LIGHT OF MENORAH

EXODUS - 31 - Exod. 11:1-10 & 12:29-32 Pharaoh Didn't Die!!

Our focus in lesson 31 is on two verses.  The first is Exod. 11:2 and the second is Exod. 11:5. 

"Speak now in the hearing of the people that each man ask from his neighbor and each woman from her neighbor for articles of silver and articles of gold." (Exo 11:2)

“… and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well.” (Exo 11:5)

These two verses show us that the Torah, the books of Moses, are as relevant today as they were then.  It is God’s instruction (that is what תּוֹרָה Torah means in the Hebrew) and God was instructing the Hebrews back then in 1446 B.C. and His original message was meant for them and us.  But, we need to study the word and try and grasp what those Hebrews saw and heard and understood, God's original intent and message then, so our understanding of how it relates to us today is enriched and enhanced. 

In Exod. 11:2 we find along with two other verses in Exodus that the Egyptians are called by God the “neighbors” of the Hebrews.  Later God commands in Lev. 19:18 and 19:34 that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves and we are to love the stranger as ourselves.  Thus, combining 19:18 and 19:34 together, the stranger is our neighbor!  God is teaching them then and us today that someone we don’t know, who is perhaps of a different faith, who holds to a different sexual orientation, who is foreign born, a total stranger, we are to treat them as if they were our neighbor - someone we know personally and lives with us of close to us.  In this podcast we will unpack this and relate it to the Platinum Rule and the Golden Rule. 

Platinum Rule – treat others how they would like to be treated.  Or another way of saying it is do unto others they way they want to be treated.

Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  This is from Matt 7:12

Today some say the Platinum Rule now replaces the Golden Rule.  Some say the Golden Rule is archaic and no longer valid for today.  It is seemingly an attack on the Bible by some, on the very words of God.  These views show that many have a limited and very incomplete understanding of the Bible.  If one does not study the Jewish roots of the New Testament, the Jewish background, one can easily be mislead by those who say the Golden Rule of the Bible is dead.

In this lesson we will show that the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule are both in the Bible and are applications of the Torah - both come out of the rabbis applying Lev. 19:18 and 19:34.  They are not separate rules but, for the rabbis, they are applications of these verses. We will see that years before Jesus that it was being taught that we are to love the stranger as our neighbor and we are to treat, as best as we can, the stranger the way the stranger would like to be treated.  On top of that we will see that the Platinum Rule itself is actually taught by Paul.  In lesson 31 we will see that God’s word, His תּוֹרָה Torah, is so applicable today.  We shouldn’t be surprised.  Jesus said sometime between 24-30 A.D. that ALL scripture testifies of Him.  All they had then was the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament.  The main books of the Bible in Jesus’ day was the תּוֹרָה Torah.  How dare us not study the very words of God that God Himself says testifies of Him. 

There is a great article on the Golden Rule vs. the Platinum Rule at a website entitled, www.TBLfaithnews.com.  Just go to the website and in their search window simply enter, “Platinum Rule.”  I am indebted to these Christian teachers for some awesome insights to on this topic. 

As we study the Golden Rule vs. the Platinum Rule I mentioned I’d link you to a chapter from one of my class books.  This chapter is on the parable of the Good Samaritan.  Jesus’ parable has everything to do with this issue.  In this parable it is clear that Jesus is saying our enemy is our neighbor.  Once again, the Lord is so consistent.  This is what He initially taught His people coming out of Egypt.  Here’s the link to this chapter for your further study -   https://www.dropbox.com/s/ju6zum2rzcu6srs/Parables2..GoodNeighbor..pages15..31may21.pdf?dl=0

The second issue we will deal with in this lesson is what is the name of the Pharaoh of the Exodus.  This results from the verse Exod. 11:5.  In this verse all first born will die.  But, Pharaoh did not die.  But, studying the ancient culture of Egypt we learn that the 1^st born son of a Pharaoh was considered the “crown prince” and this would be the next Pharaoh.  So, the Pharaoh in the Exodus didn’t die.  Thus, if the Bible is true and 100% accurate, the Pharaoh of the Exodus must not have been the first born.  What is amazing is if we put the Bible in its historical context we will be able to determine the name of this Pharaoh from the clue the Bible gives that Pharaoh of the Exodus had an older brother as well as the next Pharaoh in line.

I recommend you also study lesson 5 parts 1 & 2 in this series.  These podcasts deal with the dating of the Exodus.  So podcasts 5 parts 1 & 2 and this lesson are extremely important for you if you are a serious student of the Bible.  Here’s the links to these podcasts.

