What does the children of Israels’ journey through the wilderness to the promised land have to do with us?
The story of the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness is one of the most well-known and powerful stories in the Bible. According to Exodus, after being led out of Egypt by Moses, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness before finally reaching the Promised Land. But have you ever wondered exactly where they traveled during this time?
The places where they stopped and the names of those places all had a purpose and a meaning. Our walk/ halakah is our journey along the Way/derek from our exodus /deliverance from the worlds systems and a sinful life; to our entering into the promised land of the heavens and eternal presence of our Heavenly Father.
We too go through places on our journey that have both purpose and meaning, and they affect our walk/halakah as we go along the way/Derek. Our Heavenly Father is pointing out things we need to change, adjust, stop doing and start doing in our lives. Their journey is our journey. Many new believers are told that their troubles are over now they have accepted Messiah as Savior, Lord and King. It is unfortunately a wrong picture and then people get upset and fall away when things do not seem to go well for them. We need to see and understand the reality of what following Christ/Messiah is all about. Studying what happened to the children of Israel will help us to identify many of our own struggles tests and trials; and what we need to know and do to be victorious both in our own shortcomings, and when the enemy attacks us.
All of us will go through a series of experiences in life which are individually designed to test our faith in our Heavenly Fathers provision and protection; and to train us in obedience, humility, perseverance and faithfulness to the commandments of our Lord and Savior Messiah Yeshua/Jesus Christ.
For the children of Israel it was a long 40 years in the wilderness. This was not a quick ‘road trip’. The account of their journey can be found in Bamidbar/Numbers 33:1 – 36:13. There are 42 camping locations listed in these chapters. Some of the locations are given different names, so as not to be as harsh of a reminder of the rebellious incidents that took place there. The children of Israel did enjoy some extended periods of rest in the 42 camping locations.
Numbers 33 lists the 42 geographical markers and 12 stops from Israels starting point of Rameses, to their final encampment at the Yarden/Jordan. Divided into 3 sections the path of the exodus includes 12 stops from Rameses to the Sinai wilderness; vs 5-15. 21 stops from Sinai to Kadesh, vs 16-36; and 9 stops from Kadesh to Mo’av, vs 37-39.
Before the spies returned with an evil report, there were 14 locations and there were 8 locations where they camped after Aarons death in the 40th year. This leaves only 20 camping locations during the 38 middle years.
This indicates that on average they only travelled from one location to the next about every 2 years and the places where they camped were not cities that can be found today. However the question remains, why did the Lord God have Moses record all the names? They were written to the last generation that came out of Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb lived to enter the promised land. The number of camping locations, 42, is also the number of months in Revelation pointing to times of tribulation. Is this a prophetic message to the final generation alive during the culmination of the ages? Is it written for those who will understand that this is to show them that the Egyptian exodus which followed the first Passsover/Pesach was a type and shadow of the greater exodus to come when the Messiah returns?
Numbers 33:1-4 it began as the children of Israel left Egypt
These are the journeys of the children of Israel.
Verse 2. And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord: and these are their journeys according to their goings out.
It is significant that reversal of the words in the same sentence may be pointing to that future exodus; it also expresses these events from both our Heavenly Fathers perspective and from mans perspective.
We tend to look at a journey in terms of it as being physically going to some place, and we usually feel that the quicker we get there the better. Many times we are impatient because it seems to be taking too long, and we would like it much better if the Lord would just take us quickly to where we going.
Our Heavenly Father doesn’t see us going on a journey in terms of simply arriving at a destination, but rather as the process of our maturing through the experience. In all our journeys we learn to trust in Him, we learn to walk according to the still small voice, we learn not to complain, we learn that He will supply our needs, and we learn His Word and His Ways.
This process of learning to live a mature life in Messiah/Christ requires a long time, not because He can’t or won’t bring us there quicker; but because we learn so slowly and His process is according to His precepts in His Word, that of line upon line precept upon precept. Is. 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
It is when we are under pressure that our true self is exposed, and it is reflected in the scripture as similar to the refining of silver, when it is heated then all the impurities come to the top for removal. The refiner’s fire is a biblical metaphor for God’s process of purifying and testing His people through trials and challenges.Malachi 3:2-4; Is 48:10; 1Peter 1:7; Prov 17:3.
This refining is what is required for us to see and deal with the flaws in our character and is the reason we have trials in our lives, they are for our ultimate good, for a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
An expected end; rather, a future and a hope;
Because there are so many places, and to see what we can learn from them, this study will be divided into several posts. There are many teachings on wilderness experiences and we often wonder what that means, and why we must go through this desert wilderness season if Messiah did it all for us. There are always two positions to every relationship, our Heavenly Father, His Messiah and Holy Spirit have already done their part for us; now we are to do ours and walk in the way that has been provided by following His lead… Let’s begin our journey…
They left Egypt מִצְרַ֖יִם misrayim.
Strongs #4714
In terms of scriptural symbolism, Egypt is a type of the world and the worlds systems of government and cultures. Here the Hebrew children of Israel were slaves to that system, they were in bondage and had no freedom to live their own lives on their own terms. Many of the corrupt worlds systems today keep their citizens in a life of bondage under laws, rules and regulations.
1John 5:9 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. The Bible declares Satan as the prince of this world three times, indicating his influence and opposition to God. “ruler of this world” in John 12:31
Although some lists begin with Sukkot, the first place mentioned as part of their exodus is Rameses or Raamses. It refers to a city in ancient Egypt that is mentioned in the context of the Israelites’ enslavement and subsequent exodus. It is one of the store cities built by the Israelites during their bondage in Egypt.
Original Word: רַעְמְסֵס Part of Speech: Proper Name Location Transliteration: Raamses or Rameses Pronunciation: rah-am-SEHS Phonetic Spelling: (rah-mes-ace’)
Derived from Egyptian origins, likely from the name of the Pharaohs, particularly Rameses II. Cultural and Historical Background: Raamses is historically significant as it is associated with the period of Israelite slavery in Egypt. The city is believed to have been a major urban center during the New Kingdom period of Egypt, particularly under the reign of Pharaoh Rameses II. It served as a storage city, which aligns with the biblical narrative of the Israelites being forced into labor to build such cities for the Egyptians.
They left Egypt, however there were several places before they reached the red sea the first recorded place in verse 5-6 they arrived in sukkot בְּסֻכֹּֽת
Strongs # 5523 Sukkoth: Sukkoth
Original Word: סֻכּוֹת Part of Speech: Noun Transliteration: Sukkoth Pronunciation: Sook-koth Phonetic Spelling: (sook-kohth’)
Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew root סֻכָּה (sukkah), meaning “booth” or “temporary shelter.”
Sukkoth refers to a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically a place of encampment for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. It is also the name of a city east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gad, known for its connection to the account of Gideon.
Cultural and Historical Background: The term “Sukkoth” is closely related to the Hebrew festival of Sukkot, which commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and their reliance on God’s provision. The festival involves dwelling for a week in temporary shelters, or booths, as a reminder of the transient nature of life and God’s protection. Historically, Sukkoth as a location served as a significant waypoint during the Israelites’ exodus and later as a city in the tribal allotment of Gad. It is significant that it was the first place they camped as it is still celebrated today remembering the promise was partially fulfilled when Yeshua came and dwelt with His people for a short time and left His Holy Spirit with us until the appointed time of future fulfillment when the Lord will sukkot/ dwell with His people forever. In our journey we are to remember His promise that He is with us always and from the very genesis of our new life in Him the covenant is in effect and He will never break either His covenant or His promises.
