However specifically it was a white stone that was given to the High Priest in Israel and worn in front within the ceremonial robes. This white stone was one of two stones used when seeking the will of the Heavenly Father on the behalf of the nation of the Hebrew Israelites.
The two stones were called the Urim and Thummin.
They were used to determine the answer regarding
direction and decisions, on matters presented
on behalf of the people.
by the High Priest,
to the Lord God.
The Hebrew words “אוּרִים” (Urim)
and “תֻּמִּים” (Thummim)
are often translated as
“lights” and “perfections,” respectively.
These objects were placed within the breastpiece,
And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
Leviticus8:8
These two stones are not to be mistaken with the breastplate holding the 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The gold breastplate of judgement hung from chains of pure gold twisted like cords. In a pouch behind the breastplate were the urim and thummim.
As noted the High Priest’s breastplate held
12 stones
each one engraved with the names of the
12 tribes of Israel.
One of the stones was actually white –
The Hebrew word
יַהֲלֹם Yahalom
pronounced: yah-hal-ome’.
It was stone number 6,
signifying the 6th son of Leah – Zebulun.
What’s important about Zebulun?
We read in Isaiah 9:1-7:
But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish [for with judgment comes the promise of salvation]. In earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He will make them honored [by the presence of the Messiah], by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.The people who walk in [spiritual] darkness Will see a great Light; Those who live in the dark land, The Light will shine on them….For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore.
and quoted in Matthew 4:15
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, / to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: / “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— / the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
According to this interpretation, the sacred white stone is a symbol of Greco-Romans residing in Galilee who would receive light through the birth of Jesus/Yeshua.
Could the secret here be the Messiah Himself?
Could the white stone point to Jesus/Yeshua through the yahalom stone once adorning the breast of the High Priest of Israel? Perhaps?
Another intriguing possibility is with the theme of priestly attire, as written in Revelation.
We read of a white stone in Revelation 2:17.
17. Mee asher-oz•na•yim lo yak•shiv et asher ha•Roo•ach ma•gid la•k`hi•lot lam•na•tze•ach e•ten min-ha•man ha•sha•moor ve•na•ta•ti lo even le•va•na ve•al-ha•e•ven cha•kook shem cha•dash asher eesh lo yi•ko•ve•noo bil•tee ha•m`ka•bel.
18. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give some of the hidden manna to eat, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no man knows except him who receives it.
“I will give him a white stone.”
This Scripture makes us think of another ancient custom which warned that if a man sins against a young woman of his tribe or of another tribe, he will be put to death.
However, sometimes the people accepted blood money and the culprit went free.
For the remainder of his life he lived in a white tent, or
rode a white camel,
and had a large white stone in front of his tent.
These were to show that no one had any right to harm him;
he is forgiven;
the price is paid
and it is now as though he had never
committed the sin.
Justified = Just as if I’d (never sinned)
“I will give him a white stone.”
Forgiveness,
vindication,
or
a proof of forgiveness
is shown by the white stone.
Judges 5:10 ye that sit on white asses in judgment. Palestinians aquainted with the law, religious or secular, in other words lawyers and rabbis usually select the white ass for their journeys in preference to the ordinary donkey or horse as it is much more impressive in looks and more sure footed. In Revelation we are told Messiah/Yeshua will return on a white horse.
In the first century, people understood that a white stone was a symbol of favor and overcoming against the odds.
The wording in the phrase “a white stone” is ordered differently in Greek. The Greek wording actually reads “psiephon leuken.”
The word psiephon refers to a stone or pebble, and leuken means white.
So rather than “a white stone,” it should be literally translated,
“A stone, a white one.”
This lays a particular emphasis on the color of the stone, so we must examine the primary way “white stones” were used in early New Testament times.
A white stone was commonly associated with
a vote of acquittal
or
a favorable vote.
This makes sense since Yeshua/Jesus took our guilt on the cross and paid the penalty for our sin in full.
The opposite was a black stone which indicated guilt.
