And it shall be in thay day saith the Lord that you shall call me ISHI my husband and shall call me no more BAALI my master.
Hosea 2:16
The name Hosea/Hoshea like Joshua/Y’hoshua
and Yeshua means
Salvation.
Hebrew: הוֹשֵׁעַ – Hōšēaʿ, ‘Salvation’;
If you have never read the book of Hosea, the content in a nutshell is a love story with a thorn in it. It’s the story of a faithful husband and an adulterous, unfaithful wife. The descriptions of the two main characters Hosea /Hoshea and Gomer, also describe the relationship between Yhvh/God and the children of Israel.
InChapter 1:2,Hosea is given the most unlikely instructions one could ever imagine; he was told to go and marry a whore/prostitute and have children with her. Hoseas marriage becomes a symbol of God’s love for His adulterous children who were prostituting themselves with idols and foreign gods; worshipping them and committing spiritual adultery against the Living God Who had made covenant with them equal to sacred marriage vows. God commands Hoshea to take a wife who the Lord knows will prove to be unfaithful and adulterous.
Anyone reading this story, may feel this is unfair to Hosea, punishing him with a promiscuous marriage to the unfaithful Gomer. However, here Hosea is speaking on behalf of God and portrays God Himself in acting out this story of the continual/ongoing unfaithfulness and spiritual adultery by Israel. Gomer represents the Isrealites/Jewish people, who are so many times portrayed as God’s beloved wife. Jeremiah 2:3. We should think, if Gomers unfaithfulness is unfair, how much more is Israel’s and His childrens’ unfaithfulness unfair to God?
Gomer the wife of Hosea.
Gomer – Hebrew: גומר,
Original Word: גֹּמֶר.
Strongs 1586
Gomer means: complete
In Hosea 1:3 Gomer is called the Daughter of Diblaim. Diblaim is derived from the word develah meaning: fig-cake; since she was as sweet in everyone’s mouth as a fig-cake; or because everyone would tread on her as on a fig-cake.Gomer’s mother was also in the same profession and both were commonly the subject of slander and gossip. This led to another reference by the Rabbis, that the name Diblaim is a plural form of the word dibah which means: slander, ill repute: [a woman of] ill repute and the daughter of [a woman of] ill repute.
God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, as this was in order to teach him correct behavior for one who was to prophesy to Israel. Despite Gomer’s harlotry, the Rabbis interpret her story as proof that, even when God is angry with Israel, He still loves them.
After two sons, Jezreel and
Lo-ammi
and a daughter,
Lo-ruhamah
were born to Hosea and Gomer,
God ordered Hosea: “You must part from Gomer. You should have learned from your teacher Moses, who parted from his wife because I revealed Myself to him. You, too, separate yourself from her.” Hosea began to weep and said to God: “Master of the Universe! I have children by her. I can neither send her away nor divorce her!” Since he answered Him thus, God said: “Hosea, why do you weep?” He replied: “I take pity on my wife and my children.” God said: “Your wife is a harlot, and your children are children begotten of harlotry, and you do not know if they are yours or from others; nevertheless, you took pity on them. And as for Me—Israel are My children, my beloved children, the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Should I not have pity on them? Israel is one of the four possessions that I have acquired in this world [i.e., the Torah, heaven and earth, the Temple, and Israel], and you tell me to replace them with another nation?!”
Hearing this, Hosea realized that he had sinned and was about to ask for Divine mercy for himself. God told him:
“Hosea, Hosea, three [heavenly] decrees were issued against Israel because of you. Instead of asking for mercy for yourself, ask for mercy for Israel.”
Hosea stood and prayed on behalf of Israel, God then annulled the three decrees and Hosea gave them three blessings:
“The number of the people of Israel shall be like that of the sand of the sea” Hos. 2:1;
“instead of being told, ‘You are Not-My-People,’ they shall be called ‘Children-of-the-Living-God’” Hos. 1:10
“I will sow her in the land as My own; and I will have compassion on her who has not received compassion; and I will say to those who are not My people, ‘You are My people’” Hos. 2:23
Another tradition relates that for every affliction that Hosea prophesied for Israel, he gave them a remedy.
After telling Israel “I will no longer pardon the House of Israel” (Hos. 1:6),
the prophet promises “I will have compassion on her who has not received compassion.”
After having told the Israelites “For you are not My people” (Hos. 1:9),
the prophet assures them “I will say to those who are not My people, ‘You are My people’” (Hos. 2:25). The mouth that uttered “For she is not my wife” (Hos. 2:4) recanted and amended “You will call [Me] Ishi [husband]” (Hos. 2:18).
Even when God is provoked by Israel, He still loves them. Hosea learns this himself when he realizes that Gomer’s harlotry does not prevent him from being attached to her.
This shows us that Hosea was emotionally attached to Gomer and felt obligated to her. God tested and tried him when He told him to part from her and her children, but He did not intend this to be fulfilled. Rather, Hosea was to learn from the husband and wife relationship the emotions of love, compassion, and commitment that a prophet must feel for his people.