Then they moved on to Etham.
Strongs # 864
Verse 6 went 3 days in the wilderness of Etham
Ex. 13:20. So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.
Original Word: אֵתָם Part of Speech: Proper Name Location Transliteration: Etham Pronunciation: ay-THAM Phonetic Spelling: (ay-thawm’) Definition: Etham Meaning: Etham
Derived from the Hebrew root אֵת (eth), meaning “with” or “near.”
Etham is traditionally understood to be located near the edge of the wilderness, possibly in the north eastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. The exact location is not definitively known, but it is considered to be a significant waypoint in the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The mention of Etham highlights the transitional phase of the Israelites moving from the known world of Egypt into the unknown wilderness, relying on God’s guidance. This is a step of faith walking forward into the unknown the transition for us from the way of the world from what was familiar and all we had known prior to being born again from above and leaving everything we were confident in behind. This is where we are to learn to trust in our Heavenly Fathers faithfulness because He already knows our needs and will supply them according to His riches in glory through Messiah.
Your Father knows what you need even before you ask.
Matthew 6:8.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
They turned back noted in 33:7.
and in Exodus 14:1-3
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’
Numbers 33:7-8 They moved from Etham and turned back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal Zephon; and they camped near Migdol.
They departed from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, went three days’ journey in the Wilderness of Etham, and camped at Marah.
First was pihahiroth
Strongs#6367 הַחִירֹ֔ת פִּ֣י
Pi Hachiroth: Pi Hachiroth
Original Word: פִּי הַחִירֹת Part of Speech: Proper Name Location Transliteration: Pi Hachiroth Pronunciation: pee hah-khee-roth Phonetic Spelling: (pee hah-khee-roth’) Definition: Pi Hachiroth Meaning: Pi-ha-Chiroth meaning mouth of the gorges.
Derived from Hebrew words:
פֶּה peh, meaning “mouth” or “opening”
and
חִירֹת chiroth, possibly related to “gorges” or “canals”
There is no direct Greek equivalent for Pi Hachiroth in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary, as it is a specific Hebrew place name. However, related concepts of “crossing” or “passage” might be linked to Greek terms used in the New Testament for similar events or ideas.
Pi Hachiroth is a geographical location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the context of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. The name is often interpreted to mean “mouth of the gorges” or “opening of the canals,” suggesting a place near water or narrow passages.
Pi Hachiroth is significant in the biblical narrative as one of the last encampments of the Israelites before they crossed the Red Sea. It is described as being located between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon. The exact location of Pi Hachiroth is uncertain, but it is traditionally thought to be in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, near the Gulf of Suez. This area was part of the route taken by the Israelites during their escape from Egyptian bondage, a pivotal event in Jewish history.
The meaning of a mouth or opening in the gorge or narrow passage is significant to believers today, in that our Heavenly Father will always make a way where there seems to be no way forward. Isaiah 43:19 – He will make a way where there is no way. ‘ Again it is written so He will watch over His Word to perform it. When we have to go through hard times and when circumstances are pressing in on us like walls, there is hope ahead, an opening full of light. Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
We know that God is light and Yeshua/Jesus said He is the light of the world; and most importantly the narrow passage, or Way, is the Way of Messiah and the Way of the righteous. Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” Matthew 7:13-14
Baal Tsephon צְפ֑וֹן bah’al tsefone. Baal Zephon
Baalzephon from Strongs #1168 and #6828
baalzephon צְפ֑וֹן
Baal Tsephon: Baal Zephon
Original Word: בַּעַל צְפֹן Part of Speech: Proper Name Location Transliteration: Baal Tsephon Pronunciation: bah’-al tseh-fone’ Phonetic Spelling: (bah’-al tsef-one’) Definition: Baal Zephon Meaning: Baal-Tsephon
Derived from בַּעַל (Baal, meaning “lord” or “master”) and צָפוֹן (Tsephon, meaning “north” or “hidden”)“Baal-Zephon literally means “Lord of the North,” pointing to the Ugaritic storm god Hadad, often called Baal in Ugaritic texts and the Bible. (Baal = lord + zephon = north.)
The name Zephon derives from Mount Zephon, or Jebel el-Aqra, which is 25 miles (40 km) north of Ugarit on the coastal border of present-day Syria and Turkey. The mountain Baal-Zephon is where Baal supposedly led the pantheon of Canaanite gods, and it came to signify the direction north for the Israelites (see Isa 14:13; Gen 13:14; Deut 3:27). Baal-Zephon was worshiped in Egypt at the cities of Memphis, Ras Qasrun, and Tahpanhes, likely due to Phoenician influence. Eissfeldt has shown that Baal-Zephon and the Graeco-Roman Zeus Casios are the same, and the Graeco-Roman deity came to be identified with the Canaanite one.” (LBD, Baal-Zephon)
The god Baal-zephon is mentioned in Ugaritic, Egyptian, and Phoenician writings as a sea and storm god.” (Tyndale Bible dictionary). It was later adopted as one of the deities in freemasonry.
There is no direct Greek equivalent for Baal Tsephon in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary, as it is a specific Hebrew place name.
Baal Tsephon refers to a location named after a deity, Baal, associated with the north or hidden places. In the biblical context, it is a geographical site near the Red Sea where the Israelites camped during the Exodus. The name Zephon derives from Mount Zephon. Baal-zephon is located at Mt. Tiran, which is 501 meters high. Mt. Tiran is located on Tiran Island, Saudi Arabia. Baal-zephon was a clearly visible marker across the Red Sea. The language of the Bible indicates it was on the opposite shore of the Red Sea: “camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it”. (Ex 14:2)
Baal Tsephon was likely named after a Canaanite or Egyptian deity, reflecting the syncretism prevalent in the ancient Near East. Baal was a common name for gods in the region, often associated with weather, fertility, and maritime activities. . Baal was also seen as a divine king, a warrior god. Also in the sense of cold, form of typhon the destroyer, baal of winter.
The location of Baal Tsephon was strategically significant, as it was near the Red Sea, serving as a landmark during the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. This was the place where the people of Israel appeared trapped and where they encamped before crossing the sea (Exod 14:2).
Scripture says that Israel came to a dead end at Etham, then God told them to turn back and retrace their steps and camp directly beside the “Migdol” in order for pharaoh to say, “Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you shall camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it, by the sea. “For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, ‘They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ “Thus I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.” Exodus 14:1-4
The significance for us, is that when we are saved and brought out of the world, where we were dead in our sins, now we are raised in newness of life in Christ/Messiah. Col. 2:13-15 13. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom. 6:4.
Ex. 33:6-8 They departed from Succoth and camped at Etham, which is on the edge of the wilderness. They moved from Etham and turned back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal Zephon; and they camped near Migdol.
8 And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.
8-10 after this the Lord parted the red sea.
Verse 15-17 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
Their travels led to the Red Sea/Reed Sea and their passing through the waters was symbolic of baptism. A cutting off from the old bondages and entering the new freedom.
Next was Migdol מִגְדֹּֽל 4024
towers a place in Egypt
Migdol: Migdol
Original Word: מִגְדּוֹל Part of Speech: noun masculine; proper name Transliteration: Migdol Pronunciation: MIG-dohl Phonetic Spelling: (mig-dole’)
Derived from the Hebrew root גָּדַל (gādal), meaning “to grow” or “to become great.”
