Category: Mysteries

The Mystery of Kaphar Nachum – Our Home Away From Home?

Bayit – בַּיִת – which is Hebrew for a home;

A place of Love – Ahavah

and

Welcome – Be’ruchim ha’ba’im!

First Century Israelite Home/House

The homes of poor families were small and simple, the walls were built of mud-brick or rough stone.

The roofs were constructed of clay covered woven branches.

The living spaces were used for cooking and weaving/household work. The family’s domestic animals, (e.g. donkey/goat), were kept in the lower level for protection at night. Each floor was about 7ft (2.13meters) high; same width and length of 24ft (7.32meters).

Below a typical 3rd to 8th Century house: built of Basalt.

Other examples of stone built – בַּיִת – bayit – similar to which Jesus/Yeshua may have lived in.

Is it possible that Yeshua/Jesus was born in the lower area of a house where the animals and the mangers were kept? The scriptures tell us in Matthew 2:10-11 that when the wise men came, they visited Him in a house – bayit, so the family had obviously moved there from somewhere else. Matthew described the arrival of the wise men from the East: 

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

So it was probably a bayit, a house similar to those in the pictures.

Shalom bayit (also shelom bayit, shlom bayit, or (Yiddish) sholom bayis or shlom bayis)

Hebrew: שְׁלוֹם בַּיִת, literally:

peace of the home.

Shalom Bayit is the Jewish religious concept of domestic harmony and good relations between husband and wife.

In the Hebrew Alef Bet the second letter B is Bet.

In the ancient pictograph language

the letter B- bet, was represented as a tent/home

Bet – b – Family, house, in tent floor plan.

Other words beginning with BET:

The mystery of Kaphar Nachum –

kə-PUR-nee-əm – נַחוּם כְּפַר

– Kfar Naḥūm,

It literally means ‘Nahum’s village”.

It was a fishing village established during the time of the Hasmoneans, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Satellite picture of the Sea of Galilee.

Traditions indicate that this was the birthplace of the prophet Nahum, hence the name.

Kaphar Nachum – kə-PUR-nee-əm – נַחוּם כְּפַר – Kfar Naḥūm.;

or as we are familiar with the spelling Capernaum.

It served as Yeshua/Jesus’ home in the Galilee, although He did not own His own property (Mt 4:13-14; 8:20).

Mentioned briefly in

https://www.minimannamoments.com/stones-tel-a-secret-as-they-cry-out-from-the-place-of-fishing-

The name Capernaum 

(Καπερναουμ) Καπερναουμ

is a Greek transliteration of the

Hebrew כפר נחום (kaphar nahum),

which obviously consists of two elements.

The first part of the name is the word כפר (kapar), meaning village, and secondly the word nahum from the verb נחם (naham), to be sorry or to comfort.

Full meaning is –

Village Of Consolation, Protected By Being Sorry.

Some Related names connected to it are:

כפר (kapar): Caphtor, Caphtorim, Chephar-ammoni, Chephirah, Chephirim, Yom Kippur. 

נחם (naham): Manaen, Menahem, Naham, Nahamani, Nahum, Nehemiah, Nehum, Tanhumeth.

It was in existence from the 2nd century B.C. to the 7th century A.D. 

Capernaum was built along on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee /Lake Tiberias, in what was then called Palestine and had up to 1500 residents.

Capernaum, was a small, prosperous fishing center as well as a crossroads for merchants traveling the Via Maris (Latin for “Way of the Sea”), an ancient road connecting Egypt with what today would be Syria, Iraq and Iran.

This made Capernaum a very strategic location for Yeshua/Jesus, due to fishing, trade and agriculture as well as a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the region. (Matthew 4:12-16).

It is best known as the birthplace of Peter and his home was here Matt 8:14, so also were the homes of John, Andrew and James as well as the tax collector Matthew and the centurion whose servant Yeshua/Jesus healed. Matt. 8:5. 

Yeshua/Jesus made Capernaum His home/

Bayit – בַּיִת

– a place of Love – Ahavah

and

Welcome – Be’ruchim ha’ba’im

during the years of His ministry:

Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. (Matt 4:13).

Archeology suggests Capernaum, like other fishing communities in the north shore of the Sea of Galilee was founded during the Hasmonean period of independence, before the Roman Empire occupied the land. So when Messiah resided there, Capernaum may only have been in existence for 1 – 200 years.

Yeshua/Jesus came to Capernaum כפר נחום (kaphar nahum), from Nazareth right after His temptations by Ha’satan (Matt 4:13)

Following confrontation and rejection in the synagogue of His childhood home, Nazareth, He relocated His ministry to Capernaum.

Nazareth in Biblical Greek

Ναζαρετ
Ναζαρεθ

Hebrew Strong’s #3478: Nazareth  = “the guarded one (pronounced nad-zar-eth’)

Some scholars derive the name from נצר I (nasar I), meaning to watch, and translate it with something like Watch (tower) or Sentinel. Others like to believe that the name Nazareth came from the verb נצר II (nasar 2), meaning to be green, and translate it with Branch(es).

From the verb נצר (nasar), to protect or preserve, means to watch, guard or keep.

or the noun נצר (neser), branch or shoot alludes to the prophetic, messianic words in Book of Isaiah 11:1, ‘from (Jesse’s) roots a Branch (netzer) will bear fruit’.

From the verb נזר (nazar), to consecrate oneself.

From the verb זרע (zara’), to scatter to sow, or זרה (zara), to scatter to winnow.

The name Nazareth also means Scattered or Sown, and became applied to that form of Judaism (that of the Nazarenes) that harvested adjacent cultures for insights.

This was an ideal spot for Messiah to deliver His messianic message; it was larger than Nazareth and was on the main Damascus Highway. As a result, Yeshua/Jesus was able to reach out to more people. It was also a safe distance from the dangers of Herod in Tiberias.

 

The Gennesaret area was one of the most prosperous and crowded districts of Palestine/Israel. 

Capernaum as mentioned, lay on the great Via Maris highway between Damascus and Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean Sea, and between Tyre and Egypt.

It was located not far from other important sites mentioned in scripture such as, Bethsaida, the Mountain of Beatitudes, and Tabgha, as well as the Jordan River and Tiberias on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Since Capernaum became Yeshua/Jesus’ home town and many of His miracles occurred there, the people of Capernaum had a front row seat to much of His ministry.

However the conversion rate was disappointing and in Matt 11:23, He pronounced a strong curse on His village, it was one of the three cities cursed by Yeshua/Jesus for its lack of faith.:

“And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You shall descend to Hades, for if the miracles that happened in you would have happened in Sodom, it would have remained until today..But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.”

The city rejected the Lord Jesus, and its doom was sealed.

So completely has it perished that the very site is a matter of dispute today.

Today the ruins of Capernaum are owned by two churches: the Franciscans control the western portion with the synagogue

and the Greek Orthodox’s property is marked by the white church with red domes.

Yeshua/Jesus has invited four disciples —Peter, Andrew, James, and John— to be fishers of men.

On the Sabbath, they all went to a local synagogue in Capernaum. 

Yeshua/Jesus teaches in the synagogue, and again the people are astounded at his manner of teaching.

He does so as one having authority and not as the scribes.

Soon after Yeshua/ Jesus settled there, He began to preach in the synagogue. The town was soon referred to as “his own city.” (Mt 9:1) 

“They went as far as Capharnaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.”

While Yeshua/Jesus was teaching, we read that a man with an unclean spirit entered and addressed Him.

“In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and he shouted, `What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God’. But Jesus said sharply, `Be quiet! Come out of him!’ and the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsion and with a loud cry went out of him.

The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. `Here is a teaching that is new’ they said `and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him’. And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.” (Mk 1:21-28) 

However, to the Jewish people of Capernaum, Yeshua/Jesus’ teaching came more from His heart, rather than the text on a scroll to be read aloud. In addition, Jesus had a new Gospel to share with them and they believed His promises. (Mark 1:21-22, Luke 4:31-32)

The Synagogue

 

Greek and Latin writing on some of the basalt columns of the synagogue in Capernaum.

The ruins of the synagogue

and even the house of Peter’s mother-in-law have been discovered at Capernaum.

 

Perched in the middle of town, adorned with Corinthian columns and friezes, are remains of a synagogue which dates back to the fourth of fifth century.

Later excavations revealed that, in fact, two synagogues were built here, with the first one dating back to the first century.

