LIGHT OF MENORAH

Genesis - 72 - Gen. 29-30 - Man’s Choice vs God’s Choice

We continue to study Rachel and Leah.  The two wives of Jacob.  Both women part of God’s continuing plan of redemption for Jew and Gentile in Messiah Yeshua.  But how?

We see glaring differences in these two women.  It is clear that Rachel is Jacob’s choice over Leah.  Leah is not in a primary position in Jacob' eyes as her sister.  The Hebrew is clear.  The Hebrew word שָׂנֵא SAHNAY H8130 has the conceptual meaning of not being in first place and can even mean to hate or being hated.  In Leah's case she is not hated but certainly not loved at the same level as Rachel. 

In this God shows us again how He choses between one or another.  One of these women is a picture of man’s choice and the other is a picture of God’s choice.  It’s like Saul and David.  Saul was handsome and strong and tall and macho.  But, David.  Not so.  He was a young man and perhaps a pre-teen when David was anointed king.  But there are glaring differences in Saul and David.  One seems to be the way men would choose and the other is the way God chooses.  This seems to relate to Rachel and Leah. 

One goal of this series is to see how the Hebrews coming out of Egypt may have understood these events in Genesis 29 with Rachel and Leah.  They are the first ones to hear God’s word written by Moses, the Torah.  It is clear that they are the first audience.  So, how does the story of Leah and Rachel relate to them.   It has everything to do with the plant below …

This is ancient Mandrake plant that some call “love apples.”  It supposedly is an ancient aphrodisiac or fruit when eaten that excites sexual desire.  This was only a folk legend then and it is proven not to be an aphrodisiac.  But, when the Hebrews hear about this in the story of Rachel and Leah, everything takes on a new aspect.  God once again is teaching His elect, His “bride,”  His chosen people He redeemed and delivered from the house of slaves, Egypt. 

So, come let us return to Haran.  Let us return to the tents of Jacob.  Let’s return and go deeper in our understanding of the main books of the Bible in Jesus’ day.  The books that testify of Yeshua HaMashiach, the Jesus the Messiah, Jesus the Christ.

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret in Timna Park just 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

Exodus - 42 - Exod. 16:1-36 BREAD OF LIFE

Exodus - 68 part 1 - Exod. 28:1-5, 41-43 - We are Priests of Our Father

LESSON 68 PART 1

In part 1 we consider verses 1-5 of chapter 28 and it seems that these testify of Adoneinu Yeshua HaMaschiach, our Lord Jesus the Messiah, Jesus the Christ.  For one thing Aaron, whose Heavenly Father is the God of Abraham, was the High priest and his sons, also sons of their Father, the God of Abraham, the first priests to serve with their dad.  But, what about us?  Jesus, the Son of the Father, is the High Priest of a heavenly priesthood, and us, adopted "sons of the Father" and priests, a royal priesthood as we see in 1 Pete. 2:9.  Aaron and his sons are priests of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the one and only Almighty God.  And us.  We with our Lord Jesus are sons of the Father and are priests of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the one and only Almighty God.  So amazing.  And there's more.  So much more.

We will study the fact that special clothes are required to be a priest.  Aaron has special clothes that are holy and made for glory and are to be beautiful. 

They must be worn when the minister in the Holy of Holies.  But, we are priests.  Is God telling us that we too should be cognizant of how we dress we we come to worship Him and praise Him and as a congregation lift up our reverence and honor to the Lord?  Perhaps.  It seems possible that God is concerned with not only the status of our hearts (our internal status of righteousness) but also the way we manifest ourselves in worship services (our external appearance) in church.  We'll see how many in the church today misinterpret verses to support dressing down and even sloppy to church. 

This entire lesson has to do with being disciples of Yeshua.  You just read one connection above.  Aaron is High Priest and his sons are priest and they have a Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  And we are disciples of Rabbi Yeshua.  Thus we are to be like HIM.  He is the Son of the Father as well as us and Jesus is the High Priest and we are priests of the High priest all sons of the Father.  This is one connection in verses 1-5 of Exodus 28.  There's more and one needs to really understand what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus.  If we do then so much of what is presented will be more understandable and it will expand and enhance your understanding.

