Is There A Connection Between The Number 40, Caleb, Joshua And A Candle?

Caleb is a Hebrew name that means:

faithful, whole-hearted, bold, or brave.

Some people also think that it might mean:

devotion to God.

CALEB. ka’-leb (kalebh; in the light of the Syriac and Arabic words, the meaning is not “dog,” which is kelebh, in Hebrew, but “raging with canine madness”; Chaleb): 

Hebrew, the name is pronounced [kaˈlev]

Strong’s Hebrew: 3612. כָּלֵב (Kaleb) — a son of Jephunneh .

Strong’s Hebrew: 3091. יְהוֹשׁ֫וּעַ (Yehoshua) — “the LORD …

Word Origin. from Yhvh and yasha.

Definition. the LORD is salvation.

The Hebrew name יהושע ( yehoshu’a, Strong’s #3091)

is the combination of יהו ( yeho ),

a short form of the name יהוה (YHWH, Strong’s #3068),

and the verb ישע

( Y.Sh.Ah, Strong’s #3467),

The Hebrew word, יְשׁוּעָה Yeshuah, means

Salvation, or Deliverance.

Its Primitive, 3-letter Verb Root is יָשַׁע Yasha,

meaning to Save, or Deliver. 

There are many places in scripture that the number 40 is used; some say 146, others 149 times, in both the Old and New Testaments.

What does 40 mean?

What is its’ symbolism in scripture?

And what can it mean prophetically?

Our Heavenly Father is a God of order. This means He is precise in every detail and has calculated every aspect of the universe since before the beginning of time. Without a way to measure, order is hard to explain. 

Order is often expressed numerically, and the Scriptures are filled with numbers. We find the first measure in Genesis 1:5, where the end of the first day is indicated.

Seasons, days, weeks, months, and years are measures used many times.

Distances are also measured, and patterns can be seen as the meaning of all these numbers are examined. These numerical patterns provide insight as to the meaning of these numbers and reveal another layer of understanding to be found in the Scriptures. We are told:

it is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search them out. Prov. 25:2.

It’s up to the reader to pay attention to these numbers and look for their deeper meanings. Interestingly in

Daniel 8:13, Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that particular one who was speaking,

the then future Messiah is referred to as the Palmonee, sometimes translated as Palmoni, or the Wonderful Numberer.

The name is ” PALMONI ” and it means. ” the numberer of secrets, or the wonderful numberer “. 

Hebrew: פלמוני, romanized : Palmōnî

In the Hebrew concordance, Strong’s 6422, it states that ” Palmoni means ” certain “. It derives from ” Peloni “, Strong’s 6423, meaning ” a certain one “. ” Peloni ” derives from ” Palah “, Strong’s 6395 { A primitive root }, meaning ” apart .

Palmoni is Pala which is spelled Pey Lamed Aleph.

Palmoni, a numberer or revealer of secrets, … or Palmoni, which some render “the wonderful numberer“; or, “the numberer of secrets”, or “that has all secrets numbered” (g); and apply it to Christ, whose name is “Pele”, wonderfulthe eternal Word of God, that is in the bosom of the Father, and knows all secrets, and the number of times and seasons.

The Hebrew meaning, “the numberer of secrets, or, the wonderful numberer“. “Pali” means “secret” while “pala” means “wonderful” or marvelous; and, “mena/mone” means “to count or number”  The mysterious Palmoni of Daniel 8:13 is none other than the Messianic figure of the Old Covenant period–now known as the Son of God, the child born for our salvation–Yeshua, our Messiah.

Unto that certain saint which spake – Margin, Palmoni, or, the numberer of secrets, or, the wondeful numberer. The Hebrew word, פלמוני palemônı̂y, occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures. The similar form, פלני pelonı̂y, occurs in Ruth 4:1, “Ho, such a one, turn aside;” in 1 Samuel 21:2, “appointed my servants to such and such a place;” and 2 Kings 6:8, “In such and such a place.” The Italic words denote the corresponding Hebrew word.

The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.” Daniel 2:47

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parablesI will utter things [unknown and unattainable] that have been hidden [from mankind] since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35

If we are to understand that repeating a thing indicates its’ significance, then considering the number of times 40 appears, it must be very important! 

God flooded the earth for 40 days and nights.

Moses fasted for 40 days, and

Messiah was in the wilderness for 40 days.

40 generally symbolizes:

a period of testing, trial, proving, probation and revealing;

and the

hardships one must endure to become more spiritually aware.

Another way to understand the meaning of 40 is to look at the Hebrew alphabet, which has its roots in pictograms/pictures. Recall from previous posts that each letter has a symbol and a numeric value. Click link below for more details:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/ancient-pictographic-hebrew-language/

The 13th letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, (Alef bet), is the letter Mem;

has a numerical value of

40

and is the picture symbol of

water.

 The original pictogram for Mem

was a zig-zag pattern that depicts water or chaos.

Although the picture symbol has changed,

today the meaning is the same.

There are many references to the sea in Scripture and used many times, in situations that cause fear or are chaotic. Two examples are the storm that ended with Jonah swallowed by the fish; and when the disciples were caught in the midst of a storm in a boat. Such events with water help us understand the picture of the letter Mem.

While chaos and turmoil are connected with the testing in the two examples, we also see Gods’ Grace as He restored calm

Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is the Living Water, 40 and Mem mean water and chaos, however He is also the Prince of Peace.

