LIGHT OF MENORAH

Links for the Bible study podcasts on Rosh HaShana (Yom Teruah)

     Lesson 1 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-fall-feasts-of-adonai-rosh-hashana-part-1-the-day-of-the-blast/

     Lesson 2 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-fall-feasts-of-adonai-rosh-hashana-part-2-the-shadow-of-messiah/

     Lesson 3 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-rosh-hashana-part-3-remember-the-day-of-the-shofar-blast-the-day-of-the-lord/

     Lesson 4 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/rosh-hashana-yom-teruah-4-1st-last-shofar/

Links for the Bible Study podcasts on Yom Kuppim - 

     Lesson 1 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-1-it-is-finished/

     Lesson 2 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-2-the-time-of-jacob-s-trouble/

     Lesson 3 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-3-the-shadow-of-messiah/

     Lesson 4 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/yom-kippureem-episode-4-the-goat-and-the-lamb-john-539/

Links to the podcasts Bible studies on the feast of Sukkot (Tents) -

     Lesson 1 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-fall-feasts-of-adonai-episode-7-the-appointed-time-of-sukkot-lesson-1-emannoo-el/

    Lesson 2 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-fall-feasts-of-adonai-episode-8-god-dwells-with-us-lesson-2/

    Lesson 3 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-appointed-time-of-sukkot-lesson-3-the-bread-from-heaven/

    Lesson 4 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-appointed-time-of-sukkot-lesson-4-the-bread-from-heaven/

    Lesson 5 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-appointed-time-of-sukkot-lesson-the-8th-day-the-beginning-and-the-end/

Link to the article at GotQuestions.org "How Did Jesus FULFILL the Fall Feasts - 

     Article - httpswww.gotquestions.orgJewish-feasts.html

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - teaching somewhere in the 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

 

In lesson 5 we focus again on the critical verses in Genesis chapter 1.  In this session we will address the concept of God creating everything through His word; creating everything by simply saying let it be and it was - out of nothing - EX NIHILO.  And, in addition, this lesson will introduce the idea that to understand the Torah we need to understand ancient Egypt of the 18 Dynasty at the time of the Exodus.  The Hebrews likely have assimilated into the Egyptian culture and, for the most part, do not know the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.  So how does God take Egypt out of the Hebrews?  This concept is called "polemic theology" where a polemic is a concept that is diametrically opposed to a competing concept.  In this case who is God?  Is it Amun-Ra, the supreme pagan false god of Egypt in 1446 B.C. or is it Adonai Eloheem, the Lord God of the Bible?  How would the true God teach the Hebrews that the mythology of Egypt is false and incorrect using Genesis 1:1-2?  Remember, it is clear the Hebrews knew the ancient culture of Egypt in the 15th century B.C. very well - they lived it and became immersed in its mythology.

For further study check out the links below. 

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

An awesome Bible study video from Dennis Prager on Gen. 1:1-2 - is this the most important verse in the Bible?  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BqWdu1BnBQ

(Ferret - teaching at the runs of ancient ruins of Hatzor)

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

 

LEVITICUS LESSON 2 PART 2

If you haven' listened to Lesson 2 Part 1 here's the link - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/leviticus-2-lesson-1-lev-1-2-burin-it-all-up/?token=4e58b98c5da23e559726199bf8d9c9b0

 

Why the bull then the goat/sheep and then a turtledove or pigeon?  As we study further into Leviticus we’ll see that God is clearly doing something awesome.  He is making it easy for anyone, rich or poor, to participate in a Burnt Offering to “come close” to the Lord.  One can do a search on the internet and find the following.

• The Bull (Most Expensive): for the rich or more powerful people of the community.
• The Lamb / Sheep (Moderate Cost): The standard offering for an average household or individual guilt/sin offering.
• The Pigeon or Turtledove (Least Expensive): Designated specifically as a gracious provision for the poor. If a person could not afford a lamb, God permitted them to bring pigeons or doves.  Pigeons could be freely caught in the wild. For example, Mary and Joseph offered pigeons (or turtledoves) at the temple during Jesus' dedication because they lacked the funds for a lamb.

Historical Estimates

Modern historians and biblical economists have estimated relative values in ancient Near Eastern currency to modern equivalents:

• Bull / Ox: Highly valuable capital asset; modern equivalent estimates up to $1,200.
• Lamb / Sheep: Worth a fraction of a large bovine; modern equivalent estimates range from $150 to $300.
• Pigeon / Dove: Plentiful and cheap (or able to be caught wild); modern equivalent estimates range from $5 to $10.

