LIGHT OF MENORAH

Exodus - 37 part 1 - Exod. 12:29-51 - ”Son of Amun Ra Killed in 1446 B.C.”

EXODUS LESSON 37 PART 1

In part 1 of lesson 37 we will learn about the father of the gods.  He is Amun Ra.  He was the head god in the 18^th dynasty at the time of the Exodus in 1446 B.C.  We read in TORAH the following …

Now it came about at midnight that the LORD struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of cattle. (Exo 12:29)

Amun Ra had an only son, the moon god Khonsu. One can say that it is like the father of the gods lost his only begotten first born son on the first Passover on the night of the full moon.  This strikes really close to home for a Christian.  What is the Lord God teaching us?

Here’s links to study the Egyptian Trinity of Gods.  Link 1 is on Amun Ra and link2 is on his wife, Mut, and his only begotten son, Khonsu.

Link 1 –  https://www.memphis.edu/hypostyle/meaning_function/amun-re.php

Link 2 - https://www.memphis.edu/hypostyle/meaning_function/mut-khonsu.php

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

Exodus - 37 part 2 - Exod. 12:29-51 - Hebrews Leave Egypt - column was 114 mile s long

EXODUS LESSON 37 PART 2

In part 2 of lesson 37 we study the numbers in Exodus 12 and Numbers 1-2.  It says that 600,000 men left Egypt in the Exodus.  It is estimated that this is probably 2,000,000 people total and perhaps even 3,000,000.  The Bible goes on to say in Num. 1-2 that the army of Israel in 1444 B.C. numbered 603,550 men.  This is ridiculous.  Consider the chart below from the Encyclopedia Britannica.  (To view the chart click on this link -

 https://www.businessinsider.com/this-ambitious-graphic-shows-the-size-of-standing-armies-from-antiquity-to-the-present-2014-11)

If this is the case Israel had the largest army in the world of all ancient nations and empires including Rome!  This makes no sense.  But, this also implies that if there were 603,550 men in the army this means perhaps 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 total people left Egypt in the Exodus.  If that is the case, if it is 2,000,000, the line of these people traveling out of Egypt would be 100 to 200 miles long and it would take more than a day for them to cross the sea.  The numbers DON’T ADD UP. 

Is the Bible wrong?  Why would the Lord give us numbers that make no sense?  Or perhaps, there is something we can’t see?  Perhaps it has something to do with the Hebrew word אֶלֶף  ELF H505.  Today, it means 1000’s.  But back then it could also mean …

And he said to Him, “O Lord, with what do I save Yisra’el? See, my clan (אֶלֶף  ELF H505) is the weakest in Menashsheh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Jdg 6:15)

Perhaps there is a reasonable explanation for these improbable numbers that maintains the veracity of God’s word.  Perhaps?  Not perhaps.  But, definitely.  There is a realistic solution. 

Check out the links that were brought up in this lesson.

• Check out this website that discusses the issue with the number 600,000 men leaving Egypt in the Exodus. Link - https://www.thetorah.com/article/recounting-the-census-a-military-force-of-5500
• Another website that also presents a very complete discussion on the improbability of the numbers used in Exod. 12 and Numb. 1-2 – Link - https://sharedveracity.net/2016/10/15/did-an-army-of-600000-israelites-conquer-the-land-of-canaan/
• Here’s a link to the chart above - https://www.businessinsider.com/this-ambitious-graphic-shows-the-size-of-standing-armies-from-antiquity-to-the-present-2014-11
• Light of Menorah video entitled “The Mirror of Passover” - https://youtu.be/ipaeu7AQZ8Y

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - on the Sea of Galilee)

What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

 

Exodus - 5 part 2 - 1446 B.C.

Exodus - 1446 B.C.

In part 1 we focused on real archaeology that shows 1) the Israelites were in Egypt prior to the Exodus and 2) that real archaeology supports the date of the Exodus to the 15 century B.C. or 1446 B.C.  In part 2 we will deal with the dates. 