Part 1 – https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-gospel-according-to-moses-exodus-lesson-5-part-1-the-archaeology-of-the-exodus/

Part 2 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-gospel-according-to-moses-exodus-lesson-5-part-2-1446-bc/

I also am linking you to Dr. Doug Petrovich’s new videos.  The topic is the Pharaoh of the Exodus.  In this podcast I deal with one aspect of the discussion that the Pharaoh of the Exodus was Amenhotep II.  Dr. Petrovich in his videos gives even more amazing archaeological and historical fact to support his.  You may even want to get his latest books and DVD’s.  This is one Christian proven credible scholar you will want to “study under” to do deeper into your Bible understanding.  Here’s the links to the videos.

Video 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oslIgQPekQ&t=1s

Video 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqUC3jAwAMc&t=2s

 

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

Rosh HaShana (YOM TERUAH) - 4 - 1st & Last Shofar

ROSH HASHANA EPISODE 4

(ROYALTY FREE IMAGE AT WWW.KINGPNG.COM)

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

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

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

LINK 1 - ten shofars of Rabbi Gaon

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

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

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

 

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

 

Rosh HaShana Part 3 - REMEMBER THE DAY OF THE SHOFAR BLAST & THE DAY OF THE LORD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

גמר חתימה בספר החיים טלה

G'mar Chatima Beh Sefer HaChaim Tahlah

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

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background

 

 

Rosh HaShana - Part 2 - The Shadow of Messiah

SPECIAL PODCAST SERIES

The Fall Feasts of the Lord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Rosh HaShana Part 1 - THE DAY OF THE BLAST

SPECIAL PODCAST SERIES

The Fall Feasts of the Lord

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

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

He said this sometime between 24-30 A.D. and scripture then was the Hebrew Scriptures (a.k.a. the Old Testament).  The primary books of the Hebrew scriptures is the Torah, the first five books of the Bible.  Thus, then, how do these scriptures testify of Jesus?  How do we see Jesus in the Torah?  This relates to the Rosh HaShana since this "feast" is mentioned several times in the Torah.  So, how do we "see" Jesus in Rosh HaShana?

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

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

Today the church does not celebrate one of God's "feasts."  Not one except Pentecost, or in Hebrew, Shavuot, the feast of weeks.  And, even then, they do not even understand the deeper and more expanded meaning of Pentecost.  Why not?  Simple, the church is so cutoff from its Jewish roots.  It has been emphasized that the old is done away with and the new has come so we are not under the rules and commands of the Old Testament.  The "church" has taught for centuries that what is Jewish is wrong, obsolete, and Jesus came against it.  This is totally wrong and misguided.  Jesus never did away with the Torah and the commands in Torah.  He came to complete the Torah, to do what the Torah could never do.  Just like we read when Paul taught in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia in southern Turkey ...

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

 

Jesus is God, Jesus is Lord, and Paul reiterates that there is only ONE God. Thus, these "feasts" are His, they are the feasts of Jesus.  I suggest that once you see Jesus in these commanded times the church can then consider to do these feasts in a Christian way as we see Jesus.  

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

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genesis - 56 - Gen. 25:7-10 ABRAHAM - EULOGY OF OUR FATHER

From Abraham Cohen’s excellent scholarly work, “Everymans’ Talmud,” we read that in the days of Jesus one’s death was more important than one’s birth.  Rabbi Cohen presents a parable that shows the views of Second Temple Judaism then and Rabbinic Judaism today on this concept.  There were two ships and one was leaving the harbor and the other was coming in after a long voyage.  Many on the docks cheered and celebrated as the one ship began its journey.  It was kind of a way to bolster the courage and hearts of the sailors going into the unknown.  There was an old sailor standing on the dick with the crowd.  He loudly stated, “why are you rejoicing over the ship beginning its journey.  NO.  Rather rejoice for the ship returning.  The ship returning is coming home safe and has made it through its perilous voyage.  For the ship leaving, do not rejoice.  We have no idea whether their journey will be a success or failure; we don’t know whether the crew will be of stout heart and courage.  But the ship returning tells us the story of its success and its triumph over struggles and the perils of their journey.”  Rabbi Cohen then says to us that it is the same in life and death.  Let us rejoice at a person’s death if they were righteous and live a life living according to the ways of the Lord.  Don’t rejoice at a person’ birth.  One being born is just beginning their life.  Will they live righteously?  Will do amazing things by the power of the hand of the Lord?  Or, will they live sinful lives, unrighteous before God and man?  We don’t know.  So, thus, we celebrate the death of a righteous person. 

