Sukkot – The Promise of a Permanent Dwelling Place

It is the 3rd of 3 Appointed Times that all males are required to travel to Jerusalem to participate in annually.

Known in Judaism collectively as

The Three Pilgrimage Festivals.

In Hebrew:

Shlosha Regalim  שלושה רגלים

They are:

Pesach, Passover

Shavuot, Weeks or Pentecost

and

Sukkot, Tabernacles, Tents or Booths –

and relate in order to: our Physical Salvation

our Spiritual Salvation and our

Joyful Thanks to God for His Encompassing Protection and for the future when He will be Dwelling, Tabernacling with His people forever.

The secret place of the Most High/El’yon is the shield and surrounding wall of His Truth; it’s not a fictional location made up from imagination it’s a real place to be found in His presence.

The scripture says

Yeshua/Jesus is the Truth and when we are

IN Him

then we are in that secret place.

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.

And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.

1John 4:13 also Psalm 91

When the ancient Israelites were living in the Kingdom of Judah they would make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem, as commanded by the Torah.

And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.

You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month

You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, so that your descendants may know that I made the Israelites dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ ”

Lev 23:40, 42-43

Feast of the Tabernacles

in Hebrew סֻכּוֹת

Chag haSukot,

also Succouth, Sukkot or Sykkot.

This post includes links to previous ones that have covered most of the relevant information on this season. It is hard to not repeat the wonderful nuances and types and shadows of what we have ahead of us and also to ponder on all that Our Heavenly father/Av has prepared for us.

1 Corinthians 2:9 Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

And 2Tim 4:8 for those who love His appearing Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.

So here follows some thoughts and Hebrew greetings for this glorious appointed time.

Sukkot is a joyous holiday celebrating the fall harvest.

The booths, called sukkahs,

that are built during this week-long festival, are reminiscent of the booths ancient farmers used to sleep right in their fields during harvest season. They also commemorate the 40 year period during which the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, sleeping in tents.

This appointed time calls for a temporary dwelling here, meaning it’s not a permanent structure.

Part of Sukkot is spent in synagogue at prayer, and much of it is spent eating, drinking, sleeping, and generally dwelling in the sukkah.

But wherever you happen to meet people during this particularly joyous holiday, it’s nice to know how to greet them.

It is still considered appropriate at this time to wish each other a Happy New Year or Shana Tovah in Hebrew, just as people continue saying Happy (Gregorian) New Year for many weeks into January and beyond.

To wish someone a Happy Sukkot in Hebrew simply say

Chag Sameach which means Happy Holiday.

Moadim L’simcha Moh-ah-DEEM Le-sim-CHAH

This is used on both Sukkot and Pesach/Passover, particularly the intermediate days of the festival

Chag Sameach is Hebrew for joyous festival.

The traditional response is

chagim u’zmanim l’sasson 

khag-EEM oo-zmahn-EEM le-sah-SOWN.

The individual who initiates the greeting says: Mo’adim l’simhah!
and the one who replies says: Hagim u’z’manim l’sasson!

Here is a hint about pronouncing the greetings: Each of the Hebrew words above puts emphasis/stress on the last syllable.

Chag Sameach pronounced khahg sah-MAY-akh

literally means happy holiday

and applies to most Jewish holidays.

Gut Yontiff pronounced goot YUHN-tiff

is a yiddishized version of the Hebrew phrase 

yom tov meaning good day

and referring to any major holiday on which work is traditionally forbidden.

Mo’adim = moments, festivals, appointed times.
Singular: mo’eid

l’ = for/to

simhah = joy, gladness, happy occasion

Hagim = holidays, celebrations.
Singular: hag

u’ = and

z’manim = seasons, times
Singular: z’man

sasson = joy, happiness

ברכות סוכות

sukkah: a thicket, booth

Strongs #5521

סֻכָּה

pronounced: sook-kaw’

booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent

Deuteronomy 16:13 
HEB: חַ֧ג הַסֻּכֹּ֛ת תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה לְךָ֖
NAS: the Feast of Booths seven
KJV: the feast of tabernacles seven
INT: the Feast of Booths shall celebrate seven days

Other titles used for this feast:

Time of Our Joy – Zman Simchatenu–  זמן שמחתנו

Moadim L’Simcha – Appointed Times for Joy

Zman Simchatenu Time of Our Joy – זמן שמחתנו

Simchat Torah – the Joy of the Torah – שִׂמְחַת תורָה

Shemini Atzeret – Eighth Day of Assembly – שמיני עצרת

Hoshanah Rabbah – Great Salvation – הושענה רבה

Chag Assif – Harvest Festival – חג אסיף

Sukkah is the Hebrew term for the temporary building that is constructed for this holiday.

