LIGHT OF MENORAH

"Truth Nuggets" - these are short Bible studies in their historical context.  Our goal is to "walk those ancient streets and paths" with those ancient believers to reconnect to their day and their circumstances.  In this way we can hear what they heard and see what they say and come to grasp with what God originally meant in His word written to them 2000 and 3000 years ago.

In this episode, "Truth Nugget 2," we wrestle with the concept of what does it mean to be in God's house, what does it mean to be a sheep in God's flock, or what does it mean to be a disciple of a rabbi, specially Rabbi Jesus?  Are they all related?  Is there perhaps something that binds all these concepts together?  How does this relate to us as humans made in His image with a physical body and a spiritual soul?  

Once again we put the Bible into its historical context and consider how thee verses may apply in Jesus' day and times.  When we do it is amazing to see a more complete "picture" for us today as disciples of Rabbi Jesus, our Lord and Savior and our God.  In the first podcast in this series I reference Dr. Craig Keener a noted and amazing Bible historian and scholar.  I recommend you read his important article on the reason we study the Bible from its historical context.  

Here is the link to the article - https://craigkeener.com/why-it-is-important-to-study-the-bible-in-context/

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  

(Ferret - Timnah Park just north of Eilat Israel)

The new series from Light of Menorah continues.  It is entitled, 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

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? 

(Ferret ... resting in God's shade in His city, Yerooshalayeem)

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

 

 

In lesson 6 we consider the Torah, the 1st five books of the Bible, as a polemic.   A polemic is a concept that is diametrically opposed to a competing concept.  God seems to indicate this in Lev. 18:1-5 when God said ... Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 'I am the LORD your God. 'You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statutes. 'You are to perform My judgments and keep My statutes, to live in accord with them; I am the LORD your God. 'So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, by which a man may live if he does them; I am the LORD. (Lev 18:1-5, NASB)   It is if God is inspiring Moses to write parts of the Torah as a polemic that comes against the truth claims and pagan mythology of Egypt.  Clearly, God wants to help His chosen people to get Egypt out of their life and prepare for entering the pagan world of the Canaanites in the Promised Land. 

Later when we get to Genesis 50 and Exodus 1 and 2 we will study in detail the Bible proof that the Hebrews slowly but surely assimilated into the Egyptian culture - most of them forgot the God, the only God, the God of their fathers, of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.   For further study use this link to study the idea that the Hebrews had assimilated into the pagan culture of Egypt. 

Link to an article from World History about the Canaanite god YAMM the enemy of Ba’al - https://www.worldhistory.org/Yamm/

Here's the link to study that the Hebrews assimilated into Egypt – 

https://halakhaoftheday.org/2023/03/29/from-propsperty-to-assimilationn/

Here's a podcast from Light of Menorah also a study that the Hebrews assimilated into the Egyptian culture - 

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

 

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

 

 

 

In the podcast I mentioned I'd give you links to the ISBE, the International Study Bible Encyclopedia.  This is a FREE resource for you who are serious Bible students, serious and committed talmidim of Rabbi Jesus (disciples of Jesus our Master and Lord and our God).  The first link is to the homepage of the ISBE.  At the home page the alphabetical categories cam be found on the right side.  The other links are links to the content on SACRIFICES found in the ISBE.  

Link to ISBE - https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/

Link to Sacrifices of the New Testament 1 - https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/S/sacrifice-in-the-new-testament-1.html

Link to Sacrifices of the New Testament 2 - https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/S/sacrifice-in-the-new-testament-2.html

Link to Sacrifices of the Old Testament 1 - https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/S/sacrifice-in-the-old-testament-1.html

Link to Sacrifices of the Old Testament 2 - https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/S/sacrifice-in-the-old-testament-2.html

Link to Sacrifices of the Old Testament 3 - https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/S/sacrifice-in-the-old-testament-3.html

I ended this podcast using this verse ...

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near (this is two Greek words - eggus G1451 ”near” and egenethete G1096 “have become”) by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)

The words BROUGHT NEAR in Greek is eggus G1451 ”to be brought near” and in Hebrew it has the root Qarav (קָרַב) 7126 meaningto draw near," "approach," or "come close".  The Hebrew word for "brought near" is Qorban, H7133 (קָרְבָן) and means "something brought near." Both the Greek word and the Hebrew have the same root in Hebrew or Qarav (קָרַב) 7126 is a Hebrew verb meaningto draw near," "approach," or "come close".  So, if Paul is speaking in Hebrew he might write that we are Jesus' Qorban, we are the ones that Jesus brings near.  Like the sheep of a shepherd.  As the sheep of our Good Shepherd, Yeshua HaRoeh HaTov הָרֹעֶה הַטּוֹב, the Good Shepherd, brings His sheep near to the Father.