Scholars propose that Christ taught here, just as mentioned in the Gospels. Here, Jesus taught about the bread of life: (John 6:35-59) 

I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst… I am the living bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man may eat it and not die. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever, and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world…

The 1st century Synagogue of Capernaum where Messiah preached.

In the Byzantine period, the white synagogue would have stood out dramatically from the surrounding black basalt buildings, whereas in the 1st century, the Capernaum synagogue blended into its setting.

The dating of this synagogue is debated, but it is clearly later than the first century.  Excavations have revealed a synagogue from the time of Jesus with walls made of worked stone and 4 feet thick.

These earlier walls were preserved up to 3 feet high and the entire western wall still exists and was used as the foundation for the later synagogue.

Yeshua/Jesus was confronted by a demoniac while teaching here (Mark 1:21-27).

In Capernaum, Jesus healed the servant of the centurion. This Roman official was credited with building the synagogue (Luke 7:3).

During excavations beneath the foundations of this octagonal Byzantine martyrium church at Capernaum, archaeologists made one of the most exciting Biblical archaeology discoveries: they uncovered one residence that stood out from the others – a simple first-century A.D. home that may have been the house of Peter, the home of Jesus in Capernaum.

This house became the object of early Christian attention with 2nd century graffiti and a 4th century house church built above it. 

In the 5th century the large octagonal Byzantine church was erected above this, complete with a baptistry. 

Pilgrims have since referred to this as the house of Peter.

When visiting Israel in the early 90’s it was a very special experience to stand in/close to, the place where Yeshua/Jesus healed the man with the withered hand, raised Peter’s mother-in-law from her sick bed, and made the first of His seven “I AM” declarations after feeding the 5,000, saying,

“I am the Bread of Life whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35)”

From the ancient ruins of Capernaum on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, it’s possible to see in the distance, the town of Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene.

As already noted in Messiah’s day, Capernaum, (also meaning – hamlet of repentance or comfort), was one of the Chief cities of Galilee on its north-west shore. The “land of Gennesaret,” very close to, if not in which it was situated, was one of the most prosperous and crowded districts of Israel. This city lay on the great highway from Damascus to Acco and Tyre.

There is no mention of it prior to the Babylonian captivity. It has been identified with Tell Hum, about two miles south-west of where the Jordan flows into the lake. Here are extensive ruins of walls and foundations, and also the remains of what must have been a beautiful synagogue, which it is conjectured may have been the one built by the centurion (Luke 7:5), in which our Lord frequently taught (John 6:59; Mark 1:21; Luke 4:33).

Other scholars have suggested that the ruins of the city are to be found at Khan Minyeh, 3 miles further to the south on the lake shore.

Some scriptures that are also connected:

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Matthew 11:25

Mark 1:21

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

Mark 2:1

And again he entered into Capernaum, after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

Mark 9:33

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Luke 4:23

And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

Luke 4:31

And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

Luke 7:1

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum

Luke 10:15

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

John 2:12

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

John 4:46

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

John 6:17

And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

John 6:24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

John 6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

When Jesus finally departed from Nazareth, He dwelt in Capernaum (Mt 4:13) and made it the main center of His activity during a large part of His public ministry.

Simon Peter’s Wife’s Mother Lay Sick (Mat 8:14-17; Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41). 

Then a Leper Came to Him (Mat 8:2-4; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 5:12- 16). 

They Brought to Him a Paralytic (Mat 9:2-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26).

Near by He called the fishermen to follow Him (Mk 1:16), and the publican Matthew the Tax Collector (Mat 9:9; Mk 2:13, 14; Lk 5:27, 28). from the receipt of custom

It was the scene of many “mighty works” (Mt 11:23; Mk 1:34).

Here Jesus healed the centurion’s son (Mt 8:5),

the nobleman’s son (Jn 4:46),

cast out the unclean spirit (Mk 1:23);

and here also, probably, He raised Jairus’ daughter to life (Mk 5:22, etc.).

In Capernaum the little child was used to teach the disciples humility, while in the synagogue Yeshua/Jesus delivered His ever-memorable speech on the bread of life. (John 6).

From the scripture we read that Capernaum was a city of considerable importance. Some scholars think that the words “shalt thou be exalted,” etc. (Mt 11:23; Lk 10:15), mean that it stood on an elevated site. It may perhaps refer to the excessive pride of the inhabitants in that city. It was a customs station, and the residence of a high officer of the king (Mt 9:9; Jn 4:46, etc.). It was occupied by a detachment of Roman soldiers, whose commander thought the good will of the people worth securing at the expense of building for them a synagogue (Mt 8:5; Lk 7:5).

Capernaum is also the location of the healing of the paralytic lowered by friends through the roof to reach Jesus, as reported in Mark 2:1–12 and Luke 5:17–26.

Artists reconstruction of 1st century courtyard house at Capernaum

Ark of the scrolls at Capernaum.

The Torah shrine, the niche showing a wooden cabinet carved in stone. Representing the covenant given to Moses here in an ancient synagogue.

Close up of Menorah carved in stone.

Under the monumental building are the remains of the early Roman synagogue from the times of Messiah, which was built with the local (black) basalt rock. This earlier synagogue was the center of activities of Yeshua/Jesus, where He taught.

Mark: “And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.”

 

Mosaic found in Caparnaum.

   Peter, also known as Simon Bar-Yonah, was one of Jesus’s 12 apostles. 

Peter’s Primacy

Because he was a fisherman, his house was also located close to the lake.

    The shape of an Octagon, was typical of early churches and structures such as Kathisma south of Jerusalem.

In 1990 a modern church was built over the 5th century church, over St Peter’s house. You can walk up to the main floor, which has a glass bottom in the center, and view the site.

The house of Jesus at Capernaum Luke 5:19 Mt 4:13 Mk 2:1 9:33

Did the roof have ceramic tiles?

the Greek word keramos is used, as in pitched roof not flat!

This photo is of a restored Talmudic era village modeled on the ruins of a fourth – eighth century village at Qatzrin in the Golan Heights. Similar basalt construction was found in the ruins of Capernaum during the time of Messiah.

The unhewn logs were used as rafters with branches and saplings as cross support.

The top was overlain with tightly packed clay.

A view from the white synagogue at Capernaum towards the lake.

These are the ruins from the first few centuries AD. The houses were built of basalt igneous stone, the same as in the Talmudic era villages.

Yet the Greek says:

Luke 5:19 And not finding by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

Flat topped roof of timber and branches overlain by packed clay with clay pigeon house on edge of wall.

Isaiah 61:1-3;

Matthew 4:13; Matthew 16: 24

Many quote that He had nowhere to lay His head:

Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:57– 62

He states that to simply fulfill Isaiah 9:12

The Government of the Promised Son – Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan.

He spent time also in Peter’s house.

There is a story that says that Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head…

however He had to have slept, He had to eat somewhere during that three years of ministry.

The disciples asked Him where He was from… He said Come and See John 1:39

Scripture tells us that He was in the house…

This place? Ha Makom – was on the shores of Galilee, the village named Capernaum.

This was where He had a base of ministry, a home where He lived when not traveling. People came here from all over the Galilee and He received them here showing mercy, forgiveness and compassion. This place, brought restoration for those that were condemned, had sickness, depression, disease. Where the blind, lame, paralyzed and rejected, found healing and wholeness.

This was the center of His ministry. The reason why it is called Capernaum is, it a translation of its’ original name.

Caper is for the Hebrew Kaphar and can be translated as town or village.

So what is The Mystery of Kaphar Nachum Our Home from Home?

and what has the prophet Nahum got to do with Messiah’s ministry?

Naum is the name Nahum or Nachum which is the same name as the prophet Nahum the Elkoshite in the Old Testament who gave the prophecy of Nineveh.

However there is NO REAL CONNECTION to the prophet – so this really is a mystery!

Why this village, why here for there is no word for coincidence in the Hebrew language there is no such thing as chance or luck? Rather it could be providence, synchronicity, serendipity, orchestrated our heavenly fathers purposeful timing and reasoning. God is very specific, everything He does has a reason.

A deeper look into the name reveals that it is more that just a persons name it is full of meaning:

To comfort,

console,

to repent,

to change direction

and as the center of Messiah ministry Capernaum could be translated as the  village of comfort, the village of consolation and repentance;

where all who came were received with compassion; sins were forgiven, lives were changed, broken were restored sick were healed, oppressed were delivered and set free.

No one was turned away all were taken in, all who were rejected were received and comforted and accepted. As we turn to Him we are comforted and became whole.