Below are a few examples of where the number 40 is clearly seen in the Scripture and what it may mean.   

Moses, Elijah and Jesus each fasted in the desert for 40 days.

It is significant that three of the most important individuals each endured 40 days without food or water as the ultimate test of faith, these fasts were used to reach specific goals.

Moses proved his loyalty to God and received the Ten Commandments/Sayings.

Elijah’s faith was shaken after threats from Jezebel. He went on the run, fleeing to mount Horeb, or the mountain of Elohim, to hear from God. He was fed by an angel and walked 40 days and 40 nights without further sustenance. After 40 days, he heard from God and returned to challenge the priests of Baal which brought an immediate change to the situation in the land.

Elijah gained instruction on how to lead the children of Israel; Messiah Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations, they both passed their tests and in the process gained new insights into the Father’s ultimate plan.

 After His baptism, Messiah Jesus was filled with the Fathers’ Holy Spirit and was immediately separated into the wilderness. His compliance showed His instant obedience and reminds us of the need for fasting and prayer in our lives. Messiah Jesus/Yeshua fasted from both food and water for 40 days and nights and He overcame the devil when He was tempted afterward.

Likewise, today we will face temptations and difficulties. Father’s Holy Spirit may call us to prepare for 40 days before a challenging time. We may even be tested and tempted for 40 days or go through a trial for 40 days as our Savior did. Luke 4:2 Messiah told us He was leaving so He could give the Gift of His Holy Spirit to us as a helper through such times. Messiah set us an example so that we could know how to overcome our challenges.

The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years:

After being freed from Egypt, Moses and the Israelites needed direction. Our Heavenly Father planned for them to go to the Promised Land, this was only possible after the whole generation of those who’d doubted His plan had died. The Hebrews had to travel through the wilderness, living on God’s daily provision of manna, for 40 years, due to the unbelief in their hearts. Only when the last of that generation had died did He allow His people to enter the promised land. This clearly shows that sometimes to fully reveal God’s divine will, patience is necessary.  Despite this testing, He provided for them faithfully. They always had food, protection, and their provisions had a supernatural lifespan.

 

 The prophet Ezekiel was instructed by God to lay on his left side for 390 days and his right side for 40 days to “bear the iniquities” of Israel and Judea (respectively). Ezekiel 4:4-8. The days corresponded to the number of years each kingdom insulted the name of God through wickedness and rebellion. Ezekiel suffered greatly, but his insights helped prepare the Israelites for the coming of Messiah Jesus.

The three great Hebrew kings, Saul, David and Solomon, were each recorded to have ruled for 40 years. This is significant because 40 years is considered by many as a biblical generation; meaning: a new group of Israelites rises up, sustains itself, then dies out. For the 3 kings, this measure of time also serves as a warning as 20 years of their rule was marked by prosperity and 20 years by ruin. It highlights the Prophet Samuel’s misgivings over inducting kings in the first place: as eventually, they’ll take from the people more than they give.

The above examples and context of the number 40, gives us clues regarding the meaning. As 40 is a mark of a generation, it doesn’t refer to how long a person lives but indicates changes are made after this time period. This principle is seen when many kings ruled for 40 years those above and also Rehoboam.

Goliath was a giant Philistine soldier who took pleasure in taunting and humiliating the Israelites. The Philistine and Israelite armies stood on opposite sides for 40 days. A new Hebrew champion would come out each day to meet Goliath face-to-face, only to be destroyed. After 40 days, a young shepherd from Bethlehem, named David, was sent by God to defeat the Philistines, this began a new chapter for the children of Israel bringing solidarity to the kingdom.

40 is connected to change.

The change can occur quickly, sometimes it is very unpleasant and at other times, the change is a process which takes years. Perhaps how quickly the change happens for us to come in line with God’s plan depends on our obedience. In Davids case, he believed God would give him victory over the giant; so the change came immediately when David chose to believe God’s promise.

Another well known 40 is in the story of Noah. Because the sins of humanity had become too great, God called Noah to build an ark that could hold two of every living creature on earth, as well as his own family. God flooded His earth for 40 days and nights. When Noah and his family found dry land once again, our Heavenly Father made a covenant with Noah promising that He would never completely flood the Earth again. By doing this a level of trust was restored that had been lost since Eden.

Some more references to 40:

The bible was written by 40 different people.

The Holy Place of the Temple Sanctuary was 40 cubits long.

The rains fell in Noah’s day for 40 days and nights. Genesis 7:4

Israel ate manna and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Exodus 16:35

Moses was with God on the mountain, 40 days and nights, without eating bread or water. Exodus 24:18, 34:28

The spies searched the land of Canaan for 40 days. Numbers 13:25

40 lashes (stripes) was the maximum whipping penalty. Deuteronomy 25:3

God allowed the land to rest for 40 years. Judges 3:11, 5:31, 8:28

Abdon, a judge in Israel, had 40 sons. Judges 12:14

Israel did evil; God gave them to an enemy for 40 years. Judges 13:1

Eli judged Israel for 40 years. 1 Samuel 4:18

The holy place of the temple was 40 cubits long.  1Kings 6:17

Elijah had one meal that gave him strength for 40 days. 1 Kings 19:8

Joash reigned 40 years in Jerusalem. 2 Kings 12:1

Egypt to be laid desolate for 40 years. Ezekiel 29:11-12

God gave Ninevah 40 days to repent. Jonah 3:4

Goliath presented himself to Israel for 40 days. 1 Samuel 17:16

Saul reigned for 40 years. Acts 13:21

Ishbosheth (Saul’s son) was 40 years old when he began to reign. 2 Samuel 2:10

David reigned over Israel for 40 years. 2 Samuel 5:4, 1 Kings 2:11

Solomon reigned the same length as his father, 40 years. 1 Kings 11:42.

Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years. Acts 13:21 

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 40 years.  2 Samuel 5:4

Ezekiel bore the iniquity of the house of Judah for 40 days. (Ezekiel 4:6)

Jesus fasted 40 days and nights. Matthew 4:2

Jesus was tempted 40 days. Luke 4:2, Mark 1:13

Jesus remained on earth 40 days after the resurrection. Acts 1:3

Our Heavenly Father gives us types and shadows, or symbols, as warnings and precursors of the real event for that day and time and for later generations. The example of the Hebrew children wandering in the desert for 40 years after Moses was being given the Torah/Law/Teaching/10 Commandments for them, by God.

Moses was raised and educated for 40 years in pharaoh’s household. After murdering the Egyptian, Moses himself was exiled for 40 years. He was forced to learn a completely different lifestyle in Median to prepare him for the next 40 years until the encounter with the burning bush.

The last 40 years of his life required the preparation from the previous two 40 year seasons.

 

1500 years later, Messiah spent 40 days in the wilderness prior to the start of His ministry and eventual atoning death at Calvary. He spent 40 days on earth after the resurrection. The new believers and disciples received His Holy Spirit at Pentecost/Shavuot and all were given 40 years to accept the Fathers gift of grace, then, in AD 70 the Roman destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, judgment came upon the those who would not believe.

Now to connect the number 40 with Joshua and Caleb who were 2 out of 603,550 that left Egypt!  This surely is a remnant!

(Numbers 26 is a similar numbering to Numbers 1)

Numbers 13 begins an insight into the life of Caleb

when he is aged 40!

Josh 14:7 records:

40 years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart”.

The last time we hear of Caleb is at age 85 in Joshua 14. This is a kudos to Calebs integrity and the example of his consistent faithfulness throughout those 45 years. There is no reference to any word of complaint from him, which is commendable considering the fact that he waited for his inheritance wandering with the faithless generation for 38 years in the wilderness. Both Joshua and Caleb were sustained by the Lord through the consequences of the peoples unbelief.

Caleb was a living testimony to the absolute certainty of the promises made by God, as well as a consistent example of faith. Our Heavenly Father kept Caleb as a continual witness to the children of Israel, preserving him as a testimony to the faithfulness of His Word. He is mentioned throughout the record as a witness: 

Numbers 26:65 “For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun”.

Numbers 32:11-12 “Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land…Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord”.

Deuteronomy 1:35-36 “Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord”.

Caleb had another spirit!

The spying mission had not altered Caleb’s outlook, because his reaction was, to go up and possess.

He was embracing the command of God to possess the land! Later in his life, Caleb made the statement: “Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart” Josh 14:7.

Again, the different spirit of Caleb is clearly demonstrated in what he says here. He does not report according to the sight of his eyes, but according to his faith in God’s power. It is not based upon sight, nor perception, nor according to the thinking of others, but according to his own understanding of God’s promises. It was a report based on faith, not fear. He wanted to go ahead immediately in full assurance of God’s good deliverance. 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Heb. 11:1

Sometime we find that in our own lives we can be reluctant to do anything at once/immediately, preferring to procrastinate to wait and see instead. This putting off and delaying, could take place within our own lives, where we have identified an issue, sin, but are reluctant to take action to correct it.

Within the Word of God, Caleb is portrayed as an example of one who is consistent because he had a different spirit and it is surely an example for us.

Caleb, his different spirit, and the very important fact that

he wholly followed the Lord his God.

If something needs correcting in our lives and there needs to be a change for the better; then there is sometimes a need for an immediate/at once kind of action. It is in these times we can show this spirit of immediate obedience, and as in the case of Caleb we will without hesitation... wholly follow the Lord our God. 

Caleb was also an example to the nation of Israel, particularly to the tribe of Judah into which he had been absorbed. This spirit in Caleb not only motivated him, but it also had a positive effect on all of Judah, it affected Othniel, and Caleb’s daughter Achsah, to take hold of their inheritance.

Concerning the report given by the spies, the issue was not the accuracy of the report and the facts were certainly very clear and real.The issue was whether the spies were seeing with their eyes of the flesh or with their eyes of faith and although the report was a true one, it was not a faith-filled one.  The conclusions made by the 10 spies were completely different from those of Joshua and Caleb.

They all had knowledge, but the knowledge they had gained did not automatically lead to faith and the same could be said for us. Just because we read the Scriptures, it does not mean we automatically become faithful servants; in the same way attending weekly meetings doesn’t prove our will is in line with the Father’s will.  The Scriptures must both be read and acted on so that our hearts and minds are affected by its inerrant power and only then our own personal desire will line up to godly principles.  Transformation can only occur as we begin to line up our thoughts and desires to our Heavenly Father’s way of thinking, doing and being.

Calebs different spirit is seen in a number of ways.

He was:

A gentile willing to join the children of Israel no doubt when the nation was still in Egypt.