We sometimes overlook the significance of the given names in scripture and on occasion the children of prophets give a prophetic indication of God’s plans. For example: the names given by God to Hosea/Hoshea. He had 2 sons and 1 daughter with Gomer
1:4 call himYizre’el/Jezreel
which means:
scattering, especially about seeds and is the same name as the valley near Megiddo that has been a famous battleground all through history and is the site of the final battle, we are familiar with as Armageddon. This is also pointing strongly to the future of the Northern kingdom and meaning that they will literally be scattered.
The 2 other children, one called
Lo Ruchamah/Lo Ruhama,
meaning: not loved, not received compassion or unpitied.
The other was named
Lo Ammi
meaning: not my people,
which in Hosea’s lifetime is the status of the Northern Kingdom.
Back to meaning of Baali or Ishi?
Baali – Bet Ayin Lamed Yod – my master
From the verb בעל ba’al, to be master, owner or lord.
בעלי
means: to exercise dominion over.
The name Baali isn’t really a name and very few of the original readers and hearers of the Book of Hosea would have thought it was. It is more commonly understood to be a reference to idols or false gods of demonic origin.
Baʻal in Hebrew: בַּעַל baʿal, was as already noted, a title meaning owner, lord in the Northwest Semitic languages spoken in the Levant in those days. The word baal means lord; the plural is baalim. In general, Baal was a fertility god who was believed to enable the earth to produce crops and people to produce children.
Baal or Baali also means the Bull, the Golden Calf and was the god worshipped in many ancient Middle Eastern communities, especially among the Canaanites and Phoenicians they believed it was a deity and the son of the chief god El. In artistic depictions and archeological finds, Baal took the shape of a bull or ram. This was the same golden calf at Sinai incident.
Also in 1Kings 18:29 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal,
“Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god.
Jeremiah 14:5 The people of Judah stopped worshiping me and made this valley into a place of worship for Baal and other gods that have never helped them or their ancestors or their kings.
They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molek,
Jeremiah 32:35
BAALI. ba’-a-li ba`ali, my master
Baal, a common name for all heathen gods, had in common practice been used also of Yahweh.
The name Baali occurs in Hosea 2:16, where the Lord promises that when Israel is restored, that is, when every person’s knowledge of nature is complete, correct and understood; and the people will no longer call the
Creator My Master/ Baali,
but rather
My Husband -Ishi.
The word comes from
איש ‘ish, man or husband.
There’s only a small difference between the words אישי ishi and בעלי ba’ali as both are used to mean my husband.
Ishi is an expression of marital relationship and young love.The word ishi can simply mean my man, which may denote one’s equal, a husband or a man one has employed.
The word baali is more an authoritative title; is an expression of lordship and fear.
it may also mean: my master or my lord.
Hosea 2:16 reveals that at this point in their relationship, Gomer is calling him Baali /my master because whatever she is doing for him is out of obligation, duty and fear. It seems that Baali is the most common word used in Hebrew and Aramaic for husband. This is because in those times most cultures considered that a husband was a master to whom women were forced to be totally submissive, or would face physical punishment or even death for disobedience to their baali/abusive husband. Sadly this is still the case in some Middle Eastern and Asian countries and no doubt has had an influence on the western cultures; who still exert dominance and suppress womens freedoms. Before being influenced by pagan cultures however, the Hebrew children of Israel were known for their fair and equal treatment of women. It is because of this there are the 2 words for husband. As noted, the one is baali that is referring to the husband who is an abusive master figure and the other, Ishi.. The word Ishi can be applied to many relationship types, for example, like a friend, a helper or a companion. Whereas a baali, and uses of the word, all indicate very negative meanings.
Ishi is used in a very positive way because an
Ishi husband is one who loves his wife,
cares for and cherishes her.
On the other hand,
a baali husband
only sees his wife as someone or something, more as a possession; an object who is there to serve him like a slave and meet his needs in every way he wants.
Hosea was speaking God’s words to His people. The prophets’ ministry is just that, hearing from God, taking the message of God to His people, not the prophet’s own message. The priest on the other hand, heard from the people and took the peoples words and offerings and ministered them to the Lord.
The children of Israel saw God as a baali, a master who had to be served in case they suffered severe consequences. It may help us to read this passage of scripture and to see that like Hosea, our Heavenly Father Creator God is pleading for His bride to allow Him to be an Ishi, to be able to show His affection, His love and His caring protection. Gomer could not see the love Hosea had for he because she was so wrapped up in her own guilt, her adultery and promiscuity to believe that Hosea could forgive her and overlook all that she had done.
This raises the questions:
What is God to us?
How do we see him and how do we relate to Him?
Is He a Baali or an Ishi to us?
Do we think of Him as an unfair, abusive, baali husband, demanding that we follow every letter of his laws and rules; living in fear that he will punish us severely and even send us to hell without any mercy grace or loving-kindness?
Are we so deeply wrapped up in guilt over our past sins, our failures and even fear of sinning/falling into sin and being punished; that we don’t see His forgiveness and the power of His unconditional love and tender mercies that are new every morning? Lamentations 22:23
He is the Ishi, the One Who wants to love us, to forgive us and pour out His care, provision and protection.
In Hosea 2:18 Adonai will not continue to discipline Israel forever but he will renew His vows to her and in verse 20, there is a future of promise for the people once again. Hosea is told in chapter 3:1show love to this wife of yours. Hosea’s relationship with Gomer is once again compared to God’s relationship with the northern kingdom. In speaking of Gomers unfaithfulness, it’s noted by the Rabbis that Hosea cherished Gomer, yet she broke covenant with him by committing adultery under his domain. In this passage the love that the Lord God has for the nation of Israel is given freely but she too strayed from under the Lord’s domain, prostituting themselves with foreign gods whom they did not know.
