoever should take Debir.

And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher”. Judges 1:12.

Caleb was seeking to award a man who proved himself a fearless warrior, valiant in battle, and more importantly one who had the courage and faith to obey God’s command to conquer. 

Acsah’s narrative serves as an example of contrasting between good and evil in order to reveal how far life has degenerated. The Book of Judges can be read as a chronological narrative or as a geographical one, either way, we see the huge contrast between the start and the end: it starts with good leadership and good circumstances in the land; and ends with no leadership and horrific ones.

On the whole in many cultures these days, conditions and practices have improved, however, Acsah’s story is telling us so much more.

In this narrative we see a very critical part of a whole situation which alerts us to the danger imposed upon those who are vulnerable and powerless.. This happens when everybody does what seems right in their own eyes. 21:25.

Proverbs 14:12 warns us, as do many proverbs which describe the consequences of a particular action or character trait; referring to the blinding effects of passion and self-will; which make people think their own way is best and the most desirable as it appears to be right.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Reading Acsah’s story serves as a reminder to do ALL things by the leading and guidance of and in and through the power of His Ruach HaKodesh/Spirit of Holiness. That means we commit to trust and obey, doing only what is right in our Heavenly Father’s eyes. We must never do what merely seems right, leaning on our own understanding. Rather, in all our ways we must acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths. Prov.3:6.

In this story Acsah’s husband Othniel had already received a gift of land from her father Caleb but then she asks for more…. Give me also…. We should also be eager for all that our Father has for us. She very wisely asks for the water source which in that time and location is the basis of staying alive… The springs she requested would supply water to their inheritance of dry southern land.

If they had only asked for the lower spring, whole sections of the land would have stayed barren and dry and only a portion of the available resource would have been used.

We too need the fresh water of His Spirit/Ruach and as Pentecost/Shavuot was the fulfilling of that prophesied outpouring we are now able to receive His refreshing anytime. Whenever we are feeling weary, tired and overwhelmed, and need a fresh anointing on our lives and ministries; a fresh infilling of His Spirit is waiting for us; we simply have to yield and receive. Our Heavenly Father is one of abundance and we are

not to settle for less

than the fullness and abundant life He has for us…this is why Jesus/Yeshua came. 

In Luke 11:13 in the Complete Jewish Bible, following instruction on prayer by Jesus/Yeshua to His disciples/talmidim, He says clearly to: keep on asking keep on seeking  how much more will the Father

KEEP GIVING

the Ruach HaKodesh/Spirit of Holiness from heaven

to those who keep asking Him..

We need both the upper and lower springs to feed into our lives. Notice in verse 14, she says, do me a special favor.

Acsah knew she had her fathers favor and she had faith in that special relationship …surely we see the analogy for us if we are in that place of abiding/living in His presence. We too should have the knowing, of the security in His lovingkindness towards us and that we can receive ALL that He has for us.

To know Him and the power of His resurrection is

to know His ability to replenish, refresh and refill us.

He is calling us higher…

speaking to us about stepping into

a new level of holy boldness and spiritual authority. Not in our strength, ways or abilities..but in His!

Cheverim, Mishpochah – friends, family; we are called for such a time as this…we are joint heirs with Mashiach/Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords…

When our mindset is stuck in the lower springs we can’t receive the inheritance of those upper springs. We must consider our true identity and calling in Messiah, in Christ, who we truly are in HIM … we are created in His glorious image …

There is a further lesson for us to learn in Acsah’s story. Her father had treated her more like a prize to be won for the one who could gain victory over the city of the giants. Judges 1:12-13

It would have been easy for her to assume a victim mentality…

Her name means: anklet, which is an adornment..

remembering in those days it also referred to the

anklets or leg chains

that held prisoners to the prison stocks.

Acsah/Achsah, did not give in to the temptation of …poor pity me.. she had the attitude of: an heir ready to receive her inheritance. Furthermore the physical inheritance of well watered land was enhanced spiritually, as the faith of her father Caleb and the generation of Joshua lived on and prospered in her husband Othniel.