Well-known and respected among the people. 

A wise man who did not fear man, he feared God.

More faithful than many of the natural children of Israel. 

Able to give a report not out of fear but according to faith.

He employed his eye of faith and not just the eyes of his flesh.

and he was convinced of the promises made to Israel and to the patriarchs.

Compared to the world around us, we should all like Caleb, have another spirit.

Even though we might be thought of as weird, peculiar, and  different in the worlds eyes, being different in this way is a good thing. We need to express a lifestyle that has godly principles, by working hard, being honest and upright in all we do. Sometimes our very stance on certain issues and politics can make us stand apart, especially when we are asked to explain our scriptural view and it can feel that we are quite alone, and that the majority is against us.

This is an opportunity to show that we stand with those like Caleb.

If Calebs example is to teach us anything, it seems that having a different spirit is something our Heavenly father encourages! He looks for those who would stand apart from worldly ways, He seeks those who do not see only with eyes of flesh.

Instead, we should be like Caleb, confident in that which we cannot see, for us it may be the promises which have not yet happened. Instead of us trying and wishing to fit in with the norm, by way of  topics of conversation, local social events etc., etc. we need to be  like Caleb…different…

We should keep our language clean, the topics of our conversation should remain wholesome and the things of the Lord should be preferred over work events. By choosing to set ourselves apart from the world we will have the opportunity to stand with our Lord and with the multitude of His bride/ecclesia/set-apart saints in the Day of Judgment. Those who have followed a different spirit during the times of their testings and trials.

Numbers 14:24 Caleb had a different spirit in him and has followed me fully. And his descendants shall inherit the land.

When we pray and expect answers are we fully ready for what will follow because answered prayers always bring new challenges.

Imagine if all the prayers prayed were answered all at the same time? Yes there would be rejoicing however, there would also be new added responsibility.

With any crisis, there are always changes.

Solomon prayed and asked for wisdom and we too should not only ask for things according to our Fathers will, but also that our hearts will be strengthened to receive, plus that we be given added wisdom for all that follows. It is possible we have seen some people succeed only to end in failure. This happens when individuals seek outer blessings and their inner spiritual strength is neglected, revealing the difference between the carnal and spiritual life. The Hebrew children saw God’s glory, signs and miracles and yet they tested Him 10 times and did not listen to His voice. Because of disobedience and rebellion, not all those who treat our Heavenly Father with contempt will see the promised land/eternity. Verse 26 calls them evil, they grumbled and complained and they died in the wilderness bearing the consequences of their idolatry.

Caleb was not the only faithful spy. When we read Joshua 11:21-22 and the summary of the conquest of the land, we see Joshua as well as Caleb. Both of these men drove out the Anakims, defeating them. What they had believed over 38 years earlier was coming to pass!

It was in Hebron that the spies in Numbers 13:22 saw the Anakims, and it is Hebron Caleb longs to take in victory. Moses swore to Caleb that he would receive the land “whereon thy feet have trodden” Josh 14:9. Caleb trod all over the hill country of Hebron and he was now going to be given the very places he so longingly desired.

Caleb would lead them in the battle; his confidence is the same as it was 45 years earlier. He believed that God could still use him.

In all of this there is a lesson for us:

We should look to the consistent example of those elders in the body of Christ, the ecclesia and our local assembly of believers, we should value their faith, listen to their wise teachings, respect their experience and follow their example. Look how the faith of one person can inspire a generation as it did with Caleb. Let’s not be restricted by our generational age categories but instead, take the time to speak to those who are older, those who have weathered the storms of life and understood the deep things of God because they will not always be around. There is a lesson here also for the older ones amongst us, to continue the work of the Truth while there is strength in our bodies, and that retirement from a paying job or career doesn’t necessarily mean retirement from the work of the gospel of His Kingdom of Truth.

So there is a connection between the number 40, Caleb and Joshua but what about a candle?

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.”  

the heart of the people melt

hearts melted  In Hebrew: himesin ‘eth lev 

את לב המסיו  

Hei Mem Samek Yod Vav   Aleph Taw   Lamed Bet

In Hebrew the meaning is:

melting hearts…as in a candle melting –

candle hearted…. lev mashak.

The 12 spies were sent out to scout out the Promised Land.  

10 returned with a bad report and a recommendation that they not enter the land due to an overwhelming display of power.

Only 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb said:

“God gave us the land, let’s go get it.”   

The report of the 10 spies made

the heart of the people melt. 

 But not so with Joshua and Caleb

The word melt is masah

which is used in a Hiphal form

himesin (hi me sin)  

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 of it, 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 just fear;

it was the final melting of the wax that held the flame of their expectations alive.

This candle had been melting since the beginning of their journey.

The wax of this candle was made of:

self-sufficiency,

pride,

and an expectation of comfort and security.

Their journey was anything but easy. They faced fear of starvation, thirst, poisonous snakes, invading armies, disease, etc.  God delivered them, but they were getting tired of it all.

Their wax was melting.

Now when they were about to reach their final destination, to finally receive their reward for all the struggles in the wilderness, what did they find out?  Indeed it was a land of milk and honey, but it was also a land full of giants.  

There is a limit to every one’s endurance, everyone has a breaking point.