Related to this concept check out the following.  The first is an article written by Ray Vander Laan on the Good Shepherd.  The next are links to videos you'll enjoy created by Joe Kramer related to Jesus, HaRoeh HaTov הָרֹעֶה הַטּוֹב, the Good Shepherd and us His lambs, His sheep.

Article by Ray Vander Laan - https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/the-lord-is-my-shepherd-article

Video 1 by Joel Kramer (Pslam 23) - https://vimeo.com/102927470?fl=pl&fe=sh

Video 2 by Joel Kramer (The Shepherd and Sheep Connection) - https://vimeo.com/56210515?fl=pl&fe=sh

Video 3 by Joel Kramer (H is the Gate)- https://vimeo.com/47506129?fl=pl&fe=sh

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?

(John - on the Nile at Luxor Egypt)

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

Welcome to the new podcast series from Light of Menorah.  These podcasts entitled, "Truth Nuggets," are short Bible studies focusing on the archaeology, history, geography, customs, culture, and the ancient languages of the ancient Near East.  Our attempt is to put the Bible into its historical context and "walk on those ancient streets and roadways" with those ancient believers. We want to try and understand what they heard and saw and understood in God's word.  We want to try and reconnect to the original meaning that God intended.

In this first "Truth Nugget" we look at one particular verse that is a clear example of us,  21st century Christians, taking a verse out of context and misapplying it to our circumstances.  We have been so cutoff from the Bible in context that we have no other choice it seems, but to try and grasp the meaning of God's word from our own circumstances.  But, once we do reconnect to Psalm 118:24 in context and consider the verses that come before and after, and consider the historical context, the verse explodes with meaning as it relates to the entire redemption plan of El Elyon, the Most High God.

A proven credible Bible scholar and historian is Dr. Craig Keener.  I reference him in this porcast.  He has written a short article I highly recommend you read as you continue to live to stand and hold fast to God's Word.  Here is the link to the article - https://www.craigkeener.com/why-it-is-important-to-study-the-bible-in-context/

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret at Timnah Park 15 miles or so north of Eilat 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

In part 2 of lesson 4 we deal with the questions who is Reuel?  And, who is Jethro?  On top of that who is Hobab?  The Bible implies Reuel and Jethro and Hobab are the father-in-law of Moses (See Exod. 2:18, 3:1, Num. 10:29 and Jud. 4:11).  They must be all the same guy, right?  I mean that is what we are taught - same guy but had different names since they all had multiple names in those days but no one backs it up. But, Bible is clear; Hobab is the son of Reuel (Num. 10:29)  and Hobab is the father-in-law of Moses (Jud. 4:11) but Reuel is the father of Zipporah Exod. 2:18), Moses' wife.  This is crazy.  Must mean the Bible can't be trusted right?  Wrong.  It is wrong since you are dealing with this in English and not Hebrew.  

We end off this lesson reading that Hebrews cried out in Exod. 2:23.  But, it is more than cried out.  The Hebrew word is za'aka זעק H2199 which is shriek or scream in deep anguish or terror.  On top of that the Hebrews cried out to no one!  In Exod. 2:23 they cried out - to who?  God heard them but they did not cry out, shriek in deep pain, to the Lord.  Later, at the sea before they crossed over, one they were reintroduced to the God of Abraham, we read in Exod. 14:10 that Israel cried out TO THE LORD.  We miss that.  We think they cried out to the Lord in Exod. 2:23.  That is putting words in the Bible that aren't there.  They didn't know the God of their fathers anymore. 

What happened?  What's going on?  The answer - they had assimilated into the Egyptian culture.  The Bible proves it yet we missed it.  All they knew were the gods of Egypt.  It is easy to get Israel out of Egypt but it is nigh impossible to get Egypt out of Israel.  

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - leading a Bible stdy tour in Egypt)

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

This vidcast (video podcast) is a Part 2 of Genesis 5.  In this video we will see how God taught His people, the Hebrews, in ways that would make sense only to them in their day. We would not recognize it as we read the Bible. God is writing to a people thousands of years ago using concepts only they understood and not us.