I highly recommend you also access the lessons of Ray Vander Laan – a proven and credible Bible scholar and teacher - at his website http://www.ThattheWorldMayKnow.com.  I will link you to his article on the Rabbis and Talmideem (Rabbis and Disciples).  I thank Ray so much for being my teacher and being the one who has inspired me to study this concept in a deeper and more expansive way.  Also, at his website, click LEARN and look up his AUDIO lessons and rabbis and disciples.  You will not be disappointed.  Here’s links to key places on Ray’s website and the article on Rabbi and Talmidim (a must read) https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim Audio lessons (listen to all audio with the word disciple or rabbi or talmid) https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/category/Audio

Recently Ray Vander Laan did an extensive video Bible study series on Rabbi and Disciples.  It is available for purchase with leader guides and many notes.  Again, Ray will teach the Bible in its historical context and teach us what a disciple is the way Jesus meant it.  Check out the link below.  This is a Bible study you need to do at your church.  You’ll also find at least one free session you can preview when you access the link.  Here it is …

https://store.focusonthefamily.com/rvl-discipleship?srsltid=AfmBOoqYpL_2JKlZdp6V8owxJOpMlAd9AyKz7o1047KP0sU--Rc1P-f8

Another key aspect to the Holy Place was the Menorah.  In the Jewish culture of Yeshua’s day and before, the Menorah was looked upon in several ways.  Dr. John D. Garr, Ph.D., Th.D Founder, Restoration Foundation, wrote an article that gets at the Jewish roots of our faith so we can understand the Menorah the way they did then.  And again, the Menorah seems to also represent Jesus and us since He said He is the Light of the World and so are we.  This is an article you don’t want to miss.  Here’s the link - https://archive.bridgesforpeace.com/letter/gods-lamp-mans-light-mysteries-of-the-menorah/

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

( Ferret - teaching in a wadi somewhere in the Negev)

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

 

 

 

Genesis - 71 - Gen. 29 - Two Women of Destiny

AUDIO SESSION

We now come to Haran with יַעֲקֹב Ya'akov, or, as we know him, Jacob.  He is now about to meet two great women of the Bible, Rachel and Leah.  In this lesson we start considering each of these women and to study their traits and characteristics.  One thing for sure is the creation of the state of Israel (which is Jacob's other name) all began because Jacob was so taken in by Rachel's physical attractiveness and beauty.  God knew this.  He knew the effect Rachel had on men.  Clearly, God engineered the meeting at the well so that the rest of the story would unfold as per יְהֹוָה Yahvay's, the Lord's, plan.  

So, Rachel was ravishing, a beauty of Haran, but Leah, what about her?  Some say she had "weak" eyes.  Some say Leah was hated.  Some say Leah as less preferable than Rachel.  Really?  Once again if you only focus on the English and not the Hebrew we get the wrong ideas of Leah and the amazing lady she was.  Moses, who wrote all this under God's inspiration, actually writes to show us that it is God, it is יְהֹוָה Yahvay, the Lord, that Leah recognizes right from the get go as she begins to have children by Jacob.  But, how did Leah know the personal name of God?  God said to Moses at the burning bush that not even Abraham or Isaac or Jacob, or anyone else for that matter, knew His personal name which was first revealed at Sinai.  What's going on?  We need to study this further.

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 - 41 - Exod. 15:18-27 - ADONI RAPHECA - THE LORD OUR HEALER

This is stated precisely in the Hebrew in Exod. 15:26.

 

Kee Anee Yahvay Rofecha

I am the Lord your healer - כי אני יהוה רפאך

 

For many (Jew and Gentile alike) it means you simply can pray to the Lord and He MUST heal you of cancer, Covid, a skin rash, a cold, whatever - as long as you are a true believer. Is that true? Does God promise that? All you need do is NAME IT AND CLAIM IT?  On top of that if a so-called Christian dies from Covid or Cancer since they weren't healed it means they were not "saved," they were not true believers, right??  Come and check this out in lesson 41 in the Exodus series.

 

After the Hebrews cross Yam Suf they enter the Wilderness of Shur. If we know where this is it helps us as we search for the location of Mt. Sinai. The Bible once again has specific geographical facts that give us the location.  See the map below ...