We are told in Judges 3:9-11, the Spirit of God came upon Othniel. He became Israel’s first judge and deliverer, and because of his leadership, the land had rest for 40 years. True Shalom when we enter into His rest!

The common western definition of peace is — the absence of conflict or war — but in Hebrew it means so much more:

The root word of Shalom is shalam.

One of the first uses of the word shalam in the Torah is in

Exodus 21 and 22…

meaning: peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility soundness, health, safety and prosperity, nothing missing and nothing broken.

A higher state of mind and spiritual vision can only be reached through the higher practice of personal character. If we live up to the highest and best we know how, our Father will always

call us to come up higher

and when we do we will be faced with other challenges and temptations to further help in forming our characters.

Staying humble is the key to greatness in the Kingdom of God.

Both the Father and the adversary will use the strategy of elevation… but satan uses it for example: as temptation by lifting up in pride and the effects and results are completely different.

Our growth in grace/chen is not measured by the fact we have not backslidden or turned back from following Messiah but that we have an understanding and insight into where we are spiritually.

As a good wise father He withholds some things from us until the growth of our personal character attains the level He deems we are ready to receive them. As we grow in maturity, we have a higher viewpoint and when He shows us a truth, we are accountable to immediately apply the truth we know and begin to live it, applying it to our lives.

Attentiveness and receptivity will always lead to greater intimacy. Like the disciples/talmidim, who waited on His Spirit to fill and empower them, we must learn to pay attention sometimes by waiting upon Him. He leads us from strength to strength, we simply need to place our trust in Him and not in our own understanding or trying to ‘fix it’ by employing our own ways….

We must be receptive, open, and teachable if we want a deep meaningful relationship; and we must be willing and available, giving time to building that relationship.

Going deep

also requires us

to come up higher

where we are called to be seated in heavenly places

and then we will begin to see all things

from our Fathers perspective

from above and not beneath!

Whatever our calling, our function to His called-apart-ones, our inheritance is assured to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose… Rom.8:28

and we are challenged to remember

both the upper and lower springs offer

continual infilling

for us.

Time to Aliyah  –  come up higher.

As the disciples waited to

come up higher

counting the days from the omer;

maybe they were finally learning to

count the cost

of being disciples of the Master.

He was seen by so many during those days, still speaking of the kingdom, cultivating the seeds of His Spirit that were to soon spring forth and bear much fruit!

Everything they had trained and waited for came and they were ready…are we?????

May our days of counting lead to a lifetime of bearing good fruit.. May there be fire in our bones that set our tongues aflame to declare the great things of our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom…. as we

Aliyah

COME UP HIGHER!

Please wait 4 seconds for this song to begin…

and tell Him.. Hineni, here I am! Lead me…

Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now,

but you will follow later.

John 13:36

Shalom aleikhem

chaverim/friends and mishpachah/family!

Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week,

you are greatly loved and prayed for daily.

Please don’t leave here without assurance of your salvation

Not sure ..you can be…

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.

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.

The Servant Heart of Hadassah and Yeshua.

There is a precious connection to the servant heart of a brave, courageous, faith filled and obedient woman called Hadassah whose memory is celebrated each year at Purim and to the coming Messiah. He came the first time as the suffering servant whose brave, courageous, faith filled and obedient life and death opened the WAY to eternal life in the presence of God for whosoever will accept His offer.

One thing is clear and that is we are to emulate and follow Him. His instructions for our new life in Him are recorded for our benefit and education. His Words are instructions for life/chaim.

Mark 9:35 KJV: And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.

First a word of encouragement…

It is soon the time of year we remember Messiahs sacrificial death and the celebration of His resurrection which gives us more than a fleeting wishful thought of a future with the Lord; it is a hope that is rooted deep in faith anchored in the foundation of the written word of promise which was fulfilled in the physical life of a physical savior; and who is Himself the living Word and will physically return.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-secret-of-the-ogehn-of-tiqvah/

The spirit of Jesus/Yeshua is the spirit of prophecy; and He is that self fulfilling prophecy whose words of promise will not pass away but will be fulfilled just as He spoke. These words are recorded for us in the 4 gospels, Acts and in Revelation.

He is faithful and true and we can be assured that all is well.

