LIGHT OF MENORAH

Genesis - 69 - Gen. 28:10-22 Jesus in Torah - THE CROSS AND THE LADDER

In lesson 4 part 2 in the Exodus series of podcasts it is seen that the Hebrews, probably starting after Joseph died in the last chapter of Genesis, assimilated into the culture and customs of ancient Egypt.  They bought into the wrong “story.”  I said I’d link you to the lesson in the Exodus series.  It is critical that you listen to that podcast and understand the truth of the fact that the Hebrews assimilated into the Egyptian culture.  It is so critical since it helps us understand the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, even from Genesis chapter 1 verse 1.  Here’s the link - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wdzur-f82194

And one aspect of the mythology of ancient Egypt has everything to do with ladders! In the ancient Pyramid texts dated to 2500 B.C. and still used in the days of Moses in 1446 B.C. there was the idea of the pharaoh needing a ladder to get to heaven.  The ladder was provided by the gods so that the pharaoh could have a way to be with the gods in Egyptian paradise.  Shown below is a picture found in one of the temples in ancient Egypt showing the ladder concept.

 

So, you are a Hebrew.  You are free and not a slave any more.  You hear that Moses is writing the books of God’s instruction; God’s instruction means תורה Torah.  Torah means instruction and not law.  You’ll be one of the first to hear what he wrote.  It was perhaps understood then that Yahvay, the LORD, was somehow inspiring Moses to write these documents.  So, what would you think when you came to the story of Jacob’s dream and the ladder to the heavens?  You’d remember it from Egyptian mythology.  But this time, the one, the true God, the only God, is helping you understand it is HE who gives us the way to Himself and not the Egyptian gods or pharaoh.  It is the Lord who provides the WAY back to Himself since you probably heard the 1^st book Moses wrote.  Genesis.  In that book you heard that the way to paradise, the way back to the Father was closed.  But now, as you hear about Jacob’s dream it is as if God is trying to say there is good news, the “gospel.”  It is as if God seems to say that one day the way back will be provided by the Lord. 

The dream of Jacob is an awesome and powerful lesson.  As we put it back into its historical context it even gets more profound. Come.  Join us.  Let us return to that ancient place that Jacob named בֵּית אֵל Bayt El, Bethel, the dwelling of God. 

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 - 39 part 3 - Exod. 14:13-31 - THIS TESTIFIES OF JESUS

Lesson 39 Part 3 – ALL SCRIPTURE TESTIFIES OF ME – Jesus says this sometime between 24-30 A.D. and we read it in John 5:39. All they had then was the Hebrew Scriptures.  So those who first heard Jesus, who did not have the New Testament, it was clear Jesus was saying that the Torah and even Exodus 14, the chapter we are studying in lesson 39, testify of Jesus.  How?  Get ready.  Get your seat belts on.  The rescue at ים סוף Yam Suf – the sea of Reeds – connects us to Jesus and the final victory of His over death.

Also, we again encounter the ANGEL OF GOD or the ANGEL OF THE LORD.  In lesson 32 in Genesis we dealt with this in detail and showed how the Angel of the Lord is GOD, a manifestation of God to us in the flesh so that we will not die yet "see the Lord."  Here’s the link to lesson 32 in Genesis dealing with the Angel of the Lord. Link - https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zfndi-fd62d0

In part 2 of lesson 39 we will study how this relates to the dogma of the Trinity.  We say there are three PERSONS in one God.  Once again we are reading it in English when it was actually written in Greek almost 2000 years ago.  The Greek word that we translate as PERSON today is not what the Greek word means then and in the New Testament.  It means FACE or mask.  Just like when Jesus said to Philip in John 14 that if we SEE Jesus, one might say see His face, then we have SEEN the Father.  We have seen the face of the Father.  And, we did not die.  God told Moses that we can’t see Him or we will die.  God actually said in the Hebrew that we can not see His FACES!  We can see a face of God, like Jesus.  We can see another face of God like the Angel of the Lord.  But, we can’t see His FACES – like all of them together.  The Greek word we translated as person, if we keep it in its original meaning as FACE, the dogma of the Trinity becomes a concept we can perhaps begin to grasp.  Jesus is God.  He is one with God.  He is one of the faces of God.  When we see Jesus we see God, a manifestation of God Himself. 

Who is the Egyptian god of the wind?  This god is named Shu.  Shu is the awesome god in Egyptian mythology, the wind, who held up the sky. 