Chapter 6:2 is seen as predicting Messiahs death and resurrection and verse 6 is an echo of Ps 51:16 which was quoted by Messiah in Matthew 9:13, 12:7.
Our God desires that the relationship between a husband and wife to be that of a partnership, not one of dominance and mastery. And in the Tanach/old testament, the relationship between God and the Jewish people is often compared, to the relationship between a husband and wife.
In Hoshea 2:18-19 We read: “It shall be on that day — the word of God — you will say ‘ishi’ (my Husband) and you will no longer say ‘baali’ (my Master).
An interesting fact is that in 1953, David Ben Gurion wrote a letter stating that on government documents and forms the word “ishi” should be used, as opposed to the word “baali,” since “baali” conjures up images of the husband being the master as well as a god of idol worship and does not show respect for women. Ben Gurion then quoted that verse from Hoshea to prove his point.
David Ben Gurion took the Tanach and Biblical Hebrew seriously. Today, unfortunately, many Israelis are not as well educated in Biblical Hebrew and are only familiar with Modern and Spoken Hebrew.
If more women used the word “ishi” to describe their husbands, the word might eventually become standard. From looking at scripture it seems is clear that “ishi” is the word that God prefers.
Some things that we can learn from this story:
Sin leads to confusion, forgetfulness, and destruction.
Personal and private sin does not stay personal or private for very long.
God is faithful even when we are not.
Only God can redeem and restore; and like Hosea, God was willing to go to extreme lengths to do just that. He used his own marriage to an adulterous wife, to symbolize God’s love for his people
It shows God’s love and mercy for Israel and Judah, who have strayed from Him, and the unlimited forgiveness and redemption available to those who will return to Him.
Gomer was not a born-and-raised, dedicated follower of God: she was a prostitute. This fact speaks volumes about the people God chooses and the enormous depth of His love for us! God commanded Hosea to ‘Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her.’ In a culture which shunned such women, and valued a respectable marriage as a measure of a man’s success. This must have made Hosea wonder, but he trusted in God, and because of his faith, Gomer was given the one thing she never thought she deserved: a loving, holy husband and a new start in life.
However, she messed up and in Hosea 3:1 we are told that she ‘is loved by another man and is an adulteress’ She couldn’t completely give up her old life, and maybe the sense of being unworthy of her new life pulled her back into old habits.
Regardless of this weakness to fall into sin, God commanded Hosea to ‘love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to another god.’ Hosea 3:1. In other words, Hosea forgave her sin against him and accepted her just as she was.
The three very encouraging things we can take from this are:
First, that God will NEVER give up on us!
According to Matthew 18:22; He will forgive us more than ‘70×7’ times for our shortfalls and His love will remain unfailing throughout. There’s nothing we have done or will ever do that will shock our ishi, because as creator of the universe there is nothing that He has not seen or does not know. No matter how far we stray from the path He set out for us, there is always a way back; and when we do return, just like the prodigal son, He will be there waiting for us as if we never left.
Secondly as Gomer found out, even the best man in the world, one who could bring happiness and give meaning and satisfaction to our lives, should not take the place of Messiah. These days, so much emphasis is placed on the search for the perfect husband and/or wife, and it can be become more important than our desire for a deeper relationship with Messiah. The truth is, that true satisfaction cannot be found anywhere else but in the Blood of Jesus/Yeshua; because that alone leads us to eternal life with our Father in Heaven. A man or woman who is sent by God will enhance the life you already have, but no one can give what Messiah Jesus can. He must be first in our lives, then we can know the fulfillment and worth that our hearts long for.
Lastly in the story of Gomer we see revealed the deep emotional healing and total redemption that only a loving ishi can provide. Falling into sin does not mean that a person is tainted forever, because by turning to Jesus/Yeshua as with any sin repented of, His Blood cleanses us. Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
As with any sin, if we turn to Jesus/Yeshua and repent, He will remove it completely and it will be as if it had never happened.
This is how much our Ishi loves us and is always calling us back to Him, and He wants us to live the abundant life He has provided free from guilt and shame. Just as Gomer returned to Hosea, we can return to Messiah, our Ishi.
The essential aspect of this story is for us to realize that God loves us so very much and longs for us to turn to Him and want to be with Him, just as the loving relationship between a husband and wife. No matter what we have done there is forgiveness. There is no guilt, grief, or shame that cannot be removed by the love God showed in sending His Son who shed His Blood so that all sin can be wiped away completely and forever. If we say that God cannot forgive us, we are denying His Almightiness and if we say we cannot forgive ourselves; or the shame is too deep, we are denying the power in the sacrificial Blood of Messiah.
Don’t allow the enemy to make you believe you are beyond redemption because when we turn to the Lord in humility and trust, He will not turn us away.
We do not comprehend nor understand the depth of the love of the Creator of the Universe but that is no reason to reject His merciful grace. You can be free today right now all guilt and shame removed forever. Your worth in God’s eyes has never decreased, and will remain the same as it ever was. Like Gomer returned to Hosea, you can return to God.