He is in control of all things.

Nothing is a surprise to Him because He is the great co ordinator watching over His creation to will and to do His good pleasure.

1 Chronicles 28:20 – And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said,

I will not

in any way fail you

nor give you up nor leave you without support.

[I will] not,

[I will] not,

[I will] not in any degree leave you helpless

nor forsake

nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!

[Assuredly not!]

Hebrews 13:5 Amp.

Do not be dismayed for those things coming upon the earth.

Joshua 8:1, God says, “Fear not, neither be dismayed.”

Yes, there may be a dark and evil storm raging around us, and  some tribulations coming upon the earth at this season; for we are in a time of great change.

Things will be different going forward as scripture is being fulfilled before our eyes. BUT the Lord says,

“Do not be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

and He has armies that we do not see.

So let the peace of God rule and reign in our hearts, His true Shalom!

 

Continuing from previous post…

https://www.minimannamoments.com/what-has-a-flower-got-to-do-with-a-servant-heart-salvation-and-a-bridegroom/

there is a need for us to know our identity… who we really are.

We are not the persona we have created for ourselves, namely the one we show to the world or even the one we show to church members, nor even maybe family members. In reality we are who God made us to be, and as we have accepted the terms of the renewed covenant;

we are grafted in to the olive tree of spiritual Israel and

now part of Messiahs Bride/Kallah.

We are joint heirs with Him.

We are now to become the person that He strategically placed and positioned here on this earth for this season and His reason.

We are bought with a price that we could never repay and like Esther/Hadassah, for such a time as this we were called into His Kingdom.

The church age is finite.

In that, it had a specific beginning on the day of Pentecost and it will have a specific end; an alpha and omega, an alef and tav.

One day this age will end.

That day will be the day Messiah comes for His Bride, His Challah and time is running out.

2000+ years have passed and if we believe the 1000 year to a day ratio, then 2 days are completed and

on the third day I will raise you up!

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God

30 will fail to receive many times more at the proper time—

and in the age to come, eternal life.”

The Kingdom Age is an eternal one, infinite and it’s the one we are familiar with and say as part of the Lords /apostles/disciples prayer.

THY KINGDOM COME…..

We are, saints, children of the Most High, and are to be sharing the good news that the DALET/door to salvation, the WAY to eternal life is still available for whosoever will.

Encourage all to Seek Him while He may be found. As Messiah said:

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

And So must we…

This Gregorian calendar year of 2020 reminds us of the optician chart that measures if we have 20-20 vision… the message is clear for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.

One aspect of 2020 is that it overlaps with Hebrew year 5780, where the Hebrew character that represents 80, (PeyFey) is a pictograph representing an open mouth.

A reference perhaps to prophecy, and the spoken word. It also speaks of grace for reaching the lost through declaring the gift of salvation through Messiah. We are to speak out and boldly declare the signs of the times.

And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. Eph. 6:19

The salvation of the people is the most important thing and that it can be found by turning to Jesus and turning means repenting of our rebellion and sinful ways.

Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and correct your ways and deeds. Jer.4:1

Turn and keep on coming.

There is always resistance to this message of repentance and holiness, but the word says:

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.

On the behavioral aspect of Holiness that Hebrews 12:14 touches on, its clear, without pursuing holiness – no one will see The Lord.

Intimacy with God, communion with Ruach HaKodesh/ Holy Spirit, will not be taking place unless one pursues holiness.

It requires a cleansing of our hearts and allowing Him to wash us clean with His precious blood.

And a purging by fire.

It surely is not ‘coincidence’ that the whole world is being told to wash its hands!

They shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they may not die. It shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his offspring throughout their generations. Isaiah 1:16 

As above so below,

on earth as it is in heaven;

  the duality of spirituality.

What is happening on the earth is indicative of what is taking place in the spiritual realm.

Everything we need to know is in His Word – He has EVERYTHING covered!

Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” James 4:8,

This is not insignificant as many of todays pulpits are not calling for repentance or holiness. It does not have the same appeal as other subjects yet

Jesus own words in Luke 13:1-9

3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish…

 If you don’t get right with God, you are going to perish.”