For the children of Israel this was that breaking point. Although this final challenge wasn’t much different than previous challenges where they had faced certain death due to starvation, thirst or even attacks from enemies armies. They’d seen water come from a rock and manna/food from heaven, and a sea divided to deliver them from pharoahs armies. Now they are told there are giants in the land, but the only difference is that now they had a choice whether to go forward or not.  

Their candle wax was made of selfish desires and was not filled with the desire for God, for His will and plan and purposes.  In the past they had had no other choice but to depend upon Him when they needed water, food or deliverance. Now they had a choice, would they could once again face an impossible situation and trust in God?

Yet, when Joshua relates this story he says:  

“I wholly followed the Lord my God.”  

The word follow/followed is NOT in the Hebrew text,

all there is, is the word:

mala’ti

which literally means:

to be completely filled.

Joshua was saying: I was completely filled with God. 

Unlike the people who let their flame of faith and hope go out, Joshua’s flame only got stronger. His wax was not in the arm of the flesh but in a heart completely filled with God.

Such wax will never melt and the flame will only grow brighter.

To Joshua, this last test, the final trial was not another obstacle to the Promised Land; it was another opportunity to see the power of God, this time by his own choice.  

While the Israelites had all the skills required to run a nation which they had gained from their time in Egypt, they really had no faith and trust in the covenant God had made with them. Instead they trusted their inability to conquer the land! They forgot just Who the great “I AM” really was/is… Isn’t this also true today for some believers, who have little to no understanding of the covenant they have been given with Messiah Yeshua/Jesus and how, if we are obedient to His covenant, He will provide, protect and be with us all of the time?

Our hearts should bear witness with this because if we give our Heavenly Father the glory, it’s impossible to lose. The fact that our Heavenly Father made a covenant with Himself is because only He is able to keep one perfectly.  When our faith is in His Covenant, we please Him and then we can rest, knowing we are always protected and provided for.

The number 40 was also used prophetically in God’s Word, and because of that, we must believe that it holds significance today for us. The inhabitants of Nineveh were given a warning with a testing time frame of 40-days and the punishment on the city was held back because of the Grace of God giving them time to repent.

In Luke 11:30, Yeshua/Jesus points out that as Jonah was a warning to Nineveh, for 40 days, so will He Himself be the warning to His generation. As He stated it in the present tense, the word generation is again a reminder of the number 40. 

Surely this is a warning to every generation, including ours, to turn/teshuvah, from all evil and wickedness and live a life of repentance, in harmony with the will of our Heavenly Father.

Sin in our life may or may not be evident to other people. It may be a sin of fear, doubt and unbelief; however, if we will turn to Him with a humble, repentant heart, He is faithful to forgive us and care for us in every way.

Messiah came to warn us and also to show us He is the One Who can calm the chaos of the waters, the MEM, and all our lifes’ stormy circumstances. Sometimes the duration of our situation depends on us and how long it takes us to totally trust that He is faithful to His Word.

Continuing today, our Heavenly Father tests His children and many times, as in the account of Job, this testing is not always for  correction or punishment; it is to see if His children will remain obedient to His Word, if they will seek Him and still praise Him even in the chaos and storms of life.

And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. Deut. 8:2.

so that the [a]proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and [b]full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of [c]your souls. 1Pet.1:7-9

Faith is not faith until it is tested!

A faith that is not tested cannot be trusted.

If we are in the middle of a fiery trial or a time of testing, don’t grow weary or faint and don’t give up; because our Heavenly Father may not be chastising or disciplining us. He may instead be testing us to see just how strong our faith and trust in Him really is, both for Him and for ourselves to know! This is a great opportunity to pray for our brothers and sisters in Messiah, that we can all pass the tests presented before us; and stay obedient to our Father, keeping our trust in Him unshaken by whatever we may experience in the natural realm.

The scriptures tell us clearly that we’ll have times of trials, tests, sufferings, and we may be wandering in a spiritual wilderness for awhile; and we are to:

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

2 Cor.13:5.

Rest, peace/shalom is coming; the true rest, peace/shalom, that is found when we put our trust/faith in Messiah Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach.

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Our Heavenly Father is always in the midst of the test and there is always an end to it and He promises…

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13.

There does seem to be a connection between the number 40, Caleb, Joshua and a candle: 40 being the years of testing the faith of both Joshua and Caleb, who were the only 2 who passed the test because their hearts were not like candles, they did not masah/melt in the face of seemingly overwhelming obstacles. Their faith /trust was also a living testimony to the surety of the promises made by God.

Let’s not have Melting Hearts – Lev Mashah –  לב מה  but rather..

Let that same spirit be in you Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Phil. 2:5-11  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind, or self-control, discipline, and sound judgment 2.Tim. 1:7.

Let’s be like Caleb …of a different spirit…

faithful, whole-hearted, bold and brave.

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם‎,

Shalom aleikhem

chaverim and mishpachah!

Peace to friends and family.

Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.

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

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

You are very precious in His sight.

Not sure ..you can be…

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,

SAY IT 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.

Aliyah – Come Up Higher!

Come

Up

Higher!

Hebrew words for higher:

adjective: עִלִי. overhead, upper, topmost.

In Hebrew 

לבוא means: come up (verb) – lavo

 כאן – here – kan

Strong’s Hebrew: 5927. עָלָה (alah) —

to go up, ascend, climb

A primitive root;

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or

actively mount.

above (7), above* (32), covered* (1), exceedingly (1), forward (2), greater (1), greatly (1), heaven (4), high above (1), high* (1), higher

Word Origin a prim. root. Definition to be high, exalted (NASB Translation) build high (1), exalt (2), exalted (4), haughty (4), high (4), higher.