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.
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 “thewonderfulnumberer“; or, “thenumberer of secrets”, or “that has all secrets numbered” (g); and apply it to Christ, whose name is “Pele”, wonderful; the 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, “thenumberer of secrets, or, the wonderfulnumberer“. “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, פלמוניpalemônı̂y, occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures. The similar form, פלניpelonı̂y, occurs inRuth 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 parables; I 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 oftesting, 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:
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 4:2Messiah 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 eventualatoning 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.
7 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;8 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,9 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.
Phonetic Spelling: daw-nee-el is pronounced Dah-nee-eyl in the Hebrew text of the Bible.
This name is composed of two words:
– דני (dah-nee) and אל (eyl).
The Hebrew word דן (dahn) Via דין ( din ): means a judge.
and
אל (eyl) Via אל ( ‘el ):
Daniel 5:12 HEB: דִּ֣י ר֣וּחַ ׀ יַתִּירָ֡ה וּמַנְדַּ֡ע וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ NAS: [This was] because an extraordinary spirit, KJV: Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, INT: whom spirit an extraordinary knowledge and insight
that sustained him when his faith was tried and tested
by facing hungry lions.
Daniel chapter 3 records the story of the three young men that are thrown in fire because they refused to worship the image of gold that Nebuchadnezzar made. King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:1
There is a promise made by Messiah Himself recorded in Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Here is a spiritual law in connection with the laws of opposition. We are at war and there has been no real peace on the earth since Jesus time.
When nations declare war, everything changes. Preset protocols are initiated and security systems are enforced and all military and defenses are put on high alert. Life without war is impossible in both the natural and spiritual realms until Messiah establishes His rule and reign of Shalom/Peace in the Millennial Kingdom which is here in part and yet still to be fulfilled by His return/second coming.
Daniel was a man living by faith in a hostile world. The same could be said of believers in Messiah today.
When John saw Messiah open the seals was it a future event??
In Revelation 6–7 Jesus Christ opens the book with seven seals. As each seal is opened, John sees a representation of an event or events in the earth’s history. Chapter 6 records the opening of the first six seals.
The seven seals are one of a series of end-times judgments from God. The seals are described in Revelation 6:1–17 and 8:1–5.
have trouble. But take heart! … I have overcome the world.”
In this world we will have tribulation.
Note in the verse He is telling us so that IN HIM we will have peace/shalom not in the world. The peace we will know is inside us in our spirit, a deep inner knowing that when our lives are lived IN HIM we are safe and secure. The world cannot and will not provide the peace we need.
The end times began when Messiah Jesus came. There has been no peace since then, wars and rumors of wars, pestilences and famine have been all been ongoing and will continue until He returns.
Rev 5:1 only Messiah is worthy to open the seals.
One of the Elders comforts John with the great news that there is someone worthy to break the seals and read the book. The Lamb of God is equal to the task.
Here we read of a new song in Rev. 5:9 And they are singing a new song, saying “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and You bought for God with Your blood some from every tribe and nation.
Only Messiah is worthy and able to open the seals because of His newly resurrected status.
We are in a battle and connected to both realms/kingdoms. We are supernatural eternal spirits in natural physical bodies which will decay, it is not a supernatural body, not yet. It is a fact that there is a continuing struggle in the physical, mental, moral and spiritual areas of life. Spiritual Health is the balance between the physical parts of our bodies and all the things and forces surrounding us. To maintain good health we must have sufficient internal strength to fight off the things that are external.
Everything outside our physical life is designed to cause our death, including other humans. If we have enough inner strength to fight, we help to produce the balance needed for health. The same is true for the mental life we have to fight. This struggle produces the mental balance we identify as thought. We are to take captive all thoughts…2 Cor. 10:5
Morally it’s the same, because anything that does not strengthen our morals is the enemy of virtue within us. …If there be any virtue…Phil. 4:8….Whether we overcome and produce virtue depends on the level of moral excellence in our lives….
However we must fight to reach that standard, because morality does not occur by accident or chance, or by itself, it is acquired. This also means that anything which is not spiritual can lead to a downfall.
Again…Jesus/Yeshua said,
in the world you will have tribulation… John 16:33
However He also said, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
We must learn to fight against and overcome the things that come against us and in that way produce the balance of holiness in our lives; if we do, then it will create in us a positive attitude when we meet opposition.
Without holiness no man can see God. Heb. 12:14
In context: Hebrews 12:13-15
New American Bible Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for thatholiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.
Here we see the danger of roots of bitterness that can grow when peace holiness and grace are lacking…
Everything Adonai says is out of His Holiness.
Psalms 89:36; Amos 4:2;Ps. 60: 8.
God in His Holiness spoke and like the psalmist, we can take joy in His promise and the Nehemiah 8:10 joy of the Lord is our strength.
Holiness is the balance between my/our nature and the law/directions for living/teaching of God/Torah, as expressed in and through Messiah Yeshua/Jesus.
Excellent Spirit –
YATARA’ RUCHA רוח יתירא
in Aramaic
Resh vav cheth yod taw yod resh aleph
Daniel was a godly man forced to serve a pagan Persian king whose belief system was Zoroastrianism, which is one of the oldest monotheistic religions dating back to ancient Iran 3,500 years ago. It’s similar in some ways to the Hebrew faith and yet still very different. The Zoroastrianism god is known as Ahura-Mazda (as in the make of the car). This god is considered the supreme deity and the name means Wise Lord. The belief is that this Ahura -Mazda is almighty but not omnipotent; the emphasis on duty to protect nature puts it in the pantheistic fold of religions.
