The word love is first applied within Genesis 22 ~
“Now it came to pass after these things that [Lord God] tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’
He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.’”
OT Love (אַהֲבָה, with root word אָהֵב) meaning includes; affection for beloved, friend.
“Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”
And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’
’Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’
And Abraham said, ‘My son, [Lord God] will provide for Himself the lamb for an offering.’
So the two of them went together. Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand, taking the knife to slay his son.
But the Angel of the LORD (Jesus) called to him from heaven and said ‘Abraham, Abraham!’
Abraham said, ‘Here I am.’
[Angel of the LORD] said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear (respect, reverence), since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me (Angel of the LORD, Lord God, Word made flesh; Jesus).”
Then Abraham lifted his eyes, looked, and there behind him a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went, took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering in place of his son.
Abraham called the name of the place, “The LORD Will Provide” as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided” [Mt. Moriah].
Mt. Moriah (יְהֹוָה יִרְאֶה); Jehovah (LORD) will see to it; Jehovah-Jireh.
Mt. Moriah where Abraham bound Isaac includes “Temple Mount.” The same mountain where David’s threshing floor is located on flat granite.
We can see David’s threshing floor under the modest “Dome of the Tablets.”
This threshing floor is the location for Ark of the Covenant within 1st Temple Holy of Holies. The Ark contained 10 Commandments, which Moses wrote upon tabletsof stone (Exodus 34:1-9). This is truly very sacred ground.
Since about 688AD Islam’s Dome of the Rock stands upon Mt. Moriah (Jehovah-Jire).
Consider ~
After the 1967, 6-Day War 🇮🇱 gained complete control over all Jerusalem, including Mt Moriah. However, 🇮🇱 returned the Temple Mount to King of Jordan in exchange for peace, keeping a “Wailing Wall.”
Jerusalem remains a divided city today because a large portion of His Holy Mountain is under King of Jordan governance. These Anti-Messiah words are inscribed on one of the Dome walls ~
“The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God…God is only One God. Far be it removed from His transcendent majesty that He should have a son.”
However, Zechariah 8:3 ~
“Thus says the LORD, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.
Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountainof the LORD of hosts (Angel of the LORD, Lord God, Word made flesh; Jesus), will be called the Holy Mountain!”
Matthew 3:12 ~
“[Jesus’] winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Isaiah 10:17 ~
“And the Light of Israel (Jesus) will become a fire and His Holy One a flame, and will burn and devour His thorns and His briars in a single day.”
Isaiah 49:23 ~
“They will bow down to You (Jesus) with their faces to the earth and lick the dust of Your feet; And you will know that I am the LORD; Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.”
Mt. Moriah extends north, outside the walls of Jerusalem and beyond Damascus Gate to an escarpment named Golgotha.
John 15:12 ~
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.”
NT Greek Love (ἀγάπη, agapē); affection; specifically (plural) a love feast (His wedding feast); charity.
Cross Reference, James 2:23 ~
“Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And Abraham believed God, and it was regarded to him as righteousness,’ and [Abraham] was called the friend of God (Jesus).”
Cross Reference, John 3:16, 17 ~
“For [Jehovah] so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in [Emmanuel; Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life. For [Jehovah] did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through [Lamb of Jehovah] might be saved.”
Cross Reference, Isaiah 53:4-12 ~
“Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of [Jehovah], and afflicted. But [Jesus] was pierced through for our transgressions, was crushed for our iniquities. The chastening for our well-being, and by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. But [Jehovah] has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him (Angel of the LORD, Word made flesh, Jesus).
[Jesus] was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.
By oppression and judgment He was taken away…Because [Jesus] had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth. But [Jehovah] was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief. If [Jesus] would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, [Jehovah] will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of [Jehovah] will prosper in [Jesus’] hand.
As a result of the anguish of His soul, [Jehovah] will see it and be satisfied. By [Jehovah’s] knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as [Jesus] will bear their iniquities.
Therefore, [Jehovah] will allot [Jesus] a portion with the great, and (Jesus) will divide the booty with the strong because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors. Yet [Jesus] Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors.”
Speculation of the Ark of the Covenant location abounds. Many authors and speakers on the subject of His Ark present options, conjectures but these are not based on Scriptures and the Law.
Did the Lord God take His golden chest, and atoning cover up to Heaven?
Is the Ark of His Covenant hidden in Ethiopia or other location outside Israel in a safe place?
“Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981), is a very entertaining movie. The movie’s plot developed from a fable that His Ark was taken out of the 1st Temple built by Solomon and moved to an Egyptian temple. Then, that entire Egyptian temple was buried by a massive dust storm only to be discovered by Indiana Jones and Raiders. Spielberg’s movie is pure Hollywood entertainment. I enjoy the move, watching Indiana Jones many times over years.
After reading this page you’ll know the location of His Ark with atoning cover and the Devine strategic purpose, fulfilling the Law.
Our Lord God explains His Ark design to Moses in Exodus 25:20-22 ~
“And the cherubim shall have theirwings spread upward, covering the atoning cover with their wings and facing one another; the faces of the cherubim are to be turned toward the atoning cover.
Then you shall put the atoning cover on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you.
There I will meet with you; and from above the atoning cover, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about every commandment that I will give you for the sons of Israel.”
Hebrew Word Definitions
Ark meaning includes; “in the sense of gathering; a box: ark, chest.”
Covenant meaning includes; “a compact.” There are Hebrew root words with insightful meaning, which include; “to select: make bright, choice, chosen, cleanse (be clean), clearly, purge (out).”
Atone in Hebrew means; Sanctify. Sanctify means; “to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate.”
The Hebrew phrase “atoning cover” was renamed by theologians in various English translations to read ~ Mercy Seat. This is a covering not a seat.
Oxford Dictionary definition of Covenant reads; “an agreement which brings about a relationship of commitment between Lord God and His people.”
The Lord God’s golden chest with atoning cover is physical evidence of His commitment between Himself and His chosen people – the children of Abraham and those of us Gentiles grafted into the Olive Tree of Faith in our Messiah (Christ).
According to the Law ~ a work of faith was performed once a year by Levitical High Priest. This special Priest enters the Holy of Holies, applying a small drop of animal blood upon the top east side of His atoning cover (Leviticus 16:11-14).
Ark of Covenant 1st Temple
We know from several accounts that Nebuchnezzer’s army besieged Jerusalem between 558 and 586 B.C. Babylonians build a siege wall around the walls of Jerusalem, trapping Kingdom of Judah leaders and their army, starving them to surrender. The exact date of these events is unknown. However, Babylonian Chronicle and 2 Kings 24:10-16, 2 Chronicles 36:10, and Jeremiah 52:29 record the historical event.
After the Babylonian siege, the 1st Temple was destroyed and many from the tribe of Judah were taken into captivity back to Babylon – including a very young man named Daniel. Jeremiah, the prophet of God at that time, was left behind to provide spiritual leadership to people remaining in the rubble of the conquering army.
