Tag: Joseph

Who was Tsofnat Paneach part 2

In part one we paused the

Tsofnat Paneach

פַּעְנֵחַ צָפְנַת

narrative at the…

The scriptures indicate that the inner shekinah glory is hidden and obscured to those who don’t bother to seek Him.

Nothing on its exterior appearance gave any indication of the unfathomable glory it contained.

Rock hyrax/badger.

It was the unattractive outward appearance of the rough badger skins that covered the Mishkan which did not even hint at the value within.

Badger Skins – These were the outer covering that everyone saw…plain and uninviting

…just as those in the world saw Him then, the same is still true for many today. 

Then as now, the

Sometimes diamonds are presented in rough packages, their intrinsic value is obscured until the process of cutting, shaping and restoration is completed by the touch of the Masters hand.

These rough packages may be delivered into our lives, diamonds in rough disheveled wrappings…

outwardly damaged, torn and in need of attention.

 We come to Him as we are – in need of salvation and loving care.

All too often

We must trust Him for the goodness in that which He sends, even though it may look different, or uninviting and not appeal to our eyes and physical senses.

As we look by faith to that which lies within; we shall learn the meaning of the secrets of His providence and the treasures of wisdom, kindness and love within the rough exterior.

Isaiah 53:4, NASB: “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.”

Isaiah 53:1-8 King James Version (KJV)  2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Also John 1:13,14

One translation puts it this way:

There was nothing attractive about Him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at Him and people turned away.

At that point in their history, the Jews were looking for a King and the Kingdom he would set up here; giving them freedom from the Roman rule.

Those that took the time to look, really look, saw beyond the badger skin/ the plain outer covering. In the same way today as those of us that take the time to look, read, study, pray, praise, worship, and fellowship with HIM in covenant relationship…see so much more. As John said, We see His glory, through Him the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth, John 1:14.

He had no dignity or beauty to make us take notice of him. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing that would draw us to him. We looked down on him, thought he was scum.

Just as in 1 Cor.4:13, Paul said the same had happened to him: We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world–right up to this moment.

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief…it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.

Amplified version: For [the Servant of God] grew up before Him like a tender plant, and like a root out of dry ground;

He has no form or comeliness [royal, kingly pomp], that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him.

Scripture records while on the cross, Jesus/Yeshua quoted Ps. 22 and in so doing, was referring to Himself as a worm.

In an interesting side note:
For at least 5000 years in China, the worm (Bombyx mori), the larva or caterpillar of the Bombyx mori moth; has been producing the thread for luxury silk robes. Only God could create an uninteresting looking grub whose sole diet is mulberry leaves, that would make thread that clothes the wealthy!

When each cocoon is unwound it produces many 100’s of yards of thread.

However the worm Jesus/Yeshua was referring to is in Ps 22 we read:

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. 
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. 
4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 
5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 
6 But I am a WORM and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 

7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 
8 “He trusts in the LORD,” they say, “let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” 
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 
10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 
12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 
13 Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. 
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 
15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 
16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 
17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 
18They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 
19 But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 
20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 
21Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 
22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. 
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 
24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. 
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever! 
27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. 
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 
31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

In Ps 22, Yeshua/Jesus was certainly the man referred to, but what did the psalmist mean when he wrote, “But I am a worm”?

Usually the Hebrew word for a worm is rimmah, which means a maggot or a worm. However, in Psalm 22:6, the word for worm is towla’ or tola’ath. – It is the same Hebrew word Yeshua/Jesus used for worm when He spoke, TOLA’ATH, which means Crimson worm or Scarlet worm. Both scarlet and crimson are the colors of blood – deep red.

Yeshua/Jesus, like the prophetic towla/tola’ath worm, gave His body for us. After the body of the towla/tola’ath worm had served its purpose, it fell off or was harvested from the tree.

Because the towla/tola’ath worm secreted crimson/scarlet body fluid as it died, a scarlet spot leaves a stain on the tree trunk.

For a period of three days the bodies of the female Scarlet Worm were collected as the worm can be scraped from the tree and the crimson gel can be used to make a fabric dye; but the worms had to be gathered up quickly because after three days, the red stain dries out and turns pure white!!

By invoking the image of a worm at His crucifixion, Yeshua/Jesus is not meaning to convey His human status, but rather the color of blood. He is describing the red-stained tree of His Crucifixion.

Nevertheless He chose to liken Himself here to a worm not a King or Savior.

The Red Dye of the Crimson worm (Tolaath of Psalm 22:6, Isaiah 1:18, and Isaiah 66:24) it was used for dyeing the curtains of the Tabernacle (Ex. 26:1) 

It was also used as the red in the robe of the High Priest of Israel (Yeshua our High Priest) and as the second covering of the Tabernacle in the wilderness was Rams skins dyed red, (Under the badgers skins,) most likely with the Tolaath – towla worms as representative of the substitutionary sacrifice and prophetically of the future Messiah.

Also used in the purification rites of a leper (Lev. 14:4–6) and of a house affected by leprosy ( ibid., 51–52); and it was added to the ashes of the red heifer (Num. 19:6)

More on the red heifer at:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-mystery-of-solomons-chok/

The life cycle of the Scarlet Worm, whom Jesus/Yeshua said He was, symbolizes much of what He accomplished on the cross and our relationship with Him. Messiah willingly chose death on a tree for the benefit of the new life His death would bring.

Jesus/Yeshua had to become the worm in order to defeat Satan and defeat every worm that crawls all over our souls and then give us His righteousness (2 Cor.5:21). He was crushed so that His blood might cover our sins.

More detailed explanation at  https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-secret-of-how-a-worm-preached-the-gospel/

There are many renditions and images. MMM hesitates to include ‘likenesses’ in posts and only then to aid our understanding of the content not to determine His appearance for we do not really know what Messiah looked like.

The images we have in our minds eye are often influenced by pictures created by human imagination and what we consider our savior resembled. Remembering His Middle Eastern mother may help our thinking. 

Included are a few of the traditional and non traditional artists impressions below:

The point is they rejected Him from what they saw and did not take the time to look deeper to see who He was on the inside.