[1] https://biblehub.com/topical/o/offering_of_birds.htm

[2] https://heartstounderstand.com/2022/09/27/animal-sacrifices-by-value/

[3] https://www.gotquestions.org/Old-Testament-sacrifices.html

[4] https://weirdanimalworld.com/animals-sacrificed-in-the-bible/

 

The Role of Pigeons and Bread and Honey

Bread and honey were sacred, daily offerings laid out on temple altars to sustain the gods and nourish the souls of the dead in ancient Egypt.

See https://www.agricultureforlife.ca/post/food-offerings-in-ancient-times-honouring-gods-and-ancestors

• The Foundation of Life: Bread (called aish, meaning "life") and beer formed the literal and symbolic core of the Egyptian diet and offering rituals, representing the very first items presented to deities.
• The Sweetness of the Gods: Honey was highly prized and associated with nefer—the concept of goodness, beauty, and perfection—making it a fit luxury for temple ceremonies.
• Divine and Funerary Offerings: Pharoahs and priests daily placed fine loaves, beer, and honey-sweetened cakes (sometimes made with tiger nuts or dates) before gods like Amun-Ra. Similar provisions and honey-baked bread were placed inside tombs to feed and preserve the ka (soul) in the afterlife.

In ancient Egypt, thousands of pigeons and doves were used as temple offerings and ritual sacrifices to feed the gods, symbolize fertility, and serve as pure provisions for the afterlife.   The sheer volume of pigeon sacrifices is documented in historical texts. According to the Great Harris Papyrus—the longest surviving papyrus from Egypt—Pharaoh Ramses III donated 6,510 doves and 57,810 pigeons to the Temple of Amun alone. Ironically, while tens of thousands of pigeons were funneled into temples every year to appease the gods, Egyptian priests were strictly forbidden by religious decree from eating pigeon meat. Because pigeons were viewed as sacred symbols of fertility and love, the living clergy had to maintain purity by abstaining from eating them, keeping the birds strictly reserved as a "food of the gods".

Finally, here’s some final thoughts on Jesus and the Hebrew word, Qorban קָרְבָּן which is a Hebrew word that means “something brought near.”  It comes from the Hebrew verb karav (קָרַב), which means "to draw near" or "come close".  So, a Qorban קָרְבָּן is something we bring near as a "closeness gift" meant to bring a person into closer fellowship with God.

Jesus was our true Qorban.  He was the final sacrifice.  Instead of temporary animal offerings, Jesus offered Himself on the cross.  In Him we are brought near just as Paul wrote in Eph. 2:13.  Paul wrote that we believers who were once far away are brought near through Christ's blood. 

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban

[2] https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7133.htm

[3] https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Vayikra/Korban/korban.html

[4] https://eitan.bar/articles/hebrew-word-study-sacrifice-qorban/

[5] https://readingacts.com/2014/10/25/jesus-and-purity-part-2-qorban/

[6] https://biblehub.com/topical/k/korban.htm

[7] https://www.gotquestions.org/corban.html

[8] https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Mark%207%3A11

[10] https://www.biblicalunitarian.com/articles/jesus-christ-our-approach-offering

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

LEVITICUS LESSON 2 PART 1

It is strongly suggested you listen to lesson 1 parts 1 & 2 first.  Lesson 1 is an introduction to Leviticus and will give you perspectives on this book since Leviticus can be very irrelevant to us in the 21^st century.  I mean all this about sacrifices and blood and entrails and bulls and sheep seems like the book of Leviticus was only for them then with no connection for us.  However, Jesus said 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.” We will see that these sacrifices and offerings do testify of the coming Messiah, the Christ, our Jesus.  Just like He taught.  Makes sense right?  He is God, the only God.

Here's the links to lesson 1 part 1 and part 2.

Lesson 1 part 1 – https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/leviticus-lesson-1-part-1-introduction/

Lesson 1 part 2 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/leviticus-lesson-1-part-2-introduction-holiness-repentance-revival/

Doing searches on the internet one finds that the Hebrews just out of Egypt were very comfortable with animal sacrifices as it was a widespread religious practice across ancient near east in their days.  The pagans used them for various reasons. 

• Gifts or food of their gods.
• Communal Meals: sacrificial meat was shared between worshippers and their community. Very similar to the Peace or Fellowship offerings in Lev. 3. 
• Atonement and Appeasement: Rituals served to appease divine anger, secure favor for individuals, tribes, or entire nations.