In Exod. 12:40 the sons of Israel (Jacob) lived in Egypt 430 years till they left with Moses.  Where does that number come from?  Why doesn't anyone explain it?  Also it is taught to us that the early date of the Exodus was 1446 B.C. and no one ever justifies this date.  It is just stated.  Why won't anyone help us understand that this date of 1446 B.C. is supported by REAL archaeology and not someone's opinion or speculation.  Well, I will.  This lesson is to show that the early date of the Exodus, 1446 B.C. is very likely considering the archaeology supporting it and the study of the events in their historical context.  

I mentioned I will provide a number of links to resources to help you study further.  These links and resources are shown below.

Link 1 - slides that may help you put all this together - click here for the slides that summarize this podcast

Link 2 - an article on Edwin Thiele that shows how he connects the Assyrian King List (calendar) to 1 Kings 6:1 - click here for the article

Link 3 - an article by Dr. Bryant Wood on setting of the date for the Exodus - click here for this amazing article that completes lesson 5 part 2

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background

Exodus - 5 part 1 - the archaeology of the Exodus

EXODUS – Did It Happen? When?

The next two lessons are critically important for everyday Christians to finally separate hype from truth and fantastic outlandish claims regarding the Exodus to see and learn of the real evidence that again shows the truth of the Bible and that it is God’s inspired word. 

Lesson 5 is in two parts.  In part 1 we will focus on real archaeology, real evidence, not patterns of evidence, or hints at evidence, about the Exodus.  There is no need for me to re-teach or re-present that which has already been researched and completed.  In this lesson you will learn about the Associates for Biblical Research (I will use ABR for the name of this ministry), a Christian ministry made up of Christian evangelical Bible historians and archaeologists.  Their website is https://biblearchaeology.org/

This is a must “go to” internet resource for everyday Christians to learn about the veracity of the Bible – the Bible is true, credible, and can be depended upon from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22.  These proven Christian professional archaeologists have a mission to show via real archaeology the evidence of the truth of the inspired word of God, the Bible.  In addition these archaeologists using the truth that comes out of archaeology want to spread the gospel of the Kingdom to all.  There are stories of people who were agnostic or total unbelievers who came to be followers of Jesus Christ because of ABR and their awesome scholarly work in Biblical archeology.

In this podcast, part 1 of lesson 5, I mentioned an amazing video TV series that is free to all on the website for the Associates for Biblical Research (ABR) called, “Digging for Truth.”  There are over 100 episodes from proving Daniel is a real prophet of the Lord and that he gave his accurate prophecies in the early 5^th century B.C. to showing that the resurrection of Jesus is true.  Again and again as you watch these TV programs (most about 30 minutes in length) you will see all the crazy ideas and theories available on the internet are completely proven false. 

Here’s the link to the complete list of episodes for “Digging for Truth” – https://biblearchaeology.org/mediainfo/digging-for-truth/digging-for-truth-episodes

The links below are to access the three-part series by Dr. Bryant Wood of ABR on the real archaeology that shows Israel was in Egypt; it shows the real probability they were there also just before the time of the Exodus in 1446 B.C.

Video 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT6giGYerx4

Video 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJn09u8cYRA

Video 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EMecjtl-MA

The links below here are for the two-part series by Dr. Scott Stripling of ABR on the archaeology, the real evidence of the date of the Exodus in the 15^th century B.C. or 1446 B.C. 