Just like the Mishkan, nothing on His exterior appearance gave any indication of the secret and unfathomable mystery of the Glory contained within.

Tsofnat Paneach

פַּעְנֵחַ צָפְנַת

Yosef – Joseph – A Type of Mashiach.

There are parallels between Joseph and our Messiah.

A full list of parallels for further study at https://www.minimannamoments.com/yeshua-and-yosef-jesus-and-joseph-parallels/

The life of Joseph was an archtypical pattern for the other son – ben acher – who would be the fulfilment of Mashiach ben Yosef. 

Hidden within the TaNaKh are the principles, patterns, and foreshadows that all point to Messiah.

The New is in the Old Concealed, the Old is in the New Revealed.

Concealed in the Old Testament, is Revealed in the New.

The Mystery of Grace Revealed:

The Meaning below with which we are familiar:

This GRACE hid itself under a veil in the Old Testament, but it has been revealed in the New Testament according to the most perfectly ordered dispensation of the ages, forasmuch as God knew how to orchestrate all things.

The meaning of Grace – Chen in Hebrew from the root word Choresh – made up of the letters Chet (Ch) and Noon (N),

in the paleo Hebrew

pictograph alef bet is amazing.

The chet has a meaning of outside.

The pictograph is of a tent wall or fence = a private place of refuge and a protected Sanctuary, (as in the Mishkan at the center of the wilderness camp).

And Nun which has a meaning of life as well as fish, activity.

The pictograph is a picture of a seed sprout representing the idea of a new generation, continue, offspring and heir.

The concept that God produces new life in us at salvation and then places a fence or wall/hedge of protection around that life so that it will not be removed or destroyed. Wow!

(Secret Place of Ps.91

מִּסְתָּֽר – secret – mistar

Ha Makem’- ‘The Place’- המקום)

Chet has a numerical value of 8 = eternity, new creation, new beginning and

Noon has a numerical value of 50 = Jubilee, Shavuot/Pentecost-(Birth of new generation of believers).

Yeshua is our Jubilee

 מָשִׁיחַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mashiach
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-shee’-akh)
Definition: anointed

He is also Yeshua

הַמָּשִׁ֛יחַ

hamashiach – the anointed

and Messiah Son of David

Mashiach Ben David

Strong’s Hebrew: 4899.

(mashiach)  מָשִׁיחַ

בֵּן – ben – son

בֵּן דָּוִד –  (daw-veed’) – David

as well as

בֵּן – ben – Son of

   יוֹסֵף  – Yosef – Joseph

ישוע – Yeshua – Jesus

David died at the age of 70 years old. The number 70 itself has significance, as it’s numerical value is equivalent to the word sod or secret.

70 = סוד
Sod/Secret = 70

386 = דוד בן ישי = ישוע
David ben Yishai = Yeshua = 386

“King Messiah”

מלך משיח‎,

or romanized: Melekh Mashiach

or malka meshiḥa in Aramaic.

Mashiach ben Yoseph or

Messiah ben Joseph

(משיח בן־יוסף  Mašīaḥ ben Yōsēf),

also known as Mashiach bar/ben Ephraim

(Aram./Heb.: משיח בר/בן אפרים),

Mashiach ben Yosef

is said to be of the tribe of Ephraim (son of Joseph), and is also sometimes called Mashiach ben Ephraim (Bavli Sukah 52b).

According to the Rabbis:

Mashiach ben Yosef will come first, before the advent of Mashiach ben David, to prepare the world for the coming of the kingdom of the LORD.

Of course we know He has already fulfilled the first.

Mashiach ben Yosef: we see that both (Joseph) Yosef and Yeshua (Jesus) were chosen or anointed for a special task.

Here are some of the many ways in which the life of Joseph typified the life of our Redeemer Yeshua.

Extended list at:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/yeshua-and-yosef-jesus-and-joseph-parallels/

When Jacob gifted his son Joseph with a coat of many colors,

(Hebrew : כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים ‎ ketonet passim)

lifting him up above his brothers, he reflected Joseph’s calling by the Lord for a life work as a leader.

The Hebrew term KETONET PASSIM means literally

a tunic of palms,

i.e. reaching to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

The Hebrew word ‘pas’ literally means ‘extremity.’

Hebrew pas can refer to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot; here the idea is probably that of a long robe reaching to the feet and having sleeves reaching to the wrists.

In light of the real meaning of ketonet passīm as “a long robe with sleeves,”. It may also be translated as “a full-sleeved robe,” “a coat of many colors,” “a coat reaching to his feet,” “an ornamented tunic,” “a silk robe,” or “a fine woolen cloak.”

Ketonet means coat and is related to tunic;

Israelis, on the other hand, would probably say striped coat, since passim means stripes. 

In most versions it calls this coat, a coat of many colors.

 What this tells us is that this garment was actually one that reached to the hands and feet and maybe striped, not a technicolor coat. (The translation “many colors” comes from the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament.)

A ketonet passīm was a garment worn by royalty, Jacob, in giving Joseph this coat, was, in effect saying that Joseph was special and that he saw and treated Joseph as a royal person, a person whom he considered to be above all his other sons and would become royalty. He would not have to toil.

Whatever the robe’s precise appearance, it was a regal garment that honored Joseph.  A robe of distinction, which his brothers understood and so hated him for it.

Jesus/Yeshua came as the greater Joseph/Yosef to teach us that being in Him, we too have on that same spiritual garment that extends to our hands and feet – a robe of righteousness.

Both Joseph and Yeshua (Yahushua – His Name means Salvation through YHWH); were the highly favored sons, beloved by their fathers.

They were both firstborns, Joseph by Jacob’s Rachel and Yeshua by Mary. Their brothers hated them and conspired to kill them.

Joseph was sold as a young slave for 20 pieces of silver while Yahoshua was betrayed for 30, the price of a mature slave!

Both were stripped of their clothing, their robes covered in blood, and falsely accused.

Joseph’s brothers threw him into an empty cistern while Yahoshua was placed in a tomb. Both were raised from those places.