Sukkot(h) is the Hebrew name of the holiday,

the moed

and usually translated as

booth or small hut and 

to tabernacle with someone, is to dwell with them.

Yehoveh/Adonai, tabernacled with the children of Israel as they wandered in the desert for 40 years, manifesting Himself as a cloud by day and fire by night.

The Hebrew word for tabernacle is sukkah. It means a booth, a hut, a covering, a pavilion or tent.

The Greek word for tabernacle is sk’en’e, which also means a tent, hut, or habitation; and the context by which the word tabernacle is used in the New Covenant /Brit Hadashah.

This Greek word, sk’enos, means ‘tabernacle, booth, shelter, or covering’ and also appears in Rev. 21:3.

This same word, sk’enos, is used to speak of Yeshua/Jesus during His first coming, John 1:14. here we can see the protection provided in Rev. 7:16, corresponding to Isa. 4:5-6, and the fountain of living waters in Rev. 7:17 and 21:4.

It is interesting to note that as these were set in place by the Father through Moses and have been followed and celebrated annually ever since.

 Luke 2:41 states that Joseph and Mary and Jesus/Yeshua made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem every Passover.

Joseph and Mary went to the Passover celebration in Jerusalem every year: Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover

Also, Luke records Paul

“hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible,

on the Day of Pentecost” Acts 20:16 Acts 20:16

all went up to Jerusalem… indicating they are not done away with after Jesus/Yeshua ascended?

Sadly western Christianity detached itself from the observance of our Heavenly Fathers’ Appointed Times/Jehovehs Moedim; and those then in power changed the dates and days to ones we have become more familiar with as easter and Christmas etc.,

This could be the ‘feasts’ that God says He hates as prophetically declared in Amos 5;21  I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. As well as those they had adopted from Babylon. Some scholars say the dates were messed up from that era and when they returned from captivity they did not rectify the changes…

In the modern Gregorian calendar we label all years with B.C. (before the birth of Christ) or A.D. (anno domini or “in the year of our Lord”) There is no zero year. In our modern system, the year Christ was born is supposedly A.D.1 and the year preceding it is 1 B.C. The most favored view amongst Bible scholars is that Messiah Jesus/Yeshua, was born in 5 B.C. which agrees with this timeline which was due to Herod the Greats death occurring in 4 B.C. If Jesus/Yeshua was born in 5 B.C. possibly on Tabernacles, then our current year should really be the year A.D. 2023 and not 2021! And as noted in a previous post this year is 5782 according to the Hebrew calendar count. Notwithstanding the possible fudging of dates and missing centuries (200 years) that would put the date from Genesis closer to 5982! Could this be the reason for Yeshua/Jesus statement that no man knows the day of His coming???

It seems that not only did the early Roman Catholic Church get the year of Yesua/Jesus’ birth wrong but it seems they got the month wrong as well. Some of the evidence that Yeshua/Jesus might have been born earlier in the year is the fact that it would be highly unlikely for shepherds to still be in the field with their sheep in December. This is in the middle of the winter and they wouldn’t be in the fields at this time of the year. Click link for more on this:

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

https://www.minimannamoments.com/endings-are-simply-new-beginnings/

The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes

the restoration process,

which will be completed with the return of

Messiah Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach.

The Tabernacle of New Jerusalem,

descends from Heaven to Earth to

tabernacle, dwell or shelter His people with His presence.

The Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot, is the last of the seven Moedim/ Feasts of the Lord and the most joyful, occurring on the 15th day of Tishri and lasts for eight days.

It is sometimes referred to as the 

feast of booths

or feast of ingathering

The word ingathering is in reference more to people than crops, as the wheat and most of the fruit has already been harvested by this time of the year.

