We are more familiar with the story of the rebuilding of the walls from the book of Nehemiah. However Ezra was the prophet and scribe of that day and his account gives another aspect of the scene.
This story takes place at the time of Israels return from captivity. The Northern kingdom of Judah had been taken into captivity by Babylon, however during their exile and captivity, Babylon fell to the Persian Empire. (Persia is modern day Iran). Because of two brave individuals Daniel and Esther, the Jews found favor with the Persian kings.
(The term Jew is the name given to the Israelite tribe of Judah. Today it is often ascribed to all people living in Israel, not just those from the tribe of Judah, son of Jacob.)
Although Daniel was from the tribe of Judah, he was still a favorite of the Persian King Cyrus the Great (559-530 BC). He also found favor with Cyrus’s grandson King Xerxes (486-465 BC), Esther’s stepson King Artaxerxes I (465-424 B.C.) loved Esther like she was his own mother and because of this the Hebrew people had great favor with him; so much so that he granted a decree that allowed Nehemiah and Ezra to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple while under the protection and backing of the Persian Empire.
When Nehemiah returned to the land he found that it was occupied by Assyrian settlers. These were the people who had been sent to occupy the land many years earlier by the Assyrian empire, which was now no longer in existence.
These settlers who had moved there from the land of the Amorites, Moabites, and other nations, were not too happy that the Jews were planning on returning; and in fact, they were afraid of them because of the support given them by the Persian empire.
So they were determined to harass, intimidate and sabotage the incoming Jews to the point where they would just give up trying to regain the land and would just go back to Persia.
This story has a familiar ring to it and we know that history does repeat itself.
Because the Persian Empire, which ruled the known world at that time, was supporting and backing the Jews; they couldn’t declare outright war against them, as it would have amounted to suicide. Instead they began a strategy, a plan of campaign, sometimes called a war of attrition, designed to wear the Hebrew children down.
A war of attrition -meaning
Romanized: Ḥarb al-Istinzāf;
Hebrew: מלחמת ההתשה,
Milḥemet haHatashah
Attrition warfare is the term used to describe the sustained process of wearing down an opponent so as to force their physical collapse through continuous losses in personnel, equipment and supplies or to wear them down to such an extent that their will to fight collapses.
The way they decided to attack them is something still used in many places around the world today, which we call terrorism.
As time passed, King Artaxerxes was overly occupied with his own domestic issues and ongoing problems in his kingdom, as well as the threat of other nations wanting to engage in war against Persia. Because of this, King Artaxerxes gave his son Susa the responsibility of overseeing the Israelite/Jewish/Hebrew nation. Susa did not know his grandmother Esther and was not endeared to the Jewish people; to put it in a modern term, word, he was anti-Semitic. Because of this, Persia’s support of the Jews dwindled away. Nehemiah and Ezra believed that if God wanted Jerusalem rebuilt He would do it without the help of Persia; so the lack of support did not disturb or deter them. We know from scripture that indeed our Heavenly Father did help them.
However, when the Amorite, Moabite, and settlers from the other nations heard about Persia withdrawing their support, these enemies steadily increased their harassment and terrorism. Although Nehemiah and Ezra were confident that God would protect them, unfortunately, the people refused to trust in God.
In Ezra 4:4 we read that this ‘war of attrition’, was being very effective.
The people of Judah’s hands were weakened and they were troubled by their enemies in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Ezra 4:4 HEB: עַם־ הָאָ֔רֶץ מְרַפִּ֖ים יְדֵ֣י עַם־ NAS: of the land discouraged the people KJV: of the land weakened the hands INT: the people of the land weakened the hands the people
At some time during our years of serving the Lord we can feel that way too.
There are times that it seems like people and circumstances just come at us from every side and angle, they criticize, condemn, and accuse us of things that we did not do.
This is a time when the enemy tries to make us react in the flesh trying to make us resentful and bitter. He wants
to discourage us
and cause us to want
to meraphim or give up.
Because of the constant harassment by their enemies, the people of Judah did become very weary and discouraged.
Although initially, their enemies were unable to physically harm them, they mocked them and made fun of them. Then they robbed their homes while they were working on building the walls. The terrorism continued as they destroy their crops while they were concentrating on the work in hand.
Nehemiah had returned to Persia for a period of time and when he came back to Jerusalem, he found a people who were in a state of spiritual despair. They had given up working on rebuilding the walls of the city to protect their own homes, families and crops; and in the process they had fallen into spiritual idolatry and even turned to pagan practices while being preoccupied with building their own houses and making money.
Gods’ people had merephim – given up.
It is not something that just happened thousands of years ago it is happening to people all around us today.
What did Ezra do to encourage the people?
We can find the answer in
Ephesians 15:19: “Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.
This story is the source of the well known and often quoted verse from Nehemiah 8:10:
“The Joy of the Lord is our strength.”
We will not fulfill the assignments our Heavenly Fathers has for us if we fall into the enemy’s traps, snares; and give in to his war of attrition and terrorist attacks against us like he did with the people of Judah. Instead, we need to fill our hearts with the Word of God like Ezra did, and encourage each other with scriptural songs of praise and joy. Praising the Lord will stop the enemy in his attacks. Praise binds kings…Psalm 149:8-9 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints
The Joy of the Lord
becomes a weapon against discouragement.