The ritual practices were common among the nations of the ancient near east.  One would find …

• Complete Burning vs. Sharing: Near Eastern traditions sometimes placed the entire animal on the fire or buried it, though sharing portions was also common.
• Selection of Animals: Archaeological faunal evidence shows a strong preference for young or juvenile livestock, such as sheep and goats.
• Divination: priests examined internal organs—especially sheep livers (hepatoscopy)—to read omens and discern the will of the gods.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice

[2] https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/sacrifice-in-ancient-israel/

[3] https://reknew.org/2019/09/why-did-god-require-animal-sacrifice-in-the-old-testament/

[4] https://www.jtsa.edu/torah/the-origins-of-sacrifice/

I mentioned the important books I use as a foundation set of resources in my studies.  They become critical to develop the Bible study podcasts since, as I have said, I do not teach my own opinion, but teach what recognized real scholars teach and have discovered.  So here are the key books in my Torah study resources.  I have many others that round out my extensive library, but the ones below and my foundation.

 

We will be delving into the Bible concept of sin and atonement and forgiveness.  It has to do with the Sin Offering in Leviticus 4 and the appointed time (moed – not feast) of the Lord of Yom Kippureem, the Day of Atonements.  In Lev. 1:4 it says the Burnt Offering or the Korban (something brought near) Olah (rising) קָרְבַּן עוֹלָה is for atonement.  This has nothing to do with sin.  But it was at this point in the study I brought up UNintentional and INtentional sin.  This is God’s word and He teaches that there are these two types of sin.  Suffice it to say for us in the church of the 21^st century who are not taught the Old Testament or have teachers who know the Hebrew or Greek, that INtentional sin is what we understand sin to be.  We don’t recognize mistakes or sinful things done unknowingly as sin.  But God does.  We will be getting into this more as we study Leviticus 4 and 16.  But for now. Check out these two podcasts that will help you understand this concept given to us by Yahvay, the Lord, the God of the Bible.

Five minute video/it is finished - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/five-small-stones-episode-9-rom-104-it-is-finished/

YOM KIPPUREEM – It is Finished - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-1-it-is-finished/

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?

(John - teaching at the Great Pyramids Giza, 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

We recall October 7th 2023 in Israel.  Hamas attacked peaceful Jewish people living close to the Gaza strip and young people attending a rock concert.  It was a day of horror and unspeakable evil as innocents were slaughtered, murdered, burnt alive, and kidnapped. In Israel entire families were killed, savagely.

One might ask is this a sign of the End Times?  Are the forces of the Anti-Christ arising?  He will be anti Israel and anti Christian.  

In the End Times there there will be seven seals opened. The 1st four seals are related to the FOUR HORSES OF THE APOCALYPSE. One wonders, have they arrived?

Don't miss this video and the possible meaning behind the color of the horses - white and red and black and green.

This picture is royalty free accessible at Wikimedia

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - taking a break in the shade in the Old City of Jerusalem)

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 is the last lesson in the podcast series on the Lord's Prayer (in Hebrew -  HaTehfeelah Adonai) which He gave to us, His disciples, and we can now call it, HaTehfeelah Talmidim, the Prayer of the Disciples.  We will focus on Matt.6:13 and once again return to the 1st century A.D., the days of Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah (the Christ), and try and hear what His disciples heard.  We will try and understand what they understood.  We will study to see like they did.

The main focus of the lesson will be on the beginning phrase in Matt. 6:13, "and lead us not into temptation ..." (NASB).  For us the English word the translators use "temptation" seems to relate only to that which might entice us to sin or evil.  Temptation to us seems to focus on the evil desire to commit sin and go against Adonai, the Lord.  However, the translators use this word in many places in the Bible to mean testing or trials or difficulties.  The English word in our Bibles is TEMPTATION.  It translates the Greek word G3986 πειρασμός
PEIRASMOS (pi-ros-mos). But, Jesus was speaking Hebrew and not Greek.  The Greek word translates the Hebrew word H4531 Mahsaw מַסָּה which means test or trial and not temptation.  So Jesus is saying to pray that the Lord not lead us into trials.   So, what's going on in Matt. 6:13?  Does it mean that God may come to us to lead us into situations where He knows we will be tempted to commit sin, to do evil?  Or, are the translators using it as it relates with a different concept?  

Here are the links I mentioned in the audio plus more.