Soon thereafter, many of those Hebrews in Judah fled to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them. They all seemed to have died in Egypt.
There are no account of these 1st Temple artifacts in the possession of any Priest, Prophet, or King Nebuchadnezzar after the destruction of the 1st Temple: Ark of the Covenant with Ten Commandments, Table of Show Bread, Lamp Stand.
Jeremiah 3:16 tells us the Hebrews will not remember or even miss His Ark. This is obvious because the High Priest would no longer enter the Holy of Holies, approach the atoning cover and apply sacrificial blood, fulfilling the Law. The Ark was truly forgotten by His chosen people.
In addition, since 1948 and after the 6 Day War, there continues to be no interest in Hebrew sovereignty over the Temple Mount. Think of the missed opportunity. They exchanged The Temple Mount for peace with their neighbors, keeping “The Wailing Wall.”
Mt. Moriah is the location where Abraham bound Isaac. This mountain includes “Temple Mount.”
Mt. Moriah (יְהֹוָה יִרְאֶה) means ~ Jehovah will see to it; Jehovah-Jireh.
This is the mountain where David’s threshing floor is located on flat granite. We can see David’s threshing floor under the modest “Dome of the Tablets.”
This threshing floor is the location for Ark of the Covenant within 1st Temple Holy of Holies. The Ark contained 10 Commandments, which Moses wrote upon tablets of stone (Exodus 34:1-9).
When reading the Letter to the Hebrews we see there’s a specific connection between the requirement of the Law (Leviticus chapters 16-17) and the application of His blood to the atoning cover.
Leviticus 17:11 ~
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”
Cross Reference, Hebrews 9:13-14 ~
“For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies so that the flesh is purified, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”
The Lamb of God
John 1:29 ~
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins if the world!”
Peter, a witness to the ministry and resurrected Messiah, describes how God’s Lamb paid the price by His blood, during Nisan 14, Passover preparation day.
1st Peter 1:18–20 ~
“You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
Cross Reference, 1st John 1:7 ~
“…the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
We know the Lamb of God was slain and His blood shed on that blessed preparation Passover day, Nisan 14.
We know Priests of 2nd Temple, who did not know Him, calling for His crucifixion on a Roman cross were sacrificing lambs for the Passover Feast on the same day.
We know the Lamb of God was crucified outside the gate, shedding His blood for us. The location of His bloody execution is Mt. Moriah, outside the Damascus Gate, upon an escarpment known as Golgotha (Mark15:22; Luke 23:33; John 19:17–18).
Hebrews 13:12 ~
“Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.”
Sanctify means; “to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate.”
Does His blood upon the ground about a Roman cross make holy and purifies the people? No.
Hebrews 10:29 ~
“Think how much more terrible the punishment will be for those who have trampled underfoot the Son of God and treated His cleansing blood as though it were common and unhallowed, and insulted and outraged the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to His people.”
John records in John 19:28-30 ~
“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”
John continues in verses 34-37 ~
“…one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken.’ And again another Scripture says, ‘They will look on him whom they have pierced.’”
This well trained Roman soldier responsible to insure His death puts a spear into His spleen. Besides the fulfillment of Scripture there’s a physiological reason for this soldier to pierce His side.
“The spleen is located in the upper left region of your abdomen – just behind your stomach and under your diaphragm. It is soft and purple, shaped like a very small smooth rounded catcher’s mitt with notches on its upper front edge…the average healthy adult’s spleen is about five inches long, three inches wide, and one and a half inches thick.
A typical spleen weighs about six ounces when you are healthy…your spleen is highly vascular organ; it contains many vessels that carry and circulate fluids in your body. With some infections or other conditions [crucifixion] your spleen can become enlarged. When this happens, your spleen can balloon in weight [filling with blood and plasma] to about four pounds” (Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh).
“Plasma is the liquid portion of blood. About 55% of our blood is plasma, and the remaining 45% are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets that are suspended in the plasma. Plasma is about 92% water” (American Red Cross).
Where do you think the Blood of the Lamb, taking away the sins of the world was placed, sanctifying and redeeming those who believe by Faith in Him that day?
Does His bloody crucified body upon a Roman cross “sanctify” us? No.
The Lamb of God’s blood flowed down that Roman cross set into the rock of Golgotha for 3 long hour. Then His spleen was pierced so a very large amount of His blood and plasma (92% water) flowed down His body, down that Roman cross below His feet, down into a deep cross hole cutout into rock.
With an earthquake, the rocks split (Matthew 27:51) and His blood and water (plasma) which collected in His cross hole, began flowing down into a cave where His Ark of the Covenant was placed to receive His precious blood sacrifice upon His atoning cover.
Our Lord fulfilled the Law, sanctifying, consecrating, and establishing a new and better Covenant in His blood as we read in Hebrews ~
The blood of the Lamb was applied to His atoning cover in a Holy place designated by His Father, under that old rugged cross with the extraordinary, unknowing assistance of Jeremiah and Temple priests hundreds of years before. A Devine strategic plan of sanctification, redemption and salvation by the Lamb of God. Thank you LORD.
1st John 5:1-13 tells us ~
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome…
This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
One day very soon, in His perfect timing, His golden chest and atoning cover with the Blood of the Lamb on the opposite side of the blood of animals, the Ten Commandment tablets and more will be brought forth as His witness. His Ark and atoning cover are His Holy Testament.
On that day, His children and our brethren will see Almighty God’s evidence, comprehending that His Son is our Messiah, coming to earth first as the Lamb and soon returns as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Should the above Scriptures not be sufficient to explain the Lamb of God fulfilling the Law with His blood, then maybe this link is helpful.
“Now may the God of peace who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood that sealed and ratified the eternal covenant, equip you with every good thing to carry out His will and strengthen you, accomplishing in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.”
“For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the Feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of [εἰλικρίνεια and εἰλικρινής; clearness, purity; judged by sunlight, tested as genuine] and Truth.”
I don’t write with an abundance of commentary within these blog posts. Simply quote passages with original language definitions, allowing the reader to think without my comment. Today’s post is an exception.
We all read passages from Paul’s letters. We regularly hear them spoken with great care, religiously, week after week. Yet, the above passage (1st Corinthians 5:8) and associated cross reference Scriptures, are passed over. Pun intended. Paul is clearly communicating to celebrate, remember Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread.
Every year since 2012, I look for any Evangelical church to follow this teaching Paul wrote with great care. Then read FaceBook and Twitter posts by respected Theologians, authors of Bible commentaries, and Pastors.
There’s zero acknowledgment of what He did today. I see no rejoicing on the actual historical day of His victory by His Church. Easter is substituted, which is a tradition of men and error.
Oversight of His actual resurrection day (today) is important, regarding worshiping in purity and truth.
Psalm 119:140 ~
“Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it.”
Psalm 119:162 ~
“I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.”