It is a spiritual force because it comes from a spiritual source, our Heavenly Father.
God is spirit as Messiah said in
John 4:24.
He does not have emotions like we understand emotions and feelings, His joy that He imparts to us, is to strengthen us in the inner man so we will rise up and
be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6.
Not our own strength which is limited, but His strength which is unlimited and always available. It is the Father’s and Jesus/Yeshua’s desire, and in His own words… that our joy may be full.
These things have I spoken unto you,
that My joy may be in you,
and that your joy may be fulfilled.
John 15:11
We draw from the well of our salvation with Joy.
Joy is like the ‘dipper,’ the container, that we use to reach deep into that well, that spring of living water within us from the Fathers Holy Spirit, that is what will sustain us. The fullness of what our salvation means gives us the hope that will never be disappointed; and strength comes from allowing the Word of God, both in scripture and in the person of Messiah, to be the living word dwelling richly in us.
They experienced the rise of resistance, and as so many of us have experienced in our walk, discouragement is one of the devils favorite tools that he uses against believers in Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. He will always resist the work of the Lord and stir up opposition to try and hinder what God wants to do. He is persistent but we must be more persistent and persevere in what we have been called to do. James encourages us that we must resist the devil and he will flee. and by doing that in Messiahs name we will experience the rise of resistance in our own walk.
Phil 4:13 we can do all things through Messiah.
Proverbs 23:17-18
Whenever we are fully occupied with the will and work of the Lord we will always encounter opposition and intimidation. If we were not a threat to hasatan he would not focus on us so much; we could interpret this as a backhanded compliment! We must persevere even when there seems to be no immediate solution or answer in sight. The enemy will come with fear which causes us to take our eyes off of God and onto our circumstances. Our Heavenly Father will make a way where there seems to be no way. It’s our red sea moment and Jeremiah 32:27 encourages us: is anything too hard for the King of the universe?
2 Chron. 16:7
As the world grows darker and more violent, we are to shine brighter and bring true shalom/peace to all with whom we have contact; ever ready to share the good news of the gospel of the kingdom and encourage one another to stay strong and never meraphim.
Luke 18:1 always pray and never give up!
Shalom aleikhem
chaverim and mishpachah!
Peace to friends and family.
Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.
Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord, Deliverer and soon returning King; and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are very precious in His sight.
Not sure ..you can be…
SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,
SAY IT RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past. I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
A brief recap: we looked at
the belt of truth,
the breastplate of righteousness and
the feet being shod with the readiness of the gospel of peace.
We saw some of the differences and similarities between the Roman soldiers armor and the High Priests garments.
4 Feet shod with the gospel of peace (not with actual shoes.)
5 shield = faith
6 helmet = salvation/deliverance
7 sword of the spirit = Word of God
8 prayer = all kinds
Roman soldier 6 pieces:
Helmet
Breastplate/Body armor
Belt
Shield
Shoes
Sword and Spear
All kinds of prayer – not applicable.
The belt worn by a roman soldier was around the loins for protection of the physical body, and often a short sword was kept in the belt, ready for both defense and attack.
The main purpose of the waistband/sash/belt and ephod of the High Priest was to hold the breastplate of judgment in place. It was called the breastplate of judgment because of the 2 stones urim and thumim that were used to determine the outcome of an inquiry or question to the Lord, and His answer was given by indication one of the stones. i.e. judgment.
The breastplate
Ephod front = Abrahams Covenant
Ephod back = renewed covenant.
It represents priestly grace and the veil of the sanctuary, with the gold, but without the cherubim.Exodus 28:31.
Body armor:
Breastplate = righteousness.
The 12 tribes of Israel were represented by 12 jewels/ precious stones, 4 rows of 3 jewels each. Non Israelites/gentiles are grafted into spiritual Israel by grace, mercy and faith and are the righteousness of God through Messiah. He has made us in right standing with the Father. By His righteousness we have the privilege to be called His children. 1John 3:1
For a Roman soldier the breastplate simply gave physical protection of vital organs: Heart, lungs, etc. nothing of spiritual value.
The High Priest wore the representation of the tribes over his heart. As previously noted, it was also called the breastplate of judgment = Torah instruction and teaching. We are judged already and by the blood of Messiah are in right standing with the Father and our High Priest Yeshua/Jesus, Who carries all of His spiritual children in His heart. The Israelites position, or standing before the Father, was neither affected nor altered by their changing circumstances, infirmities or sins. Whenever the High Priest went into the Holy place, there on his heart, were the names of Gods’ people; emphasizing the (belt), truth of security. It is important to note that their names were not simply written upon the precious stones but engraved on them, and could not be easily washed or wiped away.
1Thess. 5:8tells us to put on trust/faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of being delivered as a helmet.In contrast to the breastplate of the High Priest who was serving the Lord and the people. The roman chest armor/breastplate was to preserve the individuals own life, looking to save and protect self and to defend against physical injury to vital organs. For the child of God,Proverbs 4:21-23 instructs us that:
above everything else guard your heart.
This is more correctly translated:
keep thy heart with the greatest vigilance for out of it are the issues of life.