 

Biblos.com allows 50 maps to be used from their website.  This map is accessible at ... https://biblehub.com/atlas/regional/shur_desert.htm

 

So, if you think Mt. Sinai is in Saudi Arabia, the REAL location of the Wilderness of Shur implies that the theory, that it is in Saudi Arabia, is very problematic.

 

An excellent article dealing with this topic can be found at the website for the Associates for Biblical Research by Dr. Gary Byers.  This is a Christian MINISTRY to promote the truth of the Bible, it's God given veracity, as found in archaeology and THE TRUTH.  Here's the link ...

https://biblearchaeology.org/research/chronological-categories/exodus-era/3191-new-evidence-from-egypt-on-the-location-of-the-exodus-sea-crossing-part-i

 

 

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - outside a Bedouin tent in Timnah Park just north of Eilat 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 - 67 - chapters 26 & 27 - Tabernacle of Adonai Testifies of Yeshua

I highly recommend you watch lesson 66.  It is a Bible study video helping us clearly understand what the Tabernacle of the Lord looked like in the Exodus.  I was amazed at how the video of the text of Exodus 26 & 27 helped me understand the awesomeness of God's Mishkan HaKodesh, His Holy Dwelling tent (tabernace is tent in Latin).  I hope it will have the same result for you.

LINK - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-66-exod-261-2721-buidler-guide-to-building-gods-mishkan-hakodesh/

In this lesson we will focus on commentary on Exodus 26 & 27 now that we understand what the Tabernacle looked like.  The Tabernacle of the Lord might have cost over $150,000,000 by today’s measures.  That means the Egyptians probably gave over that to the Hebrew slaves.  The reason being later in Exodus we read …

"Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded." Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it. They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary. And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning. And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing, and they said to Moses, "The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform." So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, "Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary." Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more. For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it. (Exo 36:1-7)

Below is an overview of the potential cost of the Tabernacle as specified in Exodus.  This was accessed using a Google A.I. search on 9/10/25.

The Biblical Tabernacle's cost by today's value is estimated to be well over $150 million, with one estimate reaching $200 million, factoring in the vast quantities of precious metals like gold and silver, expensive materials, skilled labor, and the value of the land. The exact figure is impossible to determine precisely due to the archaic nature of some materials and the challenges of accurately valuing the labor and craftsmanship of the time. [1, 2, 3, 5]

Key Factors in the Tabernacle's Estimated Cost

• Precious Metals: The Tabernacle contained enormous amounts of gold and silver. For example, 29 talents of gold is roughly 2,193 pounds. At current gold prices (around $2,000 per ounce or $32,000 per pound), this amount alone would be worth tens of millions of dollars. [3]
• Other Materials: The structure also required other expensive materials such as fine linens, acacia wood, and precious stones for the priest's robes. [2, 6]
• Skilled Labor: The construction demanded a large number of highly skilled craftsmen, and their labor would be a significant part of the cost. Valuing this workforce in modern terms adds substantially to the total. [1]
• Craftsmanship and Design: The intricate designs and the spiritual significance of the Tabernacle would add immeasurable value, even if it were possible to fully replicate its construction. [7, 8]
• Why an Exact Figure is Impossible
• Valuing Ancient Labor: It is difficult to accurately estimate the value of ancient skilled labor in today's economy. [1]
• Rarity of Materials: The specific qualities and sources of some materials, like the acacia wood, are challenging to account for in modern terms. [2]
• Historical Context: The sheer scale of the project and the unique spiritual and cultural context of the time make any direct cost comparison difficult. [9, 10]
• [1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/1f4ls4a/got_curious_and_did_the_math_on_how_much_the/
• [2] https://ifiwalkedwithjesus.com/exodus-3821-31-cost-of-construction/
• [3] https://www.onenewmanbible.com/quantities-of-gold-silver-and-bronze-in-the-tabernacle/
• [5] https://theisraelbible.com/tabernacle-accounting-a-precedent-for-honest-business-dealings/
• [6] https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-tabernacle-a-concession-to-human-religious-needs
• [7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_tabernacle
• [8] https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/tabernacle
• [9] https://armstronginstitute.org/194-jerusalems-temples-the-archaeological-evidence
• [10] https://jerseycatholic.org/tabernacles-change-through-time-but-have-always-been-where-god-dwells-photos-2

Another amazing historical fact is the status of GOLD in ancient Egypt.  At the time of the Exodus, likely 1446 B.C., the main god of Egypt was Amun Ra, a double god of Amun and Ra.  Ra was the god who was considered the sun and the sun was associated with gold.  Here’s an article accessed on 9/10/25 via Google A.I.

