The Answer Is In The Yoke – Part 2

Matthew 11:30

My Yoke is Easy

Remembering the context of the times and His location and the customs and lifestyle of those to whom He was speaking he used things that they were familiar with and which they understood in context with His teaching.

He was also speaking in Hebrew/Aramaic using the alefbet which would have been commonly understood and with reference to the original pictograph for this letter which is a picture of an ox head 

This represented strength and power from the work performed by the animal.

This pictograph also represents a chief or other leader.

When two oxen are yoked together for pulling a wagon or plow, one is the older and more experienced one who leads the other.

Within the clan, tribe or family the chief or father is seen as the elder who is yoked to the others as the leader and teacher.

Yoke – co:

Ox – ab – Strength

The pictograph for a letter A, is a picture of an ox head and also represents its strength.

The L is a picture of a shepherd staff and also represents the authority of the shepherd.

Combined these two pictographs mean “the strong authority” and can be anyone or anything of strong authority.

The yoke is understood as a “staff on the shoulders” (see Isaiah 9:4) in order to harness their power for pulling loads such as a wagon or plow.

Hence, the two pictographs can also represent “the ox in the yoke”.

Often two oxen were yoked together. An older, more experienced ox would be teamed up (yoked) with a younger, less experienced ox. The older ox in the yoke is the “strong authority” who, through the yoke, teaches the younger ox.

This ties in with the previous point about the clan/family/tribe and also points to Yeshua/Jesus in the context of us being yoked with Him.

The Modern name for this letter is aleph and corresponds to the Greek name alpha and the Arabic name aleph. The various meanings of this root are oxen, yoke and learn.

Each of these meanings is related to the meanings of the pictograph

The root אלף

is an adopted root from the

parent root אל (AL)

meaning: strength, power and chief

and is the probable original name of the pictograph

The

is a shepherd staff and represents authority as well as a yoke (see chart below). Combining these two pictographs mean strong authority.

The chief/leader is the strong authority.

The

can also be understood as

the ox in the yoke.

Many Near Eastern cultures worshipped the god

EL/ AL, most commonly pronounced as EL and depicted as a bull in carvings and statues. Israel chose the form of a calf (young bull) as an image of God at Mount Sinai showing their association between the word

and the ox or bull. The word EL is also commonly used in the Hebrew Bible for God or any god.

The concept of the ox and the shepherd staff in the word

has been carried over into modern times as the scepter and crown of a monarch, the leader of a nation.

These modern items are representative of the shepherd staff, an ancient sign of authority, and the horns of the ox, an ancient sign of strength.

In Modern Hebrew this letter is silent but was originally used as the vowel “a” as well as a glottal stop. The Greek letter “alpha” derived from the “aleph” is also used for the “a” sound.

The Early Semitic pictograph

was simplified to

and

in the Middle Hebrew script and continued to evolve into the in the Late Hebrew script.

A Yoke: a curved piece of wood called ‘ol .

ol: a yoke

Original Word: עֹל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: ol
Phonetic Spelling: (ole)
Definition: a yoke

Entry for Strong’s #5923 Yoke – עוֹל  

‛ôl `ol (pronounced ole) or mowl {ole}; from 5953; a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively:–yoke.

phonetic      ole, 

My Yoke is Easy (לע)


For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:30

Was He referring just to the weight of the burden ,or, as God is light, the element of light itself? Or both?

Another Hebrew word for Yoke is:

מוֹטָ֖ה

mō-w-ṭāh

Strongs#4133

(מוֹט) N m) u f m (מותה MWTh) –

I. Branch: The bent bar of the yoke that goes around the neck, also a branch that is used as pole; (or rod!)

(Branch/Netser! see previous post.)

2. Wavering: A slipping or wavering of the foot.

Found in:

Eze. 34:27 – And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands H4133 of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.

Leviticus 26:13: “out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke,” 1 Chronicles 15:15: “the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded”

The yoke was a symbol of servitude in the Bible.

The word for yoke in Hebrew is OL, and it means burden and is used both literally and metaphorically.

OL MALKHUT SHAMAYIM = burden of the kingdom of heaven, which is a reference to the burden of keeping Torah laws; many of which were added by the Pharisees and Scribes and made it impossible for a person to keep.

This was a picture of an unequal yoke one that was unbalanced and was therefore ineffective to do the job it was meant to do, and the outcome was hopeless.