By guarding our hearts – the righteous avoid a deceptive path. We are also told not to seek to save our own lives by our own strength, but to place our lives in the Fathers care; and He will sustain our lives as we lose ourselves completely in Him.
The heart is the central organ which conditions all a persons activities and the character of his life is dependent on it functioning correctly, both physically and spiritually.
Additionally in Proverbs, go and see which is the right way to which one should cling. People with good hearts are those who love the Lord and His Word, they are generous, loyal, trustworthy friends and caring neighbors, who are aware of the consequences of ones words and deeds. Scripture tells us that we must guard our lips v.24 our eyes v.25 and our steps v.26.
Back to Ephesians 6 and the next part of the armor:
Always carry the shield of trust /faith.
The Shield is mentioned in scripture in many places including the book of Beginning/Genesis.
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your SHIELD, your exceedingly great reward.” Psalm 3:1-3 Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah But You, O Lord, are a SHIELD for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
Always carry the shield of trust/faith…What is it for?
with which we will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
How does God SHIELD His people?
The best picture is from the Exodus out of Egypt.
Exodus 13:21-22 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. Exodus 14:19-20 And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.
When God shields us, it is a complete, divine, full protection on all sides, top and bottom, 360 degrees, all round about, because He is also our Rearguard. (Isaiah 52:12). However, the Roman shield is made by human hands and only gives partial protection, leaving the individual vulnerable to attacks.
Those fiery darts that the shield of faith protects us from can be from hurtful situations in the past which still cause pain today, remnants of previous attacks that the enemy tries to bring back to the surface and torment us with.
Next we are to
take the helmet of salvation/deliverance.
Eph. 6:17.
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak. Is. 59:17.
Exodus 28:36-41. 36 You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 37 And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban.
38 So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord. 39 You shall skillfully weave the tunic of fine linen thread, you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the sash of woven work. 40 For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics, and you shall make sashes for them. And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty. 41 So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests.
The Hebrew word for TURBAN is derived from a verb which means: to roll or wind around. This may refer to the fact that the High Priests’ TURBAN was wound around his head like a tiara/crown. The head-dress of the High Priest represented his subordination to God, his obedience to God’s commands and submission to His will. This is relevant to us as believers, because we are to be submitted to the Lords will and obedient to His commands; our life is no longer our own. The fine linen of which it was made, tells of the personal righteousness which must be found in the one who stands in the presence of God on behalf of others. This can in no way apply to a roman helmet.
Holiness to the LORD.
The Lord Himself will separate the Holy Ones/kedoshim, from the unholy. His Name shall be on the foreheads of the righteous saints.
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Revelation 22:4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
The Roman helmet was made of metal, whereas the turban/ helmet of the High Priest was made of linen. Linen = righteousness.
The Hebrew turban/ head band, was symbolic of royalty and on the forehead/headband of gold was written: Holiness unto the Lord. 1Peter 1:15. Following the Holy One Who called you… that was the standard that had to rule the life of the priest and those who look at him. It represented a complete consecration to God.
take the helmet of salvation/deliverance…..
This was symbolic of the protection of the mind and the thoughts. We need to remember that the mind is the primary battlefield and where we are to take captive every thought that is not from the Holy Spirit before it goes any further bringing those thoughts into obedience to Messiah and His word.
This is warfare and we have the authority to command all negative and ungodly thoughts to leave in the name of Yeshua/Jesus. James tells us we are to resist the devil and he will flee. Thoughts come from the enemy of our souls in the form of temptations, we must recognize them and we are not to entertain them but cast them down.We have the mind of Christ/Messiah.
A Holy lifestyle is the key to having the mind of Christ and being able to immediately take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Christ/Messiah and the wisdom of God. This helmet/head covering, is the hope of deliverance/salvation, and of us becoming Christlike in our thinking. The place of a priest before the Lord, is a service of holiness. Jesus/Yeshua is our High Priest.Hebrews 7:28.
The reference to the High Priests garments are more in line with what we as disciples are supposed to be showing to the world – not that of a violent, aggressive, merciless soldier, ready to maim or kill for the least reason for worldly purpose, gain and rewards. But rather the soldier of Messiah/Christ, one who is aware of the spiritual realm and its consequences. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:3+4 endure hardship as a good soldier. One translation puts it: Accept your share in suffering disgrace as a good soldier of the Messiah Yeshua. No soldier on duty gets with civilian affairs since he has to please his commanding officer.
Along with the SWORD given by the Spirit that is
the WORD of God.
The Word of God is the sword, the sword is the word of God.
Personal protection is provided in the armor of God in all but the sword. This is the sword of the spirit, and is one that divides between soul and spirit, the carnal and the spiritual, and the joints and marrow.
It cuts to the real issue of sin by using Gods Word coming out of our mouth. Just as referenced in
Revelation 1:16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.
What is the sharp, double-edged sword coming out of His mouth?
The answer lies in Hebrews 4:12,which states, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”Ephesians 6:17.
The ancient Romans employed the two-edged sword as a formidable offensive weapon, and a metaphorical sword is portrayed in both Hebrews and Revelation. It is not a real sword to hurt maim or kill people; but rather the Word of God, scripture, spoken by believers in faith; which will stem the tide of evil and defeat the onslaught of darkness.