This idea of the importance of the death of a person over the birth of a person is shown in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  There are only 41 verses or so relating to the birth of Christ in Matthew and Luke.  But there are over 400 verses in the four gospels reporting on the death of Jesus.  Of course!  The gospels are books written by Jews in their Jewish Middle Eastern mindset 2000 years ago.  The death of Jesus and the sacrifice of the cross is critically important to those Jewish gospel writers. Far different than Christians today ​in how we emphasize His birth that we ​c​all Christmas.

In lesson 56 we will deal with the death of Abraham.  We will study Abraham and his life from the Jewish perspective.  He first appears in Genesis 12 and the Torah is silent as to why Abraham was chosen by Adonai.  But, at his passing, we are now able to go back and study Abraham’s life.  We are able to consider ways God may have looked upon this man and chose Abraham to be our father in the faith as Paul teaches us in Rom. 4:13-16.  Abraham was given the gospel!  So, in the Torah, the books of Moses, we first read of the gospel, the gospel according to Moses, as Paul shows us in Gal. 3:8.  Now as we study the life of Abraham at his death, we will see Jesus.  Just like Jesus said in John 5:39.   How is Abraham our father?  How does all this relate to us today in the 21st century?  How can we come to have our understanding expanded and enriched as we understand that through Abraham’s seed (his descendants) that all will be blessed?  How do we grasp that we are Abraham’s seed along with Jesus​?​  Jesus is the blessing to all nations and we are to bring Him to all nations.  Abraham was sent and he went.  Jesus was sent and He went.  Jesus sends us.  Are we ready to go and be like ​our ​daddy, Abraham?  

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

Charlie Kirk - 1993-2025 - and the tears of his beloved wife Erika

Exodus - 30 - Exod. 11:1-11:10 THE HEART OF PHARAOH

In Exodus 34:6-7 Adonai, the Lord our God, teaches Moses on Sinai what He is like.  Among the rabbis these verses are called the 13 Attributes of Adonai.  

Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." (Exo 34:6-7)

Two attributes really stand out when it comes to the Pharaoh of the Exodus.  God is slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness.  These attributes along with John 3:16, say that God loves the whole world (even Pharaoh).  And this along with the Hebrew (NOT ENGLISH) give us an alternative view of the phrase "God hardened Pharaoh's heart."  We have learned from credible Jewish and Christian scholars that it seems IN THE HEBREW that God was trying to help Pharaoh make the right decision, to chose the path of righteousness of the God of Israel, and to turn from his immovable and strong commitment to his gods.  This is clear when we actually learn that the phrase "God hardened Pharaoh's heart" needs to be corrected!  There are three unique Hebrew words that our translators said meant hardened!  How did this happen?  Their translation seems to be based upon their bias and has clouded the deeper and more enhanced meaning. 

There is a verse in the King James version that is an example.  It shows the traditional view that has come down to us through the ages.  It is ... "And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land." (Exo 11:10)  Thus we learn in this translation that God caused Pharaoh to bring upon all Egypt the 10th awesome and terrible plague.  However, the Hebrew shows us something quite different.  The English of the verse from the Hebrew is ...  "And Moses and Aaron did all these signs before Pharaoh and gave courage (NOT STIFFENED OR HARDENED- mistaken translation) the Lord the heart of Pharaoh and he did not let out the sons of Israel of his land." Exod. 11:10 (translation from "Hebrew Study Bible" from the Westminster Lenigrad Codex).  The Hebrew shows us that it is very possible that time and again as we have seen in lessons 12 till 30 in this series that God was trying to help Pharaoh make the right decision and turn from his gods without forcing Pharaoh's hand and taking away Pharaoh's free will.  The Hebrew, and NOT our traditional views based upon the translators' beliefs, gives us an alternative view that seems to be more correct.  This alternative view then supports what God is like by His own words as we read above in Exod. 34:6-7 and John 3:16.   

I urge you to study the videos entitled "His Highnesses' Heavy Heart."  In these videos it is shown that there is an alternative equivalent meaning to the phrase in our English Bibles, "God hardened Pharaoh's heart."  The material presented is backed up with solid Jewish and Christian scholarship.  If you are serious about your Bible study these videos are a must so that the Ten Plagues and Pharaoh are understood in a deeper and more enhanced way.  Links -

Part 1 = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNw1742eiWc&list=PLvcIXun2BQDIw6myuMPTvlWHUu9AJqXip&index=21

Part 2 = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZSsExt9Hbw&list=PLvcIXun2BQDIw6myuMPTvlWHUu9AJqXip&index=20 

