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The study of the Bible in its historical context - with a focus on the archaeology, history, geography, customs , culture, and even the languages of the ancient Middle East. WE ask what did they understand THEN - the original intent of the Lord - so that we can expand and enrich our understanding NOW and thus become true disciples of Adonai Yeshua as in John 8:31-32.
Episodes
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Monday Feb 02, 2026
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.
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
Saturday Jan 31, 2026
Saturday Jan 31, 2026
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
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Friday Jan 30, 2026
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
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
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
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday Jan 26, 2026
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/
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
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.
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
Friday Jan 23, 2026
Friday Jan 23, 2026
In lesson 4 part 2 in the Exodus series of podcasts it is seen that the Hebrews, probably starting after Joseph died in the last chapter of Genesis, assimilated into the culture and customs of ancient Egypt. They bought into the wrong “story.” I said I’d link you to the lesson in the Exodus series. It is critical that you listen to that podcast and understand the truth of the fact that the Hebrews assimilated into the Egyptian culture. It is so critical since it helps us understand the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, even from Genesis chapter 1 verse 1. Here’s the link - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wdzur-f82194
And one aspect of the mythology of ancient Egypt has everything to do with ladders! In the ancient Pyramid texts dated to 2500 B.C. and still used in the days of Moses in 1446 B.C. there was the idea of the pharaoh needing a ladder to get to heaven. The ladder was provided by the gods so that the pharaoh could have a way to be with the gods in Egyptian paradise. Shown below is a picture found in one of the temples in ancient Egypt showing the ladder concept.
So, you are a Hebrew. You are free and not a slave any more. You hear that Moses is writing the books of God’s instruction; God’s instruction means תורה Torah. Torah means instruction and not law. You’ll be one of the first to hear what he wrote. It was perhaps understood then that Yahvay, the LORD, was somehow inspiring Moses to write these documents. So, what would you think when you came to the story of Jacob’s dream and the ladder to the heavens? You’d remember it from Egyptian mythology. But this time, the one, the true God, the only God, is helping you understand it is HE who gives us the way to Himself and not the Egyptian gods or pharaoh. It is the Lord who provides the WAY back to Himself since you probably heard the 1st book Moses wrote. Genesis. In that book you heard that the way to paradise, the way back to the Father was closed. But now, as you hear about Jacob’s dream it is as if God is trying to say there is good news, the “gospel.” It is as if God seems to say that one day the way back will be provided by the Lord.
The dream of Jacob is an awesome and powerful lesson. As we put it back into its historical context it even gets more profound. Come. Join us. Let us return to that ancient place that Jacob named בֵּית אֵל Bayt El, Bethel, the dwelling of God.
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Lesson 39 Part 3 – ALL SCRIPTURE TESTIFIES OF ME – Jesus says this sometime between 24-30 A.D. and we read it in John 5:39. All they had then was the Hebrew Scriptures. So those who first heard Jesus, who did not have the New Testament, it was clear Jesus was saying that the Torah and even Exodus 14, the chapter we are studying in lesson 39, testify of Jesus. How? Get ready. Get your seat belts on. The rescue at ים סוף Yam Suf – the sea of Reeds – connects us to Jesus and the final victory of His over death.
Also, we again encounter the ANGEL OF GOD or the ANGEL OF THE LORD. In lesson 32 in Genesis we dealt with this in detail and showed how the Angel of the Lord is GOD, a manifestation of God to us in the flesh so that we will not die yet "see the Lord." Here’s the link to lesson 32 in Genesis dealing with the Angel of the Lord. Link - https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zfndi-fd62d0
In part 2 of lesson 39 we will study how this relates to the dogma of the Trinity. We say there are three PERSONS in one God. Once again we are reading it in English when it was actually written in Greek almost 2000 years ago. The Greek word that we translate as PERSON today is not what the Greek word means then and in the New Testament. It means FACE or mask. Just like when Jesus said to Philip in John 14 that if we SEE Jesus, one might say see His face, then we have SEEN the Father. We have seen the face of the Father. And, we did not die. God told Moses that we can’t see Him or we will die. God actually said in the Hebrew that we can not see His FACES! We can see a face of God, like Jesus. We can see another face of God like the Angel of the Lord. But, we can’t see His FACES – like all of them together. The Greek word we translated as person, if we keep it in its original meaning as FACE, the dogma of the Trinity becomes a concept we can perhaps begin to grasp. Jesus is God. He is one with God. He is one of the faces of God. When we see Jesus we see God, a manifestation of God Himself.
Who is the Egyptian god of the wind? This god is named Shu. Shu is the awesome god in Egyptian mythology, the wind, who held up the sky.