When a Roman trial concluded, and it was time for a panel of judges to vote for the defendant’s innocence or guilt, the judges registered their votes by casting a black or white stone into an urn. A black stone symbolized a vote for guilt, and a white stone denoted a vote for innocence. When all the votes had been cast, the stones were emptied from the urn and counted one by one. If there were more black stones, it meant the judges had found the defendant guilty; if there were more white stones, it meant they had found the individual to be not guilty.
There was another way the ancient Greeks also used white and black stones for vote-casting when elections were held in a city.
One of the greatest privileges in Greek society was to vote about civic issues in a public election. In these elections, people used white and black stones to cast their votes, similar to the way such stones were used in legal trials. Votes were customarily registered by casting a black or white pebble into large vases that were set up throughout the city at designated locations. When the time for voting had concluded, the pebbles were separated into white and black piles and then counted. A white stone represented a person voting in favor of some issue, whereas a black stone represented a person was voting against it.
The Nelson Study Bible also says there was a
“custom in the Greek athletic games of giving a white stone to the victor in a contest, or to gladiators at the Roman games who had won the admiration of the public and had been allowed to retire from further combat.”
This could be alluding to our faithfully keeping God’s commandments while living in this corrupt world system.
In Roman and Greek Games, the winner of a contest was given a white stone of the overcomer, which then gave that individual access to places of honor at events and position in society. A white stone was sometimes used as a form of identification or proof of membership; similar to today where people are given a VIP pass to enter an exclusive gathering. Similarly, when our Heavenly Father gives us a white stone, it symbolizes His approval and acceptance of us into His family.
The white stone and a new name.
It was in the book of Revelation, Messiah addressed the Church of Pergamum, which was located in what is known today as Turkey. He promised to give hidden manna and a white stone to those who overcome.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17 (NKJV)
Someone who overcomes (some Bibles translate the word as “conquers”), is anyone who is saved from the second death. This means they’ve believed in their heart that Messiah died for their sins and rose again on the third day and they have turned from their sins and decided to follow Him for the rest of their life.
This scripture raises 2 questions:
What is the hidden manna and
what is meant by the new name?
We know from the book ofExodus that God sent food from heaven to feed the Israelites while they were in the wilderness.
Exodus 16: 4, 14, 15, and 31.
Now the house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:31 (ESV)
Some translations say it looked like
resin, gum resin
or bdellium.
Another says not bdellium but the Hebrew word is
bdeloah = precious stone..the pearl!
The Israelites had never seen food like it before,
so they called it manna,
which in Hebrew means “what is it?”
This hidden manna
which will nourish
over-comers
probably refers to Yeshua/Jesus,
who referred to Himself as the bread of life.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” John 6:51 (NKJV)
This stone in Revelation has a new name on it one that no one knows except the person who receives it?
Our parents gave us the name we have now when we were born in the physical realm; and as we are born again from above spiritually, when we are with Him we will receive a new, unique name from Him. Recall from previous posts, that names in Hebrew/Israelite culture are very important, have great meaning and often are prophetic indications on the life that bears that name.
To receive a white stone means that you are free from condemnation. You have been tried and have been found worthy. The white stone is a symbol of whom you have become through your faithfulness and your determination to rule over sin. It is Messiah/rock-solid faith and purity.
Therefore, when Messiah offered a stone, a white one to over-comers, He was placing a definite emphasis on the word white and it meant:
“I have reviewed all the evidence, and I have judged you not guilty!”
Yeshua/Jesus’ message to that church, and to us today, was that regardless of who they had been or what they had done before they came to Him, what mattered now, was who they had become in Him. As Messiah looked at them in light of His blood, He had cast
“a stone, a white one”
in their direction, affirming their full acquittal and complete release from their past sinful lives and memories.
Therefore, when the devil, or any person for that matter, tries to throw a stone of judgment against us by mentally tormenting us about past actions; we’ve already been forgiven and we may boldly answer:
Messiah Yeshua/Jesus has already cast His vote.
He has found me NOT guilty!
Regardless of any actions we may have committed in the past, Yeshua/Jesus’ blood has purged our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.Hebrews 9:14.