This two-edged sword symbolizes Messiah/Christ’s authority and judgment, holding humanity accountable, even making access into our thoughts.
The image of the two-edged sword also helps us grasp the inestimable value of God’s Word. This Bible we carry and even have on our devices, is powerful and sharp and comes from the very mouth of our Lord. Historical figures such as William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, and Jan Hus are heroes to believers, because they worked through intense opposition in order for us to hold this weapon in our hands. The Word of God holds truly formidable power and is capable of transforming us at our core. We should never forget just what a privilege it is to have it in our possession. However it is of no use lying on a shelf gathering dust, we are to be doers of His Word and allow the Sword of His Spirit to take authority over the works of darkness.Eph. 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
1John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Isaiah 49:2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me. Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Revelation 1:16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.
Not a physical Roman sword of violence, killing and destroying others; but a sharp two-edged sword out of the mouth, proclaiming the Word of God.
The High Priest carried no physical sword, his sword was spiritual, he spoke the word of God in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. He carried the burden of the sacrifice for sin upon himself just as Messiah did. In the same way as Yeshua/Jesus quoted Torah, Prophets and the Writings all through His life, and even on the cross, the High Priests quoted from the Psalms. Revelation 19:15 tells us He will return with: A sharp two-edged sword is coming out of his mouth, so that with it he can strike down the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron, and he will tread the winepress of the wine of the anger of the wrath of Almighty God. 16 On his robe, and on his thigh, is written a name: King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Praying Always With All Prayer And Supplication
Most Roman soldiers did not spend any time on prayers for themselves, and almost never prayed for the cause of the poor and needy. Only the priests were called to pray and make intercession to God on behalf of others.
Exodus 34:8-9 So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. Then he said, “If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”
Psalm 82:1-4 1 God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. 2 How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3 Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.
In Christianity today, we have intercessory prayer warriors who wage spiritual warfare against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. In some instances, it is questionable how many can honestly stand righteous and blameless in all humility before a Holy God. There are some who like militant and brutal Roman soldiers, have been fighting in vain because they consider themselves spiritually superior towards their fellow believers, instead of serving others in humility and love.They are not gracious, merciful and kind; loving God and loving their neighbors, and it can be because they do not put on the correct armor of God! One good example of wearing the wrong armor is David when he fought against Goliath.
1 Samuel 17:38-47 38 So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39 David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 41 So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. 43 So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin.But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
David didn’t use the armor of Saul. He came in the name of the Lord of hosts. He came in the strength of God, totally dependent on Gods’ ability not on his own.
The battle is the Lord’s, and He will fight for us and give us victory! Having declared His Word in a situation we need to stand in faith and see His salvation! The most effective weapon we have is prayer based on Gods Word.
James 5:16 Amplified Bible
Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].
As we pray at all times with all kinds of prayers and requests in the spirit vigilantly and consistently for all God’s people.
Have we prayed prayers like this?
17&18 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
Are we doing this on a daily basis?
Eph. 6:10 We are to grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength and use all the armor and weaponry that God provides so that we will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the adversary.
How many of us are praying at all times, vigilantly and persistently? Are we growing powerful in union with the Lord in union with His mighty strength?
Or are we murmuring and complaining about our situation, or are we just sitting back and doing nothing to change it?
Are we walking daily in obedience to even the 10 Commandments?
Are we loving our neighbor as ourselves?
Are we even loving ourselves?
Are we living in the peace that God has given provided by our Prince of peace/Sar Shalom?
Is the definition evident in our lives, families and congregations?
If we truly believe what God’s Word says, why are we living at a lower level spiritually?
Have we become so wrapped up in life itself, that we are not walking side-by-side with our Lord.
The subtleties of the adversary are just that, subtle and sneaky, and are often quite inoffensive and so we entertained them; these are tactics that will cause us to stray from the Narrow Way. Taking our time and attention from the Lord and moving our focus onto things that distract us from the plan of God for us.
Ephesians 6:10-13 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
We are not fighting flesh and blood so we don’t need physical weapons. Messiah came to spiritually destroy the works of the devil and in His Name this is what we are to do. Maybe we need to remove the image of the unholy Roman armor and put on the spiritual Holy Priestly garments; this is how the Royal Priesthood does spiritual warfare.
2 Chronicles 20:14-24 14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” 18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high. 20 So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.” 22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. 23 For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 24 So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.
It wasn’t by physical fighting with physical weapons, nor with empty, powerless words, without direction or purpose; but with the high praises of God in their mouth, and a two-edged sword of His Spirit in their hands. They praised the Lord, and the Lord set ambushes and destroyed their enemies; not one escaped.
Psalm 149:5-9 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand, 7 To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute on them the written judgment— This honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord!
1Cor. 16:13-14 Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].
This post is NOT in any way saying that our weapons of warfare in the spiritual realm are passive or non confrontational. As we look at the High Priests attire in comparison to the roman soldiers armor, they are indeed powerful and mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. However, we have the mind of Christ/ Messiah not a roman mindset, the Hebraic mind of our High Priest Yeshua/Jesus; not the roman soldier whose mandate is to destroy and rule over with cruelty. Although an obvious example, the images we have been exposed to, may have given us a somewhat distorted picture of what Paul was attempting to convey to believers concerning our role as soldiers of Christ/Messiah.