And wherever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and sought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. Mark 6:56

In this Place – Ha Makem of Kaphar Nachum. The Place of Miracles is where we will find Him and His compassion and tender loving kindness.

We don’t need to travel to Israel to the Galilee.

For the mercy, comfort, healing and restoration are not confined to one location. Call on me and I will hear you…

2 Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; 3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jer. 33:2-3

He is the place /Ha Makem of Kaphar Nachum.

So He was completely identified with the name of that town/ City.

And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Berean Study Bible.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Col 1:17

In Him are all the riches of His glory.

We all have a home – for heaven is our home – but we are not there yet…

However while we await His return and we are busy about our Father’s business, we can Abide in our home from home – abiding in Jesus/Yeshua – the place of comfort and consolation.. HE IS

Ha Makem of Kaphar Nachum.

He is HOME – Bayit – בַּיִת

the place of comfort and consolation

– the place of Love – Ahavah

and

Welcome – Be’ruchim ha’ba’im!

For in Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28

We all have a home from home it’s the place of Kaphar Nachum.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. John 15:7

In Revelation 3:20, Messiah tells us, “…if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will comein to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

To sup, means to eat and fellowship with someone. When you sup with someone, you and they are sharing in and partaking of the same things.

Call upon Me and I will answer you, says the LORD. I will not turn you away. You have access to Me. I will hear your prayers and answer them. Jeremiah 29:12

When he calls out to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor.

Psalm 91:15

Shalom, shalom

‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’!

משפחה 

Mish-pa-KHa

Please don’t leave this page until you make sure that Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Kaphar Nachum…

your home away from home…

for until we get to our real home in heaven abiding in Him is our abode, our

Bayit – בַּיִת

our kaphar nachum

the place of comfort and consolation

– a place of Love – Ahavah

and

Welcome – Be’ruchim ha’ba’im!

Make certain Jesus is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

It’s all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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

 

Are We in A Divine Pause?

40th day of the Omer on the Hebrew Calendar is 25 IYYAR, it was on Thursday, May 30th.

– Divine Gaps and Pauses – בהשהייה

The 40th day also marked the day of Yeshua/Jesus’ Ascension into the Heavens.

Shamayim – שָׁמַיִם

Strongs 8064: Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-mah’-yim)

Then Jesus blessed them, and as He gave the blessing, He began to ascend into heaven.

The account of Yeshua/Jesus’ Ascension is found in Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9-11.

It is plain from Scripture that it was a literal, bodily return to heaven.

 The Ascension is a mystery of faith, just like Yeshua/Jesus’ Resurrection, with which it is closely associated. The event is mentioned briefly in Mark (16:19) and Luke (24:50-53).

“This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

Messiah, Ascension of, and as the forerunner of His people. Hebrews 6:20

He was the first fruit.

This event occurred 40 days

which is the 40th day of the Omer count to Shavuot (Total 50 days – Pentecost)

There is some significance to certain numbers in the Bible, however we should be discerning about trying to interpret their meanings. God did have reasons for using certain numbers over and over in the Bible, but only He may know the true reasons.

The number 40 is used 159 times. There is a general consensus among scholars that it is a number symbolizing trial, testing, or judgment. 40 also represents transition or change; the concept of renewal; a new beginning. The number 40 has the power to lift a spiritual state. This seems evident in a number of places in the Bible, however, it also is used for more than that.

Every time one finds the number forty in Torah, its inner meaning is the ascent from one level to the next higher one. (Ascension!)

The letter Mem is the thirteenth letter of the Hebrew Aleph-Bet, Alphabet. The letter Mem has the numeric value of forty (40).

The Mem represents the age, or time of completion.

The pictograph for Mem looks like a wave of water, whereas the classical Hebrew script (Ketav Ashurit) is constructed of a Kaf with a Vav beside it: Interesting note is that the gematria for these components equals the value for the Divine Name.

Below is a list of the ways it could be taken as a number signifying trial, testing, judgment, transition or change, the concept of renewal, or a new beginning.

Strongs #40 is Abimelek- Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-mel’-ek) – אֲבִימֶלֶךְ – meaning ‘father is king’!

When God destroyed every living thing on the Earth by flood, it rained 40 days and 40 nights (Gen 7:4,12,17).

Three men in the Bible fasted 40 days and 40 nights: Moses (Ex 34:28)(Deut 9:9,18,25)(Deut 10:10), Elijah (1 Kin 19:8), and Jesus (Mt 4:2)(Lk 4:2)(Mk 1:13).

Because Israel refused to enter the Promised Land, God condemned them to wander in the “wilderness” for 40 years (Num 14:33-34)(Num 32:11-13)(Deut 8:2)(Josh 5:6).
(God also kept their clothing and sandals from wearing out for the whole 40 years: Deut 29:5, Deut 8:4.)

The Israelites were given manna in the desert for 40 years to “test” and “humble” them (Ex 16:35)(Deut 8:3,16)

When scourging someone, they could not receive more than 40 lashes (Deut 25:3)(2 Cor 11:24).

The Israelites were in captivity to the Philistines for 40 years for doing evil (Judg 13:1). 

Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days and nights (1 Sam 17:16), until David defeated him.

Ezekiel laid on his right side for 40 days to “bear the iniquity” of Judah’s sins (Ezek 4:6).

God proclaimed judgment against Egypt, saying it would be desolate for 40 years (Ezek 29:10-12).

God gave Nineveh 40 days to repent or be overthrown (Jonah 3:4).

Other References:

After the flood waters had receded, and the tops of the mountains were visible, Noah waited another 40 days to open the window of the Ark (Gen 8:6).

Isaac was 40 years old when he took Rebekah as his wife (Gen 25:20).

Esau, Isaac’s son, also got married when he was 40 (Gen 26:34).

Embalming took 40 days in early Bible times (Gen 50:3).

Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights (twice!) (Ex 24:18)(Ex 34:28)(Deut 9:9,11,18,25)(Deut 10:10).

The spies that Moses sent to spy out the Promised Land were there for 40 days (Num 13:25)(Num 14:34).

One of those spies was Joshua, and he was forty years old when he went (Josh 14:7).

Moses died when he was 120 years old (Deut 34:7). His life can be divided into 3 sections of 40 years: (first 40) being born and growing up in Pharaoh’s house in Egypt (Acts 7:20-23), (middle 40) fleeing to Midian after killing the Egyptian, and living there for 40 years (Acts 7:29-30), (last 40) returning to Egypt, the exodus, and the events that followed (Acts 7:36)(Ex 7:7).

Aaron died 40 years after the Israelites had left Egypt (Num 33:38).

Three different times in Judges, the land had rest for 40 years (Judg 3:11)(Judg 5:31)(Judg 8:28).

Eli judged Israel for 40 years (1 Sam 4:18).

Ishbosheth became king over Israel when he was 40 years old (2 Sam 2:10).

Three kings reigned for 40 years: David (1 Kin 2:11)(2 Sam 5:4-5), Solomon (1 Kin 11:42), and Joash (2 Chr 24:1)(2 Kin 12:1).
(Saul may also be a part of this group [Acts 13:21], but this is controversial [1 Sam 13:1].)

The 10 lavers in the Temple each held “40 baths” (about 230 gal.) of water (1 Kin 7:38).

The time period between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension was 40 days (Acts 1:3).

The book of Exodus has 40 chapters.

The average length of a woman’s pregnancy is 40 weeks.

In other denominations observance of Lent is the 40 days before easter (not counting Sundays).

So the meaning of trial, testing, or judgment could be aligned with the Omer as days of self spiritual preparation. A gap in time, a season of a divine pause?

As a point of reference today, most technical equipment and those with Remote Control units often have a pause or hold button that will suspend action, the motor, the motion.

Or to stop the DVD video and/or replay the one we are watching. It is convenient and on our time schedule then when we are ready we continue to fit in with our plans.

We are often put

on the phone, which can be frustrating while music is played.

The Omer is like a spiritual pause.

When the disciples were

on hold – ( בהשהייה ) –

because He had said to them –

wait – שְׁבוּ־ – šə·ḇū- 

in Jerusalem

after the 49 days of the Omer, it was Shavuot and the Ruach HaKodesh came.

Then the pause was removed and the command to

go – לְכ֣וּ –lə-ḵū

replaced the command to . 

wait – שְׁבוּ־ – šə·ḇū- .

It was set in as an appointed time of preparation and an Annual rehearsal for all the generations prior to Messiah appearance.

