LIGHT OF MENORAH

Truth Nuggets - 2 - Psalm 23:6 and 91:1-3 BEIT AV - THE HOUSE OF THE FATHER

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

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

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

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

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  

(Ferret - Timnah Park just north of Eilat Israel)

The new series from Light of Menorah continues.  It is entitled, What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

Truth Nuggets 1 - Psalm 118:24

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

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

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

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

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

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

Genesis - 53 - Gen. 23:1-20 GO!! Don' just sit there!

I often wondered sometimes, how events in the Hebrew Scriptures related to me today in the 21st century.  I often wondered what Jesus meant in John 5:39 when He taught us that all scripture testified of Him.  All they had the when He taught that was the Hebrew Scriptures.  They did not have the New Testament.  But, over and over again I see the Lord is spot on!  His TORAH speaks to us today.  Just wait to see how the death of Sarah and Abraham's actions teach us what it means to be a true disciple of Adonai Yeshua.

Sarah dies and Abraham ACTS.  He just doesn't sit there and wait to see if the Lord wants him to buy the cave at Machpelah to bury his beloved wife.  On top of that Abraham acts again in chapter 24.  He doesn't just sit there and wait for God to bring Isaac a wife.  Abraham acts. 

We are his sons and daughters as Paul teaches in Gal. 3:7 and if Consider those who hold to the belief in the rapture.  Some Christians are waiting for the Rapture.  Waiting?  NO!!  Don't sit there, the Lord told you to GO.  Don’t believe me then listen to His very words in Matt 28:19, Mark 16:16, and John 15:16.

(Mat 28:19)  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit …”

(Mar 16:15-16)  And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”

(Joh 15:16)  "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would GO and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”

In all three verses there is the word “GO.”  In our own day don’t sit and study the end times and try and figure out the signs of the times and think you are doing well as a disciple of Adonai Yeshua.  He said “GO” and bear fruit and that our fruit is ever ripe and ever fresh for the purposes God has in His Kingdom.  We are to “GO” and then …

(Joh 15:8)  "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

So it is a lot more than studying the Bible.  Are you bearing fruit?  Are you like our father Abraham as Paul teaches in Gal. 3:7?  Are you just sitting there waiting?  Act!  Get up and DO!  Live to hear Him say the first time you and Yeshua are face to face, "Well done!"

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 - 27 - Exod. 10:2-10 (episode 1) THE ECONOMY OF EGYPT WAS DESTROYED

Lesson 28 is in two parts.  This first part will take us to Exod. 10:10 and part two to 10:20.

Time and time again Pharaoh experiences God’s power and wrath.  In lesson 27 it was the hail.  It destroyed a great part of the economy of Egypt.  But, once Adonai relents and stops the hail and the storm, Pharaoh “hardens” his heart.  On top of that this is also true for his servants as we read in Exod. 9:34 …

But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. (Exo 9:34)

We will again learn that as we put the Bible into its historical context and actually study the Hebrew, our understanding is clarified and enhanced.  The Hebrew word in v.34 for harden is the Hebrew word כּבד H3513 or kahvod.  It mean “heavy.”  If you lived in Egypt in 1446 B.C. when these events likely occurred, Egyptians and the Hebrews would understand what is meant by a “heavy” heart.  It is interesting to note that God does the same thing when we read Exod. 10:1.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them,” (Exo 10:1)

The English word is not a good word to give meaning to the Hebrew.  Once again the Hebrew word is kahvod, meaning “heavy.”  As I mentioned, if one is an Egyptian living when all this occurred or a Hebrew slave, they get it.  We don’t.  But, once we study the ancient culture of Egypt, once we study the Bible in its historical context, what Pharaoh did to his “heart” and what God did to his “heart” are too opposite applications.  But what does it mean? 

On top of that as we delve into this and study the word closely and carefully, verse 9:34 and 10:1 show us that God NEVER took away Pharaoh’s free will.  When you study the historical context and the Hebrew it is almost silly to think God took away this man’s ability to chose freely.  And yet, many still hold to the traditional view since they have not been taught about ancient Egypt and the Bible in it historical context. 