We are to fight from our blood-bought position of righteousness, holiness and truth; wrapped in the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father.
Intercessory Prayer truly is warfare, where we are battling for the souls of men and women by confronting the darkness and all the demonic powers of the enemy. It’s not done with natural weapons or natural protective armor; and it’s not done in our own strength or name. We are wrestling against very real spiritual forces and is to be taken very seriously.
Psalm 149
Praise the Lord.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with victory.
5 Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.
6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them—
this is the glory of all his faithful people.
Praise the Lord.
Psalm 139 above, could refer to the tribe of Judah where in all Old Testament accounts of the children of Israel, the tribe of Judah, (which means praise); always went first, leading the way on journeys and into battles. Literally Praise went ahead of the whole of Israel.
And the warfare with the 2 edged sword of the spirit was against the demonic spirits/forces ruling through kings and noble sand leaders.For believers we are to comprehend and apply the victory won at Calvary; and understand that Messiah took possession of the keys of hell and death. He is the victor and only in and through His Name and shed blood can we stand.
Only on, and with, the authority He gave to His disciples can we fight the good fight of faith; and see those in bondage to darkness get free and delivered.
Only from a position of complete trust in Messiah and the Father can we engage the enemy.
Only with clean hands and a pure heart.
Only clothed in His Righteousness, a member of His Holy Priesthood.
Only with a grateful heart of love and thanksgiving are we going to be effective in this battle for the souls of humanity. Without His strength and courage we will not be able to resist, and stand, and remain standing, when the battle is won, still praying vigilantly and persistently.
The High Priest was and is our Messiah, Who is continually the intercessor between us and the Father. In Him we have all we need to walk and live in victory. If we will just be a DOER and apply it to our lives. We are a part of the army of light, soldiers of the lion of the tribe of Judah. Our battles are spiritual first and foremost, they are not against people, we are to love our Heavenly Father and His Messiah and people, that is the reason we fight.
Yes we are to fight, but fight on our knees, and humbly standing before the Lord in prayer, we are warriors of light; inspired by His love, mercy and grace and we belong to the day, let us stay sober and vigilant, watching for His return.
We are clothed in this armor of light and once it has been put on it should never be taken off; simply affirm each day that it is in place, checking our spiritual position, posture and attitude in the presence of HIs Holiness.
Here is an example that may help us to pray these verses.
Father I thank you for your provision in my life which will cause me to be victorious in Messiah. I have on the helmet of the salvation with the hope of being completely delivered that you have given me through faith in the redeeming blood of Yeshua/Jesus, This protects my mind against every lie and temptation of the enemy of my soul as I take every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah. I have the mind of Christ and the wisdom of God and discern my Heavenly Fathers voice, obeying His directions for my life. I have on the breastplate of trust, faith and love, of His righteousness as your Word says in 2 Corinthians 5:21 the righteous man shall live by faith. Father, You made Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach, to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become Your righteousness in Him. This breastplate of Yeshua/Jesus my High Priest, declares I am grafted-in to the children of Israel. You have placed me visibly over your heart and my heart is diligently protected by this breastplate because out of it flow the issues of life. I have on the belt of truth, Your Word is truth. Messiah is the Word of God made flesh and He is the Way the Truth and the Life. His truth has made me free from the law of sin and death. My feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, true shalom where nothing or missing or broken and I am ready at all times, in season and out, to share the good news of His redeeming power, love, grace and mercy in restoring our relationship with our heavenly Father. I have the sword of the spirit which is your Word coming out of my mouth, declaring your truth and proclaiming victory in faith, knowing that you watch over your word to perform it, that it does not return to you void but accomplishes what you send it forth to do. I hold up the shield of my faith in your ability to do all that you have promised in your covenant through Yeshua/Jesus blood. I trust you and know that this shield will stop every flaming arrow of the adversary because no weapon that is formed against me shall prosper. I know that you are also my rear guard and I am fully protected by the spiritual armor that you have provided. I am praying at all times with all prayer and am on guard, standing firm on your provision and promises in Yeshua/Jesus Name.
Shalom aleikhem
chaverim and mishpachah!
Peace to friends and family.
Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.
Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord, Deliverer and soon returning King; and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are very precious in His sight.
Not sure ..you can be…
SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,
SAY IT RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past. I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.
James 5-7-8 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord [a]is at hand.
Patience and waiting are probably not our best attributes. In a microwave, mobile-cell phone, drive through society with instant access to anything worldwide, we have lost the art of waiting patiently for anything. We get impatient with our Heavenly Father when we don’t have an immediate response to our questions and an instant answer to prayer requests. We have to rely on Him to do the work in His timing, not ours. We cant do it ourselves but we have to do our part.
The last 49 days of our count from the Omer at Pesach/Passover should have taught us that we cannot use artificial ways to make the crop grow any quicker. As we grow in our understanding of how His Kingdom operates, we realize we are not in control of anything; and that trying to take control in our impatience, will only frustrate us, destroy the crop and they will yield no fruit. The arm of the flesh is not the answer, we must rely on Him for all He provides. Without Him we will have nothing…the farmer waits….Every field that produces fruit for the Lord has the main ingredient of patience.