At the time the book of Revelation was written, a white stone was also equated with innocence. If you were to be tried for a crime, a white stone signified acquittal, and a black stone signified guilt. To receive a white stone means that you are free from condemnation. You have been tried and have been found worthy.
“To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it” Revelation 2:17.
When Messiah promised a stone, a white one to the believers who overcame, He was not only announcing freedom, forgiveness, and acquittal from a past sinful life, but He was in effect also telling them:
My vote is for you. I am putting My full support behind you.
This is powerful when we fully realize what the white stone means in Revelation 2:17. It declares that Messiah has found us not guilty and that He is putting His full support behind us.
The white stone is a very precious thing! A new name, our new name, is something that brings great hope to every believer. It speaks of a new identity and a new nature that we acquire in Him. The Biblical use of name can denote the promise of immortality meaning it’s a name that will live on forever. It also speaks to inheritance and divine appointment for a special task in this life.
This white stone would contain a new name that no man knows, except the one who receives it. The meaning behind no one knowing your name is that no one will have power or dominion over you!
The basic Greek word translated stone is lithos.The stone is called white; but the word does not imply that it is a stone of white color, but that
it is shining, glistering white.
The word whiteis leukos and means:
brilliant from whiteness, dazzling white.
This was the white used to describe the angel’s raiment at Yeshua/Jesus’ tomb. This same white was used to describe Yeshua/Jesus’ garments when He was transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration.
“And His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.” Mark 9:3.
Later the white stone took on new meanings and by the first century A.D., the white stone became an engagement stone.
However, in the first century the groom would give his bride a white stone and engraved on the stone would be a special name, the white stone became an engagement stone. It later took on the form of an engagement ring with the white stone being represented as a diamond. However, in the first century the groom would give his bride a white stone and engraved on the stone would be a special name.
It later took on the form of an engagement ring with the white stone being represented as a diamond. This is used in many cultures today.
The king’s diadem would probably have had a white stone set among many other stones.
Apparently the white stone had his name engraved on it. If the king were to remove that stone and give it to someone that would represent the ultimate authority a king could give to a person.
Another practice with the gemstones would be that the king would remove a stone from his diadem to give as a gift to a special servant.
It could be a red stone which represents a certain amount of royal power being bestowed upon this servant,
or it could be a green stone, representing his restoration,
or a blue stone representing wealth or riches.
In Hebrew the word for crown is nezer
Strongs #5145. נֵ֫זֶר (nezer) —
Crown, consecration, separation, dedication
Derived from the root נָזַר (nazar), meaning:
“to consecrate” or “to separate.” In Proverbs 27:24 ׳אַבְּנֵי נ Zechariah 9:16 stones of a crown, gemstones, diadem.
In fact, esoterically, the word nezer represents:
descending –
Nun,
from a joining together –
Zayin,
and a seeing with the naked eye –
Resh.
So, when a subject received a gemstone from the kings diadem, it would represent
the power inherent in that stone
descending from the king to the subject
to join that subject with the king in common enterprise
and the stone would a tangible object of this bond which could be seen with the naked eye.
When Solomon wrote this passage in Proverbs 27:24, it’s possible he could have had this in mind. As a king he could have given away gemstones from his diadem, but the power they granted would not last beyond his own lifetime and could not be passed unto the next generation.
The new name written on the white stone reflects our true identity and eternal purpose in Christ. It’s a name that speaks to who we are and the unique gifts and talents that God has given to you individually. This name reminds us of our worth and significance in our Father’s eyes, and it empowers us to live out our purpose with confidence.
This new name represents a close relationship with Him, where we can freely approach Him and experience His love, guidance, and presence in our lives.
His love has the power to change us from the inside out, molding us into the people He created us to be. With the white stone, we are reminded of His approval and acceptance, knowing that we are loved and cherished by Him.
Along with all the other meanings, the white stone reminds us we are children of the most High God, our new name represents the new nature and purpose our Father has given us, and it serves as a constant reminder of the unique and wonderful plans He has for each of our lives and how much we are loved.
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.
Where in scripture are waters of affliction mentioned?