This was a very long divine pause/gap, from it’s initiation and institution at Sinai to its fulfillment in Jerusalem. God’s timing and ways and thoughts are not like our human ones.

We often forget that after His resurrection, first fruits; the risen Messiah was seen by many. Was He with His disciples for all of the 40 days, almost 6 weeks?

Was He still teaching them in His resurrected body?

The first written reference to the resurrection is in 1Cor 15:3-12; Here is context:

 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter/Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Read verse 6 again…..how many?

he appeared to Peter/Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

It is amazing that nowhere in the 4 gospels is there a record of an appearance to more than 500 brothers and sisters at one time. (The reference to brethren always included the women and children.)

The location where Yeshua/Jesus met with the disciples in the last chapter of Matthew was in Galilee on a mountain top. 

The particular mountain was not specified, although according to tradition there were two possible locations, Mt. Tabor and Mt. Hermon.

Mt. Tabor (above) is in the Jezreel Valley in southern Galilee.

Mt. Hermon in northern Galilee rises to over 9,000 feet above sea level.  Either location would have provided a safe place away from the watchful eyes of the authorities for a group of 500 or more subversive (rebel lions!) peasants to gather.

Interesting to note that the base of Mt Hermon was known as the gates of hell, because it was a pagan altar to Pan.

The followers of Yeshua/Jesus climbed the mountain and the risen Messiah appeared to them, and what did the disciples see? 

Our scripture doesn’t give us much of a clue, just one verse 17:  And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Why did some doubt? Whatever His followers saw that day must not have been totally convincing because this indicates that despite His appearance there was still some room for honest doubt, enough to be recorded.  Maybe some of them simply couldn’t believe their eyes and ears; even though Yeshua/Jesus appeared to them and spoke to them, still they doubted.

There is not much written in the Scriptures of what he taught them or did during that one month in 10 days.

However He was bridging the gap, the pause, as they counted the Omer to Shavuot/Pentecost.

Was He with them daily in Jerusalem as they met in the upper room?

We do know He was seen in Galilee.

On the morning of the Resurrection, the angel tells the women to tell the disciples that Messiah would go before them into Galilee.

“Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” (Mt 28:7)

After seeing the angel on their way to tell the men, the risen Messiah met them…

9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 28:10

We might think that it would be better to remain in Jerusalem. Obviously in the city, He would have more witnesses to the resurrection.

Why did Yeshua/Jesus chose Galilee?

Maybe because Galilee served every purpose that Jerusalem couldn’t!

It was a call to faith.

Yeshua/Jesus had been warning them, prophesying that He would be killed but would rise from the dead (Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:34, Luke 9:22).

This would be an act of faith for them to go to Galilee purposefully to meet Him there. They would of necessity have to believe the eye-witness testimony of the women who reported that they saw Yeshua/Jesus risen from the dead.

Furthermore, they would also have to believe that Yeshua/Jesus was really going to appear to them. The location away from Jerusalem, would help to separate them from that highly emotional environment which might be seen as a place where false identifications or hallucinations might proliferate.

Instead they had time to calm their emotions as they traveled the miles to Galilee because if they were really going to meet Yeshua/Jesus in Galilee it would be the real person and not be any mirage or trick.

Those who had made the pilgrimage for  Pesach/Passover would be returning home. A remote mountain in Galilee would be a good location to meet with His disciples without chance of interruption, because He wanted to show Himself openly to all His assembled disciples. The Jews would not have permitted them to assemble in Judæa. Another reason may have been that this location would allow Yeshua/Jesus to easily choose those who were to be witnesses of His resurrection.

We saw in a previous post that the Jews of that time believed that the soul of the departed hovered around the tomb for several days after death. If Yeshua/Jesus met the disciples in Galilee then there would be no suspicion that the post-resurrection appearances were of this kind. (Cf. Edersheim, Life, II, 631). Nobody could claim that the disciples only saw Yeshua/Jesus’ ghost hovering around His tomb.

This choice in location showed His wisdom because Galilee was home. He was well aware of the disciples emotional and psychological state. Just as the two on the Emmaus Road, they were broken and in despair, probably even frightened.

Judas had met a horrible end, Thomas was alone with his doubts and depression, many were confused.

His goal was to regroup them and help rebuild their faith, bringing the fulness of His shalom to their shattered hopes.

His choice of home is echoed in the prodigal sons return home and also today when young people mess up their lives and need to know some semblance of normality and hope, going back home is their best option. Here they will most likely find that security, love and a sense of belonging/family stability that they might live more safely among their own relations …

Yeshua/Jesus was aware that taking them back to Galilee would be a positive move because in Galilee, Yeshua/Jesus had preached, and performed very many miracles there.

This would help remind them of their time with Him, the miracles, casting out demons, healing the sick, preaching to the multitudes, the victories and the successes. Taking them out of the hostile environment of Jerusalem; which was a place of conflict, where the attacks of the Jewish leaders were relentless and it was the place of turmoil, suffering and death.

The meeting in Galilee would be a more calm and friendly place; which would make it easier for them to see their new apostolic calling: to take the gospel message of the kingdoms to the uttermost ends of the earth.

These may be some reasons why He chose Galilee, because He knew best and has always known what He is doing.

The most important question is, do we believe He knows what He is doing and will we trust Him?

He does not say they should not see Him before: for they saw Him – all but Thomas – that very evening. All of them saw Him eight days later; and both times were before they went into Galilee: but this He said, to put them in mind of what He had promised them, Matthew 26:32. Also to confirm the words of the angel; and which might serve for a confirmation of the truth of these things, both to the women, and to the disciples, when they observed the exact agreement between Jesus/Yeshua’s words, and those of the angel.

Go tell my brethren;

This was significant in that He was meaning those who were not His kinsmen according to the flesh, but His disciples, who were in this relation to Him, as all the elect of God are.

Not only through His incarnation, He being their “Goel”, their near kinsman, and Redeemer, and of the same nature, flesh, and blood with them, and like unto them in all things, excepting sin. This was rather on account of their divine adoption, to which they were predestinated, and which they received through His redemption, and under the witness of the Ruach:

“And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brothers! his disciples For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:49,50

The disciples stood in an unique relationship to Messiah, who is the eternal Son of God, and heir of all things; and that relationship was in Him now He was raised from the dead, and had all glory given to Him. Here He declared this relationship, even when they had so recently forsaken Him;

Go, tell my brethren indicates His continued affection for them and their fellowship with Him in His glory.

It gives rise to the question did he visit His mother and brothers and sisters?? We know in 1Cor 15:7 Then he appeared to James,

But no reference to the family.

Mount of Olives –

A place of goings and comings.

Jesus/Yeshua explains that God has given Him all authority in heaven and on earth. “Go, therefore,” Jesus urges them, “and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” Matt 28:18-20.

While the disciples are still in Galilee, Jesus/Yeshua directs them to return to Jerusalem. When meeting with them in the city, He says: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but keep waiting for what the Father has promised, about which you heard from me; for John, indeed, baptized with water, but you will be baptized with holy spirit not many days after this.”​—Acts 1:4, 5. exactly 10 more days after His Ascension.

Later Jesus meets again with his apostles. He leads “them out as far as Bethany,” which is on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. (Luke 24:50)

The apostles are on the Mount of Olives with the resurrected Messiah when He begins to rise heavenward.

Soon a cloud obscures him from their sight. After His resurrection, Messiah had materialized a supernatural fleshly body. But now He dematerializes the body He used on this occasion, and He ascends to heaven ‘bodily’ as a spirit creature. (1 Cor. 15:44, 50;1 Peter 3:18)

As the faithful apostles are gazing after him, “two men in white garments” appear beside them. These are materialized angels, who ask:

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?

This Jesus who was taken up from you into the sky will come in the same manner as you have seen him going into the sky.”​ 

Acts 1:10, 11.

Yeshua/Jesus left the earth without a huge public display, His faithful followers being the only observers.

Does this indicate that He will return “in the same manner”​—without public fanfare, with only his faithful followers discerning his presence in Kingdom power?

Like the thief in the night? It’s the second coming that every eye shall see Him not when He comes for His Bride/Challah.

On the top of the mount of Olives are the Church of the Ascension and the Chapel of the Ascension, both claiming to be the spot from where Jesus ascended to heaven.

The Chapel of the Ascension is actually neither a chapel nor a church but a mosque run by Muslims and a myth was made up about finding on the two footprints, which they said were made when Jesus pressed into the earth before leaping into the air.