The solution to not seeing the writing on the wall, and to not being found wanting/empty (see previous post); is being yoked to God through Messiah Jesus/Yeshua.

In being yoked to Jesus/Yeshua we are in Complete Surrender to His Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh.

However, if the answer is the yoke,

is a yoke bondage, or freedom?

How can it be both?

The Early Hebrew pictograph is, a shepherd’s staff. The shepherd staff was used to direct sheep by pushing or pulling them. It was also used as a weapon against predators to defend and protect the sheep.

The meaning of this letter is “toward” as moving something in a different direction. This letter also means “authority,” as it is a sign of the shepherd, the leader of the flock. It also means “yoke,” which is a staff on the shoulders, “tie” or “bind” from idea of the yoke that is bound to the animal.

This letter is used as a prefix to nouns meaning “to” or “toward.”

The Modern Hebrew name of this letter is lamed and is carried over into the Greek name lamda. The Arabic name however is lam, retaining an older two letter root name for the letter and the probable original name. The phonetic sound for this letter is “l.”

The original pictograph for this letter is and has remained virtually unchanged through Middle Hebrew as well as the Greek and Roman scripts.

The yoke is understood as a

STAFF ON THE SHOULDERS

 in order to harness their power for pulling loads such as a wagon or plow.

(Emphasizes the power of the Ox’s muscles to perform the work). (Is. 9:4)

Hence, the two pictographs can also represent

the ox in the yoke.

Again, two oxen were yoked together, an older, more experienced ox would be teamed up (yoked) with a younger, less experienced ox. The older ox in the yoke is the strong authority, who, through the yoke, teaches the younger ox. 

Here Messiah uses the Yoke as a picture knowing that the farmer of biblical times when plowing his field with a team of oxen had to ensure that the yoke was not ill-fitting, but that it fit comfortably on the necks of the animals pulling the plow.

An ill shaped and a heavy yoke would irritate the oxen making the task of plowing difficult for both the animals and the operator, while a comfortable, well-fitting yoke made the task much easier.

The Real meaning of My yoke

 It is understandable since it is the cultural heritage of the West, that such readers of the gospels tend to interpret the teachings of Jesus/Yeshua as if He were a pulpit preacher or Sunday school teacher. However these images do not fit any of the 1st century historical and cultural situations. Jesus/Yeshua, teaches like a rabbi because He was considered to be a rabbi, so, to be able to understand what He is saying, we need to read his remarks as rabbinic in style, not as if they were western Christian seminary exegesis.

As we read this verse, consider how those hearing would have responded to the picture of a yoke, and not how we have typically understood it.

Again our western culture tells us to read this verse as if Messiah is talking about freedom, that is the freedom they will have when their sins are forgiven.

Due to Luther and others, western culture thinks of yoke as the Law, and they imagine that Jesus/Yeshua is removing that horrible burden from them so that they can just be set free from sin and death.

In truth, this is not what the people listening to Jesus/Yeshua’s heard.

His yoke

refers to His oral Torah,

which were His teachings and as a rabbinic teacher.

His commentary on Moses Torah,

the explanation for His disciples,

was a divinely authorized revealing/apocalypse.

He achieved this by amplifying and expounding upon the basic Torah of Moses in such a WAY that it could be followed and lived out in their routine day to day lives.

He was showing them that by following His Way, His Yoke was easy, light, compared to the Yoke of the Pharisees and their laws which were impossible to keep.

Jesus/Yeshua explained to His followers what Moses meant for them. He did not remove their obligation to the Torah of Moses but rather explained it. For those who followed Him then and now, Messiahs teachings are the final authority.

Recall the concept of bond servant looked in a previous post.

Rabbis used similar teaching techniques like the use of parables. More than 3,500 parables from first century rabbis still exist and Jesus’ are among the very best. He uses similar themes (landowner, king, and farmer) as well. (Matt. 13:3,34)

Jesus/Yeshua seems to be a type of rabbi believed to have s’mikhah or authority to make new interpretations.

The majority of the teachers in His day were Torah teachers, (meaning they were teachers of the law), they could only teach accepted interpretations. Those with authority, (the term we use today is ordination); could make new interpretations and pass legal judgments.