Yes, ancient Egyptians believed gold was the "skin of the gods" and the "flesh of the gods," symbolizing the eternal and indestructible essence of the divine. This belief, particularly linking gold to the sun god Ra and the immortal qualities of the afterlife, led to its extensive use in decorating tombs, sarcophagi, statues, and royal regalia to ensure the pharaohs' divine transition and continued existence in the afterlife. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Significance of Gold in Ancient Egypt

• Divine Material: Gold was considered a divine and everlasting material with magical properties, a symbol of permanence and immortality. [2, 7]
• The Sun God Ra: Gold was closely associated with the sun god Ra, whose flesh was believed to be golden and brilliant like the sun itself. [2, 5]
• Royal Divinity: Pharaohs, considered divine beings, used gold to reflect their status and ensure a divine transition into the afterlife. [4, 5]
• Afterlife and Immortality: Gold was used in funerary objects, tombs, and mummy masks to provide a divine, indestructible body for the pharaoh in the afterlife, impervious to decay and demons. [3, 8]
• Symbolic and Ritualistic Use: Gold was not just a symbol of wealth but a sacred object used in rituals and to adorn sacred items, connecting the mortal world to the divine. [1, 3]

Examples of its Use

• Tombs and Sarcophagi: Royal tombs and sarcophagi were lavishly decorated with gold to ensure the pharaoh's eternal reign. [2, 4]
• Funerary Masks: Mummies were sometimes given gold tongues to help them communicate with the gods in the afterlife, as seen in findings at the Quweisna necropolis. [7]
• Statues and Ornaments: Gold was used to adorn statues of gods and goddesses, as well as royal jewelry, to reflect their divine power and connection. [3, 6]
• Royal Titles: The title "The Golden Horus" was part of the pharaoh's royal titulary, reinforcing their divine connection. [2, 6]
• [1] https://www.goldchef.shop/en/magazine-the-history-of-edible-gold/
• [2] http://www.egyptianmyths.net/gold.htm
• [3] https://robinsonsjewelers.com/blogs/news/in-ancient-egypt-gold-was-considered-to-be-the-flesh-of-the-gods
• [4] https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-history-gold-art-ancient-egyptian-burial-masks-jeff-koons
• [5] https://www.americanstandardgold.com/blog/gold-and-the-gods-myths-power-sacred-metals.cfm
• [6] https://www.egypttoursportal.com/blog/ancient-egyptian-civilization/ancient-egypt-gold/
• [7] https://www.newsweek.com/ancient-egyptian-mummies-given-gold-tongues-talk-god-underworld-1762679
• [8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luP8aP4NuvY
• [9] https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/colouryellow/

Once again we see in this video podcast that the Torah testifies of Jesus.  This is just as He taught us in …

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

In this video one way Exodus 26 & 27 connected with the Messiah, our Lord and God, is through light.  I recommend you check out an awesome vidcast (video podcast) from Light of Menorah entitled, “The Chiasm of Light.” 

It is a Bible study video showing that the Bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 is all about Yeshua HaMashiach Adoneinu – Jesus the Messiah (the Christ) our Lord.

Link to “The Chiasm of Light” - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nugget-18-the-chiasm-of-the-light/

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret on  the Sea of Galilee)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exodus - 66 - Exod. 26.1 - 27:21 - YAHVAY's GUIDE TO BUILDING HIS MISHKAN HAKODESH

This vidcast (video podcast) is an awesome way of understanding the building of God's Tabernacle (Latin for tent).  This video study will bring to life Exodus chapters 26 and 26 which are difficult to read due to the detail.

In the Bible the word tabernacle is used to translate the word מִשְׁכָּן MISHKAN H4908 meaning a dwelling or a hut or a tent.  It also is used to translate the word אֹהֶל O'HELL H168 meaning tent or covering.  I promise you that after this video study you'll get an awesome real understanding of the מִשְׁכָּן הקודש Mishkan HaKodesh, the Holy Dwelling (tabernacle) of the Lord.  

