Here the translations of the verses use the words:
govern and rule as well as dominion:
Genesis 1:16 HEB:הַמָּא֤וֹר הַגָּדֹל֙ לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת הַיּ֔וֹם וְאֶת־ NAS:light to govern the day, KJV:light to rule the day, INT:light the greater to govern the day light
Genesis 1:16 HEB: הַמָּא֤וֹר הַקָּטֹן֙ לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת הַלַּ֔יְלָה וְאֵ֖ת NAS:light to govern the night; KJV: light to rule the night: INT: light and the lesserto govern the night the stars
1 Kings 9:19 HEB: וּבְכֹ֖ל אֶ֥רֶץ מֶמְשַׁלְתּֽוֹ׃ NAS:and in all the land underhis rule. KJV:and in all the land ofhis dominion. INT:all the land his rule
We are most familiar withGenesis 1:26: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
During the last 2,000 years Christianity followed in their own way and not the way of their Hebrew/Jewish/Israelite heritage and have missed out on special blessings as well as spiritual experience.
The Hebrew word yiredu is translated into our English Bible as dominion but the Hebrew language has a different rendering for this word. Without exception all the modern translations of the Bible follow the common teaching that the word yiredu comes from the root word radah; which means:
dominion, or to subdue,
to rule over,
to tread upon like in a winepress.
It has been suggested that the root word is really yarad.
Here it would follow, that as the original inspired Word of God had no vowel dots, it would seem more correct to the original by using the root word yarad – to lower oneself,
rather than radah – to rule over.
In the original Hebrew, the word starts with a letter Y – Yod
which is a picture of a heavenly messenger
or yarad which means to lower oneself
and not an R – Resh in radah,
which means to rule over…something to chew on at least!
A King makes it his domain, his own.
Melek מלך
Melech (מלך) is a Hebrew word that means king and may refer to: Melech (name) a given name of Hebrew origin. The title of king in ancient Semitic culture.
a male monarch; member of a royal family who is the supreme ruler of his nation.
The word me•lech is mentioned over 1,000 times in the Bible, but only a handful of references refer to our Heavenly Father. Interestingly, the title me•lech is a part of God’s name in every Hebrew prayer.
All Hebrew prayers begin with
Blessed are You Lord, King of the universe.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu,melekh ha’olam
ברוך אתה ה’ אלהינו מלך העולם
It raises a question as to why we see only a few references to our Heavenly Father as a King. An interesting note is that many of the Hebrew prayers were inspired by the Book of Psalms, where King is most frequently used in reference to Adonai.
“Thus says the Lord the King of Israel…”
Isaiah 44:6
“The Lord is King for ever and ever”
Psalm 10:16
“and the Lord sits enthroned as King forever”
Psalm 29:10
“For the Lord Most High is awesome; he is a great King over all the earth”
Psalm 47:2
All other references of me•lech/king are of the many human kings mentioned throughout scripture.
It is noteworthy to mention that Messiah is also called
King Messiah.
In Luke 23:2 “They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king’”
that’s what the Greek wordeuangélionmeans – good news.
And what exactly is thegood news?
In western Christianity the answer is usually something like,“Jesus died for our sins and we are forgiven.”
That is good news, however, it isn’t exactly the biblical euangélion.
The realgood newsis clear in Mark’s introduction of Jesus/Yeshua’s ministry in this verse.
The good news is this:
God’s Kingdom is close and its time to repent.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,[ the Son of God,[2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”[— 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
The writers of the new testament understood this. In Paul’s opening statement in his letter to theRomans he says:
Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, . .” Not, the
good news of forgiveness
but ratherthe good news of God.
The kingdom is close to arriving.
It’s worth a second thought that Yeshua/Jesus preached the kingdom, while the church/ecclesia mostly preaches Jesus/Yeshua. It is important to be aware that we may be preaching and teaching about Jesus/Yeshua, however we may lose the vision of the kingdom that He came to bring?
We first hear John speak In Matthew 3:2repent because the kingdom of Heaven is here.
The word heaven in this verse is shamayim and it is used as a reverent and respectful way of avoiding speaking the divine Name/Hashem – YHVH/YHWH. Notice Heaven has a capital H when it’s referring to our Heavenly Father, while heaven refers to the sky or in some cases paradise. When reading, we often miss the use of the capitalized letter which is not a typo or misprint but indicative of the above observance.
Yeshua/Jesus instructed His listeners about the kingdom of God, however the phrase kingdom of God is not anywherein the Torah/Towrah. It does have parallels in the Torah, (first 5 books); however, and it became more popular as the rabbis taught it so when Yeshua/Jesus spoke about the kingdom, it was familiar to the people because they knew what the rabbis taught.
What is the definition of the Kingdom?
Matthew 6:33…..
The kingdom of heaven /the kingdom of God
is tikkun ha’olam,
God’s redeeming work in this world.
We are not simply waiting for heaven to come to earth and neither is it an escape from our earthly life. It’s not just the hope of some special reward after our bodies die; rather it is doing with our Heavenly Father what He is doing right now.
InLuke 4
it’s, as Yeshua/Jeus tells us, healing the sick, visiting prisoners, forgiveness of sins, encouraging those in despair, bringing light to the blind both physical and spiritual and caring for the poor. It is giving hope in times of darkness, food to the hungry, health and deliverance to the captives; and making disciples. The reason the Kingdom of God is close at hand, is because all of these godly actions are only as far away as our willingness to do them. The gospel, the good news, is NOW, it is for everyone who has ever known the sadness and desperation of living in this broken sin sick world. The Kingdom of our Heavenly Father can be manifested anytime we choose to yield ourselves and experience His redemptive power. One day His Kingdom will be obvious and it will be manifest everywhere, until then, His Kingdom comes when we allow our Heavenly Father’s character to be shown to the world through our lives.
The Kingdom of God
אלוהים – elohim
מלכות האלוהים
The Kingdom of Heaven – מַלְכוּת הַש .
sha•ma•yim,
mal•choot ha•sha•má•yim
מַלְכוּת הַלְמַוּם
ממלכה
kingdom –
A nation having as supreme ruler a king and/or queen
Hebrew word מַּלְכוּ, malku (Strong’s 4437) translated ‘Kingdom’.
מַּמְלָכָה ‘mamlakah’ meaning Kingdom
Hebrew word מַּמְלָכָה, mamlakah (Strong’s 4467) translated kingdom, king’s, reign, royal
From malak ; dominion, i.e. (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm) — kingdom, king’s, reign, royal.
In ancient times kings were kings over cities and smaller areas. Often called empires.
Nowadays there are only a few countries who have a royal family or a king /queen ruling over them; and most are in name only, not having the full control or dominion over the land they are king/queen over.
In His conversation with Pilate, the scripture tells us that Messiah stated His kingdom is not of this world
His kingdom is the kingdom of the heavens
and is not yet visible to us and we live in it by faith because… it is an unseen realm, one purely spiritual in nature. There is a scripture that tells us that…
the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ/Messiah and He shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15.
This tells us that it is yet to come and meanwhile, the adversary has Gods’ permitted rule and dominion as the prince of the power of the air and as Yeshua/Jesus said, in John 14:30 the prince of this world cometh…. He could not have offered them to Messiah during the wilderness temptations, if they were not his to offer.
The question is.. if we are children of light and the kingdom of the heavens is within us which kingdom are we living in and for?
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
John 17:11, 15–16
We are in the world but not of it so……
where are we dwelling?
Ps 91:1 states that He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide …
so where are we dwelling?
Is it IN the kingdom of heaven?
The Kingdom of Heaven – מַלְכוּת הַש.
This phrase is very important to every believer.
It is made of two words:
kingdom and of heaven.
Recall Hebrew is written from right to left, therefore
kingdom is on the right followed by of heaven on its left.
If heaven is sha•ma•yim, then what is the ha in front of it?
It’s the definite article the. The word the is not a separate word in Hebrew as it is in English, but is a prefix that is a part of the word that it is defining.
The wordsha•ma•yimwas given by our Heavenly Father…
“And God called the firmament Heaven…”
Genesis 1:8
..after He divides the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament. Therefore, this word in Hebrew only speaks of the biblical narrative; the word
water –má•yim
is a part of the word for
heaven – sha•ma•yim!