Verse 20 in Isaiah chapter 30 speaks of
waters of affliction
as well as the
bread of adversity
and it tells us that they both come from the Lord!
Isaiah 30:20: “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers be hidden no more, but thine eyes shall see they teachers:”
Isaiah 30:20 HEB: צָ֖ר וּמַ֣יִם לָ֑חַץ וְלֹֽא־ יִכָּנֵ֥ף KJV: and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers
Also in 1 Kings 22:27 HEB: לַ֙חַץ֙ וּמַ֣יִם לַ֔חַץ עַ֖ד בֹּאִ֥י KJV: and with water of affliction, until I come
2 Chronicles 18:26 HEB: לַ֙חַץ֙ וּמַ֣יִם לַ֔חַץ עַ֖ד שׁוּבִ֥י KJV: and with water of affliction, until I return
Original Word:מַיִם Part of Speech: Noun Masculine Transliteration: mayim Phonetic Spelling: mah’-yim Definition: waters, water
Water has many symbolic meanings in Hebrew:
water of a spring or well (עַיִן, בְּאֵר) Genesis 16:7;
of a river, NileExodus 2:10
of sea Red Sea Exodus 15:8,
of floodGenesis 7:7,10;
subterraneanExodus 20:4
in clouds Jeremiah 10:13;
of rainJudges 5:4;
of dewJudges 6:38.
primÊval deepGenesis 1:2,6
Water with proper names, of a location and
special uses e.g.
מַיִם חַיִּים living (i.e. running) water Leviticus 14:5,
Figurative uses are:
of distressIsaiah 43:2;
deep waters Psalm 69:3;
water of gall Jeremiah 8:14;
מַיִם שְׁאן Isaiah 17:12,13 of rushing nations.
of what is impetuous, violent, overwhelming
Isaiah 28:2,17; Hosea 10:7;
(as running away) of heart in timidity Joshua 7:5,
of knees Ezekiel 7:17; Ezekiel 21:12.
of transitorinessJob 11:16; Job 24:18; Psalm 58:8.
of refreshmentIsaiah 32:2; Isaiah 49:10;
spiritual Isaiah 12:3.
י מְנֻחת Psalm 23:2 in figure of rest and peace,
of reckless bloodshed (poured out like water) Psalm 79:3;
בְּאֵר מַיִם חַיִּים Songs 4:15 figurative of bride;
גְּנוּבִים Proverbs 9:17 stolen waters.
of abundant justiceAmos 5:24
of outpoured wrath of ׳י Hosea 5:10.
One meaning is that water can be so powerful that it can make holes through rocks and hard stone by a process of erosion which resembles a power drill boring through it.
Original Word:לַחַץ Part of Speech: Noun Masculine Transliteration: lachats Phonetic Spelling: lakh’-ats Definition: oppression, distress
Strongs # 3906 affliction, oppression
From lachats; distress — affliction, oppression. to press, i.e. (figuratively) to distress — afflict, crush, force, hold fast, oppress
The Hebrew teachers/rabbis write that our Heavenly Father will give us an affliction that will drill or pierce through the rocky protective covering of our hearts with one goal, and that is to penetrate our hearts with His unconditional and everlasting love. In their understanding of the water of affliction is that it is an affliction to drill down to the core of your heart.
We have an idiom that we use to express deep sincere emotion when we say ‘from the bottom of my heart’. The very center of our heart is where truth can be found, it’s where the unshakeable and very real part of our soul resides. ‘Words are cheap’, is another common phrase, and certainly without action to support those statements we make, it has little depth of meaning to the hearer.
The whole of Hebrew thinking towards the Creator of the Universe and towards our fellow humans is summed up in the word shema which means: hear and obey or, hear and do. Words are encouraging but without action are not as much help as when doing something follows those words in order to assist an individual. Our heart motivation is most important, many flippantly declare love for each other, yet never show it by their actions.
We sometimes do not understand the Love of our Heavenly Father because we compare it to our understanding of love in its selfish, self seeking human form. Many languages have different words for different types of love, but as there is only one word for love in english speaking countries; it covers everything from food, sports, hobbies, fashion, pets, etc. to God. This does not really show a special and respectful term to describe our deep affection for our Savior, Lord and King.