The work is time-consuming yet, the discipline it requires to bring a crop to harvest carries over into every other area of our lives. Our Father is teaching us that, as we have counted from the Omer and waited each day, we have been learning patience. If we are to grow and mature in Messiah we must to bear this fruit because if we don’t; we will remain impatient, do things on the spur of the moment and be irritated and dissatisfied, always looking to some dream future that we can’t change. When we do this we are not paying attention to today, and where we are right now, and what the Lord has done for us already. We have to wait for the the Lord to grow us, just as the farmer must wait for his crop.
One aspect of maturity in Messiah is, knowing when to put our hands to the plow and work until we cannot work any longer, yet also knowing that once we have done all we can, all that is left to do is to wait.
If we have heard His voice and responded and have done what He asked of us, then now its time to work and walk in the fullness of that maturity in Yeshua/Jesus. We have counted the cost of being His disciple and now is the season of remembering the outpouring of His Spirit. Are we ready to be re-filled with His fire and to boldly testify with the sword of the spirit, with His words coming out of our mouths; declaring that Yeshua/Jesus is the Messiah and whosoever will call upon the Name of the Lord will be saved? Will we allow His anointing to flow down on us so that we may finally work the fields that He has called us to reap. May our days of counting yield a lifetime of dedication and of patiently bearing good fruit.
So you too be patient stabilize your hearts because the ( 2nd) coming of the Master draws near.
Happy Shavuot.
There are several previous posts for Shavuot listed under 7 Festivals/Appointed Times/Feasts on Home Page including:
Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord, Deliverer and soon returning King; and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are very precious in His sight.
Not sure ..you can be…
SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,
SAY IT RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past. I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.
Possibly the thing we most often forget is that our fight of faith is not a physical one.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6 that we are in a spiritual battle.
It is not something new, it’s a war older than time itself, but because it is in the realm of the spirit and we do not see it with our natural eyes, we do not immediately recognize where the constant attacks of the enemy come from. Just as we don’t see the wind itself, but we see the effects of its’ destructive power on the physical realm; spiritual forces are arrayed against us and desire to inflict the same kind of damage in our lives.
We need to be reminded daily to identify the root causes of the majority of our struggles and to encourage ourselves and each other. We need to know, according to scripture, how we are to stand in our faith in Messiah by making that stand a victorious one. We have no doubt heard many sermons and teachings on these verses from Ephesians, however there are some aspects that we may not have seen before.
Most of us have been educated and schooled under a very Greek mind set and worldview and without realizing it, we have opened our minds and souls to globalization, new age and humanism; ultimately leading to the worship of man and things, instead of the One Who is the Creator of everything. Furthermore, as we are being schooled, the same mindsets and mentality prevail and follow us into our ‘churches’. Greek philosophy is geared towards the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; satisfying the minds and intellect; whereas the Hebraic thought gears towards the Tree of Life, satisfying the hearts and issues of life. Daniel prophesied of the increase of knowledge in the end days.Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
The unseen adversary in Ephesians 1:20–23, and the tempter in Matthew 4:1. The word adversary in Hebrew is Hasatan, this is the one who accused us before God. Revelation 12:10 references HaSatan as the accuser of our brethren…
In light of our spiritual battle, Paul emphasizes our need for correct, powerful and effective spiritual equipment.Ephesians 6:10-20.
One of the most common misunderstandings regarding the whole armor of God is caused by Greek and Roman cultural views. Many commentaries compared the whole armor of God with the armor of the Roman soldiers.
However in reality it is highly probable that the Apostle Paul was not referring to the Roman armor at all! He was really making reference to an ancient Hebraic armor, (shown below: King David and Joshua), as well as to a heavenly, spiritual armor loosely based on the High Priests garments.
Let’s read it again with fresh eyes and see the description as mirrored in the attire the High Priest/KohenHaGadol;. (the High Priest of Israel (Hebrew: כהן גדול, romanized : Kohen Gadol, lit. ‘great priest’; Aramaic : Kahana Rabba) was the head of the Israelite priesthood):
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul did not invent the idea of ‘the full armor of God’ on his own. He drew his wisdom and understanding from waht we call the Old Testament/Covenant; in Hebrew the TaNaKh, (the Torah, the Prophets and The Writings).
Isaiah 59:16-17 He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no intercessor; Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak. Isaiah 11:4-5 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. Exodus 28:1-4 1 Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest. 4 And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me as priest.
It seems very clear that Paul was making reference to the Holy garments of the Priesthood who had been called by the Lord God with which he would have been very familiar; and not the armor of unholy, violent, aggressive and merciless Roman soldiers, thirsting to torture others and kill people.
InI Peter 2:9-10 he clarifies that the chosen generation are a Holy nation of Royal Priests unto Him. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
We are in a spiritual battle not a physical one against people. The spiritual battle is just as real and one which does not stop day or night. However, we are to DO verse 12, resist the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers governing this darkness and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm; and verse 13 instructs us how to fight with weapons, as provided: So take up every piece of war equipment God provides.
We need to see how the Priesthood are dressed
and how is the High Priest dressed?
Verse 14 he begins with the belt of truth buckled around our waist.