Recall that there are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. The kingdom of heaven is mentioned 22 times in the New Testament when searching for whole words (not combinations).
kingdom of heaven
מלכות השמים
malkut or mamlakah shamayim
mamlakah meaning Kingdom
Strong’s 4467
מַּמְלָכָה
used in
2 Sam. 7:13.
He shall build a house for my name,
and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
Hebrew wordמַּלְכוּת, malkutStrong’s #4438
translatedKingdomused in
2 Chron. 7:18. Then will I establish the throne of your kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David your father, saying, There shall not fail of you a man to be ruler in Israel.
מַּלְכוּ malkumeaningKingdomStrong’s #4437
used in Ezra 7:13 Levites, in my kingdom, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with you.
Kingdom of Heaven & Kingdom of God.
We read of two different phrases in the gospels:
kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God.
InMatthew, kingdom of heaven is used, while in Mark and Luke, kingdom of God is used. This is because in the Israelite culture of Messiahs’ day, and today, people show respect for our Heavenly Father by not pronouncing His Name. Another word is often substituted, e.g., heaven, the name (Hashem), or the mighty one.
For example, the prodigal son says to his father,“Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.”The son is using the word heaven as a reference to God. Here, Matthew is preserving the culturally-correct quote kingdom of heaven while Mark and Luke are explaining that heaven is a reference to God.
The words that Messiah spoke were probably
Malchut shemayim – mahl-KUT shuh-MAH-eem;
which was a phrase used then in the rabbis’ teaching.
The word malchut is related to the word
melekh which we have noted means king.
Malchut is associated with the
actions of a king: his reign and authority,
and also anyone who is under his authority.
and shemayim is Hebrew for heavens.
(Shamayim is sometimes spelled Shemayim).
A simple way of translating it would be:
God’s reign,
or
how God reigns
or
those God reigns over.
But what does it really mean?
The basic understanding of the kingdom of heaven was
God’s reign over the lives of people who enthrone him as king.
We might think that God by default as its creator, is king over everything He created. In scripture, however, it’s assumed that after the fall and the tower of Babel, the world began to serve other gods and here, God ceased from being their king. Much of the world did not know God, however the Bible promises that one day,The LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one. Zech 14:9.
The main question of Messiah’s day was when and how God would establish this kingdom over the world. It was believed that when the Messiah came, the Kingdom of God would arrive at the same time and all at once be established with great glory. Yeshua/Jesus clearly disagreed:
On one occasion, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied,The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20.
Yeshua/Jesus meant that: an individual is brought into the kingdom of God when they repent and choose, deciding to accept God as their King, this is something that happens in a person’s heart; it is not a political movement nor a visible display of God’s power. Messiah agreed with the teaching of the other rabbis who said that; when a person committed himself daily to love God with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength, (by saying the Shema), he had received upon himself the kingdom of heaven. Meaning: the person had put God on the throne over their life and entered under God’s king-ship, giving Him dominion and rulership.
One of the reasons Yeshua/Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God was to proclaim the fact that He is the Anointed King (Messiah) and this Kingdom is His Kingdom. The good news of the kingdom is that when Messiah, the Son of God arrived on earth, the Kingdom had arrived with Him. Yeshua/Jesus told His disciples to go out and heal the sick, and say that thekingdom of heaven is near,meaning: this Kingdom is arriving NOW on earth, not that it isn’t quite here yet…. fulfilling Balaams 4th prophetic word..
in Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…..
A Star out of Jacob is believed to be what the wise men allude to when they search for Messiah as a child and report,
We have seen his star in the east. Matt. 2:2.
The word Sceptre used in Numbers 24:17 relates to rulership; Jacob used the word when he predicted that the sceptre would notdepart from Judah until Shiloh comes; Shiloh was a name used to identify the Messiah, Gen. 49:10. Messiah’s birth, accompanied by the unique cosmic/heavenly sign/signal, was in Bethlehem of Judea. Matt. 2:1.
For us the message is that Messiah Yeshua/Jesus, the King, has arrived, and He is continually establishing His Kingdom as people repent and follow Him. He always described His Kingdom as One which was gradually expanding using descriptions with which we are familiar: like a mustard seed or a tiny bit of yeast that grows and grows. He is describing the groups of believers that start small, and grow as people join. The finale will be when every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Yeshua/Jesus is THE King of all Kings!
Note that the basic understanding of the Kingdom of heaven is our Heavenly Father and Messiah’s reign over people in this world. Often we understand it by likening it to heaven itself, leading us to think that Yeshua/Jesus was always talking about the place heaven, when in fact He was talking about His Father’s work in people’s lives. This leads us to understand that our Heavenly Father cares very little about the lives we live in the here and now, and that He is primarily focused on and cares very deeply about us and our final destination in heaven with Him.
We are not to always interpret the kingdom in terms of Messiah’s return; although of course when He does return His Kingdom will be beyond glorious. Sometimes in the 4 gospels we read the use of the word kingdom where Messiah’s return is referred to, or about His future Heavenly Kingdom, however, much of what He says about His Kingdom is about its’ reality in the here and now.
Which kingdom are we a citizen of/ a part of?
Which kingdom are we looking forward to?
Which kingdom has us in its grip?
Which kingdom have we given our heart, mind, life & strength to?
From David to Yeshua/Jesus, the everlasting kingdom rules and reigns; His kingdom is pure, righteous, holy and is without end.
Obviously we understand the connection between seeing and light.
In Hebrew the biblical prophet, the seer, is called
ro-eh, which also comes from or, light.
LIGHT – NOOHRA (ARAMAIC)
‘OR (HEBREW) אור נהר
The Hebrew word is spelled Aleph, Vav, Resh.
The Hebrew word forlightexpresses
aconnectionbetween thenaturaland thesupernatural.
No doubt that many reading this will have felt at one time or another that we are square pegs trying to fit in round holes! Our core values, convictions, responses, beliefs and feelings never seem to find a perfect equal and it’s in those times we must remember… this world is NOT our home and we are just passing through. We are not to build our piece of paradise here on this earth. The only firm foundations we are to lay down must be in our knowledge, understanding of our Heavenly Father and any building must be one of faith in the creator of all things, including the 1st paradise and the one into which we shall one day come.
Dwellsis not a common word that we use every day. Once in a while we may hear someone say…
it’s time to stop dwelling on that.
Meaning In other words, that we are stuck on an issue that has bothered us.
However the Biblical definition reveals another perspective.
Genesis 4:20 HEB: הָיָ֔ה אֲבִ֕י יֹשֵׁ֥ב אֹ֖הֶל וּמִקְנֶֽה׃ NAS: he was the father of those who dwell in tents KJV: he was the father of such as dwell in tents,
Dwells is defined as:
to sit down, to remain, to settle, to marry,
make to keep [house], and to return.
Most of the words used to describe Dwell, point to it as a permanent address/place. It’s not like a hotel/motel or a type of travel trailer used during holidays/vacations.
To dwell means: to set up housekeeping, plant flowers, grow trees, hang pictures, to marry and set up a home/ housekeeping.
All the promises of this psalm rest on this first few words and therefore Dwelling is not an optional choice. Dwelling is an essential component for a believers lifestyle if we want to experience the benefits listed inPsalm 91.
It may be a good opportunity to reflect on exactly what this word means to us individually and furthermore, what does it mean to our Heavenly Father?
Looking at the Hebrew spelling of the word Dwell.
and remembering in Hebrew to read it from right to left
Bet Shin Yod….
Recall from previous posts that every Hebrew letter has a name, a picture, a number value, and a meaning. Interestingly, scientists have discovered that each letter also has a unique sound frequency. No surprise that our Heavenly Father’s chosen language is the only language known with ALL of these qualities!
The very 1st book tells us that His spirit moved upon the face of the waters…
Genesis 1:2 HEB:וְר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים מְרַחֶ֖פֶת עַל־ פְּנֵ֥י NAS: of God was moving over KJV: of God moved upon INT: and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface
The word moved is:
merachapheth – me·ra·ḥe·p̄eṯ – מְרַחֶ֖פֶת
which means:
to move rapidly, to flutter or to vibrate…
The Spirit of God vibrated over the earth and whatever were His vibrations which came from the sound of His kol/voice as He spoke.. all particles, atoms etc., vibrated in a symphony, synchronized with Him in perfect harmony and creation literally came into being. WOW!
Deeper look at the word: Dwell.
יָשַׁב
Bet Shin Yod….
YOD יָ numerical value of 10
has a meaning of:
The outcome, the completion of something.