Check out these awesome links of videos of the tabernacle.  These will be so helpful for your study.

Link 1 - Bible-Scenes - all the videos have a special use license - they can be used by anyone on any platform (not for commercial use) for teaching and ministry - www.Bible-Scenes.com

Link 2 - free videos that can be downloaded - a great site for your future study -

1) https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bs-tabernacle-walkthrough/

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

3) https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bs-tabernacle-covering/

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

 

Genesis - 70 - Gen. 28:13-15 - WE ALL WILL BE BLESSED

Jacob and Bet El (pronounced BATE EL) is given the same promises (check it out in Gen. 28:13-15 and 12:1-3) that were given to his grand pa Abraham but not that Jacob’s name will be famous.  The covenant with Abraham and his seed (Hebrew meaning descendants) is amazing.  For through Abraham and his seed all the families of all the nations will be blessed.  However, in this lesson we’ll see that the Hebrew has an alternative meaning.  It is bigger than we thought.  Blessed is perhaps NOT the right way of using the conceptual meaning in this context.

We need to understand that there is a missing piece in how Adonai put together the Torah.  Once we get this the event of Jacob’s dream and his encounter with the Lord takes us to the cross.  Even the great rabbis of Judaism saw it.  They saw that there is something missing in the Torah.

Consider Rabbi Akiva’s words in the Talmud. 

"Rabbi Akiva says that if those subject to the punishment of karet repent, the Heavenly beit-din [court] grants them remission." (Makkot 13b)

Karet is a Hebrew word that means an offense, a sin, that is done on purpose or intentionally.  It is so serious that an offense of Karet cuts one off from being a part of Israel and as per Torah, as per the very words of God, karet is never ever forgiven or cleansed.  Rabbi Akiva, however, thinks the Torah is wrong.  He says Karet can be forgiven is by repentance.  What?  The Bible never says that.  The Lord never ever said that serious sins can be cleansed or forgiven by simply repenting.  What we are seeing is Akiva’s opinion and not the very words of God in His Torah.  We are also seeing that Akiva is implying that Yom Kippur does not take care of intentional sin.  He is implying that the sin sacrifice or the sacrifice of goats or sheep or bulls is insufficient to cleanse one’s Karet done intentionally.

Maimonides’ says it another way. 

The more one confesses and elaborates on this matter, the more praiseworthy he is. And, also, those under an obligation to bring sin‑offerings and trespass‑offerings, who bring their sacrifices for sins committed either in error or willfully, are not acquitted [of their sins] by means of these offerings until they repent and confess in words… (https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-dimensions-of-repentance/)

 

In other words, sacrifice alone cannot bring acquittal; confession is a requirement and without it, repentance cannot take place.  But, once again Maimonides is clearly implying that the sacrifices and rituals of Yom Kippur do not take away sins done intentionally, on purpose, with the full realization on the sinner.

The writer of the book of Hebrews also agrees.  Recall …

and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (Heb 9:12)

 

Akiva and Maimonides and the author of Hebrews all agree.  The Torah is missing something.  There is no ritual, no sacrifice, no prayer that will assure us of totally forgiveness. Maimonides and Akiva’s opinion is that one must truly repent and confess.  But, the the book of Hebrews and John and Paul, agreeing with these great rabbis, teaches us what the missing piece is. It is clearly explained by the disciple John as we read …

"... but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1Jn 1:7-9)

And then we read Paul’s word that Jesus, God Himself, cleanses us by the blood.

"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Act 20:28)

So, we see we must repent.  We see that we must confess.  But God is saying that someone must pay the price for our since.  Akiva and Maimonides never addressed this.  Someone must purchase us, in Hebrew redeem us, to be set free of the punishment of our Karet, our sin against the Lord done intentionally and willfully. 

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?

(Ferret - top of the ancient city of Gath)

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 - 40 - Exod. 15:1-18 - SONG BY THE SEA - SAVED BY GRACE

It's over.  God's wrath is fully played out against Egypt and the gods of Egypt.  We now begin the journey to the PROMISED LAND.  But before we head out the whole group of Hebrews and Moses sing a song, the Song by the Sea. 

Is this the Song of Moses as referenced in Rev. 15:1-3 ...'