1^st episode – https://biblearchaeology.org/mediainfo/digging-for-truth/digging-for-truth-episodes/4538-digging-for-truth-episode-43-archaeological-evidence-for-the-early-date-of-the-exodus-part-one

2^nd episode - https://biblearchaeology.org/mediainfo/digging-for-truth/digging-for-truth-episodes/4544-digging-for-truth-episode-44-archaeological-evidence-for-the-early-date-of-the-exodus-part-2

Here’s the link to the article at ABR that shows that Dr. David Rohl’s theory of his new Egypt chronology that is used as the ONLY proof of the date of the Exodus in the DVD video “Patterns of Evidence” is only a theory; it is highly criticized by Egyptologists, and creates more problems than it solves.  Dr. Rohl an agnostic tries to make up a theory to prove the date of the Exodus.  A theory that is unproven with any degree of completeness.  But, we are not interested in theories but real evidence of the Exodus.  Link – https://biblearchaeology.org/research/chronological-categories/conquest-of-canaan/3196-david-rohls-revised-egyptian-chronology-a-view-from-palestine?highlight=WyJkYXZpZCIsImRhdmlkJ3MiLCJkYXZpZCciLCInZGF2aWQncyIsImRhdmlkJy4iLCJyb2hsIiwicm9obCdzIiwiZGF2aWQgcm9obCJd

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

 

Exodus 69 part 3 - Exo. 29:37-46 - OLAT TAHMEED - CONTINUAL BURNT OFFERING

 

I mentioned a number of resources that I would provide links for or include for your further study.  First, if you want to expand your study into the ideas of Unintentional sin and Intentional sin, please check out …

Exodus 69 part 2 – https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-69-part-2-exod-2920-37-ram-of-the-lord-sanctifies-head-and-heart-and-hands-and-ferret/

Yom Kippureem

• Episode 1 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-1-it-is-finished/
• Episode 4 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/yom-kippureem-episode-4-the-goat-and-the-lamb-john-539/

Genesis Lesson 70 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/genesis-70-gen-2813-15-we-all-will-be-blessed/

See the chart below showing a little more detail as to the OLAT HATAMEED or the “Continual Burnt Offerings.”  The final blood sacrifice that completed the Covenant was the sacrifice of the Lamb of God “who takes away the sins of the world” and was offered between the sacrifices.

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - on Tel el Safi or ancientGath Israel)

What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background

Exodus 69 part 2 - Exod. 29:20-37 - Ram of the Lord Sanctifies Head and Heart and Hands and Ferret

Before you listen to this podcast, part 2 of lesson 69 of Exodus, it is highly recommended that you listen to part 1.  It establishes the foundation for part 2 and part 3.  Here’s the link to Exodus 69 part 1 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-69-part-1-exod-291-20-ordain-fill-the-hands/?token=7ff856387a2146fbe29d60bdcecc5531

The concept of head and heart and hands and feet is a metaphor the rabbis of Jesus’ day and before recognized.  It is found throughout the Bible.  In Jewish thought, the head, heart, hands, and feet symbolize the integration of a person's life, encompassing the faculties of intellect (head), mental capabilities & will (heart), and action (hands and feet), all directed toward serving God and living a moral, purposeful life.

Symbolic Meanings

• Head (Intellect/Wisdom): is an input out device. We speak and see as output. We see and hear and taste as input.  From the input it goes directly to our heart.
• Heart (Mind & mental abilities & Will): the heart (lev) is the seat of our mind, our intellect, our mental capabilities. It is not related to our feelings or emotions. In the Hebrew scriptures the seat of emotions are the kidneys (see https://www.torahapologetics.com/language--word-studies/hebrew-anatomy-part-2-the-kidneys for this idea).
• Hands (Action/Deeds): the tools of action and the means by which a person translates intellectual understanding into tangible deeds – things that we do resulting from the intentions coming from our mind (hearts).
• Feet (The way we live/Our walk): how we live, the observable direction of our lives.

This lesson might spur you on to do you own study of the concept of head and heart and hands and feet.  I watch for this constantly as I read and meditate and study and do research and even pray the text.  One example is when I say my morning prayers including the Shema that Jesus would’ve said three times a day.  I have been blown away as to how the concept of head and heart and hands and feet is everywhere in these Bible verse prayed by Jews three times a day in Jesus’ day, before His time, and even till today.  Check it out …

 THE SHEMA שׁמע

Head and Heart and Hands and Feet

Deuteronomy 6:4–9

"Hear (HEAD), O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart (HEART) and with all your soul and with all your might. "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart (HEART). "You shall teach (HEAD) them diligently to your sons (children) and shall talk (HEAD) of them when you sit in your house and when you walk (FEET) by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand (HAND) and they shall be as frontals on your forehead (HEAD). "You shall write them (HAND) on the doorposts of your house and on your gates (FEET).