 

This is part of our calling, to pray more will be saved.

It was David who then pondered who could go into the presence of such a holy sovereign Lord…

(i.e., to the tabernacle on the hill [holy hill in Psa.2:6] of the Lord and its holy place).

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

Ps 24:3

Verse 4 answers: He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Only those whose heart is pure and hands are clean.

God’s hill is, in reality, the highest heaven, wherein He has His dwelling-place. Then its’ representative on earth was, Mount Zion, where it was already pre determined that the temple should be built, and where David was about to transfer the ark of the covenant.

This question was asked as a warning to the Levites, because David was ready to have them move the ark. He was ensuring that they would purify themselves in heart and soul before taking part in the serious and holy ceremony.

Or who shall stand in his holy place?

Who: This refers to those who shall stand and minister inside the tabernacle, when the ark has been placed inside, and it has thus become, God’s Holy place?

His throne/kapporet/presence, here on earth.

We are to rend our hearts in true repentance and sorrow for Salvation is by God’s decision and God’s decision is based on what He sees (1 Samuel 16:7).

Some things that God delights in seeing:

obedience (1 Samuel 15:22)

repentance (2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Jeremiah 18:7-10; Jonah 3:10) humility,

and we know He looks on the heart motive.

Psalms 15 and Isaiah 33:15; Isaiah 33:18.

These give an elaboration of this answer, which is remarkable, because it expresses in language so clear that a child may understand it.

It is simply that the only service, the only character which can be thought worthy of such a habitation, is that which conforms itself to the laws of:

truth,

honesty,

humility,

justice,

love.

Millenia have passed, Jerusalem has fallen, the Jewish monarchy, its priesthood with its rituals and religion have been missing, yet Davids words by which all wise and good men would measure the worth and value of men remain.

Only those that are truly His.

Only those that love and trust Him enough to continue to abide in Him, through obedience and love.

Those who, knowing His word, loving it, and living it, will speak it, without fear or compromise.

Those who answered His call to true Holiness/set-apartness.

Sadly it is not those who claim to be His and yet do not obey His commands, or continually follow His Way.

He is still calling with the open invitation, yet only a few will come. Matt. 7:14

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.

The truth is clear that if we are in sin we cannot stand in His Holy/Kadosh place. A Holy God does not live where sin is, and we must be filled with His Holy Spirit, Ruach HaKodesh, clothed with His Spirit, that robe of righteousness –

the correct wedding garment.

Once we let the light of His love and glory shine upon us, in us and through us, all will be revealed to us that we need to do to remain His.

We are to run to His light today and be so full, that others will see this light and want it for themselves. this is what He calls us to do, reveal the light of Jesus to the world.

Being of service to others – by being a servant that is how to be the true bride/challah of the King, holy – without spot or wrinkle. Holiness unto the Lord – this is also engraved on the crown of the High Priest.

Dedicated and single minded.

Like both Esther/Hadassah and Jesus/Yeshua.

He is faithful and true.

Doesn’t He deserve the same attributes and character from His bride to be? And surely why He asks if will He find faith(fullness) in His servants when He comes? Luke 18:8.

Being faithful means to be true to one’s word or promises, be steady in allegiance, and be consistent with the truth. A faithful person is loyal, reliable, trustworthy, and believable. From a Spiritual perspective, faithful means to literally be full of faith.

Faithful if necessary unto death…

https://www.minimannamoments.com/who-was-hadassah/

Matt 24:42-51; Mark 13:34-37; Luke 12:35-48.

The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes. Truly I tell you, that he will set him over all that he has.

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

It immediately preceeds the parable of the 10 virgins which has a similar eschatological theme of being prepared for the day of reckoning.

What is the meaning of being a Servant?

Servant in the New Testament is the correct translation of 3 Greek words: Diakonos oiketays and doulos.

These three words are worlds apart because

Diakonos is also translated as minister and Deacon while

doulos and oiketays are also translated slave,

meaning bond servant.

An oiketays was a bond servant who was only a household servant: a maid, a Cook, a nurse, a butler or similar work.

A bond servant is a person who has been purchased for a specific time or job.