Joseph was 30 when he was placed into the service of Pharaoh, ultimately placed in a position to deliver his brothers, and revealed himself twice to his brothers. Yahoshua began His ministry at approximately age 30.

Joseph’s name was changed by Pharaoh to “Tsofnat Paneach” which as already noted, means “Decipherer of Secrets.” Yeshua or Yahoshua revealed His Father, first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. And while many Jews and Gentiles have missed the Messiah the first time, He will be revealed – unmistakably – the second time.

Joseph left Pharaoh’s court, and he made an inspection tour of the entire land of Egypt.
VeYosef ben-shloshim shanah be’omdo lifney Par’oh melech-Mitsrayim vayetse Yosef milifney Far’oh vaya’avor bechol erets Mitsrayim.

Joseph was given honor and glory by Pharaoh and made ruler over all Egypt. Yeshua/Yahoshua was crowned with honor and glory because of His suffering death (the Suffering Servant whom Joseph prefigures).

“But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9

The preparation for this role was grueling. Joseph endured the fires of testing, sold into slavery, thrown into prison, and seemingly abandoned by God he must have wondered to himself, “Why is this happening?” It seems clear from hindsight that Joseph was learning the deep humility required for God’s kind of leadership.

We also see the humility of the Son of God in His Incarnation and crucifixion. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” So as Joseph saved the whole world from physical death by starvation, Yeshua saved the whole world from spiritual death, the judgment of sin.

Our Messiah will return, soon, as a Mighty Warrior (whom Joshua also prefigures), and as our King, Mashiach ben David (whom King David prefigures). Ruler over all and to whom every knee shall bow!

The multi-colored coat Joseph wore with which we are most familiar, is only one small part of a bigger story. Within the bigger story of Joseph as a foreshadowing of the Messiah are the many prophecies, both fulfilled and those yet to be.

We need to pray for ears to hear, eyes to see, and the desire to know Him better through His divinely-inspired Word.

If we have seen signs of our own anointing for a specific task, and find ourselves in the midst of painful and unexplainable trials and tribulations, we’re in good company. God gives responsibility to people of character. Both Joseph and Yeshua are beautiful examples of the kind of leader God loves – a humble one.

Yeshua/Jesus at his first advent coming as the suffering servant or otherwise known as

Mashiach ben Yosef

also came

revealing secrets;

not as an interpreter of dreams, but as one who disclosed the secrets of men.

Yeshua’s teaching consistently exposed the innermost thoughts of the heart, forcing them into the light. As the living Word of God His words are like a sword, which cut through deception and went straight to the motives of men. Exposing sin through deep conviction, He presents the opportunity for real and sincere confession and repentance. He can then remove those sins through His atoning death.

Jesus/Yeshua’s insight and the conviction of His word are a gift. If He probes us in the secret places it’s only because He loves us so much, and because He wants to reveal His GRACE and power to cleanse us.

When we read His Word or seek Him in prayer, we shouldn’t be surprised if we discover some of our own secrets, things you may have even hidden from ourselves. He will reveal what He wants us to see, what He wants us to confess, and what He wants to help us change.

Dan. 2:22 records another instance of apocalypse/revealing.

He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

Daniel answered before the king and said, “As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king.

Dan 2:28 “However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the [fn] latter days.

We are charged to be good stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1), and that the wisdom of God is spoken by the Spirit of God among those who are made after the Order of Melchizedek; i.e. among those that are perfect (1 Cor. 2:7).

Among the many Mysteries we have the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven,

the Mystery of the Kingdom of God,

the Mystery of the gospel, etc.

The seed of the Word of God also reveals the Mystery of Iniquity (2 Thes. 2:7) and last but not least…

Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth’ (Rev. 17:5).

MYSTERY~noun : a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand.

Finally and briefly are 5 well known yet amazing Mysteries that were also full of Joy.

Mysteries were secrets hidden by the Fathers hand until the Appointed time of revealing/apocalypse. They made no sense to most yet now we hardly give them a second thought!

1st: The Annunciation

 The Angel Gabriel announces: “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee.” Mary wonders at this greeting. The Angel assures her: “Fear not . . . you shall conceive in your womb, and give birth to a Son.” Mary is greatly troubled for she has made a vow of virginity. The Angel answers that she will conceive by the power of the Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit, and that her child will be called the Son of God. The Incarnation awaits Mary’s consent; (free will). Mary answers: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word.” The Word/Yeshua/Jesus was made flesh and dwelt among us.

2nd: The Visitation

 Mary’s cousin Elizabeth conceived a son in her old age, for nothing is impossible with God. Love prompts Mary to go quickly to Elizabeth in the hour of her need. The journey is about 80 miles taking 4/5 days. Even though long and arduous, the journey is filled with joy, for Mary carries with her the Living Word and at Mary’s greeting, John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb. Elizabeth exclaims: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Blessed is she who believed that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled.” Mary replies: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit finds joy in God my Savior.” For 3 months Mary serves her cousin in all humility until the birth of John the Baptist.

3rd: The Birth of Jesus 

Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to comply with the decree of Caesar Augustus.

The hour for Mary to give birth is near, but there is no room in the inn. In the stillness of the night, the Savior is born in a cave.

She wraps Him in swaddling clothes and lays Him in a manger.

The angel announces to the shepherds: “Today there is born to you in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord.” The angelic chorus sing: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth.”

The shepherds come to the stable to pay homage to the Infant Jesus. Later the Magi come to adore the Him and bring gifts.

4th: The Presentation 

Observing the law of Moses they take Yeshua/Jesus to the Temple to present Him to the Lord. According to the Law the firstborn male child of every family should be consecrated to the Lord. Mary offers her Son to the Father, then ransoms Him back at the price paid by the poor.

God had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah. Recognizing the Child, he prays: “Now you can dismiss your servant in peace. You have fulfilled your word. This Child is destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed.” And to Mary, Simeon reveals: “And your own soul a sword shall pierce.” After they fulfill all the Law required, they returned to Nazareth.

5th:The Finding of Yeshua/Jesus in the Temple

When Yeshua/Jesus is 12 years old, He goes with His parents to Jerusalem for the feast of the Pesach/Passover.