Did Pharaoh think that it was Shu, the god of the wind, that blew all night to create a path through the chaos of the sea so he could then capture the Hebrews and Moses and return them to slavery.  Did Pharaoh think his gods were fighting for him?  It seems likely and it fits so well in this narrative.  To read more about this Egyptian god here are a few good links …

Link 1 - https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/shu/

Link 2 - http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/shu.htm

 

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 64 - Exod. 25:10-22 - The Mercy Seat and the Blood of the Lamb

* NO BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR INTENTIONAL SINS

As we saw in this lesson the sin sacrifice is only for UNINTENTIONAL SINS (Lev. 4:1); those sins committed mistakenly or in error or with no understanding by the one doing the act.  The Hebrew word used is Shag-ah-ga שְׁגָגָה (H7684) which means a mistake or inadvertent transgression, and error, a act of sin done in ignorance, an act done with the "sinner" unawares, or a sinful act done unwittingly. 

This is not our understanding of sin as Christians.  To us as Christians we have been taught that all sin, every sin is an act disobeying the Lord on purpose or INTENTIONALLY.  No one teaches in the church today that in the Hebrew scriptures there are two types of sin UNINTENTIONAL and INTENTIONAL.  And it is so clear, so precise, so exact that יהוה Yahvay, the LORD, our God teaches in His TORAH in Leviticus that the sin sacrifice is ONLY for UNINTENTIONAL sin. 

I have done a number of lessons on this and have gone more in depth.  I will again come back to this again and again especially when we reach Exodus 34 and Leviticus 16.  So, you may not want to wait till I get there in this podcast series.  So, below are links to resources to help you dig deeper into this Torah concept of sin; that is, sin that is unintentional and intentional.  You'll be able to see that Jewish theologians as far back as 100 years or so after Jesus said there was NO ritual, no sacrifice, no atonement for intentional sin.  One might say the תורה Torah which brings us the NEW COVENANT at Sinai was incomplete.  How is it made complete?  How will it be FINISHED?  Ready?  Here's the links.

Link 1 - a podcast on unintentional and intentional sin as it relates to the Lord's special appointed time of YOM KIPPUREEM - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-1-it-is-finished/

Link 2 - a short 5 minute video that gets into this topic and shows the connection of the Sinai Covenant and that Yeshua completes the covenant at the cross - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/five-small-stones-episode-9-rom-104-it-is-finished/

Link 3 - this is a chapter from one of my class books that focuses on the Lord's special day of Yom Kippureem and the issue of unintentional and intentional sin -  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/za1ss9s0gcmp7evzp5ops/Lsn2-Fall-Feasts-2019-31-...74.pdf?rlkey=0tt9vhgfl50joiaskt2tzjqea&st=86mkwjfd&dl=0

* ATONEMENT, FORGIVENESS, PROPITIATION, EXPIATION - Jesus and Yom Kippureem

This is an appropriate place to go into the definitions of these words. I have heard sermons on these words but never did I understand what they meant.  I was never taught the subtle nuances of these critical words as they relate to our salvation the very words of the Lord. 

In this lesson about the "mercy seat" and how it connects to Leviticus 16 and the Lord's special appointed time of Yom Kippureem, it seems appropriate to explain these words in some detail.  

* ATONEMENT - it is an act(s) done by the guilty party, the sinner, to appease or satisfy the one you sinned against.  If I have hurt someone - whether it is unintentional or intentional - and I want to regain my relationship with that person I hurt I will atone for my "sin."  I will do things that hopefully will be enough for the one I hurt to accept my actions that I do to prove I am atoning and thus make things right again.  But, between us and God things are different. 

In the rituals of Yom Kippureem the atonement to make ourselves "right" before the LORD, the actions, are not done by the people but by Aaron the KOHEN HAGADOL כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל - High Priest.  This was only for unintentional sins since God commanded the use of a bull and a goat for the sacrifices as one can read in Leviticus 16.  When we consider Jesus we find He did the atonement for us.  He did the act - His sacrificial death on the cross - to do what was necessary as an act of atonement for us.  As Christians we do not atone for our sins, our INTENTIONAL sins.  As the Hebrew Scriptures shows there is no ritual, no sacrifice, that can be used as the act to bring us back in righteousness before the Lord.  It is only the act of Jesus, His death, that is the act of atonement.  Yes, we should confess our sin.  Yes, we should realize our guilt and bring this to the LORD in a prayer of admittance or contrition - contrition is not just a recitation of words; it's a personal act that involves both the heart and will. It expresses a sincere desire to be forgiven and to change one's behavior.  And. yes, we should know that by GRACE the LORD has given us the blood sacrifice, the crucifixion of the LAMB, as the act for our atonement.  