Deuteronomy 11:13–21

 "It shall come about, if you listen (HEAD) obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart (HEART) and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather (HAND) in your grain and your new wine and your oil. "He will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. "Beware that your hearts (HEART) are not deceived, and that you do not turn away (FEET) and serve other gods and worship them. "Or the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the ground will not yield its fruit; and you will perish quickly from the good land which the LORD is giving you. "You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart (HEART) and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand (HAND)  and they shall be as frontals on your forehead (HEAD). "You shall teach (HEAD) them to your sons (children), talking (HEAD) of them when you sit in your house and when you walk (FEET) along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. "You shall write them (HAND) on the doorposts of your house and on your gates (FEET), so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens remain above the earth.

Numbers 15:37–41

The LORD also spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make (HAND) for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put (HAND) on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. "It shall be a tassel for you to look (HEAD) at and remember (HEART) all the commandments of the LORD, so as to do (HAND) them and not follow (FEET) after your own heart (HEART) and your own eyes (HEAD), after which you played the harlot (FEET), so that you may remember (HEART) to do (HAND) all My commandments and be holy to your God. "I am the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the LORD your God.

In this lesson I commented on Psalm 119:2 and the phrase “seek Him with all their heart.”  It has nothing to do with someone “looking” for God or Jesus since they do not feel His closeness or since He is invisible, we ask where is He.  Two podcasts that demonstrate that God is always with us and there is no reason to look for Him are Truth Nuggets 3 part 1 & 2.  These lessons will enhance our understanding that if we are His people, if we are truly His disciples, the followers of Jesus, and He is always with us.  There is absolutely no reason to go looking for the Lord as per the very words of God.  Moreover, it is more than the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.  Check them out …

 

Truth Nuggets 3 part1 –

https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-lesson-3-part-1/

 

Truth Nuggets 3 part 2 –

https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-lesson-3-part-2/?token=ddbd4a5471c8c67b359d9cb31ea26d7b

 

Light of Menorah did a podcast of this concept.  It is Truth Nuggets 13 entitled, “Head and Heart and Hands and Feet.” The link is below. 

Over and over again we read the about being righteous and it is pictured in the way we talk or hear or listen (our head) or in our work or results of what we do (hands)  and in the ways we walk (feet) – walk in the commands of the Lord and walk in our own ways.  It is also pictured in the way we think or our emotions of feelings (heart).  Just consider the text in the prophet Isaiah.

"Where will you be stricken again, As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head There is nothing sound in it, Only bruises, welts and raw wounds, Not pressed out or bandaged, ... So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood." (Isa 1:5-15)

In one chapter we see this concept played out quite clearly.  The rebelliousness against God is pictured using the concept “head and heart and hands and feet.” 

Another place this is seen is in the consecration of the high priest Aaron and his sons.  This is exactly what we are focusing in on in this podcast and in part 1.  Consider …

"Then you shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram. "You shall slaughter the ram, and take some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the lobes of his sons' right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet, and sprinkle the rest of the blood around on the altar. (Exo 29:19-20)

In the Torah Commentary by the Messianic Jewish scholar, Tim Hegg (make sure you check out his website as another resource for Bible study - https://torahresource.com/) says that these body parts in the ancient Middle East and among the ancient Hebrews came to mean hearing and obeying the Torah of the Lord using the ear (Head).  The right hand symbolizes one’s work.  Aaron had his hand dedicated to the daily work of the sacrifices of the Lord (Hand).  His feet symbolize that he walk according the God’s ways and maintain his right standing before God in his daily movements in life (Feet). 