There is no direct Greek equivalent for Migdol in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary, as it is a proper name specific to a location in the Hebrew Bible.
Migdol is a term used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a location, often translated as “tower” or “fortress.” It is used to denote a specific place in Egypt near the Red Sea, which played a significant role during the Exodus narrative.
Migdol was a strategic location in ancient Egypt, likely serving as a military outpost or watchtower. Its mention in the context of the Exodus suggests it was a landmark near the route taken by the Israelites as they fled from Pharaoh’s army. The name itself implies a place of strength and defense, fitting for a border location that would have been important for monitoring and controlling movement in and out of Egypt.
Being in the presence of the Lord is for us a place of strength and defense, Proverbs 18:10. This verse from the book of Proverbs states that the righteous can find safety and protection in the name of the LORD, which is also a strong tower. It compares the name of the Lord to a fortified tower that protects the righteous.
Ps. 62 :2 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
Ps. 94:22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
He is our Migdol, and His presence goes with us at all times when we stay close to Him and allow His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, we are literally walking with Him.
The scriptures continue telling us:
Numbers 33:7-9
They moved from Etham and turned back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal Zephon; and they camped near Migdol. They departed from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, went three days’ journey in the Wilderness of Etham, and camped at Marah.
…and pitched in Marah
Strongs #4785
Marah means: bitter, unpleasant, disobey, rebel, place in the desert.
Marah: To be rebellious, to be disobedient, to resist
Original Word: מָרָה Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine Transliteration: Marah Pronunciation: mah-RAH Phonetic Spelling: (maw-raw’) Definition: To be rebellious, to be disobedient, to resist
G544 (Apeitheo): To disobey, to be unbelieving
Also: G506 (Anupotaktos): Disobedient, unruly
The Hebrew verb “Marah” primarily conveys the idea of rebellion or disobedience, often in the context of defying authority or divine command. It is used to describe actions that are contrary to the will or instructions of God, indicating a deliberate choice to resist or oppose.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, obedience to authority, especially divine authority, was a fundamental aspect of societal and religious life. Rebellion against God was seen as a serious offense, often leading to consequences for individuals or communities. The concept of rebellion is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience was expected as a response to God’s covenantal promises and blessings.
We can become Marah when in our rebellion, disobedience and stubbornness, we decide to take matters into our own hands thinking we can resolve issues and do it better than the Lord can, and we are too impatient to wait on Him. We can also become marah, bitter, when things don’t work out as we want them and we blame others and become bitter and resentful and resist His instructions directions and correction.
The account in Exodus 15:23-26 is very significant because it is where the Hebrews began to complain and murmur against Moses when the water at Marah was bitter and they had nothing to drink. Here the Lord tested them and made a promise that if they would listen to His voice and be obedient then He would not bring on them any of the diseases that came on the Egyptians/the world, because He is the Lord our Healer.
23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” 25 And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, 26 saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His mitzvoth/commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”
become fresh (3), completely healed (1), heal (24), healed (22), healer (1), healing (2), heals (3), physician (1), physicians (4), purified (2), reappeared (1), repaired (2), take care (1).
Original Word: רָפָא Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: rapha Pronunciation: rah-fah’ Phonetic Spelling: (raw-faw’) Definition: To heal, to cure, to restore Meaning: to mend, to cure
This is a promise that we are to appropriate today…. He is the Lord our Healer. Jehovah-Rapha (more properly Yahweh-Rapha) means The Lord Who Heals.
Jehovah, which is derived from the Hebrew word Havah.
YHWH YEHOVEH: Behold, I will bring to it health and healing [u’ma’rapeh], and I will heal [u’rapha’tim] them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth.
רָפָא (rapha) — To heal, to cure, to restore. Usage: The Hebrew verb “rapha” primarily means “to heal” or “to restore to health.” It is used in the context of physical healing, emotional restoration
The Israelites believed that God was the ultimate healer, as reflected in His name Jehovah–Rapha, “The Lord who heals.
Isaiah prophesied in Is 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
And the fulfillment was declared in 1Peter 2:24 who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed.
When we walk in faithful obedience, keeping His commandments without bitterness, and not murmuring and complaining; these promises of healing, restoration and protection against diseases that afflict those in the world without Messiah are for us. We have to claim them for ourselves making the word of God personal to us; believing that He watches over His Word to accomplish what He sends it to do. In Jeremiah 1:12, the prophet tells us that the Lord promised to watch“over [His] word to perform it.”It will not return to Him void.
Obedience is the key to all of our Heavenly Fathers’ promises and if we love Him, we will be those obedient servants.
Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. Luke 12:37.
John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments
It’s all about who and what we love the most!
Next stop was
מֵאֵילִ֑ם
Elim: Elim 362
Original Word: אֵילִם Part of Speech: Proper Name Location Transliteration: Elim Pronunciation: AY-leem Phonetic Spelling: (ay-leem’) Definition: Elim Meaning: Elim
Derived from the Hebrew root אֵל (El), meaning “mighty” or “strong,” often used in reference to God or strength. Plural of strength in any form ( man oak tree etc)
While there is no direct Greek equivalent for Elim, the concept of an oasis or place of rest can be related to Greek terms like ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis, G372) meaning “rest” or “refreshment.”
Elim is a place name in the Hebrew Bible, specifically mentioned as a location where the Israelites camped during their exodus from Egypt. It is noted for its abundance of water and palm trees, providing a place of rest and refreshment for the Israelites after their journey through the desert.
In the context of the Exodus narrative, Elim represents a significant stop for the Israelites as they traveled from the Red Sea towards Mount Sinai.
The presence of twelve springs and seventy palm trees at Elim (Exodus 15:27) symbolizes divine provision and abundance of both food and life-giving water, contrasting with the harsh conditions of the surrounding wilderness. This oasis would have been a crucial respite for the weary travelers, offering both physical sustenance and a reminder of God’s care and provision always in the perfect time. It is significant of the life-giving water God provides in dry places (see Isaiah 41:17-18; Isaiah 35:6-7; Revelation 22:1-2). It signifies the spiritual cleansing and regeneration found in Christ.
It was an oasis with plenty of water – 12 springs and 70 palm trees indicate a well-watered location a picture of refreshment and blessing.
The 12 springs may symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel being refreshed and sustained after a long journey through the desert.
The 70 palm trees provided shade and dates as a food source for the Israelites. The palm trees at Elim are reminiscent of palm branches as a symbol of celebration, victory, and salvation in the Bible (see John 12:13, Revelation 7:9).They represent beauty, fruitfulness, glory, and victory (see Psalm 92:12; John 12:13). They may also refer to the 70 elders and are also a picture of God bringing His people into a place of rejoicing and rest.
Elim provided a place of physical rest and refreshment for the Israelites after traveling from the Red Sea to Marah (where the water was bitter) and then to Elim. God guides His people to places of rest and renewal. (see Exodus 23:12; Psalm 23:2; Matthew 11:28-30).
There are many local churches that have adopted the name of Elim for their assembly. The picture of a place of refreshment is significant when we think of Gods provision just when we need it.
That times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring
Acts 3:20-21; Jer. 31:25; Is. 28:12.
What Peter conceives is that if Israel turns to God in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ/Yeshua haMashiach, then there will come at once those times of refreshing, those blessed days of righteousness,
They traveled from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea.
Our journey continues next post.