As our Father God does love us so deeply, He doesn’t allow us to go through random afflictions, He orchestrates conditions and situations because He desires to break through into our hearts so they will be open to Him.
This is not something new, it has been His purpose all along.
Ezekiel 36:26 New International Version 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
This powerful metaphor speaks to the change He can bring to our lives.
This change can be more easily achieved when we consistently allow His Spirit of Holiness to will and to work in us after His good pleasure. For it is God that worketh in you, both to will [both to desire], and to perform, for good will. YLT Phil. 2:13.
It happened in the old Testament 1 Samuel 10:6 KJV: And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
as well as in the new, Colossians 3:10-14. 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit];
Our new man is raised to new life in Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 6:4–6; Galatians 2:20.
From this point forward the process of sanctification, or internal transformation, continues.
1John 3:20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
We not only experience waters of affliction when our Heavenly Father is drilling through our hearts of stone, but we also may face the bread of adversity.
Original Word:צַר Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: tsar Phonetic Spelling: tsar Definition:narrow, tight adversary, affliction, anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe,
Or tsar {tsawr}; from tsarar; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. Trouble); also a pebble (as in tsor); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding) — adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.
צַר noun [masculine]straits, distress;
צַר noun [masculine]straits, distress;
צַר noun [masculine]hard pebble, flint;
Many people recently celebrated Rosh Hashanah. During this Moed, this Appointed time of the Lord on His Calendar, it is customary to bake bread for Rosh Hashanah and to invite people who have hurt you during the previous year to assist you in its preparation. As you roll out the bread you forgive them.
Here we see a meaning of the bread of adversity. In Jewish literature it is taught that the adversity brought on by our sinful acts are pounded, rolled, shaped and baked to bring us to repentance/teshuvah and receive the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.
The grains of wheat or barley are pounded, crushed, rolled and baked at high temperature and when fully cooked it comes out as something new.
It has been changed by the process.
Its form has changed from soft dough and it is now a loaf of bread and looks completely different; furthermore it will now provide nourishment to many others.
Here is a great spiritual lesson.
It is true that so many of us have to go through the waters of affliction for our Heavenly Father to penetrate and gain entrance into our hearts. He takes us through the pounding, rolling, shaping and baking by testings and trials, in order to bring us to the place where we see our sin and shortcomings.
Once we see and admit them, then we turn in repentance and receive His forgiveness through the blood of Yeshua haMashiach Jesus Christ. It is then that He can make us into something new, something of value and able to bring nourishment to others.
Your teachers shall be hidden no more.
Teachers in this passage is moreka. מוֹרֶ֔יךָ
mō·w·re·ḵā — 2 Occurrences
Isaiah 30:20 HEB: יִכָּנֵ֥ף עוֹד֙ מוֹרֶ֔יךָ וְהָי֥וּ עֵינֶ֖יךָ KJV: of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner
The picture is of a teacher who is throwing out knowledge or shooting out knowledge which is aimed at a specific target.
This Master Teacher will not be hidden.
The word hidden is kanaph.
yik·kā·nêp̄ — 1 Occurrence
Isaiah 30:20 HEB: לָ֑חַץ וְלֹֽא־ יִכָּנֵ֥ף עוֹד֙ מוֹרֶ֔יךָ NAS: longer hide Himself, but your eyes KJV: yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes INT: of oppression will no hide longer teachers
3670 kanaph: to be cornered or thrust into a corner
Original Word: כָּנַף Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: kanaph Phonetic Spelling: kaw-naf’ Definition: to be cornered or thrust into a corner
This is the word for wings, or a loose flowing skirt.
of garment = skirt, corner, or loose flowing end,
1 Samuel 15:27;
Strongs # 3671 kanaph: wing, extremity
Original Word:כָּנָף Part of Speech: Noun Feminine Transliteration: kanaph Phonetic Spelling: kaw-nawf’ Definition: wing, extremity
bird* (1), corner (1), corners (4), covering (1), each other (1), edge (5), edges (1), ends (3), fold (2), garment (1), kind (3), skirt (3), skirts (1), sorts (1), wing (14), winged (5), wings (58), wings were each other (1), wingspan (1).