Strong’s Greek: 511. ἀνώτερος (anóteros) — higher

come up higher 

Anaba Ἀνάβα   come up

hōde ὧδε here

We have just recently remembered Pentecost/Shavuot/shavuoth/shavos/shevuoth on our Heavenly Fathers calendar. (There are several ways of spelling the Hebrew Appointed Time; however most people know it as Pentecost.)

Our Fathers Appointed Times also reveal His glory in His creation. As the days grow darker in the world, there remains an everlasting light, Jesus/Yeshua said:

I am the light of the world;

and it is the

Servant Light

of our Savior and of His/our Father that will never be extinguished. Recall from previous posts that the center light of menorah is called the Shamash, meaning servant, and this light is also remembered with the observance of Pentecost/Shavu’ot, the 50th day following the waving of the First Fruit harvest sheaf.

The Menorah מְנוֹרָה

was the source of light to enable the priesthood to

SEE

giving light to minister

in the wilderness Mishkan/Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

His Spirit of Holiness/RuachHaKodesh was the fire/light which descended upon them at Shavuot/Pentecost enabling them as members of the born from above priesthood, to boldly minister the good news of the kingdom. Exodus 25:31-40

The 7 branched menorah is described in the Torah in exquisite detail, however, one detail is not clearly defined: this detail is the actual shape of the 6 branches which extend from the main stem of the menorah. Are the 6 branches straight, or are they curved? While many scholars believe that the 6 branches are rounded, there are a few who think that the 6 branches are straight; both shown below.

The shamash 

is the candle used to light the other candles of the Hanukkah menorah.

In Hebrew, 

shamash: pronounced shah-MAHSH 

literally means helper.

He is the suffering servant

the shamash,

who lights everyone in the world who comes to Him.

He is the center, the supporting trunk for the other branches.

John 15:5  A picture of Jesus/Yeshua, the light of the world, whose arms and legs were hammered for our sins, just as the hammering of the gold shaped the menorah. The light itself came from the burning of pure olive oil; a symbol of anointing and Ruach HaKodesh/His Spirit of Holiness, which was kindled by the hand of a man of peace and humility.

It is a spiritual light and not seen from the outside of the Temple, only from the inside, and only for Holy/Kadosh purposes.

For more detail on Shamash/menorah click link below:

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

A Chanukah/Hanukkah menorah,

also known as a chanukiah, has 9 candles:

8 candles in a row, and 1 helper candle, known specifically as a shamash,

which is set apart/sits higher, from the others.

It is not counted as one of the candles.

For students of Gods’ Word, this was the day that marked

the birth of the

called out assembly/ecclesia

in Yerushalayim/Jerusalem by the impartation of

His Ruach ha’Qodesh/Spirit of Holiness appearing like cloven tongues of fire

on the Disciples/Talmadiym/Talmidim

who had waited together for this serious moment.

(holiness spelled both Kodesh or Qodesh)

The significance of the tongues of fire appearing as cloven was surely a comfort to the talmidim/disciples as their understanding of Torah and the Holy/set apart/clean vs. unclean animals were identified by their cloven feet.

Cloven hooves are hooves that split into two toes. Under these restrictions, camels, which chew cud but do not have cloven hooves, would not be kosher, nor would pigs.

Clean Animals Have Split Hooves.

Of the clean animals that walk on the earth Yehovah said:

You may eat every animal with cloven hooves, having the hoof split into two parts, and chews the cud.

Recalling also that this commemorates another day, when Moses/Moshe brought to the whole of the house of Israel

the great covenant of Yahuah –

the Ten Devariym/sayings:

handwritten on caphire/sapphire stone

by the very finger of our Heavenly Father,

these are the instructions in

the covenant of life/chaim

and were also given on the

50th day.

More details at link below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/sapphire-and-10-sayings/

For those of us who seek to come out of Babylons’ worldly system – to be separate and apart from its ways and to live our lives in harmony with Our Heavenly Father and Jesus/Yeshuas’ instructions, His light remains. It is a powerful light, and like the menorah shining brightly, we are to be glowing brilliantly with Yeshua/Jesus, the light of the world in us!

These Appointed Times are

an annual call to each of us,

not only to dig deeper into His Word and understand all that He wants to reveal to us there, but also to

come up higher…

as John was instructed..

Why?

so He can show us things..

for those with eyes to see and ears to hear

these things will be revealed …

it’s all about timing and preparation.

Revelation 1:10-11

And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. Rev. 4:1

He was saying to John

I want you to SEE..

far beyond what you see right now…

but you must 

Come! Come up higher.

I will show you things to come.

I will open your eyes to see!

“Go up. Come up. Come up higher.”

He wants us to see certain things;

and in order to see more,

we have to go up.

The word

aliYAH,

is a common word among the Jews…

Aliyah in Hebrew means:

elevation or going up

and can refer to two different parts of Jewish life. It either refers to being called up to say the blessing before or after reading the Torah in the synagogue, or it refers to moving to the land of Israel. It is considered a great honor to be given an Aliyah – going up, to recite the blessing over the Torah.

The term aliyah, going up to Israel, is used in Genesis in reference to Jacob’s bones being brought from Egypt to what would be the Land of Israel, Eretz Israel, in Hebrew.