Although not by any Hebrew standard Godly, Darius was a spiritual man and he saw an excellent spirit in Daniel.
Chapters 2 through 7 in Daniel are written in Aramaic and the remaining portions are in Hebrew. The Dead Sea Scrolls have revealed five copies of the Book of Daniel and all are in perfect harmony.
In Aramaic the word excellent is yatara
which is slightly different than the word in Hebrew:
yetarand infers more of the idea of: an abundance;
whereas the Aramaic word
yatara carries the idea of pre-eminence.
This suggests a
yatar rucha or excellent spirit
is one where:
the Spirit of God’s desires, is pre-eminent over a persons flesh/carnal life and desires.
King Darius was very perceptive and he noticed something different in Daniel compared to all the other wise men because Daniel seemed to be more focused on his relationship with God than the other wise men did. The other wise men were continually seeking the king’s favor, yet Daniel was seeking only the favor of his God. Darius recognized Daniel was a man whose spirit was pre-eminent over his flesh.
Daniel would speak of new and wiser things from his God, innovations that would bring about a transformation whereas all the other wise men were repeating the same old things.
Did Darius see a man who was not focused on making an impression but one who would speak the truth of God?
Maybe he could sense Daniels rucha or his spirit/mind?
Whatever the reason, the king recognized that there was something different about Daniel that was pure and holy; and this was no doubt due to the fact that Daniel had a pure heart and pure motives.
Daniel, was a man who had every reason to hate his employer, who was also his king and was now trying to replace his God too. Daniel had to divide and separate within the context of the existing relationships and by establishing boundaries for that which was the preeminent focus of His life and calling. His excellent spirit was the deciding factor and resulted in his elevation before both God and man. Our Heavenly Fathers’ patterns are threaded throughout His Word. When we recognize them we will understand how He is leading us and dealing with us for His Glory.
Daniel 6:3: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
It may be true to say that if a person who loves Jesus with all their heart and has anexcellent spirit, ayatar rucha, other people will notice but the individual will probably not even be aware of it.
In 607BC, when the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon their identity was to be totally changed by being brainwashed and if necessary, beaten into total submission.
All their hopes were now forced to focus around the ruler Nebuchadnezzar who was also now to be their god: and any dreams of a future family life taken away.
Some 70 years later Belshazzar, while drunk sees the writing on the wall and being terrified, was advised to call for this now elderly seer who may by the Spirit of God, be able to interpret this phenomena.
On meeting Daniel he asks,“Art thou Daniel, which art of the captivity of Judah …”
This once young prince of Judah was now a very old resident of Babylon, yet there was no change at all to the man of faith inside because his character and the qualities that endeared him to his captors; those that made him stand out, had been formed when he was very young, not in Babylon but in the court of Josiah.
Daniel was a handsome young man; and had the bearing of a person of noble birth, as one from a royal line, dignified but not arrogant; being well educated, and both knowledgeable and wise. Because he could manage himself, he could also manage others, his discerning ways were superior to those of his peers.
Furthermore he was full of courage and faith in His God, which supported this bravery. Equally notable was that he was unwavering and from youth to old age, his outlook and conduct as a man of faith never really changed and due to this steadfast loyalty to his God, his enemies could not take advantage of him.
He must have retained humility to the degree that great rulers promoted him to positions of great power and never felt threatened. They could make use of his insight without being afraid his ego would challenge their leadership.
The one attribute that set Daniel apart which was repeated 3 or 4 times was an excellent spirit, and seems to be the key to really knowing him.
What does an excellent spirit mean?
Basically, that wherever he went and the way he conducted himself and his attitude to life, made an lasting impression on people.
Because he had an excellent spirit in him, he showed respect and dignity to others; He was able to solicit a tender affection from men who were brutal and hardened in cruelty by the careful way that he answered people. He could turn away the wrath of kings and change the attitude of courtiers.
Something noble shone forth from him and they saw in him a disposition that was warm and appealing, by maintaining that throughout his whole life: it never left him and neither did the favor of those around him.
This favor was said of both Samuel, and Messiah, that they grew in favor with God and men. And Daniel had the same spirit, because he pleased God and men doing the right thing and in the right way.
It is noteworthy that Daniel and Ezekiel were of similar age and both spent their childhood and early teenage years in Jerusalem. They carried Jeremiah’s mantle together into the Babylonian captivity even though they lived around 50 miles or 80 kms apart.
In a nutshell, Daniel’s life began around 626BC born of royal stock. His relationship to King Josiah although close is not certain. Following the rediscovery of the book of the Law, the palace walls echoed with the words and prophecies of Jeremiah so His childhood was lived in an era of spiritual regeneration/revival.
Josiah was killed in battle when Daniel was around 15 years old, and 3 years later the conquering king of Babylon arrived in Jerusalem and Nebuchadnezzar forced the Jewish academics and intellectuals to relocate to Babylon. These included Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah who were all very gifted young princes. They were selected to serve as royal court officials. They were made eunuchs which was a very cruel act to the self worth of any man and especially to ones so young. It meant that even though they were of a royal blood line they now had no possibility of royal offspring.