Link to the complete Didache (pronounced Dida  Key) - http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html

Link to a number of great articles on the Hebrew concept of prayer from En Gedi Resource Center - https://engediresourcecenter.com/hebraic/prayer/

Link to Shmuel Safrai's article on the spoken languages in Jesus' day at the Jerusalem School of the Synoptic Gospels (you may have to sign up to be a subscriber) - https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2551/

Link to a translation of the Lord's Prayer the way it may have been read in Hebrew - https://www.dropbox.com/s/v4boue5uy4oinwk/THE%20LORD%27S%20PRAYER%20FROM%20THE%20HEBREW.pdf?dl=0

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 remember a time when I had hurt someone in one of my classes.  I reacted to their opinion on a specific issue very harshly.  Later I did learn from others in the class that 1) they did not appreciate my intense reaction to this person and 2) they knew this person was hurt and angry with me and 3) they understood why I got so angry but it was not the proper way of handling the situation.  Needless to say, I hurt someone with my words.  It reminded me me of ...

"The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Mat 12:35-37)

Ouch!  His Spirit was working in me telling me that I sinned.  Something needed to happen.

On one hand, this person I hurt may have forgiven me "in his heart."  He may have done this based upon what Jesus teaches that ...

"My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." (Mat 18:35)

Many of us do this as Christians today.  Someone hurt us, abused us, sinned against us and we forgive that person "from our heart," but the one who hurt us doesn't know it.  For us it is a way we think we are listening to Rabbi Yeshua and living as true disciples.

On the other hand, even though this person I hurt may have "forgiven me in his heart," and I didn't know it, I was dealing with the Father and through His Spirit I was being plagued with guilt that I have not gone to this person, confessed my sin, repented, and asked for this person's forgiveness.  I had already done this with the Lord.  I knew I was forgiven.  But, the Lord would not let me off the hook!  Why?  Because He taught us this ...

"Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." (Mat 5:23-24)

He didn't mean to seek forgiveness from Him and let it all go.  NO!!  He is teaching clearly that I need to go to the person, confess, repent, and seek their forgiveness.  I did go to that person.  I did confess, repent, and I asked for this person to forgive me.  I was forgiven by that person.  I must say this was one of the most difficult things I have ever done.  It was easy to go to the Father and confess and repent and seek forgiveness.  But, doing that with the person who I sinned against, that is entirely a different matter.

So, we now return to the Lord's Prayer -

תפילת האדוי - HaTehfeelah Adonai  

We will focus on the verse Matt. 6:12 where we pray that the Lord will forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  Why use the word debt or debtors?  Why didn't Jesus use the word sin and sinners?  Besides that it seems as if Jesus is showing us that if we want to be forgiven by the Lord we first need to forgive.  Is that what this all means?  Once again, we are reading in English translated from the Greek which is translated from the Hebrew and it comes out of a totally Jewish culture of 2000 years ago.  Is it possible then as we put this verse into its historical context that things will begin to make real sense?  Answer!  You better believe it.  Moreover, we will see how it relates to the situation I described from my own life.

Links promised in this session ...

1) Brad Young's article at Jerusalem Perspective (Note - this is a pay site.  Cost is $60 per year.  It is a highly credible scholarly site that if you are serious about your Bible study this is one site that is a must) - https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2300/

2) Link to lesson 1 of this series - listen to this to understand how this prayer is related to being a true disciple of Rabbi Jesus - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-6-the-lords-prayer-part-1-pray-like-the-rabbi/

Link 3 - Ray Vander Laan's article on "Rabbi and Talmidim" - https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

Ferret and his wife Robin having dinner in Vicente Guerrero

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 3 we will deal with a very important topic.  Today there are well meaning pseudo scholars teaching Bible lessons on the radio, podcasts, videos on You Tube, etc. and are 1) incorrectly giving meaning to words or verses since they ignore the Hebrew textual context and the Hebrew conceptual meaning of words, and 2) using improper means to force the Bible to say something it does not say so as to agree with the point they are making, and 3) thus resulting in misleading literally thousands of normal everyday believers around the world. 

In lesson 1 we talked about an issue highlighted in the verses below from the King James Version …

Make thee an ark (Borrowed from the ancient Egyptian - H8392 têvâh תֵּבָה) of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (Gen 6:14)

And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark (H8392 têvâh תֵּבָה) of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. (Exo 2:3)

And they shall make an ark (H727 ârôn אָרֹן ) of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.  (Exo 25:10)

We can obviously see in the verses above the two distinct words in the King James in Hebrew that are translated as ARK.  In the first two verses the word ark us used for the ark Noah built and the “basket” or ark Moses was put in by his mother to keep him alive.  Moreover the Hebrew word TEVAH is an Egyptian word brought into the Hebrew.  Like the name Moses.  His name is not Hebrew but Egyptian.  The 3^rd verse is the ark of the covenant. 

