Although we are still between the mountains of blessing and curses from the last post, and part 3 is coming shortly; it is timely to wish MMM
‘Mishpachah’
‘Family/Tribe’
משפחה
Mish-pa-KHa,
friends, visitors and every reader
this customary Hebrew greeting…
L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu
לְשָׁנָה טוֹבָה תִּכָּתֵבוּ
May you be inscribed for a good year
(in the Book of Life)!
This weekend starts the
Civil New Year
of
5781
in Israel.
It is also the start of the
Yamim Nora’im
יָמִים נוֹרָאִים
10 Days of Awe
or
High Holy Days.
In Israel and Hebrew tradition,
Yom Teruah – The Day of Awakening…
Rosh Hashanah
(literally the head of the year)
is celebrated as New Years Day.
The holiday is observed on the first 2 days of the Hebrew month of Tishri (i.e., the 7th “new moon” of the year),
which usually falls in September or October, and marks the beginning of
a 10-day period of
prayer,
self-examination
and
repentance
more accurately translated as:
the Ten Days of Return
Aseret Yemei Teshuvah,
עשרת ימי תשובה
which comes to a conclusion on the fast day of
Yom Kippur.
Many believe that the 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is a season, when God is especially close to us; “the gates of heaven are open, and I will listen to your prayers.” Often citing the verse in Isaiah telling the Jewish nation to repent for their sins, he says, “Seek God when He may be found, call upon Him when He is near.”
This period of time represents an opportunity for reflection, repentance, and teshuva – a return to God.
It is an opportunity to regret the missteps of our past while committing to change and rectify our actions in the future. During these ten days, we examine the year that has passed, dreaming and planning for a better year ahead; a year marked by justice, goodness and harmony – true shalom – for ourselves and all of His children.
The Hebrew letters of the word
Rosh – ראש – Resh Sheen
constitute the root of the Hebrew word for Genesis,
pronounced
“Be’re’sheet” (בראשית),
which is the first word in the Book of Genesis.
(Recall that the letter Alef – א,
represents the vowels, a,e,i,o,u, in words.)
While Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Israel Civil New Year, it also signifies the creation of the universe, which Hashem /God completed in six days.
A teruah is a broken-sounding blast which resembles a cry.
This commandment is repeated in three different places.
Rosh Hashanah 2020 began before sundown on Friday, Sept. 18, and ends after nightfall on Sunday, September 20.
A week later, the High Holidays reach their crescendo with
Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Israels calendar, begins on Sunday, September 27 and ends on the evening of Monday, September 28.
The day is devoted to repentance for sins that were committed during the previous year.
A delicate blend of joy and solemnity, it is a submission to the sovereignty of heaven as everyone is called to awaken to judgment. It is a shofar call to repentance. Yom Kippur is the holy day of atonement, so, may your sins be forgiven, and your coming year be BLESSED.
As believers in Messiah – Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach, we do not have to depend on the Yom Kippur once a year blood sacrificial system – He was our Yom Kippur sacrifice.
His Blood
paid the price for us
once and for all.
“Leshanah tovah tikateiv v’teichateim—May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year!”
The phrase is short for “l’shanah tovah tikatevu ve techatemu” (לְשָׁנָה טוֹבָה תִכָּתֵבוּ וְתֵּחָתֵמוּ),
meaning
“may you be inscribed and sealed (in the Book of Life) for a good year”.
‘Good Days‘, or singular – יום טוב – Yom Tov – Good Day.
Chag sameach…
Literally, good holiday.
have a good holiday
שיהיה לך חג שמח –
This greeting can be used for any holiday, not necessarily a festival.
L’Shanah Tovah
(li-SHAH-nuh TOH-vuh;
li-shah-NAH toh-VAH)
Hebrew meaning is literally for a good year.
A common greeting during Rosh Hashanah and Days of Awe.
It is an abbreviation of
L’shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem
(May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year).
L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu
לְשָׁנָה טוֹבָה תִּכָּתֵבוּ
– This phrase is a customary greeting before the Jewish New Year and means
“May you be inscribed for a good year (in the Book of Life)!”
Rosh Hashanah, people wish each other
“Ketivah v’chatima tovah”
כתיבה וחתימה טובה
“A good inscription and sealing [in the Book of Life].”.
People greet one another with
“ Leshana tovah tikatev v’tichatem”
לשנה טובה תכתב ותחתם
There are many previous posts connected to this season and His Appointed Times/Feasts; they can be accessed through the links are below:
This is the day for remembering the abundance of His greatness.
Psalm 150
– תְּהִלִּים – T’hillim – praises
Hallelujah – praise yah – hal’lu Yah.
Praise Him with the shofar sound – teka shofar –
Let us not be silent when blessings for Him are in our mouths but let us allow our hearts to express the love and gratefulness we have towards Him as we burst forth in praise and Thanksgiving for all He has done.
Let us remember His mighty acts, the expense of His strength and the abundance of His greatness.
Today let us remember our Creator the One who gives us life and as we breathe let us return every breath to Him in thanksgiving and praise.
Let us remember the way we used to live before we knew Him; and honor the One who gave His life in our place – bearing the penalty of our sin.
Let us remember afresh today the sacrifice that Messiah paid on our behalf willingly losing His life that we might be found.
Today let us remember and rejoice that we have been raised with Him to life everlasting, remembering His triumphant victory over death and the grave.
As we remember and once again become aware of the reality of our salvation; let us release sounds of praise that will finally shatter any doubts and fears that may be lingering in the shadows tucked away in the corners of our minds.
As we remember, let’s proclaim the redemption and freedom that comes with the deliverance and salvation He has provided for every family, tribe and nation.
Let everything that has breath praise yah, for He is strong and mighty, worthy and holy, abundant in greatness and abounding in loving-kindness.
Yeshua is our Master, Deliverer, Redeemer, our Salvation, our Righteousness, our Lord and soon returning King. Today we remember all that He is and sing praises to Him along with the sounds of the shofar hal’lu yah hal’lu El.
Shalom shalom
‘Mishpachah’
‘Family/Tribe’
משפחה
Mish-pa-KHa,
friends, visitors and every reader…
Stay Alert ‘Mishpachah’….
Please don’t leave this page before making certain Jesus is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
Its all about Life and Relationship, not Religion.
NOT SURE? YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Having just completed the 49 days of Counting the Omer.
This season runs from the First Fruits – בִּכּוּרִים – Bikkurim/Resurrection
to
Pentecost/Shavuot/שָׁבוּעוֹת which begins on the 50th day from פסח – Pesach/Passover.
We remember Yeshua/Jesus was with them for 40 days after His Resurrection and appeared to many during that time, up to the day He returned Home to heaven/shamayim.