We are to be serving the servant King.

In the late 1800s it was common for people in Europe to agree to work for an American Company for a specified time in payment for their passage to the USA.

A believer is to be this bond servant for the Lord in the sense that we are obligated totally to Him because our Redeemer purchased us with His blood/His life. He is more than an employer because He has each of us under contract/covenant.

This is different from slavery because we have free will and can the break contract if we desire.

In Romans Paul wrote to Titus, in Jacobs letter to Peter and Jude also starts by referring to the author as a doulos, a bond servant of God or Yeshua.

The relationship to people is as a diakonos and some translations use servant/minister to illustrate this point.

A minister is ordained to serve people, as Jesus/Yeshua came to serve, not to be served. Matthew 20:28

In the Hebrew scriptures, the references to slaves are overwhelmingly to bond servants and specifically that meaning.

In Greek and Roman law, slaves were possessions, like furniture, that an owner could treat however he wanted to, even killing a slave was not considered a crime.

In Scripture, the slaves were bond servants who had to be set free if they were injured. Exodus 21:26:27.

Every Hebrew bond servant was released in the seventh year and all bond servants were released in the Jubilee 50th year.

Ezekiel 27:13 is The only reference to slavery in the Hebrew Scriptures, where the phrase nefesh adam is used, it’s commonly translated as human lives or human souls.

In the New Testament the only reference to Greek and Roman slavery is in Revelation 18:13 where the Greek word somata is used of the merchants weeping over the loss of their wealth with the destruction of Babylon.

Here it is speaking of them as possessions which was the case with slavery and was not only in Greece and Rome but also in other countries. This was not the slavery of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Hammash is a Hebrew word that means servant. shammash (also spelled “shammas”) As in servant candle on the menorah.

Also He was the Branch as the branch of the menorah and the branches of the myrtle/haddasah/Esther, as well as other trees, mentioned in Nehemiah 8:15; were to be used as construction for the booths!

The booths/tabernacles, the sukkahs, the temporary shelters, for the final feast of succot which represents God tabernacling/dwelling with His people.

The Word for Servant in Hebrew:

A servant of servants He shall be to his brothers. KJV: a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. INT: be Canaan A servant of servants shall be to his brothers. Genesis 9:26 HEB: וִיהִ֥י כְנַ֖עַן עֶ֥בֶד לָֽמוֹ׃ NAS: And let Canaan be his servant. KJV: and Canaan shall be his servant.

Genesis 9:25 
HEB: אָר֣וּר כְּנָ֑עַן עֶ֥בֶד עֲבָדִ֖ים יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
NAS: be Canaan; A servant of servants
KJV: [be] Canaan; a servant of servants

Strongs 5650.

ebed: slave, servant

Original Word: עֶבֶד
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: ebed
Phonetic Spelling: (eh’-bed)
Definition: slave, servant

5649

abad: slave, servant

Original Word: עֲבַד
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: abad
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-bad’)
Definition: slave, servant

Ezra 5:11 
HEB: אֲנַ֣חְנָא הִמּ֡וֹ עַבְדוֹהִי֩ דִֽי־ אֱלָ֨הּ
NAS: us, saying, ‘We are the servants of the God
KJV: are the servants of the God

עַבְדִּיאֵל

proper name, masculine servant of El;

strongs 5661

עַבְדִּיאֵל Abdiel

8334 sharath: to minister, serve

Original Word: שָׁרַת
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sharath
Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-rath’)
Definition: to minister, serve

Genesis 39:4 
HEB: חֵ֛ן בְּעֵינָ֖יו וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת אֹת֑וֹ וַיַּפְקִדֵ֙הוּ֙
NAS: in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer
KJV: in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer
INT: favor his sight and became made over

Genesis 40:4 
HEB: יוֹסֵ֛ף אִתָּ֖ם וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת אֹתָ֑ם וַיִּהְי֥וּ
NAS: in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement
KJV: Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season

Exodus 24:13 
HEB: מֹשֶׁ֔ה וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ מְשָׁרְת֑וֹ וַיַּ֥עַל מֹשֶׁ֖ה
NAS: with Joshua his servant, and Moses
KJV: rose up, and his minister Joshua:
INT: Moses Joshua his servant went and Moses

An attendant in the service of someone, as Joshua was the servant/minister of Moses (Numbers 11:28). (3) As a ‘term of respectful self-depreciation referring to one’s self, thy servant, or your servant is used in place of the personal pronoun of the first person:

Hebrew Words for Servant:

 Ehbed

עֶבֶד

and

Sharath

שָׁרַת

The Hebrew word for ‘Servant’ is משרת (meh-sha-ret) for male and משרתת (meh-sha-reh-tet) for female.