After the feast of the Pesach/Passover, Joseph and Mary set out to return to Nazareth. At the end of the first day’s journey they discover Yeshua/Jesus is missing. They return immediately looking for Him.

This loss must have caused grief and anxiety to Mary and Josephs hearts. On the 3rd day, they find Yeshua/Jesus in the Temple among the Rabbis/Teachers, who were astonished at His wisdom.

Mary asks, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.” Yeshua/Jesus says, “Why did you search for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” Yeshua/Jesus returns with them to Nazareth, and is subject to them. Mary keeps and ponders all these things in her heart.

Who are we following?

A full list of secret and mystery scripture references is available at https://www.minimannamoments.com/mystery-and-secrets-scriptures/

Romans 16:25-26. Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according

to the revelation

of the mystery

that was kept secret

for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith..

Shalom Alecheim ‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’

משפחה

Mish-pa-KHa,

as He continues to reveal His

Mysteries and Secrets

to us all!

Please don’t leave this site without accepting

the revelation

of the mystery

that was kept secret

which is an apocalypse to you today.

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

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

It’s all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Was Tsofnat Paneach?

Who was Tsofnat Paneach

פַּעְנֵחַ צָפְנַת

and how is this person linked to Messiah?

It has been said that there are no secrets or mysteries in the Bible and yet Jesus/Yeshua Himself declared as recorded in

Mark 4:11. And he said unto them, unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:

In Matthew 13:11: To you, who have, it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven – The deep things which flesh and blood cannot reveal, pertaining to the inward, present kingdom of heaven.

Luke 8:10; And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Mark 4:11). And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

The contrast between the disciples and others, as it is written here, is that in the case of the disciples, the mysteries of the kingdom are given to be known. In that of the others, the mysteries are given, but only in parables, therefore so as to remain veiled/unknown.

This passage goes on to tell us that if we know the Parable of the Sower, we will know all parables (Mark 4:13).

(Understanding comes through the unfolding/revealing, that is, of your inward powers of perception, not merely by means of the exposition.)

We are told plainly in Yeshua’s interpretation of the Parable of the Sower that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11), and this seed is sown in our hearts (Mark 4:15).

Therefore, a major key to unlocking all mysteries is…. the Word of God being deposited in the rich fertile soil of our hearts.

We should think of the Scriptures as being like a self-decoder to the mysteries and secrets of His Kingdom; containing within itself, all the answers to the questions we may have.

In Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”

Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.

But holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1Tim. 3:9.

A search will confirm there are some 371 instances of secret and 43 verses about mystery.

Mystery = ta’alumah (תעלומה)

1Cor. 2:6-8 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

In Col. 1:26-27 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

and we still speak mysteries today!

1Cor. 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.

The word “mystery” appears twenty eight times in the New Testament,  but is not found in the Old Testament. The Greek word “musterion,” translated “mystery” did not mean something that is obscure or incomprehensible; rather it meant a truth given and revealed only to a select few that was unknown until it was revealed.

The word ‘mystery’ appears 22 times in the King James Version (KJV). It appears 26 times in the NIV so the count varies slightly depending on which translation you use.

The apostle Paul used the word mystery 21 times in his Epistles. In each case, the mystery involved a wonderful declaration of spiritual truth, revealed by God through divine inspiration.

that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Zaphnath-Paaneah

Hebrew   פַּעְנֵחַ צָפְנַת

Ṣāfnaṯ Paʿnēaḫ

Tsophnath Pa`neach

Pronounced: tsof·nath’ pah·nā’·akh

was the Egyptian name given by Pharaoh to Joseph -Yahuwseph, in Genesis 41:45

Meaning:

Decipherer or Revealer of Secrets.

gelah or gela: to reveal

strongs 1541

Original Word: גְּלָה
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: gelah or gela
Phonetic Spelling: (ghel-aw’)
Definition: to reveal

Daniel 2:47 
HEB: וּמָרֵ֥א מַלְכִ֖ין וְגָלֵ֣ה רָזִ֑ין דִּ֣י
NAS: of kings and a revealer of mysteries,
KJV: of kings, and a revealer of secrets,

Targum Onkelos (1st century AD) gives the meaning of the name as:

“the man to whom mysteries are revealed”;

Targum Pseudo-Jonathan,

“one who reveals mysteries”;

Josephus (Antiquities ii.6.1, c. AD 94),

“a finder of mysteries”.

The Jewish interpretation is received in early Protestant translations: the Geneva Bible (1599):

“The expounder of secrets”,

while the Authorised Version of 1611 has in the margin: “Which in the Coptic signifies,

‘A revealer of secrets’,

or

‘The man to whom secrets are revealed.’

 

Others say that it is an Egyptian name (Ibn Ezra; Radak, Sherashim).

In Egyptian, Tzaphnath is:

tza-pa-neth meaning, ‘the Neth speaks’ or ‘the god speaks.’

Paaneach is pa-anakh, meaning ‘the life,’ where anach or ankh is the symbol of life. Hence the name can be translated as, ‘Lord of life,’ ‘Neth speaks life,’ or ‘The God speaks and [this man] lives.’

Scripture reveals a secret that he was no regular Joe!

Yôsēp̄    יוסף   יהוסף

The name can be translated from Hebrew יוסף יהוה Yosef YHWH

as signifying

“Yahweh/Jehovah shall increase/add”

יהוסף

Increaser – May He Add.

From the verb יסף (yasap), to add, increase, or repeat.

Joseph was Jacob’s eleventh son and Rachel’s first son, and known in the Jewish Bible as Yoseph ben-Yaakov.

Joseph was thirty years old when he appeared before King Pharaoh. When Pharaoh told him that he had heard of Joseph’s great gift as an interpreter of dreams.

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.”

Dan 2:48 Then the king [fn] promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief [fn] prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.

Joseph modestly replied that his wisdom was not of his own making but of God’s.

Then Pharaoh related his dreams to Joseph, and Joseph knew at once that God had revealed their meaning to him.

