LIGHT OF MENORAH

LEVITICUS LESSON 2 PART 2 If you haven' listened to Lesson 2 Part 1 here's the link - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/leviticus-2-lesson-1-lev-1-2-burin-it-all-up/?token=4e58b98c5da23e559726199bf8d9c9b0   Why the bull then the goat/sheep and then a turtledove or pigeon?  As we study further into Leviticus we’ll see that God is clearly doing something awesome.  He is making it easy for anyone, rich or poor, to participate in a Burnt Offering to “come close” to the Lord.  One can do a search on the internet and find the following. The Bull (Most Expensive): for the rich or more powerful people of the community. The Lamb / Sheep (Moderate Cost): The standard offering for an average household or individual guilt/sin offering. The Pigeon or Turtledove (Least Expensive): Designated specifically as a gracious provision for the poor. If a person could not afford a lamb, God permitted them to bring pigeons or doves.  Pigeons could be freely caught in the wild. For example, Mary and Joseph offered pigeons (or turtledoves) at the temple during Jesus' dedication because they lacked the funds for a lamb. Historical Estimates Modern historians and biblical economists have estimated relative values in ancient Near Eastern currency to modern equivalents: Bull / Ox: Highly valuable capital asset; modern equivalent estimates up to $1,200. Lamb / Sheep: Worth a fraction of a large bovine; modern equivalent estimates range from $150 to $300. Pigeon / Dove: Plentiful and cheap (or able to be caught wild); modern equivalent estimates range from $5 to $10. [1] https://biblehub.com/topical/o/offering_of_birds.htm [2] https://heartstounderstand.com/2022/09/27/animal-sacrifices-by-value/ [3] https://www.gotquestions.org/Old-Testament-sacrifices.html [4] https://weirdanimalworld.com/animals-sacrificed-in-the-bible/   The Role of Pigeons and Bread and Honey Bread and honey were sacred, daily offerings laid out on temple altars to sustain the gods and nourish the souls of the dead in ancient Egypt. See https://www.agricultureforlife.ca/post/food-offerings-in-ancient-times-honouring-gods-and-ancestors The Foundation of Life: Bread (called aish, meaning "life") and beer formed the literal and symbolic core of the Egyptian diet and offering rituals, representing the very first items presented to deities. The Sweetness of the Gods: Honey was highly prized and associated with nefer—the concept of goodness, beauty, and perfection—making it a fit luxury for temple ceremonies. Divine and Funerary Offerings: Pharoahs and priests daily placed fine loaves, beer, and honey-sweetened cakes (sometimes made with tiger nuts or dates) before gods like Amun-Ra. Similar provisions and honey-baked bread were placed inside tombs to feed and preserve the ka (soul) in the afterlife. In ancient Egypt, thousands of pigeons and doves were used as temple offerings and ritual sacrifices to feed the gods, symbolize fertility, and serve as pure provisions for the afterlife.   The sheer volume of pigeon sacrifices is documented in historical texts. According to the Great Harris Papyrus—the longest surviving papyrus from Egypt—Pharaoh Ramses III donated 6,510 doves and 57,810 pigeons to the Temple of Amun alone. Ironically, while tens of thousands of pigeons were funneled into temples every year to appease the gods, Egyptian priests were strictly forbidden by religious decree from eating pigeon meat. Because pigeons were viewed as sacred symbols of fertility and love, the living clergy had to maintain purity by abstaining from eating them, keeping the birds strictly reserved as a "food of the gods". Finally, here’s some final thoughts on Jesus and the Hebrew word, Qorban קָרְבָּן which is a Hebrew word that means “something brought near.”  It comes from the Hebrew verb karav (קָרַב), which means "to draw near" or "come close".  So, a Qorban קָרְבָּן is something we bring near as a "closeness gift" meant to bring a person into closer fellowship with God. Jesus was our true Qorban.  He was the final sacrifice.  Instead of temporary animal offerings, Jesus offered Himself on the cross.  In Him we are brought near just as Paul wrote in Eph. 2:13.  Paul wrote that we believers who were once far away are brought near through Christ's blood.  [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban [2] https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7133.htm [3] https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Vayikra/Korban/korban.html [4] https://eitan.bar/articles/hebrew-word-study-sacrifice-qorban/ [5] https://readingacts.com/2014/10/25/jesus-and-purity-part-2-qorban/ [6] https://biblehub.com/topical/k/korban.htm [7] https://www.gotquestions.org/corban.html [8] https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Mark%207%3A11 [10] https://www.biblicalunitarian.com/articles/jesus-christ-our-approach-offering Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? (John - on the Nile at Luxor Egypt) 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

LEVITICUS LESSON 2 PART 1 It is strongly suggested you listen to lesson 1 parts 1 & 2 first.  Lesson 1 is an introduction to Leviticus and will give you perspectives on this book since Leviticus can be very irrelevant to us in the 21st century.  I mean all this about sacrifices and blood and entrails and bulls and sheep seems like the book of Leviticus was only for them then with no connection for us.  However, Jesus said in John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me.” We will see that these sacrifices and offerings do testify of the coming Messiah, the Christ, our Jesus.  Just like He taught.  Makes sense right?  He is God, the only God. Here's the links to lesson 1 part 1 and part 2. Lesson 1 part 1 – https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/leviticus-lesson-1-part-1-introduction/ Lesson 1 part 2 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/leviticus-lesson-1-part-2-introduction-holiness-repentance-revival/ Doing searches on the internet one finds that the Hebrews just out of Egypt were very comfortable with animal sacrifices as it was a widespread religious practice across ancient near east in their days.  The pagans used them for various reasons.  Gifts or food of their gods. Communal Meals: sacrificial meat was shared between worshippers and their community. Very similar to the Peace or Fellowship offerings in Lev. 3.  Atonement and Appeasement: Rituals served to appease divine anger, secure favor for individuals, tribes, or entire nations. The ritual practices were common among the nations of the ancient near east.  One would find … Complete Burning vs. Sharing: Near Eastern traditions sometimes placed the entire animal on the fire or buried it, though sharing portions was also common. Selection of Animals: Archaeological faunal evidence shows a strong preference for young or juvenile livestock, such as sheep and goats. Divination: priests examined internal organs—especially sheep livers (hepatoscopy)—to read omens and discern the will of the gods. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice [2] https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/sacrifice-in-ancient-israel/ [3] https://reknew.org/2019/09/why-did-god-require-animal-sacrifice-in-the-old-testament/ [4] https://www.jtsa.edu/torah/the-origins-of-sacrifice/ I mentioned the important books I use as a foundation set of resources in my studies.  They become critical to develop the Bible study podcasts since, as I have said, I do not teach my own opinion, but teach what recognized real scholars teach and have discovered.  So here are the key books in my Torah study resources.  I have many others that round out my extensive library, but the ones below and my foundation.   We will be delving into the Bible concept of sin and atonement and forgiveness.  It has to do with the Sin Offering in Leviticus 4 and the appointed time (moed – not feast) of the Lord of Yom Kippureem, the Day of Atonements.  In Lev. 1:4 it says the Burnt Offering or the Korban (something brought near) Olah (rising) קָרְבַּן עוֹלָה is for atonement.  This has nothing to do with sin.  But it was at this point in the study I brought up UNintentional and INtentional sin.  This is God’s word and He teaches that there are these two types of sin.  Suffice it to say for us in the church of the 21st century who are not taught the Old Testament or have teachers who know the Hebrew or Greek, that INtentional sin is what we understand sin to be.  We don’t recognize mistakes or sinful things done unknowingly as sin.  But God does.  We will be getting into this more as we study Leviticus 4 and 16.  But for now. Check out these two podcasts that will help you understand this concept given to us by Yahvay, the Lord, the God of the Bible. Five minute video/it is finished - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/five-small-stones-episode-9-rom-104-it-is-finished/ YOM KIPPUREEM – It is Finished - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/fall-feasts-of-the-lord-yom-kippureem-episode-1-it-is-finished/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? (John - teaching at the Great Pyramids Giza, Egypt) 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

We recall October 7th 2023 in Israel.  Hamas attacked peaceful Jewish people living close to the Gaza strip and young people attending a rock concert.  It was a day of horror and unspeakable evil as innocents were slaughtered, murdered, burnt alive, and kidnapped. In Israel entire families were killed, savagely. One might ask is this a sign of the End Times?  Are the forces of the Anti-Christ arising?  He will be anti Israel and anti Christian.   In the End Times there there will be seven seals opened. The 1st four seals are related to the FOUR HORSES OF THE APOCALYPSE. One wonders, have they arrived? Don't miss this video and the possible meaning behind the color of the horses - white and red and black and green. This picture is royalty free accessible at Wikimedia Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - taking a break in the shade in the Old City of Jerusalem) 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  

This is the last lesson in the podcast series on the Lord's Prayer (in Hebrew -  HaTehfeelah Adonai) which He gave to us, His disciples, and we can now call it, HaTehfeelah Talmidim, the Prayer of the Disciples.  We will focus on Matt.6:13 and once again return to the 1st century A.D., the days of Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah (the Christ), and try and hear what His disciples heard.  We will try and understand what they understood.  We will study to see like they did. The main focus of the lesson will be on the beginning phrase in Matt. 6:13, "and lead us not into temptation ..." (NASB).  For us the English word the translators use "temptation" seems to relate only to that which might entice us to sin or evil.  Temptation to us seems to focus on the evil desire to commit sin and go against Adonai, the Lord.  However, the translators use this word in many places in the Bible to mean testing or trials or difficulties.  The English word in our Bibles is TEMPTATION.  It translates the Greek word G3986 πειρασμός PEIRASMOS (pi-ros-mos). But, Jesus was speaking Hebrew and not Greek.  The Greek word translates the Hebrew word H4531 Mahsaw מַסָּה which means test or trial and not temptation.  So Jesus is saying to pray that the Lord not lead us into trials.   So, what's going on in Matt. 6:13?  Does it mean that God may come to us to lead us into situations where He knows we will be tempted to commit sin, to do evil?  Or, are the translators using it as it relates with a different concept?   Here are the links I mentioned in the audio plus more. Link to the complete Didache (pronounced Dida  Key) - http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html Link to a number of great articles on the Hebrew concept of prayer from En Gedi Resource Center - https://engediresourcecenter.com/hebraic/prayer/ Link to Shmuel Safrai's article on the spoken languages in Jesus' day at the Jerusalem School of the Synoptic Gospels (you may have to sign up to be a subscriber) - https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2551/ Link to a translation of the Lord's Prayer the way it may have been read in Hebrew - https://www.dropbox.com/s/v4boue5uy4oinwk/THE%20LORD%27S%20PRAYER%20FROM%20THE%20HEBREW.pdf?dl=0 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

  I remember a time when I had hurt someone in one of my classes.  I reacted to their opinion on a specific issue very harshly.  Later I did learn from others in the class that 1) they did not appreciate my intense reaction to this person and 2) they knew this person was hurt and angry with me and 3) they understood why I got so angry but it was not the proper way of handling the situation.  Needless to say, I hurt someone with my words.  It reminded me me of ... "The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Mat 12:35-37) Ouch!  His Spirit was working in me telling me that I sinned.  Something needed to happen. On one hand, this person I hurt may have forgiven me "in his heart."  He may have done this based upon what Jesus teaches that ... "My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." (Mat 18:35) Many of us do this as Christians today.  Someone hurt us, abused us, sinned against us and we forgive that person "from our heart," but the one who hurt us doesn't know it.  For us it is a way we think we are listening to Rabbi Yeshua and living as true disciples. On the other hand, even though this person I hurt may have "forgiven me in his heart," and I didn't know it, I was dealing with the Father and through His Spirit I was being plagued with guilt that I have not gone to this person, confessed my sin, repented, and asked for this person's forgiveness.  I had already done this with the Lord.  I knew I was forgiven.  But, the Lord would not let me off the hook!  Why?  Because He taught us this ... "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." (Mat 5:23-24) He didn't mean to seek forgiveness from Him and let it all go.  NO!!  He is teaching clearly that I need to go to the person, confess, repent, and seek their forgiveness.  I did go to that person.  I did confess, repent, and I asked for this person to forgive me.  I was forgiven by that person.  I must say this was one of the most difficult things I have ever done.  It was easy to go to the Father and confess and repent and seek forgiveness.  But, doing that with the person who I sinned against, that is entirely a different matter. So, we now return to the Lord's Prayer - תפילת האדוי - HaTehfeelah Adonai   We will focus on the verse Matt. 6:12 where we pray that the Lord will forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  Why use the word debt or debtors?  Why didn't Jesus use the word sin and sinners?  Besides that it seems as if Jesus is showing us that if we want to be forgiven by the Lord we first need to forgive.  Is that what this all means?  Once again, we are reading in English translated from the Greek which is translated from the Hebrew and it comes out of a totally Jewish culture of 2000 years ago.  Is it possible then as we put this verse into its historical context that things will begin to make real sense?  Answer!  You better believe it.  Moreover, we will see how it relates to the situation I described from my own life. Links promised in this session ... 1) Brad Young's article at Jerusalem Perspective (Note - this is a pay site.  Cost is $60 per year.  It is a highly credible scholarly site that if you are serious about your Bible study this is one site that is a must) - https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2300/ 2) Link to lesson 1 of this series - listen to this to understand how this prayer is related to being a true disciple of Rabbi Jesus - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-6-the-lords-prayer-part-1-pray-like-the-rabbi/ Link 3 - Ray Vander Laan's article on "Rabbi and Talmidim" - https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  Ferret and his wife Robin having dinner in Vicente Guerrero 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    

In part 2 of lesson 3 we will deal with a very important topic.  Today there are well meaning pseudo scholars teaching Bible lessons on the radio, podcasts, videos on You Tube, etc. and are 1) incorrectly giving meaning to words or verses since they ignore the Hebrew textual context and the Hebrew conceptual meaning of words, and 2) using improper means to force the Bible to say something it does not say so as to agree with the point they are making, and 3) thus resulting in misleading literally thousands of normal everyday believers around the world.  In lesson 1 we talked about an issue highlighted in the verses below from the King James Version … Make thee an ark (Borrowed from the ancient Egyptian - H8392 têvâh תֵּבָה) of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (Gen 6:14) And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark (H8392 têvâh תֵּבָה) of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. (Exo 2:3) And they shall make an ark (H727 ârôn אָרֹן ) of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.  (Exo 25:10) We can obviously see in the verses above the two distinct words in the King James in Hebrew that are translated as ARK.  In the first two verses the word ark us used for the ark Noah built and the “basket” or ark Moses was put in by his mother to keep him alive.  Moreover the Hebrew word TEVAH is an Egyptian word brought into the Hebrew.  Like the name Moses.  His name is not Hebrew but Egyptian.  The 3rd verse is the ark of the covenant.  Clearly we have two separate words in Hebrew with two distinct conceptual meanings and in the textual context are not related to each other.  And yet there are well meaning Bible teachers who do not have the expertise to work in the Hebrew textual context and not the English textual context.  If they ignore the Hebrew textual context and teach the three arks are related; their lesson might prove to be cool and interesting but a lesson promoting misinterpretation and error.  In this lesson we will show how a current so called Pre-Trib Rapture scholar ignores the Hebrew textual context and stays in the English ignoring the conceptual meaning of the Hebrew and how it is used in other verses, and to teach that Enoch was RAPTURED.  This teacher goes on to say that even Elijah was raptured.  This probably is a way this teacher wants to show that the Pre-Trip rapture is something even in the Torah and the Prophets. His point is that the Pre-Trib rapture was not something made up by a Scottish charismatic pastor in the late 19th century.  So, he must force the Bible to support his point.  The problem is this “well meaning” teacher is mistakenly leading us into error and does not even know they are misleading many into believing what the Bible does not say.   The issue is not the Pre-Trib rapture, but how this well known so called scholar misuses the Hebrew to force the Bible to say something is does not to support his view of the veracity of the rapture.  Also, in this lesson we will put the Torah into its historical context in the 15th century B.C. We will see how those Hebrews coming out of Egypt were hearing explosive ideas as per their culture from God Himself through the pen of Moses.  We will see that the Bible is an ancient source for true Women’s Liberation.  In our culture today there are those women, who may even be Christian, who criticize the word of God as being anti-women or misogynistic.  Once again this shows the major lack in how the church teaches the Bible; the church ignores the historical context of the Bible.  If the church had people properly trained in seminaries and Bible institutions, we’d have a proper understanding that the Bible was written to the Hebrews 3400 years ago and was way ahead of its time then. It is as if the Bible, God’s Torah, was the first document that promoted Women’s Liberation in a Godly sense.  In chapter 1 and 2 of Exodus the theme song for the key characters in these two chapters is the song sung by Helen Reddy, “I Am Woman.” Yes!!  Shiphra, Puah, Yocheved, Miriam, and Pharaoh's daughter - they stand as those made in the image of God and not in the shadow of men and God shows that woman is one the same level as men.  If you recall, man was made out of mud.  But, in the Hebrew, woman was built and constructed almost as if there was a special design.  As soon as SHE was created God looked and finally said that it was VERY GOOD and stopped creating.  Way to go girls!! 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        