1Cor. 5:16. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
In John 20:17 we are told that on the first day of the week after Passover/Pesach, Jesus/Yeshua appeared to Mary Magdalene, (Miriam of Magdala).
The women that came to the tomb (Mary the Mother of James, Salome, and Joanna), then a first appearance to Peter. He also appeared to the rest of the 12 Disciples with Thomas absent, later He appeared to them with Thomas present.
The occasion recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, to 500 at one time, then to James (presumably James the brother of Jesus), then to all the Apostles, and last to Paul himself.
There was also the meeting with the 2 disciples on the Emmaus road.
The 40th day of the Omer was when His Ascension took place and the promise was given to those present that He will return the same way they saw Him go.
His second coming shall be in like manner as Acts 1:10-11 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.
His Cross is the door/Dalet by which whosoever will can enter into the eternal life to be with the Father.
Because of His resurrection, Jesus/Yeshua, has the right to give eternal life to anyone, and by His ascension our Savior entered heaven, keeping the door open for humanity.
His previous Transfiguration which began on another Mountain was completed on the Mountain of Ascension.
The Transfiguration was a manifestation of His glory a powerful demonstration of His divine nature, which He possessed prior to coming to earth in a human body.
Before Abraham was I AM. John 8:58
Undoubtedly, the purpose of His transfiguration, into at least a portion of His heavenly glory, was so that those of His disciples who were closest to Him, could gain a greater understanding of Who He was. Surely He underwent a dramatic change in appearance when the disciples saw Him in His glory.
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them “his face did shine as the sun,” “and his garments became glistering, exceeding white, so as no fuller on earth can whiten them.”
Luke 9:27; Matthew 17:1-8.
One of the purposes of the Transfiguration may have been to strengthen the faith of the disciples in His divine nature before they experienced the shock of the difficult days ahead of them.
In early times, the mount of the Transfiguration had become known as the holy mount. (2 Peter 1:18). It seems to have been known by the faithful, and one tradition identified it with Mount Thabor/Tabor.
The other view, and probably more likely one, is that Mount Hermon was the site of the transfiguration.
Hermon means: Devoted or Sanctified!
Mount Hermon from the Sea of Galilee
It is in the far north, the location of Caesarea Philippi, at the southwestern foothills; 25 miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee to the Golan Heights.
It is situated on a terrace 1,150 feet high overlooking a lush fertile valley. Here also, is the easternmost source for the Jordan River.
It is one of the four major headwaters.
During the Hellenistic period (323 to 31 B.C.), this city was originally called Panias (also spelled Paneas) because of its close association with the Greco-Roman god Pan. The modern name, Banias, is an Arabic corruption of the original.
In order to distinguish it from the harbor city on the Mediterranean called Caesarea Maritima, it became known as Caesarea Philippi. Philip, one of Herod the Great’s sons, renamed it so in honor of Emperor Augustus in 2 B.C.
Here in Caesarea Philippi, there was once a magnificent temple which dominated the landscape, constructed of white marble by Herod the Great to the godhead of Caesar. An earthquake in 363 C.E likely destroyed the city.
There is a cave immediately to the north of Caesarea Philippi.
This cave was said to be the birthplace of the Greco-Roman god Pan/Faunus, the god of nature, fields, forests, mountains, flocks and shepherds.
The pagan worshipers would make sacrifices at the mouth of the cave where they had built a sanctuary to Pan/Faunus.
It would seem to make sense for the transfiguration to take place in that region where Messiah had been ministering and where Peter made his confession.
Not coincidentally, at the base of this mountain was the place known as the gates of Hades, (gates of hell).
To the pagan mind, the cave at Caesarea Philippi created a gate to the underworld (Hades), where they believed fertility gods took up residence during the winter.
This location was especially unique because it stood at the base of a cliff where spring water flowed. At one time, the water ran directly from the mouth of a cave set in the bottom of the cliff. This region is referred to in the Old Testament by the name Baal-gad, which is described in the northernmost conquest of Joshua as being in the Valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon (Josh. 11:17; 12:7; 13:5; also see: Judges 3:3; 1 Chron. 5:23).
The name Baal-gad meant literally Master Luck, the name of a god of fortune who may later have been identified with Pan. One good reason the Bride of Messiah should refrain from using the term good luck when offering encouragement to one another; but rather offer shalom and blessings to each other in Jesus/Yeshuas name.
This region was the northernmost extent of Yeshua/Jesus’ ministry and no doubt He found some privacy here with His disciples in this non-Jewish region, no less, because it was beyond the jurisdiction of Galilee’s ruler, Herod Antipas. It was here in the district of Caesarea Philippi, not long before before His final journey to Jerusalem and crucifixion that He asked the 12 disciples,
Who do you say that I am?
Matt.16:15.
It is a very important point that Jesus/Yeshua chose to ask this question here, since there were few areas anywhere else with more religious significance; and because it was filled with the temples of ancient Syrian Baal worship. Historians have identified at least 14 such temples, it was a place beneath the shadow of ancient gods.
Imagine the scene, Jesus/Yeshua was standing in an area with the temples of the Syrian gods, a place where the Greek gods were believed to look down, and the place where the most important river in Israel has its source, (the Jordan river), and asked them Who they thought He was.
Messiah knew what He was doing when choosing the 3 disciples, Peter, James and John to follow Him to the summit of Mount Hermon. His choice was not random and because of His well-defined objective, He was not concerned the rest would feel rejected or resentful but did what needed to be done. Peter would testify later, saying:
“for we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the father honor and glory when such a voice came to him from the excellent glory: “this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” and we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with him on the HOLY MOUNTAIN.” 2 peter 1.16-18
Some may wonder why He didn’t choose His beloved Mount of Olives, or where He heard the prayer of His servant/prophet Elijah, and responded with fire on Mount Carmel? Or even the Mount of Beatitudes, where He taught, revealing the secrets of eternal life? Why did He choose the highest and most difficult mountain to climb in Israel?
Psalm 133 gives us an answer:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.
It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing – life forevermore.”
Yeshua/Jesus chose Mount Hermon, because He wanted to point out to His disciples what it represents, as described in the Psalm.
It was prophetic because it spoke of unity, harmony and perfect peace/shalom, among the children of God in the Kingdom of Heaven; and accurately portrays the picture of our Heavenly Fathers’ family gathered around His throne. He expresses His joy and delight in seeing His children around Him, the fruit of the sacrifice of His first born, Jesus/Yeshua.
Comparing the joy to: like the precious oil upon the head.
This precious oil upon the head represents the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the form of a physical anointing/Shavuot/Pentecost; and it is something that can only be understood by those who have had this experience.