Dr. John Currid, a highly credible Egyptologist, archaeologist, and theologian, wrote a book entitled, "Against the Gods." His thesis in the book is to show us how we in the 21st century miss how God taught His people in their time using things they were familiar with. Here's an example Dr. Currid uses his paper, "The Nature of Polemical Thought and Writing." He writes

 ... A STRONG HAND - some common expressions found in ancient Egyptian texts to describe the power of Pharaoh over his foes are that the monarch had “a strong hand,” or “he possessed a strong arm,” or he was “the one who destroyed his enemies with his arm.” It is ironic that the author of the book of Exodus assigns the same features to the Lord as he humiliates and destroys Pharaoh and Egypt (Ex. 3:19–20; 6:1; 7:4; 15:6, etc.).

James Hoffmeier, a famous Egyptologist, comments on this parallel, asking, “what better way for the Exodus traditions to describe God’s victory over Pharaoh, and as a result his superiority, than to use Hebrew derivations or counterparts to Egyptian expressions that symbolized Egyptian royal power?” For most of us this would have escaped us completely. We are not familiar with ancient Egyptian writings nor are we into the ancient culture and customs on Egypt in the days of Moses. But, God is clearly inspiring Moses to use an Egyptian idiom that the Hebrews would have been familiar with. God uses this to come against Pharaoh and show His power over Pharaoh and all Egypt. In this way God uses something Egyptian to teach His people about Himself and His character.

However, we will also see that these amazing lessons that made sense to those first believers also make sense to us today in the 21st century. Ready? Let's begin. Let's see how God uses Genesis 1:1 to teach His people coming out of Egypt that He is God and not Amun Ra. Let's also see how this relates to us today, us being His people, and knowing that God never changes (Mal. 3:6). He was the same 3400 years ago and today.

Link to John Currid's article referenced above - https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/sdg/polemic.html

Use this link to study the idea that the Hebrews had assimilated into the pagan culture of Egypt.  Here's the link - https://youtu.be/9tY5N0mAJ2I?si=7SzXFQWg0ZP4Hj3F

Here’s an article on the ancient Egyptian creation accounts - https://www.glencairnmuseum.org/newsletter/2021/7/13/ancient-egyptian-creation-myths-from-watery-chaos-to-cosmic-egg

Short cool video on the ancient Egyptian creation myth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTy49JlgJZE

 

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - leading a tour Egypt)

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

 

ROSH HASHANA EPISODE 4

(ROYALTY FREE IMAGE AT WWW.KINGPNG.COM)

In lesson 4 we seem to get at the primary connection between this feast of the Lord, this "appointed time" commanded by Him, His מוֹעֲדִ mo'ed and Yeshua HaMaschiach, Jesus the Messiah, the Christ.  Jesus said (John 5:39) that SCRIPTURE testifies of Him.  So, this feast in Torah likely testifies of Him.

We will focus on those coming out of Egypt and the one shofar blast that was beyond loud, strong.  It was awesome, amazing, and unbelievable.  As we study the events of this shofar blast it seems to create a definite connection to an event in the future - an event that mirrors the event experienced by the Hebrews at Sinai.  It takes us to a certain mountain, a specific location that we are all looking forward to.

I mentioned in this lesson about Rabbi Saadia Gaon living in the early 10th century A.D.  He suggested there were ten events related to the Shofar we should relate to Rosh HaShana.  (NOTE: the actual name used by God is Yom Teruah, the Day of the Blast.  Rabbis made up the name Rosh HaShana.  Their views of the Lord's feast and its meaning is unbiblical and not close to the Lord's purpose).  If you wanted to read the actual words of Rabbi Gaon check the link below.  Also, check the link below that shows that Rosh HaShana is not what God wanted or intended.  God named this this "appointed time," this מוֹעֲדִ mo'ed, one of His feasts as in Leviticus 23,  יום תרועה, Yom Teruah - the day of the blast (shofar blast is assumed).  The rabbis changed it and took out of the Bible, took out of the context of God's word.

LINK 1 - ten shofars of Rabbi Gaon

https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/128856?lang=bi

LINK 2 - Rosh HaShana is not biblical and of God but Yom Teruah is

https://booksnthoughts.com/rosh-hashanah-is-not-a-biblical-holiday/

 

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

 

I have heard the excuse of many in the "church" of why we do not do the Biblical feasts.  One will say they are the Jewish feasts.  And we are not Jewish.  Right, you are not Jewish, but you are also wrong.  Lev. 23:1-2 tells us that these feasts - actually in Hebrew they are the מועדים mow-ed-deem (H4140) or the appointed times) - belong to the Lord, belong to  יהוה Yahvay.  They are not only for Jews but for all God's people. On top of that Jesus also seems to imply that the feasts, the appointed times, are His.  Consider ...