* FORGIVENESS - this is an acceptance of the atonement of the sinner by the one sinned against and an act by the one sinned against to show that the sinner is once again in good standing.  Atonement is done by the sinner.  Forgiveness is done by the person who was sinned against.  

Yom Kippureem the atonement is done by Aaron the KOHEN HAGADOL כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל - High Priest.  Again this is only for unintentional sins since God commanded the use of a bull and a goat for the sacrifices as one can read in Leviticus 16.   And in Leviticus 4 and 16 we read the actual words of the Lord that the UNINTENTIONAL sins of Israel are cleansed, done away with, or, in other words, forgiven.   

But, there is NO act or acts that one can do as our personal atonement to be forgiven for our INTENTIONAL sins against the Lord in the Torah and in the New Covenant, the Sinai Covenant, we are studying.  The Sinai Covenant was "incomplete" and it is FINISHED only in Jesus and this is proven in the very words of God ...

Yes, the Bible teaches that sins can be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ. Several Bible verses say that through Jesus' sacrifice, believers can receive forgiveness for their sins and be reconciled to God. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Here are some key verses that support this:

• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [2, 3, 5, 6]
• Acts 2:38: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." [7]
• Ephesians 1:7: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." [8]
• Colossians 1:14: "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." [4]
• Luke 7:48: "Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”" [1]

These verses highlight that through faith in Jesus and confession of sins, believers can experience the forgiveness of God and be cleansed from unrighteousness. [2, 5]

 

[1] https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/7-48.html

[2] https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/forgiveness-bible-verses/

[3] https://www.openbible.info/topics/jesus_forgave_us_for_all_sins

[4] https://www.truegospelofjesuschrist.org/forgiveness_verses

[5] https://www.quora.com/Where-in-the-Bible-does-it-say-all-sins-are-forgiven

[6] https://www.josh.org/fully-forgiven-god-sees/

[7] https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/forgiveness-bible-verses/

[8] https://www.countryliving.com/life/g32083109/bible-verses-about-forgiveness/

This brings us to an excellent question.  If someone sins against another person with a sin that is also against God (sin against another person and God simultaneously), can the one who was sinned against "forgive" the sinner when the act was also against God?  The Bible is clear - only God can forgive sin, sin that is INTENTIONAL. We can't.  But, with a sin there is a debt that is owed, a price that needs to be paid, so that the sin can be erased, cleansed, and the "debt" paid.  Perhaps in the "Lord's Prayer" this is what it means in GREEK and not in English when we say, "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."  In Greek the word is not sin or sins but debt and debtor.  Interesting.  We should forgive the debt or our debtor, that which we require so that the debt of the sin is "paid."  But, the actual sin, the actual guilt of the sin is only between the sinner and the LORD.  Check this out in one of the lessons I did on the Lord's Prayer.  Here's the link to the lesson entitled, "The Lord‘s Prayer - Lesson 8 - Debts & Sins & Debtors & Sinners" - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-14-part-8-the-lords-prayer-debts-sins-debtors-sinners/

 

* PROPITIATION - this is the act of appeasing the one who was sinned against.  In other words it is an act that the one sinned against agrees is sufficient to erase the debt of the sin and the guilt of the sinner and restore the sinner and the one who was sinned against.  So, atonement is an act done by the sinner to again be restored to the one who they sinned against.  But the one who atones may not do the right thing to appease the one sinned against.  The one sinned against says what the price is to be paid - the propitiation is determined by the one sinned against not the one who atones.  We want to be forgiven by the LORD and so we atone.  But, the propitiation is beyond our doing.  The only act to appease the Lord is the death of His Son, the sacrificial death of Yeshua for us.  Yeshua then takes our sin upon Himself and He does the act of atonement.  His atonement results in His obedience to go to the cross and die as the act, the only act, the only blood sacrifice, or the propitiation for our sin.  

* EXPIATION - this definition is quite simple.  It is the process which erases the guilt and the debt.  One of the best explanations I have read on the difference between EXPIATION and PROPITIATION is from Ligonier Ministries.  Here it is.  

Let‘s think about what these words mean, then, beginning with the word expiation. The prefix ex means “out of” or “from,” so expiation has to do with removing something or taking something away. In biblical terms, it has to do with taking away guilt through the payment of a penalty or the offering of an atonement. By contrast, propitiation has to do with the object of the expiation. The prefix pro means ”for,” so propitiation brings about a change in God‘s attitude, so that He moves from being at enmity with us to being for us. Through the process of propitiation, we are restored into fellowship and favor with Him.