Proverbs 30:5 ~
“Every word of [Jesus] is tested; He is a shield tothose who put their trust in Him.”
Psalm 119:160 ~
“The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.”
Everlasting (עוֹלָם) meaning includes; properly concealed, that is, the vanishing point; generally time (past or future), practically eternity. Root word עָלַם; to veil from sight, conceal literally or figuratively: hide self, secret.
Cross Reference, Matthew 24:35 ~
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”
John 1:14 ~
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of Grace and Truth.”
Cross Reference, Psalm 118:14 ~
“The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become (Emmanuel, Word made flesh) my salvation.”
Salvation(יְשׁוּעָה) meaning includes, deliverance; victory. Root word יָשַׁע means preserve, rescue, bring salvation, savior, get victory.
1st John 1:1 ~
“What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life…”
Beginning (ἀρχή); commencement, or concrete chief in order, time, or place: beginning, first estate; or rank: magistrates, powers, principality, ruler. (See Ephesians 6:12 for a short list of spirit realm ranks).
Deuteronomy 30:14 ~
“But the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.”
Paul’s 1st Corinthians 5:8 words, in context by theological acumen Hermeneutics, is explaining to Gentile Believers, “keep the Feast…”
Those Gentile believers were taught from Scriptures. Paul teaches Gentiles from Genesis to Psalms, and other Books. What Paul studied before as a scholar was now taught with the Spirit of Truth. Taught in Spirit and Truth.
John Parsons in his blog Hebrew for Christians ~
“He is Alive! The night of Nisan 17 marked the time of the resurrection of Messiah. A careful reading of OT Scriptures tells many He was crucified on Nisan 14, exactly the same hours Passover lambs were being sacrificed at Temple Mount.
He rose from the dead three days and nights later per His own words, on Nisan 17 (Today) before sunrise.
We rejoice that He is risen – He is alive – and our redemption is eternally secure!
The most important fact of all history – and that which radically and forever transforms everything else – is the resurrection of Yeshua from the dead.”
Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread this year began Monday, April 22. Three days and nights later, today ~ He overcame death and arose from the tomb.
40 days from today is the date He ascended to be seated next to His Father.
50 days from today is the “Birthday” of His Church. This day is another Feast of the LORD.
After the past 12+ years of observing, I don’t expect any Evangelical church to celebrate the Birthday of His Church. This year that date begins sundown on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Does my concern really make any difference, spiritually?
Does to me. I think and believe it does to our Father and His Son.
Soundmind (σώφρων) meaning includes; safe, self controlled moderate as to opinion or passion: discreet (careful), sober, temperate.
1st Peter 1:13 ~
“Therefore, prepare your mind, be sober by fixing your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the [appearing] of [our Messiah].”
1st Peter 4:7 ~
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be soberforthe purpose of prayer.”
1st Peter 5:8 ~
“Be sober, be on the alert…”
Sober is a very important and significant word when we consider a complete definition ~
Sober (σωφρονέω); safe, sound in mind, moderate as to opinion or passion; discreet. From (σώφρων); be of sound mind, moderate: be in right mind.
Base word (φρήν); cognitive faculties: thinking, reasoning, understanding.
Base word (σώζω);to save, deliver, protect: heal, preserve, be make whole (sōzō; salvation given by Jesus).
Let’s re-read 2nd Timothy 1:7 ~
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear (δειλία from δειλός; faithlessness), but Spirit of power (strength, mighty) and Spirit of (agapē) love and Spirit of sound mind.”
1st Thessalonians 5:8 ~
“But since we are of theDay, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of Faith and Love, and as a helmet, the Hope of salvation.” (See Ephesians 6:10-18).
Notice, having put on Faith, Hope of salvation (deliverance, protection, healing, being made whole) and agapē Love ~ let us be sober.
Jesus, I confirm this truth ~
I’m not given a spirit of fear, being faithless. Faithlessness is a spirit not of Father God but of the enemy, playing with my mind (cognitive faculties).
I’m gracious given by You the Spirit of power and the Spirit of love and the Spirit of sound mind by the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Consider meditating on Ephesians 6:10-18 and speak the above statement often to maintain your spiritual sobriety. Strength and Might (sobriety) is sustained in His name.
Luke 21:34-36 ~
“Be on alert, so that your [καρδία; thoughts, feelings] will not be weighted down with surfeiting (headache, seizure of pain) with drunkenness (not in right mind) and worries of life (faithlessness), so that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap (mentally & spiritually); for it will come (as a trap) upon all those who dwell on the [πρόσωπον; face, literallycountenance] of all the earth (occupants).
Keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things (mental, spiritual traps) that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Cross Reference, Luke 18:8 ~
“I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
Faith (πίστις) meaning includes; reliance upon Messiah for salvation (σώζω, deliver, protect; heal, preserve, be made whole; sōzō). From Greek word πείθω meaningincludes; to rely by inward certainty: assurance, confidence, make friend (with Jesus), obey, trust.”
Alert (προσέχω); pay attention, beware.
Surfeiting (καρδία); as a seizure of pain.
Escape (ἐκφεύγω); flee. Root word (φεύγω); by implication to shun; avoid, steer clear.
1st Thessalonians 5:2-11 ~
“For you yourselves know full well that the day of the LORD will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, andthey will not escape.
But you are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of Light and sons of Day.
We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober… But since we are of the Day, let us besober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation (Armor of God; Ephesians 6:10-17 and Armor of Light; Romans 13:12).
For [Father God] has not destined us for [ὀργή; vengeance], but for obtaining salvation through our [Messiah] who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him (2nd Timothy 2:10-12).
Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
Light: illumination in every sense, including happiness, etc.: bright, clear, day.
OT Vengeance (נָקָם); revenge: vengeance. Root word (נָקַם); avenge or punish.
NT Vengeance (ἐκδίκησις); retribution. Root word (ἐκδικέω); retaliate. Root word (ἔκδικος); carrying justice out, as a punisher.
Cross Reference, Deuteronomy 32:43 ~
“Rejoice, O nations, with His [flock of sheep]. For He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance on His adversaries, and will atone for His land and His [flock of sheep].”
Cross Reference, 2nd Thessalonians 1:5-12 ~
“This is a plain indication of [Jehovah’s] righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the Kingdom of Jehovah for which indeed you are suffering.
For after all it is only just for [Jehovah] to repay with [θλίψις; tribulation] those who [like a goat gnaw] you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels [πῦρ; flashing lightning], dealing out vengeance (Isaiah 61:2b) to those who do not know [Jehovah] and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.
These (Psalm 1:4-6) will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He [appears] to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed.”
Cross Reference, Isaiah 35:4 ~
“Say to those who arefearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your Lord God will come with vengeance, (and) with the [reward, comfort] of [Jesus]; He will come and save you.’”
Fearful-hearted (מָהַר) meaning includes; to be liquid or flow easily (unstable). By implication to hurry: carried headlong, fearful, behasty.