41:45: Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Tzaphnath Paaneach. He gave him Asenath, daughter of Poti Phera, the priest of On, as a wife. Joseph thus went out to oversee Egypt.

Vayikra Far’oh shem-Yosef Tsofnat Paneach vayiten-lo et-Osnat bat-Poti Fera kohen On le’ishah vayetse Yosef al-erets Mitsrayim.

Returning to Messiah we read in Matt. 13:11- 12.   And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

Because the secrets does not mean the same as what we understand as mysteries in the English language sense; it means something like this, in paraphrase: what we can know of the kingdom of heaven, only by divine revelation, has been given for us to know, but it has not been given to them.

12 For whoever has [spiritual knowledge], to him will more be given and he will be furnished richly so that he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Amplified: He said to them, To you it has been given to [come progressively to] know (to recognize and understand more strongly and clearly) the mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that, [though] looking, they may not see; and hearing, they may not comprehend. you might say it was a kind of punishment for their blindness as He made obscure to them things which He made clear to others. 

Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Mark 4:11. And he said unto them His disciples; unto you it is given to know

the mystery of the kingdom of God;

or the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,

the secrets of the Gospel dispensation,

the mysterious doctrines of grace;

Mark 4:11. ὑμῖν, to you has been given,

so as to be a permanent possession,

the mystery of the Kingdom of God.

They have been initiated into the secret, so that for them it is a secret no longer, not by explanation of the parable (Weiss), but independently.

Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:

or the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, the secrets of the Gospel dispensation, the mysterious doctrines of grace; but unto

them that are without;


“to strangers”,

as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, who were not the disciples of Messiah, nor admitted to any intimacy with Him; who came only to amuse themselves with the sight of His person and miracles:

all [these] things are done in parables;


are wrapped up in dark sayings, and figurative expressions, the sound of which they heard, and might well have been pleased with the similes made use of in the stories and parables, but they did not understand the spiritual meaning contained within them.

Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. neither any thing hid, that shall not be made known, and come abroad;

for what had been whispered to them, in the most secret and silent manner, was to come abroad not only in Judea, but in all the world, and to be published upon the house tops;

With the emphasis on what has not been known – this means that all mysteries will be revealed.

Apocalypsed!

In Hebrew

אַפּוֹקָלִיפּסָה

apocalypse.

The word apocalypse comes from the Greek word apokalupsis.

Greek: apokalupsis – from 2 root words apo means away or to remove

Kalupsis means a veil or covering.

The removing of the veil speaks of revealing.

These are the things pertaining to the second coming – and there are many variations and explanations referring to the opening of the vision concerning the end of the present age. Believers, as His bride, are to live in that Way every day as in the time of the true bride – face to face – unveiled – there is to be nothing between or separating and nothing covered – nothing hidden before Him.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-revealing/

 

It also refers to disobedience and sinful behavior that will be exposed on judgment day and in context with

Luke 8:17 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Ps 78:2. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old–

things hidden 
חִ֝יד֗וֹת (ḥî·ḏō·wṯ)
Noun – feminine plural
Strong’s Hebrew 2420: 

1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question 

1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance) 

1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed) 

1c) perplexing questions (difficult) 

1d) double dealing (with ‘havin’)

Strong’s Hebrew: 4565.

מִסְתָּר (mistar) — a secret place …

מִּסְתָּֽר – secret – mistar

Strong’s Hebrew: 7328.

רָז – raz – a secret

The mystery preserved for us after all this time is that Messiah would in loving obedient devotion to His Heavenly Father, willingly go to His death on the cross. The servant Messiah would by doing so fulfill the Father’s plan of salvation for all those under the curse of sin.

Mystery = ta’alumah – (תעלומה)

The word Hebrew is a Hebrew word, borrowed into English from the Greek language, 

that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The Mystery of God is Jesus/Yeshua

The Mystery: The word Mystery denotes:

(1st) a religious mystery like those of Eleusis, into which men were initiated;

(2nd) a secret (as in 1 Cor. 15:51); and is applied (a) to the Gospel itself (as here and in 1 Cor. 2:7; Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:9); and (b) to the various parts and truths of the Gospel (Matt. 13:11; Lk. 8:10; 1 Cor. 4:1);

(3rd) to a symbolic representation or emblem as in (Rev. 17:5; Rev. 17:7).

Mark 4:11. Looking at the Greek: (Ἔλεγεν, He said) With hearty good-will [with real pleasure].

— ἔξω, without) – outside of the circle of genuine discipleship. [Whereas in Mark 4:10 (They that were about Him with the twelve).

γίνεται) Fall to[are done as concerns] them as parables.

Verses 11, 12. – To know the mystery. The Greek verb γνῶναι, to know, is not found in the best manuscripts, in which the words are (ὑμῖν τὸ μυστὴριον δέδοται), unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God.

Here the explanation as to why He spoke to the mixed multitude in parables; namely, because most of them were as yet incapable of receiving the gospel: some would not believe it, others reviled and rejected it.

Therefore here He encourages His own disciples to search out the words He speaks in parables, and to humbly inquire into their full meaning; so they might become able ministers and efficient preachers of the gospel.

By this He shows that this efficiency cannot be obtained by our own strength, but must be sought from God with a humble heart.

For it is His own gift which He bestows on the disciples and denies to others, whom He leaves to the blindness of their own hearts. It is as though He said, (paraphrase):

“To you, my disciples, my apostles, since you believe in me as the Messiah, it is given for you to continually have more clear revelations from Me of the Mysteries of God and of the Heavens, by this you shall increase day by day in the knowledge and love of Him.

But from the scribes and others, because they will not believe in Me as their own Messiah, God will take away even that small knowledge which they have of the Father and of His Kingdom. He will deprive them of all the special privileges which they have had up to now.”

But these words are not limited to those who were living on the earth when Messiah was here.

He says in effect that their application is to all, in every age, who come within the reach of His gospel.

“Those who come to me with a sincere heart and a simple desire to know the truth, as you are doing, to them I will reveal the mysteries of my kingdom, and I will help them onwards in the path of holiness, (set-apartness), by which they may at length attain to the heavenly kingdom. However, those who don’t have a pure desire for truth, but rather indulge their own lusts and errors, from them that little knowledge of God and Divine things will be taken away from them by degrees, and they will become altogether blind.” (Paraphrase.)