(https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/two-important-words-good-friday-expiation-and-propitiation)

In this podcast lesson I mentioned that the KH ROO VEEM (in English Cherubim) are a familiar concept in the 15 century B.C.  Here are some pictures of various winged creatures used to guard and prevent access to that which they are protecting ... 

All these images are used by permission.  They are easily accessed at Wikimedia.

I had mentioned that one of my resources was Dr. Craig Keener.  He is a proven trustworthy source as we study the Bible in it historical context.  

He discusses cherubim in his writings, particularly in the context of Genesis 2-3 and Ezekiel's prophecies. He notes that cherubim, as depicted in the Bible, are powerful beings associated with God's presence and holiness. They are often depicted with multiple wings and faces, and are linked to themes of guarding and protection, as seen with the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Genesis and the Garden of Eden: Keener highlights the cherubim stationed at the entrance to the Garden of Eden, tasked with guarding the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve's expulsion. He connects this to the broader theme of humanity's stewardship and the consequences of disobedience. [2]
• Ezekiel's Vision: Keener also explores the cherubim in Ezekiel's visions, where they are described as composite beings with four faces (man, lion, ox, and eagle) and multiple wings. He notes that these faces can be seen as representing different aspects of God's rule and creation. [4, 5]
• Ancient Near Eastern Context: Keener emphasizes that understanding cherubim requires considering their context within the ancient Near East. While some aspects of the cherubim are similar to imagery found in other temples, the cherubim in the Bible also have unique characteristics. [1, 2]
• Gradation of Holiness: Keener suggests that the cherubim's placement and the materials used near the ark in the tabernacle reflect a gradation of holiness, emphasizing the reverence for the divine presence. [1]

[1] https://www.logos.com/grow/live-craig-keener-johannine-literature/

[2] https://craigkeener.com/gods-goodness-messed-up-genesis-2-3/

[3] http://pneumareview.com/rightly-understanding-gods-word-learning-context-part-1-by-craig-s-keener/7/

[4] https://www.artzabox.com/a/blog/christian-guides/the-significance-of-ezekiel-and-the-cherubim-in-the-bible

[5] https://angeltreetopper.com/ezekiel-cherubim-and-revelation-four-living-creatures

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

Ferret somewhere near the ancient site of Bethel in Israel.

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

 

Genesis - 68 - Gen. 28:10-22 - THE DREAM - TRUE? FALSE?

This is the 2nd lesson on this amazing event - Jacob's dream of the ladder, the way to the Father.  In lesson 68 we focus on Jacob making a deal with God.  Check it out.  Jacob says as if speaking to the Lord that if you Lord do X, and if you Lord do Y, THEN, then and only then will you be my God.  So, is that what God wants us to see?  Is that what God is teaching in His Torah which does not mean LAW but INSTRUCTION?  Can it be?  Can it be that we can cone to God have today in these days of evil and chaos and make a deal?  Can we tell God, "Hey Lord, if you give us what we want politically or socially then we will your people?"  Can we buy Him off?  Is this the way to become "saved" by telling God to do our bidding.  If He does then we will be His son or daughter.    

In this lesson we face the fact that Israel coming out of Egypt were the targeted audience of God for the Torah.  God wanted them to learn something that they'd get since they assimilated into the pagan culture of Egypt.  It has to do with the ladder in Jacob's dream.  I mentioned this in this lesson.  Here's the link to the lesson in the Egyptian study series that shows the Hebrews assimilated - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wdzur-f82194

Who is this guy, Rev. Ferret? 

(Ferret in Timna Park just north of Eilat Israel)

What's his background?  Why should we take time to listen to him?  Here's a link to check out his background - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

 

Exodus - 39 part 2 - Exod. 14:4-12 - Do you know the Lord?

In part 2 of lesson 39 we return to Exod. 14 and study Pharaoh’s heart, God’s glory, and how to “know” the Lord.  We read the Bible in English and we read the words heart, glory, and the phrase “to know.”  If we stay in the English we miss so much as to the actual Hebrew.  God wants all Egyptians "to know" Him and it connects us to Jesus when He said ...

 

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'  (Mat 7:21-23)

 

Jesus, God, is saying the same thing to us.  He wants not just for us to believe in Him but to know Him.  But, what does it mean?  What did it mean in Exod. 14?  What did Jesus mean?  He is God and He doesn't change as in Mal. 3:6.  So, we need to grasp what God wants when He say He wants all Egypt, all Israel, and all nations to KNOW Him.

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 Nugget 31 - "God's New Year and the Messiah" Exod. 12:1-2

GOD'S NEW YEAR!