Notice how closely related fearful-heart is to “a spirit of fear (faithlessness)” as we read in 2nd Timothy 1:7.
Remember what Peter wrote about being sober ~
Sober (σωφρονέω); safe, sound in mind, be discreet. From (σώφρων); be of sound mind, moderate: be in right mind.Base word (φρήν); cognitive faculties: thinking, reasoning, understanding. Base word (σώζω); to save, deliver, protect: heal, preserve, be make whole (sōzō; salvation given by Jesus).
Let be sober and remember Psalm 24:3-5 ~
“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean (innocent, made clean, blameless) hands and a pure (בַּר; beloved) heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood (especially guile; figuratively idolatry) and has not sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive a blessing from the [LORD, Jehovah] andrighteousnessfromthe GodofHis salvation (Jesus).”
Cross Reference, Psalm 32:2 ~
“Blessed is the person unto whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity (חָשַׁב; literally to weaveinto themperversity, mischief). In theirspirit there is noguile.”
Cross Reference, John 1:47 ~
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, ‘Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is noguile!’”
OTGuile (רְמִיָּה); treachery. Root word (רָמָה); specifically to shoot; figuratively to delude or betray as if causing to fall: betray, deceive.
“Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding…”
Cross Reference, Psalm 36:10 ~
“O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousnessto the upright in heart.”
Cross Reference, Psalm 139:13-14 ~
“For You formed my inward parts (figuratively the mind). You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your [possessions], my soul knows it very well.”
Fashion (Hebrew word כּוּן) means; stand perpendicular (up right), figuratively appoint, confirm, establish.
Formed (יָצַר) meaning includes; especially to mould into a form as a potter.
Be sober, recalling Isaiah 43:21 ~
“The people whom I formed for Myself will declare My praise.”
1st Thessalonians 5:23-25 ~
“Now the God of peace Himself [purify, clean] you entirely; and your spirit, soul and body be [τηρέω; guarded, preserved] completely [ἀμέμπτως; blameless] at the [παρουσία; appearance] ofour Lord Jesus Christ.
Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”
Remember 1st Peter 1:13 ~
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober, by fixing your hope completely on the graceto be brought to you at the [παρουσία; appearing] of Jesus [our Messiah].”
“Let’s strive to know the LORD. His appearance is sure as the dawn” (Hosea 6:3).
Hebrews 3:6 ~
“[Messiah] was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we’re holding fast to our confidence and [rejoicing, praising] in our hope [steadfast] until the end.”
Hebrews 4:14, 16, 10:35, 36 ~
“Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of Jehovah, let us hold fast our confession…let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need…Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of [Jehovah] you receive what was promised.”
Hold fast (κρατέω); use strength, seize or retain: keep. From κράτος; vigor; mightily, power, strength.
Endurance (ὑπομονή); cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy: patient continuance (waiting). From ὑπομένω; stay behind; bear trials, persevere: abide, take patiently, suffer, tarry behind.
Cross Reference, Psalm 112:1, 7
Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears (reverently worships) the LORD…He will not fear evil tidings because his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”
Steadfast (כּוּן) meaning includes; certainty, be stable (sober), be fixed, establish, stand, (endure).
Cross References, Psalm 66:8, 9 ~
“Bless our [Lord Jesus]…Sound His praise abroad. He keeps us in life and does not allow our feet to slip.”
Psalm 28:7 ~
Jehovah is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I’m helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song.
Psalm 58:17 ~
“To You, my strength, I sing praises, because [Jesus] is my stronghold— my faithful [Jesus]. ”
Psalm 62:1-2, 7-8, 11-12 ~
“I’m at rest in [Jesus] alone. My salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken…My salvation and glory depend on [Jesus], my strong rock. My refuge is in [Jesus].
Trust in Him at all times, you people. Poor out your hearts before Him. [Jesus] is our refuge… strength belongs to [Jesus] and faithful love belongs to You. For You repay each according to his works.”
Strength (עֹז); various applications ~ force, security, majesty, praise: boldness, loud, might, power, strong. From עָזַז; to be stout: prevail, strengthen (self), be strong.
Refuge (מַחֲסֶה); a shelter: hope, place of refuge, trust. From חָסָה; figuratively to confide in: have hope, put trust.
John 16:33 ~
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace…you will have tribulation, but take courage;I have overcome the world.”
Overcome (νικάω); to subdue: conquer, prevail, get the victory. From νίκη; a primary word; conquest, figuratively the means of success: victory.
Cross Reference, Revelation 12:11 ~
“And they overcame him (Satan and kingdom of darkness) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony. They did not love their life even when faced with death.”
Testimony (μαρτυρία); evidencegiven: report, witness. From μάρτυς; witness; by analogy a martyr.
1st John 2:14 ~
“I’ve written to you, young men, because you are strong. The word of Jehovah abides (dwells) in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”
1st John 4:4 ~
“You are from Jehovah, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
1st John 5:4 ~
“For whatever is born of [Jehovah] overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our Faith.”
Faith (πίστις); conviction, especially reliance upon Jehovah’s Son for salvation. From πείθω; to rely by inward certainty: agree, have confidence, be content, make friend, obey, trust, yield.
1st John 5:5 ~
“Who is the one who overcomes the world? He who believes that Jesus is the Son of Jehovah.”
‘Him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of Jehovah.’
‘He will not be hurt by the second death.’
‘Him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’
‘…what you have, hold fast until I [arrive]. He who overcomes, andcontinues to do my works until the end…to him I will give authority over the nations…’
‘He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments. I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.’
‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My Father and he will not go out from it anymore. I will write on him the name of My Father, and the name of the city of My Father, the new Jerusalem…’
‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’
‘I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his Lord God and he will be My son.’
Romans 8:37 ~
“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”
Conquer (ὑπερνικάω); gain decisive victory: more than conquer. From νικάω; to subdue: overcome, prevail, get the victory.
1st Corinthians 15:57 ~
“…but thanks be to Jehovah, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus the Messiah.”
‘Be on alert, so that your [καρδία; thoughts, feelings] will not be weighted down with surfeiting (discomfort, pain), from drunkenness (not sober) and worries of life (faithlessness), so that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap (mentally & spiritually).
It will come (as a trap) upon all those who dwell on the [πρόσωπον; face, literally countenance; mental composure] of all the earth (occupants).
Keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things (mental, spiritual traps) that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.’
Alert (προσέχω); pay attention, beware.
Surfeiting (καρδία); as a seizure of pain.
Sober (σωφρονέω); safe, sound in mind, moderate; discreet. Base word (φρήν); cognitive faculties: thinking, reasoning, understanding. Base word (σώζω);to save, deliver, protect: heal, made whole (sōzō; salvation given by Jesus).
Escape (ἐκφεύγω); flee. Root word (φεύγω); by implication to shun; avoid, steer clear.
2nd Timothy 1:7 ~
“For [Jehovah] has not given us a spirit of fear (faithlessness), but of power (strength, mighty) and of (agapē) love and of a sound mind.”