Like the dew of Mount Hermon is the reference to the sources of water that form the rivers, which merge together forming the River Jordan. Mount Hermon is the water source for all of Israel. Water is life/chaim, it is impossible to live without its existence and in those days, the greatest wealth of a community was water, for that reason, settlements were always built around wells/water sources. Another reason He said, John 4:14; but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
When the Psalmist writes, the dew of Hermon that descends upon the mountains of Zion, he is portraying the fullness of life that Gods’ children enjoy in His presence.
Mount Hermon could be said to be a sanctuary that is invisible to the eyes of the wicked, being revealed to the chosen ones, because of its splendor and spiritual significance, no wonder the Messiah chose it from among the others and,
from it,
God commands the blessing
and life/chaim/lifes, forevermore!
It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing – life forevermore.”
Small wonder the devil tried to usurp it for his own!
Because of this significance, no doubt Messiah deliberately set Himself against the world’s religions and was asking to be compared with them. Here in this setting, is where Peter boldly replies with his great confession,
You are the Messiah/the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matt. 16:16.
Now the significance of this tremendous statement of faith becomes clearer and it changed everything for the disciples.
Then Yeshua/Jesus responds in Matt. 16:17-18 Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell [literally, Hades] shall not prevail against it.
Here His reference to the cave and the gates of Hades at Mount Hermon, makes complete sense!
It is plain from Scripture that His ascension from another mountain, that of Mount of Olives; was a literal, bodily return to heaven. He rose from the ground gradually and visibly, observed by the disciples. Straining to catch a last glimpse of Yeshua/Jesus, when a cloud hid Him from their view, then, 2 angels appeared and promised the onlookers…in just the same way that you have watched Him go. Acts 1:11.
The daily route Jesus/Yeshua took in and out of the city passed over the Mount of Olives. From ancient times the revered rise overlooking Jerusalem from east was seen with importance.
The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge east of and adjacent to Jerusalem’s Old City. It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes. He led the disciples over the summit and onto the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Interestingly, the journey was what is defined as a Sabbath’s journey; or a little more than 1/2 mile.
Mark:11:1; [Luke:19:29];[Luke:24:50
The ascension was the ultimate, indisputable evidence that Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach was triumphant, conquering ha satan/the adversary and all his hosts. Here is the extent of His victory, but it also reveals the measure of the power which has been bestowed upon His saints to carry out His work on earth until He returns.
It emphasizes the fact that we are given the serious responsibility of putting His will into effect on earth, as He reigns from heaven.
Matthew 6:9-13 verse 6:10.
The Rabbi/Teacher’s parting words commissioned His people to make disciples of every creature among the nations throughout the earth (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47).
This was 10 days before Shavuot and the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh outpouring.
Pesach/Passover is incomplete and Shavuot/Pentecost obstructed and the Second Coming of Messiah impossible without His Ascension!
Acts 2:5 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Click below for previous posts which focus on Shavuot/Pentecost.
This reference to Cloven Tongues may have been an indication to them that the fire was not strange fire but Holy acceptable fire from heaven.
Leviticus 11:3. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven footed, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
However one of the main meanings to them was that Pentecost/Shavuot was the celebration of the giving of Torah in the wilderness and the manifested presence of God came as fire and remained with them by night for 40 years; and furthermore, fire was always known as a cleansing agent.
This was the presence of God, the impartation of His spirit infilling the properly prepared vessels; igniting that zeal to go and make disciples of all nations.
One final interesting point is that, a critical scene was repeated post resurrection but pre ascension.
The location was beside the Sea of Galilee in Luke 5:1-11; Matt.4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20.
Here in Matthew 4:22, Yeshua/Jesus called them and they left everything to follow Him….. (Have we?)…
But not until after He told them them to let down their nets for a catch. Which they did and pulled in a huge haul of fish.
He stated He would make them fishers of men. Then in John 21, He is again in Galilee beside the sea and tells them to let down their nets for a catch.
Once again the nets were filled to overflowing.
He tells them to come and eat.
Again the reference to feeding them for He is the bread of life.
This is at the end of His time with them.
We see the reference to
the beginning and the end
the first and the last
the Alef and Tav
the Alpha and Omega,
(Rev.22:13)
start and finish of their time with Him.
The catch of fish to becomes the catching of men,
catching souls for the kingdom of the Heavens.
The 2nd time was the place of commissioning.
A question arises always where did the fire, hot coals, fish and bread come from?
The coals/ Stones were hot so it would seem that He had been there a while.
Bring some fish He says.
Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. John 21:10
The bread wouldn’t have been the flat crisp sort so that it could be broken, not a soft loaf like we usually think of.
This makes another question. Where did He get the bread from, was it another miracle?
Did He turn some of the stones beside the sea of Galilee into bread?
Stones that look very much like bread!
This was the very subject of an earlier temptation the devil used against Him, to prove that He was the Son of God/YHWH.
Now it was no temptation, but instead, a provision to feed His children-mishpachah/disciples-talmidim/friends-cheverim.
He was and is the Son of the Living God, the Creator of the universe, who took the elements of the dirt of the earth He created to form us. Surely then, as the devil came testing/ tempting Him, He was able to do just that… or it would not have been by its’ very definition – a temptation?
What we do know is everything points to Jesus as Messiah, savior and He points always to the father. Everything has meaning whether we fully understand it or not.
Pentecost/Shavuot was a ‘second giving’, of the Torah.
A giving of Himself, of His risen Spirit/Ruach;
to fill them and fire them up.
His Torah/Word is no longer written on stone but in their,
and our,
hearts of flesh.
He is the living Torah, the living Word made flesh and is still living amongst us.
Knowledge is not the end goal here in these posts… but Relationship is.
Knowledge and understanding, are simply an aid to a deeper understanding of the One who gave His life for us.
This Shavuot /Pentecost allow the Ruach/Spirit of Holy Fire to do His complete work in us that we become vessels fit for the Masters use.
The purpose being that so many more souls are added to His kingdom.
As we are climbing the mountains with Him following His lead know we are soon leaving for home too. It’s possible that when He said earlier meet me in Galilee it was also related to meet me in the kingdom of God because Galilee was a home where the meeting could go on without any distraction! Did Yeshua/Jesus choose Galilee to show them how they would also join Him in the Kingdom of God, the kingdom of His Heavens?
Keep your eyes upon Jesus/Yeshua.
Look full in His wonderful face
and the things of this world will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace.
Be ready… Look to the Son!
When we look at this do we see son rise or sun set?
Shalom shalom mishpachah/family and cheverim/friends! You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the posts. If they have been a blessing and if you haven’t already, please sign up for free email notification, like, share and subscribe, it all helps to freely spread the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth and reaches others with His Truths. MMM will continue as long as the platform is accessible… meanwhile let’s remember
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.