In lesson 4 we will focus on two terms.  The first is "HEAVENS" and the next is "LIVING CREATURES."  We will study these terms in Hebrew and find that our modern ideas are again challenged once we understand what the terms mean in Hebrew and what the Bible says and not what men say.  However, as we do focus on hearing the Torah on its own terms, and not on man's view, our understanding of God, who He is, and ourselves is deepened, clarified and enhanced. So, will the Hebrew help us understand where does God abide?  Does He abide in “heaven?”  Or, why is it that in Hebrew animals and mankind are called “living creatures?”  On top of that how can the Hebrew word translated as “living creatures” also be translated as soul?  What is going on?  So come and join us and study.  As part of this study check out one of the lessons I did on the series on the Lord's prayer.  It focuses on the phrase, "who art in heaven," in the Lord's prayer.  This study will enhance what you learn here in lesson 4 on Genesis. Link - https://youtu.be/KGO4kVc-wxc?si=zgAvY6xQUkklOWqk In Jesus’ day study of the Bible was the highest form of worship!  Check out the Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel’s short video which shows that to be a true disciple of Yeshua we need to study – more than read God’s word.   Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gLtZcq5VGs To even go deeper to understand what the church is missing today check out this resource to study that in Jesus’ day the study of the very words of God is the highest form of worship. Link to Dwight Pryor’s audio Bible study – https://www.jcstudies.store/the-highest-form-of-worship/ Link – to Dwight Pryor’s article - https://www.scribd.com/document/52577969/The-Highest-Form-of-Worship Are you committed to be His devout disciple, the true disciple of Yeshua?  Then come and study besides reading His beloved Word.   (Ferret - at the ancient archaeological site of Hatzor in northn Israel) 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  

Before you listen and study part 2 of lesson 1 on Leviticus you MUST study and listen to part 1.  It is the foundation and part 1 and 2 both help us understand key aspects of Leviticus that make it more than relevant for us today in the 21st century.  Here’s the link … https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/leviticus-lesson-1-part-1-introduction/?token=bd9a68b4093962bb33ed1a825886d98b I did A.I. searches on aspects of the priesthood of the ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians.  Below is a summary of these searches. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ BABYLON The primary leadership roles included the head priest (Urigallu), ritual exorcists (Ashipu), lamentation singers (Kalû or Gala), and administrative overseers (Sangha). Leadership and Administrative Priests Urigallu: The supreme head of the temple priesthood who directed major seasonal rites, temple music, and rituals. Sangha (Shangu): High administrators or general sacrificers responsible for managing temple properties, finances, and secular-religious operations. Ashipu: Exorcists and sorcerers who used magical rites and spells to ward off demons, curses, and sickness. Asu: Temple physicians who combined herbal remedies with magical incantations to treat physical ailments. Kalû (Gala): Specialized lamentation singers and musicians who performed soothing ritual wails and songs to appease deities like Inanna. Barû: Seers and diviners who predicted future events by interpreting omens, animal entrails, and dreams. ASSYRIA In ancient Assyrian religion, the king acted as the supreme high priest (šangû) of the national god Aššur. Within the physical temples, specialized scholarly priests managed rituals, healing, and divine maintenance. They belonged to the ērib bīti ("those who enter the temple") class. Major Priestly Roles Šangû: The standard administrative priest or sacrificer who oversaw temple property, maintenance, and regular offerings. Āšipu (Exorcist / Incantation Priest): Specialized in magic, healing, medical-spiritual care, and driving away evil demons or reversing bad omens. Kalû (Lamentation Priest): Chanted soothing prayers and musical liturgies in the Emesal dialect to calm the hearts of angry gods. Bārû (Diviner / Haruspex): Read the future and determined divine will by inspecting sheep livers (extispicy) or observing astrological signs. Išippu (Purification Priest): Handled sacred cleansing rites, including the critical "mouth washing" (mīs pî) ceremony used to consecrate and animate divine statues. EGYPT CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES … https://www.egypttoursportal.com/en-us/blog/ancient-egyptian-civilization/ancient-egyptian-priests/   https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1026/clergy-priests--priestesses-in-ancient-egypt/ Ancient Egypt had a structured priesthood where individuals were called hem-netjer ("servant of the god"). Most served part-time in monthly rotations and their main function is to care for the god or gods. The hierarchy ranged from the pharaoh—the ultimate high priest—down to purification staff, encompassing specialized roles for daily worship, funerals, and temple administration. High-Ranking Priests First Prophet (High Priest): The top administrator of a specific major temple, such as the High Priest of Amun at Karnak, holding immense political and economic power. Sem Priests: Specialized funerary priests who wore leopard skins and presided over the "Opening of the Mouth" ceremony during burials. Specialized Ritual Priests Lector Priests (Reader Priests): Scholars who carried papyrus scrolls and chanted magical spells, hymns, and liturgical texts during temple rituals and funerals. Wab Priests (Pure Priests): The foundational rank of everyday priests responsible for physical washing, carrying the god's shrine, and handling daily food offerings. Hour Watchers (Astronomer Priests): Specialists who tracked the stars and time to determine the precise hours for nocturnal and dawn religious rituals. _________________________________________________________ In this lesson we talked about repentance and revival.  I mentioned an article by Franklin Graham where he suggests that before revival must be preceded by repentance.  Here’s the link to that awesome article you MUST read. https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/articles/franklin-graham-repentance-brings-revival I thought you might be interested in Rabbi Eliezer’s statement to his talmideem, his disciples, to repent one day before you die.  When his students asked how anyone could know the exact day of death, he answered that a person should therefore repent every single day, living each day as if it were the last.    The Core Dialogue The Statement: Rabbi Eliezer taught, "Repent one day before your death" . The Question: His disciples asked, "Does a man know on which day he will die?" The Answer: He replied, "All the more reason to repent today, lest you die tomorrow. Thus, all your days are spent in repentance."  In other words you “live again” with a focus on turning to God continually.    Check out these awesome websites that will add to our understanding … [1] https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/190053 [2] https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/repentance [3] https://www.bridgesforpeace.com/products/repent-the-day-before-you-die Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? (John - teaching at the Great Pyramids Giza, Egypt) 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              

LEVITICUS – INTRODUCTION – PART 1 I mentioned a podcast that relates to the phrase in Luke’s gospel that Jesus was laid in a manger.  Did God inspire Luke to use this word?  Of course the Lord did – the Bible is God’s inspired word.  What is a manger?  What is it used for?  It is not a word used today. Is God using it to shows us some spiritual meaning that we missed since we do not understand the historical context of the birth of Yeshua near 2000 years ago.  Hint – Jesus born in Bethlehem.  Bethlehem means the house of bread.  Bethlehem was an agricultural village and their main crop was wheat and barley.  This was used for making bread and bread was considered the primary staple of the diet then.  Bread meant life.  And, a manger was for feeding; feeding sheep.  Now with those hints check out the podcast … https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-8-he-was-laid-in-a-manger/ I did an A.I. search on the phrase “Leviticus a Difficult Book,” and these are the results that agree with both Jewish and Christian Bible scholars.  See below. The Book of Leviticus is often considered one of the most difficult books in the Bible because it contains dense legal codes, intricate sacrificial rituals, and ancient purity rules that feel very distant from modern life. Most agree that reading Leviticus feels dry and repetitive due to the heavy focus on ancient Israelite law.  There are some very basic reasons why Leviticus is hard to read and study and understand. Ancient Context: The rules were written for a specific bronze-age culture with customs very different from our own. Detailed Rituals: Long descriptions of animal sacrifices, skin diseases, and dietary laws slow down the narrative. Unclear Modern Application: It is hard for readers today to see how ancient priestly rules apply to daily life. In part 1 of our introduction to Leviticus I used quotes from “The Archaeological Study Bible from Zondervan,” “The Archaeological Study Bible from Crossway” and “The JPS Torah Commentary on Leviticus.”  These quotes are shown below. The first is from “The Archaeological Study Bible from Zondervan.”  It supports the fact that Leviticus is difficult to read and begs the question what do we get from reading it?   Another quote was from the “The Archaeological Study Bible from Crossway.”  Here the scholars emphasize Leviticus must be studied in its historical context.  We need to understand the book was written to the people THEN and NOT to us NOW.   For them then animal sacrifice was an everyday common ritual among the pagan nations of the ancient Middle East and not something strange or unfamiliar.  And God uses these familiar concepts to THEM THEN and NOT us NOW  to teach them how to be His people and follow His ways to make Israel the light to the nations and to bring His salvation to the ends of the earth (Isa. 49:6)   One final quote is from “The JPS Torah Commentary on Leviticus.”  Dr. Levine, the awesome Jewish scholar who wrote the commentary, shows that sin, intentional sin, did not have a sacrifice or a ritual so that one could be forgiven.  In the Hebrew Scriptures there were two types of sin, UNINTENTIONAL and INTENTIONAL.  Christians only understand sin as INTENTIONAL and are never taught that the Bible teaches are Unintentional sin.  Thus, these a major problem for Jewish believers.  How can they be forgiven if their sin was intentional?  These was not solution in the Bible just what the rabbis made up.  And that is exactly what they did, they made up ways all sin could be forgiven that are unbiblical and not found anywhere in scripture, just their own opinions or views.  Rabbis are just men.  Who gave them the right to make up rituals and methods that God never detailed or specified?   But, if there is a way for intentional sin to be forgiven, that would be extremely good news.  That would be the Gospel!  Here's the quote from “The JPS Torah Commentary on Leviticus.”  The key is this.  Leviticus is a tough book to read and study.  But, once we study it in its historical context we will see the GOSPEL.  We will see where the Gospel comes from and that the book of Leviticus is a witness to the coming of the Messiah and His sacrifice to complete the Torah and to make a way for us to have our intentional sins forgiven so we could be His righteous disciples.  Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? (John & Robin somewhere in the Middle East) 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        

In lesson 7 we focus on the phrase of Matt 6:11, "Give us this day our daily bread."  Was Jesus teaching His disciples, His talmideem תלמידים in Hebrew, something new?  As Dr. Brad Young states in his amazing article, "The Lord's Prayer," (see the link below to Jerusalem Perspective, a scholarly website of Christian and Jewish Bible scholars presenting the Jewish background of the Synoptic Gospels - Matthew, Mark, and Luke) ... "Too often, the importance of the Jewish background of the prayer and of the language that Jesus used has been overlooked or minimized. Jesus was a Jew, speaking Hebrew to his Jewish followers during the difficult days of the Roman occupation of Israel in the Second Temple Period. A modern Christian has a quite different understanding of prayer, Scripture, and faith than a Jewish teacher like Jesus, not to mention the great differences of language, culture, and history. One easily can miss the great depth of Jesus’ message, even while believing in him. Here we will try to rediscover something of the original Jewish atmosphere in which Jesus taught his followers how to approach God in prayer." So we will reconnect again to the historical context of this prayer that Jesus taught to His disciples, His talmideem תלמידים and we will see that awesome meaning behind the simple phrase of Matt. 6:11.  It will help us again pray this prayer with a new expanded understanding of this central prayer for any disciple of our Lord Jesus.  Our walk as disciples of Yeshua HaMasheeiachk, Jesus the Messiah, Jesus the Christ will be enriched and strengthened.   The Lord’s Prayer 1: Introduction.  Brad Young.  (Note: this is part 1 of 10) https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2229/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Ferret and his wife Robin at the airport on their way to Israel 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  

In part 1 we learned that the Kingdom of God was a concept in Second Temple Judaism, the religion of Jesus' day, that was understood by the Jewish people.  We saw that Moses states that God will reign forever and ever (Exod. 15:18).  Thus, if God reigns, He is king.  If God is King then He has a Kingdom.  But, His Kingdom does not have a territory or borders or a palace or castle.  In Jesus' day the Kingdom of God meant only that God rules and reigns over His creation, the heavens and the earth, the universe.  It is like what the Jewish people say in their daily blessings that Adonai is King of the Universe.  Here's the blessing over bread ... בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz. Blessed are you, Lord our God, KING of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth. So, in the first century A.D. in Israel, God's Kingdom was and is and will always be.  So, as we continue to study the phrase in Matt. 6:10, "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," we ask then if His Kingdom was and is and will always be why are we praying that His Kingdom should come? Are we missing something?  Again, we are.  We are disconnected from how the disciples of Jesus understood the Kingdom of God 2000 years ago when Jesus taught this prayer.  We need again to reconnect to those days to expand our understanding of the Lord's Prayer and what it all means to them and to us today. I mentioned I would link several articles that are examples of my resources that I have accessed to develop these podcasts on the Lord's Prayer and on the Kingdom of the Lord.  These links are shown below.  The links that have a "*" before them will take you to the website www.JerusalemPerspective.com which has an annual fee to access the entire article and the remaining 100's of articles available from highly credible Christian and Jewish scholars.  I highly recommend this website for any of you who are serious students of the Bible.  This is one resource that is worth paying the annual fee for real scholarship and study. * The Kingdom of God: God’s Power Among Believers. Robert L. Lindsey https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2445/ * Literary Languages in the Time of Jesus.  Shmuel Safrai https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2563/ * Jesus and the Oral Torah: The Unutterable Name of God.  David Biven.   https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2087/ * The Lord's Prayer.  David Biven. https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/769/ * The Lord’s Prayer 1: Introduction.  Brad Young.  (Note: this is part 1 of 10) https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2229/ The following articles are accessed for free at the amazing website www.EnGediResourceCenter.org including articles by Lois Tverberg on the Lord's Prayer and the Kingdom of God.   Articles on the Lord's Prayer - https://engediresourcecenter.com/tag/lords-prayer/ 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

In lesson 6 part 1 of this podcast series we now focus on the phrase ... Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. (Mat 6:9-10 NASB) Once again we will reconnect to the Jewish culture of Jesus' day so as to learn how His disciples (talmideem in Hebrew) understood the words of the prayer Jesus taught them; the prayer He also taught us since we too have been "grafted in" to the olive tree of Israel and we too must strive daily to live and serve as true disciples of the Lord.   So what did they hear when when they prayed, "Your Kingdom come?"  Certainly in those days all Jews were longing for the Messiah to come.  They were longing for Him to restore Israel as a Jewish nation free from Rome.  So, did the disciples "hear" these words and think of the Messiah's coming kingdom under the reign of Adonai?  Or when they prayed these words did it mean something else, something more, something more profound?  We may be like other Christians who pray these words in English and think it has to do with the return of Jesus, the return of the Messiah, to bring His Kingdom to earth.  But, if we are supposedly to dwell with the Lord in heaven forever and ever why bring His Kingdom to earth, right?  We are all going to heaven right?  So, Jesus would have a Kingdom with no subjects since we are all gone, we're all in heaven!   So, today for many in the church we have so many diverse ideas of the Kingdom of God.  We may even think there are three Kingdoms - the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus' Kingdom when He precisely teaches about His Kingdom.  This concept in English with no connection to the Jewish culture of Jesus' day causes confusion and disagreement and does not satisfy us with a precise understanding.  But, if we return to Jesus' day and hear as His disciples did, and see as His disciples did, and understand like them, then we too will grasp the meaning of the Kingdom of the Most High, the Kingdom will make sense and it will eliminate all the diverse opinions, the Kingdom of God will be something part of our lives so we are be able to walk with Jesus in a deeper and more passionate way. In this session I mentioned an article about Peter.  Remember he asked Jesus if he could leave the boat and join Jesus walking on the water.  This is so critical to understand the meaning of a disciple in Jesus' day.  Here's the link to the article - https://www.dropbox.com/s/wtgmaph65t3inl8/Walk%20LIke%20the%20Rabbi%20%26%20Pray%20Like%20the%20Rabbi.pdf?dl=0 Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  Ferret teaching at Tel Gezer in the shephelah of 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