And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples."'" (Mat 26:18)  

The Passover is one of the feasts, one of the מועדים mow-ed-deem and Jesus seems to say this is His.  Thus, Jesus is saying He is the Lord!  He is saying that the feasts are His.  

Besides that Jesus says in John 5:39 ...

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

He said this to the Scribes, the Chief Priests, the Temple Elders, and probably some Pharisees in 24-30 A.D.  All they had was the Hebrew Scriptures (a.k.a. the Old Testament) and the first five books of the Bible, the Books of Moses, a.k.a. the Torah, were the key foundational books of the Bible.  Jesus is saying the Torah testifies of Him, the Messiah.  So, the feasts, the מועדים mow-ed-deem, testify of Jesus.  Thus, some say in the church that the Biblical feasts are Jewish and only about Jewish stuff.  There's nothing in the feasts about Jesus.  Wrong.  What did our Lord just teach us?  Why won't we listen to Yeshua?  We don't listen to Him and and wonder why over 80% of so called people who call themselves Christians in the USA do NOT have a Biblical worldview.  We Bible teachers have a lot to answer for and it will be a fearsome thing to be face to face with Jesus when we are judged.

In part three we will look at four possible ways יוֹם תְּרוּעָה Yom Teruah or the Day of the Blast (rabbis changed it to Rosh HaShana, the head of the year) connect to Jesus.  We will not make up stuff.  We will not invent non-biblical connections.  We will stick like glue to the very words of God and the real facts of Biblical history. We will only consider four.  I think there are more and you may find others.  But, the four I chose convinced me to say that once you know this then the "church" has NO excuse for not doing the מועדים mow-ed-deem of the Lord.  Once Jesus is manifested in the feasts it is incumbent upon the "church" - all of us as disciples of Adonai Yeshua - to do then as an expression of our love and thankfulness.  We do Christmas - nice holiday but not commanded by God.  Easter - nice holiday but not commanded by God.  Lent - awesome time before Easter but not commanded by God.  Advent - preparing for the birth of Christ but again, man made, and not commanded by the Lord.  The only one we do is Pentecost and in many churches today you attend Pentecost Sunday and it is not even brought up.  But now there is no excuse.  Come.  Blow the shofar on the evening of יוֹם תְּרוּעָה Yom Teruah (a.k.a. Rosh HaShana) and rejoice and celebrate our new life in Jesus.

גמר חתימה בספר החיים טלה

G'mar Chatima Beh Sefer HaChaim Tahlah

May you be inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life

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

 

 

SPECIAL PODCAST SERIES

The Fall Feasts of the Lord

Once again we return to Jesus' words in John 5:39 ...

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

How do we "see" Jesus in Rosh HaShana?  This feast of the Lord is in the Torah, the main books of the Bible in Jesus' day when He said the words found John 5:39.  It is not how the Jewish people celebrate this feast.  NO!! It is how the word testifies of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ.  How does the Shofar sound of this feast show us Yeshua?

The word of God is clear, crystal.  These are not the Jewish feasts.  God says they are not but He says ...

The LORD spoke again to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 'The LORD'S appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations--My appointed times are these: 
(Lev 23:1-2)

Today the church does not celebrate one of God's "feasts." One can see why.  Our pastors and leaders are not trained in Hebrew, Greek, or the Bible in its historical context.  The "church" has always looked upon the feasts as Jewish and that Jesus did away with the law.  So, we do not see a reason to do Jewish feasts.  But they are not Jewish feasts.  They are the Lord's.  Perhaps, if we "see" how they relate to Jesus, a church may consider a service on the evening or day of Rosh HaShana.  The service might entail songs of praise and thanksgiving and perhaps a community meal or pizza party.  Once you see the Christian meaning of all this then a church could once again say to our Father, "Abba, we come today to join with you on YOUR 'appointed time' and seek Your face and Your love on Your Feast that we have turned from in our lack of understanding.

In parts one and two and three of this series we will focus on Rosh HaShana.  We will find that the rabbis made up the name, Rosh HaShana, and said the feasts was a celebration of the New Year.  No way - not in its historical context.  Once we get the rabbinic midrash out of the way the meaning of this feast, called the Day of the Blast in Torah, becomes clear and powerful and then we can see Jesus, we can see the Messiah.  It then is a challenge for the "church" to understand Yom Teruah, Rosh HaShana, and to consider a praise service to honor the Lord and meet with Him on His "appointed time," and time and day He wants us to get together.

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