We are all somewhere on the way, the path, the road; walking through the wilderness on our journey. We may recognize the place they camped from the Israelites travels ..however one thing we must remember they moved on as soon as the Lord instructed them. We may camp for awhile here and there, but we are not to make our permanent home anywhere on this earth. Why? Because we are simply passing through and must learn all we can along His Way.
Shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
What does this mean and does scripture give us any insight?
Is there anyone in scripture who was waxing strong?
The word waxing has several meanings :
In astronomical terms it refers to the ‘Waxing Gibbous’ phase of the moon and it is when the lit-up part of the Moon’s face grows from about 50% to 100%. It starts just after the First Quarter Moon and lasts until the Full Moon.
A waxing gibbous moon is more than half lit, but less than full.
The Sun’s light creates the eight phases of the Moon, including waxing crescent and waning crescent which is agradualdecreaseinmagnitudeorextent.
It more modern terms it can mean, a sound recording by a band and also describes the cosmetic process of applying wax: as in polishing, or filling, and also removing hair from skin. Waxing is used as a term to describe the maintenance of water and snow skis, snow boards and surf boards. As a hair treatment, and also in candle making with various types of wax: paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax and coconut wax.
In our question:Are we waxing strong?
The meaning is:
Are we gradually increasing inmagnitudeor in the extent in our strength?
We would say that would refer to a person of courage, someonecourageous; and more importantly strong spiritually and mentally as well as physically.
In Hebrew the word Courage is
Chazak
חָזַק
Chazak v’ematz means
“be strong and of good courage”.
Without risk, there is no need for courage.
The corresponding Greek is G2901 Krataioo: to strengthen, to make strong. The Hebrew verb ‘chazaq’ conveys the idea of strength and power. It’s used to describe physical strength, emotional fortitude, and spiritual resilience.
The term can imply:
the act of strengthening oneself or others,
prevailing in battle or conflict,
and taking firm hold of something.
It is often used in contexts where encouragement, support, or reinforcement is needed. In the Hebrew cultural and historical background, the Israelites strength was a highly valued trait, both spiritually and physically. The concept of chazaq was integral to the their understanding of their relationship with God, Who was seen as the ultimate source of strength. This term is frequently used in the context of military endeavors, personal trials, and spiritual exhortations reflecting the importance of resilience and divine support in the face of adversity.
In Hebrew, one of the words for courage isamatz, אָמַץ.
Our Heavenly Father tells Joshua in the form of a commandment.
“Be strong and courageous – chazak v’amatz
kha-ZAHK
Hope in the Lord and “chazak!” – be strong!
The Septuagint translateschazak
as andridzou –
meaning: act like a man!.
That is, hope in the Lord, be stout hearted and decided in your convictions,
The term Septuagint, meaning “seventy,” actually refers to the seventy-two translators—six from each tribe of Israel—involved in translating the Torah/Pentateuch from Hebrew to Greek in the third century before Messiah was born. When Greek became the more popular language of the Roman Empire, assimilation became important for the Israelites. Many Jews, especially those further from Israel, grew up learning and speaking Greek, not ancient Hebrew. While the Law and the prophets remained tremendously important to the Jewish people, the Hebrew Bible became inscrutable to non-Hebrew-speaking Jews.
It’s no surprise that a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible emerged. The Septuagint isn’t even the only one. It’s just the translation that became most popular, and it’s the only Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible that has survived fully intact.
Strength, without courage, will only lead to brutality.
Courage, without strength, will only lead to futility.
Only genuine courage is commitment to our values, backed by the individuals will.
Strength is a great virtue, but when it stands alone it can be kept at a level of confinement only being used as a protective attribute.
2388 chazaq:
To be strong, to strengthen, to harden, to prevail,
to take hold of
Original Word: חָזַק Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: chazaq Pronunciation: khaw-zak’ Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-zak’) Definition: To be strong, to strengthen, to harden, to prevail, to take hold of Meaning: to fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer
Is there anyone in scripture who was waxing strong or courageous?
We have a saying, an idiom, about reaching the end of our strength, often saying ‘it was the final blow’; as in a fight when one of the contenders strikes the other with a blow that ends the contest.
We also sometimes say, ‘this is the last straw‘, meaning it’s the final negative thing that happens to us in our long list of harassing circumstances. And just when we think we cannot go one more step, or take, or handle one more thing going wrong; then there comes ‘that final blow” or ‘the last straw’, and we buckle under the load like the subject in the idiom: “the last straw that broke the camels back”.
The animal was so loaded down, that it was not able to move forward and just crumpled under the excessive weight; it was one too many to bear up under. It is also true when people receive bad news that their knees give way as strength drains from our bodies with the shock; and it is why people are encouraged to sit down before being told bad news and of tragic events. We are in frail human flesh bodies, which are not designed to receive continual punishment and will eventually stop functioning. However our spirits are not subject to decay and death and when fortified by our Heavenly Fathers Holy Spirit, an individual can become supernaturally strong in the face of adversity and impossible odds in the natural realm.
In Psalm 22:14David writes of how he feels:
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are are out of joint My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me.
This verse expresses the feeling of being weak, helpless and suffering, like water spilled on the ground. It is part of thePsalm of the Cross, which was prophetic of the crucifixion of Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ. He describes that;My spirits are spent and gone likewater, which, once spilt, can never be recovered; my very flesh is melted within me, and I am become as weak as water.
Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time has come for my departure. NCV. My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life.
The ‘libation’ or “drink offering” refers to a cup of wine a Jewish priest poured out beside the altar following the offering of a ram, lamb, or bull in the temple (Numbers 15:1–10; 28:4–7).
Just as the drink offering symbolized the end of the offering, Paul’s life was about to come to an end.
Joshua 14:8: “Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God.”
Melting hearts lev mashahלבמה
masah: to melt, dissolve, be liquefied
Original Word: מָסָה Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: masah Phonetic Spelling: (maw-saw’) Definition: to melt, dissolve, be liquefied
Word Origin a prim. root Definition to melt, dissolve, be liquefied NASB Translation consume (1), dissolve (1), melt with fear (1), melts (1).
Joshua 14:8 HEB: עָל֣וּ עִמִּ֔י הִמְסִ֖יו אֶת־ לֵ֣ב NAS: of the people melt with fear; but I followed KJV: of the people melt: but I wholly INT: went with melt the heart of the people
make to consume away, make to melt, water
A primitive root; to dissolve — make to consume away, (make to) melt, water.
As with any liquid which always seeks the lowest point it always flows down.
Joshua 14:8: “Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God.”
We all know the story of the twelve spies sent out to scout out the Promised Land. Ten returned with a bad report and a recommendation that they not enter the land due to an overwhelming display of power. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb said:“God gave us the land, let’s go get it.”
The report of the ten spies made
the heart of the people melt.
The Hebrew word for Heart is:
לֵב
leb: inner man, mind, will, heart
Original Word: לֵב Part of Speech: Noun Masculine Transliteration: leb Phonetic Spelling: (labe) Definition: inner man, mind, will, heart
which is used in a Hiphal form and literally means
to cause to flow down.
Some modern translators will insert the word fear in here
to indicate that the people were overcome with such fear, that their hearts melted.
That is a part but not all of it.
Another use of the word
masah
is melt
which is a picture of a candle with a bright flame being fueled by the wax. Once the wax has melted the flame has gone out.