This is used mainly for domestic servants and is not considered politically correct anymore so we say rather someone is a person employed by another to perform tasks and duties serves only at the employers pleasure as they are not related to the one they are working for.

The first time God called someone My Servant, is in Job 1:8

The book of Job is considered the oldest of the books and immediately we read that haSatan /adversary is in the Courts of Heaven. 

He doesn’t own up to anything specific but only that he has been going to and fro about his business as the prince of this world. When Satan least expected it, an irresistible opportunity is dangled in front of his eyes and he doesn’t waste any time taking the bait as he seeks to enlarge his own reputation at the expense of what he erroneously imagines is an incorrect assessment of Gods Servant Job.

Job 1:8:

 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.”

Surely it aggravated Satan that God had built a hedge of protection around righteous Job. We know that because of his instant response and not needing to even check Job out…

“Take down the hedge of protection and stretch forth your hand and take away all his blessings and he will curse you to your face” 

“I will not do that” reported the Lord.  “But I will allow you to do your worst against Job except you must not take his life.”

No doubt Satan immediately rushed out eager to begin doing his worst against the one man that God considered precious in His sight.

The one who God called, My Servant Job.

Genesis 18:1-3. The Hebrew word Servant is in the story of the Lord appearing unto Abraham to announce the soon arrival of the Promised Son!

And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

Ehbed   דבֶעֶ

Ayin beyt and dalet

Dalet/daleth beyt/bet/beit ayin

(or Avdi) Remember b is also a letter v.

The word servant used for Moses is

Ehbed and indicates ownership.

It is often used as a term to describe a bond-servant or a slave who has been set free by the owner but chooses by his/her freewill to remain with his owner and serve him out of love and devotion.

Both Joshua and Moses are called servants the one for Moses is Ehbed;

but the word used for Joshua is very different, it is Sharath. This tells us more about each of them and their ministries.

Joshua 1:1,2 opens with a command to the new leader.

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

In this verse the Hebrew word ehbed is servant and used for Moses indicating ownership.  (As we just saw above, it’s often used to describe a bond-servant who has been set free but chooses to remain with his owner and serve him out of love and devotion.)

The word used for Joshua is very different it is Sharath. The word here which is translated as Moses’ minister, also means servant; but refers to a high ranking servant, who directly and personally ministers to his master.

Genesis 9: 25 is the first place where the word Ehbed is used

And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.

Ehbed of Ehbed means Servant of servants and reveals the consequences of the sin of Canaan/Cain. This being that he is destined to never again serve God, his true master, but instead he will be forced to serve only other servants. It will not be his free will choice but he will be forced to serve out of duty and not out of love and devotion. This indicates he will be the lowest of servants.

Ehbed is spelled Ayin Beyt Dalet.

A look at the pictographs may give some more insight.

Ayin is the picture of the eye and means to see, to know, or to experience.

Beyt is the picture of the tent and indicates a family or a dwelling place, and is the first letter in the Torah that identifies the Son of God.

Dalet is the picture of the doorway and points to a pathway, a gate, a place of decision, or a place where change can take place.

The pictographs reveal the meanings of the original Hebrew words show in the word Ehbed that Moses could willingly choose to serve God because he had not only experienced Him but had come to know God the Son and in this relationship he came to a place of decision. Moses was the author of the accounts in Genesis of Abraham and Jacob and their meetings with God in the flesh, which seems to be indicating the person of Jesus/Yeshua as the preincarnate Messiah.