A building was built over it and Muslim men who concede that they are Muslim only when directly questioned, charge an entrance fee to unsuspecting Christians under a sign that labels their mosque, “CHAPEL OF THE ASCENSION.

What does the Bible say about the spot from which Yeshua/Jesus ascended to heaven?

The Bible simply says that it was on the “mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.” 

Worth noting that “a Sabbath day’s journey” isn’t the distance to be covered by walking for a day. It is a specific distance of 2,000 cubits, equal to 3,000 feet, 1,000 yards or 914.4 metres.

So the location of Jesus’ ascension could be anywhere on the Mount of Olives, which is a mountain ridge that runs about 1,000 yards east of Jerusalem.

Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?

This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. (Acts 1:6-12)

It seems as if we really are in a divine Gap/ Pause that has lasted over 2000 years! They all thought, including Paul, that His return was imminent.

God’s pauses are longer than ours; many of His gaps are extended beyond our life times and even generations.

We are still

on hold

since the time of Jesus/Yeshua reading in the synagogue from the scroll of Isaiah.

When He paused, at 61:2 saying, today this is fulfilled in your hearing.

He rolled up the scroll never finished the portion….

At the end of this divine gap when the pause is removed, the heavens themselves will roll up like a scroll as the rest of the verse will be fulfilled.

Is His second coming connected in some way to Shavuot/Pentecost feast?… maybe?

What we do know is He is returning for His bride – כַּלָה – kallah

Phonetic Spelling: (kal-law’) Strongs 3618

we are to be ready looking for Him.

Our prime focus must be on being spiritually prepared. which is the message of the parable of the 10 virgins. Having our oil lamps filled. The Shavuot promise was completed; the oil, the spirit, the ruach was poured out. Be-being filled, we cannot afford to relax spiritually. We know not the day or the hour and when we least expect Him…..He will come.

The signs of the times, of the return of the King listed in Matthew and Luke, are all around us and are increasing.

The long gap almost complete?

Is the pause button on the age of grace, the times of the Gentiles being fulfilled and coming to an end?

In an hour we think not …. are we ready?

 

Completion…. Is the prophetic scripture in Isaiah 61 verse 3 about to resume?

The only reason the end of the age has gone on so long is due to the patience of God. Our heavenly father is waiting for the precious fruit of the earth James 5:7

Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently until it receives the early and latter rain. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain.

Any unripe and premature fruit are bitter and hard, that’s exactly what James was referring to when he spoke of waiting for the precious fruit of the earth; except the fruit he spoke of was people. He is waiting for the ‘precious fruit of the earth.’

In the same way as a farmer patiently waits for the early and later rains to fall and for the harvest to ripen and be reaped, Yeshua/Jesus wants us to understand that He is waiting for ‘precious fruit.’ Every man, woman and child is precious to the Lord.

God’s promises are for us personally, but they are also for everyone who will believe. Because of this, God delays what all believers long for.

God is not slow, but patient.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God is not limited by hours in a day or by the number of days in a year. 2 Peter 3:8 says that to God, “A day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day.”

It is a beyond human patience – it’s the long suffering, compassionate love of a parent waiting for the child to grow up and do what they know to do. To fall in line with the program and stop being wayward children doing their own thing.

It’s time for us to grow up into the fullness of the likeness of the Son He said for us to emulate and until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.

Hebrews 6:1; Ephesians 4:13-15,

It’s time to make our heavenly father smile, as we wait eagerly watching for His return; for the pause is coming to an end and the end of Is. 61:1  and verse 2 is about to begin

And all through to verse 11… righteousness and praise will spring forth before all the nations.

Isaiah 53:6. We all like sheep have gone astray.

Isaiah 56:6 seek the Lord while he may be found call while he is near

The day of vengeance of our God to comfort all who mourn Matthew 5:4

he will give beauty for ashes and oil of joy for mourning

The garment the prayer shawl/tallit, of praise instead of the spirit of infirmity.

This word in Strongs 3544 in Hebrew is KEHEH – כֵּהֶה

Phonetic Spelling: (kay-heh’)

that truly means to be pale, dull, faint or dim is used as an expression for feeling weak, sickly, so they could be called Oaks of righteousness the planting of the Lord so he would be glorified.

(They are called Oaks, as the opposite of weak and sickly.)

Luke 4:18, 19

 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

The spirit of the Lord is upon me to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor……..

There He stopped and declared it was fulfilled in their hearing.

Indicating that He was the substance of which the ritual had been merely a type foreshadowing His Coming.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me “The Spirit of Jehovah is upon me” – The Septuagint, Vulgate, and St. Luke, ( Luke 4:18;), and a MS., and two old editions omit the word אדני Adonai, the Lord; which was probably added to the text through the superstition of the Jews, to prevent the pronunciation of the word יהוה Jehovah following.

The following is yet to be completed…

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Ver. 3. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion. Isaiah 61:4-11 King James Version (KJV)

4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

8 For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.

10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

While we wait and we are on HOLD…

So it would seem we are in a divine

 The anniversary of Messiahs Ascension has passed once again and the Gap to Shavuot is closing fast. One of these days the pause button will be released and the play will continue to the fulfillment of the end of this age.

What remains for us, is to be clothed in the armor of light and look up.. for our redemption draws nigh.

Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). Rom.13:11

And He is NOT slack concerning His promises…

Shalom shalom…

Please don’t leave this site without knowing you are saved and assured that you belong to Him; with a deep conviction that you know where you will go, when your body can no longer sustain you in this realm. 

Make certain Jesus is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him. 

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

Its all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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

Sapphire – Ten Sayings – Part 2 – and a Rebel Lion?

Sapphire from a word in the French language, which in turn comes from a Latin word, this comes from a Greek word which originates in an ancient Hebrew word  סַפִּיר  SAPPIR. sap-peer’ Strongs 5601.

The root of the Hebrew word is SAPHAR and it means:

to speak,

to tell,

to declare.

So it would follow that if the tablets were made of sapphire (SAPPIR) they declared the Word of the Lord, the content of His covenant in their meaning –

they spoke, told, and declared.

EX 24:10 work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body

כְּמַעֲשֵׂה֙ לִבְנַ֣ת הַסַּפִּ֔יר וּכְעֶ֥צֶם  הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם .

 

His Word is the most precious stone above any jewel and here every Word of God is a sapphire and a spoken one, declaring His love and commitment to His people. Every Word of His is a priceless treasure, a saphar. The Word is a Jewel – a sapphir – Yeshua was the Word made flesh.

He is the precious stone beyond all price.

He SPOKE,

and DECLARED the word of Lord,

He came to TELL us the good news of the renewed covenant.

We in turn are sapphires for Him,

speaking, declaring and telling of His love. 

Isaiah 62:3 – Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Zechariah 9:16-17 – And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they [shall be as] the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

One day we will be jewels in His crown.

So much of the, beyond earthly phenomena, concerning the things of the Lord cannot be comprehended by our finite minds. These constructs are outside of our normal thinking.

The tablets were said to contain the whole of the law, which sounds ridiculous and yet, even 50 years ago, no one would have believed, or imagined a computer, that could fit in your pocket, (mobile cell phone). Equipped with massive storage capacity and worldwide access to infinite information at our fingertips!

In a recent article above.  Did these Sapphires come from heaven???

The question to ponder is.. The Word says John 1:3  that nothing was made without Him..

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made;

..therefore, technology is not superior to God and He must be the originator of it. Think of Elijahs ‘chariot of fire’ and Ezekiel’s wheels within wheels.

The Ancient Of Days, the Glory Of God, appears to the Prophet Ezekiel. He Sees Messiach Yeshua ( Messiah Jesus ), “the likeness of a Man above, upon a throne, which had the likeness of a Sapphire stone“.

This glorious unfolding open vision of God’s extreme glory was revealed to the Prophet, before sending him to the rebellious house of Israel.

There are many instances where biblical events could be understood as possible references to ‘technology’, as we understand and how we would describe it today. These things are not a surprise to God!

Isn’t it interesting that we call the hand-held-portable ones ‘tablets’!

Today technical specialists are working with crystalline materials. Crystals have magnetic properties, which enable them to retain much information. Granite and many other stones have a similar structure. (Magnets and magnetic properties are used in all computers and data storage components, even back to the reel to reel tape and compact cassette.)

Clear crystal and blue sapphire are also among the foundations of the New Jerusalem.