It wasn’t simply fear, it was the final ‘melting of the wax’ that hope, that had kept alive the flame of all their expectations. This ‘candle of hope’ had been melting since the beginning of their journey because the wax of this candle was made of self-sufficiency, pride, and an expectation of comfort and security. Their journey had not been easy by any stretch of the imagination, they had faced fear in the forms of starvation, thirst, poisonous snakes, invading armies, disease, etc. Our Heavenly Father had always faithfully delivered them, however the travelers were becoming very tired and discouraged wondering when it would all end. In other words, ‘their wax was melting’. At this critical point in their journey, just when they were about to reach their final destination, and finally receive their reward for all their struggles in the wilderness, what do they find out?
As the 12 spies return they give a disturbing report! Yes, it’s a land of milk and honey, BUT, it is also a land filled with giants.
That report was ‘the final blow’, ‘the last straw’.
The children of Israel had reached their breaking point.
As a trial or test, in fact it wasn’t much different than all the previous challenges. Many times they had faced certain death due to starvation, thirst or even attacks from foreign armies. They had experienced many miracles, they had seen water come from a rock, angels food fall from heaven and the sea divide as an escape from Pharoah’s army. With this in mind, the report that there were giants in the land, should not have caused them to doubt the promises of their Heavenly Father and the covenant He had made with them.
The difference in their circumstances was that now they had a choice to move forward or not. Their candle wax was made of selfish desires and not filled with the desire for God. Previously, they’d had no other choice but to depend upon Him when they needed water, food or deliverance. Now when they had a choice, they could once again face the impossible odds and place their trust in their Heavenly Father, or they could just throw another piece of straw of comfort, safety, on the camel’s back. This time when they were faced with what they knew rather than the unknown, the camel was loaded beyond it capacity to move and the fear prevailed.
They were not waxing strong!
This idiom was taken from an old Arab proverb about how a camel wearing shoes is loaded beyond its capacity to move. It’s meant to express that there is a limit to every one’s endurance, everyone has a breaking point.
However, when Joshua relates this story he says:
I wholly followed the Lord my God.
The word followis not in the Hebrew, all you have is the word:mala’ti
which literally means:
to be completely filled.
mil·lê·ṯî — 3 Occurrences
Joshua 14:8 HEB: הָעָ֑ם וְאָנֹכִ֣י מִלֵּ֔אתִי אַחֲרֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה NAS: the LORD my God fully. KJV: melt: but I wholly followed INT: of the people I fully followed the LORD
4390 male or mala: to be full, to fill
Original Word: מָלֵא Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: male or mala Phonetic Spelling: (maw-lay’) Definition: to be full, to fill
Definition to be full, to fill NASB Translation accomplished (1), aloud (1), armed (1), become full (1), been completed (1), come (1), complete (3), completed (9), completion (1), confirm (1), consecrate* (3), consecrated* (4), covered (1), dedicate (1), drenched (1), drew (1), ended (1), endowed (1), expired (1), fill (38), filled (78), filling (5), fills (1), finished (1), fulfill (6), fulfilled (10), full (37), fullness (1), fully (8), gave in full (1), given fully (1), gratified (1), live (1), massed (1), messengers (1), mount* (1), mounted (1), ordain* (4), ordained* (4), ordination* (1), overflowing* (1), overflows* (1), passed (1), presume* (1), refresh (1), required (2), satisfied (1), satisfy (2), set (1), settings (2), space (1).
Joshua 14:8 HEB: הָעָ֑ם וְאָנֹכִ֣י מִלֵּ֔אתִיאַחֲרֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה NAS: the LORD my God fully. KJV: melt: but I wholly followed INT: of the people I fully followed the LORD
Joshua 14:9 HEB: עוֹלָ֑ם כִּ֣י מִלֵּ֔אתָאַחֲרֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה NAS: the LORD my God fully.’ KJV: ever, because thou hast whollyfollowed INT: ever because wholly have followed the LORD
Joshua was saying: I was completely filled with God.
Unlike the rest of the people who let their flame of hope go out, Joshua’s flame only got stronger. His wax was not in the arm of the flesh but in
a heart which was completely filled with faith in the Lord His God;
and this kind of wax will never melt, the flame will only increase. To Joshua, this final test was not another hindrance to entering the Promised Land; it was another opportunity to see the power of God, and this time by his own choosing.
It’s doubtful there is anyone reading who has not experienced the last straw or final blow during their lives; and for many it will have been on more than one occasion. The enemy will assault our faith with situations that will test our resolve to the max. It all depends on our spiritual viewpoint because it hinges on how we see our Heavenly Father and how we see ourselves. If we are really and truly ‘in Christ/in Messiah’, then He is both our defense and protection because we are IN Him.
Their hearts melted and they gave up because they listened to the words the people were saying and their negative reaction to the report. It is critical in the days we are living that we live by faith not by sight; that is, we are not to make decisions or be influenced by what we see and hear in the natural realm, but on what we perceive and know by the guidance of the indwelling of our Heavenly Fathers Ruach haKodesh/Holy Spirit. 2Corinthians 5:7
We are to have faith in the King of the Universe Who created everything by the words He spoke. Nothing is a surprise to Him and He looks at how we respond to our circumstances in all the testings and trials we face.
Where is our trust?
On what and in Whom do we place our faith?
Our Heavenly Father is more than able, and ‘in Him‘ we are too.
2 Tim.1:7
We have NOT been given a heart of melting wax, of timidity and fear but one of chazaq/courage, a heart that is waxing strong. There are so many men and women in the scriptures who showed chazaq, among them: David, Abigail, Moses, Hannah, Daniel, Esther, Shadrach, Meshach Abednego, Rahab, the list goes on….
We have all the resources of the Almighty Everlasting King of the Universe at our disposal. Greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world. 1John 4:4
To have chazaq/courage, we must be ready for anything that comes our way, remembering that our Heavenly Father already knows about it because… it is a commandment NOT an option! We are to fully and completely follow the Lord as Joshua did, then our hearts will not melt like wax under the heat of the fiery trial. Instead in the Name and power of Yeshua haMaschiah/Messiah Jesus, we will be waxing strong.
Shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
Where in scripture are waters of affliction mentioned?
Verse 20 in Isaiah chapter 30 speaks of
waters of affliction
as well as the
bread of adversity
and it tells us that they both come from the Lord!
Isaiah 30:20: “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers be hidden no more, but thine eyes shall see they teachers:”
Isaiah 30:20 HEB: צָ֖ר וּמַ֣יִם לָ֑חַץ וְלֹֽא־ יִכָּנֵ֥ף KJV: and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers
Also in 1 Kings 22:27 HEB: לַ֙חַץ֙ וּמַ֣יִם לַ֔חַץ עַ֖ד בֹּאִ֥י KJV: and with water of affliction, until I come
2 Chronicles 18:26 HEB: לַ֙חַץ֙ וּמַ֣יִם לַ֔חַץ עַ֖ד שׁוּבִ֥י KJV: and with water of affliction, until I return
Original Word:מַיִם Part of Speech: Noun Masculine Transliteration: mayim Phonetic Spelling: mah’-yim Definition: waters, water
Water has many symbolic meanings in Hebrew:
water of a spring or well (עַיִן, בְּאֵר) Genesis 16:7;
of a river, NileExodus 2:10
of sea Red Sea Exodus 15:8,
of floodGenesis 7:7,10;
subterraneanExodus 20:4
in clouds Jeremiah 10:13;
of rainJudges 5:4;
of dewJudges 6:38.
primÊval deepGenesis 1:2,6
Water with proper names, of a location and
special uses e.g.