This lesson is in two parts.  There is just simply too much material in these verses, Exod. 2:1-10, that I had to break it up into two sessions. Our focus is on the birth of Moses who is called THE FIRST REDEEMER by the rabbis.  Consider ... The concept of a future redeemer similar to Moses is common in rabbinic literature dating to the seventh century. The rabbis who compiled the Talmud and other key Jewish texts in the Middle Ages assumed the final messianic redeemer or the ultimate redeemer would follow the pattern of the first redeemer, Moses. Thus, not surprisingly, they noted a multitude of patterns between the two. Here are a few examples: Pesikta 5:8 reads, “As the first one appeared among Israel and then disappeared from among them, so the last redeemer will appear among Israel and then disappear from among them.” In other words, just as Moses had “two comings” to Israel, the Messiah will have a first coming and a second coming.  Just as the first redeemer caused manna to come down for the people of Israel, so too the last redeemer will cause manna to come down (see Psalm 72:16).  As the first redeemer caused the well to give water (Numbers 20:11), so the last redeemer will cause water to spring forth (see Joel 3:18). These examples show how the concept of a Messiah “like Moses” is relatively common in rabbinic Judaism. Admittedly, the connection between Moses and a future Messiah may not be explicit within Deuteronomy 18:15. Still, it probably has its origins there: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me [Moses] from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.” (See the website https://chosenpeople.com/a-redeemer-like-moses/ for a more indepth study) So, we will study five distinct perspectives on Moses’ birth.  In this first part we will return to the date of 1446 B.C. and use it as the date Moses and the Israelites left Egypt after the first Passover meal and the night the first born throughout the land of Egypt were killed.  As we continue with the Exodus Torah study I will provide archaeological support for the date of 1446 B.C.  We will see clearly that this date that many of you have heard in sermons, Bible studies or in your own readings, is the date of the Exodus.  You will be surprised where this date comes from and how real archaeology supports it. We will also consider some amazing Jewish legends associated with the birth of Moses.  In Jewish thought Moses was considered the first redeemer and he prefigures the final redeemer, the ultimate redeemer, the Messiah.  Also we will study the word “ark.”  Noah built an ark and Moses was put in an ark (see the King James and the Jewish JPS versions of the Bible) or a basket in the New American Standard and ESV versions and the ark of the covenant.  Some actually teach all three of these “arks” are related.  Matter of fact there is a Jewish website that teaches Torah and I just happened to read their lead rabbi relate Noah’s ark, the basket or ark Moses was put in, and the ark of the covenant.  We will see that they can’t be related at all.  This is proven by Jewish sources and supported by a simple solution - Hebrew.  We are dealing with the textual context of the Hebrew and NOT the textual context in English.  I mentioned in this lesson that I would provide some links to enhance your study.  The first link is to a video showing suggested possibilities of what was the Star of Bethlehem found in Matt. 2:1-2.  The next links are to articles on the Hyksos and the New Kingdom of Egypt that starts with the 18th Dynasty.  These I am sure will provide some insights and enhance this lesson. Link to the video on the star –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMMkWvGz9jI Link to the article on the New Kingdom –  https://www.ancient.eu/New_Kingdom_of_Egypt/ Link to the article on the Hyksos –  https://www.ancient.eu/Hyksos/   Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - leading a study tour in Israel - Tel Azeka in the Elah Valley - the site of the battle between David and Goliath) What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0  

This lesson will focus on Gen. 1:1-5.  We will address the question, "What is this light that God created on day one?"  Is it related to Einstein's theory or what some Creation Science scholars call the Big Bang?  Or is it something else?  Might it be related to Yeshua the Messiah?   It says God created light on DAY one.  Was it 24 hours?  The Hebrew word translated into English as "day" is the word YOM.  How long is a YOM?  24 hours?  What is the picture God is painting? Finally, we will study an amazing correlation between the 1st book of the Bible and the last, the book of Revelation.  Genesis 1 deals with God creating a new heaven and a new earth.  Then we read in Rev. 21:1 "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea."  Both deal with a new heaven and a new earth.  Both books deal with a beginning.  Is there more?  Just wait and see!! What is most important Bible verse?  What Bible verse should be ranked number one in God's Word?  Can you guess?  A recognized scholar and a man devoted to the God of Abraham, Dennis Prager, has a cool audio lesson where Dennis brings up his view.  He is a devout religious Jew but his Torah teaching is meant for both religious Jews of Judaism and religious Christians.  Here is the link - Dennis Prager - Prager University - The Most Important Verse in the Bible - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BqWdu1BnBQ   Hey!  Who is this guy, John Ferret?  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

  This is part 2 of the Lord's Prayer series as we focus on the phrase, "hallowed be Your name."  In this episode we turn to the Ten Commandments and to commandment #3 (commandment 2 if you are a Catholic) or "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain."   How is this related to us today?  If we reconnect to the Hebrew and the Jewish culture of the 2nd Temple Period, the days of Jesus, it is connected to being a true disciple of Yeshua, but how?  How is this related to the Lord's Prayer and "hallowing?"    There are many links I mention in this podcast.  They are all listed below.  At this time I want to recognize these scholars and for their amazing credible Bible resources to help us reconnect to the Jewish culture of Jesus' day so we can have our understanding expanded and enhanced.  These amazing scholars are Lois Tverberg, Dennis Prager, Joseph Shulam, Dr. Brad Young, and David Biven.  This is just a few of the many scholars and teachers I have learned from.  I just needed to make sure I gave them the credit and recognition for most of what I present.  I don't teach my own opinion and try to teach with the backup of such great scholars as these.   Link - Lois Tverberg' article, "What Does It Mean to Hallow God's Name? - https://engediresourcecenter.com/2019/06/06/what-does-it-mean-to-hallow-gods-name/   Link - Lois Tverberg's website - https://ourrabbijesus.com/   Link - Dennis Prager's video "Misusing God's Name" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=nI8OtOfzUDE&app=desktop   Link to Dennis' website and in the "store" you will find his 25 years of Torah lessons on a flash drive - https://www.dennisprager.com/   Link to Joseph Shulam's ministry website - this is a great learning resource - https://netivyah.org/   Check out the free "journals" you can access at Netivyah - https://netivyah.org/library/   Link to David Biven's awesome article on the Lord's prayer found at Jerusalem Perspective - https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/769/   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

When was the last time you hallowed?  Is it allowed in your church?  Where you work?  Did you learn how to hallow in Sunday school?  Why aren't more 21st century Christians hallowing?  But, perhaps they are!     In the 2nd Temple Period, the first century A.D. or Jesus' day, Jesus' talmideem, Hebrew for disciples, knew exactly how to hallow!  Jesus' fellow rabbis helped all know how to hallow the name of Adonai.  So when Jesus teaches His talmideem HaTehfeelah Adonai, the Lord's Prayer, and gives it to them so it becomes, HaTehfeelah Talmideem, the Prayer of the Disciples, the disciples understand clearly what all this means.  It was part of their culture and probably taught in their בֵּית סֵפֶר - pronounced  Bait Sefer, elementary school, so the Jewish kids right from the get go would know how to "hallow the name of Adonai."    Now it's our turn - let's learn what they did.  Let's try and understand how they understood so that HaTehfeelah Talmideem, the Prayer of the Disicples, becomes that much more meaningful for us today.   Once again there are links I bring up in the podcast.  See below for the links for this lesson.   Link - Lois Tverberg' article, "What Does It Mean to Hallow God's Name? - https://engediresourcecenter.com/2019/06/06/what-does-it-mean-to-hallow-gods-name/   Link - Lois Tverberg's website - https://ourrabbijesus.com/   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

We continue with the words of the Lord's Prayer, HaTehfeelah Adonai.  Our focus is now on the words, "...who is in heaven."  This begs the question where does God live?  Where is His abode, where does He dwell 24/7?  Isn't heaven the sky above and space with the moon and sun and planets and galaxies?  If so does God live out there behind a nebula or a galaxy hidden from our eyes?  Or, does the English language cause some issues?  We have put the Lord's Prayer into its historical context and we see that it was first taught in Hebrew to a specific group of people, the religious Jewish disciples, and in a specific culture and time; He taught it sometime between 24-30 A.D. to those who practiced Second Temple Judaism and who only had the Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures, as their only Bible.  So, let's jump in.  Let's see what they knew and understood in Hebrew.  Let's find out where God lives and dwells 24/7.   Once again here's links I mentioned in the lesson.  Check them out as they hopefully will add and enrich your study of HaTehfeelah Adonai, the Lord's Prayer which He gave to us, His disciples, and we can now call it, HaTehfeelah Talmidim, the Prayer of the Disciples. Link Gethsemane 1 - https://www.facebook.com/lightofmenorah/videos/229720674906046/ Link 2a - Dr. Brad Young's videos on the Hebrew background of the Lord's prayer - https://www.bradyoung.org/index.php/videos/40-dr-young-s-youtube-links-on-god-s-learning-channel Link 2b - Dr. Brad Young's scholarly work on the Jewish background of the Lord's prayer - click here to access all his books in the bookstore   Link 2c - Dr. Brad Young's article on the Lord's prayer at "Jerusalem Perspective" - https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2229/ 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

Is the Bible credible?  Can we trust it?  Is the Exodus more than a story?  In lesson 2 we begin an amazing journey to show the veracity, the trustworthiness, of the book of Exodus.  As we continue in Exodus chapter one we will see that we are dealing with historic events – things that actually happened.  We will begin to verify the exact year when Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt.  It’s all related to an ancient pagan calendar that the majority of archaeologists agree is accurate and can be used to date events.  Another aspect of this lesson is WOMEN.  The Bible is the only ancient religious source that shows the real intention of God as it relates to men and women.  God made men and women both equally in His image.  Man is not above woman and woman is not above man - they are equal in God's eyes.  The Bible is the only ancient source lifting up women to their equal and lofty place in God’s creation and plan.  Men are the ones who put down women.  The problem that messed things up was sin and turning away from God.  Woman first and then her man. Later we see that woman was “built” by God (that is the actual Hebrew – built assumes a specific design unlike man) NOT to be a “suitable helper.”  That is what men did in translation.  They did not translate the Hebrew correctly and thus put down women.  The actual Hebrew is EZER KENEGDO  עזר כנגדו or a strength in front or a strength alongside.  Gen. 2:18.  The implication is man was incomplete without woman and visa versa.  Woman is not man’s little helper.  No way.  She is the completeness of his strength and seemingly implies that physical strength is not sufficient.  Man needs woman.  In this lesson we will see that the great pharaohs of Egypt are of no account as compared to two pagan Egyptian  women.  We will meet real heroines, we will meet strong, brave, bold women with guts.  Not men.  Women.  The Bible cries out from 3400 years ago to teach us, men and women, what it means to be one of God's people.   In this lesson I mentioned I’d provide links to a few articles that relate to this lesson.  The links are below.  The first link is to an article on Roman practice of infanticide and the catacombs of Praetextatus - https://earlychurchhistory.org/medicine/infanticide-in-the-ancient-world/ The second link is another major article on the legality of ancient abortion, infanticide, and infant exposure in ancient Rome and Greece and the early Christian response - https://www.dropbox.com/s/aj2qbmm6eqc7d5f/Pagans%2C%20Christianity%2C%20and%20Infanticide.pdf?dl=0 The third article is on 4 reasons why the early Messianic Christian assembly (church) grew so fast - https://myocn.net/four-reasons-why-early-christian-church-grew-so-quickly/ Lastly is a paper I did on adoption in ancient Rome.  It relates so well to this lesson.  Link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/i0fg3wwbm9xohzq/Ephesus%20Adopt.pdf?dl=0 Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret ... somewhere north of 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  

In lesson 2 we continue to lay the foundation for this in depth study of the first five books of the Bible, commonly referred to as the TORAH (which does NOT mean LAW but TEACHING).  In this lesson we ask if there are no dinosaurs in the Bible (and there is NO mention of them in the Bible in Hebrew) then does that help us grasp what the Torah is and is not?  Here's a link to a Jewish scholar and his teaching on why dinosaurs are not mentioned in the bible - click here to watch Dr. Hugh Ross, a credible scientist and astrophysicist discuss the question about dinosaurs and the Bible. He is awesome. Here's the link for part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtEDmwxNE6s&t=0s And here’s the link for part 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iraI4NWQSRs Some Jewish and Christian scholars say that Gen. 1:21 is talking about large fish.  It can't be large fish - the Hebrew taken to the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) uses the phrase in Greek to describe the great evil dragon in the book of Revelation who is Satan.  Satan is NOT a big fish.  Once again how can translators so misinterpret the text of scripture and not check how the phrase in Gen. 1:21 is used throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament that I like to title, "The Messianic Writings?"  And lastly, this session gets into the 5 purposes of this series, "The Gospel According to Moses."  We approach this study with the focus of archaeology, history, geography, customs, culture, and the languages of the ancient Middle East. Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - someplace in the Shephaleh - foothills of the Judean mountains) 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

In this lesson we start our study of the exact words of the Lord's prayer.  This lesson will focus on the first two words, "Our Father."  Is Jesus teaching something new?  Is Jesus bringing in a new idea?  Were the disciples of Jesus amazed at the start of the prayer when they heard the words, "Our Father?" Again, we return to 24-30 A.D. - the time when Jesus was here as a rabbi, as a Torah teacher.  Torah does not mean law but instruction.  Jesus was teaching the Father's instruction and not laws.  That makes sense when you understand what Torah means and that all the had in Jesus' day was the Hebrew Scriptures that we call the Old Testament.  There is nothing OLD about it.  And, as we reconnect to those days we find that these two words, "Our Father," show that the Lord's Prayer that He gave to His disciple, and therefore to us, is a prayer coming out of a Jewish culture; we can therefore more fully appreciate the prayer when we understand its Jewish background and foundation. I said I'd supply some links.  The links in this lesson are referenced below. Dead Sea Scrolls Link 1 - https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/ The Tobit fragment - Link 2 - https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/search#q='4q200' Gethsemane - Link 3 - https://www.facebook.com/lightofmenorah/videos/229720674906046/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  Ferret near the ancient site of Bethel 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

In this 2nd lesson on the Lord's prayer we will focus on Jesus' specific guidelines He taught when we pray.  1st, go into your inner room.  Next, do not use meaningless repetition like the pagan Gentiles.  Are these instructions unique?  Is Jesus teaching us something that is different than praying as a religious Jewish person in His day?  Are these guidelines uniquely Christian?  NOPE.  Jesus is teaching and emphasizing what His disciples have been taught as they grew up in their hometown synagogue schools.  As we study this in its historical context we find we are dealing with things so common in the Hebrew culture of the 1st century, Jesus' day.  But, Jesus is emphasizing that prayer is not just going through the motions.  Jesus is teaching us this act of prayer is a big deal in that praying to the Father is talking to Him in a deeply personal, intimate, and private manner.  He is teaching us that concentrated and intentional prayer is a mark of a true disciple. Again, in this session I mention a few resources.  I am providing the links to two of them.  The first is a link to the early Jewish Christian instruction booklet called the Didache (Greek for "teaching") written in the late 1st century.  It provides guidelines and instruction for living as a true disciple.  See "chapter 8" where we see that the Lord's Prayer is to be said three times per day to keep up the Jewish practice to prayer three times a day.  The second link is Ray Vander Laan's article on Rabbi and Talmid or Rabbi and Disciple.  The Lord's prayer has been given to His disciples since one of His disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.  Knowing what a disciple is is important background for us to know the Lord's prayer and how it relates to us. Link to the Didache - https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-lightfoot.html Link to Ray's article on Rabbi and Talmid - https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim 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

  This is a NEW podcast series.  We will focus on the Lord's Prayer or what we sometimes call, "The Our Father."  There are 100's of excellent books from excellent scholars on this prayer.  What we will do is simply look at this prayer in its historical context.  And, God willing, this perspective will only add to the understanding we have of this prayer and prayer in general.  In this first session we ask why did Jesus give the disciples this prayer?  The Jewish people in Jesus' day were known as a praying people.  They had a set of prayers they prayed three times a day!  This was normative as relates to the Jewish culture of Jesus' day, 2nd Temple Judaism.  So why does Jesus add to their list of prayers?  As we reconnect to the culture the reason is explosive and only challenges us to also understand how this prayer relates to us in the 21st century.   In this session I bring up various links to other resources.  Here's the links below. Link 1 - Dr. Brad Young's videos on the Hebrew background of the Lord's prayer - https://www.bradyoung.org/index.php/videos/40-dr-young-s-youtube-links-on-god-s-learning-channel Link 2 - Dr. Brad Young's scholarly work on the Jewish background of the Lord's prayer - click here to access all his books in the bookstore   Link 3 - Dr. Brad Young's article on the Lord's prayer at "Jerusalem Perspective" - https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2229/ Link 4 - Ray Vander Laan's article on "Rabbi and Talmidim" - https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim 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