bird, border, corner, end, feathered, flying, one another, overspreading,
Fromkanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bed-clothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle — + bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), X flying, + (one an-)other, overspreading, X quarters, skirt, X sort, uttermost part, wing((-ed))
The words used here give a picture of an archer shooting at a creature with wings however because the creature is illusive, when the Master Teacher shoots the arrow it doesn’t find its target. This could be telling us that our Heavenly Father is always speaking to us, but we just keep missing hearing His voice. This is explained in the last part of the verse.
And your eyes will see your teachers.
The word see is ra’ah which is a reference to:
spiritual seeing, spiritual insight.
רֹא֥וֹת
Strongs # 7200 raah: to see
Original Word: רָאָה Part of Speech:Verb Transliteration:raah Phonetic Spelling:raw-aw’ Definition: to see
Our spiritual eyes will be opened and we will see the redemption offered to us by our Master Teacher. Here the prophet seems to be saying that our Heavenly Father is always speaking to us, He is wanting to give us direction, to set us on the right path or WAY, because in the following verse 21, this is supported;
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
We must agree that sometimes what He is saying to us never quite makes the target in our brains, or gets through into our thick rocky heart. This is when our loving Father may have to bring
the bread of adversity,
that specific adversity that will bring us into repentance and receive His forgiveness. Or He may release
the waters of affliction
to penetrate the hard rock like shell over our heart in order to pierce it with His love. He is both patient and persistent in His process with us, just like the water dripping constantly onto the rock.
One of the most inspirational stories in Hebrew literature is that of Rabbi Akiva was a shepherd, a laborer, an am ha’aretz – religious in observance, but ignorant of Torah knowledge. At age 40, he didn’t even know how to read the aleph-beis/alphabet. One day, while sitting by a brook, Akiva noticed a steady trickle of water hitting a rock. It was only a drip, but it was constant – drop after drop after drop.
Akiva observed something incredible: A hole had been carved out by that steady drip of water. He wondered how that could be. He inquired who shaped the rock, and was told it was caused by the slow but constant dripping of water on top of it. Akiva then reasoned: If a substance soft as water can penetrate a rock with slow, persistent motion, how much more so can the words of Torah, which is hard as iron, can slowly but surely penetrate and make an indelible impression on my heart.
This was a turning point in his life. He promptly committed himself to study the Word of God – for an uninterrupted 24 years and went on to become the greatest sage of his generation, with 24,000 students learning under him at one time. What is the message of Rabbi Akiva and those life-transforming drops of water?
On one level, this story shows how everyone, if given the opportunity, can achieve great heights. It’s never too late to start.
On a deeper level, the story of Rabbi Akiva teaches that every drop of Gods word, even if undetectable, makes an impact.
All scripture, as the Word of the Almighty, has unparalleled power to effect change. Sometimes we do not perceive it, and the results are not apparent until years later. However if one keeps going and does not give up, the power of His word will eventually penetrate. Drop after drop after drop, it will carve into our neshama, our soul and spirit and transform us.
The Hebraic/Jewish view of spirituality is one which stresses that dramatic bursts of insight and inspiration are not so much how an individual will achieves great heights; and that is because experiences are fleeting and momentary, once they pass, the connection quickly fades.
The truth is that it is the consistent pursuance and faithful decision to live within the scriptural values and Biblical guidelines given to us for our protection and maturing in the faith. When we walk along the WAY, we gain the small triumphs in life and they add up, drop after drop, creating true spiritual transformation.
Eph. 5:26 God sanctifies and cleanses the ecclesia by the washing of water and the word.
Let’s allow the Father, by His Spirit, to penetrate our hearts and let’s not harden them in rebellion; then the bread of adversity and waters of affliction will be far from our lives…
while it is said, “TODAY [while there is still opportunity] IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME [in the rebellion in the desert …Hebrews 3:7-15
Shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
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