It is noteworthy according to Numbers 29:15,32 that on each of the 7 days of Tabernacles, they were to offer 14 (7×2) lambs without blemish. There is an interesting parallel in Matthew where he lists the genealogy of Messiah, the Lamb of God. The generations from Abraham to David are 14, from David to the Babylonian captivity are 14, and from the captivity to Christ are 14. Matthew traced the genealogy back to Abraham and divides Israel’s history into 3 sets of 14 generations. However, there were probably more than those listed here. Genealogies often compressed history and not every generation of ancestors was specifically listed, especially if they were evil. The Tenakh/ Old Testament genealogies are much more precise such as in 1 Chronicles chps. 1-9.

In Zechariah 14:16-19. it is stated that everyone will learn about this Moed/Appointed Time:

And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Feast of Tabernacles is also a picture of the judgment of the inhabitants of the earth who live during the 1,000 years according to Isaiah 2:4  And he shall judge among the nations,

So it is something that will still be celebrated in the future so whether we learn now or later, it will be part of life/chaim, for those in the millennial kingdom as we understand the scriptures to indicate.

This may have been what Peter was referring to at the Mt. of Transfiguration?

Their experience must have been overwhelming and we are told they were terrified. The presence of God in the form of His Glory Cloud, overshadowed them, engulfing them, and they heard His voice in its midst.

Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

A little intimidating to put it mildly!

They must have thought the Kingdom had come and wanted to build Booths/Sukkah to them in celebration of the event. Their thoughts would have been flying wildly in all directions trying to make sense of what was happening to them.

Sukkot is about remembering God/Yehoveh’s provision in the 40 year wilderness journey and His protection while they travelled. It’s celebrating His ever-presence Yehovah Shammah, His guidance and care of His people who were chosen to be His Challah/Bride and as we are kallat mashiach/Bride of Messiah; we are His K’doshiym/His Holy Ones. He made covenant with them and called them His own precious treasure.

Through Yeshua/Jesus, all is being fulfilled, the Moedim/ Appointed Times of the Lord, reflect Yeshua/Jesus as we have seen in previous posts. Sukkot is the one that will never end as it is the climax of Yehoveh/Gods plan to be reunited with His children and dwelling together with the Bride of Messiah. At One, following the AtOnement of Yom Kippur, the celebration of Sukkot Tabernacles/Booths/ is preparing us for when He permanently Tabernacles with His people, not in frail booths or in these frail temporary bodies, but in the fullness of His presence in the new Jerusalem/Yerushalyim.

Literally Heaven on earth! Nothing we try to accomplish ourselves on this fallen earth can even begin to be like the restoration Yehoveh/God will implement . We are spiritually returning to Eden and to the Holy Mountain of God which scripture says is Jerusalem/ Yerushalyim from above; the location of Mt. Moriah where all the pivotal events have occurred through the ages past.

Whether we have yet or not, one day we will all go up to Jerusalem/Yerushalyim to the city of Adonai, His chosen location where He has put His Name. The apple of His eye, His First fruits, the land of promise; and the glory of His presence will one day be for all to see. It will not be hidden from view in a sanctuary of the Holy of Holies for just 1 man to experience once a year, but for all to behold Him in majesty and splendor.

 

For now we see through a glass darkly, but then all eyes will see Him face to facebut for now we are the containers of the glory of His presence, we are the living stones, we are the sanctuary of His Ruach HaKodesh/Spirit of Holiness. The Holy of Holies resides within each of His called apart ones/ecclesia/body. As darkness increases and the times of the gentiles are fulfilled, we will all shine so much more brightly. He has always wanted to be with us from the Genesis and soon this will be completed.

On the last day of the feast John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Yeshua/Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

This was right in the middle of the water pouring ceremony.

This was the last day of the seven-day long

Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles celebration;

known as:

the Last Great Day, in Hebrew Hoshana Rabbah.

On this day, a joyous festival occurred called the Water Pouring Ceremony, where the Jews prayed for rain for the upcoming agricultural season resulting in a bountiful harvest.

Click link below for more on this:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/sheltering-presence-god/

Messiah said: I AM the living water All who come to Him will never thirst again.

During these few days, let’s especially remember He has led us through our wilderness. How He has provided and cared for and protected us along His Way then available as our Israelite family celebrates and rejoices in His Torah; let’s give thanks that His Word is so freely to us.