Apparently the first set of tablets that were smashed were kept and placed in a second ark/box and stored beside the main ark of the covenant.

Were the 2nd set also cut from the sapphire throne?

How did he engrave them?

Hammer and chisel?

These were forbidden, so sometime we have to go to the world of legends to find the revelation of truth. 

The sages of the Hebrews puzzled long over the apparent difficulty of building the grandeur of the temple of Solomon without the known building tools of the iron chisel and hammer. Yet the very use of these instruments was forbidden by the Lord of hosts.

“In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.” 1 Kings 6:7

There is also a reference in the ancient writings to a worm called a Shamir.

This is not the only time that worms are used for God’s purposes.

Click below

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-secret-of-how-a-worm-preached-the-gospel/

Another reference to sapphire stone is in Exodus 28:15

Sapphire was one of the precious stones set in the high priest’s “breastplate of judgment”.

So there are several references where sapphire is connected to both rebellion and judgment. 

Below are some possible options of how the engraving was done in both cases.

Whereas the Talmudic traditions, such as the BT Sotah 48:B, suggest that the gemstones were set in the breastplate while ‘in the fullness’ it appears that the faceting and size of these stones appear to be uniform and equal. 

According to tradition the incredible stone cutting Shamir worm was rediscovered by Solomon who learned of this amazing little worm, no bigger than the grain of barley that could cut through any stone on earth. It was better than the sharpest iron instrument known. 

Solomon learned that Moses also used this ‘worm’ in order to engrave the ten commandments on the stone that Yahweh had entrusted to him. Again according to tradition, since that day, the ‘worm’ was kept in the custody of the demon Ashmedai, the Prince of the Sea, who in turn kept it in the safe custody of the hoopoe bird (or woodcock). 

In the Mishnah Avot 5:6, the Shamir was created on the sixth day of creation and was given to the hoopoe-bird (woodcock) who kept it in her custody throughout the ages in the Garden of Eden.  This marvelous bird would on occasion take this worm and carry it across the earth, carrying it tightly in her beak, letting it down only to create a fissure on a desolate mountain peak so that the seeds of plants and trees could sprout and provide her food.

When the Israelites were camped near Mount Horeb/Sinai, the Lord brought the Shamir and gave it to Bezalel, בְּצַלְאֵל, to engrave the names of the twelve tribes on the twelve stones of the breastplate of the high priest, Aaron.  Then the Lord gave it back to the custody of the hoopoe-bird.  Here she kept it in a leaden box, with fresh barley, wrapped in a woolen cloth.  That is until Solomon needed it to build the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem.  Since that day, the Shamir has been lost.

Of course, most Talmudic arguments were debated during the Roman imperial rule. In Latin, the Shamir was known as smiris corundum, the substance of sapphires and rubies and the hardest known gem next to the diamond.  The substance of legends has a kernel of truth and now we know the ‘rest of the story’. 

The process of engraving by the shamir included a special method of splitting the gemstones open but at the same time not missing any part of the stone. 

Maybe within the hoard of the treasures of Solomon’s temple, we will find evidence of the technological sophistication, such as diamond drills, diamond and corundum bit saws that scholars have long felt did not exist in the 11th century BCE. 

The Ancient Solar Premise is another suggested option:

Archimedes and the burning mirror.

The premise embraces ancient cultures from all over the world. It shows how they all used potent mirrors to turn stone to glass, vaporize metals and win wars.

When this tool is combined with the operation of the world’s iconic pyramids, shrines and stone circles, a paradigm shift is forced. The picture below shows an intense dynamic tube of energy.

The power has been made as high as 15MW/sqm with this method. This easily splits or melts just about any stone.

Is this the fabled ‘Shamir worm’ mentioned in the Old Testament? It is certainly capable of delivering many of the results associated with the Shamir.

For further research, there are photos online of the results of using the devices and videos showing this technology actually in use.

What was the finger of God?

Does He have fingers like us.. as Yeshua/Jesus had?

Could it have been some form of laser? God is not human form or He could not be omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent.

According to 1 John 1:5; He is Light, Light is energy. He has lightning proceeding from the place of His presence/His throne.

Lightning is plasma energy, electric emanations.

People often say the touch of God’s power to heal and restore feels like a tingling sensation; similar to electricity flowing through the body, and also many times like heat.

Heat is energy… think solar…

Ever touched something and got a shock from it? Static electricity will even make your hair stand on end!

Luke 11:20 says But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you

The finger of God is Ruach HaKodesh.

We are electric beings in an electro-magnetic universe!

How does one restart a heart that has arrested?

We send a strong electric current through it!

Our brains are computers and neurons continually fire across the synapses with electrical current sending information to the rest of the body……

The 1st broken set of tablets is somewhere…. And maybe will be revealed in Gods perfect time, together with the ark of the covenant that was hidden by Josiah.

In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah of Judah ordered the caretakers of the Ark of the Covenant to return it to the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 35:1-6; cf. 2 Kings 23:21-23).

Tradition says that the Ark was hidden by Josiah (Mishna, Shekal 6:1–2; Talmud: Yoma 52b, 53b–54a; Horayoth 12a).4 Irrespective of this and despite the two preceding accounts regarding Ethiopia and Tannis, the Ark appears again in the biblical narrative when King Josiah ordered the return of the Ark of the Covenant to the temple.  the Ark had to have been hidden between the 18th year of Josiah, (when we are told he had it taken to Solomon’s temple), and 35 years later, when the temple was destroyed; it was NOT taken to Babylon, based on the information from the Scriptures which told what went to Babylon & what was returned).

 It was most likely hidden just prior to the destruction of the temple, when Jerusalem was surrounded by the Babylonian siege wall; and it was hidden somewhere within the confines of the city wall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian siege wall. The entire city AND the temple were destroyed in 586 BC by the Babylonians, so the Ark could have only escaped destruction or captivity by NOT being anywhere in the city.

The destruction of the 1st set was a consequence of rebellious behavior on the part of the people. A lack of patience gave way to taking things into their own hands and doing their own thing.

They had just exited Egypt and were still full of the worlds ways. They had been set free but were not fully delivered or renewed in mind. They assumed Moses was dead after almost 6 weeks had passed waiting in the desert and they became fearful of their future with no leader.

This rebellion at Shavuot when the covenant was given resulted in judgment and death 3000 perished.

Yeshua came to fulfill the law.

God’s instructions included the 7 Appointed times! Moses delivered it Messiah fulfilled it.

At the Shavuot of Pentecost when the Ruach HaKodesh, was given there was salvation – eternal life and it is recorded that 3000 were present. 3000 came to life, here fulfilling the statement, the letter kills but the spirit gives life.

The old and renewed covenant are joined together, both initiated on the same date.

The spirit given the same day as the law; because

the law can tell us the will of God

but only

the Spirit can give us the the power to live it.. and for it to be evidence in our lives of His indwelling presence.

Then, His presence was contained in a specially prepared vessel – an ark. In the second His presence contained in specially prepared vessels – believers who had counted the Omer of 50 preparation days.

The definition of a rebellion is a resistance against something, particularly the government, authority or other controlling forces.

Strongs 4784 marah: מָרָה

to be contentious or rebellious

Phonetic Spelling: (maw-raw’)

Strongs 4805 meri: מְרִי rebellion

Phonetic Spelling: (mer-ee’)

Strong’s Number: H4776  mĕrad מְרַד rebellion

Biblical Pronunciation: meh-RAHD

An example of a rebellion is a refusal by a large group of people to follow a law.

The Jews rebelled against the Roman rule of tyranny – so not all rebellion is wrong!

Rebellion, uprising, or insurrection is a refusal of obedience or order. It refers to the open resistance against the orders of an established authority.. A rebellion originates from a sentiment of indignation and disapproval of a situation and then manifests itself by the refusal to submit or to obey the authority responsible for this situation.

 It is action against those in authority, against the rules, or against normal and accepted ways of behaving.

If we look in Matt.23:1-12, at some of the comments and actions of Jesus/Yeshua in connection to the hypocrisy Pharisees and Sadducees and the then Sanhedrin who ruled over the people, He actually was ‘in rebellion,’ according to the dictionary definition, against their (man-made) laws.

However this rebellion, was a righteous stand against those who had perverted and twisted God’s original commandments.

The original rebellion against God was ha satan Satan personifies rebellion. It was Lucifer’s rebellious action that saw him tossed out of heaven and renamed Satan, Adversary:

How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! Isaiah 14:12

In referencing Satan’s fall from heaven Yeshua/Jesus said in

Luke 10:18 “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”.