Genesis 39:4 is the first place Sharath is found. When in Egypt, Jacobs son Joseph, was serving as a personal slave to Pharaoh’s captain of the guard, Potifer.

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Sharath translates as the word served and tells us Joseph was a high ranking and trusted slave even though he was in a foreign land.

The conditions Joseph was in and the grace extended to him indicates he must have served with whole-hearted devotion.

in Exodus 33:11.  Joshua showed this same whole-hearted devotion towards Moses

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

The verses in Exodus 24:13 & 33:11 tell us that in the Tabernacle Joshua was in Gods presence with Moses and on the mountain.

Joshua was there to serve Sharath Moses wherever he went.

Sharath is spelled Sheen Reysh Tav.

And the pictographs of Sharath reveal the following:

Sheen/Shin is the picture of teeth and means to destroy or to press and is the one letter God uses to identify Himself.

Reysh/Resh is the picture of the head and stands for the leader, the highest, the most important, or the prince.

Tav is the picture of crossed wooden sticks and symbolizes a covenant, a sign, or a cross and can mean to seal.

The pictographs of Sharath reveal how devoted Joshua was in his service to Moses. 

At this point we need to remind ourselves that Joshua is a type of Jesus/Yeshua. Joshua served with the same loving devotion that the Son of God would show His Father as He went to the cross.

Hidden in the pictographs was the mystery kept for us, so that we could see that it was written so long ago. Declaring that in loving devotion to His Heavenly Father, Jesus/Yeshua would go to His death on the cross of His own free will.

The Sharath /servant, Messiah would by doing so fulfill the Father’s plan of salvation for all those under the curse of sin.

Known also as the suffering servant.

Remembering that each Hebrew letter is also a number, we can gain a little further insight.

The letter Sheen is the number 300 and signifies the final blood sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb of God.

The letter Reysh is the number 200 and balances the complete sufficiency of God with the insufficiency of man.

Tav is the number 400 and stands for a divinely ordained period of time that will bring about deliverance and renewal.

Here we see a summing up of the plan of God:

the blood sacrifice of Jesus/Yeshua, the Lamb of God, will be sufficient to deliver fallen man from the bondage of sin and bring us to a new life in Him.

There is one more mystery we can now see makes sense.

(And as there is no word for coincidence in Hebrew as everything is considered part of Gods plan.)

It is more than interesting that of all the 22 letters of the Hebrew Aleph Beyt; the last 3 letters

sheen reysh tav

make up the word Sharath.

Just as the first three letters Aleph Beyt Gimel stand for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and begin/genesis our story,

av ben ruach

father son spirit

the last 3 show us there will be a

Servant

sheen reysh tav

Sh-r-th

Sharath

No we know who will finish this story for us:

the Son Yeshua will be Sharath to the Father

and will finish the plan of salvation

at the Tav,

the wooden cross.

Servant

  Dalet     Beyt       Ayin

   4          2            70

the meaning of the three letters in the Hebrew word we translate into English as Servant.

Ayin

To See     Know    Experience
To Understand

Beyt

The House or Tent

God the Son

Dalet

Jesus/Yeshua The Door that Leads to Eternal Life…

God has placed a hidden in plain sight revelation at the root of the picture meaning of the word Servant.

This revealing/apocalypse, is meant to cause us to re-examine the concept from God’s vantage point and to understand the ultimate purpose of a servant, ehbed.

Recall earlier, that servant is defined in the dictionary as “a person employed by another to perform duties, most often those duties are domestic.”

The servant is the one person who is welcomed into the home in order to assist in the smooth management of the household. The servant is not related to the master of the household but serves at his pleasure.

Hebrew Word Picture for the Servant is below and gives another picture of a servant.

 there is a discernible difference in the meaning:

To see, know and experience the Home of the Prince of Heaven, the Son of God by entering into the Door that sets us on the path/WAY to heaven and eternal life.

God called Job My Servant.

BUT

Job had not seen, known or experienced the home of the Prince of Heaven, the Son of God…or had he??