In Isaiah 11:5 we see that: Justice will be the belt around his waist. Faithfulness the sash around His hips. This was Isaiah describing Messiah from verse 1-5.
In Leviticus 8:6-7: Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. And he put the tunic on him, girded him with the sash, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him; and he girded him with the intricately woven band of the ephod, and with it tied the ephod on him.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
The belt holds the priestly garments together. Without it, all the other portions will fall apart. The Lord desires to wash His priests with water, and sanctify them by His Truth! So that they will not be led astray, embrace false gods and worship idols!
The Belt of Truth – loins girt with Biblical Truth. The Romans had a leather belt, the Priests and High Priest had a linen girdle. Linen = Righteousness and Girdle = Servitude. Both kept other garments in place = support and foundational importance. Truth must be our foundation and the belt is also essential to a flowing garment to assure warmth and maneuverability. It was tied around the waist of the High Priest (blue, purple and scarlet linen intertwined with gold threads). In the language of scripture for a priest to be girded with his sash was for him to be fully arrayed in his garments and prepared and ready to serve. The front and back of the ephod were made as one garment, with this sash or girdle, which was tied around his waist. Luke 12:37;17:8. It’s an emblem of service. Messiah was not only the unwearied servant while on earth, but. like the Hebrew servant of Ex.21., He is the priest forever.
Another reference to the Girdle is in Psalms 18:32 God girds me with strength and makes my way perfect.The word AZAR is translated as girdle. The girdle David writes of, and as Paul would have known the verse, is and important part of the Eastern dress. It is like a belt used to draw the garment tightly to the body; particularly while on a journey or doing battle, either physically or in spiritual warfare. The enemy is always trying to draw us away from the Father, he’s using our feelings of inadequacy and lack of skills to discourage us; causing is to lean on the arm of the flesh which draws us away from Gods presence.
In the Hebrew language, this word azar, is in a piel intensive form and the definite article EL, is before the word of God to show that both God and strength are the direct objects. It is not simply Gods strength that is tightly wrapped around us, it’s God Himself. The Psalmist uses EL instead of Yehoveh/Jehoveh and the Rabbis teach that the word ELohim represents the masculine nature of God as the protector and provider. The arm of the flesh is not our source, our Heavenly Father is, and as this word in the Hebrew language is in a Piel or intense form, according to the sages, it indicates that He has not only wrapped Himself around us, but is hugging us with His strength. The word AZAR is used comparatively for strength, meaning He has a very strong grip of protection and provision around us. In Hebrew, Strength is CHYIL, which is a strange word as it has the concept of twirling, spinning around and dancing in a circle. Our Father is the lead partner and maintains a tight grip on us, leading us as we dance with Him through the problems we face, and indeed all through our lives. In the Hebrew language it would explain the use of the word for God in a singular form. Recall ‘im’ is the plural ending on Hebrew words. As in El – Elohim, plural and singular are a little different in the English language because in Hebrew plural does not always mean multiples, it can also mean a position of power and dominion.
We are to remember that the Gospel of Truth is just that and we are fighting in the spiritual realm, not against people in the natural physical realm. As we look at the weapons of this warfare we need to remember that only the sword is an offensive weapon, and is clearly stated as a sword of the spirit; which is the Word of Truth in the form of scripture that is coming out of our mouth. We know that our Heavenly Father watches over His Word to perform it. This armor is for protection, apart from the sword. We are not to be aggressive towards people, we are to bring truth and show forth the mercy and forgiveness of sin by His Grace and the power of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus shed blood, Who through His Holy Spirit draws people to Himself with cords of love.
The Priesthood and the High Priest were not warriors nor violent, they served and ministered to the Lord with, and for the people, living a Holy set-apart life.
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
Verse 14 put on righteousness for a breast plate.
Also 1Thess. 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me as priest. Exodus 28:15 You shall make the breastplate of judgment. Artistically woven according to the workmanship of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, you shall make it. Exodus 28:22-30 22 “You shall make chains for the breastplate at the end, like braided cords of pure gold. 23 And you shall make two rings of gold for the breastplate, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 24 Then you shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate; 25 and the other two ends of the two braided chains you shall fasten to the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the front. 26 “You shall make two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which is on the inner side of the ephod. 27 And two other rings of gold you shall make, and put them on the two shoulder straps, underneath the ephod toward its front, right at the seam above the intricately woven band of the ephod. 28 They shall bind the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod, using a blue cord, so that it is above the intricately woven band of the ephod, and so that the breastplate does not come loose from the ephod. 29 “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually. 30 And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord. So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually.
Leviticus 19:15 You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.
The priests are to be righteous before God. They cannot play favoritism towards the rich and despise the poor! They have to pray for every tribe in the community regardless of their financial status. Not one less. A high priest does not have a holier-than-thou attitude towards others. He ministers to everyone, and bear their names and burdens over his heart. There is no discrimination or bias against anyone. Let’s look at Yeshua/Jesus, our High Priest:
Matthew 4:23-24 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
What is righteousness in the sight of God?
Deuteronomy 6:25 Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.
Luke 1:5-6 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
But a Roman soldier does not have any righteousness on his breastplate. Neither does he desire to keep the commandments of God!
Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, salvation as a helmet on his head. He clothed himself with garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in a mantle of zeal.