Crowds were amazed because Jesus/Yeshua

taught with authority

(Hebrew s’mikhah, Greek exousia)

not as their Torah teachers! (Matt. 7:28-29).

He was questioned about His authority (Matt. 21:23-27).

Although this makes Him one of a small group of teachers He was not the only one with authority.

When Rabbis/teachers invited people to learn to keep the Torah.

This was called taking the yoke of Torah

or the yoke of the kingdom of heaven.

Rabbi’s with s’mikhah would have a new interpretation or yoke. Torah teachers would teach the accepted interpretations or yoke of their community.

Jesus/Yeshua’s invitation to those who listened to many teachers and interpretations, helps establish Him as a Rabbi who presented an interpretation that was easy and light, (to understand that it was not necessary to comply with the laws of the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees,) (Matt. 13:11-30). It’s possible that, He was not always speaking to unsaved people burdened with sin, but to people who had become confused and unsure with the many interpretations they heard.

Here is an important observation:

The task of a first century rabbi/teacher, was

fulfilling the Torah.

So again in the Hebrew thought, we now understand that the technical term for interpreting the Scripture so it would be obeyed correctly was, to fulfill!

And to incorrectly interpret Scripture so it would not be obeyed as God intended, was, to destroy the Torah!

Yeshua/Jesus uses these terms to describe that this too was His task. (Matt. 5:17-19).

For many of us, it’s hard to read scripture without the preconceived ideas from that which we have been given before.

However, while God does direct our thoughts according to our understanding of the text, we must take into consideration the meaning the author was trying to convey and the understanding that the original listeners had and because of this fact, we are not to simply read as if the words were speaking exclusively to us and only here and now.

Ignoring this means we can read/interpret the scriptures however we please and ignore the original context.

The truth is that if we really want to know what Jesus/Yeshua wants us to understand, we have to receive it according to the meanings of the words He used, as and how He used them. Everything in context.

To His listeners, Yoke meant oral teaching,

This means that we cannot ignore/dismiss the idea of obligation to that which is already established in scripture.

Scriptural standards for behavior are unchangeable and Jesus/Yeshua’s yoke is the pattern of His standards.  As His talmidim/disciples, we are expected to follow them.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NASB 

Interesting look at the letter

from the Hebrew Alef bet.

When a man /vav 6 /

is bowed down before the crowned man/ zayin,

taking upon himself His Yoke/Chet, then his soul is subject to the discipline of the Lord and 9 fold fruit of the spirit will grow in his life! Gal 5:22 23.

This man will die to himself and all that is outside the yoke of Messiah. Luke 9:23.

The Yoke of bondage or freedom?

Yoke – it seems to be a paradox that Our Heavenly fathers view of freedom is always in the context of being bound to Him, and the image of a yoke reinforces our confusion.  How is it possible to really be free when we are strapped into a Yoke/collar that controls the direction we are to go in?

It only appears like a paradox because we really don’t understand the true meaning of freedom.  Our confusion is because of our perspective/how we see it.

In our humanness we have many weaknesses and vulnerabilities, which we don’t make allowances for. Fortunately for us, our Heavenly Father doesn’t forget that fact even when we do!

He knows how vulnerable and scatty we are prone to be, and that the only way to really

make us free

is for us to connect/Yolk together with One who knows what true freedom is. 

Freedom is not our ability to make any decision we want to.

If we have so called freedom to make any choice we want to, then theres a 99% chance that we will make choices that will ensure our demise…(already proven or we would not be reading this!)  

So that is not freedom as God intended; furthermore He has no interest in aiding our abilities to make choices that in the end will damage and destroy us.

He cares about us too much to let us do that to ourselves.

Our Father’s view of freedom is very different than ours.

Our view of it is we think freedom is about having uninhibited and unlimited options to choose from, and then do what we want to. 

In His WAY His perspective of viewing freedom,

it is about

alignment with purpose.

To better understand that concept we should ask the question…

What is the purpose of a yoke (zugos in Greek)? 

The answers will paint a new picture for us…

because

Yokes are instruments of intention.

A yoke guides both animals in the same direction. 

A yoke joins two animals into a single effort. 

A yoke prevents one animal from falling.  

A yoke causes two animals to rely on each other, 

and most of all,

A yoke brings purpose,

A united goal.

 Freedom is completely useless without purpose and our Father knows that true freedom has a purpose. 