Clearly we have two separate words in Hebrew with two distinct conceptual meanings and in the textual context are not related to each other.  And yet there are well meaning Bible teachers who do not have the expertise to work in the Hebrew textual context and not the English textual context.  If they ignore the Hebrew textual context and teach the three arks are related; their lesson might prove to be cool and interesting but a lesson promoting misinterpretation and error. 

In this lesson we will show how a current so called Pre-Trib Rapture scholar ignores the Hebrew textual context and stays in the English ignoring the conceptual meaning of the Hebrew and how it is used in other verses, and to teach that Enoch was RAPTURED.  This teacher goes on to say that even Elijah was raptured.  This probably is a way this teacher wants to show that the Pre-Trip rapture is something even in the Torah and the Prophets. His point is that the Pre-Trib rapture was not something made up by a Scottish charismatic pastor in the late 19th century.  So, he must force the Bible to support his point.  The problem is this “well meaning” teacher is mistakenly leading us into error and does not even know they are misleading many into believing what the Bible does not say.   The issue is not the Pre-Trib rapture, but how this well known so called scholar misuses the Hebrew to force the Bible to say something is does not to support his view of the veracity of the rapture. 

Also, in this lesson we will put the Torah into its historical context in the 15^th century B.C. We will see how those Hebrews coming out of Egypt were hearing explosive ideas as per their culture from God Himself through the pen of Moses.  We will see that the Bible is an ancient source for true Women’s Liberation.  In our culture today there are those women, who may even be Christian, who criticize the word of God as being anti-women or misogynistic.  Once again this shows the major lack in how the church teaches the Bible; the church ignores the historical context of the Bible.  If the church had people properly trained in seminaries and Bible institutions, we’d have a proper understanding that the Bible was written to the Hebrews 3400 years ago and was way ahead of its time then. It is as if the Bible, God’s Torah, was the first document that promoted Women’s Liberation in a Godly sense.  In chapter 1 and 2 of Exodus the theme song for the key characters in these two chapters is the song sung by Helen Reddy, “I Am Woman.” Yes!!  Shiphra, Puah, Yocheved, Miriam, and Pharaoh's daughter - they stand as those made in the image of God and not in the shadow of men and God shows that woman is one the same level as men.  If you recall, man was made out of mud.  But, in the Hebrew, woman was built and constructed almost as if there was a special design.  As soon as SHE was created God looked and finally said that it was VERY GOOD and stopped creating.  Way to go girls!!

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 lesson 4 we will focus on two terms.  The first is "HEAVENS" and the next is "LIVING CREATURES."  We will study these terms in Hebrew and find that our modern ideas are again challenged once we understand what the terms mean in Hebrew and what the Bible says and not what men say.  However, as we do focus on hearing the Torah on its own terms, and not on man's view, our understanding of God, who He is, and ourselves is deepened, clarified and enhanced.

So, will the Hebrew help us understand where does God abide?  Does He abide in “heaven?”  Or, why is it that in Hebrew animals and mankind are called “living creatures?”  On top of that how can the Hebrew word translated as “living creatures” also be translated as soul? 

What is going on?  So come and join us and study.  As part of this study check out one of the lessons I did on the series on the Lord's prayer.  It focuses on the phrase, "who art in heaven," in the Lord's prayer.  This study will enhance what you learn here in lesson 4 on Genesis.

Link - https://youtu.be/KGO4kVc-wxc?si=zgAvY6xQUkklOWqk

In Jesus’ day study of the Bible was the highest form of worship!  Check out the Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel’s short video which shows that to be a true disciple of Yeshua we need to study – more than read God’s word.  

Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gLtZcq5VGs

To even go deeper to understand what the church is missing today check out this resource to study that in Jesus’ day the study of the very words of God is the highest form of worship.

Link to Dwight Pryor’s audio Bible study – https://www.jcstudies.store/the-highest-form-of-worship/

Link – to Dwight Pryor’s article - https://www.scribd.com/document/52577969/The-Highest-Form-of-Worship

Are you committed to be His devout disciple, the true disciple of Yeshua?  Then come and study besides reading His beloved Word.