Also Means: Hand, Right Arm, Power – Right hand of God’s power, a Deed Done, to Work, to Cover, Allow, Hollow, Open Hand, and also refers to His Spirit of Holiness as is always hanging in the air overseeing.
SHIN שַׁ numerical value of 300
has a meaning of:
Victory of good over evil, Holy Spirit.
Is the picture of: Teeth or Fire and
means: Teeth, Fire, the Fiery zeal of God to consume all His enemies, Devour, Destroy, Something Sharp.
BET ב numerical value of 2
has a meaning of:
Divide or Division.
Is the picture of: House.
Means: House/Family; God’s word, God’s dwelling place
A deeper meaning behind the wordDwell could be said to be:
He who Dwells is one who has made the choice to live permanently in God’s house/BET– trusting in God and honoring His Word
There he will experience the activation of God’s right hand YOD of power covering him.
And God in His fiery zeal will consume SHIN all that tries to keep or draw him away from Dwelling.
We are His dwelling place and He is ours and when we choose to trust and obey Him, we live secure in His Presence.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
Colossians 2:9-10 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
BECAUSE…
HE IS OUR BET/HOUSE—OUR SAFE/SECURE HIDING PLACE
2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! Amplified.
He will pitch a tent over us and dwell – covering us with Himself.
Isn’t this a more preferable place to be, than in the adversary’s kingdom where stress is at an all time high and fears of every imaginable flavor abound? That kingdom, whose promises are always and inevitably too good to be true and those ventures that end in disaster and ruin. Luck and chance NEVER lead to victory and everlasting peace. The true kingdom is where the true shalom of a Heavenly Father with unconditional love is.
He longs to place us under that canopy where we can not only dwell in His kingdom but His kingdom can dwell in us too. We just have to do our part and make the choice to not just visit a couple of times a week…
but to live permanently to dwell in God’s house –
trusting in God and honoring His Word.
Thrones, dominions, powers, rulers, principalities and spiritual wickedness described in Ephesians 6.
1Tim. 1:17 so to the KING, eternal, imperishable, invisible…
One day we will hear the declaration of complete and total victory….
The kingdoms of this world
have become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ.
Revelation 11:15
Yeshua/Jesus said when He was here…
My kingdom is NOT of this world!
A principality is an area presided over by a Prince.
Jesus/Yeshua’s own words we
Can’t serve two masters ..god and mammon.
The world systems are comprised of commerce, buying and selling which requires some kind of currency; i.e. money/mammon and uses mens’ form of governments.
Trade – buying and selling, wealth, riches and pleasures.
The end times list includes
lovers of pleasures – not lovers of God.
The kingdoms are opposed to one another
The kingdoms of darkness and light…
good and evil…
holy and profane…
The world encourages a lifestyle of taking care of self FIRST.. self serving ..to save self, to better self, to advance self.
Are we building our own kingdom?
…trying to make our own paradise here on earth?
Are we continually trying to re establish our lost authority and dominion by building and creating our own kingdom where we are the king in control and safe within our domain?
This, by definition is seeking to save self and preserve our own life apart from Messiah who wants us to…. leave it all and go…seekig His Kingdom and His Way….
No where does scripture tell us to build our own kingdom; instead, we are to lay down our life and take up our cross.
So which kingdom are we in
and
in which one are we serving?
How does this understanding of the
kingdom and king and dominion
affect how we read the scriptures
when Jesus/Yeshua is teaching?
If we read Yeshua/Jesus’ sayings in terms of what our Heavenly Father is doing on earth, rather than in terms of heaven, it may give new insight to his words. When He said:
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matt. 19:14.
Childlike trust is a model for a believer’s commitment to God. Those who are humble, know they can’t live without His care and direction, and they approach Him as children would to their father; these individuals are the ones that He really can teach and have a relationship with. Proud people who feel they have everything under control have a very hard time being under God’s king-ship.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matt. 6:33
If we devote ourselves allowing our Heavenly Father to direct our lives and do His will, He promises He will take care of our physical needs.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matt. 6:10
Tavo Malkhutekha.
When we say this in what we term as the Lord’s prayer,
we often assume that your kingdom come
means we are waiting for you to return.
We interpret it as a request for Messiah to return quickly.
The two phrases
your kingdom come and your will be done on earth
are really synonymous and are saying :
May all the peoples of the earth enthrone you as king! May everyone on earth know you and do your will!
There is no doubt we are all waiting for Messiahs return; however this is really a request for our Heavenly Father to use us in spreading the gospel/good news and establish His Kingdom on earth within every believer!
We cannot straddle both kingdoms with one foot in each and there is NO fence upon which to sit…we must decide and then live wholeheartedly in and for the kingdom we choose.
The words of this song should be our hearts cry for us not only to be within His Kingdom but to have the fullness of His Kingdom within.
Shalom shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.
… and…
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.
and all the various scenarios that go along with this particular subject.
As usual the post is offering some points of view which we may not have seen or thought about before. It is also providing food for thought and as always encouragement for everyone to research and check things out for ourselves.
Many events are being called apocalyptic or biblical in proportion, as it relates to floods, other unusual phenomena and extremes in nature. These could be either the result of human meddling, demonic interference, the hand of the Father and of course ‘natural earth events’, or a combination of all 4.
When something is removed, then something else that has been hidden, is revealed.
It is a revelation of mysteries, things which lie beyond the ordinary range of human knowledge.
We use both the terms, Apocalypse and Apocalyptic.
An Apocalypse, in the terminology of early Jewish and Christian literature, is a revelation of hidden things given by God, to one of His chosen saints, or more often, the written account of such a revelation. The word is derived from the Greek ἀπōκάλυψις, “uncovering,” “disclosure“…
And therefore in simple terms it is a Revealing.
לְגַלוֹת revealגְּלָא verb, to reveal, gelah or gela.
Cognate: 602 apokálypsis – properly, uncovering (unveiling).See 601 (apokalyptō).. 602 /apokálypsis (“revelation, unveiling”) is principally used of the revelation of Jesus Christ (the Word), especially a particular (spiritual) manifestation of Christ (His will) previously unknown to the extent (because “veiled, covered”).
Disclosure:–appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.
The Greek verb ἀπōκαλύπτειν is occasionally employed in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew גְּלָא (reveal); thus, of a secret,
אוזן גְּלָא
uncover the ear, Ozen
עֵינַיִם גְּלָא
uncover the eyes, Ayin
meaning reveal,
Hidden from sight with the promise of showing itself in the not too distant future…
We are curious as to what is behind the curtain?
What’s in the box?
What is in the package that is so enticingly gift-wrapped ?…
We want to know – to see and to understand…
The things shown to Daniel
and John
were sealed until the time of the end.
The time of the end of the age.
Is this the time to which it was referring?
Jesus/Yeshua alluded to this in Luke 8:16-18 v.17
It does of course refer to disobedient and sinful behavior that will be exposed on judgment day and also that the times of the end of the age were hidden from view; the emphasis is on, what has not been KNOWN, possibly meaning that all spiritual mysteries will be revealed?
These are the things pertaining to the second coming and end times with many variations and explanations floating around.
We could call ourselves apocalyptic believers, as we are having truth revealed to us.
However we should remember that with great knowledge comes great responsibility.
To whom much is given, much is required.
That means we must walk in the light of the fulness of that which we have had revealed to us.
In the scripture the final book of the Re-New-ed Covenant and of the whole Bible is
This is the revealing, and the revelation of revelation, is the opening of the vision concerning the end of this age.
Chizayon/Revelation, or the revealing, was Messiah Yeshua/Jesus, revealing to John things which are to come,
and back then on the island of Patmos of course it was thousands of years in the future.
Definitions: Revelation is the revealing or disclosing of some form of truth or knowledge through communication with a deity or other supernatural entity.
A surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. The divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world. Disclosure, announcement.
חָזוֹן Chazown is the Hebrew word for vision from chazah; 2372; a sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle:–vision
According to scripture, this is not the end of the world; in terms of everything being completely destroyed, where 1 Peter describes the earth’s final cleansing and apparently is not the same event.
Revelation tells us that a new heaven and a new earth will be created subsequently.
It is however, the ‘end of the age’. Some call it the ‘church age’ or ‘the age of grace’ or the ‘6 thousandth year.” Ushering in a 1000 year period/age/reign of Messiah Yeshua. Which according to scripture, we will be together with Him; however will that be on the earth, or in heaven?
The Hebrew Talmud divides 6000 years of human history/olam hazeh into 3×2000 year epochs.