However we try to make it appear, freedom is not liberty to do whatever we choose. It’s just like saying we are under Grace not the Law and think we can just get forgiven any time we want and continue to live life like the world.

 In God’s world/kingdom of the Heavens,

Freedom has specific purpose and direction and the direction of the freedom He gives is toward Him. 

Yeshua/Jesus invites us to Yoke/bind ourselves to Him in order to achieve the freedom we desire.

True freedom is being what God intended and made us to be and knowing He takes pleasure in us as we fulfill the plans and purposes He designed for each of us to walk in.

The opposite of the western thinking of be whatever you want to and then attempt to Christianize it.

God’s freedom tool is His yoke…

and it is designed to let us feel and know He is pleased with us.

Again this is all about relationship, when we truly love someone we want to please them first, before ourselves!

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me“ Matthew 11:29 

Yoke – So now, how can we enter into the second rest that Yeshua/Jesus promises? 

Yeshua/Jesus says that rest comes when we are bound to Him. 

Just think about that picture for a minute. 

Most of us would never consider being yoked to someone else as a means of finding rest. 

The picture looks more like we are pulling the load in tandem which is the picture of the Greek word used there which is zugos, meaning: something that binds together, which still gives the image of work. 

As we now know that the point of view is Hebraic from Jesus/Yeshua’s perspective, then Rest is not ceasing from activity. 

It is relaxing under restraint. 

Being yoked/bound to Jesus/Yeshua means that He does exactly what His name means. 

Yeshua = Salvation/rescue

He saves/rescues us from the middle of our burdens, it’s the Hebraic view of yasha.  Rescue/salvation comes to us where we are.  Its not a quick fix, a get out clause, or an escape hatch, rather it is partnering/ sharing the load.

When it comes to responsibilities and obligations, there are 2 points of view.

The 1st view is that of the individual.

The individual is responsible for their own destiny. It has the I of prIde, the ego is involved as in, I carry the load.  I shoulder my own responsibilities, I am accountable for the consequences.  I make choices based on what I deem good for me.  This view is a reflection of and dominates the way the world operates and in one way or another, it’s been in evidence since Eden.

This load inevitably becomes a burden…

God’s perspective is the 2nd one, and His perspective is that of shared obligation and responsibility

We are who we are because we belong to a community which has many names, children of God, the elect, the ecclesia, the house of Israel, God’s family, or the bride of Messiah/His kallah.. 

Many names however the picture is the same. 

We are intricately and inseparably linked to His family/mishpacah.  None of us stands alone in that what happens to one, happens to others and vise versa. Individuality is superseded by community/family.

We become who we are in relationship with others all our brothers and sisters in His Family/Mishpachah

משפחה

Mish-pa-KHa

When Yeshua/Jesus invites us to join Him, the yoke that we take is bound/fixed to Him, as well as being bound to every other sibling in the kingdom of the heavens. 

The rest that He speaks of that is shared life as a family, not in isolated individualism for we are One in Messiah.  We gain our enduring strength when we are connected to others, so, whenever we pursue activities that separate us from His family, we will discover that we are also moving away from rest. 

Our deepest sense of purpose and greatest enjoyment in work is not in isolation because we were designed to be in relationship with God and with others, giving and receiving. If all members are giving then by default all will receive! 

Take the yoke that Jesus/Yeshua offers, puts us into community with everyone who belongs to Him. We are co-burden-bearers. In this position we are able to find our purpose because what we do, will be of benefit to all those other people who lift us up, and vice-versa.

Rest needs restraint. 

It is not in achieving an independent dream but in fact the exact opposite because we are dependent on Messiah and connected to His family.

To Hebrew readers, yoke is an expression of a rabbi’s way of living.

In other words, it is the summary of all that a rabbi teaches about how to apply Torah today.

To take the yoke of Yeshua/Jesus is to accept what He teaches about how to live.

His teaching has its foundation in family, community, in servant hood/bondservant, and in the expression of

the Fathers divine will,

in forgiveness,

in compassion

and in responsibility,

so without this yoke there is no rest

because Shalom/Rest

is the by-product

of living life according to His instructions

Yoked with Him.

Part 3 is coming and will bring the conclusion.

Jesus/Yeshua is Risen

and

because He’s alive

we live!

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 Ruach HaKodesh/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.