1st Peter 1:13 ~
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Fear (δειλία); timidity. From δειλός; dread, by implication faithlessness.
Revelation (ἀποκάλυψις); disclosure: appearing, manifestation, be revealed.
Psalm 52:9 ~
“I give You thanks forever…and wait on Your name for Your name is good in the presence of Your godly ones.”
His Name
Jesus (Ἰησοῦς); Jehoshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jehovah–saved.
Jehovah (יְהֹוָה); The self Existent (I Am); Jehovah (Father).
OTSaved (יָשַׁע); meaning includes; defend, delivered, preserved, rescued; bring salvation, savior, get victory.
NT Saved (σώζω); deliver or protect: heal, preserve, save, make whole.
Emmanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל); with us is Jehovah.
Isaiah 25:9 ~
“And it will be said in that day, ‘Behold, this is our LORD God (Jesus) for whom we have waited that He might [deliver] us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His [victory].’”
“Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary.”
Psalm 27:14 ~
“Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.”
Psalm 130:5 ~
“I wait for the LORD (Jehovah), my soul does wait, and in His Word (Jesus) do I hope.”
Lamentations 3:25 ~
“The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.”
Wait (קָוָה); to bind together that is collect; figuratively to expect: gather together, patiently, tarry, wait for, on, or upon.
Luke 11:23 ~
‘He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me,scatters.’
Gather (συνάγω); tolead together, collect or convene; specifically to be hospitable. From σύν; denoting union; by association, companionship, process, possession.
Scatter (σκορπίζω); to dissipate, figuratively put to flight, waste. Through the idea of penetrating as σκορπίος; a scorpion from its sting: scorpion.
Psalm 25:3 ~
“Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed. Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.”
Ashamed (בּוּשׁ); be disappointed: be put to confusion, become dry.
Treacherously (בָּגַד); to cover with a garment; figuratively to act covertly; by implication: deal deceitfully, treacherously, unfaithfully; offend.
Psalm 52:8-9 ~
“But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of Lord God (Jesus); I trust in the lovingkindness of Lord God (Jesus) forever and ever. I give You thanks forever…and wait on Your name for Your name is good in the presence of Your godly ones.”
Luke 12:37-38 ~
‘Blessed are those servants whom the Master will find on the alert (vigilant in seizing opportunity) when He comes; truly I say to you, that He will gird Himself to serve, having them recline at the table, and serve on them.
Whether He comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them [alert] blessed are those servants.’
Serve (διακονέω); be an attendant, as a host, friend or figuratively as teacher.
Revelation 16:15 ~
“Behold, I’m coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes (being faithful), so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”
From μένω; to stay in given relation(ship): abide, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand (steadfast).
Saved (σώζω, sōzō); to save, deliver, or protect: heal, preserve, make whole.
Endure Hardship
James 5:11 ~
“We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and seen the outcome of [Jehovah’s] dealings, that [Jehovah] is full of compassion and is merciful.”
2nd Timothy 4:5 ~
“But you, besober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Sober (σωφρονέω); safe, sound in mind, moderate; discreet.
Base word (φρήν); cognitive faculties: thinking, reasoning, understanding.
Base word (σώζω);to save, deliver, protect: heal, made whole (sōzō; salvation given by Jesus).
1st Corinthians 4:11-13 ~
“…When we’re reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to gain goodwill…”
James 1:2-4 ~
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Endure with Praise
Psalm 57:7 ~
“My heart is steadfast, O LORD my heart is steadfast; I will sing. Yes, I will sing praises!”
Psalm 108:1 ~
“My heart is steadfast, O LORD; I will sing. I will sing praises, even with my soul.”
Psalm 112:1, 7
Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears (reverently worships) the LORD…He will not fear evil tidings because his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”
Steadfast (כּוּן) meaning includes; certainty, be stable (sober),be fixed, establish(ed), stand(ing), (enduring).
Acts 16:23-26 ~
When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely…But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying, singing hymns of praise to [Jehovah] and the prisoners were listening to them…suddenly a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shake. Immediately all doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.”
Cross Reference, Hebrews 13:15 ~
“Through [Jesus] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to [Jehovah] that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.”
Cross Reference, Ephesians 5:18-21 ~
“…be filled with the Spirit; speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to [Jehovah] always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord [Jehovah-saved, Jesus] the [Messiah] to [Jehovah], even the Father…”
Endure With His Word
Hebrews 12:7, 12-13 ~
“It is for discipline (chastening) that you endure…Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.”
Job 4:3-4 ~
“Behold You have [chastised] many, and You have strengthened weak hands. Your words helped the tottering to stand, and strengthened feeble knees.”
Psalm 119:33 ~
“Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.”
Psalm 17:5 ~
“My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not slipped.”
Psalm 199:105 ~
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a Light to my path.”
Isaiah 35:3 ~
“Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.”
1st John 2:28-29 ~
“Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He [manifests, shines], we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His [return, presence].”
If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is [γεννάω with γένος literally means; kin, an offspring] of Him.”
Abide (μένω) meaning includes; to stay in relation(ship): continue, endure, be present, remain, stand.
Endure (ὑπομένω) meaning includes; stay, remain; figuratively bear trials, persevere: abide, take patiently, suffer, tarry behind. From μένω; to stay in relation(ship): abide, dwell, be present, remain, (steadfast), Stand.
2nd Timothy 2:11-13 ~
“This is a trustworthy statement:
‘For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.’”
‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel.Say to them:
‘The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. So they shall put My name upon them, and I will bless them.’”
This blessing established by the LORD to be spoken by Aaron and his sons is written within New Testament letters and Book of Revelation.
I didn’t realize this fact until a couple years ago. So, I’ll share with you should you not be aware.
Romans 1:7 ~
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1st Corinthians 1:3 ~
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2nd Corinthians 1:2 ~
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Galatians 1:3 ~
“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note the ending of Paul’s letter, Galatians 6:18 ~
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christbe with your spiritbrothers and sisters.”
Ephesians 1:2-4 ~
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.”
Philippians 1:2 ~
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 1:2 ~
“To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peacefrom God our Father.”
1st. Thessalonians 1:2 ~
“To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.”
2nd Thessalonians 1:2 ~
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
1st Timothy 1:2 ~
“To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
2nd Timothy 1:2 ~
“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Titus 1:4 ~
“Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”
Philemon 1:3 ~
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Seems to me, His blessing upon the children of Israel is so significant and precious that Apostles made sure to apply to both Hebrew & Gentiles Believers.
Hebrews 13:20-25 ~
“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever…Grace be with you all.”
1st Peter 1:2, 13; 5:10 ~
“May grace and peace be multiplied to you….Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ…After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
2nd John 1:3 ~
“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”
Revelation 1:4-6 ~
“John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him [The LORD, Eternal Jehovah] Who is and Who was and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits [Isaiah 11:2] who are before His throne, and from Jesus [His Son, Word made flesh] The Faithful Witness (testimony), the firstborn from the dead (flesh) and the ruler over the kings of the earth.”