Here the Greek expression:

(ἐκείνοις δὲ τοῖς ἔξω),

but unto them that are without.

Just as there are today, in those days there were those who were without/outside the realm of spiritual things; not caring for, not understanding and not desiring spiritual truth.

He revealeth the deep secret things he knoweth what is in the darkness and the light dwelleth with Him.

He’ll share His secrets with us revealing hidden things. This lifts us out of darkness and gives us the WAY – DERECH, of understanding His TRUTH – EMET, which in turn brings LIFE- CHAIM, and freedom.

If we seek Him in His fullness and desire to know His heart, He will open Heavens Treasures and He will impart His wisdom to everyone who asks.

We His children are not ordained to be blind and lacking in comprehending His will and His ways. His will is the eternal light and the revealing. He sends His wisdom to us through His Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit. It’s sin that blinds the soul to His Truths. It was sin that brought the darkness both before Genesis 1:1 and after!

Something caused the great expanse to be in chaos without form and void! The waters were already there!

BUT His Blood of the Atonement, opens spiritual and physical eyes and makes us whole.

There are secrets and mysteries and diamonds in the rough, things that we can learn of His Providence. Not secrets like those of secret societies that are only for a select few initiates. Gods’ secrets are for whosoever will.

When outward physical circumstances seem negative to the natural eye; we need to look deeper; for this is Gods’ secret. By not looking only at the exterior but with the eye of faith, we will see the hidden deeper meaning within.

The view of the wilderness – Mishkan is a perfect example.

The inner shekinah glory is hidden and obscured to those who don’t bother to seek Him. Nothing on its exterior appearance gave any indication of the unfathomable glory contained within.

Conclusion coming in part 2…

Shalom Alecheim.. 

‘Mishpachah’ – ‘Family’.

משפחה

Mish-pa-KHa

as He continues to reveal His Mysteries and Secrets to us all!

Please don’t leave this site without accepting

the revelation

of the mystery

that was kept secret

from Genesis/Bereshyt – the beginning

which is an apocalypse to you today.

Make sure that

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

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

It’s all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Lamb’s Tale And A Mysterious Tower

This post begins with some ???s

How are Rachel, Jacob, swaddling clothes, shepherds, a manger and a lamb connected to Ephraph and the mysterious Edar tower prophesied by Micah 700 years BC?

Also do we even have a marginal mental grasp of who Jesus, son of Joseph, (Yeshua ben Joseph) was; what His culture was like, and who His family was?  The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had a specific time, place and purpose for His Chosen Son. 

Does our religious imagery reflect the life He really lived? Maybe we need to take another look at some details surrounding the birth of Jesus, our Messiah.

It’s in the Gospel of Luke chapter two and is known virtually the world over. It has been told countless times in one form or another, in a wide variety of depictions and performances and is one of the most iconic of all narratives.

Sometimes we become too familiar with what we think we know and miss some amazing details.Even non-believers are familiar with the story.

As we read its words once again,

take special note of its

historical, geographical, political

and prophetic aspects;

for without this story,

we would not be preparing for annual

Christmas Day celebrations every 25th December.

“1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (Lk. 2:1-18).

Here is the story of all stories, involving a young Jewish couple. The setting was at a time of socio-economic unrest following the mandates of a census being taken by the leaders of the Roman Empire. It involved two cities of Nazareth and Bethlehem.

(The distance of 96 miles or 155 kilometers, that was a long way to travel!)Nazareth is a village in northern Israel, and serves to remind us of the close family relationship and seclusion that Jesus experienced as He grew to manhood.

Bethlehem is the site at the center of this story and also the focus of numerous prophetic events, being inextricably connected with the “Royal house and lineage of King David.”

Leaving Luke’s famous narrative of Messiah’s birth, we need to go back in time to Micah where the most famous prophecy of His coming birth came forth through that prophet. It was written at least seven hundred years before Messiah Jesus was born.

“2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Mic. 5:2).

In this verse, Ephratah, (Ephrath) was an ancient city originally located on the outskirts of Bethlehem, it was associated with the death of Rachel and the amazing prophecy that accompanied her burial. To this day, her tomb is still known and honored in this region.The Momentous Death of Rachel an important incident.. ..everything is connected!

In Genesis 35, God instructed Jacob to rise up and take his entire family to Bethel. Arriving there, he purified himself and erected an altar to God. After this, God appeared to him and pronounced that his name would be changed from Jacob to Israel:

“10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. 11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; 12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land” (Gen. 35:10-12).

Shortly after this, they travelled southward to the place that has been known ever since as Bethlehem, the Hebrew word that translates as “House of Bread.” This was the place where Christ was to be born about eighteen centuries later:

16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. 17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. 18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. 19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day. 21 And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar. (Gen. 35:16-21).Rachels Tomb

Migdal Eder—the “tower of the flock”—was first mentioned here in Genesis 35:19-21.

 “So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). And Jacob set up a pillar over her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. Then Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder” 

In the context the “tower of Eder”

or “tower of the flock”

was located near Bethlehem.About 1,000 years after Rachel’s death, the prophet Micah spoke about the still-future birth of Israel’s Messiah.

Everyone is familiar with the prediction that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah. 5:2), but few look at the larger context.

Micah also predicted the reappearance of God’s kingdom

at Migdal Eder—

the tower of the flock.

“And as for you, tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, to you it will come—even the former dominion will come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem” (Mic. 4:8) Beginning In Micah 4:1 and connecting the verse above with some verses right before it, the prophet was speaking in the same context, Micah lays out the distant future in a prophecy of the coming Kingdom. Here he refers to that time period as “the last days.” Then, he goes on to say the following:

“6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; 7 And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. 8 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. (Mic. 4:6-8).