Quick Reminder…

Quick reminder for newer readers, there are a few other posts relating to Passover/Pesach and Spring Appointed Times…

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-pesach-dalet-in-time-a-man-between-2-realms-yonah-and-the-watches-of-the-night/

An Extra Post on First fruits at

https://www.minimannamoments.com/revealing-the-overcoming-resheet-of-bikkurim/

The resurrection at

The Mystery of ‘In His Deaths’…

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-mystery-of-in-his-deaths/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/sonset-sunrise-sunset-sonrise-apocalypse-of-the-tamid/ 

 

https://www.minimannamoments.com/tag/zeroah/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/back-to-the-future-past-part-2-plus-who-was-eating-bread-on-day-6/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/back-to-the-future-past-part-2-plus-who-was-eating-bread-on-day-6/

and for those who may not have seen it already a post for the days of Omer.

We are already in the countdown to Shavuot!

A guide for each day through the rest of the days to Shavuot Pentecost

https://www.minimannamoments.com/counting-our-blessings-with-omer/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/49-parables/

A parable to be read for each day until Pentecost/Shavuot.

(As time permits some more content will be added to each parable.)

Also for the special 40th day of Omer

https://www.minimannamoments.com/are-we-in-a-divine-pause/

 Finally there is a new page just added…

https://www.minimannamoments.com/daily-devotions-for-the-49-days-of-omer/

for some Daily Devotionals to assist in preparing our hearts for The Feast Of Shavuot.

It’s a work in progress so thank you for your patience!

For anyone who has never had the opportunity to see

THE PASSION

below is a link to watch the film

there is no charge..

https://youtu.be/L4k1uExAOa4

Shalom shalom ‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’.

What’s The Connection Between Almonds and Olive Oil with Messiah and Lamp stands? Part 2

We left Part 1 with the question:

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

Scripture records that the pattern for the Menorah was given by God to Moses and almonds have specific meaning which was understood. We have seen the connection between the almond shaped receptacle for the olive oil at the top of each branch of the menorah. Only the Priest could tend the wicks and light them.

The next connection to Almonds was the Rod of Aaron:

Numbers 17:8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.

8 Now on the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds. 9 Moses then brought out all the rods from the presence of the LORD to all the sons of Israel; and they looked, and each man took his rod.

Aaron’s Rod not only leafed out the next day, it also had flower buds, flowers, and even ripe almonds on the same stick! (Numbers 17:8).

Num. 17:1-5 God spoke to Moses: “Speak to the People of Israel. Get staffs from them—twelve staffs in all, one from the leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write each man’s name on his staff. Start with Aaron; write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi and then proceed with the rest, a staff for the leader of each ancestral tribe.”

The man’s name written on the sticks showed that it was the original one, but the growth in various stages of maturity also proves that no one had cut an almond branch and put it in its place.

Sometimes tribes are called Shevatim, which also means: supple BRANCH (still attached to the tree); sometimes they are called Matot, which means hard stick, cut off from the tree.

Although obvious that branches are alive and supple and growing when still attached to the tree and draw their strength from it and its roots; it must be noted that as we are grafted in, we too must stay connected to the tree of life. In our case this is Messiah Jesus/Yeshua HaMashiach, in order to stay alive and grow.

Aaron had his own staff. And it was Aaron’s staff which became a “serpent” before Pharaoh and which swallowed up the “serpents” of the magicians (Exodus 7:9-12). 

Possible symbolic prophetic meaning that death would be swallowed up in life.

The spiritual shown subduing and overcoming the natural. The Creator shown superior over His creation – good triumphing over evil.

Aarons staff was from the almond tree and every tree bears the fruit God created it to produce.

In Ex. 25:31-36 The golden candlestick is recorded and in Isaiah 11:1 the prophetic word declared that…

A shoot, rod or branch (cutting) is how olive trees are reproduced. Just as we are grafted in to Him and He reproduces Himself in us.

1 A shoot (rod) will come up from the stump of Jesse;
    from his roots a BRANCH will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
    the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and of might,
    the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
    or decide by what he hears with his ears;

but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
    with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
    with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
    and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD

Here the 7 Spirits of God are listed right along side the BRANCH connecting them there are 7 lamps and there is a confirming reference by John in Rev 4:5 – 7 lamps – 7 spirits.