Our New Year on January 1st has nothing to do with Jesus, the Bible, His birth, or the Good News.  Matter of fact New Year on January 1st has a pagan beginning.  Julius Caesar started it with his Julian Calendar in 46 B.C.  Caesar names the 1st month JANUS where we get January.  Janus was a two headed god that seemed to look to the past and the future simultaneously (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Janus-Roman-god).  Later Pope Gregory the 13th (1582) fixed the Julian Calendar and so we got the Gregorian Calendar and it too agreed with Julius Caesar that January 1st is the New year.  Check out the link for a great review of the history of the New Year -https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-the-new-year-start-on-january-1

In Judaism by the eary 2nd century A.D. Jewish people started celebrating their own made up new year.  It is unbiblical and it was made up by the Jewish scholars and rabbis in those days.  It was called Rosh HaShana (in Hebrew it means the head of the year) and the name was used to rename an actual feast of God, Yom Teruah, the feast of the blast or the feast of the shofar blast.  It was NOT practiced in Jesus' day as Rosh HaShana but the day may have had special rituals since it was a feast commanded by God and not the rabbis as we find in Lev. 23: 24-25.  

"Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 'You shall not do any laborious work, but you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD.'" (Lev 23:24-25)

Please check out the Bible study podcasts that go into the real history of Rosh HaShana.  It is an amzing man-made (rabbi-made) feast that is NOT in the Bible.  It has nothing to do with Jesus or His birth.  However, there are some awesome connections to the feast of the Lord called Yom Teruah, the feast of the Shofar blast.  Here's the link to the studies you may find very intersting ... https://youtu.be/ssiam-Y3FdU?si=-otXRRHR-mLBrcCo

There are other new year celebrations.  Here's just a sample of a few of them ...

Other Cultural New Years

•  Hogmanay (Scotland):** A famous New Year's Eve celebration.
•  Nowruz (Persian):** Marks the vernal equinox (around March 20) with feasts and spring celebrations.
•  Songkran (Thailand):** A water festival in April.
•  Enkutatash (Ethiopian):** Celebrated in September, marking the end of the rainy season. 
• Hijri New Year (The Muslim New Year) marks the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorating Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, symbolizing a fresh start for reflection and spiritual renewal, not typically a big party, but a time for prayer, remembrance, and the somber 10th-day Ashura for Shia Muslims. For 2026, it's estimated to begin around June 16-17.  So before Islam Arabs worshiped  the moon or the moon god whose names are Sin (Akkadian), Nanna (Sumerian), Suen, Namrasit, Nannaru, and sometimes considered "al-ilah" (the god).  So the 1st day of the 1st month for Arabs who worshiped the moon became a special high holy day.  When the religion changed to Islam all associations to the moon god were forbidden.  

But, there is one new year commanded by God and it is Biblical.  This podcast video deals with the New Year celebration.  The church does not recognize it at all.  It is sad since it clearly represents the 1st day of the 1st month when the world changed and God's people were saved and delivered and became a special people and a nation of priests.  This was true for the Hebrews and all who chose Jesus as Lord, Savior, the one and only God.

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - somewhere in Timnah Park - site of the Tabernacle)

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 63 - Exod. 25:10-16 - the Ark of the Covenant

As we enter our "journey" studying the details of the Mishkan KaKodesh Yahvay, the Holy Dwelling of the LORD,  known as the Tabernacle, we find just reading the details is not inspiring or exciting reading.  All this detail, however, must have its purpose.  We again recall Jesus' words ...

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me" (Joh 5:39)

So for us, as aspiring disciples of Adonai Yeshua, would conclude these chapters related to the Holy Dwelling Place of the Lord will testify of Jesus.  Just like He said.   Thus, we need to pay attention to the words carefully and get help.  We need access to excellent and credible Christian Bible scholars or Messianic Jewish Bible scholars to help us "see" Jesus in these texts.  We need to make sure that what they present is solid and Biblically based and simply not their imagination or opinions of crazy flights of fancy. 

For me, I will put the Bible back into its historical context and seek the help of archaeology, geography, history, the customs and the cultures of the ancient Middle East (in the case Egypt), and even the languages of the ancient Middle East to help us see the connections between the specific aspects of the Tabernacle.  I will access key scholars like Dr. John Currid or Dr. Craig Keener and his, "Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible," or such resources as the "Archaeological Study Bible" from either Zondervan or Crossway publishers.  I too want to "see" Jesus but I want to do it in such as way that it makes sense and connects us with the earthly dwelling tent of the Lord and all its rituals to give us a picture so we can be better able to understand the hidden spiritual concepts of the Lord and His redemption plan.