The location mentioned here was marked out for the amazing future fulfillment of prophecy. In Hebrew, the term “tower of Edar” is migdal eder. Its literal meaning of this title is “tower of the flock.” It would seem that this is the place where Christ was born, as described by Luke’s Christmas story.Here, we have a prophecy that describes the mysterious location, the strange edifice was a watchtower – and here it is presented as the key to understanding the birth of the Messiah. these words were written by Micah in the 8th century, B.C., long before Israel’s Babaylonian captivity, which Micah describes in the following verses:

“9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies. 11 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. 12 But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor. 13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth. (Mic. 4:9-13).

Micah’s prophecy notably goes well beyond the Babylonian captivity and into the distant future.

He describes Israel as being regathered and fully established as a people and as being invincible against all the people who are gathered against her.

Migdal Eder – Tower of the Flock.Amazingly the strange watchtower over the flock

is the centerpiece of an ancient drama

which tells the story of the Kingdom of Israel

of its downfall and of its rising once again. Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes,

his name being changed by God to that of Israel;

from his day to the present,

God’s will has unfolded an immense plan

which is centered upon the most important person in all history.

Jesus, Messiah,

Yeshua, Son Of God,

Lamb of God, Savior..Here is where it gets interesting

and we remember everything is connected

and is not without significance in God’s plan.

Luke 2:11-12 NKJV 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Scholars interpret Micah 4:8 as a prophesy indicating that the Messiah would be revealed from the

“tower of the flock” (Migdal Eder)

which is connected with the town of Bethlehem, southeast of Jerusalem.

Micah 4:8 NLKV 8 And you, O Migdal Eder (tower of the flock), the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.

Mishnaic sources (Jewish sacred writings) indicate that animals “found” (meaning, ‘that were kept’) in the fields were within 5 miles of the Temple.

This Migdal Eder was NOT the watchtower for the ordinary flocks which pastured on the barren sheep ground beyond Bethlehem, but lay close to the town, on the road to Jerusalem.

 The shepherds keeping watch over these sheep all year round knew the purpose for the lambs under their care. And their job was to keep the animals under them from becoming injured or blemished.Only in warm weather do the Shepherds keep their flocks outdoors at night in Bethlehem so it could not have been winter because when it was cold they sheltered in nearby caves. Could it be that the birth was closer to the date in  Israel’s calendar celebrating the Feast of Succoth?It was to those watching over animals destined for temple sacrifice that the angels announced Jesus’ birth.

“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

It may not be so far fetched to see that

the arrival of the ultimate Lamb of God

was revealed to those responsible

for watching over the sacrificial lambs

that had always pointed toward Him.

Another passage in the Mishnah leads to the conclusion that the flocks which pastured there, were destined for Temple-sacrifices, and, accordingly, that the shepherds who watched over them were not ordinary shepherds.

The latter were under the ban of Rabbinism, on account of their necessary isolation from the religious ordinances, and their manner of life, which rendered strict legal observance unlikely, if not absolutely impossible …” The same Mishnaic passage also leads us to infer that these flocks lay out all the year round, since they are spoken of as in the fields thirty days before the Passover—that is, in the month of February, when in Palestine the average rainfall is nearly greatest. Thus Jewish tradition in some dim manner apprehended the first revelation of the Messiah from that Migdal Eder, where shepherds watched the Temple flocks all the year round. Of the deep symbolic significance of such a coincidence, it is needless to speak (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 186–87).

Mary and Joseph may well have passed those same fields on their way to Bethlehem.The male sheep (Jesus) was a ‘burnt’ (sin) offering and the female was for a ‘peace’ offering and at birth they were wrapped in swaddling cloths to keep the new lambs without spot or blemish, then they would be laid in a manger until they had calmed down.

Their swaddling cloths no doubt stained with blood!

Newborn lambs.

So the shepherds near Bethlehem are quite special. The location where they are tending and keeping watch over the lambs destined for Temple sacrifice is quite near the place where Messiah was born. It also marks the site of the ancient prophecy. As lambs destined for Temple sacrifice were born in these special flocks, they were inspected to make sure that they were perfect, not having any defect, so that they were suitable for sacrifice by the priests at the Temple. The Apostle Peter refers to Christ in precisely this way:

“18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (I Pet. 1:18-20).

Some sources have declared that the “swaddling clothes” mentioned in Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” were the pieces of woven material that the Temple shepherds used to wipe off the newborn lambs prior to their inspection. So here we have some interesting things to ponder on, the ‘Christmas’ prophecy of a very unique flock, and a very special watchtower.

With the Lord, nothing happens by accident or chance and there is no word in Hebrew to be translated for coincidence!! He plans everything perfectly!Only Luke talks about Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Had it not been for this passage in Luke, most of us would never have heard of the practice of wrapping a baby in swaddling clothes.

This practice ceased around the sixteenth century as it was considered either too barbaric or that it really served no practical purpose at all. It was just a tradition that continued for no other reason than the fact it was tradition. It is even believed by many medical specialists to be harmful to the child.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

It’s an expression that was never used at any time except when we hear the Christmas story and no one ever really explains what the swaddling clothes are. A usual answer to such a question was that it was just a Bible term for blankets or cloths for sanitary purposes.

Swaddling clothes in the Aramaic is ‘azrura’, which really means ‘a bandage’. The word that is used is ‘esparganosen’ which is the Greek word for ‘a bandage’.

We have the word ‘swaddling’, used in Ezekiel 16:3. The Hebrew word used here is ‘chatal’, which is the Hebrew word for a ‘bandage’. It seems that this was more than just a bandage or blanket.

The practice of swaddling is very ancient practice and is believed to have been devised around the Paleolithic times about 4500 years ago during the Bronze Age around 2600 BC. Interestingly, archaeologists have uncovered small models of babies wrapped in swaddling clothes which dated back to this period.

After an infant was born the umbilical cord was cut and tied; as in this case, there was no midwife and either Mary or Joseph would have had to perform this. They would then sprinkle the baby with a powder made of dried myrtle leaves. Then they would gently rub the baby’s skin with a very small amount of salt that has been finely grounded into a sort of paste, which it was believed would make his or her flesh firm. For young Jewish parents this represented a testimony that that the parents would raise the child to be truthful and faithful.The swaddling cloth was a square yard of cloth which had a narrow band attached at one corner. The mother would wrap the child in this swaddle with its arms close to its body and its legs stretched out. She would then wind the narrow band around the body from the shoulders to the ankles until the baby resembled an Egyptian mummy. This ritual was performed as often as we would ‘change’ the baby and would be done until it was no longer required by the growing child.