Why were they told to make the Menorah with shape of almond blossom and not olives, vines or figs???
Scripture records that the pattern for the Menorah was given by God to Moses and almonds have specific meaning which was understood. We have seen the connection between the almond shaped receptacle for the olive oil at the top of each branch of the menorah. Only the Priest could tend the wicks and light them.
The next connection to Almonds was the Rod of Aaron:
Numbers 17:8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.
8 Now on the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds. 9 Moses then brought out all the rods from the presence of the LORD to all the sons of Israel; and they looked, and each man took his rod.
Aaron’s Rod not only leafed out the next day, it also had flower buds, flowers, and even ripe almonds on the same stick! (Numbers 17:8).
Num. 17:1-5 God spoke to Moses: “Speak to the People of Israel. Get staffs from them—twelve staffs in all, one from the leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write each man’s name on his staff. Start with Aaron; write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi and then proceed with the rest, a staff for the leader of each ancestral tribe.”
The man’s name written on the sticks showed that it was the original one, but the growth in various stages of maturity also proves that no one had cut an almond branch and put it in its place.
Sometimes tribes are called Shevatim, which also means: supple BRANCH (still attached to the tree); sometimes they are called Matot, which means hard stick, cut off from the tree.
Although obvious that branches are alive and supple and growing when still attached to the tree and draw their strength from it and its roots; it must be noted that as we are grafted in, we too must stay connected to the tree of life. In our case this is Messiah Jesus/Yeshua HaMashiach, in order to stay alive and grow.
Aaron had his own staff. And it was Aaron’s staff which became a “serpent” before Pharaoh and which swallowed up the “serpents” of the magicians (Exodus 7:9-12).
Possible symbolic prophetic meaning that death would be swallowed up in life.
The spiritual shown subduing and overcoming the natural. The Creator shown superior over His creation – good triumphing over evil.
Aarons staff was from the almond tree and every tree bears the fruit God created it to produce.
In Ex. 25:31-36 The golden candlestick is recorded and in Isaiah 11:1 the prophetic word declared that…
A shoot, rod or branch (cutting) is how olive trees are reproduced. Just as we are grafted in to Him and He reproduces Himself in us.
1 A shoot (rod) will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a BRANCH will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD
Here the 7 Spirits of God are listed right along side the BRANCH connecting them there are 7 lamps and there is a confirming reference by John in Rev 4:5 – 7 lamps – 7 spirits.
Num 17:8-10; Jer 1:11-12
Has similar language
The budding of the staff/literally the BRANCH of an almond tree, is symbolic of resurrection life and fullness of God
and is typified in three elements connected to the menorah.
The Bud
the Flower
and
the Fruit.
See chart below for other symbolism.
The Priest is a picture of Yeshua/Jesus and represents man to God.
The Budding is a picture that assures us that HE IS our High Priest.
Apocalypse of the menorah – (revealing the meaning) – and the significance of the almond tree.
The shape reminds the onlooker of a flowering tree of life.
The Menorah was made from 1 piece and resembling a tree with branches, tradition says it also represents the tree of life that was present in the beginning – Beresheet.
The Tree of Life is in the Beginning – Genesis and at the end – Revelation.
On each of the six side arms were 3 golden almond blossoms and together with the 4 on the center shaft, there were exactly 22 almond blossoms. Between the 22 flowers, there are 21 connections. From the lowest flower to the top flower on the shaft to the 6 lamps, there are 3×8+3=27 connections, and together with the highest connection from the top flower on the shaft to the middle lamp, there are a total of 28 (4×7) connections. Together they are 50 parts + 7 lamps.
In Israel, toward the end of January, while the rest of the trees continue their winter slumber, the Almond Tree is the first to awaken to life and blooms.
Therefore, the white almond blossom is a symbol of life and purity.
God paid attention to the details from the very beginning; for He commanded that every single almond blossom on the Menorah should consist of three parts, namely, the cups, buds and blossoms (petals). Together they are 3 x 22=66 single flower parts.
The Menorah stood in the Tabernacle and in Solomon’s Temple. The Menorah also stood in the Temple of Herod in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified.
The BIBLE: 7 parts, 49 scrolls with 66/70 books = the word of God = the light in this dark world.
Three of the many 7’s in Scripture:
7 Appointed Times
7 Spirits of God
7 Days of the week, etc.
Some symbolism meanings:
The pattern of the menorah was for 3 decorative cups to be on each of the 6 branches only on the main center branch was there to be 4 cups.
4 cups of the Passover meal! For the servant/shamash, was at the center of the Menorah.
The cups of the menorah remind the bride of the cups she drank during the marriage vows with her bridegroom at His Appointed Feasts, vowing to be His faithful bride.
The cups on the menorah and the branches were designed in the shape of open almond blossoms because as already noted, the almond tree represents first fruits and in Israel is the first tree to bloom after the winter. Just as we saw in song of Solomon..the winter is past the spring has come she was watching for her beloved.
Jesus/Yeshua is the First Fruits from the dead and we are His first fruits. We like the rod of Aaron were dead outside of Jesus/Yeshua. When He redeemed us and was resurrected, then He raised us from death to life and we became His First Fruits. Ezek. 37:1-4
Was it also a reference to the burning bush or the almond tree or the type of sage that grows in Israel? Unless it is very clear, we don’t need to caught up too much in symbolism! However, there are some very clear ones with the blossoms and almond shapes.
How does an almond tree grow?
And what we can learn?
Today the temple of God is where He lives now, within the heart of the believer.
If believers do not know how to maintain the light of the menorah or preserve the bread of His presence, how will the bride know the timing of her wedding or be prepared to join her bridegroom?
The menorah is the only light in the Holy place.
Oil has been provided for the brides journey to light her way but, the oil can only be useful if the menorah has been maintained and the wicks are trimmed. Tended to daily by the priest.
Without the light the bride is unable to see the word, which is the bread of His presence and her path WAY Will be darkened. Maintaining the menorah will allow her to see clearly and find her way to her wedding.
The Lamp stand, the Menorah, represents the Messiah of Israel in John 8:12 Jesus said, I am the light of the world.
As the Bridegroom of Israel, He will light the path/WAY, to reveal the WAY of the bride.
The menorah is also a symbol of the brides mission.
As the Mishkan is to be made in the pattern given, when the bride walks in Jesus/Yeshua’s right ways, she will reflect His light to the nations. Isaiah 42:7
It is said that pure gold is one of the easiest metals to work with. It can be beaten into a transparent gold foil over 500 times thinner than the human hair. God required that the menorah was to be made using one piece of pure gold.
The cups of the menorah:
The pattern of the menorah required three decorative cups to be on each of the six branches extending from the lampstand.