Had Job entered the door that leads to Eternal Life? Actually the answer is YES, if we consider Jobs declaration of faith in the Redeemer as recorded in:

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Therefore it should surely follow that those who are God’s servants here on earth will one day see, know and experience heaven. But we know our Heavenly Father is not looking for domestic servants in shamayim/heaven.

So what is God’s plan for His servants here on earth?

If it were not promised in the Scriptures over and over again, the answer is almost too incredible to voice, because the answer is, that the God who called Job, My Servant, would one day call Job His adopted son!

His spiritual future destiny was to call his Creator Father, Abba, Av /Avinu, his Heavenly Father.

Job’s

spiritual future destiny is also our

spiritual future destiny…

if we love God and have put our faith and trust in His only begotten Son; who came to undo the curse brought into the world by Satan and sin; and redeem us from it by His own blood.

Messiahs promise to His disciples:

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Listen to what Yeshua/Jesus says to us:

John 1:11

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

First, Yeshua/Jesus came as the servant of all

and now we understand the fuller meaning of the mystery contained in the Ancient Hebrew Pictograph word pictures.

His servant heart preceded His Coronation

and so too does ours!

The king is coming!

Now we understand what a servant is, even though we are also His friends, let us be found faithful servants; discerning the fullness of His calling on our lives as we each serve Him in all truth as a bond-servant…..

ONE who has been set free but chooses to remain with his owner and serve him out of love and devotion.

Bond servants – ehbed and sharath

for the coming king of kings and Lord of Lords.

We Have this BLESSED ASSURANCE!

The suffering servant Ehbed and Sharath

will return as our Conquering King! 

THIS IS our story.. 

THIS IS our song!

How Marvelous How Wonderful!

Please don’t leave this page before you commit to be His bond servant and if you are not sure you can be.

Shalom, shalom, mishpachah!

The JOY of the Lord is Your Strength!

You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.

Fear not, simply rest in Him and be comforted, God is WORKING!

Stay alert, prepared and be ready!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the posts and for all your kind and encouraging comments. Please continue to share with others, like and subscribe for notifications of new postings.  It all helps to freely spread the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth and reaches others with the blessing of His Truths that always point us to Our Heavenly Father, Through Jesus/Yeshua by the power of His Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh.

Share His comfort to those going through times of testing and trouble…be an encourager of hearts and tell them GOD IS WORKING behind the scenes! 

As always, a very warm welcome to each and every subscriber/follower/visitor, both old and new; and remember that the post is best viewed on the Homepage site in full color!

Please don’t leave this page without the knowing in your heart you are totally His.

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

Its 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/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Hebrew word ḥanuká usually spelled חֲנוּכָּה 

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

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

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

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

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

מְנוֹרָה seven-lamp (six branches)

The menorah for 

hannukah חֲנוּכָּה 

is a 9 lamp candlestick.

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

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

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

For more on hannukah חֲנוּכָּה  click links below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/hanukkahchanukah-believers-today/
https://www.minimannamoments.com/chanukah-or-hanukkah/
https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-miracle-of-the-hammer-men/

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

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

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

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

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

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

31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:

33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop,(knob), and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.
34 And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knobs and their flowers.
35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knob under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.
36 Their knobs and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.
37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuff dishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
39 Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.
40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

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

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

Three bowls made like unto almonds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When was the menorah initiated?

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

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

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

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

The LORD said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.’
2 I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, theAmorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 
3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey;  but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”
4 When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments.
5 For the LORD had said to Moses, “Say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. So now take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do with you.’” 6 Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.

The Tent of Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

Moses’ Intercession

12 Moses said to the LORD, “See,  you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 
13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15 And he said to him, If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 
16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people?  Is it not in your going with us,  so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”
17 And the LORD said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
18 Moses said,“Please |show me your glory.” 
19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 
20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” 21 And the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 
22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

אַהֲרֹ֖ן  מַטֹּתָֽ

mattheh Aaron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emperor Nero then sent Vespasian.

The Romans Destroy the Temple at Jerusalem, 70 AD.

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

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

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

and it became the symbol of Israel today.

Above & Below:The Arch of Titus in Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was huge but burned in the 1st century.

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

Ez. 40 even described the 4th temple!

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

Then there will be a 4th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

NOT SURE?

YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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