The five “I will” statements made by Satan in Isaiah 14 each take a step toward God, with each new step being greater than the previous. Satan’s desire to “climb the ladder” and ascend to heaven may mean that his rebellion began on earth. He desired to raise his seat above that of all the other angels.

In chapter 3:7 John called the religious leaders..

Jesus/Yeshua said they were of their father the devil and pronounced Seven Woes Upon the Scribes and Pharisees, Matt. 23:13-36; John 8:44.

Only Matthew records this scathing denunciation of the Jewish religious leaders.

These woes, in contrast to the Beatitudes, denounce false religion as utterly abhorrent to God and worthy of severe condemnation. No passage in the Bible is more biting, more pointed, or more severe than this pronouncement of Messiah upon the Pharisees.

It is very significant that He singled them out, as opposed to the Sadducees, who were more liberal, and the Herodians, who were the politicians. The Pharisees, while attempting to honor the Word of God and manifesting an extreme form of religious observance, were actually the farthest away from God.

No wonder it was something to rebel and have a righteous revolution against!

His first condemnation, in 23:13, related to the fact that they did all they could to shut out others.

False religion and pretense are always the worst enemies of the truth and are far more dangerous than immorality or indifference.

As the religious leaders of the Jews, they were held guilty before God of blocking the way for others seeking to enter into the kingdom of God.

 Messiah’s condemnation of the Scribes and Pharisees pretensions, does not rule out reasonable recognition of authority in Israel or in the church, but obviously prohibits making this a goal in itself.

Instead, He held before them the desirability of one who ministers, and being a servant concluding,

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (v. 12).

His disciples were not to seek to be called ‘rabbi’, and were forbidden to use the word ‘father’, indiscriminately, even though Paul used ‘father’, correctly in 1 Corinthians 4:15, and John addressed fathers in 1 John 2: 13-14. The general teaching is clear.

They were not to seek man-exalting titles such as rabbi/teacher, father, or minister, in order to gain the recognition of men; they are not titles but descriptive of the functions of service. Disciples of Messiah are not to exalt themselves but should seek to serve others and leave the exalting to God Himself.

Yeshua/Jesus concluded with the seventh woe, in verse 29, in which He charged them with building tombs of the prophets and garnishing them with decorations and claiming that they would not be partakers with their fathers in martyring prophets.

Yeshua/Jesus called their very witness to account, that they were the children of those who killed the prophets, and He told them, in verse 32,

“Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.”

In other words, do what your fathers did and even do worse.

Yeshua/Jesus was, of course, referring to their intent to kill Him and to their later persecution of the church.

In the severest terms, in verse 33, Yeshua/Jesus addressed them,

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”

He described the Scribes and Pharisees as poisonous snakes, destined for terrible judgment which would be theirs in hell, specifically Gehenna, the place of eternal punishment.

So in this instance, the definition of a rebellion: being a resistance against something, particularly the government, authority or other controlling forces; and an example of a rebellion, is a refusal by a large group of people to follow a law… It would seem to be the correct word!

Furthermore, while looking at the word rebellion

itself and dividing it in two.. we get

REBEL LION!

Could it be said that Yeshua/Jesus was the Rebel Lion of the tribe of Judah!?

He came and reversed the curse and re-established our spiritual connection to our Heavenly Father.

It seems this rebel-lion was more of a revolution, an insurrection prior to the resurrection!

We need to rise up and become rebel lions, rebelling and standing against the antichrist system of the world and occupy till He comes. Even though the devil is the ‘god of this world’ and was able to offer it to Jesus/Yeshua, He refused and went to the cross; then He said  

but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Eph. 6:12  (KJV). For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

This is what we are to rebel against as we follow Him so we are to be rebel lions against all false teaching and the traditions of men that make the Word of God of no effect.

Let us become those Rebel Lions of the tribe of Judah and rise up in the TRUTH of His Word and His Luchot cut from Sappir, the Saphar – speaking, telling, declaring the victory – not by sight but by faith – Because…

we have been crucified with Christ, and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us. The life we now live in the body, we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Gal 2:20

Please don’t leave this page until you are no longer in

rebellion

towards The Father/Av or Messiah Jesus/Yeshua but make sure you are a

Rebel Lion of the Royal Tribe of Judah walking

on the stones of

heavenly fire – the paved work of sapphire.

Shalom Alecheim!

Please don’t leave this site without knowing you are saved and assured that you belong to Him; with a deep conviction that you know where you will go, when your body can no longer sustain you in this realm. 

Make certain Jesus is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him. 

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

Its all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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

 

Sapphire And 10 Sayings

At this date in God’s calendar we are over half way in the Omer count to Shavuot – Pentecost –

We normally associate this time with the giving of God’s Spirit by Ruach HaKodesh and the receiving of the Holy /Kadosh power of His presence into individual lives;

first by the disciples waiting in Jerusalem and since then to all believers ‘who so ever will’, ask and receive.

It’s the anniversary of the birth, genesis, the beginning of the called out – ecclesia; and also the anniversary of the Sinai covenant, together with the giving of Torah to Moses on the 2 stone Tablets engraved with the 10 commandments.

The ‘Aseret haDibrot -“Ten Commandments” to us, however, as it is written in the Hebrew scroll, it is not “The Ten Commandments” because The Torah calls it the “aseret ha-d’varim.”

In later rabbinic texts the collection is referred to as Aseret ha-Dibrot, Ten Sayings.

Both mean “ten statements,” or “ten utterances,” or “ten declarations,” but It is never referred to as the Aseret ha-Mitzvot, Ten Commandments.

On the 1st day of the month of Sivan, which was the third new moon since leaving Egypt, the children of Israel camped opposite Mt. Sinai. This was the same location where Moses had received his calling from the Lord with the burning bush.

Moses ascended the mountain and God commanded him to tell the leaders that if they would obey Him and keep His covenant, then they would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation unto Him. When Moses/Moshe conveyed this message to the people they agreed and responded saying, all that the Lord has spoken we shall do.

Moses went back up the mountain and was told to inform the people to sanctify themselves prior to the Lord descending on the mountain in three days time. Exactly 7 weeks after the exodus, (49 days); on the 6th of Sivan, which was the morning of the third day.

As the children of Israel waited at the foot of Mount Sinai the Lord descended in billows of smoke and fire accompanied with thunder, lightning and the loud blast of the shofar.

The Lord declared the foundation of moral conduct that He required of the people by giving them the 10 Commandments –

Aseret ha-Dibrot

Literally the 10 sayings, (a translation based on the paleo-Hebrew

and Archaic Hebrew)

The words d’varim and dibrot come from the Hebrew root Dalet-Beit-Reish, meaning: WORD, SPEAK or THING;

thus, the phrase is accurately translated as the Ten Sayings,

the Ten Statements,

the Ten Declarations,

the Ten Words

or even the Ten Things,

but not as the Ten Commandments, which would be Aseret ha-Mitzvot.

עשרת המצוות

Judaism teaches that the first tablet, containing the first five declarations, identifies duties regarding our relationship with G-d,

while the second tablet, containing the last five declarations, identifies duties regarding our relationship with other people.

There is an interesting account in the Jewish writings describing this event and according to this account, Sivan 6 was the morning of a Shabbat and the children of Israel were woken up by the loud thunder, only to see the smoky fire and lightning bolts surrounding Mount Sinai. It is recorded that the sound of the shofar continued to increase in volume until the people were completely terrified.

Moses told the Israelites to draw closer to the mountain and as they did the heavens were ripped open

and the entire mountain was uprooted and suspended in the air!

The dirt and rock of Mount Sinai were transformed into pure crystal, so much so, that the children of Israel were able to look up through the transparent layer. Then suddenly the voice of the Lord called out to the Israelites, ‘either you will accept the Torah or be buried here’. The Israelites cried out again in response:

Kol asher diber Adonai na’aseh.

All that the Lord speaks we shall do.

The Lord then spoke in a single utterance all 10 commandments at once.

The heavens and the earth trembled and rivers reversed their course.

After the people regained their composure, the Lord slowly repeated the list of the Commandments (mishpatim) beginning with the first one: I am the Lord thy God who took you out of Egypt. As the Lord began speaking the second commandment however, the people began falling back in fear that they would die in His presence and begged Moses to be the middleman or mediator before God.

So the people stood far off and Moses came alone into the thick darkness where God was.

