Month: February 2020

In Times of Need and During Days of Uncertainty …. Who’s Got Our VAV?

Who’s got our Vav?

This reference to the Hebrew Alefbet is because the letter Vav also has the numerical value for 6.

This is a military term for fellow soldiers and all military personnel meaning basically, who has your back/ blind side covered is: your 6.

This is by way of saying during combat situations, I’ve got your 6 or, watch your six.

 

I’ve got your six was a phrase first used in the U.S. Armed forces Basically means “I’ve got your back.” It comes from the old pilot system in which directions correspond to hours on the clock, where 12 o’clock is forward and 6 o’clock is behind.

Thus anyone behind you is at your six. Six o’clock is straight behind you and sets up the best strike zone. WWI pilots were the first to say, “I got your six,” meaning

they’ve got you covered so the enemy can’t come up behind your back and kill you.

It declares a story of loyalty. . . I’m loyal to you. I’ve got you covered.

Sometimes 4 paws help out too!

As we are in the spiritual battle of the ages it also applies to everyone who has accepted salvation through Jesus/Yeshua’s Atoning Blood. In case we weren’t already aware, that was the moment when we automatically became part of the army of the Lord; we are in a battle, a spiritual one that continually spills over into the natural realm.

 Ps 18:18 Amplified Version.

They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my STAY and SUPPORT.

This is an interesting point: 18 is 3×6 and used twice for this Psalm reference.

Vav is the 6th letter of the alef bet and has that numerical value; recall, they are interchangeable in the Hebrew language.

So we have vav vav vav twice. The paleo pictograph for VAV is a PEG meaning:

to: add, secure, hook, stake, nail, a tent peg, joining together becoming bound or nailed to.

This is a securing item, something that keeps something else in place; and something we can fasten something to. So we, as 6’s, (also the number of man), can fasten our hope/tikvah to it like an anchor/ogehn and securely attach our faith to His promises including that of protection for our 6/Vav/back.

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

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace/Shalom –

whose mind is

stayed firmly

and

securely fastened

on Thee because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:3. This is connected to Eph. 6 and also with feet being shod with peace/shalom and having the mind covered by the helmet of salvation.

So who’s really got our backs, our 6, our Vav in times of war and conflict?

In Psalms – Mizmor LDavid

מזמור  לדוד 

 

In Psalm 91:4 we read of the buckler

 

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary 

Buc”kler\, n. [OE. bocler, OF. bocler, F. bouclier, a shield with a boss, from OF. bocle, boucle, boss. See Buckle, n.]

A kind of shield, of various shapes and sizes, worn on one of the arms (usually the left) for protecting the front of the body.

The Medieval Buckler is in throat area, sword extended. Buckler extended, sword kept back. good pose to wind up a powerful strike. if you look carefully, you see that the fighter is looking over the shield at the enemy. His sword arm is protected, but not impeded by the shield. This large shield covers the body.

Buckler shield was one of the most common medieval shields and was specifically useful for swordsmen because of its lightweight structure. It was designed to deflect the attacking blades and could be easily controlled.

Buckler definition is – a small round shield held by a handle at arm’s length. How to use buckler in a sentence.

The shield was adapted and made larger in size so that the soldier could protect his foreleg as well as his torso while in combat.

 

He is our buckler*

A buckler*. (*Heb. ‘Buckler’ means, ’that which goes around’, a very large shield to protect the whole body on 3 sides. The Lord gives full protection).  

And mentioned also in Psalm 23 where we are told the rod and staff fend off the enemies and also direct and rescue and comfort us respectively.

Recall the relevance of rod/branch and staff from recent posts.

We are to remain under the shadow of His wings and in that safe place we are to abide.

For more click on link below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-secret-of-the-letting-down-of-wings/

However if we do venture out onto the battlefield, which is unavoidable, we need to know that His protection is over us. One of the most well known and most quoted scriptures pertaining to protection is in Ephesians 6:12-18.

And this same shield is also referred to in that scripture.

For a moment, let’s clear our minds from what we think we know of this familiar scripture and look at it with fresh eyes.

Ephesians 6:10-19 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might. PUT ON the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

NOTE: He does not say to wear it for a certain length of time!

Nor does he say to take it off again!

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this age,

against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with Truth,

having put on the breastplate of Righteousness,

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace;

above all, taking the shield of Faith

with which you will be able to quench all

the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take the helmet of Salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God;

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

being watchful to this end with all

perseverance and supplication for all the saints;

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.

We need to be sure not only that we are familiar with this scripture but that we are proficient with its’ meaning, operation and its’ defenses. We need to know that His gospel of shalom/peace, is on our feet. Shalom being the opposite of RA, which is out of harmony with the Lord.

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace/Shalom – whose mind is stayed firmly and securely fastened on Thee because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Shalom – nothing missing nothing broken. Recall the full definition from previous posts or click link below to read it:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/shalom-ha-makem-the-place-for-our-life-to-mature/

Like every piece of equipment if we don’t use it correctly and apply the makers instructions, it does not work efficiently and operate how it’s supposed to and designed to. In order to get the best results from anything, we have to make sure we are following the manufacturers instructions/directions. if we don’t use these recommendations, very often we have to dig out those instructions and dust them off when things go wrong! This is usually because we didn’t take the time to fully familiarize ourselves with the equipment before hand.

In Eph 6, we often focus on the items themselves and not on their function and purpose.

The battle we are in is VERY real and it is not going to get easier or stop until Messiah returns. When we suddenly find ourselves in the midst of a surprise attack, that is not the time to wonder where our weapon is; or to not be certain our defenses are in position.

Helmet of salvation – keep your mind focused on Him.

Breastplate of righteousness – assurance of right standing before Him.

Belt of truth – His Word in us, memorized scriptures that are relevant to a given situation.

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The Peace that passes all understanding to garrison, guard and keep our thoughts and direction in line with His Will.

These are all defensive pieces of armor.

The only offensive part is the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God, that is spoken scripture coming out of our mouth/pey, speaking forth His Word.