The city that Daniel found himself was the one that had come to dominate the world.
Daniel, was already an accomplished scholar, further achieved remarkable proficiency in many disciplines, along with his three colleagues. We may be more familiar with them as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego who was already an accomplished scholar,
A royal decree was issued to slay all the wise men of the kingdom for their failure to help Nebuchadnezzar recall a mysterious dream he had seen. Daniel heroically averted this when with less than 24 hours to live, the 4 of them pleaded before the Lord to interpret the dream. Their request was granted and Daniel was able to remind the king of his dream, and also gave him a remarkable vision of the future.
King Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed that he promoted Daniel to the governors position over the whole province of Babylon and also to be prime minister over all the wise men of Babylon, whose lives were also spared.
Daniel served the One True God and he prayed and worshiped God faithfully every day. There is something about a person when their light is shining that causes them to be noticed.
The wisdom and favor with the king given to him by God caused jealousy in the hearts of the 120 Princes, who tried to find fault with Daniel however the only thing they could find was to pick on was his religion. He was faithful to his God and to the king and all he did was blessed so the Princes planned to trick the King. They suggested that the King make a decree that for 30 days that no one be allowed to ask anything of anyone else except of the King and the penalty for breaking this decree was the offenders were to be cast into the lions den.
Here we have a spiritual principle, which shows that Daniel was not rebellious, but he was faithful to his God. There are times when we must obey God over human civil rulings when it violates what the Scriptures decree.
We should obey God rather than man…
Acts 5:29
The scheming Princes found Daniel praying as he always did and told the King who, realizing he had been deceived, tried to find a way out, but he couldn’t as the men reminded him that his own decree was irreversible. Finally the King summoned Daniel and told him, I believe your God is able to save you, and I hate to do this, but I must cast you into the lions den.
The King fasted and prayed all night, until morning and with a sorrowful voice he called out, “Daniel, was your God whom you serve, able to deliver you?”
Daniel replied, from the lion pit,“Oh King, my God sent an angel to shut the lions mouth and I am safe.”
The King was relieved and angry at the same time; relieved that Daniel was alive but angry at the Princes. He ordered them and their wives to be cast into the lions den; their bodies did not reach to the den’s floor before the lions killed them.
The third chapter of Daniel tells another account of King Nebuchadnezzar who made an image of gold to be worshipped and any failure to do so would result in being cast into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to bow down to the statue and some of the Chaldeans reported their rebellion.
The King was angry but gave them a second chance to worship the image.
They stated, Be it know to you oh King, our God is able to deliver us, but if NOT, we will not serve your gods.
Infuriated by their non compliance, he commanded that they be bound and cast into the burning furnace, however as the people watched, they clearly saw not only the three men but also a fourth figure walking around in the fire.
The king became fearful and called them to come out, he realized that their God had sent an angel to protect and deliver them. When they emerged from the furnace, they were not harmed, their hair wasn’t singed, nor did they even smell of smoke. Because of this miracle, the King promoted them with honor making a new decree with penalties, that no one was to speak against the Hebrew children’s One True God.
We may all have had people we thought were our friends, and then they planned evil against us, perhaps they snared us into a pit, betraying our trust and bringing great sadness to our lives….but God’s plan is to bring us new life in Messiah Jesus. He can restore what has been lost or stolen from us in every area and relationship and with our loving Heavenly Father the new is always better. He has a good plan for each of us and will bless those who are faithful to keep His commands and serve Him, charging His angels to protect and watch over us. It is up to us to keep our relationship with our Father in Heaven consistent and to be like Daniel, who was faithful to pray and worship Him every day. Reading His Word and building ourselves up in our faith and courage by feeding daily on fresh manna, getting to know Him and the reason we are here and what He wants us to do.
Continue to be faithful family and know that the choices we make to love and serve Him with our whole heart, mind and strength really do matter. We know not one of us is perfect, only He alone is perfect, yet He is continually working on us, with us and through us, to become mature/perfection in His eyes, by our willing obedience and fulfilling the task He has placed before us; and like Daniel staying humble, that excellent spirit may come to indwell us too!
Daniel purposed in his heart …we can too!
Understand that Messiah is returning soon for those who have repented of their sins, been washed in His Blood and fully received Him into their life. All we have to do is Ask, Seek, Knock and the door of salvation shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9.
Shalom shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
You are loved, appreciated and prayed for..
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are 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
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us three areas where we can know God’s will: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
So God’s will for all His people in every circumstance is:
to rejoice, to pray and to give thanks.
Thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father should be on our lips morning, noon, night and every moment in between!
These are reminders of the attitude of mind we should have; and because David knew humans, he said /pleaded in Ps. 123:3, Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
And Malachi 2:16 warns us
Therefore, do not deal treacherously. KJV.
So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously. Amplified Bible.
They had to be faithful to their covenant obligations. Faithful to their covenant with God. And faithful to their covenant with their spouses…..and so do we…todah
Why are these warnings important?
Because our state of mind, our thoughts and our focus are powerful in their effects. Surely these are specific attitudes, (dealing treacherously), thatwe should never consider giving into?