It is amazing how God uses the major event in Judaism, the Exodus, to teach us what His ultimate redemption of all men and women will be like.  The Exodus stands alone as a major event in human history.  It is amazing that God chose one people to be His chosen people so that the world would come to know Him, the God of Abraham, the one God, the only God through Israel.   He didn't pick Israel because they were somehow better than every other people.  No.  Just the opposite.  They were a stubborn and stiff necked people and the Lord teaches them it is not that they are righteous that He is doing all this ... "Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, 'Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,' but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you. "It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Deu 9:4-5)  And later in Isaiah 42:6 & 49:6 we learn that God has a purpose for Israel, His servant.  They are to bring His salvation (salvation in Hebrew is YESHUA יְשׁוּעָה or, in English, Jesus!) God will bring His Yeshua יְשׁוּעָה, His salvation, to the whole world through Israel. The first redemption is the Exodus.  And God seems to teach all of us that to understand the ULTIMATE redemption we need to understand the Exodus.  If we understand the first we will understand the second; we will understand the Jesus and the Cross.  This became the major event in Christianity.   So.  Let us dive in to the study of Exodus.  Let us ask how God brings us the Gospel and the Good News of the Kingdom to us via the pen of Moses.  Let us turn to study THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MOSES. Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - near the ancient site of Bet El (Bethel) in Israel) What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background

This is the 1st lesson in the Torah series for Christians on Genesis. This lesson provides the main goals of this unique Bible study. The emphasis is on the Bible in its historical context; it focuses on archaeology, geography, history, and the ancient culture and customs and even the languages of the Middle East. 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

In John 5:39 Jesus teaches that SCRIPTURE testifies of Himself.  It is easy to show He said this betwem 24-30 A.D. when all they had was the Hebrew Scriptures,  the Old Testament, Jesus' Bible.  Again and again in the series "The Gospel According to Moses" we have seen how key veerses of Genesis and Exodus do testify of Jesus, the coming Messiah.  Exodus chapter 40 is no exception.  It is so awesome how Exodus 40 testifies of Jesus but also shows the Exodus and God's rescue of His treasured people, the Hebrews, is part of the Lord's amazing redemption plan of all those made in His image - US!!  Jew and Gentile.   It is critical that along with this video you also watch the video PASSOVER 6 - DID WE MISS SOMETHING.  Here's the link ... https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/passover-lesson-6-did-we-miss-something-the-end-and-the-beginning-his-death-his-birth/ In this vidcast (video podcast) check out the critical information that is found in the comment section.  This video, along with the vidcast on Exodus 40, show that Messiah may have likely been born on Passover!   This completes the lessons on Exodus.  There is a Jewish custom to recite the following when one completes a book of Torah.   Pronounced ... Ka Zack Ka Zack VayNeet Ka Zayk Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? (John & Robin somewhere in the Middle East) 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  

THE STORY OF JOSEPH - lesson 6 GOD'S PARADIGM OF SALVATION OF THE WORLD   In this podcast I overviewed the amazing dating of the Hebrew Bible by the great scholar Edwin Thiele.  I mentioned in the podcast that how did I come up with the date of 1916 B.C. for the year Joseph entered Egypt at age 17.  So, as promised, this rest of this article is to give more detail on Edwin Thiele’s work and how we get to these dates.  Again, this is not something I came up with.  I don’t teach my opinion or my speculations as fact.    I have studied the great scholar Edwin Thiele's work on the dating in 1 Kings 6:1 …   Now it came about in the four hundred and eightieth year after the sons of Israel (Jacob’s other name) came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD Edwin Thiele’s work and research is documented in his book, “The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings.” He shows that the 4th year of Solomon's reign is 966 B.C. which means the Hebrews left Egypt in 1446 B.C. (we get this by adding 966 and 480 or 966+480 = 1446 B.C. since we are going back in time).  But, how did Edwin Thiele come up with this date?  You’ll hear many us this date but they will NOT know the source.  They will not be able to give you the historical research to show where this date came from its total reliability.  However, in Edwin’s book this is shown.  Thiele is the one who gave us this date of 966 B.C.  Let’s go see what Thiele discovered. Thiele was studying the ancient king lists of the ancient Assyrians.  In these lists, one called the Eponym Canon, references a solar eclipse in the reign of Assur-dan III in the month of Simanu.  Astronomers today easily found the date of this astronomical event as June 15, 763 B.C.  The Assyrians used this solar eclipse to give dates of the reigns of their kings dating from 892 to 648 B.C.  These king lists developed by the ancient Assyrians became their calendar.  Thiele saw that this seemed to be an accurate calendar and could be used to understand dates of events in other cultures and among other ancient peoples like the Hebrews in Israel.  But, was the Assyrian “calendar” correct?  Was it accurate?  Thiele needed to find another “calendar” that would support the dating in the Assyrian calendar. Thiele discovered another ancient writing, the CANON OF PTOLEMY, a Greek astronomer 70-161 A.D.  His writings relate to Middle Eastern history and include a very interesting event; it was a lunar eclipse that happened on March 19, 721 B.C. which was an easy date for our contemporary astronomers to determine.  This lunar eclipse and the dating used from this event in the Canon of Ptolemy result in another “calendar” if you will.  When one matches the Canon of Ptolemy with the Assyrian “calendar” one verifies the accuracy of the other.  Thiele discovered two amazing documents with two amazing astronomical events that resulted in precise dating of key events and reigns of kings in ancient time.  So, how does this help us in Bible dating? Since the Assyrian king list and its dates are now found by archaeology to be accurate we now know the exact dates of the reign of Shalmaneser III.  He reigned from 859-824 B.C.  Two of these years are critical for us.  The 6th year of Shalmaneser’s reign and the 18th year.  First, let’s focus on the 6th year of his reign. A tall rock with ancient writing was discovered in Turkey in 1851.  It is called the Kurkh Stele (image is public domain accessed at Wikimedia).  On this stele Shalmaneser write about the battle of Qarqar.  This battle occurred in the 6th year of his reign which now has easily been determined from the Assyrian king list as 853 B.C.  What is so awesome is on the stele the Assyrian king gives names of the kings he fought against in the battle.  Ready for this?  Here’s our connected to the Bible.  Shalmaneser fought against Ahab who was married to Jezebel.  The Bible says that Ahab ruled for 22 years as we read in 1 Kings 16:29 … Now Ahab the son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. So, the next question is of the 22 years of Ahab’s reign, when did he fight in the battle of Qarqar?  On top of that when did Ahab die?  If we knew that then we’d know then Ahab started to rule as king of Israel, the northern 10 tribes.  In the year 1846 another amazing stone was discovered.  It is now known as the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III (image is public domain accessed at Wikimedia).  On this stone pillar there is an amazing picture; the picture and description is of king Jehu kneeling and paying tribute to the Assyrian king, Shalmaneser III.  Jehu became the king in Israel 12 years after Ahad died.  Just consider 2Ki 10:35-36 … And Jehu slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son became king in his place. Now the time which Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years. Jehu reigned as king for 28 years.  On the Black Obelisk Assyrian ancient records state that it was the 18th year of Shalmaneser III when Jehu paid homage to Shalmaneser.  But, the 18th year of Shalmaneser’s reign from the ancient Assyrian king’s list is 841 B.C.  But, Ahab fought the battle of Qarqar in 853 B.C. as we saw on the Kurkh Stele.  Subtracting 853 and 841 is 853-841=12.  There were 12 years between the battle of Qarqar and when Jehu offered tribute to Shalmaneser.  The Bible helps us with those 12 years.  First we read in 2 Kings 8:25-26 that Ahaziah the son of Ahab became king after Ahab and was king for one year.  Then in 2 Kngs 1:17 and 3:1 we find that Jehoram, the son of Ahab and Ahaziah’s brother became king when Ahaziah died and was king for 12 years.  Thiele also discovered that the first year of Jehoram’s reign was what is called an accession year.  He officially became king after the accession year so only served for 11 years.  So, let’s put this all together.  In 841 B.C. Jehu offers tribute to Shalmaneser III as we just saw.  841 B.C. is 12 years after the battle of Qarqar in 853 B.C. in which Ahab fought.  But, Ahab is killed in another battle as one can read in 1 Kings 22:29-40.  And in the 12 years after Ahab’s death his son Ahaziah reigns for 1 year and then his other son Jehoram reigns for 11 years (we’re not counting the accession year).  But, Jehu becomes king after Jehoram. We know the year.  It is 12 years after the battle of Qarqar of 841 B.C.  Which means Ahab dies in 853 B.C. in the same year as the battle of Qarqar and shortly thereafter.  This is huge!!  We now have the date of Ahab’s death.  Why is this so important? From this date of 853 B.C. based upon real archaeology and history and also supported by the Bible, we can now go backwards in time to Solomon.  For example, Ahab dies in 853 B.C. but reigned for 22 years.  Ahab’s reign then starts in 874 B.C. when his dad, Omri dies.  But Omri was king for 12 years as we read in 1 Kings 16:23.  We go back and through other connections between the kings of Judah and the kings of Israel we come to the year when Solomon became king.  Solomon became king in 970 B.C.  Now we can take this to the verse that we first considered 1 Kings 6:1 … Now it came about in the four hundred and eightieth year after the sons of Israel (Jacob’s other name) came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign (966 B.C.) over Israel, in the month of Ziv which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD If the 4th year of Solomon’s reign is 966 B.C. then 480 years prior to this the sons of Jacob (Israel) left Egypt.  Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt in 1446 B.C. that we get by adding 966+480=1446 B.C.  From the Assyrian King list that Thiele discovered we now have the precise year of the Exodus.  Once we have this date things get very interesting very fast. As an “fyi” you can study this in more depth at the following links.  These are scholarly sites that help us understand the amazing and awesome work of Edwin Thiele to gives us the dating in the Bible.  Here’s the links to check out … Article 1 – great extensive summary of Thiele’s work https://www.andrews.edu/library/car/cardigital/Periodicals/AUSS/1996-2/1996-2-12.pdf Article 2 – a second awesome scholarly article on the exactness of Thiele’s Bible chronology and its almost universal acceptance https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1497&context=auss Let’s continue and take these dates into the events of Exodus and the events in the life of Joseph.  Jacob is Israel in the phrase "the sons of Israel" so this can be understood to mean that the sons of Jacob left Egypt in 1446 B.C. and in Exo. 12:4-41 … Now the time that the sons of Israel (Jacob) lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt This might be understood that Jacob (Israel) entered Egypt 430 years prior or in 1876 B.C.  All this from the dates Thiele came up with for the battle of Qarqar, Ahab's death, and the date of the 4th year of Solomon's reign. In 1446 B.C. Moses is 80 (Exo 7:6-7) and the likely Pharaoh at the time of the Exodus was Amenhotep II.  If Moses was 80 then Moses was born in 1526 B.C. and the Pharaoh then is probably Ahmoses I.  Ahmoses I defeated the Hyksos and could it be that Ahmoses enslaved the other Semites in the delta, the Hebrews, since Ahmoses needed to strengthen his northern border and stamp out the potential threat that could come from the Hebrews?  Ahmoses did build forts on his northern border.  This means he may have considered the Hebrews potential enemies since they we Semites just like the Hyksos. What better way to stamp out the threat then by enslaving the Hebrews.  Since Ahmoses I reign was probably 1570-1544 B.C. he could have put the clamps down on the Hebrews years before Moses' birth in 1526 B.C.   Returning back to 1446 B.C. and substituting the name Jacob for Israel one may conclude that Jacob (Israel and his sons) entered Egypt 430 years earlier or in the year 1876 B.C.  At this time Jacob (Israel) tells Pharaoh that he is 130 years old as found in Gen. 47:8-9.  He died 17 years later in 1859 B.C. as noted in Gen. 47:28.  Knowing Jacob's age upon entering Egypt and the year (thanks Edwin!!) we can then easily find the following ... * Jacob born in 2006 B.C. since he was 130 in 1876 * Isaac was born in 2066 B.C. since Isaac was 60 at Jacob and Esau's birth Gen. 25:26 * Since Abraham is 100 at the birth of Isaac in 2066 B.C. - as we find in Gen. 21:5 - then Abraham was born in 2166 B.C. * Abraham left Haran for Canaan when he was 75 years old or in the year 2091 B.C. as found in Gen. 12:4 Knowing the years of these events provides me with an interesting door that I have not entered yet.  If I go through the door I would be able to research what is going on in Egypt, the names of the pharaohs, and I could study the culture and history of Canaan and much more.  For example if I know the dating of when Abraham is in Canaan, might archaeology help me determine who Abimelech was that Abraham made a covenant with at Beer Sheba?  Could I determine using archaeology living conditions in the northern Negev and in ancient Hebron?   Once again taking Thiele's work and expanding its connection to the events prior to the Exodus, there is a very interesting result when this is applied to the life of Joseph.  See the chart below ... Since Jacob (Israel) was 130 when he entered Egypt in the year 1876 B.C. and died 17 year later in 1859 B.C. one can easily determine the connection between the ages of Joseph, the events in his life as found in Genesis, and the years these events would've occurred.  Use the chart above as a help as we go through the following.  Also, get your Bible handy and check the verses used. Starting in  Gen. 37:2 we find Joseph is 17 and he begins his work as 2nd in command of Egypt at age 30. He is 37 at the end of the 7 years of plenty in Gen. 41:53 and 39 or 40 in 2nd year of the famine when his brothers come to Egypt and later, probably the same year, Joseph meets his father Jacob again in Gen. 45:6, 47:9.   So, if Joseph is 39 or 40 when he meets his dad again and then Joseph is 56 or 57 when his dad dies 17 years later in 1859 B.C. we can now go back and assign years to the events in Joseph's life.  It is fascinating to consider that Joseph probably served under three pharaohs.  He started his work at age 30 in the year 1886/87 B.C. or the 12th Dynasty in Egypt.  The pharaoh in office at the time was Senusret II.  His reign ends in perhaps 1878 B.C. and Joseph would've been 38 years old and the seven years of famine would've ended.  The 7 years of famine would start 1879 or 1880 B.C. and continue into the reign of Senusret III.   See the chart below ... Above chart from Aidan Dodson, Dyan Hilton: The Complete Royal Families of Ancient Egypt. The American University in Cairo Press, London 2004 Joseph would serve under Senusret III (under this pharaoh all the Egyptians sold their land to the king and seemingly the government became centralized), Amenemhat III, and died in 1806 B.C. under Amenemhat IV.  Knowing the pharaohs is interesting that Senusret III took all the control away from the provincial governors in upper and lower Egypt that seems to relate to the events in Genesis where all Egyptians sold everything including their land (the possession that implies power) to Joseph (ala pharaoh).  Another fascinating thing to consider is the area of Faiyum - the amazing oasis west of the Nile.   Consider the following ... and and Accessed from the awesome and credible scholarly site on ancient Egypt -www.ancient.eu/Fayum/  It is interesting to assign actual years of the events in Joseph's life that are a result of Thiele's work as per the ancient Assyrian calendar.  When we do we see that the pharaohs connected to Joseph's reign were using the ancient area of Faiyum to irrigate and reclaim agricultural land.  Why?  What's the big deal?  Is there some reason to reclaim needed agricultural land and provide irrigation for other areas?  Perhaps this is connected to Joseph and 7 years of plenty and the 7 years of famine.  And when we assign years we find that the pharaoh who would've been the pharaoh in the 7 years of famine where the land all came under the control or the king is Senusret III.  And he historically did something similar as we find in the account in Genesis.  The last thing that was very exciting is extending the dating into the years before the Exodus and into the life of Joseph.  We find that Joseph died in 1806 B.C. (chart above) and this was 280 years before Moses was born in 1526 B.C.    However, Jacob and entered Egypt when he was 130 (1876 B.C.) , he died when he was 147 (1859 B.C.) when Joseph was 56/57 years old.  This means the "sons of Israel" or Jacob and his family lived for 17 years in Egypt until Jacob dies.  Joseph was 57 (I will use 57 for ease of calculation) when Jacob dies and lived another 53 years when he died at 110 as we read in Gen. 50:22.  That means the "sons of Israel" or the "sons of Jacob" lived another 53 years in Egypt until Joseph died for a total of 70 years.  But, Joseph died 280 years before Moses was born.  Finally, Moses and the Hebrews leave Egypt when Moses was 80.  So, the Hebrews lived 70 years in Egypt till Joseph died, another 280 years till Moses was born, and 80 more years till they left Egypt or a total of 430 years.  This is the exact number as found in Exod. 12:40.  I have always asked myself where did this number come from?  No one has explained it to me.  And then I extended Thiele's work into the Exodus and beyond.  I was "blown away" that Thiele's work verified Exod. 12:40 by me taking his work and assigning years to the Bible events.  This was so so exciting to say the least.  And we now read Gen. 39:1-4 knowing the year is actually happened, Joseph enters Egypt in 1916 B.C.   Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret ... teaching in Egypt at Khufu's Pyramid) 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  