He is the Word made flesh and if we follow the annual cycle of reading the Bible in a year ..its time to start over…a new beginning. Whatever day of the year it’s always a good time to read the Word of God/Yehoveh! Sometimes, things are simply traditions of men, but the Moedim/Appointed times, are set in by our Heavenly Father and understanding them and their meanings enhances our knowledge and appreciation of Who He is and Why Yeshua/Jesus came; and why we can be certain He is coming back!

The clouds in the wilderness are called ‘the clouds of glory’ and the wilderness experience is a picture of the future Messianic age, the Millennium.

Jesus/Yeshua tabernacle/sukkot among us John 1:14.

Peter spoke about his body being a tabernacle 2 Peter 1:13-14.

The apostle Paul told us that our earthly bodies were earthly houses or tabernacles in 2 Corinthians 5:1-5.

Jesus/Yeshua was the true tabernacle of God according to Hebrews 9:11.

In Hebrews 8:1-2; Revelation 13:6; 15:5; the Scriptures speak of a heavenly tabernacle . Revelation 21:1-3 says this heavenly tabernacle will come to earth.

Links to the posts for Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret they are:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/sheltering-presence-god/

includes The Four Species: Arba Minim

https://www.minimannamoments.com/in-the-end-its-all-about-yeshua-jesus/

At this season of Sukkot, Isa.12:3 was often quoted, as it is written, ‘Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.’ Jesus/Yeshua in Hebrew means ‘salvation.’

Note again the statement in John 9:5.

This is the last day of the feast,

Hoshana Rabbah.

John 9:14; Lev. 23:34-36.

The post Endings Are Simply New Beginnings

includes reference to Jesus/Yeshuas birth.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/endings-are-simply-new-beginnings/

The final, 8th day, of this feast is known as 

Shemini Atzaret, Yom haSh’miyniy’Atzaret,

The 8th day assembly.

In Israel, the 8th day is a day that speaks of eternity and the Bible ends in Revelation with that same day, the day of eternity where we will reign forever with Him.

The 8th day is about resurrection and leaving the old life, a day of transcending, of breaking out of the limitations of the finite and into the realm of the infinite. Of transcending the old, overcoming the ultimate limitation, death, and thus every limitation.

The day after the end of the old life, the old existence and gaining the power to live beyond it in and through Yeshua/Jesus.

So the day of the resurrection and the day of the beginning of eternity are in inevitably joined together.

The Sheltering Presence of God Abides With Us Always.

may we all remain in the Sukkah of His Loving Protection.

In sharing about the Moedim/feasts/Appointed Times and having done much research a brief disclaimer is needful only because
there are many Hebrew Roots, Messianic and Messianic Jewish believers who are under the impression that the modern Rabbinical calendar tabulated by Hillel II is the same as the Biblical calendar. It would seem that unfortunately, this is not the case and although it is true that the modern Rabbinical calendar is very close, the two calendars are calculated using entirely different methods, because of this, there are minor and major variations.

Why is this important?

Our heavenly Father has commanded us to follow His Moedim/ feasts/Appointed Times according to His calendar, not one calendar that estimates it. The modern Rabbinical calendar rarely has Moedim/Appointed days at the same time as the Biblical calendar, this can lead even the most faithful followers of Yeshua/Jesus to observe days that have not been divinely ordained and neglecting days that have been.

We are reminded that Messiah said if you love me keep my commandments and that He did not come to destroy or do away with but to fulfill them.

We must remind ourselves that these Appointed Times are not exclusively “Jewish” Moedim/feasts.

These are Yehoveh/God’s Moedim/feasts and Appointed Times; and that it is His calendar that determines, not ours. His calendar is the only one that truly counts. It should be noted that there are several differences of opinions in how to decide the exact days of the calendar as written in Leviticus 23. As we are all on the WAY and learning as we travel, everyone is encouraged to do their own research in studying about the calendar according to the Scriptures, which our Heavenly Father has set in place. We still keep the 10 sayings/commandments that were given through Moses and Jesus/Yeshua quoted them on several occasions in answer to peoples questions on what we sould follow keep and do; so why do we humans think that we can choose which parts of the Bible we want to follow and which parts are no longer important??

So what is the purpose of Sukkot?

The sukah serves to remind us that our trust is NOT to be in what we call, permanent structures made with human hands; but in the One who has the power to protect us against every form and type of adversity. This is another opportunity for us to remember that we dwell in safety not because we have the security of 4 well constructed walls, but because our Heavenly Father is protecting, providing and caring for us each and every day. In the end, even the most reliable shelter is just a sukkah! One day it will be gone but instead, we will have a permanent home with Him forever. 