But, one thing we know of the Lord, He knows all.  He knew right from the "get go" that Pharaoh would not do the right thing.  The Lord told Moses this at the burning bush.  Remember? "But I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go." (Exo 3:19-20)  The actual Hebrew for "under compulsion" is " a strong hand."  The Hebrew does not say God will force Pharaoh to free Israel but that God will war against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt with a "strong hand" which will finally convince Pharaoh to relent and let the people go.  It is almost as if God is teaching us that He knew the end, He knew what Pharaoh would bring upon himself and all Egypt.  God shows us that He'd try and help Pharaoh do the right thing.  God seems to be teaching us about the power of evil and wickedness and that the final result is the evil and wicked will bring themselves to the brink of destruction and not the Lord.  Pharaoh's story is our story.  Pharaoh's strong stubborn evil worldview is just like us.  Thank God that we have this promise ... "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (Joh 3:16-17)  In 1446 B.C. the Hebrew shows us that the Lord was being a SAVIOR to Pharaoh and to try and encourage his mind to do the right thing.  And it is true now, we too need a SAVIOR.  He has come in the flesh and we all can now proclaim Jesus is our Lord, Jesus is our God, Jesus is the ONLY God.  And through the Cross we are redeemed and saved from our sins and delivered from His wrath coming upon all nations.  So we cry out, "Maranatha Lord Jesus" which comes from the Hebrew מָרָנָא אֲתָה - marana attah - the Lord will come!  

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

 

 

 

Truth Nuggets 6 - Parable of the Talents - Mah Yeshua Hayah Osay

Recently an associate of mine asked me about the Parable of the Talents in Matthew's Gospel in chapter 25.  There are some who say that God is teaching us concepts regarding investing our money.  This is highly doubtful once we consider the textual context (the words before and even after the parable) and the historical context.  A highly credible archaeologist, Dr. Ben Witherington III (an American New Testament scholar. Witherington is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church), said that TEXT with no CONTEXT is a PRETEXT for what we want the words to mean.  Thus, no context means you can make up your own meaning.  This is dangerous and is  frequently done in the church today and in many seminaries who have abandoned the study of the Bible in its historical setting.

The parable of the TALENTS is in context.  It is similar to what has come before and after.  It starts in Matt. 24:36 and the context ends in Matt. 25:46.  Jesus is teaching about His return.  As you study these verses you'll notice there are always two groups or two types of individuals.  There will be two men or women in a field and one will be left behind and the other taken.  There will be a faithful servant and an evil servant or there will be 5 sensible virgins and 5 foolish or sheep and goats.  There will be good and faithful servants who act on faith and an unfaithful servant who did not do anything but lived in fear.  The parable of the TALENTS falls right in the middle of all this.  That's the context.  It has nothing to do with your abilities, your "talents," your God given blessings or the proper way to invest.  It has everything to do with the Kingdom of the Lord and who were are in His Kingdom now and before He returns.

Jesus taught this parable 2000 years ago to His disciples.  That Jesus ONLY taught His disciples is clear as this parable, and the parable of the Wise and Foolish virgins, is in a section that begins in Chapter 24 of Matthew's Gospel when Jesus was on the Mt. of Olives.  His disciples came to Him and started asking Him about the end times.  The Parable of the Talents is taught to His disciples; it was Jesus and His 12 only.  For those disciples raised in Judaism of Jesus' day they heard this parable in ways that differ with how we look at it as Christians in the 21st century.  Let's return to HEAR what they heard THEN so that we can have the Spirit of the Lord expand our understanding NOW.  Once we do we can then understand that from this parable we should ask daily, in every circumstance, in all situations, מה ישוע היה עושה‎, Mah Yeshua Hayah Osay - what would Jesus do.  Thus, we are like our "rabbi" and thus we are true disciples doing the works He gave us after being saved by grace. (Eph. 2:8-10)

One of the great teacher/scholars I had the chance to study under in my masters program was Dr. Brad Young.  His website link is https://www.bradyoung.org/  He wrote a book entitled, "The Parables," which gives us the Jewish 1st century context of many key parables of Jesus.  I highly recommend this book and you can easily obtain it at Dr. Young's website or at Amazon and other book outlets.  Below is a link to an article that Dr. Young wrote that will enhance your study ...

Link - https://www.bridgesforpeace.com/letter/what-did-that-parable-really-mean/

Another awesome view of this parable in its 1st century Jewish context is found at a Messianic scholarly site called TorahClass.com. They show that the parable is related to another famous parable about the characteristics of disciples in the Kingdom, the Parable of the Four Soils.  Here's the link - 

https://www.torahclass.com/lessons/new-testament/matthew/lesson-86-ch25/

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