Did Pharaoh think that it was Shu, the god of the wind, that blew all night to create a path through the chaos of the sea so he could then capture the Hebrews and Moses and return them to slavery. Did Pharaoh think his gods were fighting for him? It seems likely and it fits so well in this narrative. To read more about this Egyptian god here are a few good links …
Link 1 - https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/shu/
Link 2 - http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/shu.htm
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday Jan 19, 2026
* NO BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR INTENTIONAL SINS
As we saw in this lesson the sin sacrifice is only for UNINTENTIONAL SINS (Lev. 4:1); those sins committed mistakenly or in error or with no understanding by the one doing the act. The Hebrew word used is Shag-ah-ga שְׁגָגָה (H7684) which means a mistake or inadvertent transgression, and error, a act of sin done in ignorance, an act done with the "sinner" unawares, or a sinful act done unwittingly.
This is not our understanding of sin as Christians. To us as Christians we have been taught that all sin, every sin is an act disobeying the Lord on purpose or INTENTIONALLY. No one teaches in the church today that in the Hebrew scriptures there are two types of sin UNINTENTIONAL and INTENTIONAL. And it is so clear, so precise, so exact that יהוה Yahvay, the LORD, our God teaches in His TORAH in Leviticus that the sin sacrifice is ONLY for UNINTENTIONAL sin.
I have done a number of lessons on this and have gone more in depth. I will again come back to this again and again especially when we reach Exodus 34 and Leviticus 16. So, you may not want to wait till I get there in this podcast series. So, below are links to resources to help you dig deeper into this Torah concept of sin; that is, sin that is unintentional and intentional. You'll be able to see that Jewish theologians as far back as 100 years or so after Jesus said there was NO ritual, no sacrifice, no atonement for intentional sin. One might say the תורה Torah which brings us the NEW COVENANT at Sinai was incomplete. How is it made complete? How will it be FINISHED? Ready? Here's the links.
Link 1 - a podcast on unintentional and intentional sin as it relates to the Lord's special appointed time of YOM KIPPUREEM - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-1-it-is-finished/
Link 2 - a short 5 minute video that gets into this topic and shows the connection of the Sinai Covenant and that Yeshua completes the covenant at the cross - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/five-small-stones-episode-9-rom-104-it-is-finished/
Link 3 - this is a chapter from one of my class books that focuses on the Lord's special day of Yom Kippureem and the issue of unintentional and intentional sin - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/za1ss9s0gcmp7evzp5ops/Lsn2-Fall-Feasts-2019-31-...74.pdf?rlkey=0tt9vhgfl50joiaskt2tzjqea&st=86mkwjfd&dl=0
* ATONEMENT, FORGIVENESS, PROPITIATION, EXPIATION - Jesus and Yom Kippureem
This is an appropriate place to go into the definitions of these words. I have heard sermons on these words but never did I understand what they meant. I was never taught the subtle nuances of these critical words as they relate to our salvation the very words of the Lord.
In this lesson about the "mercy seat" and how it connects to Leviticus 16 and the Lord's special appointed time of Yom Kippureem, it seems appropriate to explain these words in some detail.
* ATONEMENT - it is an act(s) done by the guilty party, the sinner, to appease or satisfy the one you sinned against. If I have hurt someone - whether it is unintentional or intentional - and I want to regain my relationship with that person I hurt I will atone for my "sin." I will do things that hopefully will be enough for the one I hurt to accept my actions that I do to prove I am atoning and thus make things right again. But, between us and God things are different.
In the rituals of Yom Kippureem the atonement to make ourselves "right" before the LORD, the actions, are not done by the people but by Aaron the KOHEN HAGADOL כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל - High Priest. This was only for unintentional sins since God commanded the use of a bull and a goat for the sacrifices as one can read in Leviticus 16. When we consider Jesus we find He did the atonement for us. He did the act - His sacrificial death on the cross - to do what was necessary as an act of atonement for us. As Christians we do not atone for our sins, our INTENTIONAL sins. As the Hebrew Scriptures shows there is no ritual, no sacrifice, that can be used as the act to bring us back in righteousness before the Lord. It is only the act of Jesus, His death, that is the act of atonement. Yes, we should confess our sin. Yes, we should realize our guilt and bring this to the LORD in a prayer of admittance or contrition - contrition is not just a recitation of words; it's a personal act that involves both the heart and will. It expresses a sincere desire to be forgiven and to change one's behavior. And. yes, we should know that by GRACE the LORD has given us the blood sacrifice, the crucifixion of the LAMB, as the act for our atonement.
* FORGIVENESS - this is an acceptance of the atonement of the sinner by the one sinned against and an act by the one sinned against to show that the sinner is once again in good standing. Atonement is done by the sinner. Forgiveness is done by the person who was sinned against.
Yom Kippureem the atonement is done by Aaron the KOHEN HAGADOL כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל - High Priest. Again this is only for unintentional sins since God commanded the use of a bull and a goat for the sacrifices as one can read in Leviticus 16. And in Leviticus 4 and 16 we read the actual words of the Lord that the UNINTENTIONAL sins of Israel are cleansed, done away with, or, in other words, forgiven.
But, there is NO act or acts that one can do as our personal atonement to be forgiven for our INTENTIONAL sins against the Lord in the Torah and in the New Covenant, the Sinai Covenant, we are studying. The Sinai Covenant was "incomplete" and it is FINISHED only in Jesus and this is proven in the very words of God ...