The first 2000 is from the time of the impartation of the neshamah /soul into Adam until Abrahams Calling.
The second epoch of 2000 years is from Abraham to the destruction of the 2nd Temple.
The third is the time of the Messiah, and refers to when the Messiah ‘could appear’, (we believe that was 2000+ years ago); before establishing Zions kingdom.
Immediately before His appearance is a time of testing in which the world will undergo various forms of tribulation called
or
Also
There are elements to both the time of Jacob’s/Israel’s trouble
and footsteps of Messiah
that are somewhat confusing, often due to mistranslations, which then obviously result in mis-interpretation. Romans 11:26 agrees with the verse in Jeremiah that ‘yet out of it he is saved’. When Messiah Yeshua returns to Jerusalem/Zion all Israel will be saved.
Some say the
will last for 70 years, with the last 7 being the time of Jacob’s Trouble.
Sometimes referred to as
because it will be the worst part of the whole time, when catastrophes occur worldwide.
The very end of the 7 years being the Day of the Lord. Yom YHVH.
Which will be the judgment of the rebellious world system and the outpouring of God’s wrath. Is 2:19. The Lord will shake the earth. Rev. 6:17; Mal. 4:1. After which, the Messianic kingdom will be established.
Interesting to note that a 70 year period has just been completed in 2018, which began in 1948, when Israel became a nation.
The yissurim shel ahavah,
the troubles of love,
referring to the birthing of a child;
is equivalent to the transition time and struggle a new-born experiences when exiting the womb into the harsh light of day. It will be similar to the transition between this world and the Messianic world to come, that is imminent!
The time immediately prior to Messiahs arrival is sometimes called IKVOT MESHICHA,
the time when footsteps of the Messiah can be heard.
This is God’s appointed time
for the final Messianic redemption and the closing of the
Many believe the order of events will be connected to the annual Feasts/Appointed Times. That as Jesus/Yeshua has fulfilled the Spring Feasts at His first Coming, He will in turn, fulfill the Fall/Autumn Feasts in His Second Coming. (Fall/Autumn = September/October)
Believers in Yeshua/Jesus refer to the time just prior to His Second Coming, in which He will judge the nations and we believe He will establish His kingdom in Jerusalem?
No one knows the exact time when the Messiah will appear. However according to traditional Jewish sources in the Midrash Tehilim 9:2 Pesachim 54b; there are some hints. An example is that 1000 years = 1 day as in the 6 days of creation. 2Pet. 3:8.
God rested on the seventh day and it’s representative of the genesis of the great Messianic Sabbath Rest. This would indicate this age could not go further than 6000 years. So as the Hebrew calendar indicates, we are at the end of the 6th day, the 6th millennium, and close to the ‘Erev Shabbat’ of the world. And to expect the soon arrival of Messiah Yeshua.
For many years, the pre-tribulation rapture of the believers has been taught; and all the different scenarios have been presented by successive preachers and teachers from pre, to mid, to post tribulation rapture etc.
So which is it???
Here presented are the scriptures and Jesus/Yeshua’s own words and a plea for each hungry soul to read the Word and study the scriptures for ourselves. It is not the aim of mmm to mislead, or argue, only to present the Word in truth as it written. We are limited in the New Testament, with the Hebrew text as most of the references are written in Greek, however there are scriptures in Daniel and other prophets that we can look at.
End of days – acharit hayamim
2 Pet. 3:3; 2Thes. 2:2-4; 2Tim. 3:1-5.
Some say the birth-pangs are to last 70 years with Edom/Rome/Europe being the 1st wave of trouble including the holocaust and 2nd in the form of Arab/Israeli conflict. As per Jesus/Yeshua’s words in Matt. 24:25.
The climax of
is called the great Day of the Lord
which represents God’s wrath, poured out upon a rebellious world system.
The Messianic Kingdom
will be ushered in.
However there is another connection at the end, in the last pages of the New Testament, where the Apocalypse reveals a wedding.
A bride and a groom.
Look back at the ancient Hebrew wedding format procedure mentioned in previous posts.
After the wedding, which takes place after a long separation, and follows the betrothal agreement, it can be a time period of up to two years. (Note here that we are all familiar with the thousand years equaling a day).
The couple finally stand face to face – panim el panim,
And the veil is lifted from the bride to reveal her face to her groom.
Here is the apokalupsis.
The removing of the veil – the Apocalypse.
There is now symbolically, or otherwise, nothing separating them; and it is as the Scripture says, face to unveiled face.
1Cor. 13:12; Eph. 5:27; Rev. 13:1, 19:7–9.
One day, all veils will be removed, and we will see Him as He is, face to face unveiled.
Every person will face an Apocalypse of one sort or another. Whether salvation in the wedding marriage of the lamb, or the Apocalypse of judgment.
It is our place to remove any veils, so there is no more separation between Him and us. Nothing we are withholding from Him. And face to face to allow His touch to change us from glory to glory.
Jesus has won the victory in the spiritual realm over sin and death or sin-death. He has fulfilled His Torah promise, at Sinai, of (spiritually and physically) returning to Earth, reaching out to all His saints, Israelite and Goyim alike, restoring them to fellowship with the Father in a face-to-face meeting in His Shekinah, the glory-cloud of presence, which corresponds perfectly with Lk. 21 & Rev. 21.
There may be some repetition from previous posts in references to these important scriptures, however, the signs of the times all around us, should give us pause to reflect that we may indeed be the generation that sees the return of the King of Kings.
It is true to say that human nature is eager and wants to know the answers, reveal the secrets and unravel the mysteries and then when it is a little too close for comfort, we act like ostriches and brush off the possibility in cognitive dissonance and we really would rather not know. Because
and If we don’t know, then we don’t have to deal with it. Ignorance is bliss?? Sadly not so! Ignorance is no excuse, and not mentioning these issues will not make them go away!
The human tendency is to believe anything that comforts and deny what discomforts, so that unpleasant truths are simply ignored.
Forewarned is forearmed and being prepared with trimmed oil-lamps filled with Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh, is the preferred posture for a believer, in a season of the Messianic Messiahs soon return.
The signs are those of Matt. 24 25 and Israel becoming a nation Deut. 4:27 and Jer. 30:1-3; then a coming messiah of evil, (one out of harmony with God), will appear and offer a peace treaty for the middle east; but when they say peace and safety, (confirmed covenant), then sudden destruction will come upon them as labour pains on a pregnant woman, (time of Jacobs trouble) and they will not escape, 1Thes. 5:3.
This is the significance of the extraordinary, unprescedented, and cataclysmic world events, which we are seeing almost every day.
Some scriptural traits of this generation are, Chutzpah/ audacity and a lack of gratitude/hakarat ha-tov. The rest of humanity’s traits in the last days are listed in2 Tim 3:1-5.
So let’s pull our heads out of the proverbial sand and in faith, see what the Scriptures are actually telling us.
One thing we know is that it is NOT to make us fearful, for there is no fear in the perfect love of God and Jesus/Yeshua said in Mat. 24:25,25. See, I have told you ahead of time. And for good reason. Love is truth.
For also in John 17:15a, Jesus/Yeshua even prayed for the opposite of what many say today: I do not pray that You should take them out of [or rapture/remove them from] the world.
One thing we need to realize is that, before the events described in revelation are manifested in our midst, we need to reread the words of Jesus Himself and see what He said, which are recorded in
Mat. 24:23–28, 37–41; 17:26–37. Mat:24:39: And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
So here, Many people were taken by surprise was it because they didn’t/wouldn’t listen laughed at him and thought he was crazy?
Mat:24:38: For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat:24:39: And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
M‘t:24:40: Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. M’t:24:41: Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
The days of Noe/Noah were a time of judgment so this will be similar.
If we as believers have judged ourselves, (as we should before each time we take the bread and wine of covenant); we have nothing to be concerned about, and should be looking up. For when we see all of these things coming to pass, it is in fact encouragement, for those looking for His coming.
A point that should be made here, is that, although Noah/Noe and family entered the ark and were saved from the judgment of the flood waters; (this is a picture of believer being in Jesus/Yeshua, and being saved from judgment); they were not taken out of the world but were equipped to go through it !
The wicked were the ones removed off the earth!
Similar with Lot, he was escorted out of the city by angels and by that, he and his daughters were saved, they were not taken out of the earth. However the wicked were removed of the face of it by fire.
Both water and fire are cleansing agents.
Matthew 24:21-31 (NIV) 21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
The times are shortened because of the elect which means the elect are still on earth? Hmmmm!