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

 

 

TRUTH NUGGETS - 23 - This is My Name Forever - Exod. 3:15 - Part 3

TRUTH NUGGET #23

PART 3 OF 3

VIDEO 15 MINUTES

An amazing archaeological discovery was made in the deserts of Sudan. It has everything to do with proving the Exodus showing that the Exodus probably really happened and when. But, two statements Jesus made in His Last Supper are also connected. One statement in John 14 to Phillip and the other He made in a prayer to the Father. Come and join us and let's go to the temple of Soleb, built by pharaoh Amenhotep III, the grandson of Amenhotep II who is the likely pharaoh of the Exodus, and see the oldest inscription of the name of the Lord.

I also suggest you connect with Joel Kramer, an evangelical Bible archaeologist. He has done amazing work with teaching the Bible via video based upon the archaeology that proves the veracity of the Bible. His website is www.SourceFlix.com. Look for his new video, "The Oldest Yahweh Inscription," to learn more about the Soleb Temple.

Here's the link to his website and the link directly to the video.

SourceFlix - https://sourceflix.com/

Joel Kramer's video, "The Oldest Yahweh Inscription" - https://sourceflix.com/oldest-yahweh-inscription/

Who is this guy, Rev. Ferret?  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

TRUTH NUGGETS - 22 - This is My Name Forever - Exod. 3:15 - Part 2

TRUTH NUGGETS #22

PART 2 OF 3

VIDEO 15 MINUTES

An amazing archaeological discovery was made in the deserts of Sudan. It has everything to do with proving the Exodus showing that the Exodus probably really happened and when. But, two statements Jesus made in His Last Supper are also connected. One statement in John 14 to Phillip and the other He made in a prayer to the Father. Come and join us and let's go to the temple of Soleb, built by pharaoh Amenhotep III, the grandson of Amenhotep II who is the likely pharaoh of the Exodus, and see the oldest inscription of the name of the Lord.

I also suggest you connect with Joel Kramer, an evangelical Bible archaeologist. He has done amazing work with teaching the Bible via video based upon the archaeology that proves the veracity of the Bible. His website is www.SourceFlix.com. Look for his new video, "The Oldest Yahweh Inscription," to learn more about the Soleb Temple.

Here's the link to his website and the link directly to the video.

SourceFlix - https://sourceflix.com/

Joel Kramer's video, "The Oldest Yahweh Inscription" - https://sourceflix.com/oldest-yahweh-inscription/

Who is this guy, Rev. Ferret?  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

TRUTH NUGGETS - 21 - This is My Name Forever - Exod. 3:15 - Part 1

TRUTH NUGGETS #21

PART 1 OF 3

VIDEO 15 MINUTES

NOTE: video works better on YouTube - link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olDFBQ5pcSs&t=1071s

An amazing archaeological discovery was made in the deserts of Sudan. It has everything to do with proving the Exodus showing that the Exodus probably really happened and when. But, two statements Jesus made in His Last Supper are also connected. One statement in John 14 to Phillip and the other He made in a prayer to the Father. Come and join us and let's go to the temple of Soleb, built by pharaoh Amenhotep III, the grandson of Amenhotep II who is the likely pharaoh of the Exodus, and see the oldest inscription of the name of the Lord.

I also suggest you connect with Joel Kramer, an evangelical Bible archaeologist. He has done amazing work with teaching the Bible via video based upon the archaeology that proves the veracity of the Bible. His website is www.SourceFlix.com. Look for his new video, "The Oldest Yahweh Inscription," to learn more about the Soleb Temple.

Here's the link to his website and the link directly to the video.

SourceFlix - https://sourceflix.com/

Joel Kramer's video, "The Oldest Yahway Inscription" - https://sourceflix.com/oldest-yahweh-inscription/

Who is this guy, Rev. Ferret?  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

Genesis - 52 - Gen. 22:20-23:20 - Sarah - in His Image

What is a non-sequitur?  From Merriam-Webster we see that …

Definition of non sequitur

1: an inference (see INFERENCE sense 1) that does not follow from the premises (see PREMISE entry 1 sense 1)

specifically : a fallacy resulting from a simple conversion of a universal affirmative (see AFFIRMATIVE entry 1 sense 3) proposition or from the transposition of a condition and its consequent (see CONSEQUENT entry 1 sense 1)

2: a statement (such as a response) that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said

Here’s an example.  If someone asks what it's like outside and you reply, "It's 2:00," you've just used a non sequitur; you made a statement that does not follow what was being discussed.  Shown below are five more simple examples.