This is the spiritual truth true and most important aspect of the meaning of sukkot. This is the focus we are to have, that of our future hope and home; when He will dwell with us and we will be with Him forever. Now that’s something worth celebrating and being joyful over as we await the final ingathering!

The Sheltering Presence of God

Abides With Us

Always!

May we all remain

in the

Sukkah of His Loving Protection.

Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).

The cry for salvation at Tabernacles

is heard

and answered through

Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah,

for He came to

save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21).

Shalom shalom

‘Mishpachah’

‘Family/Tribe’

משפחה

Mish-pa-KHa,

friends, visitors and every reader…

Blessed are You, HaShem, Who spreads the Sukkat Shalom upon us, upon all of His people and upon Israel.

Please don’t leave this page before making certain Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

4 times throughout the book of Revelation Jesus says

“Surely I am coming quickly”

He is coming back very soon – so let’s keep looking up!

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 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.

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.

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 holinessno 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.

A Lamb’s Tale And A Mysterious Tower

This post begins with some ???s

How are Rachel, Jacob, swaddling clothes, shepherds, a manger and a lamb connected to Ephraph and the mysterious Edar tower prophesied by Micah 700 years BC?

Also do we even have a marginal mental grasp of who Jesus, son of Joseph, (Yeshua ben Joseph) was; what His culture was like, and who His family was?  The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had a specific time, place and purpose for His Chosen Son. 

Does our religious imagery reflect the life He really lived? Maybe we need to take another look at some details surrounding the birth of Jesus, our Messiah.

It’s in the Gospel of Luke chapter two and is known virtually the world over. It has been told countless times in one form or another, in a wide variety of depictions and performances and is one of the most iconic of all narratives.

Sometimes we become too familiar with what we think we know and miss some amazing details.Even non-believers are familiar with the story.

As we read its words once again,

take special note of its

historical, geographical, political

and prophetic aspects;

for without this story,

we would not be preparing for annual

Christmas Day celebrations every 25th December.

“1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (Lk. 2:1-18).

Here is the story of all stories, involving a young Jewish couple. The setting was at a time of socio-economic unrest following the mandates of a census being taken by the leaders of the Roman Empire. It involved two cities of Nazareth and Bethlehem.

(The distance of 96 miles or 155 kilometers, that was a long way to travel!)Nazareth is a village in northern Israel, and serves to remind us of the close family relationship and seclusion that Jesus experienced as He grew to manhood.

Bethlehem is the site at the center of this story and also the focus of numerous prophetic events, being inextricably connected with the “Royal house and lineage of King David.”

Leaving Luke’s famous narrative of Messiah’s birth, we need to go back in time to Micah where the most famous prophecy of His coming birth came forth through that prophet. It was written at least seven hundred years before Messiah Jesus was born.

“2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Mic. 5:2).

In this verse, Ephratah, (Ephrath) was an ancient city originally located on the outskirts of Bethlehem, it was associated with the death of Rachel and the amazing prophecy that accompanied her burial. To this day, her tomb is still known and honored in this region.The Momentous Death of Rachel an important incident.. ..everything is connected!

In Genesis 35, God instructed Jacob to rise up and take his entire family to Bethel. Arriving there, he purified himself and erected an altar to God. After this, God appeared to him and pronounced that his name would be changed from Jacob to Israel:

“10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. 11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; 12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land” (Gen. 35:10-12).

Shortly after this, they travelled southward to the place that has been known ever since as Bethlehem, the Hebrew word that translates as “House of Bread.” This was the place where Christ was to be born about eighteen centuries later:

16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. 17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. 18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. 19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day. 21 And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar. (Gen. 35:16-21).Rachels Tomb

Migdal Eder—the “tower of the flock”—was first mentioned here in Genesis 35:19-21.

 “So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). And Jacob set up a pillar over her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. Then Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder” 

In the context the “tower of Eder”

or “tower of the flock”

was located near Bethlehem.About 1,000 years after Rachel’s death, the prophet Micah spoke about the still-future birth of Israel’s Messiah.

Everyone is familiar with the prediction that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah. 5:2), but few look at the larger context.