מַיִם חַיִּים living (i.e. running) water Leviticus 14:5,
Figurative uses are:
of distressIsaiah 43:2;
deep waters Psalm 69:3;
water of gall Jeremiah 8:14;
מַיִם שְׁאן Isaiah 17:12,13 of rushing nations.
of what is impetuous, violent, overwhelming
Isaiah 28:2,17; Hosea 10:7;
(as running away) of heart in timidity Joshua 7:5,
of knees Ezekiel 7:17; Ezekiel 21:12.
of transitorinessJob 11:16; Job 24:18; Psalm 58:8.
of refreshmentIsaiah 32:2; Isaiah 49:10;
spiritual Isaiah 12:3.
י מְנֻחת Psalm 23:2 in figure of rest and peace,
of reckless bloodshed (poured out like water) Psalm 79:3;
בְּאֵר מַיִם חַיִּים Songs 4:15 figurative of bride;
גְּנוּבִים Proverbs 9:17 stolen waters.
of abundant justiceAmos 5:24
of outpoured wrath of ׳י Hosea 5:10.
One meaning is that water can be so powerful that it can make holes through rocks and hard stone by a process of erosion which resembles a power drill boring through it.
Original Word:לַחַץ Part of Speech: Noun Masculine Transliteration: lachats Phonetic Spelling: lakh’-ats Definition: oppression, distress
Strongs # 3906 affliction, oppression
From lachats; distress — affliction, oppression. to press, i.e. (figuratively) to distress — afflict, crush, force, hold fast, oppress
The Hebrew teachers/rabbis write that our Heavenly Father will give us an affliction that will drill or pierce through the rocky protective covering of our hearts with one goal, and that is to penetrate our hearts with His unconditional and everlasting love. In their understanding of the water of affliction is that it is an affliction to drill down to the core of your heart.
We have an idiom that we use to express deep sincere emotion when we say ‘from the bottom of my heart’. The very center of our heart is where truth can be found, it’s where the unshakeable and very real part of our soul resides. ‘Words are cheap’, is another common phrase, and certainly without action to support those statements we make, it has little depth of meaning to the hearer.
The whole of Hebrew thinking towards the Creator of the Universe and towards our fellow humans is summed up in the word shema which means: hear and obey or, hear and do. Words are encouraging but without action are not as much help as when doing something follows those words in order to assist an individual. Our heart motivation is most important, many flippantly declare love for each other, yet never show it by their actions.
We sometimes do not understand the Love of our Heavenly Father because we compare it to our understanding of love in its selfish, self seeking human form. Many languages have different words for different types of love, but as there is only one word for love in english speaking countries; it covers everything from food, sports, hobbies, fashion, pets, etc. to God. This does not really show a special and respectful term to describe our deep affection for our Savior, Lord and King.
As our Father God does love us so deeply, He doesn’t allow us to go through random afflictions, He orchestrates conditions and situations because He desires to break through into our hearts so they will be open to Him.
This is not something new, it has been His purpose all along.
Ezekiel 36:26 New International Version 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
This powerful metaphor speaks to the change He can bring to our lives.
This change can be more easily achieved when we consistently allow His Spirit of Holiness to will and to work in us after His good pleasure. For it is God that worketh in you, both to will [both to desire], and to perform, for good will. YLT Phil. 2:13.
It happened in the old Testament 1 Samuel 10:6 KJV: And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
as well as in the new, Colossians 3:10-14. 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit];
Our new man is raised to new life in Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 6:4–6; Galatians 2:20.
From this point forward the process of sanctification, or internal transformation, continues.
1John 3:20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
We not only experience waters of affliction when our Heavenly Father is drilling through our hearts of stone, but we also may face the bread of adversity.
Original Word:צַר Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: tsar Phonetic Spelling: tsar Definition:narrow, tight adversary, affliction, anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe,
Or tsar {tsawr}; from tsarar; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. Trouble); also a pebble (as in tsor); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding) — adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.
צַר noun [masculine]straits, distress;
צַר noun [masculine]straits, distress;
צַר noun [masculine]hard pebble, flint;
Many people recently celebrated Rosh Hashanah. During this Moed, this Appointed time of the Lord on His Calendar, it is customary to bake bread for Rosh Hashanah and to invite people who have hurt you during the previous year to assist you in its preparation. As you roll out the bread you forgive them.
Here we see a meaning of the bread of adversity. In Jewish literature it is taught that the adversity brought on by our sinful acts are pounded, rolled, shaped and baked to bring us to repentance/teshuvah and receive the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.
The grains of wheat or barley are pounded, crushed, rolled and baked at high temperature and when fully cooked it comes out as something new.
It has been changed by the process.
Its form has changed from soft dough and it is now a loaf of bread and looks completely different; furthermore it will now provide nourishment to many others.
Here is a great spiritual lesson.
It is true that so many of us have to go through the waters of affliction for our Heavenly Father to penetrate and gain entrance into our hearts. He takes us through the pounding, rolling, shaping and baking by testings and trials, in order to bring us to the place where we see our sin and shortcomings.
Once we see and admit them, then we turn in repentance and receive His forgiveness through the blood of Yeshua haMashiach Jesus Christ. It is then that He can make us into something new, something of value and able to bring nourishment to others.
Your teachers shall be hidden no more.
Teachers in this passage is moreka. מוֹרֶ֔יךָ
mō·w·re·ḵā — 2 Occurrences
Isaiah 30:20 HEB: יִכָּנֵ֥ף עוֹד֙ מוֹרֶ֔יךָ וְהָי֥וּ עֵינֶ֖יךָ KJV: of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner
The picture is of a teacher who is throwing out knowledge or shooting out knowledge which is aimed at a specific target.
This Master Teacher will not be hidden.
The word hidden is kanaph.
yik·kā·nêp̄ — 1 Occurrence
Isaiah 30:20 HEB: לָ֑חַץ וְלֹֽא־ יִכָּנֵ֥ף עוֹד֙ מוֹרֶ֔יךָ NAS: longer hide Himself, but your eyes KJV: yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes INT: of oppression will no hide longer teachers
3670 kanaph: to be cornered or thrust into a corner
Original Word: כָּנַף Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: kanaph Phonetic Spelling: kaw-naf’ Definition: to be cornered or thrust into a corner
This is the word for wings, or a loose flowing skirt.
of garment = skirt, corner, or loose flowing end,
1 Samuel 15:27;
Strongs # 3671 kanaph: wing, extremity
Original Word:כָּנָף Part of Speech: Noun Feminine Transliteration: kanaph Phonetic Spelling: kaw-nawf’ Definition: wing, extremity
bird* (1), corner (1), corners (4), covering (1), each other (1), edge (5), edges (1), ends (3), fold (2), garment (1), kind (3), skirt (3), skirts (1), sorts (1), wing (14), winged (5), wings (58), wings were each other (1), wingspan (1).
bird, border, corner, end, feathered, flying, one another, overspreading,
Fromkanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bed-clothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle — + bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), X flying, + (one an-)other, overspreading, X quarters, skirt, X sort, uttermost part, wing((-ed))
The words used here give a picture of an archer shooting at a creature with wings however because the creature is illusive, when the Master Teacher shoots the arrow it doesn’t find its target. This could be telling us that our Heavenly Father is always speaking to us, but we just keep missing hearing His voice. This is explained in the last part of the verse.
And your eyes will see your teachers.
The word see is ra’ah which is a reference to:
spiritual seeing, spiritual insight.