We are equipped by Jesus through His indwelling Ruach haKodesh/Holy Spirit to be able to endure to the end and if it is in His plan, to be able to go through the times of tribulation. He said, ‘In this world you will have tribulation’.
23 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
He warned us not to be deceived by any means.
The modern computer technology will very possibly be a vehicle used as a means of delivering false signs and wonders.
To quote a well known authors statement that:
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
Maybe it has some pertinent meaning here. The antichrist, false prophet and beast may well use forbidden witchcraft/sorcery/magic, together with the aid of demonic spiritual power, used in connection with technologies such as laser imaging. These would provide abilities to project what looks like real manifestations into the skies, simulating visions of the return of Messiah Jesus or other spiritual phenomena.
What is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?
We ask the very same questions that the disciples asked Him back then, 2000+ years ago, and His answers are the same to us as they were to those disciples…
Conclusion.. like Yeshua/Jesus, IS coming soon…!
Please, don’t leave this page until..
you are safe in the ark Messiah provided..
Make certain 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.
Its all about Life and Relationship, not Religion.
NOT SURE? YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/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.
and brings us tothe end of the 7 Appointed Times of the Lord for this annual cycle.
However it is also the beginning of a new calendar cycle and comprises the time in between the last feast and the next, first feast, which is not until the Spring.
As we come to close of the 7 Annual Appointed Times of the Lord, a few last thoughts remain including an ‘8th day’ mystery, a ‘roof revelation’ and a couple of intriguing points to ponder.
As believers it is important to see the relevance to us. The instructions and ultimate plan of God as laid out in the old covenant/testament.
Then with the understanding and insights we gain, what we read in the renewed covenant/testament scriptures, begins to make more sense, as we see that everything in God’s Word is connected.
(Prov. 4:7 encourages us, ‘get wisdom, get understanding’.)
Every Hebrew year has two cycles or groups of holy days\ appointed times set in by our Heavenly Father. (As discussed in previous posts.) He has not changed them nor has He told us not to follow the pattern. This is because they all point prophetically to Jesus. Who Himself attended the Feasts, as well as His being their literal fulfillment. They are connected not only in their purpose and themes but also in their timing.
“You shall dwell in sukkot (huts) for seven days . . . so that you will know, for all generations, that I had the Children of Israel dwell in sukkot, when I took them out of the Land of Egypt; I am God, your God” (Lev. 23:42 -43)
For 40 years, as the Israelites traversed the Sinai Desert prior to their entry into the Holy Land, miraculous clouds of glory surrounded and hovered over them, shielding them from the dangers and discomforts of the desert.
Ever since, God’s kindness is remembered at Sukkot/feast of Tabernacles and trust in His providence is reaffirmed by dwelling in a sukkah, a hut of temporary construction. Also called the feast of Booths which is the meaning of Hebrew word Sukkot,it celebrates the fall harvest with the third first fruits of the growing season. During Sukkot, and each family built a Sukkah, (which is the singular of Sukkot;) or booth, outside the home. This is an activity still practiced today. Lev. 23:39
It is a flimsy structure of palm branches that provide little else but shade. Heavy rain would penetrate the walls and roof. The family eats all meals inside, it’s a room where visitors and strangers can come.
Sukkot Guests –Ushpizin –אושפיזין
The final, 8th day, of this feast is known as Yom haSh’miyniy’Atzaret, the 8th day assembly. Sukkot is a holiday of immense joy, where complete trust in God isexpressed, and confidence from Yom Kippur is celebrated in having received a ‘good judgment’, for the coming year. God is our ultimate protection – just as He protected the Israelites in the desert with the Clouds of Glory He will protect those who obey His Word. (Exodus 13:21).During this week Ex. 33:12–34:26; Ezek.38:18–39:16; Rev. 21:1–22:21 are read because according to teachings, this war will be waged during the month of Tishri, same month in which the holiday of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) falls.
Interestingly enough, the war that is described in Ezekiel is similar to the war described in (Zech. 14:16–17). In Zechariah we learn that the Gentiles who survive the war against Israel, will be required to keep Sukkot annually, by coming up to the Holy City of Jerusalem to worship the Lord.Sukkot in Jerusalem at the Western (Wailing) Wall.
Gog and Magog – Challenge to the Restoration of Israel
“This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, My hot anger will be aroused.” (Ezekiel 38:18)
Gog is a chief prince living in the land of Magog (Ezekiel 38:2). Many scholars believe Magog refers to Russia. The invading land of Gomer is often believed to be Germany. Several lands in the coalition army are easily identifiable: Iran (Persia), Northern Sudan (ancient Ethiopia or Cush), Libya (Put), and Turkey (Togarmah).
The nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38 will unite and come upon Israel “like a cloud that covers the land” for the purpose of looting the wealth that she has amassed in what was a desolate land only seventy years ago.
The war that is described in Ezekiel is similar to the war described in the 14th chapter of Zechariah, where we learn that the Gentiles who survive the war against Israel will be required to keep Sukkot annually by coming up to the Holy City of Jerusalem to worship the Lord.
“Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles [Sukkot]. If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, they will have no rain.” (Zechariah 14:16–17)
Psalm 27 presents a clear connection between Sukkot and God’s protection of Israel and those who trust in Him:
“For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle [sukkah]; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.” (Psalm 27:5)
The word translated here as tabernacle is the Hebrew word sukkah (סכה). When evil threatens God’s people, He will hide them in His sukkah, inaccessible from the enemy on the rock of His presence.
Now that is a promise we can trust in during these last days! Gog and Magog are also mentioned in the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) Rev. 16, in connection with Armageddon and the final battle between the forces of good and evil.
This war with Gog and Magog is not the same war described in Ezekiel 38 but a final end-time battle after the thousand-year reign of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).The Son of David, Jesus/Yeshua, will come again — this time as our conquering Messiah to defeat the invading forces forever. All who have believed in their Savior, Yeshua, will inherit eternity in the New Jerusalem — a revived Garden of Eden complete with trees of life and pure living water that will be good to eat and drink forever.
A Roof Revelation.
An inner connection between Sukkot are the names Gog and Magog.
The Hebrew word Gog means roof and there is a huge difference between a real roof and the roof of the Sukkah which would not withstand wind and rain.
By building sturdy walls people have power to make themselves safe and secure against earthly elements and people and so are deluded and self deceived into thinking they can make themselves secure against the things from God and his power to direct matters.
They take their fate in their own hands and protect with their own strength with no need to depend on God.The war of Gog and Magog is also a battle of Gogthe roof, against Sukkah, it’s a fight of the illusion of the roof which is manifest as human greatness, a pride which never allows rest. Its fight against the Sukkah truth of the joyful confidence and carefree Shalom which comes only from placing complete trust in God’s protection and faith focused on his provision alone. The word Gog when prefixed with an M is then Mgog or Magog; it expresses the concept of projecting something and represents earthly wisdom and the human philosophical notion, that man can both isolate and insulate himself against God’s heavenly power.
It has origins back in the land of Shinar when Nimrod stirred the people to build a tower that would survive another flood and so avoid God’s judgment while they lived as they pleased.
Another very interesting connection to this season is..
the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is called “the season of our joy” and “the feast of the nations.” With this in mind, in Luke 2:10 it is written, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings [basar in Hebrew; otherwise known as the gospel] of great joy which shall be to all people. So, we can see from this that the terminology the angel used to announce the birth of Jesus/Yeshua, were themes and messages associated with the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles).
In Luke 2:12, the baby (Yeshua) was wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. The swaddling cloths were also used as wicks to light the vats of oil within the court of the women during the festival of Sukkot, another association with the festival of Sukkot. In Luke 2:12 The word manger is Greek word phatn’e. It is the same word translated as stall in Luke 13:15. By seeing how the word is used in Luke 13:15, we can see that the Greek word phatn’e means a place for hitching cattle.
The Hebrew word for stall is marbek, which can be found in Amos 6:4 and Malachi 4:2. In Genesis 33:17 it is written that Jacob journeyed to Sukkoth and made booths (the word booth in this passage is the Hebrew word sukkah; the plural is sukkot) for his cattle. Due to cultural traditions we have little idea in the west, what a manger is. In Israel a manger is a hollow space cut out of a large rock and not the wooden structure in the previous picture.
The area is filled with food usually for sheep and goats.