Revelation 22:21 ~
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
In closing, I’ll offer an example of applying Scripture to a personal prayer.
“Blessed be the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, Who blessed me with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places through Your Son. Because You, my Heavenly Father, choose me before the foundation of the world so that I would be holy and blameless before You.
Thank you Father for Your grace and peace given to me through my Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen” (Ephesians 1:2-4).
We can also bless someone as Paul, Peter wrote and the LORD instructed Moses to be spoken.
“The LORD bless [name] and keep [name]; LORD make Your face shine upon [name] and be gracious to [name]; LORD lift up Your countenance upon [name] and give [name] peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“Your lovingkindness, O LORD (Jehovah), extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains…How precious is Your lovingkindness, O Lord God (Jesus)!”
O continue Your lovingkindness to those whoknowYou, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.”
Derek Prince writes regarding Psalm 138:1-9 ~
“There’s one word repeated again and again. It’s lovingkindness.
The Hebrew word there is חֵסֵד, ‘chesed.’ That word has a very special meaning in the Hebrew language.
I believe the best way to interpret it is [Jehovah’s] covenant-keeping faithfulness.[Jehovah’s] lovingkindness is a particular aspect of the total character of [Jehovah, Father God], which means that when He makes a covenant (promise), He commits Himself to keep it.”
Lovingkindness (חֵסֵד); piety; favor, merciful (kindness), mercy. From Hebrew word חָסַד; to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to bestow; have mercy upon.
OTKnow (יָדַע) meaning includes; acknowledge, acquainted with, appoint, have respect, comprehend, familiar friend (Abraham).
NT Know (γινώσκω) meaning includes; know absolutely: aware (feel) understand.
Precious (יָקָר); valuable: brightness (Light), costly. From יָקַר meaning; prized.
Upright (יָשָׁר יָשַׁר) meaning includes; straight. Figuratively: convenient, righteous, make right: take straight way (“I am the way”).
Cross Reference, James 2:23 ~
“…the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And Abraham believed Lord God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of Lord God.’”
Cross Reference, John 10:14,15 ~
“I am the Good Shepherd, andI know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father (LORD, Jehovah) knows Me (Angel of the LORD, Lord God; Jesus) and I know the Father…”
Cross Reference, Psalm 33:1-5 ~
“Sing for joy in the LORD (Jehovah), O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright…For the Word of the LORD is upright (Jesus), and all His [actions, sacrifice] aredone in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice; The [אֶרֶץ nations] are full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.”
Cross Reference, Psalm 136:1:4-9 ~
“Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting…”
Cross Reference, Psalm 103:11 ~
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear (יָרֵא; reverently worship) Him.”
Micah 6:8 ~
“And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness (mercy; lovingkindness) and to walk humbly (like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, & Prophets) with your Lord God (Jesus)…”
Justly (מִשְׁפָּט with root word שָׁפַט) meaning includes; to vindicate or punish; avenge, contend, defend.
Vindicate;free from allegation or blame, provide defense, to protect from attack.
This Hebrew word “humbly” in Micah 6:8 is applied only twice in OT Scriptures, telling me to pay close attention.
Cross Reference, Proverbs 11:2 ~
“When pride (arrogance, lacking respect) cometh, then cometh [קָלוֹן, dis-grace; confusion, dishonor]: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
Cross Reference, Matthew 11:29 ~
“Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I’m meek, lowlyinheart, and you shall find rest for your souls.”
Meek (πρᾴος); humble.
NT Lowly (ταπεινός); of low estate (Emmanuel, Word made flesh).
Heart (καρδία); figurativelythoughts or feeling (compassion).
Cross Reference, Colossians 1:15-19 ~
“He (Angel of the LORD, Word made flesh, Emmanuel; Jesus) is the [representation] of the invisible [Jehovah]…For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness (7 Spirits of Jehovah, Isaiah 11:2) to dwell throughout [Angel of the LORD, Emmanuel; Jesus].”
Jehovah’s lovingkindness is very precious, costly. His Son, Angel of the LORD, Emmanuel, paid the price in full with His shed blood, fulfilling the Law.
Let’s recall what Jesus told us, John 4:8 ~
“God (Jehovah; LORD) is Spirit.”
His beloved Apostle John wrote ~
“God (Jehovah; LORD) is Love.”
Now, let’s read the following passages regarding the Angel of the LORD in His humble, lowly estate as the Word made flesh.
1st Corinthians 13:4-7 ~
[Jesus] is patient, kind, rejoices with the Truth, bears always, believes always, hopes always, endures always, never fails!
These three continue eternally: Faith, Hope and Love. And the greatest of these is [Jesus].”
‘I am the Good Shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father…
John 6:44 ~
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”
Draws (αἱρέομαι) meaning includes, to take for oneself, that is toprefer. Possible root word ἕλλομαι meaning, choose.
Cross-Reference, Jeremiah 31:3 ~
“The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlastinglove; Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.’”
Everlasting (עוֹלָם) meaning includes; always, eternal, perpetual.
Love (אַהֲבָה, with root word אָהֵב); meaning includes affection for beloved, friend.
Cross Reference, John 15:13-16 ~
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.
No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you…”
John 6:37-38, 63-66 ~
“‘All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out…the words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and are Life. But there are some of you who do not believe.’
For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.”
Beginning (ἀρχή); commencement, or concrete chief in order, time, or place: beginning, first estate; or rank: magistrates, powers, principality, ruler. (See Ephesians 6:12).
Cross Reference, Psalm 82:6-7 ~
“I, the Most High God, say that all of you are gods and alsomy own children. But you will die, just like everyone else, including powerful rulers (exercising dominion).”
Gods (אֱלֹהִים) Elohiym means; godsin the ordinary sense; in the plural, of the supreme[El; Jehovah] occasionally applied magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative: angels, judges, mighty.
Psalm 36:10 ~
“O continue Your lovingkindness (mercy) tothose who know You, and Your righteousness to theupright in heart.”
Cross Reference, Job 31:15 ~
“Did not He that made me in the womb [בֶּטֶן beṭen; womb/belly] make my servant and didn’t He fashion us in the womb [רֶחֶם rechem; womb/matrix]?
Womb (בֶּטֶן, beṭen) is a feminine noun meaning; the belly, especially the womb.
This Hebrew womb (בֶּטֶן, beṭen) has a physiological (flesh) application.
Womb (רֶחֶם, rechem) is a masculine noun meaning; matrix, womb. Hebrew root word (רָחַם) meaning includes ~ compassion, love, mercy upon.
This Hebrew word “womb” is masculine and has a spiritual application.
Fashion (Hebrew word כּוּן) means; stand perpendicular (upright), figurative appoint, confirm, direct, establish.
Why do those not upright in heart not know the Good Shepherd?