Num 17:8-10; Jer 1:11-12

Has similar language

The budding of the staff/literally the BRANCH of an almond tree, is symbolic of resurrection life and fullness of God

and is typified in three elements connected to the menorah.

The Bud

the Flower

and

the Fruit.

See chart below for other symbolism.

The Priest is a picture of Yeshua/Jesus and represents man to God.

The Budding is a picture that assures us that HE IS our High Priest.

Apocalypse of the menorah – (revealing the meaning) – and the significance of the almond tree.

The shape reminds the onlooker of a flowering tree of life.

The Menorah was made from 1 piece and resembling a tree with branches, tradition says it also represents the tree of life that was present in the beginning – Beresheet.

The Tree of Life is in the Beginning – Genesis and at the end – Revelation.

On each of the six side arms were 3 golden almond blossoms and together with the 4 on the center shaft, there were exactly 22 almond blossoms. Between the 22 flowers, there are 21 connections. From the lowest flower to the top flower on the shaft to the 6 lamps, there are 3×8+3=27 connections, and together with the highest connection from the top flower on the shaft to the middle lamp, there are a total of 28 (4×7) connections. Together they are 50 parts + 7 lamps.

In Israel, toward the end of January, while the rest of the trees continue their winter slumber, the Almond Tree is the first to awaken to life and blooms.

Therefore, the white almond blossom is a symbol of life and purity.

God paid attention to the details from the very beginning; for He commanded that every single almond blossom on the Menorah should consist of three parts, namely, the cups, buds and blossoms (petals). Together they are 3 x 22=66 single flower parts.

The Menorah stood in the Tabernacle and in Solomon’s Temple. The Menorah also stood in the Temple of Herod in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified.

The BIBLE: 7 parts, 49 scrolls with 66/70 books = the word of God = the light in this dark world.

Three of the many 7’s in Scripture:

7 Appointed Times

7 Spirits of God

7 Days of the week, etc.

Some symbolism meanings:

The pattern of the menorah was for 3 decorative cups to be on each of the 6 branches only on the main center branch was there to be 4 cups.

4 cups of the Passover meal! For the servant/shamash, was at the center of the Menorah.

The cups of the menorah remind the bride of the cups she drank during the marriage vows with her bridegroom at His Appointed Feasts, vowing to be His faithful bride.

The cups on the menorah and the branches were designed in the shape of open almond blossoms because as already noted, the almond tree represents first fruits and in Israel is the first tree to bloom after the winter. Just as we saw in song of Solomon.. the winter is past the spring has come she was watching for her beloved.

Jesus/Yeshua is the First Fruits from the dead and we are His first fruits. We like the rod of Aaron were dead outside of Jesus/Yeshua. When He redeemed us and was resurrected, then He raised us from death to life and we became His First Fruits. Ezek. 37:1-4

Was it also a reference to the burning bush or the almond tree or the type of sage that grows in Israel? Unless it is very clear, we don’t need to caught up too much in symbolism! However, there are some very clear ones with the blossoms and almond shapes.

How does an almond tree grow?

And what we can learn?

Today the temple of God is where He lives now, within the heart of the believer.

If believers do not know how to maintain the light of the menorah or preserve the bread of His presence, how will the bride know the timing of her wedding or be prepared to join her bridegroom?

The menorah is the only light in the Holy place.

Oil has been provided for the brides journey to light her way but, the oil can only be useful if the menorah has been maintained and the wicks are trimmed. Tended to daily by the priest.

Without the light the bride is unable to see the word, which is the bread of His presence and her path WAY Will be darkened. Maintaining the menorah will allow her to see clearly and find her way to her wedding.

The Lamp stand, the Menorah, represents the Messiah of Israel in John 8:12 Jesus said, I am the light of the world.

As the Bridegroom of Israel, He will light the path/WAY, to reveal the WAY of the bride.

The menorah is also a symbol of the brides mission.

As the Mishkan is to be made in the pattern given, when the bride walks in Jesus/Yeshua’s right ways, she will reflect His light to the nations. Isaiah 42:7

It is said that pure gold is one of the easiest metals to work with. It can be beaten into a transparent gold foil over 500 times thinner than the human hair. God required that the menorah was to be made using one piece of pure gold.

The cups of the menorah:

The pattern of the menorah required three decorative cups to be on each of the six branches extending from the lampstand.