Eph. 6 and 1Thess. 5:8. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
The breastplate of faith and love:
The breastplate of the High Priest was worn on his chest it had on it the 12 precious stones that represented all the tribes of the children of Israel displayed over his heart.
Yeshua/Jesus is now our High Priest and those who are ‘grafted in believers’ in the Jewish Messiah, are held over the heart of our Lord and Savior.
So the breast plate is as faith, putting on trust over our hearts; to guard our hearts, for out of it flow the issues of life.
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Prov.4:23.
Righteousness involves more than just following a set of rules; it encompasses a lifestyle characterized by integrity, justice, and love.
When we live according to these principles, we’re not only bringing peace to our own lives but we also help to create a harmonious and just society.
Embracing righteousness means seeking justice and equality, showing kindness and compassion, and treating others with respect and dignity.
It means standing up against injustice and oppression, speaking out for those who cannot speak fro themselves, for those who have no voice, and to work towards a world where everyone can experience shalom/peace and well-being.
“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” – Isaiah 32:17
By striving to lead a righteous life, we become catalysts for peace. Our actions not only bring tranquility to our own hearts but also inspire others to seek righteousness and pursue peace.
Together, we can create an environment not of this world, yet within it, where peace prevails; and everyone can experience the true and lasting peace/shalom, that comes from a life grounded in righteousness and faith in a Holy Righteous God.
In the next verse 15 we are told:
wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the gospel the good news of shalom/peace.
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion,“Your God reigns!”
The Good News is the gospel of Messiah, He has become the promise and it is fulfilled in Him through Jesus/Yeshua.
Peace/shalom is restored …
The word shalom comes from the Hebrew shalem, meaning whole and complete, nothing is missing and nothing is broken.
Shalom encompasses more than just an absence of conflict. It carries within it a profound sense of wholeness, completeness, and overall well-being, it represents a state of harmony and tranquility that goes beyond external circumstances.
Shalom is a concept that covers every aspect of our lives – our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, one that brings us a deep sense of inner peace and fulfillment. Shalom is not a passive state, but an active pursuit of wholeness and completeness in all areas of life.
Some more definitions of Shalom:
Shalom’ comes from ‘shalem’, meaning ‘to be complete’, so when there is ‘shalom’, there is tranquility just as there is sufficient food clothing and housing. There is divine health, with no sickness.
Shalom, the word normally translated peace, means, nothing left out, health, welfare, security, justice, and tranquility, also freedom from all disaster.
Having a settled quietness and composure of mind, the fullness of the word for peace which is ‘Shalom’ , could also read ‘full, total and complete wholeness for the human spirit, soul (mind will emotions), and body.’)
Shalom means an absence of: disorder, injustice, bribery, corruption, conflict, hatred, abuse, violence, pain, suffering, immorality, disorder, strife, poverty, sickness, abuse, accidents, homelessness, pain, anger, and all the other negative forces.
When shalom reigns there will be no more immorality, no more injustice and the principles advocated in the scriptures will be followed by all; and then the command to love your neighbor will be made complete. This is the essence of His Coming Kingdom.
Shalom – no good thing is withheld.
Exodus 3:5 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.
Priests minister to the Lord God without wearing any shoes or sandals! They walk barefoot on the floors of the temple courts and in the Holy places/ground where the presence of the Lord is. However they are always ready to serve the Lord and the people, to bring good news, proclaim peace, bring glad tidings of good things, and proclaim salvation.
A Roman soldier wears shoes but they bring bad news of slavery, cruelty, domination and proclaiming conflict and war!
The subtleties of the adversary are just that, subtle and sneaky, and are often quite inoffensive and we entertain them, these are tactics that will cause us to stray from the Narrow Way. They take our time and attention from the Lord and His Kingdom and move our focus onto things that distract us from the plans and purposes of our Heavenly Father for us.
Ephesians 6:10-13 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Let’s remove the mindset of the unholy Roman armor and put on the Holy Priestly garments!
1Cor. 16:13-14 reminds us how the Royal Priesthood does spiritual warfare.
Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].
Yes we are to fight, but fight on our knees, humbly before the Lord in prayer, we are warriors of light, inspired by His love, mercy and grace; and we belong to the day, let us stay sober and vigilant.
The armor of light refers to the spiritual weapons and armor God gives us to fight spiritual battles. Life is a constant warfare for us so we must be ready to fight. To put on the armor of light also means to add to your faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity, 2 Peter 1:5-7.
We are clothed in this armor of light and once in place it should never be taken off; simply affirm each day that it is in place, checking our spiritual position, posture and attitude in the presence of His Holiness.
Part 2 will conclude the remaining parts of our spiritual armor.
Shalom aleikhem
chaverim and mishpachah!
Peace to friends and family.
Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.
Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord, Deliverer and soon returning King; and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are very precious in His sight.
Not sure ..you can be…
SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,
SAY IT RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past. I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.
In the previous post we looked at
James 5-7-8 
P
Priests minister to the Lord God without wearing any shoes or sandals! They walk barefoot on the floors of the temple courts and in the Holy places/ground where the presence of the Lord is. However they are always ready to serve the Lord and the people, to bring good news, proclaim peace, bring glad tidings of good things, and proclaim salvation. 
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