In this podcast I mentioned the hatred between the Jews of Jesus’ day and the Samaritans.  So, to add to your study here are two links to two articles at the wonderful scholarly site (GotQuestions.org).  Each article is different, even though they both deal with the Jews and the Samaritans.  This is all related to the verse … “You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.'”(Mat 5:43) No where in the Bible is there a statement that we are to hate our enemies.  Not even hinting at such an idea.  It was something taught among certain rabbis, some of the Pharisees, and the congregation at Qumran, those who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls. Here are the links … Article 1 – https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-Samaritan.html Article 2 - https://www.gotquestions.org/Samaritans.html Related to this is the article written by David Bivin.  He is the founder of the amazing scholarly site called Jerusalem Perspective.  The article is entitled, “Us and Them: Loving Both.”  His article sheds more light on the unbiblical teaching in Jesus’ day to hate one’s enemy.  To access this article use the link below.  But, this site is members only.  If you would like to join to access the 100’s and 100’s of articles and resources to enhance your Bible reading and study you’ll have to register and pay an annual fee of $60.  If you are serious about your study of God’s word then you MUST join Jerusalem Perspective. Link to Bivin’s article - https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/1873/?srsltid=AfmBOooN_sRB572G1-eJOOFgw9i3W-ZfxojtR5gsjri9fp8M4JCnQIiF I also brought up two Bible teaching videos by the Messianic Jewish rabbi, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn.  He has done two videos that relate to the pope’s order that all priests in the Catholic church must bless LGBTQ unions; in other words to give their unions some semblance of respect from the Catholic church.  God has declared unequivocally that these unions are seriously sinful and totally forbidden.  Pope Francis is saying he has the authority to disregard the very words of God.  Below find the two links to the videos.  I highly recommend you watch both.  The second video is about a documented unbelievable event that seemingly is a sign from the Lord of His total rejection of what Pope Francis did.  You won’t believe it.  But, make sure you watch video 1 and the video 2. Video 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES6SD6RVcuo Video 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1iCW5Lsd80 This Bible study podcast is about the Biblical concept of love.  Biblical love is not about emotions or feelings or physical desire or passion.  God want us to love regardless of how we feel or our emotions related to a certain person or group.  It has a lot to do with DOING and ACTING and not about feelings.  In this podcast I referenced two awesome articles that show that Jews in Israel do what the Torah says in that they do the right thing to another human even though they are Israel’s evil enemy like Hamas in Gaza or the Palestinians.  Here are the two articles that you can read yourself that document that when Jesus orders us to love our enemy He is teaching right from the Torah and Jesus is adding to and enhancing His teaching that He gave us in the Hebrew Scriptures or God’s Instruction or תּוֹרָה TORAH.  Article from the American Journal of Public Health - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5719710/ Article from Israel Forever Foundation - https://israelforever.org/interact/blog/caring_for_enemy_soldiers/ Related to the article above is the oath taken by the Israeli armed forces.  They truly live by God’s Instruction or תּוֹרָה TORAH or the very words of Jesus – “love your enemy (do the right thing, act humanely, act with mercy and compassion even for your enemy) and pray for those that persecute you.”  Below is that oath referenced in the article above from the Israel Forever Foundation.   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/scl/fi/8qth6w4e56oub9js1w1gu/BackgrndTeacher-mar-25-2020.pdf?rlkey=f14fr2wmde5fezjmnrny8cycl&st=8kag3nil&dl=0      

As one examines Exod. 25-31 and 35-39 one finds a repeat – almost word for word in some cases – of verses related to the construction of the Tabernacle.  In the first instance it is God giving detailed instructions to Moses about the construction and the details of the garments of the High Priest and the Priests of the Sanctuary and their ordination ceremony.  In the second case, in chapters 35-39, we read about the actual construction of the Mishkan HaKodesh, the Holy Dwelling place of the Lord, or His Ohel HaKodesh, the Holy Tent (tabernacle in Latin just means tent).  So, we ask why the repeat of so many verses almost word for word.  This has led a few Bible scholars to develop the DOCUMENTARY HYPOTHESIS or the theory that the Torah was not written by only one man, namely Moses.  Thus, this makes Jesus, the Lord, God Himself, a liar when Jesus says the Torah are the books of Moses.  If they were written by special groups and more than one person, then Jesus should not say the Torah are the books of Moses implying Moses is the author.  Jesus is God and this creates a real problem as per the character of the Lord. However, a Jewish scholar, highly recognized and considered a superb Bible historian, Torah expert, and Hebrew scholar, Umberto Cassuto, found the answer to this repetition!  He found archaeologically that in the ancient near east those ancient peoples when writing about the construction of a special temple would repeat what they wrote.  The first writing was to show how a god or gods gave instruction to build the special temple.  The repeat was to describe the actual construction leading to the dedication.  This fits the Torah.  First … here’s some background on Umberto Cassuto. UMBERTO CASSUTO Umberto (Moshe David) Cassuto, an early 20th-century Italian historian, rabbi, and scholar, wrote a popular Hebrew commentary on the Bible, as well as more detailed commentaries on the Book of Genesis and part of the Book of Exodus. His commentary is marked by an assumption that in order to understand the Bible, one must understand the Ancient Near-Eastern cultural context in which it was composed. As such, he incorporates archeological findings, his understanding of ancient Semitic languages, and literary tools into his analysis of biblical verses.  Cassuto in his own words discussing the repetition found not only in Exodus but throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. REPETITION IN EXODUS “The subject of the founding and building of a temple was a kind of permanent literary genre in the ancient literatures of the East; In it, it was customary to first come the divine speech describing the plan of the Temple in all its details and grammar, and then the story of the action, which repeats in an equal or similar way the description in the divine speech. And this is nothing more than a special detail of a general method, the method of repetition that was very popular with the writers of the ancient East.” (Accessed from https://www.sefaria.org/Cassuto_on_Exodus.35.2?lang=bi) Here are two links to two articles that are a must read.  These again will enhance and expand your understanding that Moses DID write the Torah and that the Documentary Hypothesis has been proven wrong. ARTICLE ON MOSES AS THE SOLE WRITER OF TORAH https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/ SCHOLARLY ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN SCHOLARS USNG CASSUTO’S FINDINGS  https://biblearchaeology.org/research-articles/the-documentary-hypothesis/ Once again I provide the article on Jesus’ teaching about the Rabbi/Talmid model of His day.  He taught it precisely and accurately but NOT IN ENGLISH.  And He did not teach it IN GREEK but in HEBREW.  We in the church are commanded by the Lord to go and make disciples (talmidim in Hebrew).  And yet few churches even understand what Jesus meant when He mentioined disciples or talmidim.  Probably since so fe in the church know the Gree or the Biblical Hebrew and how to connect the Greek to the Hebrew.  Check it out … DID JESUS EVER SPEAK OF THE RABBI DISCIPLE RELATIONSHIP? DID HE EVER TEACH US USING HIS CULTURE? NOT IN ENGLISH OR GREEK BUT HEBREW!! Jesus said, "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. (Luk 6:40) Pupil?  Nope.  The Greek word used here is μαθητής mathētēs (Strongs number G3101) meaning a learner, disciple or a pupil.  But, Jesus is speaking Hebrew and not Greek.  What is the Hebrew word for disciple?  It is Talmid (תַּלְמִיד) Strongs umber H8527 (pronounced talmeed). The plural form is Talmidim (תַּלְמִידִים) (pronounced talmideem). Teacher? Nope.  The Greek word used here is διδάσκαλος Didaskalos (Strongs number G1320) meaning instructor, doctor, master, teacher.  The Hebrew word in Jesus’ day that διδάσκαλος Didaskalos translates is RAV ( רַב )(Strongs number is H8227) meaning master.  The Hebrew word RAVEE רבי meaning “my master.” So when Jesus is called “RABBI” in the Gospels in Hebrew He is being called RAVEE רבי or “my master.” So, so far, Luke 6:40 can be read … "A TALMID is not above his RAV but TALMIDIM, after they have been fully trained, will be like their RAV.” (Luk 6:40) FULLY TRAINED – Nope.  Better is “after he has been made καταρτίζω katartizō (Strongs number is G2675) meaning complete or perfect or finished).  In Jesus’ day a TALMID of a RAV was finished when the RAV saw that his talmid was ready to go in the name of the RAV to teach the Bible just like the talmid’s master or his rav.  Now we read Luke 6:40 from the Hebrew … "A TALMID is not above his RAV but TALMIDIM, after they have finished, will be like their RAV.” (Luk 6:40) BE?? – Nope.  The Greek word used here is ὡς hōs (Strongs; number 5613) meaning “exactly like.”  It translates the Hebrew letter used as a prefix KEE כְּ meaning just like, identical, the same as, be like.  So we finally come to the complete translation from the English to the Greek to the Hebrew of Luke 6:40.  "A TALMID is not above his RAV but TALMIDIM, after they have finished, will be EXACTLY LIKE their RAV.” (Luk 6:40) The RAV and TALMID Relationship To be a talmid was a highly esteemed honor. The relationship between a RAV (we’d say rabbi) and his talmidim went far beyond basic education: Total Dedication: A talmid would often leave their former life, home, and family to follow their rabbi full-time. Imitation: The primary goal of a disciple was not just to know what the rabbi knew, but to become exactly like the rabbi. This meant absorbing the rabbi's lifestyle, character, and interpretation of the scriptures. Walking in the Dust: Ancient Jewish writings describe disciples following their teacher so closely that they became covered in the "dust of the rabbi's feet". See this video Bible study from Light of Menorah ministries. Part 1 of what is a disciple - https://youtu.be/JZv2YhSoya8?si=_WidHCq2RTtDVl5R Link to part 2 - https://youtu.be/m9pNgjAI18g?si=CThLTsg5uLD9gtId Check out these links from Ray Vander Laan’s website entitled THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW … https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1539 https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1540 https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1540 https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1568 https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1557 In this Bible study podcast I brought up the verse 1 Cor. 3:16 that we are THE TEMPLE of God and the “you” in the verse in Greek is plural!  Check out the Bible study podcasts I did on these verses. Truth Nuggets #3 part 1 – https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-lesson-3-part-1/ Truth Nuggets #3 part 2 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-lesson-3-part-2/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - teaching somewhere in the 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          

One of the first things Moses does is to gather all Israel and begin to teach them everything God told him since Exod. 20:19.  The Hebrews at this time, the time when Moses cam down from the mountain the 2nd time, knew none of all the things we've studied since the giving of the Ten Commandments.  Moses starts with the law of the Sabbath (Shabbat in Hebrew).  What we find is God talks about these commandments and says for those who love me as they keep my commandments.  And one of them is the law of Shabbat.  It probably is the most important of God's "feasts."  But, this commandment along with the other nine are God's commandments.  It is more impacting than when one reads it.  When did Jesus ever say He is God?  He did many times in the New Testament.  We missed it since few of our teachers today know Greek or Hebrew or realize Jesus spoke Hebrew.  Few of our teachers today know how to take the English to the Greek and to the Hebrew.  Few if any of our teachers have studied the Bible in its historical context or to understand the Jewish roots Old Testament of the New Testament.  In this lesson we studied one of Jesus’ statements when He said … "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (Joh 14:15) When He said this there was NO New Testament.  All they had when He said this was the Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament with the five foundational books being the Torah or Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.  So, if you are a Jew in Jesus’ day and you hear these words you’ll know that the Hebrew word for commandments is MITZAVOT מצוות (H4687).  The word to keep is SHAMAR שמר (H8104).  The Jewish disciples of Jesus wee brought up on the Torah and knew the following … “…but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep (SHAMAR שמר) My commandments (MITZAVOT מצוות).” (Exo 20:6) “…but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep (SHAMAR שמר) My commandments (MITZAVOT מצוות).” (Deu 5:10) God is using the words joining the idea of loving Him to keeping His commandments.  Jesus is saying the same thing.  Not in English but in Hebrew.  So, what is Jesus saying to them in His day, the Jews brought up on Torah?  Jesus is saying that He is God, the God of the Bible.    In a previous lesson we took a look at an alternative way of “looking” at the concept of what the church calls the TRINITY.  The standard way we look at Jesus is one person of three persons.  But, studying the Greek we find that an alternative viable “picture” of this concept.  Here’s the link to that lesson - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-qavkp-1b03249 We found in this lesson that Jesus is a “FACE” of God of God’s many faces.  Check it out.  It makes so much more sense that when Jesus says, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments,” that He is saying He is God, one of the faces of God.  In this lesson we also focused on the Lord’s Sabbath or SHABBAT in Hebrew.  Few Christians ever study the history of how the Roman church changed the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday.  Few Christians ever study the concept of the Sabbath.  Below you’ll find two links.  The first is to an excellent article that highlights the historical development of the change.  It is a great article to start your further study of the most important of God’s feast that are actually in Hebrew called His “Appointed Times” or Moedim (מועדים).  God has NO feasts.  He has only appointed times that He commands. Link to article - https://www.sabbathtruth.com/sabbath-history/how-the-sabbath-was-changed The second link is to the “playlist” of a series of lessons I did on Shabbat for Christians.  It starts out with lessons that are introduced by saying whether you do Shabbat as per the Bible or as per the Church, we need to study what is the Sabbath as per the very words of God.  Also, inherent in the series is how does the Sabbath testify of Jesus.  Jesus said that scripture testifies of Himself.  So if the Shabbat is the most important of God’s APPOINTED TIMES we’d better understand how Shabbat testifies of Jesus.  Here’s the link … https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcIXun2BQDLshZetXi0avkG665YNcI5I Finally, we come to Jesus’ words … "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. (Luk 6:40) As we take the English to the Greek and the Greek to the Hebrew we find that Jesus was telling us about the relationship of a disciple (talmid) and His rabbi (ravee).  The relationship is between a rabbi and his disciples is so misunderstood in the church that for the most part few churches today know how to “make disciples” as Jesus commanded and NOT converts.  DID JESUS EVER SPEAK OF THE RABBI DISCIPLE RELATIONSHIP?  DID HE EVER TEACH US USING HIS CULTURE?  NOT IN ENGLISH!! Jesus said, "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. (Luk 6:40) Pupil?  Nope.  The Greek word used here is μαθητής mathētēs (Strongs number G3101) meaning a learner, disciple or a pupil.  But, Jesus is speaking Hebrew and not Greek.  What is the Hebrew word for disciple?  It is Talmid (תַּלְמִיד) Strongs umber H8527 (pronounced talmeed). The plural form is Talmidim (תַּלְמִידִים) (pronounced talmideem). Teacher? Nope.  The Greek word used here is διδάσκαλος Didaskalos (Strongs number G1320) meaning instructor, doctor, master, teacher.  The Hebrew word in Jesus’ day that διδάσκαλος Didaskalos translates is RAV ( רַב )(Strongs number is H8227) meaning master.  The Hebrew word RAVEE רבי meaning “my master.” So when Jesus is called “RABBI” in the Gospels in Hebrew He is being called RAVEE רבי or “my master.” So, so far, Luke 6:40 can be read … "A TALMID is not above his RAV but TALMIDIM, after they have been fully trained, will be like their RAV.” (Luk 6:40) FULLY TRAINED – Nope.  Better is “after he has been made καταρτίζω katartizō (Strongs number is G2675) meaning complete or perfect or finished).  In Jesus’ day a TALMID of a RAV was finished when the RAV saw that his talmid was ready to go in the name of the RAV to teach the Bible just like the talmid’s master or his rav.  Now we read Luke 6:40 from the Hebrew … "A TALMID is not above his RAV but TALMIDIM, after they have finished, will be like their RAV.” (Luk 6:40) BE?? – Nope.  The Greek word used here is ὡς hōs (Strongs; number 5613) meaning “exactly like.”  It translates the Hebrew letter used as a prefix KEE כְּ meaning just like, identical, the same as, be like.  So we finally come to the complete translation from the English to the Greek to the Hebrew of Luke 6:40.  "A TALMID is not above his RAV but TALMIDIM, after they have finished, will be EXACTLY LIKE their RAV.” (Luk 6:40) The RAV and TALMID Relationship  To be a talmid was a highly esteemed honor. The relationship between a RAV (we’d say rabbi) and his talmidim went far beyond basic education:  Total Dedication: A talmid would often leave their former life, home, and family to follow their rabbi full-time.  Imitation: The primary goal of a disciple was not just to know what the rabbi knew, but to become exactly like the rabbi. This meant absorbing the rabbi's lifestyle, character, and interpretation of the scriptures.  Walking in the Dust: Ancient Jewish writings describe disciples following their teacher so closely that they became covered in the "dust of the rabbi's feet". See this video Bible study from Light of Menorah ministries – Part 1 of what is a disciple - https://youtu.be/JZv2YhSoya8?si=_WidHCq2RTtDVl5R Link to part 2 - https://youtu.be/m9pNgjAI18g?si=CThLTsg5uLD9gtId   Check out these links from Ray Vander Laan’s website entitled THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW … https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1539 https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1540 https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1540 https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1568 https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/preview/1557 Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - teaching somewhere in the 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