(This reminds us also of another place of protection ‘I will put thee in the cleft of the rock’. Ex. 32:22)So we can see from these passages how the word booth (sukkah or sukkot) was used by Jacob for his cattle in Genesis 33:17, and how the Greek word for manger or stall,phatn’e, was also used to refer to hitching cattle in Luke 13:15. Phatn’e is the same word translated as manger in Luke 2:12, where Yeshua was laid at the time of His birth.During the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles), God required that all male Jews come to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) (Deut. 16:16). For this reason, as well as the census being conducted, the city would have been overcrowded with people and could explain why Mary (Miryam) and Joseph (Yosef) were unable to find lodging in and around Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) (Lk. 2:7). Bethlehem, the place where Jesus/Yeshua was born, is only about four miles from Jerusalem.Some Bible scholars believe that this holiday is a more accurate birth date of Jesus. God is said to have dwelled (tabernacled) with the Jews as they wandered for 40 years in the desert. How appropriate it would be if our Messiah was born during this feast. This would bring insightful meaning to the Messianic name Emanuel, which means God is with us, prophesied by Isaiah (Isa.7:14)
We know our Messiah was made manifest into a temporarybody when He came to earth. Is it possible He also was put into a temporary dwelling? The fields would have been dotted with Sukkot during this harvest time to provide temporary shelter animals. The Hebrew word ‘stable’ is also called a Sukkoth (Gen. 33:17). Later when the scriptures record Mary and Joseph were in a house, the time for the sukkah would have been past.Further interesting facts concerning the birth of Jesus/Yeshua occurring during Sukkot, is in Matt. 2:1. Scripture says that wise men come from the East to visit Him. The land of the East is Babylon, where the largest Jewish population was at the time of the birth of Jesus/Yeshua.
These Jews were descendants from the captivity when King Nebuchadnezzar defeated Israel and took the Jews to Babylon to serve him. Babylon is referred to as the land of the East in Gen. 29:1 and Jud. 6:3.The wise men in Matt. 2:1 were possibly teachers/rabbis. The rabbis, also called sages, are known in Hebrew as chakamim, which means wise men. The word in Matthew 2:1 in Greek is magos, which is translated into English as Magi. Magos in Greek is the Hebrew word ravmag. Ravmag comes from the Hebrew word rav, which means rabbi. It should also be noted that the Greek word magos can also mean scientist, counselor, scholar, or teacher. The rabbis were scholars or teachers of the Jewish law. Jesus/Yeshua was referred to as Rabbi, or Teacher in John 1:38,47,49; 3:2. So, it’s a possibility that the wise men were Jewish rabbis coming from Babylon to witness the birth of Jesus/Yeshua.
“What made the rabbis make the journey from Babylon to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Yeshua?” The answer is given in Matt. 2:2, as it is written, “…we have seen His star in the east….”As we have read, one of the requirements during the time of Sukkot was to build an outside temporary shelter and live in it during this festival season. It had to be built with an opening in the roof so the people could see the stars in heaven. This is another reason why the rabbis would be looking for, and thus seeing, the star in the sky when it appeared.
In addition, there was a prophecy in Numbers as it is written, “…a star shall come forth from Jacob…” (Num. 24:17 NAS). King Herod inquired about where the Messiah would be born in Matt.2:4. (He was told in Bethlehem vs 6, based upon the prophecy in Micah 5:2.) In Matt. 2:10 it is written, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Once again, remember that Sukkot is called “the season of our joy.” In Matt. 2:2, the rabbis saw the star from the East. Salvation was seen by the Jewish people as coming from the East. Jesus/Yeshua descended from the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5). The tribe of Judah was positioned on the east side of the tabernacle of Moses in the wilderness.
Finally, in Luke 2:32, Jesus/Yeshua is called a light to the Gentiles. Once again, Sukkot is called “the festival of lights” and “the festival of all nations.”
Therefore, by studying and understanding the festival of Sukkot and the themes and messages that God desired to be conveyed during this festival, it enables us to read the Bible in a new light; and to ponder the possibility that Jesus/Yeshua may have been born during the season of Sukkot and that He is the Star we are all called to see with our (spiritual) eyes!
Sukkot (Tabernacles) is called the Feast of Ingathering. Jesus/Yeshua told us that the harvest represents the end of the age (Olam Hazeh). This is found in (Matt. 13:39; Rev. 14:15; Joel 3:13). The harvest refers more specifically to people who choose to accept the Messiah Jesus/Yeshua into their hearts and lives. (Matt. 9:35-38; Lk 10:1-2; Jn 4:35-38; Rev 14:14-18). God is gathering both Jews and non-Jews together to accept the Messiah Jesus/Yeshua into their lives. Most of the people on earth have not accepted Jesus into their lives and are in the valley of decision (Joel 3:13-14). Jeremiah sorrowed for a people who were not a part of the harvest in Jer. 8:18-22. vs. 20 “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” To those who do accept the Messiah, they will experience the real Sukkot (Tabernacles) during the Messianic age, the Millennium. Both Jew and non-Jew will live in the Messianic Kingdom. No doubt there will also be immortal people such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David. There will be mortal people as well who will live with them, who are the people who lived through the seven-year tribulation period, the birthpangs of the Messiah, or the Chevlai shel Mashiach, and who accepted Jesus/Yeshua into their hearts and lives. What a joy it will be living with the Messiah during the Messianic era!
Olam habah = the world to come. …tabernacle of God is with men…” (Rev 21:1-3)
Sukkot (Tabernacles) is known as the festival of ingathering and the fruit harvest. In Rev.7:9-17, we can see those who have come through the great tribulation period and who became believers in the Messiah during that time (Rev. 7:14). In Rev. 7:15, they “dwell” with them.
Tishrei is the 7th month, the number of completion. (Lev. 23:23–44)
The book of Revelation is filled with number 7 and has similarities to the events in this month. Tishrei begins with Yom Teruah, the Day of Trumpets. (Rev. 8:2; 14:7; 19:16; 20:4; 21:3; 22:5)There are 7 angels with 7 trumpets.
Tishrei also has Yom Kippur, the Day of Judgment. In Revelation, judgment comes as man stands before God face to face, on Yom Kippur so too. God is proclaimed King in Tishrei and also in Revelation. If we believe we are grafted into the Olive tree of spiritual Israel, then we are also included in the 7 Appointed Times and their fulfillment.There is reason to believe that during the time when the Temple stood, a total of 70 sacrifices were offered during the seven days of Sukkot which are celebrated in the Land of Israel.
Maybe the 70 bullocks sacrificed represented the 70 nations of the world as they were divided into by God after the confusion of languages at the destruction of the tower at Babel with Nimrod on the plains of Shinar. Would this mean that Israel was interceding for nations of the world, not just herself?
These offerings were then considered an offering for world peace.
Tishrei closes with another day of mystery.
The final, 8th day, of this feast is known as Shemini Atzaret,Yom haSh’miyniy’Atzaret, The 8th day assembly. In Israel, the 8th day is a day that speaks of eternity and the Bible ends in Revelation with that same day, the day of eternity where we will reign forever with Him. The plans and purposes of God have only perfect ends.
The gathering of the 8th day;
The last day of the spiritual year;
The day after the end – is the day that represents the beginning of all eternity. All Scripture is written on kosher scrolls not in books. So to understand the reference in Revelation, consider that the Torah scroll (the first five books of the Bible) has been continually unrolled throughout the year for each weeks reading. At the end of the year there is a rolling back of all that has been unrolled over the course of the year!
In Revelation it states that the heaven shall be rolled up like a scroll, this is an image written in the prophecies of revelation concerning the end of the ages. (Rev. 6:14; 20:11, 22)The sky is rolled up at the end of the present age and earth and heaven have fled away before eternity is ushered in.The old has gone, the scroll finished, for the story is completed and the day after the end, Shemini Atzeret is the 8th day and is the day forever starts, it’s the beginning of eternity.
Olam habah the world to come.Before the scroll is rolled up, the last words written are from the final reading in Deuteronomy. They are concerning the end of a particular journey.When Moses climbed the mountain to view the land of promise just before his life on Earth is complete and he goes to be with God.he was looking towards the place where the Temple would one day stand. The exact same location that Abraham had to be willing to sacrifice his only son and where Jesus would also be our sacrificial lamb.
The End Is Also The Beginning.
The journey through the wilderness is over and the Israelites are about to cross Jordan to enter the promised land with Joshua leading them. (Joshua is a type of Jesus) and so Shemini Atzeretreminds us of the future day when our journey through the wilderness and our existence on earth will be complete and this old world will pass away to reveal the new and Jesus will lead us into our promised land.