Also defined as

the act of going up that is, towards Jerusalem

making Aliyah by moving to Israel

and is used by those returning to the land of Israel.

Aliyah means to ascend,
literally: go up to YAH.

עליה

Pronounced: a-LEE-yuh for synagogue use,

ah-lee-YAH for immigration to Israel,

Origin: Hebrew, literally, to go up.

When we obey what His instructions are,

we are literally

going up

to see what He has to tell us.

Our obedience brings us into His presence so that He can show us more of Himself,

more about ourselves, and

more insight to the strategies concerning the work of the adversary/enemy.

He will give us the Way to walk forward in the midst of His glory.

He will provide a fearlessness and boldness, courage that will enable us to be over-comers in this life.

We have recently remembered Pesach/Passover, which also celebrates the subsequent exodus out of Egypt, Israel was in the wilderness 40 years.

As the pilgrims

go up – making aliyah to Jerusalem/Yerushalayim

for the shalosh regalim

they sing the Psalms of David and Solomon.These are called the Psalms/Songs of ASCENT..

In Hebrew, the word translated as

ascent is ma’alah (מעלה),

which means:

ascent or degree

and indicates a movement upward.

There are 15 Psalms of Ascent, 

Psalms 120-135 

 שִׁירים הַמַּעֲלוֹת 

Shirim haMa’alot, 

תהילים של עלייה

psalms of ascent.

Our Heavenly Father wanted them to

aliyah/go up

annually so that they could see that He, who had done mighty things on their behalf, was about to do mighty things again and to bring them into the Promised Land of Israel and fulfill all that had been prophesied.

We too are in a wilderness and He wants us to reflect on

where we are

as we press forward to the promised land in glory.

We have heard His voice:

to come out of Egypt, and

to come out of the world,

to come out of the religious system that is sneakily riddled with traditions of men.

He says, “Come up – come up higher!”

Don’t settle for less

because our Heavenly Father

ALWAYS has more for us..

Now to Him who is able to do

exceedingly abundantly above

all that we ask or think, 

according to the power that works in us…

Eph. 3:20.

We should be like Caleb’s daughter Acsah

who asked her father for springs of water.

כָלֵ֑ב Caleb 3612

Acsah or achsah עַכְסָ֥ה   aksah 5915

Upper and lower springs.

Digging deeper into wells of salvation/lower springs

and the coming up to higher springs/places; where the springs of living water flow down the mountains. This should remind us of the rivers of living water and His outpouring into our lives of His Ruach HaKodesh/Spirit of Holiness.

…Caleb asked [Acsah], “What can I do for you?”
She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.”
So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. Judges 1:14b-15, 

Achsah, was Caleb ben Yefune’s only daughter.

She was offered in marriage to the man who would lead an attack on the city of Debir, also called Kirjath-sepher/Kirjath-sannah.

This was done by Othniel, Caleb’s brother’s son, who accordingly obtained her as his wife.

 

Achsah in Hebrew: עַכְסָה, also Acsah.

One meaning of her name is: courageous

עַכְסָה

also: Adorned, or Bursting the Veil!

Acsah or achsah.  עַכְסָ֥ה   aksah 5915

Othniel   עָתְנִיאֵ֥ל     6274   Joshua 15:17

כָלֵ֑ב    Caleb.   3612

בֶּן־ son – ben 1121

קְנַ֖ז of Kenaz 7073

Achsah was the daughter of Caleb, prince of the tribe of Judah.

She was the only girl in the family, and had three brothers. 

Achsah also has the meaning of

ankle-chain, anklet.

Her father promised her in marriage to whoever should take Debir.

And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher”. Judges 1:12.

Caleb was seeking to award a man who proved himself a fearless warrior, valiant in battle, and more importantly one who had the courage and faith to obey God’s command to conquer. 

Acsah’s narrative serves as an example of contrasting between good and evil in order to reveal how far life has degenerated. The Book of Judges can be read as a chronological narrative or as a geographical one, either way, we see the huge contrast between the start and the end: it starts with good leadership and good circumstances in the land; and ends with no leadership and horrific ones.

On the whole in many cultures these days, conditions and practices have improved, however, Acsah’s story is telling us so much more.

In this narrative we see a very critical part of a whole situation which alerts us to the danger imposed upon those who are vulnerable and powerless.. This happens when everybody does what seems right in their own eyes. 21:25.

Proverbs 14:12 warns us, as do many proverbs which describe the consequences of a particular action or character trait; referring to the blinding effects of passion and self-will; which make people think their own way is best and the most desirable as it appears to be right.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Reading Acsah’s story serves as a reminder to do ALL things by the leading and guidance of and in and through the power of His Ruach HaKodesh/Spirit of Holiness. That means we commit to trust and obey, doing only what is right in our Heavenly Father’s eyes. We must never do what merely seems right, leaning on our own understanding. Rather, in all our ways we must acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths. Prov.3:6.

In this story Acsah’s husband Othniel had already received a gift of land from her father Caleb but then she asks for more…. Give me also…. We should also be eager for all that our Father has for us. She very wisely asks for the water source which in that time and location is the basis of staying aliveThe springs she requested would supply water to their inheritance of dry southern land.

If they had only asked for the lower spring, whole sections of the land would have stayed barren and dry and only a portion of the available resource would have been used.