As the enemy of our souls penetrates right into our thoughts, distracting our mind from God and our faith in Him; then our faith is of no value because it is in human ingenuity and in the flesh, which if we are not careful will rule our lives.
Having a heart, mind, soul and spirit that is centered, keeps us focused on Him as our source; and produces a thankful heart, a grateful attitude and an unselfish manner. The ‘holiday season’ has become such a huge commercialized time, obscuring for many the real reason it is even on the calendar. Mostly a western hemisphere event and Thanksgiving Day purely one for the USA, followed 1 month later by the Christians day to celebrate Jesus birthday. Many observe this day, although we are not told to do so in scripture, nor are we given a specific date. Truly, our lives should be a daily celebration that Messiah came; and surely that is the most important fact! However, He did tell us to remember Him….
Do this in Remembrance of Me
Luke 22:19 says:
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
This is how we are to remember and celebrate Messiah, every time we eat bread and drink wine/juice to commemorate His death and resurrection and the reason for it.
The provision at the cross is most importantly the spiritual aspect; and to eat the broken bread and drink the poured out wine.. isn’t this the real celebration, not what human society, culture and traditions over 2000+ years have turned it into?
We must be mindful of what our attitudes, motives and actions are really doing. Mark 4:19 warns us to beware of the thorns which are the cares of this world.
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Amplified Bible but the worries and cares of the world [the distractions of this age with its worldly pleasures], and the deceitfulness [and the false security or glamour] of wealth [or fame], and the passionate desires for all the other things creep in and choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
These cares cause and produce wrong attitudes in our soul because there is enormous power in simple things, like our choices, that distract our attention away from God.
We must refuse to be overwhelmed by the cares of this world or the pressure from friends, peer groups, families and children. In the west particularly, is an over abundance of material commodities purveyed through advertising. This only increases desire, lust, covetousness, demand, expectation and entitlement; causing greed, being dissatisfied, picky, choosy with ungrateful, selfish reactions. We toss what we don’t like, caught up in the worlds’ commercial agendas to separate us from the income that we worked so hard for.
Whose world system of commerce is it?
Certainly not that of our Savior or Heavenly Father. This is that which Messiah refused to accept when offered, so why are we allowing ourselves to be absorbed into that very scenario which is nothing more than a snare?
We should give and receive all year as led by His Spirit.
What happened to the days we were content with little?
The days after WW2 produced humble, grateful hearts, who were thankful for warmth and a small meal; and a piece of fruit and some wool socks. What has happened to society?
This is only one generation ago and with WW3 looming we would do well to remember that…
It’s not the gift,
it’s not the meal,
it’s not the value, size, or great bargain,
it’s not the piles of presents or mountains of food that are so often wasted or spurned because we don’t like it or its’ taste or color.
This is not, nor should it be our focus….
these are the Mark 4 cares of this world.
The worries of the world, the deceitfulness of glamour, of wealth, and all the other kinds of desires, push in and choke the message so that it produces nothing.
What are our holiday celebrations producing both in our lives and in the lives of those around us?
Let’s be truly mindful this year of the real reason for the season; and not be engulfed in the stressful, crazy days that steal our focus from giving thanks for all we have; and to remember the One to Whom we are indebted and spend shopping time with Him instead.
If you are still reading this post, then let’s read
together
Ps. 103 and Phil 4:8
we are to think on these things.
Let these things, be our list of things to shop for!
It’s an old hymn but full of truth!
When we are counting our blessings, and we should daily;
then we are not counting fears,
our lack or
our problems.
We are not complaining or miserable because of what we don’t have, or think we should have because we feel we are entitled, or because everyone else does.
All these things are added to us only as our Heavenly Father knows we NEED them.
He is far more concerned with the health and well being of our spirits, souls and within context, the basic needs of our bodies; not in luxury or to excess and over indulgence.
This world and its’ man-made traditions, are so temporary, so transient, so non essential to life and so very non-eternal.
The Messianic Hebrews/Jews to whom most of the New Testament was written and recorded for people like us did not celebrate Christmas and still dont! Jesus/Yeshua was Jewish the Bible is a Jewish book written almost entirely in Hebrew and Aramaic with some Greek.
The origins of the western worlds Christmas, date all the way back to 336 AD. This holiday was created by Europeans who lit up the dark days of winter. The roots of the Christmas traditions that we recognize today can be traced back to pre-Christian celebrations of the Winter solstice. By the mid-fifth century, the Feast of the Nativity had become popular.
The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around 280 A.D.. St. Nicholas gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick, becoming known as the protector of children and sailors.
St. Nicholas first entered American popular culture in the late 18th century in New York, when Dutch families gathered to honor the anniversary of the death of “Sint Nikolaas” (Dutch for Saint Nicholas), or “Sinter Klaas” for short. “Santa Claus” draws his name from this abbreviation.
Research it for yourselves, the truth will make you free from cultural customs and the traditions of men. It’s good to know what we are celebrating and why, and if there exists any compromise in our lives, for the sake of traditions and/or personal choice.
Let’s give some time to prayerfully remember those who have lost homes and families to natural disasters, to those killed or maimed in ongoing conflicts and wars; and to the children who have lost parents or are in abusive situations, and those now homeless. The last thought on their minds is if the turkey is properly cooked, or how many of the gifts on their list they will get.