רֹא֥וֹת
Strongs # 7200 raah: to see
Original Word: רָאָה Part of Speech:Verb Transliteration:raah Phonetic Spelling:raw-aw’ Definition: to see
Our spiritual eyes will be opened and we will see the redemption offered to us by our Master Teacher. Here the prophet seems to be saying that our Heavenly Father is always speaking to us, He is wanting to give us direction, to set us on the right path or WAY, because in the following verse 21, this is supported;
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
We must agree that sometimes what He is saying to us never quite makes the target in our brains, or gets through into our thick rocky heart. This is when our loving Father may have to bring
the bread of adversity,
that specific adversity that will bring us into repentance and receive His forgiveness. Or He may release
the waters of affliction
to penetrate the hard rock like shell over our heart in order to pierce it with His love. He is both patient and persistent in His process with us, just like the water dripping constantly onto the rock.
One of the most inspirational stories in Hebrew literature is that of Rabbi Akiva was a shepherd, a laborer, an am ha’aretz – religious in observance, but ignorant of Torah knowledge. At age 40, he didn’t even know how to read the aleph-beis/alphabet. One day, while sitting by a brook, Akiva noticed a steady trickle of water hitting a rock. It was only a drip, but it was constant – drop after drop after drop.
Akiva observed something incredible: A hole had been carved out by that steady drip of water. He wondered how that could be. He inquired who shaped the rock, and was told it was caused by the slow but constant dripping of water on top of it. Akiva then reasoned: If a substance soft as water can penetrate a rock with slow, persistent motion, how much more so can the words of Torah, which is hard as iron, can slowly but surely penetrate and make an indelible impression on my heart.
This was a turning point in his life. He promptly committed himself to study the Word of God – for an uninterrupted 24 years and went on to become the greatest sage of his generation, with 24,000 students learning under him at one time. What is the message of Rabbi Akiva and those life-transforming drops of water?
On one level, this story shows how everyone, if given the opportunity, can achieve great heights. It’s never too late to start.
On a deeper level, the story of Rabbi Akiva teaches that every drop of Gods word, even if undetectable, makes an impact.
All scripture, as the Word of the Almighty, has unparalleled power to effect change. Sometimes we do not perceive it, and the results are not apparent until years later. However if one keeps going and does not give up, the power of His word will eventually penetrate. Drop after drop after drop, it will carve into our neshama, our soul and spirit and transform us.
The Hebraic/Jewish view of spirituality is one which stresses that dramatic bursts of insight and inspiration are not so much how an individual will achieves great heights; and that is because experiences are fleeting and momentary, once they pass, the connection quickly fades.
The truth is that it is the consistent pursuance and faithful decision to live within the scriptural values and Biblical guidelines given to us for our protection and maturing in the faith. When we walk along the WAY, we gain the small triumphs in life and they add up, drop after drop, creating true spiritual transformation.
Eph. 5:26 God sanctifies and cleanses the ecclesia by the washing of water and the word.
Let’s allow the Father, by His Spirit, to penetrate our hearts and let’s not harden them in rebellion; then the bread of adversity and waters of affliction will be far from our lives…
while it is said, “TODAY [while there is still opportunity] IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME [in the rebellion in the desert …Hebrews 3:7-15
Shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
This is an old chorus based on the Psalm 100:4
It’s a very familiar verse to everyone who is part of an assembly of believers in Jesus Christ/Yeshua haMashiach.
Most of us will identify the action of entering His gates, with going through the doors of the building where the meetings are held; and His courts with praise’ as moving into the sanctuary of the building. That’s what most of us have been taught for years and we would probably not think it meant anything else.
At the time this verse was written, there was only the Temple in Jerusalem/Yerushalayim. It was not considered the ‘church building’ of its day, although many people do think of it in that way. The Temple was the very dwelling place of our Heavenly Father however, as we know, He no longer dwells in a building. According to 1Cor. 6:19, The Temple containing the Holy Spirit of the Living God is now our bodies. The inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies was where Gods presence dwelt and the sanctuary/holy of holies was inside the whole structure called the Temple. The innermost part of us, is the sanctuary for His Holy Spirit. He is residing in our born again from above spirit. Wherever a true believer is, that’s where the sanctuary of God’s presence is also.
We also have to remember that the church or ecclesia is not a building. Ecclesia, the called apart, or called out ones, are the people. They the individuals that make up the body of Messiah in the earth. We are the living stones that make up His habitation on earth.
1Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
So if these gates are not the physical ‘church building’ or ‘gates to the temple’ what are they?
Gates, as entrances and exits, have long captured our imagination. Many traditions are rich with gates and ours is no exception. Among others are:
Gates of Salvation,
Gates of Repentance,
Gates of Prayer,
Gates of Righteousness,
Gates of introspection and reflection,
Gates of Hell,
Gates of Glory,
Heavens gates.
In Hebrew the word gate is sha’ar.
שַׁ֫עַר
This word has many different meanings.
As well as gate, sha’ar can mean,
hair, a storm or tempest, a decision, to calculate,
a determination, a remnant or something horrible.
The Hebrew word for gate, sha’ar and its variations, appears more than 350 times in scripture. In Hebrew culture the imagery of gates covers both historical and spiritual meanings, being symbolic on many levels.
Most commentators on scripture believe that the first time a word is mentioned in the Torah is significant and tells of its deepest meaning.
For example:
The first mention of sha’ar
is immediately after the binding of Isaac.
This is when Abraham is blessed and God promises him that “your descendants will inherit the gate of their enemies” Genesis 22:17.
The next mention of sha’ar is in Genesis 24:60 when Rebecca leaves her family to marry Isaac, she receives a similar blessing: “May your offspring take possession of the gate of those who hate them”.
Gates, then, are points of protection and power. To possess the gate of our enemies is to control the forces that want to harm us. In ancient Israel, gates were the stronghold protecting daily life within the safety of city walls and gates; and so much of that life took place at the gates of the city, where the elders would gather and prophets would speak.
An interesting point is that the word sha’ar comes from the same Hebrew root as shiur (measure). In one interpretation of the verse “Her husband is known in the gates” The Hebrew sages teach that the husband is a metaphor for God, whose understanding is only known in measures. Our Heavenly Father makes Himself known to each individual according to the measure of the understanding of his or her heart.
It seems very strange that one word can mean so many different things and yet at the same time, be related?
If we look at the word in the context of a doorway, especially a doorway to our Heavenly Father, these words are all related.
For a long time, Gates have been a symbol of a point of communication between worlds and realms. In Genesis 28:17 following Jacobs dream of the ladder, he says, “This is no other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven”.
The spiritual significance of gates became increasingly more emphasized after the gates of Jerusalem were broken down and the Holy Temple was destroyed, Hebrew sages teach that the gate of heaven is the place to which prayers ascend.
As we often do with Hebrew words lets break down to the individual letters which we know from previous studies that they all have their own meanings and are pictures telling a story in themselves. The word sha’ar is made up of the letters sh = shin a = ayin and r = resh.
שַׁ֫עַר
For example in the first letter of the word for gate and that is a
שַׁ֫
Shin by which we get the idea of a storm or tempest which is expressed as or represents the passionate love of Heavenly Father for His children. It is telling us that when we go through this gate we enter the stormy passionate love of God.
עַ
Ayin is the next letter which represents deep spiritual insight. It gives us a picture that when we pass through this gate/sha’ar into the presence of God you are immersed into deep spiritual insight and understanding where we discover something horrible!
What could it be that is horrible? That is our sinful nature and the darkness hidden in the deep recesses of our hearts, remnants of the old man, the carnal nature.