We too need the fresh water of His Spirit/Ruach and as Pentecost/Shavuot was the fulfilling of that prophesied outpouring we are now able to receive His refreshing anytime. Whenever we are feeling weary, tired and overwhelmed, and need a fresh anointing on our lives and ministries; a fresh infilling of His Spirit is waiting for us; we simply have to yield and receive. Our Heavenly Father is one of abundance and we are

not to settle for less

than the fullness and abundant life He has for us…this is why Jesus/Yeshua came. 

In Luke 11:13 in the Complete Jewish Bible, following instruction on prayer by Jesus/Yeshua to His disciples/talmidim, He says clearly to: keep on asking keep on seeking  how much more will the Father

KEEP GIVING

the Ruach HaKodesh/Spirit of Holiness from heaven

to those who keep asking Him..

We need both the upper and lower springs to feed into our lives. Notice in verse 14, she says, do me a special favor.

Acsah knew she had her fathers favor and she had faith in that special relationship …surely we see the analogy for us if we are in that place of abiding/living in His presence. We too should have the knowing, of the security in His lovingkindness towards us and that we can receive ALL that He has for us.

To know Him and the power of His resurrection is

to know His ability to replenish, refresh and refill us.

He is calling us higher…

speaking to us about stepping into

a new level of holy boldness and spiritual authority. Not in our strength, ways or abilities..but in His!

Cheverim, Mishpochah – friends, family; we are called for such a time as this…we are joint heirs with Mashiach/Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords…

When our mindset is stuck in the lower springs we can’t receive the inheritance of those upper springs. We must consider our true identity and calling in Messiah, in Christ, who we truly are in HIM … we are created in His glorious image …

There is a further lesson for us to learn in Acsah’s story. Her father had treated her more like a prize to be won for the one who could gain victory over the city of the giants. Judges 1:12-13

It would have been easy for her to assume a victim mentality…

Her name means: anklet, which is an adornment..

remembering in those days it also referred to the

anklets or leg chains

that held prisoners to the prison stocks.

Acsah/Achsah, did not give in to the temptation of …poor pity me.. she had the attitude of: an heir ready to receive her inheritance. Furthermore the physical inheritance of well watered land was enhanced spiritually, as the faith of her father Caleb and the generation of Joshua lived on and prospered in her husband Othniel.

We are told in Judges 3:9-11, the Spirit of God came upon Othniel. He became Israel’s first judge and deliverer, and because of his leadership, the land had rest for 40 years. True Shalom when we enter into His rest!

The common western definition of peace is — the absence of conflict or war — but in Hebrew it means so much more:

The root word of Shalom is shalam.

One of the first uses of the word shalam in the Torah is in

Exodus 21 and 22…

meaning: peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility soundness, health, safety and prosperity, nothing missing and nothing broken.

A higher state of mind and spiritual vision can only be reached through the higher practice of personal character. If we live up to the highest and best we know how, our Father will always

call us to come up higher

and when we do we will be faced with other challenges and temptations to further help in forming our characters.

Staying humble is the key to greatness in the Kingdom of God.

Both the Father and the adversary will use the strategy of elevation… but satan uses it for example: as temptation by lifting up in pride and the effects and results are completely different.

Our growth in grace/chen is not measured by the fact we have not backslidden or turned back from following Messiah but that we have an understanding and insight into where we are spiritually.

As a good wise father He withholds some things from us until the growth of our personal character attains the level He deems we are ready to receive them. As we grow in maturity, we have a higher viewpoint and when He shows us a truth, we are accountable to immediately apply the truth we know and begin to live it, applying it to our lives.

Attentiveness and receptivity will always lead to greater intimacy. Like the disciples/talmidim, who waited on His Spirit to fill and empower them, we must learn to pay attention sometimes by waiting upon Him. He leads us from strength to strength, we simply need to place our trust in Him and not in our own understanding or trying to ‘fix it’ by employing our own ways….

We must be receptive, open, and teachable if we want a deep meaningful relationship; and we must be willing and available, giving time to building that relationship.

Going deep

also requires us

to come up higher

where we are called to be seated in heavenly places

and then we will begin to see all things

from our Fathers perspective

from above and not beneath!

Whatever our calling, our function to His called-apart-ones, our inheritance is assured to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose… Rom.8:28

and we are challenged to remember

both the upper and lower springs offer

continual infilling

for us.

Time to Aliyah  –  come up higher.

As the disciples waited to

come up higher

counting the days from the omer;

maybe they were finally learning to

count the cost

of being disciples of the Master.

He was seen by so many during those days, still speaking of the kingdom, cultivating the seeds of His Spirit that were to soon spring forth and bear much fruit!

Everything they had trained and waited for came and they were ready…are we?????

May our days of counting lead to a lifetime of bearing good fruit.. May there be fire in our bones that set our tongues aflame to declare the great things of our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom…. as we

Aliyah

COME UP HIGHER!

Please wait 4 seconds for this song to begin…

and tell Him.. Hineni, here I am! Lead me…

Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now,

but you will follow later.

John 13:36

Shalom aleikhem

chaverim/friends and mishpachah/family!

Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week,

you are greatly loved and prayed for daily.

Please don’t leave here without assurance of your salvation

Not sure ..you can be…

Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer,

Savior, Lord, and soon returning King

and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

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

You are very precious in His sight.

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute, SAY IT 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.