There are two verses that you may remember that deal with the heart.  In these verses we see that the heart is the source of our wickedness and our evil ways and thoughts.  Consider …

"The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways (feet), According to the results of his deeds(hands). (Jer 17:9-10)

"But the things that proceed out of the mouth(head) come from the heart, and those defile the man. "For out of the heart come evil thoughts (heart), murders(hands), adulteries(hands), fornications(hands), thefts (hands), false witness(head)., slanders(head). (Mat 15:18-19)

Let's delve into this and see the dramatic place it takes us.  Let's study this idea God seems to use to teach from Genesis to Revelation.  Come let's learn about Head and Hearts and Hands and Feet.

Link - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-psalms-13-psm-151-3-head-heart-hands-feet/

In this lesson there is only one way to cleanse and sanctify and purify us head and heart and hands and feet.  It is found in the picture below.  It is the direction that God was taking the concept of head and heart and hands and feet.

 

Exodus 69 part 1 - Exod. 29:1-20 - Ordain - Fill the Hands

This is another one of those chapters in the Bible that is not necessarily inspirational or having meaning for us as disciples of Messiah Jesus as we read it.  It is interesting for sure, but it seems only God's details to Moses for how to conduct the induction of (I'm using the Hebrew pronunciation of the names) Ah-aron as high priest and his sons, Naydav, Aveeoo, Elahzar and Ithamar as priests.  But, then we put this text in its historical context and everything changes.  It is clear this is about God's intention to continue to separate His chosen people, the Hebrews, from Egypt.  The had assimilated into the Egyptian culture and now the Lord was doing all things necessary to get Egypt out of Israel.  And it is not as easy for Him as taking Israel out of Egypt.  I did a podcast on showing that indeed the Bible implies that Israel had indeed integrated into the culture of Israel and perhaps assimlated.  Check it out ...

Exodus 4 part 2 - Exod. 2:11-25 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-gospel-according-to-moses-lesson-4-part-2-exod-211-25/

Now we ask the question how did those Hebrews who just came out of Egypt (it had only been no more than 3 months since they left Egypt) possibly understand this ceremony and the sacrifices.  When we put this text back to the year 1446 B.C. we understand that to know the symbolism of this induction of Ah-aron as high priest and his sons, Naydav, Aveeoo, Elahzar and Ithamar as priests we need to understand Egypt, the Egyptian gods, the Egyptian pagan religion, and the Egyptian culture.  

One scholar that the Lord provided me was Dr. John Currid.  He is a reputable and proven archaeologist, Egyptologist, and proven theologian.  I highly recommend two of his books.  Check out the pictures below.  Both are available for reduced price at www.Thriftbooks.com.  Get them.  You won't be sorry.  To know the Torah you need to know Egypt.  Amazing stuff.

In this lesson we talked about a number of awesome topics.  Here's more on those topics.

* OUR BODY LIKE A TENT

Rabbis plus Greek scholars of Paul's day teach that the human body is like the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or a tent, symbolizing a portable dwelling for God's presence. This concept primarily found in 2 Corinthians 5:1 and the Wisdom of Solomon 9:15. This concept emphasizes the mortality of the physical body and the anticipation of an eternal, heavenly, and "not made with hands" body to replace it. along with Greek philosophers plus later in mystical Jewish tradition (Kabbalah) and midrash, sees the body as a sacred space housing divine sparks. 

 

[1] https://www.berotbatayin.org/why-do-we-need-to-know-all-these-details-of-the-mishkan-tabernacle/

[2] https://medium.com/@coulter.daniel/bible-study-exodus-26-269ea6d7b466

[3] https://biblehub.com/study/psalms/15-1.htm

* APIS BULL - sacred diety of ancient Egypt - https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/bullcult/

* AMUN RE  https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/amun/

* LEAVENED BREAD DISCOVERED IN EGYPT - https://youtu.be/LlipgR0sWqY?si=9sJuGuX9WTytqc0C

* LIVERS AND DIVINATION

https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-practice-of-divination-in-the-ancient-near-east

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - on Tel el Safi or ancientGath Israel)

What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background

SHABBAT ZACHOR - AN AMAZING CONNECTION??