- 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [2, 3, 5, 6]
- Acts 2:38: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." [7]
- Ephesians 1:7: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." [8]
- Colossians 1:14: "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." [4]
- Luke 7:48: "Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”" [1]
* PROPITIATION - this is the act of appeasing the one who was sinned against. In other words it is an act that the one sinned against agrees is sufficient to erase the debt of the sin and the guilt of the sinner and restore the sinner and the one who was sinned against. So, atonement is an act done by the sinner to again be restored to the one who they sinned against. But the one who atones may not do the right thing to appease the one sinned against. The one sinned against says what the price is to be paid - the propitiation is determined by the one sinned against not the one who atones. We want to be forgiven by the LORD and so we atone. But, the propitiation is beyond our doing. The only act to appease the Lord is the death of His Son, the sacrificial death of Yeshua for us. Yeshua then takes our sin upon Himself and He does the act of atonement. His atonement results in His obedience to go to the cross and die as the act, the only act, the only blood sacrifice, or the propitiation for our sin.
* EXPIATION - this definition is quite simple. It is the process which erases the guilt and the debt. One of the best explanations I have read on the difference between EXPIATION and PROPITIATION is from Ligonier Ministries. Here it is.
Let‘s think about what these words mean, then, beginning with the word expiation. The prefix ex means “out of” or “from,” so expiation has to do with removing something or taking something away. In biblical terms, it has to do with taking away guilt through the payment of a penalty or the offering of an atonement. By contrast, propitiation has to do with the object of the expiation. The prefix pro means ”for,” so propitiation brings about a change in God‘s attitude, so that He moves from being at enmity with us to being for us. Through the process of propitiation, we are restored into fellowship and favor with Him.
(https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/two-important-words-good-friday-expiation-and-propitiation)
In this podcast lesson I mentioned that the KH ROO VEEM (in English Cherubim) are a familiar concept in the 15 century B.C. Here are some pictures of various winged creatures used to guard and prevent access to that which they are protecting ...
All these images are used by permission. They are easily accessed at Wikimedia.
I had mentioned that one of my resources was Dr. Craig Keener. He is a proven trustworthy source as we study the Bible in it historical context.
- Genesis and the Garden of Eden: Keener highlights the cherubim stationed at the entrance to the Garden of Eden, tasked with guarding the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve's expulsion. He connects this to the broader theme of humanity's stewardship and the consequences of disobedience. [2]
- Ezekiel's Vision: Keener also explores the cherubim in Ezekiel's visions, where they are described as composite beings with four faces (man, lion, ox, and eagle) and multiple wings. He notes that these faces can be seen as representing different aspects of God's rule and creation. [4, 5]
- Ancient Near Eastern Context: Keener emphasizes that understanding cherubim requires considering their context within the ancient Near East. While some aspects of the cherubim are similar to imagery found in other temples, the cherubim in the Bible also have unique characteristics. [1, 2]
- Gradation of Holiness: Keener suggests that the cherubim's placement and the materials used near the ark in the tabernacle reflect a gradation of holiness, emphasizing the reverence for the divine presence. [1]
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?
Ferret somewhere near the ancient site of Bethel in Israel.
What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
This is the 2nd lesson on this amazing event - Jacob's dream of the ladder, the way to the Father. In lesson 68 we focus on Jacob making a deal with God. Check it out. Jacob says as if speaking to the Lord that if you Lord do X, and if you Lord do Y, THEN, then and only then will you be my God. So, is that what God wants us to see? Is that what God is teaching in His Torah which does not mean LAW but INSTRUCTION? Can it be? Can it be that we can cone to God have today in these days of evil and chaos and make a deal? Can we tell God, "Hey Lord, if you give us what we want politically or socially then we will your people?" Can we buy Him off? Is this the way to become "saved" by telling God to do our bidding. If He does then we will be His son or daughter.
In this lesson we face the fact that Israel coming out of Egypt were the targeted audience of God for the Torah. God wanted them to learn something that they'd get since they assimilated into the pagan culture of Egypt. It has to do with the ladder in Jacob's dream. I mentioned this in this lesson. Here's the link to the lesson in the Egyptian study series that shows the Hebrews assimilated - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wdzur-f82194
Who is this guy, Rev. Ferret?
(Ferret in Timna Park just north of Eilat Israel)
What's his background? Why should we take time to listen to him? Here's a link to check out his background - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
In part 2 of lesson 39 we return to Exod. 14 and study Pharaoh’s heart, God’s glory, and how to “know” the Lord. We read the Bible in English and we read the words heart, glory, and the phrase “to know.” If we stay in the English we miss so much as to the actual Hebrew. God wants all Egyptians "to know" Him and it connects us to Jesus when He said ...
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' (Mat 7:21-23)
Jesus, God, is saying the same thing to us. He wants not just for us to believe in Him but to know Him. But, what does it mean? What did it mean in Exod. 14? What did Jesus mean? He is God and He doesn't change as in Mal. 3:6. So, we need to grasp what God wants when He say He wants all Egypt, all Israel, and all nations to KNOW Him.
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0