THE STORY OF JOSEPH - lesson 5 GOD'S PARADIGM OF SALVATION OF THE WORLD JUDAH AND TAMAR - PART 2 What is going on?  Joseph is nearly killed by his brothers, saved by Rueben, and Judah suggests they sell Joseph to a group of Ishmaelite traders.  They sell Joseph and the caravan carries Joseph as a slave to Egypt.  The story is just beginning and then out of nowhere comes Genesis 38 and the saga of Judah and Tamer.  Why did God cause this baffling interruption to the Joseph story?  Perhaps one reason is when we return to Joseph we will see that Joseph will not see his brothers, specifically Judah, for 20 years.  In those 20 years Judah has his encounter with his daughter in law, Tamar.  So, the Lord may have interrupted the Joseph story to do a kind of “meanwhile back at the ranch” side story.  But, this is God’s word!  His written word, especially His Torah, is said to be the Way and the Truth and the Life.  From the face of it, the Judah and Tamar story, though interesting in itself, is still baffling.  There must be something else going on.  The great scholar Nahum Sarna, the author of the JPS Torah Commentary – Genesis, says there must be more to the Judah and Tamar saga since this saga is closed up in scriptural bookends.  Here’s the verse just before the Judah and Tamar event … Meanwhile, the Midianites sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, Pharaoh's officer, the captain of the bodyguard. (Gen 37:36) After this verse is chapter 38 or the Judah and Tamar saga.  Then we read the verse in chapter 39:1 – the verse immediately following the Judah and Tamar story … Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. (Gen 39:1) These two verses are almost identical repeats of each other. It is as if God packed in the Judah and Tamar story between these verses as to say that He engineered it, designed it exactly as is, so as to seemingly tell us this event, the saga of Judah and Tamar is a “big deal” and it critically related to the Joseph story.  Now, the Torah itself does not tell us why God inspired Moses to write it tis way.  All we can do is guess and speculate.  Dr. Sarna is a brilliant mind and awesome scholar and he thinks the story packed in between Gen. 37:36 and Gen. 39:1 is done on purpose to shake up our minds to really focus on Judah and Tamar.  There must be a significant reason why God is seemingly calling attention to this interruption.  In this podcast we will consider the possibilities.  We’ll find it seems to be a story that is intimately connected to the Joseph story and, on top of that, the coming of Jesus!  Just wait till you study along with me.  The Judah and Tamar saga is a story that gives us insights that God is designing amazing events.  He is behind it all.  Through all this we see the Cross of Christ in the distant horizon of time being planned by יד האלוהים Yad Eloheim - the hand of God.   The rabbis have a saying for this ... חיי האבות הם סימנים לבנים HaYay HaAvot Hem Seemaneem Lay Baneem The Lives of the Fathers are Signs for the Sons In light of this the rabbis early on connected Joseph to the Messiah.  They said Joseph was a prototype of the Messiah.  For us that means Jesus.  Over and over again as we see Joseph we see the Messiah, our Jesus.  Joseph is God's model of what a savor of the world should be like.  We will continue to see these unbelievable connections of Joseph and Jesus.  God designed it this way so that Joseph is a picture of the coming Messiah.  And, the Judah and Tamar story adds to God’s engineering for Jesus, His birth, and His mission.  Here are some resources to study that will add to your knowledge of these awesome and critically important last chapters of Genesis. Link 1 - a great article from the awesome website, Hebrew4Christians, focusing on one title of the Messiah the rabbis used in the time after the 3rd century A.D., "Maschiach ben Yosef," or Messiah the son of Joseph.  This has to do with the fact the rabbis recognized that the Messiah had to suffer and even die.  They also recognized that the Messiah would also be victorious as well and establish the throne of Israel in Jerusalem in the days called "The Messianic Age" or the day Messiah comes to rule and reign - https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Articles/Mashiach_ben_Yosef/mashiach_ben_yosef.html Link 2- a second article written by my lead teacher in my graduate program, Dr. Ron Mosely that discusses Joseph is a prototype of the the suffering Messiah just like David is a prototype of the conquering Messiah - https://www.academia.edu/3796976/Twice_Rejected_Mashiach_Ben_Joseph Link 3 - a link to Netivyah ministries in Jerusalem.  This is a Messianic Jewish ministry founded by Joseph Shulam, an amazing Jewish scholar who helps us reconnect to our Jewish roots of our faith.  This link is to a book written by one of their resident scholars, Elhanan ben Avraham, "Moshiach ben Yosef" (Messiah the Son Of Joseph).  I highly recommend you get this book and all the books you can buy from this ministry - https://netivyah.org/product/mashiach-ben-yoseph/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret ... on the Giza Plateau at the Great Pyramid) 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  

GOD IS LOVE - A JEWISH CONCEPT   Exodus 34:6-7 is called THE 13 ATRIBUTES OF יהוה  (might be translated YAH VAY not YAH WAY - no "w" sound in Hebrew) this done by the rabbis of orthodox rabbinic Judaism after the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.   Below is a chart from www.CalledOutBelievers.org showing how the rabbis came up with the 13. Each of the attributes has a precise interpretation.  Check out the link to an excellent artice as to how the rabbis understood each of the attributes.  From "My Jewish Learning" - https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-13-attributes-of-mercy/ Chesed (חֶסֶד) and Agape (ἀγάπη) - synonyms? It is easy to search for the definitions of Agape and Chesed.  When one sudies these words we find they seem to be synonyms from the Greek and Hebrew.  Chesed (חֶסֶד) is a profound Hebrew word (not easily translated into the English) that beautifully encapsulates God's character. While it has been translated into English as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," "mercy," or "covenant loyalty", it ultimately means an active, relentless, and unbreaking love. It describes a devotedness that goes far beyond what is required.  Jesus taught the parable of the "GOOD SAMARITAN" and this is an example of AGAPE and CHESED.  Check out the links to the two five minute Bible study videos I did on this parable.  The vidoes also go into the probable location of the parable since the ruins of an inn was discovered on a specific road coming rom Jericho to Jerusalem.  If you haven't seen these videos, don't miss them. Link 1 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/five-small-stones-18-part-1-the-geography-of-the-good-samaritan/ Link 2 -  https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/five-small-stones-18-par-2-geography-of-the-good-samaritan/ In Judaism, chesed is recognized as one of God's thirteen attributes. It is the foundation of His actions toward humanity—showing grace by providing what we do not deserve, and showing mercy by withholding the punishment we do.  Agape itself is a Greek word (ἀγάπη) used in the New Testament to describe selfless, unconditional, and divine love. Because it is Greek, it doesn't have a direct Hebrew equivalent. However, the exact Hebrew counterpart to this concept is Ahava (אַהֲבָה), which also means deep, active, and devoted love.  While ahava is the general term for love, biblical Hebrew also uses Chesed (חֶסֶד), which is frequently translated as loving-kindness, mercy, or unfailing covenantal love. Chesed is the Old Testament equivalent to the sacrificial, action-oriented love that agape represents in the New Testament.  An interesting article that discusses Agape and Chesed can be found at the link below ...  https://aleteia.org/2024/11/29/from-ahavah-to-agape-the-meanings-of-love-in-scripture/ In this podcast the issue came up related to the words in the verse Exod. 34:7  ...  "... yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." (Exo 34:7) So the question is does God punish the descendants of the sinful father for the father's sin.  I addressed in detail when we studied the Ten Commandments and I did not want to teach it again.  Also, in this lesson we studied the understanding of the English word "WORSHIP" and the question is God jealous?  How can He be jealous?  Jealousy is a negative human trait.  What's going on?  The entire lesson on these concepts & questions can be found in the podcasts linked below ... Link - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-47-lesson-6-exod-204-6-this-sin-is-a-big-deal/  Finally we found that the rabbis saw a connection between Moses and the Messiah.   Their connection was too limited.  The connection is too awesome.  Moses is a paradigm of the Messiah, one who is like Jesus.  I mentioned a podcast i have done that goes into this in a detailed study.  Here's the link ... https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-gospel-according-to-moses-exodus-lesson-11-exod-41-12-moses-messiah-and-the-mirroe/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - somewhere in the 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

In this Bible study podcast we will complete Exodus 22.  Once again we will see that because Jesus' Bible, the Bible He had available when He was here among us, the Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament, that Jesus is a great Torah teacher!  What we may think as NEW concepts and NEW ideas or teachings that we might assume are 100% Christian, are not.  Jesus is teaching Torah and Torah, sometimes the name for the first five books of the Bible, does not mean LAW but TEACHING (Hebrew word H8451 in Hebrew as תּרה Torah - pronounced TOE - RA and it means teaching or instruction coming from the Hebrew word meaning to teach).  Jesus in His own words said of the Torah ... "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill (the Greek word that translates into fulfill is G4137 or πληρόω play-ro'-o and means to complete, to finish). For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Mat 5:17-20) In these words of Jesus the Greek word that is translated as LAW is G3551 or νόμος pronounced NO - MOS is the same Greek word used in the Septuagint (the Greek  translation of the Old Testament) to translate the Hebrew word תּרה Torah.  Jesus is not speaking about the laws in the first five books of the Bible but the actual words of God, the scriptures themselves, the very word of God, the Bible, God's teaching or instruction.  He came not to fulfill the teaching but to COMPLETE IT.  We'll see that in this lesson.  We will consider the law in Lev. 19:18 to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Who is our neighbor?  The Lord in the Torah says it is Egyptians besides one's fellow Hebrew.  Check it out in verses Exodus 3:22, 11:2-3, and 12:35.  The Lord is clearly implying the Egyptians are to be considered the "neighbors" of the Hebrews.  Then the Lord uses the parable of the "Good Samaritan" to take this idea deeper and finally these words of the Lord ... "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Mat 5:43-45) Jesus is not only saying that the hated Samaritans (Jews and Samaritans hated each other) were their neighbors but even our enemies!  So, from the Torah written in the 15 century B.C. to the days of Yeshua, we see how the Lord took the basic teaching and expanded upon it and completed it.  To understand Jesus, to understand the Lord we need to understand the Torah, the Hebrew Scriptures.  This is our foundation and the foundation of the New Testament.  This is so clear in this lesson as we complete Exodus 22.   Here's a great article that I urge you to access.  Again it shows that the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus, the Torah of Adonai, has its foundation in the Torah. Link - https://mymorningmeditations.com/2013/06/20/the-purpose-of-torah-in-new-testament-judaism-part-1/   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/scl/fi/8qth6w4e56oub9js1w1gu/BackgrndTeacher-mar-25-2020.pdf?rlkey=f14fr2wmde5fezjmnrny8cycl&st=8kag3nil&dl=0  

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 https://www.youtube.com/ExpeditionBible. Look for his new video, "The Oldest Yahweh Inscription," to learn more about the Soleb Temple. Here's the link to directly to the video. Joel Kramer's video, "The Oldest Yahweh Inscription" - https://sourceflix.com/oldest-yahweh-inscription/ Who is this guy, Rev. Ferret?  (Ferret ... having a coffee before flying to Mexico to teach at the Bible Institute) 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 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?  (Ferret ... just outside the amazing Al-Khazneh (Treasury - Petra Jordan) 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 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?  (Ferret ... crossing the Nile at Luxor) 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

THE STORY OF JOSEPH - lesson 4 GOD'S PARADIGM OF SALVATION OF THE WORLD As we see in lessons 1-3 Joseph is 1) hated by his brothers and 2) they are jealous or envious of Joseph and 3) the plot to kill him.  But remember the rabbis of old recognized something truly amazing.  The Lord is using PARADIGMS or patterns, templates, or models.  It is the Lord taking a person or event that becomes a prototype (synonym for paradigm) for another person in the future or an event in the future.  The rabbis have a saying for this ... חיי האבות הם סימנים לבנים HaYay HaAvot Seemaneem Lay Baneem The Lives of the Fathers are Signs for the Sons In light of this the rabbis early on connected Joseph to the Messiah.  They said Joseph was a prototype of the Messiah.  For us that means Jesus.  And just as we will see in this podcast that Joseph is sold for 20 pieces of silver as suggested by Judah (his name in Hebrew is Yehooda), his older brother.  We also see that Jesus was betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver.  Judas’ name in Hebrew is Yehooda or Judah.  Amazing.  Over and over again as we see Joseph we see the Messiah, our Jesus.  Joseph is God's model of what a savor of the world should be like.  Joseph was born of Rachel in a miraculous birth and grew up and saved the world with the bread of the earth.  Jesus was born of Mary in a miraculous birth an saved the world with Himself and through Himself with the bread from heaven. For more resources to study this in more depth check the links below. Link 1 - a great article from the awesome website, Hebrew4Christians, focusing on one title of the Messiah the rabbis used in the time after the 3rd century A.D., "Maschiach ben Yosef," or Messiah the son of Joseph.  This has to do with the fact the rabbis recognized that the Messiah had to suffer and even die.  They also recognized that the Messiah would also be victorious as well and establish the throne of Israel in Jerusalem in the days called "The Messianic Age" or the day Messiah comes to rule and reign - https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Articles/Mashiach_ben_Yosef/mashiach_ben_yosef.html Link 2- a second article written by my lead teacher in my graduate program, Dr. Ron Mosely that discusses Joseph is a prototype of the the suffering Messiah just like David is a prototype of the conquering Messiah - https://www.academia.edu/3796976/Twice_Rejected_Mashiach_Ben_Joseph Link 3 - a link to Netivyah ministries in Jerusalem.  This is a Messianic Jewish ministry founded by Joseph Shulam, an amazing Jewish scholar who helps us reconnect to our Jewish roots of our faith.  This link is to a book written by one of their resident scholars, Elhanan ben Avraham, "Moshiach ben Yosef" (Messiah the Son Of Joseph).  I highly recommend you get this book and all the books you can buy from this ministry - https://netivyah.org/product/mashiach-ben-yoseph/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret ... standing in the gate of an ancient Canaanite Temple) 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  

We are about to study three awesome verses, Exod. 22:18-20.  All three refer to commonly accepted practices connected to the immoral and sinful pagan culture in the ancient Near East.  All three demand death sentences.  What יהוה‎ Yahvay our Lord is teaching us is His total rejection of polytheism and its associated abhorrent practices and rituals.  In essence the Lord is teaching the Hebrews then coming out of Egypt that they are to be HOLY.  Not the way the church translates holy as without sin or being righteous before God or holy being pure of heart or other ways.  The church again dismisses the Hebrew and loses the real idea as to what יהוה‎ Yahvay our Lord is getting at.  The Hebrew word used for God wanting His chosen, His elect to be holy is the word קָדֹשׁ or kadosh H6918.  It gives us the idea of being separate or ones set apart or those who are distinctly and uniquely different than others.  The Lord wants His chosen, His elect, His people to live in such a way that they are not like the pagan polytheists around them.  He wants His chosen to be His, set apart, ones who live so that all know they belong to יהוה‎ Yahvay.  We remember when He said in His word, in the Torah ... "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy." (Lev 11:44-45) We are in His image and thus we are to exhibit those characteristics of our Father.  He is קָדֹשׁ kadosh and we are also to be קָדֹשׁ kadosh.  This idea carries us into the New Testament.  If we are to be disciples of Yeshua, talmideem of Rav Yeshua, then we are to be like Him.  Jesus said that He is not of the world and neither are we to be of the world.  We are in the world but we are separate, set apart, distinctly different, or not part of the world.  Jesus is only teaching from the only scripture they had when He was here, the Hebrew scriptures or the Old Testament and the תּוֹרָה Torah, the first five books of the Bible, considered the foundation of all of God's word in Jesus' day, when He said ... "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  (Joh 17:14-16) So as we study these verses in Exodus we see they are God's intention for them THEN and for us NOW since through the CROSS and the BLOOD of the LAMB, we have become "grafted in" to the olive tree of Israel and through Jesus have become יהוה‎ Yahvay's chosen, His elect, His sons and His daughters.   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

POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF TORAH SCRIPTURE THAT TESTIFIES OF YESHUA WHO BEARS OUR SIN (See Exod. 34:7 and 1 Pete. 2:24) In this podcast we will learn that indeed the Torah in Hebrew testifies of Jesus just like He taught us in John's Gospel in John 5:39.  This is not apparent in English and so we miss it again!  Few will teach God's word in its historical context and check the Hebrew and not the English.  This podcast does and you'll see that the very word of God shows that the Torah testifies of Jesus in ways that are beyond powerful. One of the first things we encountered in this lesson as what is called "The 13 Attributes of the Lord" that the rabbis came up with.  See the chart below from the website www.CalledOutBelievers.org of how the verese Exod. 34:6-8 show these 13 attributes of God. Also, here's a link to an excellent article on the Jewish understanding of the 13 Attributes from "My Jewish Learning" - https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-13-attributes-of-mercy/ In Christianity we all understand sin as being intentional.  We don't say that someone who acted in error or inadvertently or by mistake, committed a sin.  Sin for Christian is intentional, done on purpose, or a deliberate action against God.  But, in the Bible there are two types of sin, UNINTENTIONAL and INTENTIONAL.  This is so clear when youstudy God's instruction on the Sin Offering in Leviticus 4.  Consider ... Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them, if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer to the LORD a bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. (Lev 4:1-3) You can also read what God has to say about this in Numbers 15.   'But when you unwittingly fail and do not observe all these commandments, which the LORD has spoken to Moses, even all that the LORD has commanded you through Moses, from the day when the LORD gave commandment and onward throughout your generations, then it shall be, if it is done unintentionally, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one bull for a burnt offering, as a soothing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering. (Num 15:22-24) The Sin Offering is thus only for cleansing UNINTENTIONAL sins and not sin as Christians know it, INTENTIONAL.   Jewish scholars agree that there is NO sacrifice or ritual in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament, to forgive intentional sin.  There are no number of goats and sheep that can be sacrificed to erase someone's intentional sin.  Here's an awesome article that goes into this big time.  This Jewish scholarly article thus supports our Christian understanding.  What would we expect?  It supports the reason why Jesus came.  He came to die so our sins (intentional) would be atoned for and we would regain a right standing with God.  The Sinai Covenant did not have such a sacrifice.  So Jesus came and provided the WAY back to the Father and He can therefore say He came and the Sinai Covenant, as Jesus said, "It is finished."  Check out the article.  https://www.jewfaq.org/qorbanot.htm#Purposes In this lesson we focus on Exod. 34:7 where it says about God that He forgives inquity, transgression, and sin.  But, the word is not forgives but the Hebrew word NAHSAH (H5375) which has the conceptual idea of carrying a burden, bearing a load, lifiting something up, taking something away.  God is giving us an amazing picture of what forgiveness "looks like."  What is so awesome is that God, who is Jesus, since Jesus is only a face of the Lord (see lesson 75) carries our sin to a special place and to a special time.  He takes our sins to the His Cross. Shown below are links to Bible lessons I have done that go into these ideas in depth.  I list them for your reference so that you can consider studying the very words of God and enhancing your understanding that the 13 Attributes of Yahvay are all about Him, Jesus, who is God, a manifestion of the Lord. LINKS FOR LOM PODCASTS YOM KIPPUR 1ST – IT IS FINISHED AND 2ND – THE GOAT AND THE LAMB https://youtu.be/LtiB77wbNd8?si=zDi2upP9WPMh1kh5 https://youtu.be/KoI6_yUnT2w?si=ftKR9QfBLWtcGAEE TORAH IS FINISHED BY THE CROSS https://youtu.be/-FSJ0GytjSo?si=yl4PrBP1EkWUDYzO Also, check out the article I wrote from one of my classbooks.  It addresses unintentional and intentional sin, the Hebrew word NAHSAH and how it is used in God's word, and how Jesus as God, the only God,  carries our sins like bearing a heavy load to the cross. Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - somewhere in the 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

AN ALTERNATIVE VIABLE BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF GOD AS THE FATHER AND GOD AS THE SON AND GOD AS THE HOLY SPIRIT.   As I mentioned in this study I did a podcast that shows Biblically the answer to the question, “Who dwells in us, the Father? The Son? The Holy Spirit?”  The answer to the question is YES!!  Shown below are the link to the podcast that are critical for Christians to understand the very words of God and the concept that God is the Father and God is the Son and God is the Spirit. 1 COR 3:16 – FATHER & SON & SPIRIT DWELL IN US https://youtu.be/hiG8QC-bHuk?si=6q7ax_82kEhZQ0x3 https://youtu.be/eZyFEL7OUD0?si=SFHLjPTrUppGibdY The word for "book" is sefer (סֵפֶר). Possessive Endings (Pronominal Suffixes) In formal and biblical Hebrew, possession is indicated by adding suffixes directly to a shifted, construct form of the noun (sifr-). Owner Hebrew Transliteration Meaning My סִפְרִי sifri my book Your (m.s.) סִפְרְךָ sifrecha your book Your (f.s.) סִפְרֵךְ sifrech your book His סִפְרוֹ sifro his book Her סִפְרָהּ sifrah her book Our סִפְרֵנוּ sifrenu our book Your (m.pl.) סִפְרְכֶם sifrechem your book Your (f.pl.) סִפְרְכֶן sifrechen your book Their (m.) סִפְרָם sifram their book Their (f.) סִפְרָן sifran their book   Modern Spoken Form In Modern Hebrew, the shel construction is preferred for everyday conversation. You use the base word ha-sefer (הַסֵּפֶר - "the book") followed by the preposition shel and a pronoun. My book: ha-sefer sheli (הַסֵּפֶר שֶׁלִּי) His book: ha-sefer shelo (הַסֵּפֶר שֶׁלּוֹ) Her book: ha-sefer shelah (הַסֵּפֶר שֶׁלָּהּ) Our book: ha-sefer shelanu (הַסֵּפֶר שֶׁלָּנוּ) Their book: ha-sefer shelahem (הַסֵּפֶר שֶׁלָּהֶם)   Plural Forms Hebrew the plural noun sefarim  (ספרים, "books") In Hebrew, possessive endings (called "pronominal suffixes") are attached directly to nouns to show ownership. For the plural noun sefarim (ספרים, "books"), possession is indicated by replacing the masculine plural ending with specialized suffixes. Possessive Endings for "Sefarim" (ספרים) When adding possessive endings, the plural word for books becomes sifrei- (סִפְרֵי) plus the suffix.    Possessor  Suffix Hebrew Form Pronunciation Translation   My י סְפָרַי sfaráy My books   Your (m. sg.) ךָ סְפָרֶיךָ sfaréykha Your books   Your (f. sg.) ךְ סְפָרַיִךְ sfaráyikh Your books   His יו סְפָרָיו sfaráv His books   Her יהָ סְפָרֶיהָ sfaréha Her books   Our נו סְפָרֵינוּ sfaréynu Our books   Your (m. pl.) כֶם סְפָרֵיכֶם sfaréykhem Your books   Your (f. pl.) כֶן סְפָרֵיכֶן sfaréykhen Your books   Their (m.) ם סְפָרֵיהֶם sfaréyhem Their books   Their (f.) ן סְפָרֵיהֶן sfaréyhen Their books   Usage Notes Modern vs. Classical: While these direct suffixes are standard in Biblical Hebrew, formal writing, and religious liturgy, everyday Modern Hebrew almost exclusively uses the preposition shel (של). For example, "my books" is usually expressed casually as hasfarim sheli (הספרים שלי) rather than sfaray. Singular vs. Plural Base: Note that sefer (singular, "book") inflects differently. When modifying plural/dual nouns in Hebrew, you will almost always see a yud (י) placed between the noun and the possessive suffix (e.g., sfaray instead of sifri).  For more detailed breakdowns and audio pronunciations, you can visit the Virtual Ulpan or the Hebrew for Christians grammar guides. Wikipedia article related to Hebrew grammar – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Hebrew_grammar Hebrew4Christians grammar section -https://hebrew4christians.com/Grammar/Unit_Six/Pronomial_Suffixes_Singular/pronomial_suffixes_singular.html Hebrew word for "face" or "presence" is panim (פָּנִים) The Hebrew word for "face" or "presence" is panim (פָּנִים). It is a grammatically plural noun that takes special, plural-like possessive endings. The primary possessive endings for panim are detailed in this structured layout:  English Meaning Hebrew Transliteration Hebrew Spelling My face panay פָּנַי Our face(s)   paneinu פְּנֵינוּ Your (m. sg.) face(s)   panecha פָּנֶיךָ Your (f. sg.) face(s)   panayich פָּנַיִךְ Your (m. pl.) face(s)   pneichem פְּנֵיכֶם Your (f. pl.) face(s)   pneichen פְּנֵיכֶן His / Its face panav פָּנָיו Her / Its face paneha פָּנֶיהָ Their (m.) face(s)   pneihem פְּנֵיהֶם Their (f.) face(s)   pneihen פְּנֵיהֶן   For a complete look at Hebrew grammar paradigms, you can reference the Hebrew for Christians Suffixes Guide -  https://hebrew4christians.com/Grammar/Unit_Six/Pronomial_Suffixes_Plural/pronomial_suffixes_plural.html The following is taken from the Wikipedia articles on the etymology (historical development) of the Latin word PERSONA and the Greek word PROSOPON that eventually became used to translate the word “PERSON.” PERSONA The word persona derives from Latin, where it originally referred to a theatrical mask.] The usage of the word dates back to the beginnings of Latin civilization. The Latin word derived from the Etruscan word "phersu," with the same meaning, and that from the Greek πρόσωπον (prosōpon). It is the etymology of the word "person," or "parson" in French. Latin etymologists explain that persona comes from "per/sonare" as "the mask through which (per) resounds the voice (of the actor)." PROSOPON In Ancient Greek, term prosopon originally designated one's "face" or "mask". Actors in Greek theatre-productions wore specific physical masks on stage, in order to reveal their characters and emotional states to the audience. The term prosopon had an important role in the development of theological terminology related to the Trinity and to Jesus. It was the subject of many theological debates and disputes, particularly during early centuries of Christian history. The word prosopon is most commonly used for the self-manifestation of an individual hypostasis (God is understood as one divine essence or being (ousia), but three distinct substances or forms (hypostases): the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Commonly defined as persons in the church after the late 3rd century A.D.  Prosopon is the form in which hypostasis appears (prosopon meant “mask” and each form of the essence of God appears as a unique mask or appearance.  Later the word person was used for appearence or manifestation or face.  Every hypostasis has its own prosopon: face or countenance. It gives expression to the reality of the hypostasis with its powers and characteristics. Paul the Apostle uses the term when speaking of direct heart-felt apprehension of the face (prosopon) of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6): "For it is the God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." THE FACES OF THE LORD My wife is brilliant.  Again and again over the years I see how God has used her to enhance the lessons I taught in class, when I led teaching tours on the trails in Israel, or now in these podcasts.  She said the alternative Biblical understanding of the Trinity I presented makes so much sense rather than God in three separate persons.  The alternative does not take away from the doctrine of the Trinity but makes it more understanding.  She states that we are made in the image of God.  As God has faces, different ways of manifesting Himself to us, so do we.  As she explained that when I, her husband, was a son to my father my "face" then was not as my "face" today; that is my manifestation of myself to the world was different 60 years ago.  I was the same JOHN, the same human being, but my "face," or my way I was seen in the world, was radically different than today.  When I was 60 and leading tours to Israel my "face" was not the same as today.  I was the same person.  I was not a separate person from myself.  I was me.  But, then at age 60, I manifested myself differently.  My wife said I had many "faces" but I was still me.  I had the face of the son of my father, I had the face of a student at St. John's Univeristy, I had anohter face as a young dad when we started adopting our kids, and I have a face today of a grandfather.  All these are "faces" or masks, if you like.  It is still me.  Who I am is constant but I have a different face at the various stages of my life. She said it seems then as we are made in His image we, like our Father, have several "faces" or ways of presenting ourselves that differ over time.  As time goes on and circumstances change, I am manifested in different ways to those who I encounter.  I am still the same person.  My essence, or my fundamental core—the unchanging spark of my consciousness, my values, and my authentic presence that persists beneath my physical form and memories and fleeting emotions - does not change and I am still me.  This is the same for God.  His essence, that which makes God God, does not change but only the way He chooses to manifest Himself to the world, to us, in one of His faces. Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - taking a break from teaching somewhere in the shade in Jerusalem) 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    

THE STORY OF JOSEPH - lesson 3 GOD'S PARADIGM OF SALVATION OF THE WORLD In this lesson we continue on with the events in Joseph's life leading up to his brothers nearly trying to kill him.  Judah saves Joseph and the brothers decide to sell Joseph to the Midianite or Ishmaelite traders. There is a question any of us would ask if we read the story carefully.  For example check out Gen. 37:36 and Gen. 39:1.  Who sold Joseph to the Egyptians?  In one verse it says the Midianites and in the other verse it says the Ishmaelites?  What is going on?  Does this mean the Bible is a book with error and irreconcilable issues?  NOPE.  We will see the Bible actually helps us with the solution to this supposedly impossible issue. So, Joseph is 1) hated by his brothers and 2) they are jealous or envious of Joseph and 3) the plot to kill him.  But remember the rabbis of old recognized something truly amazing.  The Lord is uses PARADIGMS or patterns, templates, or models.  It is the Lord taking a person or event that becomes a prototype (synonym for paradigm) for another person in the future or an event in the future.  The rabbis have a saying for this ... חיי האבות הם סימנים לבנים HaYay HaAvot Seemaneem Lay Baneem The Lives of the Fathers are Signs for the Sons In light of this the rabbis early on connected Joseph to the Messiah.  They said Joseph was a prototype of the Messiah.  For us that means Jesus.  And just as we will see in this podcast that Joseph is 1) hated by his brothers and 2) they are jealous or envious of Joseph and 3) the plot to kill him.  We also see that Jesus was 1) hated by his brothers (fellow countrymen) and 2) they were jealous of Him and 3) they met in secret to plot how to kill Him.  Joseph is a paradigm of the coming Messiah, our Jesus.  Joseph is God's model of what a savor of the world should be like.  Joseph saved the world with the bread of the earth.  Jesus saved the world with Himself and through Himself with the bread from heaven. For more resources to study this in more depth check the links below. Link 1 - a great article from the awesome website, Hebrew4Christians, focusing on one title of the Messiah the rabbis used in the time after the 3rd century A.D., "Maschiach ben Yosef," or Messiah the son of Joseph.  This has to do with the fact the rabbis recognized that the Messiah had to suffer and even die.  They also recognized that the Messiah would also be victorious as well and establish the throne of Israel in Jerusalem in the days called "The Messianic Age" or the day Messiah comes to rule and reign - https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Articles/Mashiach_ben_Yosef/mashiach_ben_yosef.html Link 2- a second article written by my lead teacher in my graduate program, Dr. Ron Mosely that discusses Joseph is a prototype of the the suffering Messiah just like David is a prototype of the conquering Messiah - https://www.academia.edu/3796976/Twice_Rejected_Mashiach_Ben_Joseph Link 3 - a link to Netivyah ministries in Jerusalem.  This is a Messianic Jewish ministry founded by Joseph Shulam, an amazing Jewish scholar who helps us reconnect to our Jewish roots of our faith.  This link is to a book written by one of their resident scholars, Elhanan ben Avraham, "Moshiach ben Yosef" (Messiah the Son Of Joseph).  I highly recommend you get this book and all the books you can buy from this ministry - https://netivyah.org/product/mashiach-ben-yoseph/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - crossing the Nile near Luxor) 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

Lesson 2 - The Saga of Joseph Once again we join the rabbis of old who recognized something truly amazing is going on.  The Lord is using PARADIGMS or another way of saying the same thing is the Lord uses patterns, templates, or models.  The rabbis have a saying for this ... חיי האבות הם סימנים לבנים Kahyay HaAvot Hem Seemaneem L’Bahneem The lives of the fathers are signs for the sons In this lesson we really begin to see that Joseph is a MODEL of what it means to be the savior of the world.  It is like Joseph is wearing a mask to make himself look like someone else; Joseph "looks like" Jesus the true savior of the world.   For more resources to study this in more depth check the links below. Link 1 - an article on at least 60 ways Joseph's life and the things he went through testify of Jesus or are connections to Jesus -  https://www.onepagebiblesummary.com/pad/pad_17.php Link 2- a second article written by my lead teacher in my graduate program, Dr. Ron Mosely that discusses Joseph is a prototype of the the suffering Messiah just like David is a prototype of the conquering Messiah - https://www.academia.edu/3796976/Twice_Rejected_Mashiach_Ben_Joseph Link 3 - a link to Netivyah ministries in Jerusalem.  This is a Messianic Jewish ministry founded by Joseph Shulam, an amazing Jewish scholar who helps us reconnect to our Jewish roots of our faith.  This link is to a book written by one of their resident scholars, Elhanan ben Avraham, "Moshiach ben Yosef" (Messiah the Son Of Joseph).  I highly recommend you get this book and all the books you can buy from this ministry - https://netivyah.org/product/mashiach-ben-yoseph/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - taking a break in Petra) 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