Rabbi Jonathan Cahan, a Messianic Jewish rabbi, famous throughout the world, did a video released today.  It came one day after mine.  I did not know this.  Jonthan, my dear brother in Yeshua, confirms what I taught in my video but adds to it; he adds things I missed. 

The Bible is true brothers and sisters.  God is real.  He made promises and predictions 1000's of years ago.  Promises that are true and prove we can rely on Him. We are seeing this happen before our eyes now.  Check it out ...

Link - https://youtu.be/UUKstmztpoE?si=yElRPzFbsI4rsubT

Truth Nuggets 15 vidcast Purim - Not By Chance But By Design

 

In this vidcast (video) we focus on a small detail the Lord inserted in the book of Esther.  For all my years I have never heard anyone teach on it - it was mentioned but no one took it deeper.  This small detail we all have read it.  But, it seems it doesn’t jog our minds to perhaps pursue what the small detail means and why it is there.  But, when we do.  WOW!!

So, some say God is not in the book of Esther. That’s right!  There is no mention of God or of faith or religious Jewish practices.  But, this is God’s inspired book.  Thus, call it His TORAH תּוֹרָה which does not mean law but instruction or the Lord's teaching.  What is the Lord trying to get at in the book of Esther?  Some things are very very obvious.  But, we miss things.  Why? We are so disconnected for studying the Bible in its historical context.  When we do this small detail in the book of Esther will lead us to places that will blow us away.

So, in this inspired book of the Lord, He is teaching us.  He is giving us His TORAH תּוֹרָה.  Could it be He is connecting us to the Gospel and the Messiah and His redemption plan?  Could it be that the book of Esther is part of His design and plan but we have failed to see it since that small detail is something we’ve ignored?  The answer is YES.  Watch the video.  All this is not my theory, opinion, or view.  It is The Very Word of God and wait till you see where this takes us.  Amazing.

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

Truth Nuggets 14 - Purim (Pooreem) - NOT BY CHANCE BUT BY DESIGN

The Jewish feast of Purim פּוּרִים‎ (pronounced in Hebrew Poo Reem) commemorates the deliverance by Esther of all the Jews from annihilation.  It has been glamorized recently in the movie called, “One Night With the King.”  It is also celebrated among the Jewish people annually.  But, the book of Esther has always been problematic for the rabbis.  It is totally secular in that God is never mentioned nor any aspects of the Jewish faith or ritual.  This is one reason why the book of Esther nearly didn’t make it into the Jewish canon, the accepted books of the Hebrew Scriptures.  It is also possibly why no portions of the book of Esther were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. 

The other issues in the book of Esther, her being in the pagan harem of king Ahasuerus, better known as Xerxes, or spending one night with the king sexually, were also very problematic with the rabbis and they tried to make up new made up interpretations to make Esther the Bible’s Cinderella; to make Esther a pure, devout, Godly, young lady.  These rabbinic views have affected the way both Jews and Christians understand the story to such an extent that the real meaning of these events has been lost amidst Jewish tradition and legend.

In this podcast we will put the book of Esther into its historical context.  We will not ignore the difficult aspects that are presented in The Very Words Of God.  And as we do we will come to see and understand the bigger picture of the book and what it means.  For me after studying these events in their historical context, I have been overwhelmed by the glory of the Lord in this book.  For me I will not be surprised to one day see Esther (she’ll probably being using her Hebrew name then, Hadassah) in the wedding party on the day of the wedding feast of the Lamb. 

In this podcast I mentioned a paper detailed the harems of ancient Persia.  The link is shown below. 

Link –  https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/harem-i

Also, some of you may like to see the archaeological site of ancient Susa.  Check out this short video on ancient Susa and the remains of the palace of Darius the king before Ahasuerus or Xerxes, the king in the book of Esther.

Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwkTCPELkvI

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0