I mentioned several links I would provide.  The first is a very special video podcast I did entitled, "The Chiasm of the Light."  It is a Bible study of a concept called CHIASMS.  It is a literary structure used again and again in the Bible.  It is amazing that this literary structure seems to be used by God to show us absolutely that from Genesis 1:1 (the 1st verse in the Bible) to Revelation 22:21 (the last verse in the Bible), that it is all about Yeshua HaMaschiack, Jesus the Messiah, Jesus the Christ.  Tis implies as we read on into Exodus and the details the Lord provides on His Holy Dwelling Tent, then we are trusting these verses will testify of Jesus as He said, as God said, in John 5:39.  Check it out.

Link -

https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nugget-18-the-chiasm-of-the-light/

Another fun resource is from the website "Free Bible Images."  This link will provide you with amazing pictures of the Ark of the Covenant of the Dwelling Tent of Adonai (the Tabernacle).  I will be using this link again and again as we focus our study on a specific item in God's Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Dwelling of the Lord.   

Link (pictures - look for with box on the upper right that says VIDEO LINK to also access an awesome video)) -

https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bs-tabernacle-ark-covenant/

I study and rely on professional archaeological journals.  One is "Bible and Spade," a publication from the Christian archaeological group called,"Associates for Bible Research."  The second is the journal called, "Biblical Archaeology Review," from "The Biblical Archaeology Society."  If you are serious about Bible study, if you are serious about getting the best resources available to help you go deeper, these two journals are a must.  A few pastors who have attended my classes now subscribe and have told me it has changed their sermon prep immensely. 

In this podcast I access an awesome article from "Biblical Archaeology Review" addressing the Ark of the Covenant.  It is clear tha archaeology shows us that the Lord told Moses of specific things Moses was familiar with in Egypt to use as a model or a pattern for what the Lord wanted in the Beit HaMikdash, His Holy Dwelling.  In this way the people, the Hebrews would be able to easily make the connection as to God's purposes since they are seeing things that resemble things they saw in their 400 some years in Egypt.  Here's the link to the article.

Link - https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/artifacts-and-the-bible/ark-of-the-covenant-in-egyptian-context/

In this podcast we dealt with CANOPIC JARS.  The jars contained specific body organs of a pharaoh that are removed from the pharaoh's body before mummification.  These organs are put in the canopic jars and are buried with the pharaoh in his tomb. 

Below is a picture of canopic jars I bought in Egypt on one of my several study and research trips.   

Many of us are familiar with King Tut.  His actual name is Too-tank-ham-moon.  Canopic jars were found in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings across from Luxor Egypt.  His jars were put in a special box, a special "ark" if you will, called the chest of Annubis.  This was found in King Tut's tomb along with the canopic jars.  

Annubis is the Egyptian god of the underworld.  Annubis is to guard the four body organs of the deceased, the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines as they are removed from the body of the deceased so the body can be mummified or preserved to meet with the gods after death.  Supposedly then the four organs, the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines will be replaced into the body when the body is resurrected to live forever with the gods.   The Hebrews in the days of Exodus would have known this.  They would have understood the special nature of this box, the chest of Annubis.

Here is a link to an awesome video about Canopic Jars.  It is made for kids but, for me, it is done so well I think you'll enjoy this wonderful scholarly video about these jars and the ancient Egyptian culture.

Link to video - https://www.historyforkids.net/canopic-jars.html

 So archaeology and history gives us added insight into what those Hebrews coming out of Egypt probably understood.  Yahvay, the Lord, God, wanted to give them something concrete, something they knew and understood, something physical that they could then be able to begin to grasp the Spiritual concepts of what God is teaching or things in the heavens.  God does not need a box like the Ark of the Covenant.  He does not need a tent or a Holy Dwelling Place where He is beyond the heavens and the earth.  But, His people need them.  Moses needs them.  We need them.  We'll see in this lesson the Spiritual aspects of God wanting to "camp out" with His people.  He needed a "TENT," that we call a tabernacle, to give His people a concrete object to grasp that the Lord was with them.  And, Yahvay used it again in John 1:14 in that He came to "camp out" with us again in His human tent.  

God creates physical things for us to picture those difficult Spiritual concepts or things that are in heaven, or the places above.  He did this right from the get go in His Torah in the first verse of Genesis.  If you haven't studied these podcast Bible study lessons now is the time before you go on in these chapters on the "Beit HaMikdash" (בית המקדש), the Holy Dwelling Place.  Here's the links to these awesome lessons ...