The practical understanding was, that it helped the childs body grow strong and firm. It’s interesting to note that today medical science has learned it’s best to just leave them alone, that babies will develop naturally without artificial help. It took four thousand years for man to realize that God did a perfectly fine job creating us without artificial intervention.

However to the Jewish parent, this practice carried a symbolic meaning, and as we are learning every practice in Judaism carries some significant symbolism. This was a sign to the parents that they would teach the child to become honest, straightforward, and freed from crookedness.
This brings up the question as to why Luke felt it was important to mention this, not once, but two times, again is verse 12 where the angel tells the shepherds that the child will be found wrapped in swaddling clothes. Why was that necessary, if every baby is wrapped in swaddling clothes, how were the shepherds able to use that fact to distinguish Jesus from any other baby?These priestly shepherds knew the ‘swaddling’ procedure and, when told it would be a sign, they recalled Micah 4:8 and, with haste (Luke 2:16) ran to see the newborn Jesus, the Son of God.

There was no need for the angel to give these shepherds directions to the birth place because they already knew.
They, who raised the sacrificial lambs for the Temple, knew exactly where to go, as Luke 2 indicates, for the sign of a manger could only mean a manger at the tower of the flock in their fields.

Remember when the father of a household presented a lamb to the priest to be examined, he had tied the family name around the head of the potential sacrificial lamb so that the meat could be returned to him to be used during their Passover meal.

Luke 2:11 -12 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Scholars interpret Micah 4:8 as a prophecy indicating that the Messiah would be revealed from the tower of the flock Migdal Eder which is connected with the town of Bethlehem southeast of Jerusalem.

Micah 4:8 And you, O tower of the flock,
The stronghold of the daughter of Zion,
To you shall it come, 
Even the former dominion shall come,
The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.”Shepherds watching over their Flocks by NightThis was the last few weeks before the harsh winters would set in, and the shepherds spent a lot of time allowing the sheep to fatten up before winter.  The dreaded heat of summer was over, and the evenings were cool, crisp and pleasant. 

Did the Shepherds visit the baby Jesus/Yeshua

in an animal succoth?An infant, now wrapped in swaddling clothes for protection in the cool breezes of evening and the curious stares of the domestic animals is a scene familiar to all.  Nearby, shepherds on a grassy sloped hillside suddenly found themselves serenaded by a chorus of supernatural choristers, saying,

Luke 2:8-10 – “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, Peace, Good Will towards all men on whom his favor rests…”

When that inter-dimensional gateway into the world of the Divine opened and again there

“stood before them an angel of the Lord, and the splendor of the Lord shone round them. They were terror-stricken…” (Luke 2:8-10)  Others had also been visited by angelic messengers.

First there was Zacharias, then Miriam, afterwards Joseph, and now the shepherds. What was the message of the angelic messenger?  “Fear not!”

Luke 2:10-12 – “I have good news for you: there is great joy coming to the whole people. Today in the city of David a deliverer has been born to you – the Messiah, the Lord.  And this is your sign: you will find a baby lying wrapped in his swaddling clothes, in a manger.

Quickly, they headed to town, were they searching and winding in and out among the multitude of Sukkoths, asking, have you seen a newborn child?

When they found Joseph and Miryam, “they recounted what they had been told about this child; and all who heard were astonished at what the shepherds said.”  (Luke 2:17-18)Why had Joseph and Mary come all this way from their hometown when she was in the late stages of pregnancy? Because their registration was decreed by the bureaucrats of the Roman Empire. Their genealogies were both out of the line of Judah. Joseph’s ancestry – the royal genealogy of Jesus in Matthew – came through King David, himself.

Bethlehem, the city of David, was the place where Roman magistrates had located themselves to receive those who were of the tribe of Judah. Sukkot is also one of the 3 Moedim that EVERY Israelite was commanded to be present in Jerusalem.Was this the reason everywhere was full?

In Ezekiel 16, the prophet is speaking out against the citizens of Jerusalem who were unfaithful to God and His commandments and uses the symbolic reference of washing, salting and swaddling. The failure to perform this tradition was symbolic of disloyalty and unfaithfulness to God.       

The term swaddling clothes to the Semitic mind was expressing the idea of loyalty and faithfulness to God. So with this narrative, Luke wanted to make sure that we realized that this child that was born, was not only the Son of God, but a Son who would be loyal and faithful to Heavenly Father. Nothing could have been more accurate; Jesus was so loyal and faithful, that He would be faithful and loyal even unto the death on the cross.

Later, as Jesus began His public ministry, He came to John the Baptist who rightly discerned His historical role and destiny:

“And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith,

Behold the Lamb of God!” John. 1:36.

How amazing that in John’s Gospel, He also referred to Himself as the “bread of life” (Jn. 6:48).

At a precise moment in the timeline of human history,

in the City of David,

the Lamb of God

came to the House of Bread – Beth Lechem

at Migdal Eder – the Tower of the Flock!

As final food for thought……..  

With the proximity of the Tower so close to where we are told Messiah was born, is there a possibility that Mary and Joseph sought refuge in that very tower, the one where the new born lambs were protected at birth and raised for sacrificial purposes? Did they use the

swaddling clothes on Messiah

that had been readied to wrap those new born lambs?

The pieces of cloth that had once been part of the High Priests garments that were regularly replaced but not thrown away as they were considered Holy; they were reused for the newborns after they had been soiled with blood from the sacrificial lambs and animals!

Was the manger in which He was placed located in

the Tower of the Flock/Migdal Eder

and was it the first resting place of the Chief Shepherd?

The Spotless Lamb of God?So now we know how Rachel, Jacob, swaddling clothes, shepherds, a manger and a lamb are connected to Ephraph and the mysterious Edar tower prophesied by Micah 700 years BC!

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.