The 3 cups of the six branches of the menorah are symbols which represent the commandment for the Israelites to come before the Lord at His Moedim/Appointed Times/ feasts, three times a year to worship Him. Deut. 16:16 – Devarim.

Only on the main shaft itself were there to be 4 cups. The cups on the menorah remind the bride of the cups she drank during the marriage vows with her bridegroom at His appointed feasts, vowing to be His faithful bride.

The first cup represents the cup of acceptance that the bride will drink at the first feast in the spring at the Passover and the 7 day Feast of Unleavened Bread.

The second cup represents the cup of betrothal the bride drinks at the second feast in late spring or early summer called the feast of Shavuot /Pentecost.

The third cup represents the cup the bride will drink at the 3rd Feast in the Autumn /Fall at the feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot. This will be the wedding (Yom Kippur/ atonement) and celebration cup at the wedding supper of the lamb. Sukkot/ tabernacles).

Only on the main shaft of the menorah, which is also called the branch, is there a 4th cup.

This BRANCH represents Messiah Jesus/Yeshua and the 4th cup represents the cup He drank on our behalf at His death – the cup of bitterness.

He took our cup in fulfillment of the law of jealousy, regarding a wife suspected of being unfaithful to her husband. Ex. 5:11-18; 25-28.

Believers are the ‘unfaithful bride’. In Jesus’s faithfulness to His bride and in fulfillment to the covenant He made with her, He took our cup and drank our judgment and our death upon Himself. This is the cup of judgment that sets us free and brought about our salvation and deliverance. Numbers 5:5 – 31; Luke 22:42.

The cups on the Menorah and the BRANCHES, were designed in the shape of open almond blossoms. The almond tree represents first fruits and as already noted, is the earliest tree to bloom after the winter in Israel. Jesus/Yeshua is the first fruits from the dead and we are His first fruits. We were dead (in our sins) outside of Jesus/Yeshua, when He redeemed us and raised us from death to life we became His first fruits. Ezek. 37:1–4.

The buds and blossoms of the menorah:

Gods’ pattern for the Menorah was to have buds and blossoms on the main branch as well as on the six branches. They were to be placed directly below the cups. These buds and blossoms represent how believers will start to bear seed and glorify Yeshua/Jesus bearing much fruit when they abide in His word. A solid piece of gold in the shape of a Menorah cannot stand on its own without some internal strength to support it.

Jesus/Yeshua has been tried and He is the living testimony, the true Menorah, the Light of the world. Only He can keep the covenant perfectly. His testimony is revealed in His Feasts/Appointed times/Moedim. He will be faithful to fulfill all that He has promised and appointed concerning His heirs.

The almond Blossom turns into fruit that contains an edible seed called a nut.

Almond in Hebrew is Shaqad (Strongs#H 8246 from the root verb Strongs# 8245) meaning to diligently watch.

Jeremiah 1:11 – 12

What do you see Jeremiah?

You have seen correctly for I am watching to see that My Word is fulfilled.

The bride is to diligently watch her ways, by rightly walking in His instructions and being obedient to His commandments as she eagerly waits for the return of her bridegroom, Jesus the Messiah/ Yeshua HaMashiach.

(Heres a reference back to the Song of Solomon 2:10–12.)

Notice the description begins at the base of the menorah and rises up through the description from the ground up from the earth to the heaven.

Base – shaft – knops and cups/blossoms in order.

When it begins before spring, the tree has only small buds on the branch, life is trying to push through.

It bends towards the light, receiving its’ nourishment from the stem to which it is attached; then the bud bursts into blossoms/flower and it gets its’ nutrients from the sun.

Then the blossom fades and falls away leaving a tiny green knop.

Even as a bud, technically it has within it the almond but that is not what we see. With continual feeding of the flower, it matures into the green shape of an almond, with a velvet like covering, which finally matures into a nut.

The outer shell is hard, pitted and tan in color. When fully ripe, inside this shell is the kernel or nut or fruit, which is protected from the elements.

It is always moving upwards to the light. Aarons rod showed all the stages of growth and had come to life.

When a branch is cut from a tree it loses its source of life and becomes a dead stick, a dead piece of almond wood that Aaron used as a staff to walk with; until it was submitted under the authority of God when it was imbued with new life and purpose.

This is just like our lives, death to life, everything with God is from death to life. This is symbolic of resurrection of coming back to life from death.