LINKS TO GENESIS 5 – CHOAS TO ORDER –

PART 1 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/genesis-5-part-1-gen-11-2-god-creates-the-heavens-and-the-earth/

PART 2 – video - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/genesis-5-special-gen-11-2-polemic-theology-from-chaos-to-order/

Who is this guy, Rev. Ferret? 

Ferret someplace near the Jordan River

What's his background?  Why should we take time to listen to him?  Here's a link to check out his background - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

Genesis - 67 - Gen. 28:10-22 - THE WAY HOME

Jacob camps out and has an awesome dream.  The dream is of a ladder from the earth to the dwelling of the Lord God - in Hebrew we'd say Bet El or the House of God or the Dwelling Place of God or His Abode.  There are spiritual beings going up and down the ladder.  Hmm.  Angels right?  But, the Hebrew word for angels means messengers or even those deputed by the Lord.  Deputed means to be sent out to complete a task.  Could it be that these angels are God's deputies.  Those going down the ladder are headed out to do their assigned task.  Those coming up are His deputies who have done their work and are returned to Bet El, the dwelling place of God.  Perhaps.  We'll study the Hebrew and see how this fits the conceptual meaning of the Hebrew word meaning messenger that we say are angels.

But the ladder.  What's this about?  I offer one view.  Perhaps there are others.  What does it mean?  The way to the "tree of life, the way back to Paradise, the way back to ABBA our Father is closed.  We can't go back.  Is the Lord teaching us that there is a way home for us?  Is this a prediction for the future? Jesus' own words seem to verify that He is showing Jacob the future - the coming of one who will be the way back to the Father as in John 14:6. Jesus said He is the ladder in John 1:51.  He said He will be lifted up like standard, like a sign, like a ladder in John 3:14.  As the ladder, as Jesus is lifted up as the way home He will draw all men to Him to have the chance to return to the Father through Jesus.  It again seems we have another proof that all scripture in Jesus' day, the Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament, testify of the coming Messiah, the coming Savior, the one who will be set up as the only WAY back home.

In the podcast I mentioned three links I'd provide.  Link 1 - a Christian scholarly article on the concept of angels.  I recommend when you read it substitute the word angel and say MESSENGER.  Here's link #1 - 

https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-Bible.html

The 2nd link is to a Jewish scholarly article on God's MESSENGERS.  In this article you'll see how the rabbis years after Jesus' ascension started making up more fantasy about angels.  Much of their notions and the mistaken ideas of the so-called church scholars has led to our notions today of angels which is totally different than what the Bible MESSENGERS are really like.  Here's link #2 -

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/angels/

The final link is to episode 9 in the Bible study video series, "Five Small Stones."  These are five minute Bible study videos and in episode 9 we ask what does Paul mean in the two verses below.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 
(Rom 10:4)

"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. (Act 13:38-39)

Is it possible the ladder is the way God will establish so we can all return to Him?  Is the ladder perhaps another picture for the cross?  Maybe.  Here's the link to all 11 videos.  Just scroll down to find #9 -

https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/?s=five+small

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - in a wadi somewhere in the Judean Wilderness)

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 - 39 part 1 - Exod. 14:1-4 WHERE’S MT. SINAI?

There is simply so much to learn and study in Exodus 14.  The main event is the unbelievable crossing of the sea and how God rescues Israel.  I will split lesson 39 into three parts.  Shown below is a brief idea of the concepts taught in each part.

Part 1 – where is Mt. Sinai? Does the Bible assist us in our pursuit of Biblical archaeology?  Does it provide facts and real evidence to help in archaeological discovery?  Eilat Mazar used the Bible to begin her dig to discover David's palace.  In her own words ...

"There can be little doubt that King David had a palace. The Bible tells us that Hiram of Tyre (who would later help King Solomon build the Temple) constructed the palace for David: 'King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys to David, with cedar logs, carpenters and stonemasons; and they built a palace for David' (2 Samuel 5:11). Nine years ago I wrote an article in BAR suggesting where, in my opinion, the remains of King David’s palace might lie. I proposed looking in the northern part of the most ancient area of Jerusalem, known as the City of David." ( “Did I Find King David’s Palace?” by Eilat Mazar originally appeared in BAR, January/February 2006. The article was first republished in Bible History Daily on September 7, 2012.  )  This is so amazing that the Bible led Eilat Mazar to the place to dig to find David's palace.  In part 1 we will see how once again God in His word gives us enough details that helps us as we try to find Mt. Sinai.  

Part 2 – Pharaoh’s heart, God’s glory, and how to “know” the Lord.  We read the Bible in English and we read the words heart, glory, and the phrase “to know.”  If we stay in the English we miss so much as to the actual Hebrew.  God wants all Egyptians "to know" Him and it connects us to Jesus when He said ...