The 3 cups of the six branches of the menorah are symbols which represent the commandment for the Israelites to come before the Lord at His Moedim/Appointed Times/ feasts, three times a year to worship Him. Deut. 16:16 – Devarim.
Only on the main shaft itself were there to be 4 cups. The cups on the menorah remind the bride of the cups she drank during the marriage vows with her bridegroom at His appointed feasts, vowing to be His faithful bride.
The first cup represents the cup of acceptance that the bride will drink at the first feast in the spring at the Passover and the 7 day Feast of Unleavened Bread.
The second cup represents the cup of betrothal the bride drinks at the second feast in late spring or early summer called the feast of Shavuot /Pentecost.
The third cup represents the cup the bride will drink at the 3rd Feast in the Autumn /Fall at the feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot. This will be the wedding (Yom Kippur/ atonement) and celebration cup at the wedding supper of the lamb. Sukkot/ tabernacles).
Only on the main shaft of the menorah, which is also called the branch, is there a 4thcup.
This BRANCH represents MessiahJesus/Yeshua and the 4th cup represents the cup He drank on our behalf at His death – the cup of bitterness.
He took our cup in fulfillment of the law of jealousy, regarding a wife suspected of being unfaithful to her husband. Ex. 5:11-18; 25-28.
Believers are the ‘unfaithful bride’. In Jesus’s faithfulness to His bride and in fulfillment to the covenant He made with her, He took our cup and drank our judgment and our death upon Himself. This is the cup of judgment that sets us free and brought about our salvation and deliverance. Numbers 5:5 – 31; Luke 22:42.
The cups on the Menorah and the BRANCHES, were designed in the shape of open almond blossoms. The almond tree represents first fruits and as already noted, is the earliest tree to bloom after the winter in Israel. Jesus/Yeshua is the first fruits from the dead and we are His first fruits. We were dead (in our sins) outside of Jesus/Yeshua, when He redeemed us and raised us from death to life we became His first fruits. Ezek. 37:1–4.
The buds and blossoms of the menorah:
Gods’ pattern for the Menorah was to have buds and blossoms on the main branch as well as on the six branches. They were to be placed directly below the cups. These buds and blossoms represent how believers will start to bear seed and glorify Yeshua/Jesus bearing much fruit when they abide in His word. A solid piece of gold in the shape of a Menorah cannot stand on its own without some internal strength to support it.
Jesus/Yeshua has been tried and He is the living testimony, the true Menorah, the Light of the world. Only He can keep the covenant perfectly. His testimony is revealed in His Feasts/Appointed times/Moedim. He will be faithful to fulfill all that He has promised and appointed concerning His heirs.
The almond Blossom turns into fruit that contains an edible seed called a nut.
Almond in Hebrew is Shaqad (Strongs#H 8246 from the root verb Strongs# 8245) meaning to diligently watch.
Jeremiah 1:11 – 12
What do you see Jeremiah?
You have seen correctly for I am watching to see that My Word is fulfilled.
The bride is to diligently watch her ways, by rightly walking in His instructions and being obedient to His commandments as she eagerly waits for the return of her bridegroom, Jesus the Messiah/ Yeshua HaMashiach.
(Heres a reference back to the Song of Solomon 2:10–12.)
Notice the description begins at the base of the menorah and rises up through the description from the ground up from the earth to the heaven.
Base – shaft – knops and cups/blossoms in order.
When it begins before spring, the tree has only small buds on the branch, life is trying to push through.
It bends towards the light, receiving its’ nourishment from the stem to which it is attached; then the bud bursts into blossoms/flower and it gets its’ nutrients from the sun.
Then the blossom fades and falls away leaving a tiny green knop.
Even as a bud, technically it has within it the almond but that is not what we see. With continual feeding of the flower, it matures into the green shape of an almond, with a velvet like covering, which finally matures into a nut.
The outer shell is hard, pitted and tan in color. When fully ripe, inside this shell is the kernel or nut or fruit, which is protected from the elements.
It is always moving upwards to the light. Aarons rod showed all the stages of growth and had come to life.
When a branch is cut from a tree it loses its source of life and becomes a dead stick, a dead piece of almond wood that Aaron used as a staff to walk with; until it was submitted under the authority of God when it was imbued with new life and purpose.
This is just like our lives, death to life, everything with God is from death to life. This is symbolic of resurrection of coming back to life from death.
However, while the sacrifice of Jesus/Yeshua gives us atonement (כַּפָּרָה) with God, the resurrection of the Messiah (i.e., techiyat ha-Mashiach: תְּחִיַּת הַמָּשִׁיחַ) justifies His work of salvation on behalf of the sinner and forever vindicates the righteousness of God.
Techiyat HaMaitim – המתים תחיית –
The Resurrection Of The Dead
Interesting note: We have seen that the Almond tree blossoms first, before all other trees in the spring and yet, it will be the last to drop its leaves in the fall; while the Olive tree is the last fruit to be harvested in the fall.
The husbandman of the orchard watches carefully for the Almond trees to bloom and burst forth in color; it is the signal to begin pruning his Olive trees! Those pruned are interior branches hidden from the light that would produce no fruit. Soon these broken off branches, littering the ground will be gathered, bundled and burned! The pruned tree can then reach for the sun, breathe and will spend the growing season developing good fruit.
At end of January /February, trees are clothed in spectacular white for only 2 weeks. It comes for a season and then its gone. Jesus’ resurrection is always likened to the blossoms of the almond tree and in 1Cor. 15:20-23 but now Christ is risen the first fruits!
Is the almond saying: this is how I am performing my word, He will die and will resurrect as the first fruits?
This interesting relationship between the Almond tree and the Olive tree illustrates our own relationship with the God of Israel – if we make the connections that exist between the Menorah of the Tabernacle….(described as an Almond TreeEx 25:31-40) and the Oil for the Menorah which comes from the Olive Tree. This oil is to be brought to the Priest by the Children of Israel continually….(Ex 27:20). In the natural earthly realm, the almond and olive trees represent the First and the Last to produce fruit.
In the spiritual realm, the inner intimate Holy Place of the Tabernacle – the almond tree and the oil come together and become one to produce and contain the light.
Helped by linen wicks, the olive oil in the almond-shaped cups bring forth the light that shines toward the bread, wine and incense on the table in the same room.
John 17:21.. that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
According to John 6:29 … the ‘work’ of God is this: that you believe in Him whom He sent.
Oil represents both Word of Truth and Holy Spirit and it could be said that it is the work of the children of Israel to bring pure oil to keep the lamp of the tabernacle burning. (Ex 27:20)
They were to bring the pure olive oil representing Truth and Instruction of His Word (Torah) and the Holy Spirit (Ruach). Jesus/Yeshua/The Word, said that we would… worship the Father in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:24)
When we think this through, we see that the gold Menorah shaped like an almond tree, together with the pure oil from the olives representing the Torah and Spirit; becomes symbolic of the burning bush/tree that would not consume itself.