Micah also predicted the reappearance of God’s kingdom

at Migdal Eder—

the tower of the flock.

“And as for you, tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, to you it will come—even the former dominion will come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem” (Mic. 4:8) Beginning In Micah 4:1 and connecting the verse above with some verses right before it, the prophet was speaking in the same context, Micah lays out the distant future in a prophecy of the coming Kingdom. Here he refers to that time period as “the last days.” Then, he goes on to say the following:

“6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; 7 And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. 8 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. (Mic. 4:6-8).

The location mentioned here was marked out for the amazing future fulfillment of prophecy. In Hebrew, the term “tower of Edar” is migdal eder. Its literal meaning of this title is “tower of the flock.” It would seem that this is the place where Christ was born, as described by Luke’s Christmas story.Here, we have a prophecy that describes the mysterious location, the strange edifice was a watchtower – and here it is presented as the key to understanding the birth of the Messiah. these words were written by Micah in the 8th century, B.C., long before Israel’s Babaylonian captivity, which Micah describes in the following verses:

“9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies. 11 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. 12 But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor. 13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth. (Mic. 4:9-13).

Micah’s prophecy notably goes well beyond the Babylonian captivity and into the distant future.

He describes Israel as being regathered and fully established as a people and as being invincible against all the people who are gathered against her.

Migdal Eder – Tower of the Flock.Amazingly the strange watchtower over the flock

is the centerpiece of an ancient drama

which tells the story of the Kingdom of Israel

of its downfall and of its rising once again. Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes,

his name being changed by God to that of Israel;

from his day to the present,

God’s will has unfolded an immense plan

which is centered upon the most important person in all history.

Jesus, Messiah,

Yeshua, Son Of God,

Lamb of God, Savior..Here is where it gets interesting

and we remember everything is connected

and is not without significance in God’s plan.

Luke 2:11-12 NKJV 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Scholars interpret Micah 4:8 as a prophesy indicating that the Messiah would be revealed from the

“tower of the flock” (Migdal Eder)

which is connected with the town of Bethlehem, southeast of Jerusalem.

Micah 4:8 NLKV 8 And you, O Migdal Eder (tower of the flock), the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.

Mishnaic sources (Jewish sacred writings) indicate that animals “found” (meaning, ‘that were kept’) in the fields were within 5 miles of the Temple.

This Migdal Eder was NOT the watchtower for the ordinary flocks which pastured on the barren sheep ground beyond Bethlehem, but lay close to the town, on the road to Jerusalem.

 The shepherds keeping watch over these sheep all year round knew the purpose for the lambs under their care. And their job was to keep the animals under them from becoming injured or blemished.Only in warm weather do the Shepherds keep their flocks outdoors at night in Bethlehem so it could not have been winter because when it was cold they sheltered in nearby caves. Could it be that the birth was closer to the date in  Israel’s calendar celebrating the Feast of Succoth?It was to those watching over animals destined for temple sacrifice that the angels announced Jesus’ birth.

“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

It may not be so far fetched to see that

the arrival of the ultimate Lamb of God

was revealed to those responsible

for watching over the sacrificial lambs

that had always pointed toward Him.

Another passage in the Mishnah leads to the conclusion that the flocks which pastured there, were destined for Temple-sacrifices, and, accordingly, that the shepherds who watched over them were not ordinary shepherds.

The latter were under the ban of Rabbinism, on account of their necessary isolation from the religious ordinances, and their manner of life, which rendered strict legal observance unlikely, if not absolutely impossible …” The same Mishnaic passage also leads us to infer that these flocks lay out all the year round, since they are spoken of as in the fields thirty days before the Passover—that is, in the month of February, when in Palestine the average rainfall is nearly greatest. Thus Jewish tradition in some dim manner apprehended the first revelation of the Messiah from that Migdal Eder, where shepherds watched the Temple flocks all the year round. Of the deep symbolic significance of such a coincidence, it is needless to speak (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 186–87).

Mary and Joseph may well have passed those same fields on their way to Bethlehem.The male sheep (Jesus) was a ‘burnt’ (sin) offering and the female was for a ‘peace’ offering and at birth they were wrapped in swaddling cloths to keep the new lambs without spot or blemish, then they would be laid in a manger until they had calmed down.

Their swaddling cloths no doubt stained with blood!

Newborn lambs.