Why do they not hear His words that are Spirit and Life (John 6:63)?
Psalm 58:3 ~
“The wicked (condemned, guilty) are estranged (turn aside; a foreigner, profane; specifically commit adultery) from the [womb/matrix] they go astray (seduce, make to stagger, cause to wander) as soon as they’re born (from womb/belly) speaking lies.”
Adultery (נָאַף ) meaning includes; figuratively to apostatize. Apostatize means; renounces religious principles, leaving one faith for another or ceasing to believe.
Cross Reference, Ezekiel 23:37 ~
“Thus they have committed adultery with their idols.”
Did you see the definition and the spiritual application of adultery?
The wicked renounce fundamental truth, they depart from faith, ceasing to believe from the womb/matrix. This is a spiritual mind set for them before coming out of mother’s womb/belly. They’re not able to comprehend His words of Spirit and Life from the womb/matrix. This was from thebeginning.
Job and his servant didn’t have such a pre-birth condition (Job 31:15).
Angel of the LORD, Emmanuel; Jesus tells them, John 8:42-45 ~
“Jesus said to them, ‘If [Jehovah] were your Father, you would love Me, for I (Angel of the LORD) proceeded forth and have come from [Jehovah], for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.
Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word (Spirit of Truth).
You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
But because I speak the Truth, you do not believe Me.’”
Psalm 24:3-5 ~
“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean (נָקִי; innocent; be made clean) hands and a pure (בַּר; beloved) heart who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood (idolatry) and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the [Lord God, Angel of the LORD; Jesus] of His salvation.”
Cross Reference, Zechariah 12:1 ~
“Thus declares the LORD who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and formsthe spirit of man within him…”
Cross Reference, Romans 8:14 ~
“For all who are being led by the Spirit, these are sons of [LORD God; Jesus].”
Luke 3:38 ~
“…the son of David…the sonof Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,..the son of Abraham…the sonof Shem, the son of Noah…the sonof Enosh, the sonof Seth, the sonof Adam, the sonof LORD God (Genesis 2:7).
Cross Reference, Psalm 100:3 ~
“Know that the LORD Himself is [Lord God; Jesus]. He made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
Made (עָשָׂה) fashion(ed), appoint(ed), prepare(d), made.
Cross Reference, Romans 9:23-26 ~
“He does this to make the riches of His glory shine even brighter on those to whom He shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.
We are among those whom He selected, both from the Hebrews and from the Gentiles.
Cross Reference, John 10:16 ~
“I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock (Hebrews & Gentiles) with One Shepherd.
Cross Reference, Zephaniah 3:13-14 ~
“The remnant of Israel (Hebrews & Gentiles) will do no wrong and tell no lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths; For they will feed and lie down with no one to make them tremble.”
Cross Reference, Ezekiel 34:13-15 ~
“‘I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land.
I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down on good grazing ground and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest,’ declares [Jesus].”
The Hebrew womb has two meanings. Very different meanings. One word is masculine and one word is feminine. Psalm 22:9-10 sets out the differences very clearly ~
“Yet You are He who brought Me forth from the womb [רֶחֶםreḥem]; You made Me trust when upon My mother’s breasts. Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been My God from My mother’s womb [בֶּטֶן, beten].
David, by inspiration of the Spirit, was writing about our Lord within Psalm 22.
Let’s explore these two different Hebrew words, which applies to the Angel of the LORD, the Word made flesh, our Messiah.
Hebrew word definitions ~
בֶּטֶןbeṭen ~ Hebrew Dictionary tells us the meaning; feminine noun; womb, belly.
This Hebrew word “womb” is feminine. This seems to have a physiological (flesh) application.
Consider the other Hebrew word “womb.”
חֶםreḥem ~ Hebrew Dictionary; a masculine noun, womb, matrix.
This Hebrew word “womb” is masculine. Men don’t conceive, right? Right.
This masculine word for “womb” seems to not be a physiological female application. Notice the word matrix. But there’s more. The masculine word reḥem (womb/matrix) has a Hebrew root word racham.
Racham means; compassion, great tender mercy.
Do you think the womb/matrix has spiritual implications? I do.
King James Version dictionary provides these definitions of matrix. This definition is lacking Hebrew masculine and feminine clarity.
1. The womb; the cavity in which the fetus of an animal is formed and nourished till its birth.
2. A mold; the cavity in which any thing is formed, and which gives it shape; as the matrix of a type.
3. The place where any thing is formed or produced; as the matrix of metals; gang.
King James Version definition doesn’t present a difference between feminine / masculine “womb” or the root word provided to us in Hebrew.
Their understanding of matrix includes a place where any thing is formed like a gang. Gang means,a group of persons, usually youths, who share a common identity.
KJV applies their definition and understanding of matrix as a cavity for animal fetus or forming a thing, type or gang to both Old Testament and New Testament.
The ability to see the differences of these two Hebrew definitions of womb (feminine and masculine) can also be overlooked with the Greek word definition within the New Testament.
In John 3:1-15 we read a conversation translated from NT Greek between Jesus and Nicodemus that includes “womb.”
Nicodemus is a Pharisee and teacher of Scriptures. They meet at Nicodemus’ house and have a spiritual conversation.
Jesus, “You must be born again.”
Nicodemus says, “How can I go back into my mother’s womb?”
Jesus replies, “You’re an instructor, a master teacher of Hebrew and you don’t know about this?”
Jesus expect teachers of Scriptures to know and understand both Hebrew “womb” words ~ Rechem & Beten, and their implications.
We read John 3:1-10 translated from Greek NT and simply see “womb.” This Greek NT word has an interesting meaning ~
κοιλία (womb) means; a cavity, that is, specifically the abdomen; by implication the matrix; figuratively the heart: womb/belly.
This Greek word “womb” covers both Hebrew definitions with the phrase “byimplicationthematrix” however there is no clear distinction between masculine (spiritual) and feminine (flesh).
Nicodemus was thinking about re-entering his mothers’ womb/belly. Most theologians today think that’s the only application of this Greek word κοιλία.
Jesus was talking spiritual, being born again because He knows very verse in the Old Testament. The Angel of the LORD, the Word made flesh, Emmanuel, knows Hebrew words backward and forward, inside and out. Nicodemus didn’t understand that evening.
I think King James’ translators, and those following their lead, by their definition of womb also don’t comprehend. This lack of understanding becomes evident with the following passages.
Consider Jeremiah 1:5 ~
“YHWH: Before I formed you in the [womb/belly] I knew you; and before you came forth out of the [womb/matrix] I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet unto the nations.”
Our LORD (YHWH) knew Jeremiah. He knew His servant before birth. This passage tells us Jeremiah was ordained to do a mighty work before coming forth from the womb/matrix. Jeremiah was born from his mother’s womb/belly.
Some angels enter this dimension with a very important assignment in the flesh. Jesus (Angel of the LORD) entered in the flesh as Emmanuel by the Holy Spirit to be our Good Shepherd and Messiah.