Our God is a consuming fire to those who are not one with Him, and if we are one with Him will not be consumed. We can draw near and become one with Him because of the finished work of Messiah….if we believe that He is the One sent forth from the Father.
No one comes to the Father except through Messiah. Even as Jesus/Yeshua told the Samaritan woman: the Father is seeking those who will one day worship Him in Spirit and in Truth; represented spiritually by the pure Olive Oil brought continually by the Children of Israel to the Priest tending the Menorah.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Are our lives like the Menorah giving His Light and Life to a dying world?
Conclusion in Part 3 – including what did Jeremiah see?
Shalom Shalom ‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’!
Please Don’t leave this page until you are certain He is the Light of your life.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
For both Messianic Jews and those who do not recognize Jesus as Messiah it is also the season of remembering the Re-Dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the relighting of the Temple Menorah known as the festival of lights. In Hebrew it’s called Hanukkah or Chanukah. This year both celebrations are in the same week beginning at sundown on Sunday night, Dec. 22, 2019 … and ending at sundown on … Monday, December 30, 2019.
The Hebrew word ḥanuká usually spelled חֲנוּכָּה
is a transliteration, also romanized as Chanukah or Hanukkah and חֲנֻכָּה means dedication. It is a Jewish holiday, and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
The Maccabees successfully rebelled against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. 168-143 BCE. After the victory, the Maccabees entered Jerusalem in triumph and ritually cleansed the Temple, reestablishing traditional Jewish worship there and installing Jonathan Apphus, Judah’s youngest brother, as high priest.
Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.
The menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, is the oldest symbol of the Jewish religion, and a variation of it a 9-branched candle holder is called a Hanukkah-menorah or Chanukiah/Chanukiyah, is used for the observance of Chanukah/hannukah which is mentioned in the new Testament John10:22 however there is no reference to the 9 branch Chanukiah/Chanukiyah found in scripture.
The 7-branched candle holder is called a Menorah and was lit in the Jewish Temple is recorded in (Exodus ch.25).
מְנוֹרָה seven-lamp (six branches)
The menorah for
hannukah חֲנוּכָּה
is a 9 lamp candlestick.
The Menorah stands for light, wisdom, and Divine inspiration.
Why Nine candles? It comprises Eight for the eight days of Hanukkah. The ninth is for the helper-candle used to light the others.
The Kohanim/Priests, lit the Menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. The Nine Branched Menorah -used only during Chanukah, also known as the Chanukiyah, is commonly patterned after this Menorah, because Chanukah commemorates the miracle that a day’s worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days.
In Jewish homes on each night of Hanukkah a new branch is lit. The ninth holder, called the shamash (helper or servant), is for a candle used to light all other candles and/or to be used as an extra light. To be kosher the shamash must be offset on a higher or lower plane than the main eight candles or oil lamps.
If and when we Messianic believers light a Chanukkiah, remember that the candle the Shamash or shammash – the servant/attendant candle and could be considered a caretaker for the others, this is the one that is used to kindle the other candles, represents Jesus/Yeshua, the light of the world. It is He Who lights the other branches!
To give this hanukkah greater significance we should also remember that the symbol which we term as being the star of David is not referenced in the Bible!! Interestingly because the star is on the flag, doesn’t mean that the symbol is the scriptural representation of Israel.
According to the scriptures the correct and official symbol of Israel is the Menorah and is included on all important documents.
2000+ yrs ago, many symbols were used to decorate buildings and therefore archeologists cannot define them as Jewish simply by the symbols found amongst ruins because Swasticas and pentagrams and other symbols have also been identified.
In Ex 25:31-40. The Lord gave Moses a specific instruction:
31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:
33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop,(knob), and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.
34 And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knobs and their flowers.
35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knob under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.
36 Their knobs and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.
37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuff dishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
39 Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.
40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.
Pure gold and to be fashioned from this one piece the candlestick lampstand was to be fashioned comprising:
A stem and 6 branches 3 one side and 3 on the other; and the specific reference in vs. 33 to the almond tree that the menorah is connected with.
Three bowls made like unto almonds.
It is interesting that it was not the olive tree and its blossom, nor the fig tree and its blossom, or even the cedar tree, or any other tree mentioned by God in scripture.
Moses is given instruction that the knobs and branches are to be of one piece so it was made from one “talent,” or kikar of gold – one piece of pure beaten gold,
The menorah (מְנוֹרָה) was formed from one piece of pure beaten gold weighing 3,000 shekels of silver (nearly 100 pounds).
It was a highly decorative work that had seven branches (with seven lamps), nine flower blooms, eleven fruits, and twenty two cups.
The menorah’s height, measured at 18 handbreadths, and considered to be the height of an average man.
The cups which were fashioned on the branches were compared to Alexandrian goblets, which are wide with a narrow bottom, like wine glasses.
As to the menorah’s branches, some opinions hold that they were hollow (Ibn Ezra), but the majority maintain that they were solid. The greatest controversy regarding the menorah concerns its basic structure, i.e., the shape and direction of its branches. Some ancient diagrams, as well as historical evidence, depict the menorah as having rounded branches; other opinions maintain that the branches rise diagonally, straight out from the middle.
Within the Holy Temple, the menorah stood inside the Sanctuary on the southern side, and its seven lamps were to be lit in such a manner, that they would all shine towards the center. Each day a priest would tend to its the lamps’ flames, fixing and preparing the wicks and kindling them anew.
It is the symbol of light and therefore takes the most central role because its light burst forth from the sanctuary; it was spiritual, as well as physical illumination.
So when we declare Jesus Christ/Yeshua Messiah as the light of the world today; there, in the mishkan in the middle of the wilderness was that prophetic light!
The windows in the walls of the sanctuary were constructed differently than any other windows in the world. These were just the opposite of ordinary windows, for that which is the normally considered the function of windows -to let the light in…….
The Sanctuary’s windows were in order to allow the special spiritual light emanating from the Temple Menorah to burst out into the world from within theHoly Place
As Jesus said, I am the light of the world. He must also replenish the oil for the each if the lamps; which He does by the continual infilling of His Holy Spirit.
One flame of the Menorah, the “western” lamp, burned perpetually. This candle was never extinguished, for the other flames were kindled from its fire. Concerning this flame the verse states, “raise up a constantly-burning lamp” (Lev. 24:2-3). This is the second flame from the end on the eastern side.
The Menorah was not to be constructed in separate pieces then joined together to make one stand, but one stand with many branches and specific details. These instructions were given to Moses during one of the 40 days periods that he was on Mt Sinai. Moses delegated this very precise and intricate construction to the man with the God given ability to create such an exquisite thing. His name was Bezalel בְּצַלְאֵל and means in the shadow [protection] of God.