So the shepherds near Bethlehem are quite special. The location where they are tending and keeping watch over the lambs destined for Temple sacrifice is quite near the place where Messiah was born. It also marks the site of the ancient prophecy. As lambs destined for Temple sacrifice were born in these special flocks, they were inspected to make sure that they were perfect, not having any defect, so that they were suitable for sacrifice by the priests at the Temple. The Apostle Peter refers to Christ in precisely this way:

“18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (I Pet. 1:18-20).

Some sources have declared that the “swaddling clothes” mentioned in Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” were the pieces of woven material that the Temple shepherds used to wipe off the newborn lambs prior to their inspection. So here we have some interesting things to ponder on, the ‘Christmas’ prophecy of a very unique flock, and a very special watchtower.

With the Lord, nothing happens by accident or chance and there is no word in Hebrew to be translated for coincidence!! He plans everything perfectly!Only Luke talks about Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Had it not been for this passage in Luke, most of us would never have heard of the practice of wrapping a baby in swaddling clothes.

This practice ceased around the sixteenth century as it was considered either too barbaric or that it really served no practical purpose at all. It was just a tradition that continued for no other reason than the fact it was tradition. It is even believed by many medical specialists to be harmful to the child.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

It’s an expression that was never used at any time except when we hear the Christmas story and no one ever really explains what the swaddling clothes are. A usual answer to such a question was that it was just a Bible term for blankets or cloths for sanitary purposes.

Swaddling clothes in the Aramaic is ‘azrura’, which really means ‘a bandage’. The word that is used is ‘esparganosen’ which is the Greek word for ‘a bandage’.

We have the word ‘swaddling’, used in Ezekiel 16:3. The Hebrew word used here is ‘chatal’, which is the Hebrew word for a ‘bandage’. It seems that this was more than just a bandage or blanket.

The practice of swaddling is very ancient practice and is believed to have been devised around the Paleolithic times about 4500 years ago during the Bronze Age around 2600 BC. Interestingly, archaeologists have uncovered small models of babies wrapped in swaddling clothes which dated back to this period.

After an infant was born the umbilical cord was cut and tied; as in this case, there was no midwife and either Mary or Joseph would have had to perform this. They would then sprinkle the baby with a powder made of dried myrtle leaves. Then they would gently rub the baby’s skin with a very small amount of salt that has been finely grounded into a sort of paste, which it was believed would make his or her flesh firm. For young Jewish parents this represented a testimony that that the parents would raise the child to be truthful and faithful.The swaddling cloth was a square yard of cloth which had a narrow band attached at one corner. The mother would wrap the child in this swaddle with its arms close to its body and its legs stretched out. She would then wind the narrow band around the body from the shoulders to the ankles until the baby resembled an Egyptian mummy. This ritual was performed as often as we would ‘change’ the baby and would be done until it was no longer required by the growing child.

The practical understanding was, that it helped the childs body grow strong and firm. It’s interesting to note that today medical science has learned it’s best to just leave them alone, that babies will develop naturally without artificial help. It took four thousand years for man to realize that God did a perfectly fine job creating us without artificial intervention.

However to the Jewish parent, this practice carried a symbolic meaning, and as we are learning every practice in Judaism carries some significant symbolism. This was a sign to the parents that they would teach the child to become honest, straightforward, and freed from crookedness.
This brings up the question as to why Luke felt it was important to mention this, not once, but two times, again is verse 12 where the angel tells the shepherds that the child will be found wrapped in swaddling clothes. Why was that necessary, if every baby is wrapped in swaddling clothes, how were the shepherds able to use that fact to distinguish Jesus from any other baby?These priestly shepherds knew the ‘swaddling’ procedure and, when told it would be a sign, they recalled Micah 4:8 and, with haste (Luke 2:16) ran to see the newborn Jesus, the Son of God.

There was no need for the angel to give these shepherds directions to the birth place because they already knew.
They, who raised the sacrificial lambs for the Temple, knew exactly where to go, as Luke 2 indicates, for the sign of a manger could only mean a manger at the tower of the flock in their fields.

Remember when the father of a household presented a lamb to the priest to be examined, he had tied the family name around the head of the potential sacrificial lamb so that the meat could be returned to him to be used during their Passover meal.