We are not fighting flesh and blood and so this battle cannot be fought with physical weapons. The only thing we need offensively is His Word. and who is the word? Jesus/Yeshua.

It is not a natural conflict, this war is not of this world, so we need supernatural weapons and supernatural protection. This armor once spiritually applied, should never be removed. Nowhere does it ever say to take it off again! Therefore we need only confirm and affirm verbally that it is in place every night before we sleep and every morning before our feet touch the floor.

As each piece has a meaning to our spiritual health and wellbeing, we are responsible to make sure that we are secure and that we are walking in repentance, which keeps us under the Blood of Jesus/Yeshua and all that His Blood does for us.

Click link for Scripture based prayers for both the Blood of Yeshua/Jesus and the armor.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/scripture-based-prayers/

This shield is a large curved one that covers front and 2 sides of the soldiers body

however,

our back is not covered

and therefore vulnerable.

Does this mean there is no protection at our backs??

– Fear NOT!

BUT God!

He has made provision for that also, and in knowing this, it establishes His shalom in us. Nothing missing or broken and He keeps us in perfect Shalom/Peace.

So what is this extra protection?

Our Heavenly Father is concerned about detail so here is His answer to

the only part

not covered

in Eph. 6 armor.

It’s the rereward.

And we find it in Isaiah 58:8

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedy: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rere-ward.

and

For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward. Is 52:12

This is a portion of the blessing and favor that Isaiah declared would result when Israel turned back to walk with God in true repentance.

Shall be thy rere-ward – 

Shall gather thee up.

That is, shall bring up the rear, the glorious power and providence of God, preserving his people; or the glorious Lord himself, our Lord Jesus Christ, the brightness of His Father’s glory, He, as the Word may be rendered,

shall gather thee

He gathers His people to Himself;

He protects and defends them;

He takes care of the weak and feeble, and that are straggling behind;

and He brings them up, being the reward,

and saves them. 

 Our rereward / rearguard.

(Rearguard of an army is to give protection on the march.)

His Glory is also our protection/ rereward

(going before and coming after or behind us in the form of His Goodness and Mercy.)

 

Is there is any further meaning in the pictographs?

The word rereward

in Hebrew is

acaph

and this word is used throughout the scriptures.

It means: to gather or collect.

In some scriptures, it also gives the idea of:

gathering together by,

(as we would coin the phrase) bringing up the rear.

In some translations, the phrase, the rear guard is used instead.

The word acaph is made up of

alef sameach and fey/pey

Or

Aleph Samech Pey.

(This is simply a optional/different spelling of the same letters.)

אָסַף

and is pronounced  aw-saf’.

The paleo Hebrew pictographs, (word pictures,) reveal the images of:

An Ox, a Prop and a Mouth. (Read left to right).

Aleph/Alef     

 is the picture of the ox    

and has the meaning of:

the strong leader or God the Father.

 

Samech/Sameach   

is the picture of a prop   

 

a support maybe a spine with ribs?    

and means:

to support, sustain to twist slowly, or to turn. 

 

Pey/Fey   

is the picture of the mouth   

and means:

to speak or a word.

Pei-hei: Peh  – open mouth –

to declare or express communication spoken written a letter or letters a language word or words. Articulated vocalized distinct definite and manifested.

Second part Hei: to reveal make known or be evident.

Combining the meanings of the letters Alef/Aleph and Samech/Sameach from the pictogram/pictographs; 

it could be interpreted and indicate that:

a strong leader is speaking, or declaring he will support or uphold someone.

This strong leader, is our Heavenly Father, Who promises His support to those who turn to Him in true repentance in a special way.

As well as the letter Samech being a picture of a support, something that is able to prop up something else, the idea is also given that the support has a twist or turning in it.

The picture given here by the Samech/prop, could represent that: the glory of the LORD will be gathered, turned and/or twisted around His people in protection.

What a truly amazing promise giving us a clear visual form!

As everything is connected, another link is also noted with Samech; recall the posts focusing on the Menorah, the Almond Tree, Oil and Olive Tree, the source of Light/AWR and Life/CHAIM and the Branch/Choter:

As a newborn must nurse to receive nourishment for survival and growth so must we. As we are born again and desire the milk of His Word. Like the new born child we must latch on firmly grasping and holding on to the SOURCE of that nourishment and ABIDE in His Name and His Word.

The attachment is the process of grafting into the Gephen/Vine/the Olive Tree. He is the Light /AWR of our Life, and the Source of all life His Lifes/Chaim in us.

Click link below for more on chaim
 https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-mysteries-of-im/

The menorah the lampstand is a supporter of the oil which gives light and is representative of our life in Him.

Samech – the source – like the menorah

contains the

shemen שמן

The Holy Anointing Oil

Shin Mem Nun

SHIN: His essence or being power intense dynamic like blazing fire a force a whirlwind. Dispensing provision source of being.

MEM hidden concealed the place where the seed is planted nurturing developing then trauma incubation ripening and birth

NUN birthing brought forth suddenly

His essence of being tremendous and powerful the source of being concealed

like a time of incubation

until the time of ripening

a birth brought forth in new life

His Name is in the Oil in the Shemen

SHEM N

shemen שמן – Samech Mem Nun–

and in this,

Messiah’s Name is brought forth!

Because in Hebrew it is: שמן המשחה

shemen ha-mishchah, “oil of anointing”

המשחה

ha-mishchah

Mashiach or Messiah!

Strong’s Hebrew: 8081. שָׁ֫מֶן (shemen) — fat, oil

Shemen afarsimon was a prized oil used in antiquity.

It’s mentioned in Psa.133 as the “precious ointment”

The holy anointing oil,

(Hebrew: שמן המשחה 

shemen ha-mishchah,

“oil of anointing”)

formed an integral part of the ordination of the priesthood and the High Priest as well as in the consecration of the articles of the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:26) and subsequent temples in Jerusalem.

 Who is our High Priest?