Its clear the old must be left behind before we can enter into the new, our life here is only the journey on the way to the destination. As the scroll is rolled up, be ready to catch the first glimpse of the unfathomable glory that awaits us.
The 8th day is about resurrection and leaving the old life, a day of transcending, of breaking out of the limitations of the finite and into the realm of the infinite. Of transcending the old, overcoming the ultimate limitation, death, and thus every limitation.
The day after the end of the old life, the old existence and the power to live beyond it.
So the day of the resurrection and the day of the beginning of eternity are in inexorably joined together.The Hebrew Holy Day of Resurrection was First Fruits and the Resurrection is the First Fruits of the Age to Come. The first manifestation of the 8th day – Heaven.One last fascinating point as food for thought to ponder upon.
Several Bible scholars believe its possible that the first Thanksgiving in America was based in part on Sukkot. The Pilgrims were familiar with the Bible and the Feast of Tabernacles. They were also thankful for God’s protection in the new land. The first Thanksgiving holiday is reported to have been in October, (Sukkot is usually in this month), and lasted for three days. The harvest of the earth is ripe …” (Rev 14:14-16) “
Messiah fulfilled an intermediate fulfillment of all three Fall Feasts at His first coming:
1.) Announcement: Yom Teruw’ah, ushering in the King.
2.) Circumcision: Yom Kippur, removal of the veil (foreskin) called “face-to-face.”
3.) Dwelling with us: Sukkot; dwelt with us in a corruptible body.Messiah will fulfill all three Fall Feasts completely at His second coming:
1.) Husband Ushering in the Bride: Yom Teruw’ah.
2.) Husband removes veil from the bride’s face: Yom Kippur.
3.) Husband consummates the marriage with the 4th cup: Sukkot; Dwells with bride for 1,000 years of Sabbath rest.
Peace – Shalom to all who love His Word at this season of rejoicing.
Special Note: This Feast has already begun and takes place over 8 days. As there areso many important, pertinent and fascinating facts that point our focus to Jesus our Messiah; the post has been divided into 3 parts, which will be posted consecutively during the next few days.
These Appointed Times of The Lord follow the Calendar Cycle of the life giving harvests and Sukkot completes the 7th of the Holy festivals in the 7th month of Tishrei. (Deut. 16:13; Lev. 23:34)Fall is the end of the harvest seasons, its themes include:
The Return of Messiah,The sounding of the trumpets announcing His comingThe Ingathering (agriculture and souls.) (Chag haAsif) and
Re-gathering and return of His people to Israel.
The repentance,
God and man face to face,
The Judgment of the Nations\separation of the sheep and goats,
The redemption,
The Kingdom of God and everything returning back to Him.
It’s the closing. The finish line.
As the Spring Appointed Times speak prophetically of Jesus 1st coming, so the fall speaks of Jesus 2nd coming; in which the end will reveal God’s final chapter. The completion of the harvest of souls and culmination of His plan of the Ages.
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Jam. 5:7
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2Pet. 3:9
In the Spring cycle, we are reminded that Messiah is the Lamb of God, who came to seek, serve and save.
The Autumn cycle of Appointed Times (Mo’adiym) reveals that Messiah is also from the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the King, the Great High Priest and The Lord of all.
We are in fact, living now in the time between the Lamb, His first coming and the Lion, His second coming. Let’s live with joy and excited anticipation for the return of the One we love, serve and worship. The One who has a plan to completely reveal the mystery of the Autumn/Fall Calendar Feasts.
The month of Tishrei is the most intense of the Hebrew calendar as it is during this month the closing end of the sacred spiritual year is celebrated.
As this month holds the secret mystery to the Autumn cycle, could it also hold the mystery to the closing of the age?The observance of Sukkot is the 15th-21st of Tishri (September/October). Most people consider it an 8 day holiday. The first 6 days are known as Sukkot. The 7th day takes upon itself a new name known as Hoshanna Rabba, (the huge water libation ceremony). The 8th day is known as Shemini Atzaret, Yom haSh’miyniy’Atzaret, The eighth day assembly. In Israel, the 8th day is also Simchat Torah (rejoicing in the Torah scriptures). Sukkot frequently called the Feast of Tabernacles. A better English translation would be the Feast of Booths, which is the meaning of Hebrew word Sukkot, celebrating the fall harvest with the third first fruits of the growing season. Leviticus 23:39
The Hebrew word chag comes from the Hebrew root word chagag, which means ‘to move in a circle, to march in a sacred procession, to celebrate or dance.’ The joy of Sukkot was so great that it became known as ‘THE Feast.’ The word tabernacle refers to a temporary dwelling place, which is the purpose of the sukkah.
Other names for this season are:
The Season of Our JoyThe Festival of Ingathering Hag HaAsif,
The Feast of the NationsThe Festival of DedicationThe Festival of Lights
(Ex. 23:16, 34:22; Num. 29:12-39; Neh. 8:14; Zec. 14:16-19; Heb. 2:2; 2:5; Jn 7:2-52) In contrast to the serious tone of Rosh HaShanah and the Day of Atonement, the 3rd feast in Tishrei was a time of joy because Israel had passed through the season of repentance and redemption. ISRAELITES Past FULFILLMENT: Celebrate the Harvest and Entering the Promised Land with Great Rejoicing to be Celebrated Yearly Forever.MESSIANIC Future FULFILLMENT: (Prophetic) The Messianic Era or Millennium. The Kingdom of God on Earth. (Athid Lavo.) The Two become One. SPIRITUAL APPLICATION: (Halacha) A daily rest (Shabbat) in the Messiah and having the rest, (menuchah) of His Kingdom in our hearts.Not coincidentally, the same time period marks the beginning of the construction of God’s sukkah, the mishkan, the sanctuary or tabernacle in the desert (Ex. 25:8-9). Tabernacle, is the word mishkan in Hebrew. According to tradition, Moses again ascended Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights to receive the second set of tablets and descended on Yom Kippur, carrying them as a sign of God’s forgiveness of Israel for the sin of the golden calf, and as a symbol of the lasting covenant between God and Israel (Ex.24:12-18; 34:1-2; 27-28).
The following day Moses relayed God’s instructions for building the mishkan, a dwelling place. Material for this portable structure was collected during the days before Sukkot, and work then began on it. (Ex. 35; 36:1-7). Sukkot is also called the ‘Season of Our Joy.’
It is also known as the Feast of our Rejoicing, the Season of our Rejoicing, and He-Hag (the Holiday).
One reason Sukkot was a time of joy was that after the season of repentance, (Teshuvah) and the redemption of Yom Kippur, came the joy of knowing your sins were forgiven, of walking, knowing, and being obedient to Him.
Historically, Sukkot also commemorates the days in the wilderness of Sinai, after coming out of Egypt (Mitzayim). According to all natural laws, the Israelites should have perished, but were instead divinely protected by God. Prophetically, Sukkot is the festival that teaches on the Messianic Kingdom and the joy of that Kingdom. Spiritual application in Messiah: a daily rest and having the rest, ‘menuchah’, of His Kingdom in our heartsSukkah is the Hebrew term for the temporary building that is constructed for this holiday. Sukkot(h) is the Hebrew name of the holiday, the moed and usually translated as booth or small hut and to tabernacle with someone, is to dwell with them.
God tabernacled with the children of Israel as they wandered in the desert for 40 years, manifesting Himself as a cloud by dayand a pillar of fire by night.
In order to make following God easier, the Israelites lived in simple booths.
It is also symbolic of the protection that the Israelites received from God in the desert after they were freed from bondage in Egypt (Lev. 23:43). It reminds us that our survival is dependent upon God.
The symbolism is intended to remind us of being homeless, the feeling of living somewhere on a temporary basis. It is to serve as a reminder to us not to become over confident with our wealth or influence and that we need to look to God for our provisions, not man and that this earth is not our permanent home.
The sukkah or booth, symbolizes man’s need to depend upon God for his provision of food, water, and shelter. This is true in the spiritual realm as well.
The booth is the physical body, which is a temporary dwelling place for our souls and spirits. (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
We need the food that the Word of God provides (Matt. 6:11; 4:4; John 6:33-35); the cleansing, rinsing, and washing that the Word of God brings to our lives (Eph. 5:26); and the shelter of God’s protection over our lives from the evil one (Matt. 6:13; Ps. 91). Our physical needs will be provided for by God if we seek Him spiritually (Matt. 6:31-33)The Hebrew word for tabernacle is sukkah. It means ‘a booth, a hut, a covering, a pavilion or tent.’ The Greek word for tabernacle is sk’en’e, which also means ‘a tent, hut, or habitation.’ and the context by which the word tabernacle is used in the New Covenant (Brit Hadashah).