Here is an opportunity for us to show how grateful we are that the Lord has provided us with a greater mediator than Moses to enter into the darkness where God is.

Jesus the Messiah/Yeshua the Mashiach is our high priest of the better renewed-covenant based on better promises. Hebrews 8:6. By means of His sacrificial work, we can now draw near to God without fearing His wrath. The third day of Moses at Mount Sinai meant death and fear for ancient Israel; but the third day of Yeshua at Moriah means life and love for all of Israel and all grafted in believers forevermore.

Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu together with 70 of the elders of Israel, 74 in total, ascended Mount Sinai to eat a meal with the Lord to confirm the covenant.

Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under his feet … a paved work of……[a] sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel he did not lay his hand. So they saw God, and they ate and [they] drank. Exodus 24:9

It is the same as our traditions today, after a wedding we eat a meal. From the ancient practice that after a covenant is sealed, you have a meal. Jesus/Yeshua sealed the re-new ed covenant in the upper room in the New Testament at the last seder/supper.

Here the elders experienced the magnificent glory of the God of Israel.

Under whose feet was a PAVEMENT of SAPPHIRES like the very heaven for clearness.

Ex. 24:9.10; Deut. 4:12; Ex. 33:20-23; Ez. 28:14.

 Other scripture that mention the sapphire stones and stones of fire:

Ezekiel 28:14-16 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC). 14 You were the anointed cherub that covers with overshadowing [wings], and I set you so. You were upon the holy mountain of God; you walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire

Mexican Fire Agates

[like the paved work of gleaming sapphire stone upon which the God of Israel walked on Mount Sinai].

 

The first foundation of the New Jerusalem is an emerald green crystalline hue, like jasper, with the Throne of God and the Almighty sitting upon it within its midst. The second foundation is the brilliant blue of sapphire, the same as the foundation below the throne of God, seen as the sea of glass, clear as crystal.

Sapphire refers to God’s chariot throne (Eze.1:26-28; 10:1). Without the refining work of the All-Consuming Fire (Job 23:10; Heb. 12:29) who sits on the sapphire throne; being a reality in believers’ lives, there is no throne room (intimate face-to-face) relationship like Moses had. This is where the fruit of perpetual righteousness, holiness – (set apartness), and truth is.

King James Version (KJV) … and as it were the body of heaven in his … that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire ..

Would there be any lasting, eternal ministry without the sapphire throne? The place under the feet of the God of Israel appeared to be paved with sapphire stone when heaven made contact with the earth. (Ex. 24:10). 

The figure upon this throne was the likeness of the glory of YHWH (Ezek. 1:28). Like the appearance of God to the elders of Israel, this too was God in the person of the Son. These two accounts of God appearing are of such a similarity that it is reasonable to conclude that the sapphire foundation and the sapphire throne are the same.

He saw Messiahs’ Throne as sapphire (blue). The firmament is a crystal floor extending out from Messiahs’ Throne that goes out into the vast Sea. It is the same color as the Fathers’ Throne.  Rev. 4:6; 15:2

Ezekiel 10:1, 20 was seeing the very same throne where Yeshua/Jesus is enthroned as the Lamb of God; which John saw concerning the end of the world.  The same scene is recorded in Revelation 4:6-9

It was after returning from the mountain with the elders that the Lord commanded Moses to go back up to receive the tablets of stone,

luchot ha’even,

inscribed with the 10 Commandments as well as other additional instruction and commandments of Torah which Moses had to learn plus the instructions for building the mishkan/tabernacle in which the presence of God would dwell in the ark along with the luchot.

   (Mitzvoth מצוות)

These were written by God Himself.

Ex 24: 12-18 verse 12 which I have written

KJV: and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone,

HEB: לְךָ֜ אֶת־ לֻחֹ֣ת הָאֶ֗בֶן וְהַתּוֹרָה֙

Tablets in Hebrew – LuChot – Strongs 3871 luach לוּח (loo’-akh) – a tablet, board or plank, a plate.

Or luach {loo’-akh}; from a primitive root; probably meaning:

TO GLISTEN;

a tablet (as polished), of stone,

wood or metal — board, plate, table.

 In traditional Jewish sources, the size and shape of the Luchot are derived in the Talmud based on the dimensions of the Ark.

   – written by the finger of God. Ex 31:18

The words were written in a new and very unique texts, we might call it heavenly texts, by the fingers of the Almighty. The letters were in use for some time until they were changed and later replaced by the present Hebrew texts, although the names of the letters remained.

The image below are the ten commandments in Exodus in the present Hebrew texts equally divided in two tablets.

 

Again according to ancient Hebrew Jewish texts, the tablets of stone were made of blue sapphire as a symbol of the heavens and God’s throne and written by the finger of God.

The Hebrew letters were said to be bored fully through the stone; (Ex 32:15) Which was a miracle since the inner part of some of the Hebrew letters e.g. the letter Samekh and the final Mem, floated in place.

Even more remarkable was that even though the letters were bored fully through the stone, both sides appeared normal, meaning, that the back of the tablet looked exactly the same as the front. (Shabbos 104a)

These were the tablets that were destroyed as Moses came down the mountain to find them worshiping the golden calf.

Later Moses was told to prepare a new set of tablets and once again go up the mountain where God would graciously reinstate His covenant with the children of Israel. He was followed by Joshua who remained at the base of the mountain; Moses re-ascended the mountain of God, which was still covered by a shining cloud of fire.

The ancient texts note these events: on the 6th Sivan Moses went up onto the mountain. On the 17th of Tammuz the tablets were broken, this was the first 40 days he was on the mountain.

On the 18th Moses burned the golden calf and judged those who were involved.

On the 19th he went up for 40 days and pleaded for mercy this was the 2nd 40 days.

On the 1st of Elul, He went up to receive the 2nd set of tablets and was there for 40 days. This was the 3rd forty days.

On the 10th of Tishri, God wholeheartedly restored His goodwill with the children of Israel and told Moses, I have forgiven as you asked and gave him the second tablets.

Understanding the timing of these events as explained in their tradition.

Festival of Pentecost celebrated as the giving of Torah

The 17th of Tammuz is observed as a time of national tragedy.

The month of Elul is a time of appeals for forgiveness, called selichot.

The 10th of Tishri marks the day of Atonement.

Some thoughts on this amazing scene:

Did the 70 elders see the sapphire throne of the place of His presence? Probably, as they were standing on it.

Where did the Luchot come from?

Did God cut them from the sapphire of His throne?

Exodus 24:12

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and [the] commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.”

The literal rendering in the Hebrew reads:

…I will give you tablets of THE STONE…

that’s the definite article. 

What stone is this referring to? The only other stone, that’s mentioned, is in verse 10 being the sapphire stone that His throne (the place of His presence) is made of. It sounds probable that the Ten Commandments were carved out of that blue sapphire stone that makes up God’s standing platform and throne. And in Exodus 32:16 Now the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God engraved on tablets. not only did God write it — God made those tablets.

Worth a mention here is Numbers 15: 37-39 “Speak to the children of Israel: [and] tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a BLUE thread in the tassels of the corners… And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them… that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, and that you may remember and do all my commandments, and be holy for [I am] your God. I am the Lord … God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt…

Why would BLUE in the tassels/zitzit of the prayer shawl/tallit, remind them of the commandments?

Could it be because the commandments were written on … BLUE… sapphire … stone?

https://www.minimannamoments.com/mysterious-secret-of-the-hilazon/

Also in Ex.28:31 “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue.” For Aaron and his sons to wear as the priests.

Taken from the official historical document, Legends of the Jews, Volume 3 by Louis Ginzberg, page 118 and 119 “Moses departed from the heavens with the two tables on which the Ten Commandments were engraved and they were made of a sapphire-like stone.” “Ancient Jewish scholars state that the sapphire employed for the tables was taken from the throne of Glory.”

The law was placed in the ark.

The ark is a symbol of the throne of God.

And between those two angels was the mercy seat.

Above the mercy seat the Shechinah Glory — which represented the very presence of God Himself, so here, in the most holy place of the sanctuary is the mercy seat, the throne, and what’s under the throne? …the tablets of stone made out of blue sapphire cut from the very throne of God!

…to be continued..

Shalom shalom!

Please don’t leave this site without knowing you are saved and assured that you belong to Him; with a deep conviction that you know where you will go, when your body can no longer sustain you in this realm. 

Make certain Jesus is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him. 

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

Its all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

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

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