The Menorah also stands as a support for the Holy Anointing oil and the Light that comes forth from it. The Light of the world is Messiah Yeshua/Jesus.

There are Spiritual Principles incorporated here:

Faithfully completing the task assigned with patient endurance – like the trellis for the vine, it is the structure that supports and continually upholds.

John 15:1-10 Tells us of The Vine and its’ Branches. The Vine is its Life SUPPORT. The Source of Life.

If the Branch does not heed and complete the directions fulfilling the makers instructions, the patterns inbuilt inn the DNA, which are both unique and integral to that seed, will not result in the production of fruit ,or replicate itself.

The Source of Life is in the Instructions.

The Branch that does not follow instructions is cut off/pruned.

Never to bear fruit.

Fruit is only produced by the Branch that stays attached to the source getting its life from the source. 

To have oil or wine the fruit must be pressed.

Like the Menorah we need oil to produce light. So Not only will not following instructions mean not producing fruit, nor wine, nor oil; it is also is death and these are eternal principles.

And do not fear those who kill the basar (flesh), but are unable to kill the nefesh (soul); but rather fear the One who is able to destroy both basar and nefesh in Gehinnom.

Matt. 10:28; that is spiritual death literally, separation from the Father – the source of lifes/chaim.

Fear the Lord in an attitude or reverence and respect for Who He Is not as in afraid.

Rising up like sap through the vine and giving life to us the grafted in Branches which bring forth fruit. He alone is the source of our life, the branches must remain connected to the Vine, the source, or they will wither and perish. And of course we are not neglecting the alert embedded in the almond branch – watch be alert and ready!

Our Heavenly Father knows that we may be able to defend ourselves from those things that come at us from the front. Those are the attacks that we can see, however, God promises to protect and defend us from all attacks that come against us from behind, from the direction of our rear, where we cannot always see.

Our VAV, our 6, is a blind spot for us but not for Him.

The scripture says that His glory, His manifested presence, His Shekinah, His Ruach HaKodesh, provides a hedge of protection that cannot be breached or broken through by anything, as long as we are honoring our part of His Covenant with us.

Another very interesting reference to Acaph is found in Judges 18:25 and records where the children of Dan threaten to kill Micah and the inhabitants of Laish whom they have just robbed.

Here the word Acaph is translated as lose, and in this scripture context, it means not only: to gather, but, to gather for destruction.  

It could be said to mean that even though God the Father promises to support and be the rear guard to those that return to Him and walk in true repentance; we see from the scripture, that His glory can also gather in order to take away. So it can mean destruction for those that come against God’s faithful people. 

Another promise of Him looking after the safety of His people and ensuring their victory.

And for those who choose to return to their God and turn from their disobedience, the promise increases to impart even more blessing.

Because each letter has a unique numerical value, we can add to our understanding of the pictographs. It is found in the meaning of the numbers that each of these letters represent.

(Reading right to left.)

אָסַף

80 60 1

Aleph/Alef is the number 1 

and refers to: deity, unity, sufficiency, and God the Father.

Samech/Sameach is the number 60 

and stands for: pride.

Gaon  גַּאֲוָה

גֵּוָה gevah

 עֲנָוָה humility anavah

Pey/Fey is the number 80

and is: 8 x 10,

or, a new beginning

or a new birth ordained in heaven.

Adding the meaning of the numbers together with those we have already from the pictograms; it could be said that:

Alef/God the Father, fey/pey/, states that He will samech/ surround and support those who choose to follow Him faithfully. Not only will He sameach/surround and protect His people with His glory, but the enemy 60 will be sameach/gathered and taken away for destruction.

We know that man’s worst enemy is his own pride, so our Heavenly Father will gather/ sameach and destroy man’s pride/60 with His glory, and instead offer man a new beginning 80 pey fey and a new birth/ 80 /pey /fey.

The promise of safety, protection and security that is hidden in the word Acaph was to one day come through His Son. This of course we know has happened and Yeshua/Jesus said it.

Recorded in John 17:1-5

Glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You— 2 just as You gave Him authority over all flesh in order that as to all that You have given Him, He may give eternal life to them. 3 And this is eternal life: that they may be knowing You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom You sent-forth.

Paul also speaks of it confirming in Col. 1:27.

To whom God would make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

So who has our 6 – our Vav?

Our Heavenly Father God Does!

He covers that which is behind as well as going before us.

The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Isaiah 45:1-13

Remember …NOW we are certain that not only does The Lord go before us, He is behind us, He is around us, beside us, above us  and underneath us are His everlasting arms.

That is complete protection!

Be encouraged!

Be Strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might.

It’s the position He takes behind us and anyone looking at us from the front will be aware of the One who stands behind us. He protects us where we cannot see and where the enemy may try to attack.

When we are in the armor no one can see who is inside that suit!

Prayer example/option:

Adonai/Lord, Avinu/Abba/Father in the Name of Yeshua/Jesus, cover me with your atoning blood and reveal to me the weapons at my disposal. When the enemy tries to attack, remind me of the authority You have given me in your Word and through Jesus/Yeshua’s victory. I know I am seated in heavenly places spiritually, help me to be victorious for Your Glory that I may continue to serve in Your kingdom not mine. I trust completely in the authority and power you have placed in me by Your Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit. Thank you that You are with me in times of need, trouble and uncertainty, You have my back covered.

Included below for easy reference, are some scriptures from the Psalms, Isaiah and Deut.

We would do well to learn these and hide His Word in our hearts, as this is the Sword that we will need to employ. This is the offensive weapon we are to speak forth, while Father has our 6/Vav/ He is our Acaph.

Promises

Isaiah 51:3The LORD will comfort Israel again and have pity on her ruins. Her desert will blossom like Eden, her barren wilderness like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air.

Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Our Refuge is in the Lord.

Psalm 62:6-8 Truly He is my Rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 91:4-5He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings yo will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day,

Fear not!

It’s not a suggestion! It’s a command!

Deuteronomy 3:22 Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 91:1-16 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the perilous pestilence.

He shall cover you with His feathers,

and under His wings you shall take refuge.