This Greek word, sk’enos, means ‘tabernacle, booth, shelter, or covering’ and also appears in Rev. 21:3. This same word, sk’enos, is used to speak of Yeshua during His first coming, (John 1:14). here we can see the protection provided in Rev. 7:16, corresponding to Isa. 4:5-6, and the fountain of living waters in Rev. 7:17 and 21:4.
In Isa. 4:3, it is written ‘And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy…” (also see Zech. 14:4,6-9,16-17,20-21). Those who are called ‘holiness unto the Lord’ in Zech. 14:20 are the same people in Is. 4:3 who are called Holy.
The clouds in the wilderness are called ‘the clouds of glory’ and the wilderness experience is a picture of the future Messianic age, the Millennium.
The sukkah was built to teach and understand the thousand-year millennial reign of the Messiah, the Messianic age, the Millennium, or the Athid Lavo in Hebrew eschatology.
Jesus/Yeshua tabernacled (sukkot) among us (John 1:14).
Peter spoke about his body being a tabernacle (2 Peter 1:13-14).
The apostle Paul told us that our earthly bodies were earthly houses or tabernacles (2 Corinthians 5:1-5).
The tabernacle of Moses (Moshe) was a tent of habitation (Acts 7:44; Hebrews 9:2-8).
Abraham Isaac and Jacob lived in tabernacles (tents) (Hebrews 11:8-9).
The tabernacle of David was a tent or dwelling place (Acts 15:16; Amos 9:11). This tabernacle was the temple of Solomon (1 Kings 5:2-5; 8:1-21).
Jesus/Yeshua entered the temple on the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) (John 7:2,27-29).The Bible speaks of a heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 8:1-2; Revelation 13:6; 15:5). This heavenly tabernacle will come to earth (Revelation 21:1-3).
Jesus/Yeshua was the true tabernacle of God (Hebrews 9:11). The sukkah remain standing for the entire 8 days of the holiday.
On a clear night, a person can sit inside the Sukkah and look through the sparsely placed branches
to the stars and be reminded of the promise God told Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the heavens (Gen. 26:4).Sukkot is the plural of Sukkah (more than one hut or booth) and sometimes the holiday is referred to as Sukkot
This name reflects the final harvest of the year attributed of the holiday. Sometimes it is also referred to by the Hebrew name Shemhateinu. The Feast of Tabernacles has an agricultural meaning, because it reminds us of how the farm laborers in ancient days lived as they worked to bring in the harvest.
Sukkot is the time when the produce of the field, orchard, and vineyard is gathered in. The granaries, threshing floors, and wine and olive presses are full to capacity. Weeks and months of toil and sweat put into the soil have finally been amply rewarded. The farmer feels happy and elated. No wonder Sukkot is ‘The Season of Rejoicing.’ While all of the three pilgrimages are times of rejoicing, Sukkot (Tabernacles) is specifically designated as Zeman simchatenu, the season of our rejoicing.
Sukkot is also considered a harvest festival. One reason is because at harvest time something resembling a Sukkah would be built near the field that the crop pickers were working. This became a temporary place of refuge for them from the sun and even a place to sleep when necessary. The Sukkah is, therefore, symbolic of protection and peace. It also became the one time of the year when most farmers could relax since the crops were just harvested, and it was still too early to plant the next crop. Olive harvest.
There is also a Messianic meaning in which we find fulfillment in our Messiah.
Passover And Sukkot Connected:In some ways, the Feast of Tabernacles is considered an Exodus holiday.
This passage in Leviticus shows us that these two holidays are connected. Lev. 23:43; so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
Both holidays are related to Israel’s exodus from Egypt and are observed on the 15th of the month.
Passover marks the attainment of the end of bondage and the right of religious freedom.
Sukkot marks the attainment of national and territorial independence (except from God), the essential ingredients of the nations Sovereignty.
The Great Salvation
Hoshana Rabbah (literally, the great hosanna or the numerous hosannas) is the 7th day of Sukkot (Tabernacles). Hoshana Rabbah should have been a full festival day, but is not because of Shemini Atzeret, which follows it. However, it has some special customs that make the day more like a full festival day than any of the intermediate days.
The most important of these (ceremonies) are:
The circling of the altar seven times instead of once while carrying the four species and reciting the Hoshana prayers; and The beating of the willows.Messianic Understanding. In John 7:37-38, Jesus/Yeshua said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
At this season of Sukkot, Isa.12:3 was often quoted, as it is written, ‘Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.’ Jesus/Yeshua in Hebrew means ‘salvation.’ The drama of the water drawing ceremony took on a new dimension of meaning when Jesus/Yeshua attended the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles). On the seventh day of the feast, Hoshana Rabbah, which literally means ‘the great hosanna, the great salvation’, the festival activities were different from those of each of the six previous days when the priests circled the altar in a procession, singing Ps. 118:25.
On the seventh day of the feast, the people circled the altar seven times. That is why the day is called Hoshanah Rabbah, as the cry, “Save now!” was repeated seven times. Jesus/Yeshua’s statement in John 7:37-39 was said on Hoshana Rabbah.Spiritually speaking, in the Bible, there is a link between water and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh). Yeshua told the woman at the well to drink of living water (John 4:7-14; 6:35; Matt. 5:6). This relationship between water and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is contained in the symbolism of pouring out water. Is. 44:3 links the pouring out of water with the pouring out of God’s Spirit and parallels the thirsty land again links water with the Holy Spirit.The link can also be seen in Joel 2:23,28; Acts 2:1-4,14-17; and Ezek. 39:22,27-29. Zech. 14:8 speaks of living waters. Is.12:2-3 speaks of drawing water out of the wells of salvation. Water and the Spirit are connected in Psalm 42:1-4; Zech. 13:1; and Rev. 7:17. It can also be seen in Ezek. 36:24-27.Jesus/Yeshua was trying to communicate this to Nicodemus in John 3:1-6.
He also was teaching this during the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) in John 4:14, which concluded with His statements in John 7:37-39.At the ceremony of the water drawing, the people’s attention was focused on the pool of Siloam.(Pool full)
It was here that Jesus/Yeshua healed a man who had been blind from birth (John 9:1-7).
Notice again the statement in John 9:5. This is the last day of the feast (Hoshana Rabbah) (John 9:14; Lev. 23:34-36).
A kingdom is a dom of a king 
What is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?
you are safe in the ark Messiah provided..
As believers it is important to see the relevance to us. The instructions and ultimate plan of God as laid out in the old covenant/testament.
Also called the feast of Booths which is the meaning of Hebrew word Sukkot,
it celebrates the fall harvest with the third first fruits of the growing season. 
During Sukkot, and each family built a Sukkah, (which is the singular of Sukkot;) or booth, outside the home. This is an activity still practiced today. Lev. 23:39 
Due to cultural traditions we have little idea in the west, what a 
T
There is reason to believe that during the time when the Temple stood, a total of 70 sacrifices were offered during the seven days of Sukkot which are celebrated in the Land of Israel.
The plans and purposes of God have only perfect ends.
All Scripture is written on kosher scrolls not in books. 
So to understand the reference in Revelation, consider that 
The old has gone, the scroll finished, for the story is completed and the day after the end, 
Before the scroll is rolled up, the last words written are from the final reading in Deuteronomy. They are concerning the end of a particular journey.
he was looking towards the place where the Temple would one day stand. 
(
The Hebrew Holy Day of 
The Ingathering (agriculture and souls.) (Chag haAsif) and 
We are in fact, living now in the time between the Lamb, His first coming and the Lion, His second coming. Let’s live with joy and excited anticipation for the return of the One we love, serve and worship. The One who has a plan to completely reveal the mystery of the Autumn/Fall Calendar Feasts.
The Hebrew word for tabernacle is sukkah. It means ‘a booth, a hut, a covering, a pavilion or tent.’ The Greek word for tabernacle is sk’en’e, which also means ‘a tent, hut, or habitation.’ and the context by which the word tabernacle is used in the New Covenant (Brit Hadashah).
Olive harvest.
In some ways, the Feast of Tabernacles is considered an Exodus holiday.
(Pool full)
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