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished. And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,  "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! (Rev 15:1-3)

This is the only place in the entire Bible where one finds the phrase "the song of Moses." So, what is this song?  Some say it is the Song by the Sea we are studying in Exod. 15.  But, the Bible doesn't say that.  It doesn't even call it the Song by the Sea. 

So, we find that many have OPINIONS and VIEWS as to what is the Song of Moses and say it is the Song by the Sea.  However, there are places where the phrase "the Song of Moses" is used.  It is found in Jewish literature and Torah commentary.  All of a sudden we see that John, who is a Jew, when he, under the Lord's inspiration, wrote the Revelation, uses the phrase "the song of Moses" that seemingly was well understood in Second Temple Judaism.  Then it was simply called THE SONG.  It so happens it refers to Deut. 32:1-43.  

So we have two songs.  The Song by the Sea and the the song God commands Moses to write down and teach all Israel.  So, which one is the Song of Moses?  This is very interesting.

In this lesson I tell of an awesome day for me and my wife Robin in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.  I was taking Bible geography class for my masters program and we stopped outside the Jewish gift shop, Shosharim.  Shosharim means "the roots."  See the picture below.

It is owned by Rabbi Moses Kempinski and his brother.  The rabbi is a great guy and loves to talk the Word of the Lord with Jews and Gentiles.  He wants all to learn their ROOTS, their SHOSHARIM, the Jewish Roots of their faith both for those practicing Judaism and Christians.  Our class was outside the shop and we got into an awesome dialogue with Moses - in Hebrew Moses is pronounced MOSHAY.  See the picture of Rabbi Kempinski below.

Rabbi Kempinski then asked us a question.  The question was where did the phrase "saved by grace" come from?  The answer was so so awesome.  It literally blew me away.  It is related to the Song by the Sea.  Once again we see the truth of God's word and that God doesn't change and is the same then, now and forever.  God's word is firmly settled in the universe.  What was true today, was true in Paul's day, David's day, and in 1446 B.C. by Yam Suf, the Sea of Reeds.  

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 65 - Exod. 25:23-40 The Table of Bread & The Light in the Darkness (Menorah)

Once again we see that scripture testifies of the Messiah, Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Christ.  Just as He taught in John 5:39 said between 24-30 A.D. when all they had was the Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament.  Starting in lesson 62 (see links to Lesson 62, 63, and 64 below) we saw that Yahvay, the LORD, came to dwell WITH His people.  But, when He was here, the LORD, Jesus, came to dwell IN His people.  In Exodus God had a temporary dwelling place, a tent.  In Jesus’ day it was said our human body was a TENT and Jesus came to dwell in His human body, His tent.  There are more like the Menorah is looked upon as symbolizing the LIGHT OF THE WORLD shines in the darkness of the Holy Place.  And Jesus.  He is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD and He came to shine for men caught in the darkness of sin. 

The lessons 62-65 must be treated as one unit.  It is highly recommended that you listen and study with me in lesson 62 and 63 and 64 before you listen to this lesson 65.  Here are the links for 62-64.

Link 62 – https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-62-exod-251-8-the-waypoint-on-the-hike-through-torah/

Link 63 – https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-63-exod-2510-16-the-ark-of-the-covenant/

Link 64 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-64-exod-2510-22-the-mercy-seat-and-the-blodd-of-the-lamb/

An important earlier lesson in this study of Exodus is the podcast Bible study that shows that the Hebrews likely assimilated into the Egyptian culture.  Thus, it makes sense that Yahvay, the LORD, would use the things of Egypt, things the Hebrews, His beloved chosen people, were familiar with.  He was trying to reach them in the Torah, His instruction, and NOT us.  It was written to them THEN.  So, here’s the link to that key podcast study - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-gospel-according-to-moses-lesson-4-part-2-exod-211-25/

Here’s a layout of the Mishkan HaKodesh Eloheem or the Holy Dwelling Tent of God commonly known from Latin as the Tabernacle (tent).  It is public domain found at Wikimedia.

You can great a great tour (video) of the entire Holy Tent of Yahvay, the LORD, at the link below.  The video link is in the upper right.