His Truth shall be your shield and buckler.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,

no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.

For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him.

I will be with him in trouble I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My Salvation.”

Mizmor l’David Hashem Roi

Psalm 23 

 מִזְמור לְדָוִד, ה׳ רֹעִי (תהילים כ”ג)

 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Below a short video of Psalm 23 sung in Hebrew with translation.

Mizmor le’Dovid, 
Hashem ro-i lo echsar. 
Binot desheh yarbitzeini, al mei menuchot yenahaleini. 
Nafshi yeshovev yancheini bemagalei tzedek lema’an shemo. 
Gam ki elech be’gei tzalmavet, lo ira ra ki atah imadi, shivtechah u’mishantechah hemah yenachamuni. 
Ta’aroch lefanai shulchan neged tzor’rai dishanta vashemen roshi, kosi rivaya. 
Ach tov va’chesed yirdifuni kol yemei chayai ve’shavti be’veit Hashem l’orech yamim.

מִזְמור לְדָוִד,
ה׳ רֹעִי לֹא אֶחְסָר.
בִּנְאוֹת דֶשֶׁא יֵרְבִּיצֵנִי,
עַל-מֵי מְנֻחוֹת 
יְנַהֲלֵנִי.
נַפְשִׁי יְשׁוֹבֵב, יַנְחֵנִי 
בְמַעְגְלֵי-צֶדֶק לְמֵעֵן
שְׁמוֹ.
גַם כִּי-אֵלֵךְ בְּגֵיא
צַלְמָוֶת לֹא-אִירָא רָע
כִּי-אַתָּה עִמָדִי, שִׁבְטְךָ
וּמִשְׁעַנְתֶּךָ הֵמָה
יְנַחֲמֻנִי.
תַּעֲרֹךְ לְפָנַי
שֻׁלְחָן נֶגֶד צֹרְרָי,
דִשַנְתָּ בַשֶמֶן
רֹאשִי כּוֹסִי רְוָיָה.
אַךְ, טוֹב וָחֶסֶד
יִרְדְפוּנִי כָּל-יְמֵי חַיָי,
וְשַׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית-ה׳
לְאֹרֶךְ יָמִים.

 mp3/4 of all the Psalms link below as it was too large a file to upload.

https://youtu.be/x-WBL4CKV-w

Shalom, shalom, mishpachah!

You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.

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.

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!

In Times of Need and During Days of Uncertainty Our Heavenly Father has our VAV

because

He is our Acaph!

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

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

NOT SURE That God has your 6?

YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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

 

 

 

Who or What is the Mystery of the Choter, or is it Both? Conclusion.

In Hebrew, the word branch is netzer, and is actually only three consonantal letters: NZR.

Note that the town N a Z a R eth contains the same three primary letters plus an ending often attached to nouns. In the Aramaic form of Nazareth.       

So the traditional view is that this word is derived from the Hebrew word for Nazareth -Nazara, that was used in ancient times. Nazareth, in turn, may be derived from either na·tsar, נָצַר, meaning to watch, or from ne·tser, נֵ֫צֶר, meaning branch.

   

Strong’s Hebrew: 5342. נֵ֫צֶר (netser) — a sprout, shoot

Branch: From natsar; in the sense of greenness as a striking color; a shoot; figuratively, a descendant, branch. 

Righteous Branch is one of the names of Jesus/Yeshua. The Hebrew word: tsemakh (branch), and the expressions sprout and spring forth, were widely understood as Messianic terms.

A Branch, or the Branches of a tree, are the glory of that tree.

Messiah, the Son of man, being the real offspring and son of David according to the flesh, is the glory of all David’s line, and of the whole ekklesia. Matthew 22:45

The Hebrew equivalent of ekklesia is the word qahal (קהל). It is translated in most occurrences as an assembly. The first mention of qahal – ekklesia – ‘church’, is in Devariym, Deuteronomy.

This is where we get our word ecclesiastical in relation to what we term church. 

It does not mean a building but a separated, called out, called apart, body of people.

The Hebrew word used in five references, semah/Tsemakh, simply means sprout, growth or branch. The remaining occurrence has the word hoter, meaning branch or twig.

Israel is also often referred to as a vine. The Lord brought Israel, the vine, out of Egypt and planted it in the promised land. As the Lord blessed the vine, it prospered and “sent out its boughs to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River” ( Psalm 80:11 ). The fruit that the vine produced, however, was an embarrassment to the Lord and steps were taken against it (ref: Isa 5:1-7 ). More often, however, the prophets use the analogy of the vine and branches to describe Israel’s future restoration ( Isa 60:21 ;  Hosea 14:6 ).

This too is clear in the New Testament referring to the Vine and Branches Meaning.

There is ALWAYS Necessary Pruning

and fruit only comes by

ABIDING IN the the Vine.

The 3rd and most important truth of Jesus/Yeshuas’ words is that “… every branch that brings forth fruit He cleanses/prunes, so that it will bear more fruit.” In other words, if you are in the right condition and bear fruit for the kingdom of God, then necessary pruning is waiting for you.

Jeremiah mentions the Branch so does Zechariah and the one we are probably more familiar with is from Isaiah 11:1. There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

Here Isaiah traces the human descent of the Son of David. The descendants of Adam are pictured as a Tree and from this Tree the Messiah is traced to a branch (Rod) from the Branch or (Stem) of Jesse, who is the father of David.

(It is still a term used to trace our own family heritage – Family Tree.)

 In Isaiah 11:10, the Hebrew word used for root (sheresh); implies: a root that remains alive and sends up a shoot or branch; thus, the root of Jesse was a root from which more descendants could come.

In that day the branch of the LORD shall be for beauty and glory and the fruit of the earth for greatness and honor to those that are freed of Israel. In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and splendid for them that have escaped of Israel.

Jesus Himself said in John 15:5

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

And followed it by saying John 15:6

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

Romans 11:16,17-24.