Jesus (Ἰησοῦς); Jehoshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jehovah-saved.
Jesus: Lord of hosts, Angel of the LORD, Lord God, God, Almighty God, Emmanuel (El with us), The Word made flesh.
Unless we know key Hebrew word definitions we’re not fully informed, educated on the meaning of a verse or passage. Seems to me we need to look up key Hebrew word definitions.
Many theologians use hermeneutics (Greek Philosophy approach to study and understanding language) to teach the above passage. I think the Greek method butchers the above verse and other passages.
Such well schooled people usually don’t teach a verse or passage by revealing Hebrew word definitions and root word definitions. English translations are not informative even in hermeneutical context.
The Word is living and powerful, and very sharp, yes? Yes. Scripture isn’t literature to be discerned with Greek tools.
Consider Job 31:15 ~
“Did not He who made me in the womb make him, and the same one fashion us in the womb?
One word. Two very different meanings of the same word in the same sentence. Let’s explore this verse, applying the knowledge of Hebrew word definitions ~
“Did not He that made me in the [womb/belly] make my servant?
And, did not He fashion [Hebrew word kûn means; stand perpendicular, figurative appoint, confirm, direct, establish, stand] us in the womb [womb/matrix]?
Did you notice the writer of the book of Job tells us a positive spiritual event occurs in the womb/matrix?
We can only see the significance of this verse by reading Hebrew definitions, including fashion and that action is by Him before birth.
This revelation of who we are, angels in soul and spirit within a body of flesh, leads to asking Him more questions. This is very deep. Alice would be amazed.
Jesus (Angel of the LORD) told us in parables and said plainly, “you are gods [Elohiym, angels].”
He needed to explain this Truth to a group theologians in His day. The following is Common English translation of John 10:34-37 ~
“Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your [Scriptures], ‘I said, you are gods’?
If He (Angel of the LORD) called them gods, to whom the word of [Jehovah] came and the Scripture cannot be broken, do you say of Him (Angel of the LORD, Jesus), whom the Father (Jehovah) sanctified and sent into the world ~ ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I (Angel of the LORD, Jesus) said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
Jesus quoted from Psalm 82:6-7 ~
“I, the Most High God say that all of you are gods [Elohiym] and alsomy own children. But you will die, and fall (cast down) like one of the princes.”
What about the wicked (weeds, tares, thorns, chaff)? Does this matrix/womb and belly/womb apply too? Yes.
Psalm 58:3 ~
“The wicked (condemned, guilty) are estranged (turn aside; a foreigner, profane; specifically commit adultery) from the [womb/matrix] they go astray (seduce, make to stagger, cause to wander) as soon as they be born [from the womb/belly] speaking lies.”
Adultery; to apostatize, renouncing a belief or principle
Did you see the definition of adultery? The wicked renounce a principle (fundamental truth) from the “womb.” Must be pre-existing spiritual mind set and behavior for them but not so for Job and his servant who are fashioned upright before birth.
Jesus explains to them and us in John 8:40-45 ~
“Jesus said to them, ‘If [Jehovah] were your Father, you would love Me, for I (Angel of the LORD) proceeded forth and have come from [Jehovah] for I have not even come on My own initiative, but [Jehovah] sent Me (Angel of the LORD).
Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word.
You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.
Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak Truth, you do not believe Me.’”
Beginning (ἀρχή); meaning includes ~ abstractly a commencement, or concrete chief in various applications of order, time, place or rank: beginning, at the first estate, magistrate, power, principality, rule.
From Greek word (ἄρχομαι) meaning; through the implication of precedence; to commence in order of time: rehearse from the beginning.
Precedence; the right to superior honor on a ceremonial or formal occasion.
Jesus, Angel of the LORD, the Word made flesh, Emmanuel came into this realm (dimension) by the womb/matrix, conceived of the Holy Spirit with physiological assistance of Mary in her virgin womb/belly.
The Angel of the LORD, Father God’s Son, is Holy without sin and born from a virgin’s womb/belly.
The Angel of the LORD came to this dimension (kingdom realm) in the flesh as Emmanuel through the womb/matrix. He was conceived in Mary’s womb by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Jesus (Angel of the LORD) spoke several parables to reveal mysteries of the Kingdom to His disciples.
He tell us that He left 99 sheep to find and bring back 1 lost sheep to His fold. Isaiah explains all of us like sheep have gone astray. That’s every 1.
Since we all have gone astray, who are the 99 “sheep” that didn’t go astray and where are they? Those 99 must surely be in a safe place. They must be remaining in Heaven, right?
The Angel of the LORD left, becoming the Good Shepherd for everyone that went astray from the Kingdom, yes?
Let’s briefly consider the prodigal son within Luke 15:11-32. This parable provides insight into the 99 and the 1.
Luke 15:32 summaries the account with my (amplification).
“We had to celebrate and be happy because your brother (angel) was (spiritually) dead, but now he is alive (born again, spiritually). He was lost (as sheep gone astray), but now he is found (by the Good Shepherd).’”
Celebrate and be happy is explained in Isaiah 51:11 ~
“So the people, for whom the Lord paid the price to be saved, will return. They will come with songs of joy to Zion. Joy that lasts forever will be on their heads. They will receive joy and happiness, and sorrow and sad voices will hurry away.”
We left Home. Why? Under what circumstances?
Our brother served and never neglected a command of the Father (Luke 15:29).
Where we angels led astray? Someone offered a temptation? An enticing offer?
Answers to these questions are in Scripture. Remember, Jesus told us we are angels.
I encourage you, ask Him to teach you as His disciple. Disciple means pupil.
He will teach you by the Holy Spirit. Rely zero on theology (study of God, like He’s a subject) and a hermeneutical approach (Greek wisdom).
Rely upon the Spirit of Truth, your Bible, along with access to Hebrew and Greek NT dictionary. The Spirit leads those who Believe in Him to all Truth.
Ask Him by applying Psalm 25:5-6 ~
“Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the [Lord God] of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.”
Considering the above definitions and passages, I suggest reading these linked passages below. These passages use the masculine Hebrew word “womb.”
Think about dear Hannah and her closed womb/matrix. Then, read the meaning of her son’s name. Read her very powerful Spirit inspired prayer.
I think about the LORD, opening her womb/matrix, then she conceived a son in her womb/belly. Dear Hannah gave birth to an angel in the flesh. Samuel was sent as a servant of the Angel of the LORD to do a mighty work in advance of His birth.
You too are an angel in the flesh. We enter this realm (dimension) through the Hebrew womb/matrix. We must be spiritually born again by Faith in our Good Shepherd, the Lamb of Jehovah to go back Home.
1st John 2:28, 29 ~
“Now, little children, [abide, endure] in Him, so that when He [manifests, shines], we have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His [presence].
If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born [G1080 root word G1085 γένος literally means; kin, a nation, an offspring] of Him.”
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Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the Ancient Paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16
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