Link - https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bs-tabernacle-walkthrough/

In this Bible study podcast I mentioned two articles I found related to the rituals of the Egyptian priest each morning.  They would prepare a large breakfast for the god of the Temple.  The meal was fruit, veggies, beer, meats, bread, and wine.  For the Hebrews coming out of Egypt when they see the Table of the Bread of the Presence it is likely that they thought of this connection to Egypt. 

See the articles below.

In my research I did a search of the phrase “Egyptian priests work in secret.” The search resulted in this “AI” article below.

It's generally accepted that ancient Egyptian priests did work in secret, particularly in certain aspects of their duties and knowledge.

Here's why:

• Guardians of Sacred Knowledge: Priests were seen as guardians of secrets given by the gods, particularly in the realm of magic (Heka).
• Restricted Temple Access: Only priests were allowed into the innermost sanctuaries of the temples, where the cult statues of the deities resided. These inner rooms were considered sacred spaces, and the general public was barred from them.
• Initiation Rites: Initiation into the priesthood often involved sacred and secretive rituals, including trials and tests of knowledge. These rites aimed to transform the initiate, moving them from one state of being to another.
• Preservation of Knowledge: Temple libraries, known as "House of Life," were repositories of ancient religious, medical, and astronomical texts. These texts were preserved and transmitted through generations of priests, suggesting a guarded transmission of knowledge.
• Funerary Practices: Specific funerary texts, such as the Pyramid Texts and the Book of the Dead, contained spells and incantations meant to guide the deceased in the afterlife. These texts were used by priests, indicating a certain level of specialized knowledge required for navigating the afterlife.

However, it's important to note:

• Public Festivals: While daily temple rituals were restricted, priests did participate in public religious festivals where the image of the god was carried outside the temple, allowing the public to interact with the deity.
• Role of Pharaoh: The Pharaoh was considered the ultimate intermediary between the gods and the people, and priests acted under the Pharaoh's overarching control, though they had their own specialized roles.

In conclusion, ancient Egyptian priests maintained a degree of secrecy, especially in their access to sacred knowledge and the performance of certain rituals within the temples. This secrecy stemmed from their role as mediators between the divine and human realms, and their responsibility in preserving and transmitting the sacred traditions and beliefs of ancient Egypt.  Please check out the links below to further your study on the Egyptian priests.

https://www.egypttoursportal.com/en-us/blog/ancient-egyptian-civilization/ancient-egyptian-priests/

https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-egyptian-magicians

https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/magic_01.shtml

https://www.albanyinstitute.org/ancient-egyptian-art-and-culture?file=tl_files/pages/education/lesson_plans/Ancient%20Egypt/PriestsinAncientEgypt.pdf&cid=3221

It is proven archaeologically and from the ancient literature that no one knows what the original Menorah looked like.  Today orthodox rabbis debate as to the details of the Menorah.  One verse that we emphasized was Exod. 25:40, “"See that you make them after the pattern for them, which was shown to you on the mountain.” (Exo 25:40)  So many today say Moses was in Heaven when the LORD Yahvay showed Moses the various aspects of the Mishkan HaKodesh.  But, that is not what the Bible says.  Moses is on the mountain and was not taken from earth.  Perhaps the LORD showed Moses a plant that is common throughout the Middle East and in the Sinai.  It is called today “SALVIA PALAESTINA” and it is amazing that it looks like the Menorah.  Could it be that God shows Moses this plant on the mountain in the Sinai (could be that one was growing close to the area where Moses and Yahvay, the LORD, met.  See the picture below of THE MENORAH PLANT.

A scholarly article that shows this is possible can be found at the link below.  It was written by Dr. Martin Gruber, professor emeritus at Ben Gurion University of the Negev.

LINK - https://janes.scholasticahq.com/article/55699-the-salvia-plant-and-the-menorah-revisited/attachment/120208.pdf

Finally, it was suggested in the Jerusalem Publication Society Exodus commentary by Dr. Nahum Sarna, that the art work of the Menorah in Exodus 25 is clearly associated with the artwork of the ancient Egyptians dated to the Late Bronze Age.  See the picture below for a chart showing the Bronze Age and its divisions and dates for the early, middle and late bronze age.  This picture is from Wikimedia and is public domain.

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret in Wadi Elah - location of the fight between David and Goliath)

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