From the menorah design in Ex 25:32, 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:

To Yeshua Himself

John 15:6

AND

Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 6:12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaks YHWH of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of YHWH:

13 Even he shall build the temple of YHWH; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

*Note: this is a prophetic picture of the Messiah (the Son) whose name is The Branch and He is receiving many crowns (Revelation 19:12), and He is also a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek which means King of Righteousness (Malki-Tzadiq). 

So What About CHOTER?

We may better understand the deeper meaning if we first seek out the original root of the rod and branch in Isaiah 1:11, by looking at the meaning from the paleo Hebrew pictographs:

 

The scripture says the root was Jesse; (remember no letter J in Hebrew). Matthew records the geneology of Messiah and it’s often a part we skip over, however there are numerous treasures hidden within these lists, we just have to look a little deeper. Here it records that Jesse was a direct descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he was in fact King Davids father.

God’s judgment was declared on a prideful people who had forgotten Him that will level them to nothing more than stumps:

See, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
    will lop off the boughs with great power.
The lofty trees will be felled,
    the tall ones will be brought low.
34 He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax;
    Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.

Is. 10 33 34

Just when the enemy is about to capture Jerusalem, God intervenes and destroys the hostile army.

Remember there were no chapter and verse divisions in the original scrolls. So it continues without a break, in the very next verse says

But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,
    and from his roots a bud shall blossom.
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him:
    a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
A spirit of counsel and of strength,
    a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord,
3     and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.

Jesse was part of the faithful remnant. The next verses speak of the shoot that will come from this stump.

Who is the rod/choter and branch/natser?

Verse 4 says of the coming Messiah:

Not by appearance shall he judge,
    nor by hearsay shall he decide,
4 But he shall judge the poor with justice,
    and decide fairly for the land’s afflicted.
He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.

In the word CHOTER, the pictograph characters reveal more showing us the following:

חֹטֵר

Phonetic Spelling: (kho’-ter)

Branch, rod, twig –

choter: chet – tet – reysh,

Chet: Picture of the fence and means private to separate an inner sanctuary or room

Tet: Picture of a snake coiled up meaning to surround ensnare or encircle

Reysh: Picture of a head and means a person, highest or the prince.

So it could read as: a picture of a prince that is coming who will surround or encircle someone with a fence or hedge of protection.

Because it it written within this context in the Scroll of Isaiah, it is somewhat safe to say that it is indicative of the coming Messiah.

The number value of the letters also give an insight into who it is that will be protected.

Chet = 8 and signifies a new beginning

Tet = 9 means an evaluation of humanity ending in judgment and the conclusion or end of a matter.

Reysh= 200 this number shows the insufficiency of man compared to the all sufficiency of God.

By putting this information together, it could be interpreted as:

the Messiah or coming highest/prince is going to surround and protect insufficient fallen humanity who will be given a new beginning/ fresh start.

This means that anyone who chooses Messiah will be both surrounded and protected from judgment!

Is there any difference between Messiah as in this ROD/CHOTER

and the

NATSER or SPROUT

נֵצֶר

Natser: #5342 a sprout a shoot.

Phonetic Spelling: nay’-tser

Shoot – Natser has the letters;

Nun/Noon – Zsadi – Reysh

Nun/Noon – picture of the fish and means life activity seed

Zsadi – picture of the fishhook and means to catch and a strong desire or need and can also mean just or righteous.

Reysh – picture of the head and means a person, highest or the prince.

So this could be said to mean that in the Natser: there is a future prince that has a strong desire to catch someone and give them life.

So if we believe Messiah is Yeshua/Jesus, then we must consider who it is He desiring to catch and how will He catch them? If we look at the numerical values of the letters in the alef bet, it may show us an answer and give further understanding.

Nun/Noon = a numerical value of 50. This signifies Ruach HaKodesh, Holy Spirit, (Pentecost/Shavuot, 59 days after Spring Appointed Times,) and also meaning deliverance, followed by rest.

Zsadi = a numerical value of 90 which has a combined meaning of the judgment of humanity and of God’s perfection.

Reysh  = a numerical value of 200. This number shows the insufficiency of man in comparison to the all sufficiency of God.

So from this we could understand that: it has been ordained in heaven that the power of Gods’ Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh, and the prince that will come, is enough to both catch and save humanity from judgment.

This concept is echoed by Paul in Gal. 4:3-5.

The pictographs also reveal that when Messiah comes the 1st time He will be separated, surrounded and cut off, to fulfill and complete judgment (on sin); just as Isaiah’s forest stumps were cut off.

There is also Good News in the word Natser because, in a final picture from the word sprout, (which comes from a root that means literally: greenness as a prominent color,)

The picture of noon/nun = new life, from the old stump. Just as in the resurrection of the future Messiah.

The one who was the sprout will grow to become the root and gives us the confirmation that this root is Yeshua/Jesus, The Messiah.

How?

It’s because Isaiah could have used a more common word for natser in this scripture, but he didn’t and by doing so we look at the following, because its pointing us to something else as confirmation.

When the letter Tav, which is a pictograph of the crossed sticks, is added to the word natser it makes the word NatsareT which is known to us today as Nazareth. So the TAV the cross, 2 sticks, is the connection linking Messiah to come with Jesus/Yeshua the Nazarene; meaning coming from Nazareth. Matt 2:23. Npy only is it a picture of a cross it is also the final/last letter of the alef bet bringing it to a close, as in the first and the last – the alef tav.

The name of this tiny village of Nazareth tells us something about the people living there and offers a clue to the identity of the child Mary would bear. As we have noted, Nazareth may come from the Hebrew netzer, which means branch or shoot. Sometimes when a tree is chopped down, a shoot will grow from the stump, allowing a new tree to spring up where the old one has died. That shoot is called, in Hebrew, a netzer.

Why would the people who founded this village have called it the branch?
 
Much of the Old Testament was written predicting, or in response to, the destruction of Israel. The northern half of the country was destroyed by the Assyrian Empire in 722 B.C. The southern half of the country, known as Judah, was destroyed by the Babylonian Empire in 587 or 586 B.C.