• My refrigerator is acting up. I’d better finish that book by Friday.
• I read about a pitbull attack. Our neighbor owns a pitbull. My life is in danger.
• It's time to take my car in for service. I wonder if my stylist is available this Saturday.
• I had a crazy music teacher in elementary school. All music teachers are crazy.
• When it's sunny, I see my neighbor walking his dog. He must only walk the dog when the sun is out.

It is clear that one statement does not follow logically into the second.  It also seems that in Genesis 22:20-24 we have a non-sequitur.  Why after studying the awesome events of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, the child of promise, do we get this?

Now it came about after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, "Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: Uz his firstborn and Buz his brother and Kemuel the father of Aram and Chesed and Hazo and Pildash and Jidlaph and Bethuel." Bethuel became the father of Rebekah; these eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham's brother. His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah and Gaham and Tahash and Maacah.  (Gen 22:20-24)

This seems so out of place.  It seems like it doesn’t belong, it doesn’t follow.  Why does the Lord inspire Moses to put this in in this place?  It’s like a non-sequitur.  Or is it?  Remember, this is God’s word.  Something is up.  In this lesson will attempt to understand why these verses are put in here.  The suggestions are powerful.

We will then turn our attention to Genesis 23.  One thing we will focus on is the geography of Israel.  Look at the map below. (Map is royalty free at Wikimedia)

Abraham was about 30 miles away from Sarah when Sarah died.  Huh?  This means they were not living together as married couple.  This escapes most of us since we are so cutoff from understanding the geography of the Middle East as it relates to the Bible events.  The geography tells us something.  We missed it.  There’s more to the events that preceded Sarah’s death.  There’s more we missed that adds to a deeper understanding of the word of the Lord. 

Lastly, we will focus on Abraham and his reliance, his dependency, his trust, or, one might say, his faith in God and that what God promised and what God said is true.  Abraham's worldview is a total trust and reliance on the Lord.  What's interesting is Abraham doesn't just sit there and not do anything.  Abraham knows the promises of God and HE DOESN'T JUST SIT THERE, HE ACTS!!  He acts in such a way that his actions show that he relies on the promises of the Lord and they are true even though not seen.  This is the type of "father" we have as Paul teaches about us in Gal. 3:7.  We are part of the family.  He's our daddy.  We should live and be believers who have the same faith, the same worldview of Abraham.  So, Christian, don't just sit there, do something!!

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 - 26 - Exod. 9:31 - 10:1 THERE IS ONE AND ONLY ONE GOD AND LORD

Our focus in lesson 27 is Exod. 9:13 – 10:1. The event is the plague of hail that was so awesome that there was nothing like it ever in the history of Egypt.  For the Hebrews coming out of Egypt, the first ones to “hear” the words of Moses, the first five books of the Bible, sometimes called the תּוֹרָה Torah, meaning God’s instruction,  they’d recall that Pharaohs always boasted of their mighty works and accomplishments.  It’s like Thutmosis III who bragged he did amazing things that haven’t been done in Egypt, ever.  Interesting.  God, the LORD, יהוה Yahvay, the God of the Hebrews, seemingly is using things familiar in Egypt against the Egyptians.  The LORD is saying He is the Lord, He is God, the only God, the one and only God.  This is found in Deut. 6:4 when we read …

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” (Deu 6:4)

The Hebrew word translated as ONE is the word אֶחָֽד Ekhad.  It does mean one but the concept is a oneness that is indivisible, a oneness that can not be separated into parts or persons.  A better way then to think of the verse is substituting ONE for the phrase, “THE ONE AND ONLY,” or to take out ONE and say, “UNIQUE.” 

So the Lord is the ONLY ONE who will bring upon Egypt something truly the Egyptians have ever experienced in the past or in the future.  The hail storm was beyond imagination for any of us.  But, to understand what is going on we need again to put the Bible back into its historical context.  When we do the impact is our understanding is deepened and expanded. 

We will also explore the motif in the Bible from the Garden to the End of Days about man’s deserve to turn from God and become a god himself – to determine his own right and wrong and his own will to meet his lower needs and desires and instincts.  There is a word spoken against the king of Babylon in Isa. 14:3-23 who himself says he is god. 