 

(Ferret - at the ancient archaeological site of Hatzor in northn Israel)

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

 

Before you listen and study part 2 of lesson 1 on Leviticus you MUST study and listen to part 1.  It is the foundation and part 1 and 2 both help us understand key aspects of Leviticus that make it more than relevant for us today in the 21^st century.  Here’s the link …

https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/leviticus-lesson-1-part-1-introduction/?token=bd9a68b4093962bb33ed1a825886d98b

I did A.I. searches on aspects of the priesthood of the ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians.  Below is a summary of these searches.

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BABYLON

The primary leadership roles included the head priest (Urigallu), ritual exorcists (Ashipu), lamentation singers (Kalû or Gala), and administrative overseers (Sangha).

Leadership and Administrative Priests

• Urigallu: The supreme head of the temple priesthood who directed major seasonal rites, temple music, and rituals.
• Sangha (Shangu): High administrators or general sacrificers responsible for managing temple properties, finances, and secular-religious operations.

• Ashipu: Exorcists and sorcerers who used magical rites and spells to ward off demons, curses, and sickness.
• Asu: Temple physicians who combined herbal remedies with magical incantations to treat physical ailments.
• Kalû (Gala): Specialized lamentation singers and musicians who performed soothing ritual wails and songs to appease deities like Inanna.
• Barû: Seers and diviners who predicted future events by interpreting omens, animal entrails, and dreams.

ASSYRIA

In ancient Assyrian religion, the king acted as the supreme high priest (šangû) of the national god Aššur. Within the physical temples, specialized scholarly priests managed rituals, healing, and divine maintenance. They belonged to the ērib bīti ("those who enter the temple") class.

Major Priestly Roles

• Šangû: The standard administrative priest or sacrificer who oversaw temple property, maintenance, and regular offerings.
• Āšipu (Exorcist / Incantation Priest): Specialized in magic, healing, medical-spiritual care, and driving away evil demons or reversing bad omens.
• Kalû (Lamentation Priest): Chanted soothing prayers and musical liturgies in the Emesal dialect to calm the hearts of angry gods.
• Bārû (Diviner / Haruspex): Read the future and determined divine will by inspecting sheep livers (extispicy) or observing astrological signs.
• Išippu (Purification Priest): Handled sacred cleansing rites, including the critical "mouth washing" (mīs pî) ceremony used to consecrate and animate divine statues.

EGYPT

CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES … https://www.egypttoursportal.com/en-us/blog/ancient-egyptian-civilization/ancient-egyptian-priests/

 

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1026/clergy-priests--priestesses-in-ancient-egypt/

Ancient Egypt had a structured priesthood

where individuals were called hem-netjer ("servant of the god"). Most served part-time in monthly rotations and their main function is to care for the god or gods. The hierarchy ranged from the pharaoh—the ultimate high priest—down to purification staff, encompassing specialized roles for daily worship, funerals, and temple administration.

High-Ranking Priests

• First Prophet (High Priest): The top administrator of a specific major temple, such as the High Priest of Amun at Karnak, holding immense political and economic power.
• Sem Priests: Specialized funerary priests who wore leopard skins and presided over the "Opening of the Mouth" ceremony during burials. Specialized Ritual Priests
• Lector Priests (Reader Priests): Scholars who carried papyrus scrolls and chanted magical spells, hymns, and liturgical texts during temple rituals and funerals.
• Wab Priests (Pure Priests): The foundational rank of everyday priests responsible for physical washing, carrying the god's shrine, and handling daily food offerings.

• Hour Watchers (Astronomer Priests): Specialists who tracked the stars and time to determine the precise hours for nocturnal and dawn religious rituals.

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In this lesson we talked about repentance and revival.  I mentioned an article by Franklin Graham where he suggests that before revival must be preceded by repentance.  Here’s the link to that awesome article you MUST read.

https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/articles/franklin-graham-repentance-brings-revival

I thought you might be interested in Rabbi Eliezer’s statement to his talmideem, his disciples, to repent one day before you die.  When his students asked how anyone could know the exact day of death, he answered that a person should therefore repent every single day, living each day as if it were the last.   

The Core Dialogue

• The Statement: Rabbi Eliezer taught, "Repent one day before your death" .
• The Question: His disciples asked, "Does a man know on which day he will die?"
• The Answer: He replied, "All the more reason to repent today, lest you die tomorrow. Thus, all your days are spent in repentance."  In other words you “live again” with a focus on turning to God continually.   

Check out these awesome websites that will add to our understanding …

[1] https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/190053

[2] https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/repentance

[3] https://www.bridgesforpeace.com/products/repent-the-day-before-you-die

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?

(John - teaching at the Great Pyramids Giza, 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