The prophets, in speaking about the destruction and re-emergence of Israel, used the metaphor of Israel being like a tree that had been cut down, but which would sprout up once again. Israel would be led by a messianic figure called the branch, so again, Isaiah 11:1-4, 6 says:

A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse;
a branch will sprout from his roots.
The LORD ’s spirit will rest upon him, 
a spirit of wisdom and understanding,
a spirit of planning and strength,
a spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.
He will delight in fearing the LORD.
He won’t judge by appearances,
nor decide by hearsay.
He will judge the needy with righteousness,
and decide with equity for those who suffer in the land. … 
[And in those days] the wolf will live with the lamb,
and the leopard will lie down with the young goat;
the calf and the young lion will feed together,
and a little child will lead them.
 

 

The netzer was a promise of Hope – Tikvah

The word as used in Isaiah 11 pointed to the promise that, though Israel had been cut down like a felled tree, she would rise up once again.

Fifty years after the destruction of Judah by the Babylonians, the Jewish people would return to the city of Jerusalem. Judah would rise up like a shoot. And the people hoped for the coming of the branch that the prophets foretold would lead the people—a Messiah.

Jeremiah and Zechariah also use this same imagery, though they use a different word for branch than netzer.
 
When the village founders named their village Nazareth they may have chosen this name as a way of expressing hope that God would once again restore Israel—that though Israel had been cut down by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Greeks, and then the Romans, a branch would come up from the stump.

They may have chosen this name because, in the words of the prophet Isaiah, it was a sign that there are no hopeless causes with God. They may have chosen this name as a way of articulating their hope that one day the Messiah would come to Israel. It was as if they were saying:

We believe there is always hope.

We believe God will deliver us.

We believe the day will come when God will send a new king who will deliver us.


Little did they know that the branch

foretold in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah would be a

child who would grow up in their own village!

Hebrew – Naẕerat

Yeshua` of Natsaret

Hebrew Netzer.

Reminder:

One view holds that Nazareth is derived from one of the Hebrew words for branch, namely ne·ṣer, נֵ֫צֶר, and alludes to the prophetic, messianic words in

Isaiah 11:1, ‘from (Jesse’s) roots a Branch (netzer) will bear fruit’.

Nazareth may come from the Hebrew netzer, which means branch or shoot.

Sometimes when a tree is chopped down, a shoot will grow from the stump, allowing a new tree to spring up where the old one has died. That shoot is called, in Hebrew, a netzer .

Nazareth ( the guarded one ) 

Olive trees in Nazareth, Israel.

Strong’s #3478: 

Nazareth (pronounced nad-zar-eth’) or Nazaret nad-zar-et’;

The Aramaic word for Nazarite is spelled Nun, Tsade, and Resh, where the Hebrew word for Nazarite is spelled Nun, Zayin, and Resh.

There appears to be a Semitic play on words here as the Tsade and the Zayin both make a z sound.

We can distinguish between the two by showing the Tsade as a ts and the Zayin as a z.

So the Mystery of the Choter

is

IN the BRANCH, 

it’s IN JESUS/YESHUA

It is BOTH a Who and a What!

Who is Messiah Himself; the shoot from the stump of Jesse from whose roots a Branch will bear fruit.

We are a part of that fruit and grafted in to the Nazarene from Nazareth our Natser Branch and the Righteous Branch of the Lord, prophesied by the prophets and also our soon returning Prince of Peace/Sar Shalom.

The very Branches of the Menorah and the Rod of Aaron were also indicators of Our Redeemer.

Please don’t leave this page until you are certain you are a netser of the choter, 

a grafted in

Nazarene or Notsriym,

of THE Nazarene/Notsri;

נוצרי 

the ONE who is THE true BRANCH – THE real CHOTER!

Shalom, shalom, mishpachah! You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the posts, please share with others, like and subscribe, 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 point us to  Our Heavenly Father Through Jesus/Yeshua by the power of His Holy Spirit.

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

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

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

NOT SURE?

YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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

Who or What is the Mystery of the Choter? or is it Both?

Why is any of this important?

Why do we need to focus on these things?

Simply because we have grown up with a western based Christianity with a primarily Greek mindset. We focus more on the Renewed Covenant /New Testament and neglect the Old where our true roots are to be found, beyond the Greco/roman church doctrines and dogmas. These, at best, have forgotten, or at worst ignore and even deny the essential roots of the faith in a Messianic Savior. This Messianic Savior who was from the tribe of Israel and whose ancestors trace back to Adam through Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, Moses, et al.

We are reminded to include the whole of God’s Word, not just the bits we like or make us feel good.

The particulars of God’s Word are of utmost importance, even the very words (2 Timothy 2:15), but we must study to understand the words in their context and in light of the whole counsel of God: “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27).

Everything ultimately points to Jesus/Yeshua and to see Him in all the details of all the scriptures is the wonder of His Living Word. And it should bring us not only delight and great joy; but serve to support the faith and trust in the God whose design is perfect in every aspect of His creation.

The One who took the time to put it in a form that we can read, see and comprehend the miracle that we are and to choose the unsurpassed and incomparable offer of forgiveness/redemption/salvation; which He has made to those called according to His purpose.

The reason we are to study to show ourselves approved, is that by so doing, we come to know Him and the power of His resurrection; as Paul said in Phil.3:10.

These posts, hopefully, are an aid for those with limited time and resources, to be able to enjoy the revealing that Daniel spoke of in the future days. These are those in which we are privileged to be alive! That the prophets desired to see. 1Peter 1:12

We know the familiar stories and yet we still see through a glass darkly, however as we dig together, He continually reveals more of Himself by Ruach HaKodesh to those whose desires are truly toward Him.

 

חֹטֵר

choter
Phonetic Spelling: (kho’-ter)
Definition: branch or twig, a rod

Choter is a Hebrew word for branch, rod, offshoot or twig and here in 11:1 Isaiah uses it prophetically.