However, while the sacrifice of Jesus/Yeshua gives us atonement (כַּפָּרָה) with God, the resurrection of the Messiah (i.e., techiyat ha-Mashiach: תְּחִיַּת הַמָּשִׁיחַ) justifies His work of salvation on behalf of the sinner and forever vindicates the righteousness of God.

Techiyat HaMaitim – המתים תחיית – 

The Resurrection Of The Dead

Interesting note: We have seen that the Almond tree blossoms first, before all other trees in the spring and yet, it will be the last to drop its leaves in the fall; while the Olive tree is the last fruit to be harvested in the fall.

The husbandman of the orchard watches carefully for the Almond trees to bloom and burst forth in color; it is the signal to begin pruning his Olive trees! Those pruned are interior branches hidden from the light that would produce no fruit. Soon these broken off branches, littering the ground will be gathered, bundled and burned!  The pruned tree can then reach for the sun, breathe and will spend the growing season developing good fruit. 

At end of January /February, trees are clothed in spectacular white for only 2 weeks. It comes for a season and then its gone. Jesus’ resurrection is always likened to the blossoms of the almond tree and in 1Cor. 15:20-23 but now Christ is risen the first fruits!

Is the almond saying: this is how I am performing my word, He will die and will resurrect as the first fruits?

This interesting relationship between the Almond tree and the Olive tree illustrates our own relationship with the God of Israel – if we make the connections that exist between the Menorah of the Tabernacle….(described as an Almond Tree Ex 25:31-40) and the Oil for the Menorah which comes from the Olive Tree. This oil is to be brought to the Priest by the Children of Israel continually….(Ex 27:20).  In the natural earthly realm, the almond and olive trees represent the First and the Last to produce fruit.

In the spiritual realm, the inner intimate Holy Place of the Tabernacle – the almond tree and the oil come together and become one to produce and contain the light.

Helped by linen wicks, the olive oil in the almond-shaped cups bring forth the light that shines toward the bread, wine and incense on the table in the same room.  

John 17:21.. that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

According to John 6:29  … the ‘work’ of God is this: that you believe in Him whom He sent.

Oil represents both Word of Truth and Holy Spirit and it could be said that it is the work of the children of Israel to bring pure oil to keep the lamp of the tabernacle burning. (Ex 27:20)

 They were to bring the pure olive oil representing Truth and Instruction of His Word (Torah) and the Holy Spirit (Ruach).  Jesus/Yeshua/The Word, said that we would… worship the Father in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:24)

When we think this through, we see that the gold Menorah shaped like an almond tree, together with the pure oil from the olives representing the Torah and Spirit; becomes symbolic of the burning bush/tree that would not consume itself.

Our God is a consuming fire to those who are not one with Him, and if we are one with Him will not be consumed. We can draw near and become one with Him because of the finished work of Messiah….if we believe that He is the One sent forth from the Father.

No one comes to the Father except through Messiah. Even as Jesus/Yeshua told the Samaritan woman: the Father is seeking those who will one day worship Him in Spirit and in Truth; represented spiritually by the pure Olive Oil brought continually by the Children of Israel to the Priest tending the Menorah.  

Matthew 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Are our lives like the Menorah giving His Light and Life to a dying world?

Conclusion in Part 3 – including what did Jeremiah see?

Shalom Shalom ‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’!

Please Don’t leave this page until you are certain He is the Light of your life.

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

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

NOT SURE?

YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Hebrew word ḥanuká usually spelled חֲנוּכָּה 

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

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

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

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

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

מְנוֹרָה seven-lamp (six branches)

The menorah for 

hannukah חֲנוּכָּה 

is a 9 lamp candlestick.

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

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

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

For more on hannukah חֲנוּכָּה  click links below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three bowls made like unto almonds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When was the menorah initiated?

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

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

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

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

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

The Tent of Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

Moses’ Intercession

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

אַהֲרֹ֖ן  מַטֹּתָֽ

mattheh Aaron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emperor Nero then sent Vespasian.

The Romans Destroy the Temple at Jerusalem, 70 AD.

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

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

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

and it became the symbol of Israel today.

Above & Below:The Arch of Titus in Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was huge but burned in the 1st century.

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

Ez. 40 even described the 4th temple!

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

Then there will be a 4th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

NOT SURE?

YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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