Bezalel is described in the genealogical lists as the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. He was said to be highly gifted as a workman, showing great skill and originality in engraving precious metals and stones and in wood-carving.
A master workman under Moses; son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. God gave him special wisdom and skill for his task, which was, to superintend the making of the tabernacle and its furniture ( Exodus 31:2; 35:30; 36:1,2; 8; 37:1; 38:22; 1 Chronicles 2:20; 2 Chronicles 1:5 ).
He accomplished this with the aid of Oholiab of the tribe of Dan, who was associated with him and subordinate to him, had the charge of the textile fabrics (Ex. 36:1, Ex. 36:2; 38:22).
The Tabernacle was a pattern, a replica of the heavenly things; and also prophetic of the things to come in the life and person of Jesus/Yeshua.
The candlestick/menorah, stood before the ark, representing the same throne of God in heaven (for the ark of the covenant is a throne/mercy seat/place of His manifested presence).
And they make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell in their midst. According to all that I show you, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all its vessels, even so shall ye. Exodus 25: 8-9
In Revelation 4:5 John saw the coming heavenly pattern of the temple as represented by the menorah he was shown and also..
And before the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven Spirits of God. Revelation 4:5
The candle dispelled the darkness of both the Tabernacle and the Temple (1 Kings 8:12). To get to the ark, the high priest had to pass the menorahwalking through its light, revealing/the apocalypse of the WAY to the Ark/Holy Throne/Presence.
Jesus/Yeshua said unto him, I am the way and the truth and the life; No one comes to the Father but by me. John 14: 6
He is also our High Priest who leads us to the mercy seat the kapporet , He lights the WAY.
Therefore, the menorah/candelabrum is symbolizing the WAY/the path (Psalm 119: 105) that in the midst of darkness (2 Peter 1:19)
When was the menorah initiated?
It was part of the Mishkan furniture the tent of meeting the tabernacle in the wilderness Ex. 33.
It was in the tent of meeting where Moses met with the Living God face to face.
Ex 33: depart and go up from here. To your descendants. And I will send my angel before you the 7 nations.
This was after the golden calf incident and God did not go with them but instead sent His angel.
The LORD said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.’
2 I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, theAmorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”
4 When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments.
5 For the LORD had said to Moses, “Say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. So now take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do with you.’” 6 Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.
The Tent of Meeting
7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.
8 Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent.
9 When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the LORD would speak with Moses.
10 And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door.
11 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.
Moses’ Intercession
12 Moses said to the LORD, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’
13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15 And he said to him, If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.
16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”
17 And the LORD said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
18 Moses said,“Please |show me your glory.”
19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” 21 And the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock,
22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”
The Golden lamp stand or candlestick stood opposite the golden table, on the southern side of the Holy of Holies. (Exodus 40:24-25).
South is the direction of earth (Ezekiel 47:1), as north is of heaven.
Perhaps specifying this direction for the lamp stand indicates that the Church is still in the flesh while in the holy, holding forth the light of Truth. This is also indicated by the five copper sockets at the entrance to the holy, copper representing human nature, either just or justified.
A description of the lamp stand for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25:31-39 is directly from God to Moses. This is God’s design. It is particularly detailed in relation to the beautiful almond blossom we see in spring.
Exodus 25:33 (KJV) — “Three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a calyx and a blossom bud; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a calyx and a blossom bud — so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.”
[Note: The Douay-Rheims Bible says of each decoration, “as it were nuts … and a bowl withal, and a lily” (Exodus 25:33). Thus we understand that there were three elements per decoration.]
There were three branches on either side of a central stem (i.e. shaft), with each of the seven extremities holding a lamp containing oil for burning.
This is symbolizing the following: six of them represent the human, because 6 is number representing the man, since man was made the sixth day of creation (Genesis 1: 26- 31 / Revelation 13 : 18).
The seventh, in the center, represents Jesus Christ as immortal Master (Matthew 23: 8). When we are united to Christ we are seven, (eternity), without Him we are just six – a finite number of mortal man.
Each of the six branches was adorned with three sets of cups shaped like almond blossoms, with a knop (knob, bud or bulb) and a flower; the centre stem was adorned with four of these.
Thus, there is a total of 22 such sets. These might represent the original 22 books of the Old Testament writings which graced the early church. The Hebrews associated the number of them with the 22 patriarchs from Adam through Jacob, and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
However, our Bible contains also the New Testament, and in later times the books have been divided into a total of 66. If the three identified elements — bowls, knops, flowers — are numbered separately, this would total 66 in the entire lamp stand. The three branches on one side, together with the centre stem, would contain 39, and three remaining branches 27, which is the division of books in our Old and New Testaments.
The five petals of the cups shaped like almond blossoms are a fitting number to represent the new creation [in Christ], later represented by the five wise virgins of Matthew 25.
Almonds, it is said, produce flowers before leaves, and the Hebrew word for almond means ‘hasten,’probably in observation of this early seasonal produce of the almond flowers. So with the church; they produce the lovely graces of the spirit before their leaves of profession and teaching will be observed by the world in the kingdom.
This meaning of the name ‘almond’ explains Jer. 1:11,12, where the appearance of an almond rod, or branch, is a token from the Lord that ‘I will hasten my word to perform it.’ In this passage it may refer prophetically to the raising of the saints early in the harvest as the work preliminary to the judgments of the Lord which follow shortly thereafter. Aaron’s rod that budded Num.17, was to establish his Divine appointment to the priesthood, was possibly also from the almond tree.
Aarons lifeless rod budded and miraculously, it brought forth life – (resurrection life); just as the cross of wood also ‘budded and produced blossoms’, after his resurrection from the dead.
Aarons Rod was a picture of Gods authority judgment, just as The Messiahs cross and resurrection vindicates Gods exclusive choice of Yeshua/Jesus as our Mediator before God. Those who reject his choice will ultimately share the same fate as those who party with Korach’s Rebellion, when Aarons Rod budded.
אַהֲרֹ֖ן מַטֹּתָֽ
mattheh Aaron
The Hebrew word for the staffs of Moses and Aaron, is mattheh. It can mean staff or rod, and it can also mean tribe, showing the connection between the staff and the person and even the tribe which is represented by the person. It also means a scepter, an object used to show authority.