Any interpretation of prophecy by its very nature is both mysterious and miraculous, because the very boundaries of time and eternity were crossed in that moment when our Heavenly Father told us the future before it was ever lived; and realizing this can leave us with the feeling of having touched eternity.

Choter or sometimes spelled Hoter; it is pronounced Koter and the letters CH sound hard like a K, and it’s only found 2 x in this form in scripture. The word choter/hoter,  meaning branch or twig. We can see that the literal meaning leads to a more metaphorical one.

Confusion and misunderstanding come in translations from the original language because more than twenty different Hebrew and Greek words are used to connote this growth; they have been translated variously as a branch, shoot, sprout, tendril, or twig; and include Natser, Netzer, semah, sheresh, Anaph branch, to name a few.

Strongs# H6057

ענף aneph

ענף anaph

נצר H5342 Netser 

There are 11 verses with the branch as a type and 118 occurrences in 14 translations.

Also the Hebrew word for Staff is matteh (masculine), and can be pronounced either mat-teh or mat-tah. It is defined as a branch, tribe, rod, staff, or standard (4294); as in Aarons staff which budded!

For this post we will look specifically at Hoter/Choter and two other Hebrew words which are also translated branch. Netser refers to young branches or sprouts.

The imagery of stumps, roots, shoots, and branches is Messianic and reappears throughout the prophets, especially in Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Tsemakh is a noun that comes from the Hebrew verb for sprouting or shooting.

Tsemakh

The verb is often used in connection with these messianic names and links with other names for example in Jer. 23:5-6; 33:15-16; Zech. 3:8.

Netser Phonetic Spelling: nay’-tser

נֵצֶר

Strongs #: 5342

Bible reference: Isa. 11:1

A shoot [khoter] will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

 

Strong’s Concordance number: 6780

Bible references: Zech. 3:8; 6:12

Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.

Two similar prophetic names of Jesus/Yeshua, are the Branch of the Lord and the Righteous Branch -Tsemakh tsedaqah. Zechariah connected the messianic term with the role of the servant of the Lord.

The two Hebrew words for Branch are obviously interchanged. One is tsemach (transliterated zemach), and used in all the verses for branch except the major messianic link in Isaiah 11:1 and 2 others, 1 in Isaiah and 1 in Daniel; where natser, (transliterated Nazer) is found. Jesus/Yeshua is called this latter word literally. The hometown of Jesus/Yeshua is Nazareth (Fem. plural of Nazer is Nazeroth).

We can understand further meaning in prophesy from the literal meaning of the actual text in the Hebrew language, that which defies the rules of normal translation. These instances are usually associated with an ironic play on words.

This is the use of double meaning/double entendre; or a similarity in sound and meaning, that continues the idea in the context of a passage as the form of the word may continue to be used in the passage to carry along what is being spoken about.

Even though the subtlety of the use of play on words is lost in translation it should not be thought of as useless decoration. It is a part of the inspired thought processes and in at least one case, it is a vehicle of miraculous revelation.

Branch of the Lord.

Note For New Readers:

The point of this post is not to focus on which word, or the variations of how its spelled, and which is correct; but is rather for the meaning and application to our lives as we follow Jesus our Messiah in the WAY; which is the real aim and goal of mmm.

Just reading about a subject will not do much good if we don’t think on its application to us personally and then prayerfully apply that revealed knowledge to our life and ministry.

The Words of scripture are living and alive and need to be living and alive in us if we are to grow and mature and flower and bear fruit.

All these metaphors, allegories and parables are more than stories and information, they are the meat of the Word that feeds us.

Milk and Meat.

A perfect metaphor for the degrees of maturity required to partake of spiritual food analogous to that required for physical food. It is important that we know where to begin with the milk of God’s word, and that we recognized the necessity for growth in understanding the milk so that we can go on to understand the meat.

1Cor. 3:2

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.

Eph 4:13-15

In Isaiah 11:1 both the words

Choter חטֶר  

and

Natser נצר

are together in the same verse.

Natser/Netzer is another Hebrew word for branch.

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

Significantly it is in context with a prophetic declaration of One Who will come in the future that will be known as a Branch and will also ‘function’ as a Branch.

From Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his Roots.

חטֶר

One definition of this word is: of any division extending like a branch; any arm or part connected with the main body of thing; 

Isaiah’s use of the Hebrew word nazer or branch and of nazeroth which is obviously identical with Nazareth in form;(simply remove the vowels). Isaiah uses other related forms of the same word which have meaning when seeing them in their connection to Nazarene fulfillment of that which was spoken by the prophets.

It was not uncommon for the prophets to depict the Messiah as a new shoot or branch growing from David’s stock, even though that tree would be cutoff. Isaiah proclaims that a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse.

Messiah came into the world as a child, a baby, it could be said from the genealogy recorded in Matthew, He was a tiny shoot from an old sawed-off stump. God brings amazing new things out of old stumps!!!

Jesus/Yeshua fulfilled the prophecies about the branch by springing up from David and the tribe of Judah to become the Priest-king of the Kingdom of God.

Real Facts that help us understand/digest the Scriptures: Indigenous to Israel, there is a tree that is practically indestructible even when chopped and cut down, new trees grow from the shoots that sprout from the stump, the base and root system. Even when it is burned, regrowth quickly starts from the roots and brings forth new branches.

This is the olive tree and it has a complex root system that is particularly strong and symbolizes a strong grip on the ground. These roots can find their way through cracks in rocks as they search for deep sources of water.

In Israel, olive trees flower in the spring when temps reach 70 degrees F. and will not flower before 5 years of age.

In all these descriptions note the details that bear reflection upon the characteristics that should be in the life of a disciple!

The olive tree is another one most frequently mentioned in the Bible. Scripture writers used olive tree imagery to describe Jesus/Yeshuas’ roots in the tribe of Judah and the relationship of Jews and Gentiles. Jesus/Yeshua also uses the analogy of the relationship of the Grapevine to the branches, to describe His relationship with His disciples:

“I am the vine; you are the branches” John 5:15.