He said ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ (Isa 14:14)

I bring this up as one of many examples of when men declare themselves as god.  There is an important verse to consider.  In the NASB it is …

“How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations!” (Isa 14:12)

But in the King James we read …

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” (Isa 14:12)

This is an example of a major translation error where the translators of the King James inserted a “borrowed” Latin word from the translation of Jerome, an early church father.  The borrowed word is LUCIFER.  How can you substitute a Latin word (actually tow Latin words) that means only “light bearer.” Jerome did not use these Latin words to mean the name of the devil.  However, his error and the misunderstanding of later translators hung onto Jerome’s error and it comes down to us today as the devil’s name.  This is a huge mistake.  In actuality, the devil has NO name.  It isn’t Lucifer and it isn’t Satan.  Satan is what the devil is and not his name.  For further study check out these links to go into this in a more detailed manner.

Link 1 - https://www.franknelte.net/article.php?article_id=218

Link 2 - https://www.baslibrary.org/bible-review/14/6/15

 

Pharaoh seems to repent.  This plague was so awesome that Pharaoh says that he has sinned and all of Egypt.  However, it seems his repentance is only a way for Pharaoh to think he has once again manipulated the LORD, יהוה Yahvay.  For once the hail stops Pharaoh gives courage to his heart.  His way of manipulating the God of the Hebrews is working.  It works every time.  Pharaoh thinks he is winning.  He is building up his courage more and more as a mighty god of Egypt.  But, there is only one God.  There is only one Lord.  There is only one King of the Universe.  In Exod. 10:1 God makes Pharaoh’s heart “heavy” and this should be studied in light of the Hebrew language and the culture of ancient Egypt.  Thus, it is highly recommended that if you are serious about your continued study of the Bible in its historical context, then you must watch the two videos entitled, “His Highness’ Heavy Heart.”  Here’s the link to the videos.

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/dNw1742eiWc

Part 2 - https://youtu.be/dZSsExt9Hbw

So come and join us now.  As we once again return to 1446 B.C. and ancient Egypt in March or April.  Come and let us see that indeed there is one and only one God and Lord of all.

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

 

 

 

 

Genesis - 51 - Gen. 22:14 - Three Rams of God and His Three Mountains

We finally come to the amazing conclusion of our study on Genesis 22:1-9, the עֲקֵידַת יִצְחַק‎ Ahkaydah Yeetzack, the Binding of Isaac.  Starting in lesson 49 we talked about that these verses are a CHIASM.  You serious about learning the Bible?  Really?  Then you’d better review all three of these lessons, 49, 50 and this one, lesson 51.  If you are serious about Bible study and knowing God’s word you need to understand that God inspires His writers of His books to use chiastic structures to focus on the main point of something the Lord wants to teach us.  Here are the links for lesson 49 and 50 and a link to the video entitled, “The Mirror of Passover,” which together will help you understand what a chiasm is. 

Link – lesson 49 – https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-5v9ti-10f429a

Link – lesson 50 – https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fw95z-1104daf

Link – video, “The Mirror of Passover” - https://youtu.be/ipaeu7AQZ8Y

 

For עֲקֵידַת יִצְחַק‎ Ahkaydah Yeetzack, the Binding of Isaac, it is critical since understanding the chiasm of Gen. 22:1-19 takes us to the Cross of Christ.  This is too amazing. 

 

There are some amazing connections that come out of this chiasm.  We will see three first born sons.  We will see three lambs/rams.  We will see three covenants and three mountains.  We will see three names of the first born sons and all of the names begin with the same Hebrew letter … look …

יִצְחַק – Yeetzack (Isaac)  – begins with יִ

יִשְׂרָאֵל – Yisrael (Israel) - begins with יִ

יְשׁוּעָה. – Yeshua (Jesus) – begins with יִ

Are you ready for this?  Are you ready to learn what you ain’t gonna learn in Sunday school? 

טוֹב, תִּהְיוּ מוּכָנִים, בּוֹאוּ נַתְחִיל - tov, tiheyu mukhaneem, bou natekhil – OK!! Get ready!!  Let’s go!!

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? 

(Ferret - on a boat 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