Luke 2:11 -12 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Scholars interpret Micah 4:8 as a prophecy indicating that the Messiah would be revealed from the tower of the flock Migdal Eder which is connected with the town of Bethlehem southeast of Jerusalem.

Micah 4:8 And you, O tower of the flock,
The stronghold of the daughter of Zion,
To you shall it come, 
Even the former dominion shall come,
The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.”Shepherds watching over their Flocks by NightThis was the last few weeks before the harsh winters would set in, and the shepherds spent a lot of time allowing the sheep to fatten up before winter.  The dreaded heat of summer was over, and the evenings were cool, crisp and pleasant. 

Did the Shepherds visit the baby Jesus/Yeshua

in an animal succoth?An infant, now wrapped in swaddling clothes for protection in the cool breezes of evening and the curious stares of the domestic animals is a scene familiar to all.  Nearby, shepherds on a grassy sloped hillside suddenly found themselves serenaded by a chorus of supernatural choristers, saying,

Luke 2:8-10 – “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, Peace, Good Will towards all men on whom his favor rests…”

When that inter-dimensional gateway into the world of the Divine opened and again there

“stood before them an angel of the Lord, and the splendor of the Lord shone round them. They were terror-stricken…” (Luke 2:8-10)  Others had also been visited by angelic messengers.

First there was Zacharias, then Miriam, afterwards Joseph, and now the shepherds. What was the message of the angelic messenger?  “Fear not!”

Luke 2:10-12 – “I have good news for you: there is great joy coming to the whole people. Today in the city of David a deliverer has been born to you – the Messiah, the Lord.  And this is your sign: you will find a baby lying wrapped in his swaddling clothes, in a manger.

Quickly, they headed to town, were they searching and winding in and out among the multitude of Sukkoths, asking, have you seen a newborn child?

When they found Joseph and Miryam, “they recounted what they had been told about this child; and all who heard were astonished at what the shepherds said.”  (Luke 2:17-18)Why had Joseph and Mary come all this way from their hometown when she was in the late stages of pregnancy? Because their registration was decreed by the bureaucrats of the Roman Empire. Their genealogies were both out of the line of Judah. Joseph’s ancestry – the royal genealogy of Jesus in Matthew – came through King David, himself.

Bethlehem, the city of David, was the place where Roman magistrates had located themselves to receive those who were of the tribe of Judah. Sukkot is also one of the 3 Moedim that EVERY Israelite was commanded to be present in Jerusalem.Was this the reason everywhere was full?

In Ezekiel 16, the prophet is speaking out against the citizens of Jerusalem who were unfaithful to God and His commandments and uses the symbolic reference of washing, salting and swaddling. The failure to perform this tradition was symbolic of disloyalty and unfaithfulness to God.       

The term swaddling clothes to the Semitic mind was expressing the idea of loyalty and faithfulness to God. So with this narrative, Luke wanted to make sure that we realized that this child that was born, was not only the Son of God, but a Son who would be loyal and faithful to Heavenly Father. Nothing could have been more accurate; Jesus was so loyal and faithful, that He would be faithful and loyal even unto the death on the cross.

Later, as Jesus began His public ministry, He came to John the Baptist who rightly discerned His historical role and destiny:

“And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith,

Behold the Lamb of God!” John. 1:36.

How amazing that in John’s Gospel, He also referred to Himself as the “bread of life” (Jn. 6:48).

At a precise moment in the timeline of human history,

in the City of David,

the Lamb of God

came to the House of Bread – Beth Lechem

at Migdal Eder – the Tower of the Flock!

As final food for thought……..  

With the proximity of the Tower so close to where we are told Messiah was born, is there a possibility that Mary and Joseph sought refuge in that very tower, the one where the new born lambs were protected at birth and raised for sacrificial purposes? Did they use the

swaddling clothes on Messiah

that had been readied to wrap those new born lambs?

The pieces of cloth that had once been part of the High Priests garments that were regularly replaced but not thrown away as they were considered Holy; they were reused for the newborns after they had been soiled with blood from the sacrificial lambs and animals!

Was the manger in which He was placed located in

the Tower of the Flock/Migdal Eder

and was it the first resting place of the Chief Shepherd?

The Spotless Lamb of God?So now we know how Rachel, Jacob, swaddling clothes, shepherds, a manger and a lamb are connected to Ephraph and the mysterious Edar tower prophesied by Micah 700 years BC!

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.