The branches derive their very existence and ability to produce fruit from the vine. Detached, the branches cease to live or produce. Likewise, apart from Jesus/Yeshua, an individual does not have either spiritual life or fruit.

When an olive tree is very old;

(often reaching ages of hundreds and some even 1,000’s of years growth;) and having reached its maximum yield, It is common for farmers to cut it down to improve its future growth.

Before long, new shoots emerge from the old stump, and the tree begins once again to produce olives.

This aspect of the olive tree provides an image of Isaiah’s prophecy,

‘A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from His roots a Branch will bear fruit’ (Isa. 11:1).

As a descendant of David, Jesus//Yeshua was the shoot from the stump of Jesse (David’s father).

The word has a great variety of possible translations and it is linked to Nazarene, Nazarenes, or Nazareth and is translated: keep, keeping, kept, watchman, watchers, besieged, preserve, preserver, subtle, hidden things, monuments, and BRANCH.

In most scriptures it’s translated as: keep, in the sense of guarding and keeping something safe.

It is translated three times as branch in Isaiah and one time in Daniel.

When Isaiah uses the word it must at least raise a curious interest for the believer. Due to the possibility of play on words or double meaning in contexts that are obviously messianic: it is an amazing reference to Jesus/Yeshua.

It is certain that they point to Jesus/Yeshua as the Messiah because of His connection with Nazareth and because Here also was a virgin named Miriam/Mary.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin‘s name was Mary. (Lk. 1:26-27)

He is called the Nazarene in Matthew 2:23. And He came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Orthodox Jews will not mention Jesus/Yeshuas name and they certainly will not call Him Christ /Messiah since calling Him Christ/Messiah, would be a confession of what they do not yet believe.

He is most often referred to by Orthodox Jewish scholars as The Nazarene. In Hebrew. Notsri;

נוצרי 

There is apparently no word in the modern Hebrew language corresponding to the word Christian; so Christians are referred to as: the Nazarenes or Notsriym,

The Nazarene literally means:

the one who is the branch!

Consequently His name is The Branch, literally fulfilling this prophecy and amazingly so called, even by those who believe in Him the least.

Israel tour guides have been known to lead tourists to stand next to an ancient Olive Tree.

Then they point to the bottom of the tree, where new shoots come up from the ground, and say for example:

This town is called Nazareth and the root of that word is netzer. These shoots coming up out of the ground are called netzers.

Obviously Jewish tour guides don’t recognize the significance of this word however, However, it’s clear to those who know Jesus/Yeshua as Messiah.

Nazareth today, above and an old picture below.

Here in the town where some of the people from the line of David had resettled after exile, is also where Jesus/Yeshua grew up, the prophesied (Is. 11:1) shoot

The English word for netzer emerged from the root of Jesse (David’s father).

Here the Root of Jesse is written in Hebrew, Shoresh Yishai.

Jesus/Yeshuas own words in His prayer in John 17:

“That all of them may be ONE, Father…” 

is foundational to understanding the purpose of Netzer.

The warning words of the Prophets had been realized, the tree had been felled and all hope had been dashed, and the kingdom that once was had been broken in two. God’s promise to David (son of Jesse), of an heir who would reign forever, had apparently failed.

Or had it?

What do we SEE?

Connection Link to previous post below:

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

Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, 
and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.

The tree was the kingdom of Israel, which had been divided into two, Israel and Judah, after Solomon departed the scene. Israel, the northern kingdom, was about to be carried off into captivity by Assyria. That was the prophecy of earlier chapters. However, a remnant of Israel would return from exile, but only a remnant, and would turn to the LORD in faith.

Then Isaiah spoke of an “anointing” that would lift the burden of the oppressor off their shoulders and would completely destroy the yoke from off their neck; Isaiah 10:27. The power of the enemy would be broken. And then, a shoot would grow from the stump of Jesse.

A remnant and a shoot, it seems so little, so small and yet, that is so often how God does His work. Indeed, in Zechariah 4:10, He says, Do not despise these small beginnings.

As the Old Testament frequently notes; e.g. in Jer. 11:16, Hosea 14:6, the olive tree is beautiful.

The faithful followers of God/Jesus/Yeshua, are compared to vigorous olive trees, and their children are said to be like the shoots that appear at the tree’s roots, guaranteeing its survival and future generations.

In Rom. 11:11-24, the New Testament uses olive trees to help illustrate the plan of salvation and Paul describes ‘Christians’ as either natural olive branches, those of Hebrew/Israeli background, or olive branches that have been grafted onto Jesus/Yeshua, those who are heathen/Goyim/Gentiles.

As branches grafted into Jesus/Yeshua, ‘Christians’ will only bear fruit if we are attached to and have a personal relationship with Him and are walking in His WAY.

In the same chapter Paul draws attention to grafting a branch into a stock. It was usual for a farmer to take a wild root or stock and graft into it a cultivated scion.

That was not the case with Israel, the cultivated olive tree; the branches broken off were replaced by wild olive shoots, in other words, Gentile believers. When the Deliverer from Zion comes, however, it will be easy for Hm to restore Israel to its rightful position (vs. 25-27).

The olive tree provides an excellent lesson for non Jewish disciples.

Because Jesus/Yeshua was rejected as Messiah, God cut many Jewish branches down, however,

He did not uproot the tree.

The shoot of Jesus/Yeshua and the branches of His Gentile followers grew from a Jewish stump. As His followers/disciples, we are branches growing from Jewish roots.

The picture of the olive tree is a constant reminder that Jesus/Yeshua is our source of life; our branch springs from Jewish roots. The beautiful olive tree reminds us of God’s eternal plan of salvation and His expectation that all His branches will bear abundant fruit.

Branch is capitalized six times in the Old Testament inferring the understanding of a title name. The Hebrew word used in five of them, semah, simply means sprout, growth, or branch.

The remaining occurrence has the word hoter, meaning: branch or twig…..

As usual the post ‘grew’ in length while assembling!

Both the conclusion and paleo pictograph meaning coming in part 2.

Shalom shalom mishpachah! You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.

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

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.