Above picture is an individual oil lamp, with its cover closed. Below see the lamp with its cover opened, (on the left of picture insert). In the bowl of the lamp is a depression large enough to hold 1/2 log of pure olive oil, and toward the far left is a channel through which the wick will extend. In the top of the picture we see the seven lamps placed upon the Menorah.
the lamp with its cover opened,
And you shall make a menorah of pure gold. The menorah shall be made of hammered work; its base and its stem, its goblets, its knobs, and its flowers shall all be one piece with it. And six branches coming out of its sides: three menorah branches from its one side and three menorah branches from its second side. Three decorated goblets on one branch, a knob and a flower, and three decorated goblets on one branch, a knob and a flower; so for the six branches that come out of the menorah. And on the stem of the menorah shall be four decorated goblets, its knobs and its flowers. And a knob under the two branches from it, and a knob under the two branches from it, and a knob under the two branches from it; so for the six branches that come out of the menorah. Their knobs and their branches shall all be one piece with it; all of it shall be one hammered mass of pure gold.” (Exodus 25:31-36)
These six verses describe the structure of the Menorah, and concludes,
“all of it shall be one hammered mass of pure gold.”
Exodus 25:37 then adds, “And you shall make its lamps seven, and he shall kindle its lamps [so that they] shed light toward its face.”
From this we learn that the seven lamps which held the oil and the wicks were separate from the Menorah.
This is further stated in 2 Chronicles 4:20: “And the menorah and its lamps to kindle them as is required, before the Devir, (parochet separating the Sanctuary from the Holy of Holies), of refined gold.”
Again, the Menorah and the seven lamps are referred to as distinct and separate entities.
We see this distinction a third time in the words of the prophet:
Zechariah, 4:2: “And he said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I saw, and behold there was a menorah all of gold, with its oil-bowl on top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; seven tubes each to the lamps that were on top of it.”
According to the ancient writings, each of the seven lamps consisted of a bowl into which 1/2 log (approx. 285 grams) of pure olive oil was poured and the ptil (wick) was placed, and a cover to protect the oil and to keep it clean. It would be opened when cleaning out and replenishing the oil, as was done each morning, and closed before kindling the wick.
The burning bush, an almond tree, the menorah. All symbols of the Tree of Life and of God’s presence.
The tabernacle preceded the construction of Solomons Temple and the reconstructed Temple of Herod in Jerusalem.
David had too much blood on his hands to be able to build the house of God.
When Solomon built it, he had 10 menorah lamp stands made for the temple 1000BC 1Kings.
The inner sanctuary had 5 on the right and 5 on the left side. There was only need for one. The temple was destroyed in 586 B.C. by Nebuchanezer, king of Babylon. There is some belief that the temple furniture was hidden prior to the destruction and it is a fact that the ark was never present in the 2nd temple in the holy of holies when it was rebuilt. It is possible that at least one of the 10 menorahs was saved prior to the destruction.
The menorah was huge and the High Priest needed a ramp to be able to access and light the lamps with fresh oil every day.
New every morning just like His mercies. The lamp gave light all day every day.
In 70 AD there was a great Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire that began in 66AD. When Espacio was called back to Rome to become Caesar, his son Titus continued the battle against the Jews, and eventually destroyed the temple.
The Roman empire had its roots in the descendants of Edom/Esau.
Roman Emperor Domitian constructed the Arch of Titus 82 AD on Via Sacra, Rome, to commemorate the capture and siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, which effectively ended the Great Jewish Revolt, although the Romans did not achieve complete victory until the fall of Masada in 73 CE.
Emperor Nero then sent Vespasian.
The Romans Destroy the Temple at Jerusalem, 70 AD.
In the year 66 AD the Jews of Judea rebelled against their Roman masters. In response, the Emperor Nero dispatched an army under the generalship of Vespasian to restore order.
Titus, the son of Emperor Vespasian, captures Jerusalem after a four month siege.
The emblem of the menorah was taken from the frieze on the Arch of Titus
and it became the symbol of Israel today.
Above & Below:The Arch of Titus in Rome
this menorah as part of many other things that the Jewish people were carrying in a victory procession of the Romans all the way into Rome.
Recorded by historian Josephus Flavius who documented Titus’s Triumphal Procession in Rome, 71 C.E. BOOK VII, Chapter V.
They brought all the temple treasures to a place called the temple of Peace built by Vespasian where the most precious trophies were housed and it included the temple menorah, at least one of them, and the silver trumpets also carved into the arch.
The menorah was in the tabernacle and in the first and 2nd temples and then it was gone from Jerusalem.
Above:The Temple of Peace (Latin: Templum Pacis), also known as the Forum of Vespasian (Latin: Forum Vespasiani), was built in Rome in 71 AD under Emperor Vespasian in honour to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. built by Vespasian with the spoils of the Jewish War that he brought to Rome after the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 71.
Dedicated in 75, it was one of the most impressive monuments in the city. It stood to the north of the Basilica Aemilia in an area that still had not recovered from the great fire of A.D. 64.
It was huge but burned in the 1st century.
Zach 14 prophesied of Jesus return and everything on the Temple mount will be changed. Scripture indicates that Messiah will reign from Jerusalem for 1000 yrs.
Ez. 40 even described the 4th temple!
There was a 1st 2nd Temple and a 3rd about to be built.
Then there will be a 4th.
For those with eyes to see, whose spiritual heart is sensitive to the times in which we are living; it is clear that the days are moving us quickly to a time prophesied in the Word by Jesus Himself. The signs of the end of this age are all around us and are rapidly increasing. The birth pangs are getting closer together, and we are instructed to be ready spiritually. To be prepared, to have our lamps filled with oil. Just as the high priest filled the oil of the temple menorah daily, so that when it was lit, the lamp stand gave light into the sanctuary and then shone forth from the kaporet /mercy seat, out through the windows to the world outside.
We are to daily invite the Ruach of our High Priest Jesus/Yeshua to fill our sanctuary, our spirit, soul and bodies, with the oil that will in turn give forth light when lit by the Holy/set apart fire of His spirit. Then we will be the light of the world as He was and that He said we would be.
We are crucified with Christ, the tree of resurrection life has made place for us to be grafted in branches as typified in the almond tree and the menorah.
Why were they told to make the Menorah with shape of almond blossom and not olives, vines or figs???
We will look deeper into that question for an amazing conclusion…..in part 2.
As we remember whose we are and why we celebrate whether ‘Christmas’ or ‘Hanukkah’ or both may His light illuminate our hearts and lives as that same kavod light of His glory shines on us and over us.
Shalom Shalom, ‘Mishpachah’ משפחה ‘Family’, Happy ‘Christmas’ and Happy Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Please Don’t leave this page until you are certain He is the Light of your life.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
Many believe that the 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is a season, when God is especially close to us; “the gates of heaven are open, and I will listen to your prayers.” Often citing the verse in Isaiah telling the Jewish nation to repent for their sins, he says, “Seek God when He may be found, call upon Him when He is near.”
Having just completed the 49 days of Counting the Omer. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.