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'  (Mat 7:21-23)

Jesus, God, is saying the same thing to us.  He wants not just for us to believe in Him but to know Him.  But, what does it mean?  What did it mean in Exod. 14?  What did Jesus mean?  He is God and He doesn't change as in Mal. 3:6.  So, we need to grasp what God wants when He say He wants all Egypt, all Israel, and all nations to KNOW Him.

 

Part 3 – ALL SCRIPTURE TESTIFIES OF ME – Jesus says this sometime between 24-30 A.D. and we read it in John 5:39. All they had then was the Hebrew Scriptures.  So those who first heard Jesus, who did not have the New Testament, it was clear Jesus was saying that the Torah and even Exodus 14, the chapter we are studying in lesson 39, testify of Jesus.  How?  Get ready.  Get your seat belts on.  The rescue at ים סוף

Yam Suf – the sea of Reeds – connects us to Jesus and the final victory of His over death.

Also, we again encounter the ANGEL OF GOD or the ANGEL OF THE LORD.  In lesson 32 in Genesis we dealt with this in detail and showed how the Angel of the Lord is GOD, a manifestation of God to us in the flesh so that we will not die yet "see the Lord."  Here’s the link to lesson 32 in Genesis dealing with the Angel of the Lord. Link - https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zfndi-fd62d0

In part 2 of lesson 39 we will study how this relates to the dogma of the Trinity.  We say there are three PERSONS in one God.  Once again we are reading it in English when it was actually written in Greek almost 2000 years ago.  The Greek word that we translate as PERSON now is not what the Greek word means then and in the New Testament.  In the New Testament and for the early church fathers it means FACE.  Just like when Jesus said to Philip in John 14 that if we SEE Jesus, one might say see His face, then we have SEEN the Father.  It's the Greek word we translated as person.  But if we keep it in its original meaning as FACE, the dogma of the Trinity becomes a concept we can perhaps begin to grasp.  Check it out.

In part 1 I mentioned a map that might help you in the complex discussion we will encounter.  The map is shown below.  I highly recommend you use the map for this podcast.  It’ll be very helpful to grasp the details and the specifics presented.  Here’s the map.

Also, in this lesson, I mention the journey of Ezra as he and about 6000-7000 Jews return from Susa in ancient Babylon to Jerusalem.  The map of that journey is shown below.  Again, this will be a good resource to give you a better understanding of the lesson.  Here’s the “Ezra Journey” map.

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret ...somewhere in the Negev in 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 62 - Exod. 25:1-8 - "BUILD ME A DWELLING PLACE" - THE WAYPOINT ON THE HIKE THROUGH TORAH

THE WAYPOINT OF OUR JOURNEY

If you are a hiker like me there are times you are hiking on a trail and come across something special.  It might be a great look out on a high hill or a beautiful pond or a rock structure that has a unique shape.  It might be so cool you want to remember it, you want to make it a WAYPOINT.  If you do a search on the internet you might come up with the following description generated by AI of a WAYPOINT ...

In the context of hiking, a waypoint is a specific point of interest that you can mark on a map or in your GPS device, often used to track progress and navigate trails. These can be anything from a landmark to a campsite, water source, or a turning point. 

This podcast Bible study on Exod. 25:1-8 is a WAYPOINT for our journey through Exodus.  It is a significant and critical set of verses that mark the rest of the "trail" to be of major importance.  Because now יהוה‎ Yahvay, the LORD, works with Moses to give him the details to make יהוה‎ Yahvay a TABERNACLE and the LORD with thus dwell among His people.  

Image - permission to use - FreeBibleImages.org

 

We're going to find however, that the word TABERNACLE is not Hebrew nor Greek nor English.  It's Latin.  What is a Latin word doing here? So what does this word mean and why does it "hide" a more awesome way of looking at God's dwelling place?

 

And we will also find that "dwell" is not a good translation from the Hebrew in the phrase in Exod. 25:8 that יהוה‎ Yahvay will dwell among His people..  In the Hebrew it means something that we don't see - it means more than dwell - and when we see it this provides an expanded and enriched understanding of God among us.  On top of that we'll see that these verses testify of Yeshua, our Bridegroom, who came to "dwell" among us and with us and in us (John 14:20).   The Greek word translated as "dwell" in John 1:14 also translates the Hebrew word that is translated as "dwell" in Exod. 25:8.  Does this provide the connection?  What is going on?  You won't believe it!  

 

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?

(John & Robin somewhere in the Middle East)

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