THE STORY OF JOSEPH - lesson 1 GOD'S PARADIGM OF SALVATION OF THE WORLD We have come to Genesis 39 which is the beginning of the story of Joseph of the "many colored coat."  Joseph (Yosef in Hebrew or Yosef Ben Ya'akov - Joseph the son of Jacob) was the prized and most beloved son of Jacob.  This love seemingly created a deep jealously between Joseph and his brothers that led to them nearly killing him and finally selling Joseph into slavery.  But, that's part of this awesome Bible study journey we are now to embark on.   (Below - free picture - permission to use - non commercial - accessible at FreeBibleImages.org) In this Bible study journey we will be put face to face with the Paradigms of Adonai.  A paradigm can also be described as a pattern, a template.  We might even say it relates to a the idea of a mirror image.  An example is in the first Passover where we hear of the Passover Lamb picked by each father for his family to be sacrificed the night God will send death upon all first born in Egypt.  The is a mirror image of the Passover of Messiah, our Lord who is the Lamb of God.  The lambs are not the same but they seem to mirror each other.  Paul seems to teach this when we read ... Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day-- things which are a mere shadow (like on being a mirror image of another - a shadow) of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.  (Col 2:16-17) Check this out in the podcast entitled, "The Mirror of Passover," at this link - https://youtu.be/ipaeu7AQZ8Y?si=2DlVO_ifvOIFP8z6  Our journey begins with this idea of God's Paradigms, His Patterns or His Templates.  Again and again Yahvay shows us that what came before shows up again and again.  The rabbis saw this early on in God's Word.  Maimonides, the great Jewish scholar of the late 12th century said ... חיי האבות הם סימנים לבנים HaYay HaAvot Seemneem Lay Baneem The Lives of the Fathers are Signs for the Sons It is like the first Passover lamb.  It was the lamb of the fathers, the Hebrews coming out of Egypt.  Its blood on the wood of the doorposts was a sign to the Lord to spare this family from His wrath He was pouring out on Egypt.  The Passover lamb was a sign for the future Lamb of God who would come and whose blood on the wood of the cross would also deliver Jew and Gentile from God's wrath for those choosing Yeshua as Lord and God and Savior.  This is a clear example of God's Paradigm.  One of many.   Another is the Jubilee year.  We read about it in Lev. 25 ... The Year of Jubilee Lev 25:8  'You are also to count off seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years, so that you have the time of the seven sabbaths of years, namely, forty-nine years.  Lev 25:9  'You shall then sound a ram's horn abroad on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the day of atonement you shall sound a horn all through your land.  Lev 25:10  'You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family.  Lev 25:11  'You shall have the fiftieth year as a jubilee; you shall not sow, nor reap its aftergrowth, nor gather in from its untrimmed vines.  Lev 25:12  'For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You shall eat its crops out of the field.  Lev 25:13  'On this year of jubilee each of you shall return to his own property.  The 50 year Jubilee also becomes part of God's Paradigms.  One scholar who deals with this extensively is the Messianic rabbi, Jonathan Cahn.  I highly recommend  you check out his books, "The Oracle" or another awesome book of his, "The Paradigm."  In these books Rabbi Jonathan Cahn details how the 50 year Jubilee is also used by God as a paradigm, a pattern or template if you will to be a sign for us now, today.  Here's his website - http://www.hopeoftheworld.org/ So let us begin our awesome journey into the life of Joseph.  He is a clear example of those words we read ... חיי האבות הם סימנים לבנים HaYay HaAvot Seemneem Lay Baneem The Lives of the Fathers are Signs for the Sons Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret ... on a teaching tour to Jordan - in Petra) 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

Some people think that the word "fornication" means sex outside of marriage. Some say that this is what it means in the Bible.  NOPE.  Sorry folks.  Fornication comes from Greek and from Hebrew that have nothing to do with sex before marriage.  God never states specifically that pre-marital sex or sex outside of marriage is a sin – even in the New Testament.  But it is  How does God teach us that sex before marriage is a sin?  How does He teach this in His Torah, His "instruction?"  How did He get this across to His chosen people, the Hebrews, coming out of Egypt?  How did God do this to His people in the 1st century A.D. when He, Yeshua HaMaschiach, Jesus the Messiah, God Himself, was here with us?  And remember, Jesus’ Bible was the Old Testament and the Old Testament never specifically says that sex before marriage is a sin.  But it is We missed it.  He did teach it.  But, once again we need to put the Bible into its historical perspective.  You will NOT get this is you simply read the Bible in English.  Once again as it was understood in Jesus' day among the great Bible teachers, study to learn and learn to do.  One needs to understand how God taught them THEN, thousands of years ago, so we can understand NOW.  Sex outside of marriage is a sin and, on top of that, it looks as if it is something God hates.  Wait till you see. Here's a number of links I promised in the podcast you many find very enlightening.   The first ones relate to articles from Jewish scholarly sources that show the Torah is silent on sex before marriage.   MY JEWISH LEARNING – https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jewish-views-on-premarital-sex/#:~:text=When%20sex%20is%20reserved%20for,within%20the%20context%20of%20kiddushin. AISH – Orthodox Jewish Teaching Site – https://aish.com/premarital-relations/ JEWISH VIRTUAL LIBRARY – https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/premarital-sex The second set of links show that premarital sex was common in Greece and Rome and ancient Egypt and Canaan. Link 1 - the practice of sex outside of marriage, abortion, and infanticide in ancient Greece and Rome – https://soc.history.ancient.narkive.com/DIO506S4/world-before-christ-infanticide-and-abortion-in-ancient-pagan-world Link 2 - WORLD HISTORY ENCYCLOPEDIA – https://www.worldhistory.org/article/934/love-sex-and-marriage-in-ancient-egypt/ Link 3 - THE NOT SO INNOCENTS ABROAD – https://www.thenotsoinnocentsabroad.com/blog/the-sex-lives-of-ancient-egyptians Link 4-6 – Ray Vander Laan's article on ancient pagan religion and practices – https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/fertility-cults-of-canaan https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/hellenism-center-of-the-universe https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/innocent-blood Link 7 - my research article for my master's degree in Biblical history.  The focus is on adoption in ancient Turkey (Asia Minor) but relates to infanticide in ancient Rome.  The bibliography is invaluable - https://www.dropbox.com/s/i0fg3wwbm9xohzq/Ephesus%20Adopt.pdf?dl=0 Ferret - on top of Tel Azeka in the Shephelah in Israel 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  

We find again in this lesson that God comes against the law codes of the ancient Near East.  One such code is the Code of Hammurabi who was the sixth Amorite king of the Old Babylonian Empire, reigning from c. 1792 to c. 1750 BC.  His code is 282 laws written 300 years before the Exodus.  In this code any thief is to be executed.  This is seemingly regardless of the theft or the seriousness of the crime.  Just imagine that shoplifters who come in gangs to steal and rob from retail stores today would all be caught and killed in ancient Babylon.  Below you can see the Stele of Hammurabi – on this stone pillar the 282 laws of Hammurabi are engraved.  This picture is royalty free and is accessible at Wikimedia. I mentioned I’d include an article that addresses the issue of self defense for Christians.  It is a solid article and provides awesome scriptural support for its position that indeed the Lord allows for self defense.  The link is below … https://www.gotquestions.org/self-defense.html But, another article you may find as interesting addresses the question asking whether Jesus was a pacifist.  I have found that those who hold to such a belief sometimes use the commandment “thou shalt not murder” and interpret it to mean “thou shalt not kill.”  If the commandment is the later it seems easy to say then that God is against any killing – killing in war, killing in self defense, the death penalty, and on and on.  So, check out this article that discusses the question if Jesus was a pacifist.  I addressed this is more detail in the podcast relating to the commandment.  Here's the link below ... https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-47-lesson-13-exod-2013-no-murder/ One thing to keep in mind is Jesus is GOD and GOD said He never changes as we read in Mal. 3:6.  The link to the article is below … https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-pacifist.html   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        

So when one simply reads the Bible there are verses we read and we don't understand the explosive meaning and connections there are.  We definitely should read the Bible.  No doubt about it.  But, along with simple reading of the word is to study His word.  It is one reason I am doing these podcasts - we are going deeper into our understanding and expanding our knowledge of the Lord's word.   In this podcast, lesson 82, we will study two such scriptures.  It'll be amazing to you as it was to me to learn what is really going on.   And again, it is NOT my opinion but as you will see THE VERY WORDS OF GOD as our "bread of life."  One of these verses takes us from Genesis to Revelation.  It shows us that those who are like "anti-Christ" are found in an amazing "string" of Bible characters all the way back to the days of Jacob and Esau.   Hold on - you are about to take an awesome ride from the camp of Isaac to facing the GREAT RED DRAGON.  Ready? Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - taking a break in Jerusalem leading a teaching tour) 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

This is the first time God, Yahvay, in His TORAH ( תּוֹרָה - TORAH - instruction not law) through the words of Jacob where the Lord tells us to get rid of the pagan gods.  This focus of the Lord is found again and again in His Word.  For instance the Lord tells Moses and all Israel that He is not coming to destroy Egypt and its people and the Pharaoh.  NO!  He says ...  "For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments--I am the LORD." (Exo 12:12) He will execute judgments against the gods of Egypt.  Later the Lord says that the gods the Hebrews took on in Egypt were not gods but שׁדים SHEDEEM H7700, 7736- wicked & destructive spirits that are called "demons" in Greek.  We find this in Deuteronomy 32. "They sacrificed to demons (שׁדים SHEDEEM H7700, 7736) who were not God, To gods whom they have not known, New gods who came lately, Whom your fathers did not dread."  (Deu 32:17) As one studies the Ten Commandments we read ... Then God spoke all these words, saying, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth." (Exo 20:1-4) Over and over again the Lord speaks against the pagan gods, idols, pagan practices, and idolatry.  Just like in the Ten Commandments we are to remember who God really is and then not to have any other gods before Him.   But, there are NO other gods.  The Bible is very clear on this. "See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand." (Deu 32:39) "Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none." (Isa 44:8) "I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; ... " (Isa 45:5) So all the pagan gods of Egypt, the Canaanites, Greece, and Rome are not gods by שׁדים SHEDEEM!!  These are evil spiritual entities - not devils, not fallen angels, but SHEDEEM.  God through Jacob is now telling us to put away the שׁדים SHEDEEM among us.  But have we?  It seems that the USA has turned against God in a big way.  Our "house" was a Christian house but it has been "cleaned out" of God, His Word, His Salvation, our Jesus.  Jesus warns against this. "Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came'; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order.  Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation." (Mat 12:43-45) The spiritual "house" of the USA is cleaned out.  We've taken God out of our lives, our society, our government, our schools, and even many of our churches (few teach God's word our "bread of life")  Thus, it seems clear that by THE VERY WORDS OF GOD that we should see THE RETURN OF THE GODS by Jesus' own words.  And these "gods" seemingly have returned.  They are not gods but the שׁדים SHEDEEM. Check out the interviews with the Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn parts 1 and 2.  In these interviews Jonathan talks about this idea that the pagan gods have returned to America and it explains so much of the chaos, evil, death, hate, and destruction around us.  שׁדים SHEDEEM has a Hebrew root word that means "destruction."  Here's the links to these videos ... Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NagR4QAyfQA Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_axTQ5Xquvg More than this however is his commentary on the most popular movie of all time worldwide, "Barbie."  This is no "child's movie;" it is an evil adult attempt to indoctrinate young girls to the anti God culture.  It is a teaching tool for girls to reject womanhood, motherhood, and having children in Godly marriage.  It is as if an ancient evil destructive goddess has returned, a SHEDEEM, and is symbolized in this doll called Barbie. It is as if Barbie is an idol of Ishtar whose picture is below.  The picture above is of the ancient goddess, Ishtar, and is royalty free and accessible at Wikimedia. Check out the awesome and disturbing commentary on the "Barbie" movie by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn.  . The Mystery Of Barbie, Ishtar, and Smashed Babies! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKp-A6BBg-E So in God's TORAH we see over and over again the Lord's focus against pagan gods, idols and idolatry.  But, there are no other gods.  Yes.  That is true.  But not the שׁדים SHEDEEM that were behind the worship of all the pagan gods.  God knows this is REAL and this REALITY is of the utmost danger to us. Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - in the midst of temple ruins at the ancient Canaanite city of Bet Shemesh) 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 52 Part 2 I was so amazed as I began researching and studying to prepare this podcast.  I learned that in these verses (Exod. 21:26-22:1) we are taught by the Lord of His view of the great importance of the sanctity of life.  The picture I used for this lesson is of an ox.  And in these verses the ox plays a huge role. It is how the Lord teaches us about that fact that 1) all men and women, all, no matter what race of creed are made in His image and 2) everyone is our neighbor whether a fellow Christian or a radical member of the LGBTQ+ community or a radical Muslim terrorist and 3) and to be a true follower of Rabbi Jesus one must adhere to what He teaches His talmideem (Hebrew for disciple) that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves and that includes our enemies, the ones who persecute us, the ones who hate and would kill us for our faith.  Wow!!  There is a little more to being a Christian than we are taught.  I mentioned a number of links I’d provide that would enhance your study in the podcast.  Here they are … An article from “My Jewish Learning” talking about the fact the preserving and saving a life is higher than even adhering to the laws of the Sabbath … https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/saving-a-life-pikuach-nefesh/ Next is an article from a scholarly rabbi who teaches us about the phrase “pikkuah nefesh doheh Shabbat” or saving a human life takes precedence over the Sabbath.  This might have been understood in Jesus’ day – maybe not practiced by definitely discussed.  There is NO law that says one can not provide medical treatment on the Sabbath.  It was hotly debated in Jesus’ day but no conclusions had been reached then.  Later in Judaism it was decided – it is good to heal and provide medical treatment on the Sabbath.  Jesus had entered the debate in His day and His stance was the one that finally became the law of Judaism.  For the Lord, for God, it was already His priority and it took years of the Jewish rabbis to finally get it.  Here’s the article … https://images.shulcloud.com/618/uploads/PDFs/Divrei_Torah/200506-Pikuachnefesh--SavingaLife.pdf Skip Moen is a reputable Christian scholar.  It is worth your while to make sure you connect with Skip at his website (https://skipmoen.com/) to learn more about the Jewish roots of our faith.  He wrote and article addressing the concept of healing on the Sabbath in Jesus’ day.  He brings up the great Rabbi Shammai and Rabbi Hillel.  These rabbis had a great influence on Judaism of the Second Temple in Jesus’ day.  You’ll be amazed that indeed Jesus healed on the Sabbath and never did anything wrong.  Check it out … https://skipmoen.com/2015/07/whose-halachah/ 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 52 Part 1 I was so amazed as I began researching and studying to prepare this podcast.  I learned that in these verses (Exod. 21:26-22:1) we are taught by the Lord of His view of the great importance of the sanctity of life.  The picture I used for this lesson is of an ox.  And in these verses the ox plays a huge role. It is how the Lord teaches us about that fact that 1) all men and women, all, no matter what race of creed are made in His image and 2) everyone is our neighbor whether a fellow Christian or a radical member of the LGBTQ+ community or a radical Muslim terrorist and 3) and to be a true follower of Rabbi Jesus one must adhere to what He teaches His talmideem (Hebrew for disciple) that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves and that includes our enemies, the ones who persecute us, the ones who hate and would kill us for our faith.  Wow!!  There is a little more to being a Christian than we are taught.  I mentioned a number of links I’d provide that would enhance your study in the podcast.  Here they are … An article from “My Jewish Learning” talking about the fact the preserving and saving a life is higher than even adhering to the laws of the Sabbath … https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/saving-a-life-pikuach-nefesh/ Next is an article from a scholarly rabbi who teaches us about the phrase “pikkuah nefesh doheh Shabbat” or saving a human life takes precedence over the Sabbath.  This might have been understood in Jesus’ day – maybe not practiced by definitely discussed.  There is NO law that says one can not provide medical treatment on the Sabbath.  It was hotly debated in Jesus’ day but no conclusions had been reached then.  Later in Judaism it was decided – it is good to heal and provide medical treatment on the Sabbath.  Jesus had entered the debate in His day and His stance was the one that finally became the law of Judaism.  For the Lord, for God, it was already His priority and it took years of the Jewish rabbis to finally get it.  Here’s the article … https://images.shulcloud.com/618/uploads/PDFs/Divrei_Torah/200506-Pikuachnefesh--SavingaLife.pdf Skip Moen is a reputable Christian scholar.  It is worth your while to make sure you connect with Skip at his website (https://skipmoen.com/) to learn more about the Jewish roots of our faith.  He wrote and article addressing the concept of healing on the Sabbath in Jesus’ day.  He brings up the great Rabbi Shammai and Rabbi Hillel.  These rabbis had a great influence on Judaism of the Second Temple in Jesus’ day.  You’ll be amazed that indeed Jesus healed on the Sabbath and never did anything wrong.  Check it out … https://skipmoen.com/2015/07/whose-halachah/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?                                                (Ferret - somewhere in northern Israel on the Jordan) 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