In studying the Hebrew scriptures and beginning to appreciate the Israelite culture and way of life, we see how they lived and what their customs were.
In those days before there were wooden doors in a home, hair from animals was woven together to make a kind of doorway covering the entrance.
This door was to keep the wind from blowing dust etc. into the house it was not meant to keep out strangers.
Many times it was the wool from a lamb which was used to make this doorway.
We should not think this so strange because we know of course that it is the Lamb of God who cleanses us from our sin. He provides the doorway/gate to relationship with our Heavenly Father and He is able to protect us from spiritual contamination from the outside world, yet gives us a WAY to reach others and invite them into ‘His home.’
Furthermore we must make a decision as to whether or not to accept this gift of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God and to enter in through that provision.
ר
Resh is the final letter for the word door or gate/sha’ar and that is the letter r or Resh which represents repentance/teshuvah.
This could inspire a picture showing us that when we come together with other believers in Messiah, whether it is in a building we call a church or in a home; then together we find out the precious jewels to be unearthed in God’s Word. We will enter His gates where we will find deep insight into our sinful natures, leading us to repent of our sins and through the shed blood of the Lamb of God be cleansed so you can enter into the fiery, passionate and stormy love of God.
It would automatically follow that having been cleansed of our sin and having had the privilege of experiencing the
שַׁ֫ shin/ stormy passionate love of God, our heart will be filled with thankfulness towards Him.
In Hebrew thankfulness is the word todah, and its spelled
T for Taw D for Daleth and H for Hei/Hay.
todah: thanksgiving:8426
Original Word: תּוֹדָה Part of Speech: Noun Feminine Transliteration: todah Phonetic Spelling: (to-daw’) Definition: thanksgiving
תּ Taw gives the picture of expressing praise and thanksgiving,
דָ Daleth which is a door or portal to the last letter,
the ה Hei which speaks of the presence of God.
We learn that the behavior and lifestyle of the people in the assembly of Laodicea mentioned in Revelation 3:14-22 was not acceptable to the Lord. This made them neither hot nor cold in their relationship towards Him and this caused Him to say that He was ready to spew them out of His mouth.
What were they doing that made our Heavenly Father say that?
In verse 20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”
Here is an answer, in order to fully comprehend what it means, we must take a look at the Hebraic use of language in that day. This expression is one that a Jewish person of that time would quickly understand. To them it was an indication that Messiah was seeking to make His presence known, so He was knocking at the todah /praise and thanksgiving which is the doorway to His presence.
If an individual opens that dalet/doorway, that gate, with praise and thanksgiving Messiah will enter and His presence will fill the sanctuary, which as we have seen in scripture is our bodies, and He will not only dine with us, He will abide with us.
Another interesting point that we miss in our western culture is that in Middle Eastern, Oriental or Semitic culture of that day, and incidentally it still is today, when someone wants to reconcile with an enemy they will have dinner together and discuss their differences. This explains why inPsalms 23:5David writes that God prepares a table before him in the presence of his enemies. With an emphasis on cultural etiquette David is saying is that God lays the foundation or prepares the ground work for reconciliation with his enemies. When we read Revelation 3:20 we know that the Blood of the Lamb cleanses us from our sin, however it is our thanksgiving and praise that ultimately brings reconciliation us to the loving, stormy filled passion and the presence of our heavenly Father.
It is also of interest to note that all we have to do is open the dalet/door and Messiah Yeshua passes through, it is not us that passes through. This is the big change in the order of things, the protocol of how to approach a Holy God has changed from the directions given to Moses. Whereas it used to be that the people passed through the gates of the temple to enter the place of God’s presence, and then only the priests could enter the holy place; and only the High Priest could go into the holy of holies once a year on Yom Kippur. All the rest of the people had to stay in the outer court. Today it is up to us to ask and invite Messiah into the sanctuary, our bodies, to bring His presence into us. In praise and thanksgiving, we are inviting Messiah to enter our sanctuary and let it become His holy of holies.
“Open for me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and thank God. This is the gateway to the Lord; the righteous shall enter it” Psalm 118:19.
All are thresholds of revelation where His divine presence reaches into our human realm.
In Hebrew the Jewish synagogue service tells us that:
Every morning God is said to open the gates of the east and break open the windows of the heavens, bestowing light to the world and its inhabitants (Shabbat morning prayer).
Sunrise over Jerusalem from the Mt of Olives
As the first light breaks through the darkness, it calls to us to wake up to the reality of His steadfast love and endless grace and mercy.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22/3
Every day is a new beginning.
Ezekiel contains several references to a gate that faces east. In Ezekiel 10:18–19, the prophet sees the glory of the Lord leave the temple through
the entrance of the east gate of the Lord’s house”;
the glory then moves east of the city to the Mount of Olives
Ezekiel 11:23
Later, Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord return to the temple via
“the gate facing east” Ezekiel 43:1–5.
Gates open and gates close, but, we are told, there is one gate that is never closed. In Matthew 7:13-14 In this context Matthew is discussing the narrow gate leading to salvation, eternal life & the broad gate which leads to destruction. Yeshua/Jesus made it clear, the path to eternal life is open to everyone who asks. However, the gate to heaven is “narrow” in the sense of having a particular requirement for entrance—faith faith in Jesus Christ/Yeshua haMashiach. Salvation is found only in the Person of Jesus Christ/ Yeshua haMashiach. The Bible tells us that He is the only Way John 14:6. The “wide” gate is non-exclusive; it allows for human effort and all other of the world’s religions.
God offers salvation to everyone who accepts it John 1:12; 3:16-18; Romans 10:9; 1 John 2:2.But it is on His terms. We must come the way He has provided. We cannot create our own paths or come to a holy God based on our own efforts. They choose temporary, earthly pleasure over the self-sacrifice required in following Jesus/Yeshua.Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; Matthew 10:37.The narrow gate is ignored. Most people would rather create their own religions and design their own gods. So it was with sorrow, not as a discrimination, that Messiah declared that the road to eternal life is
“narrow, and only a few find it.“
When faced with the choice between a narrow, bumpy road and a wide, paved highway, most of us choose the easier road. Human nature gravitates toward comfort and pleasure. When faced with the reality of denying themselves to follow Jesus/Yeshua, most people turn away. John 6:66. Messiah never sugar-coated the truth, and the truth is that not many people are willing to pay the price to follow Him.
We are to choose which gates we will enter into, let’s make sure the sha’ar we choose are the ones that take us into the passionate love of our Heavenly Fathers presence.
Shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
This indicates that on average they only travelled from one location to the next about every 2 years and the places where they camped were not cities that can be found today. However the question remains, why did the Lord God have Moses record all the names? They were written to the last generation that came out of Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb lived to enter the promised land. The number of camping locations, 42, is also the number of months in Revelation pointing to times of tribulation. Is this a prophetic message to the final generation alive during the culmination of the ages? Is it written for those who will understand that this is to show them that the Egyptian exodus which followed the first Passsover/Pesach was a type and shadow of the greater exodus to come when the Messiah returns?
The account in Exodus 15:23-26 is very significant because it is where the Hebrews began to complain and murmur against Moses when the water at Marah was bitter and they had nothing to drink. Here the Lord tested them and made a promise that if they would listen to His voice and be obedient then He would not bring on them any of the diseases that came on the Egyptians/the world, because He is the Lord our Healer.
What does this mean and does scripture give us any insight?
Original Word: לֵב
What does 
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