As the end of days draws ever closer is Jesus/Messiah even a guest, let alone the honored guest at our tables? And the greater question is, if and when we invite Him, would He even want to attend? Isn’t it more likely He would be eating with the tax collectors and sinners, feeding the hungry and healing the sick; comforting the lonely while sharing the good news of the gospel of the kingdom??
Isn’t this the real reason He came and died a sinners death for us? He didn’t come so we could have fun in our freedom… He came to set us free to serve Him. The abundant life is in the spiritual values not in the flesh life, which we are to crucify daily. Gal 5:24
Crucify the flesh …describes a deliberate putting to death of the old sin nature. Paul’s instruction was inspired by Messiah Himself, who said,If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34.
The concept of crucifying the flesh comes from the words in Galatians 5:24: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
In this verse, it’s clear that crucifying the flesh is
not something done to the believer,
but by the believer:
Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh.
The flesh and the spirit are in continual conflict with each other, so our daily calling as followers of Christ is to crucify the flesh:For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13;Romans 6:11).
Because we have been delivered
from sin and death to
new life in Yeshua HaMashiach/Jesus Christ,
we are to yield ourselves to God for His good purposes and put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5.
To crucify the flesh is to obey the call to discipleship.
It means losing our life to find it in Him…
Matthew 10:39. As we daily put to death the sinful nature, we begin to walk in victory over the flesh. Conquering the flesh is what Paul describes as walking in the Spirit:
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16.
The flesh life that must be crucified is the sin principle that exists in our fallen human nature.
In this world we live in fleshly bodies, and the body, being weakMark 14:38, is the gateway to sin. Our bodies, though not sinful in themselves, naturally crave comfort and pleasure, and they too often succumb to temptation, producing the works of the flesh Galatians 5:19–21.
Sin entrenches itself in the flesh, which becomes dominated by iniquity of all kinds. It is the sinful passions and wayward deeds of the flesh that we must crucify.
Above some things we can do to overcome our flesh.
We are not to live for the world and all it offers.
We are not to live for ourselves nor even our families, children, grandchildren, our friends or our church; we are to walk and live after the spirit and our desires are to be for our Savior and our Heavenly Father.
He will come in an hour no one expects…
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Just as the parable says, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have not have let his house be broken into.
Todah
Taw daleth hei
is the word used for thanksgiving – in modern Hebrew it’s simply used for thank you. It comes form the root word YUDAH which in English we know as JUDAH.Judah means
a heartfelt thanksgiving or praise
The word todah is spelled
taw daleth hei
The taw represents heartfelt praise and thanksgiving
The daleth represents a doorway and
The hei represents the presence of God.
So heartfelt praise and thanksgiving
is a doorway to the presence of God.
Again Ps. 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful to him, and bless his name.
In Rev. 3:20 Messiah speaks to the Laodicean Messianic assembly who He says were neither hot nor cold. He stands at the door (dalet) and knocks reminding them of Todah.
The heartfelt thanksgiving that opens the door to His presence.
Many say this church in Revelation is how we are today?!.
Togarmah. From yadah; properly, an extension of the hand, i.e. (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers — confession, (sacrifice of) praise, thanks (-giving,
Abounding with thanksgiving/todah.
One of the most important purposes of a todah meal was to remember the saving deeds of the Lord. Indeed this is one of the functions of the todah psalms: to recount the mighty deeds of God.Ps. 22:28.
The todah was one of the most significant sacrifices of the Jews.
An old rabbinic teaching says: In the coming Messianic age all sacrifices will cease, but the thanksgiving offering [todah] will never cease.
What is it about this sacrifice that makes it stand alone in such a way that it would outlast all other sacrifices after the redemption of the Messiah?
A todah sacrifice would be offered by someone whose life had been delivered from great peril, such as disease or the sword. The redeemed person would show his gratitude to God by gathering his closest friends and family for a todah sacrificial meal.
The lamb would be sacrificed in the Temple and the bread for the meal would be consecrated the moment the lamb was sacrificed.
The bread and meat, along with wine, would constitute the elements of the sacred todah meal, which would be accompanied by prayers and songs of thanksgiving, such as Psalm 116.
Here, the word thanksgiving stands alone and separate from praise. Isn’t thanksgiving included in praise? Why does the writer separate thanksgiving from praise? Isn’t thanksgiving an integral part of our worship and offering of praise? So why is thanksgiving singled out?
As already noted the word for Thanksgiving, it is the word ha-todah from the root word yudah.
It is very closely related to yada’ which means: an intimacy.
It is thanksgiving that leads us to intimacy with God.
If you remove the article – (the/ha) – it leaves todah,
the first letter T – Taw which is also the letter for truth.
Messiah said that He is the Truth.
And as previously noted, the Daleth means a doorway right next to the Hei which is the presence of God.
So we could say:
our thanksgiving to Jesus/Yeshua for His sacrifice on the cross, leads us to a doorway or portal to the presence of God and intimacy with Him.
THANKSGIVING – TODAH – תדהTaw Daleth Hei
TODAyH and every day!
Let’s be certain we are
ALWAYS READY
in our hearts and with
thanksgiving
on our lips at all times.
Shalom shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
Caleb 
On meeting Daniel he asks,
What is the will of God?
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