Who is watching the signs of the times? Who is waiting, seeing prophecy being fulfilled? Who knows the prophecy who is coming? Who is God fearing and who is fearing man? Who is watching at the gate, your gate, the city gate, and seeing the stubborn, rebellious lives wildly drunk on wickedness and bribes scattered throughout society, along with false charges? A clarion call is going throughout the Nations; the land has become defiled just like the people. In Chapter 23 of D’Varim, the word curse קללה qᵉlalah pronounced kel-aw-law is someone who turns away from learning, turns their head away only showing the back of the head in definance, not face to face, to face the truth.  God hears the cries of the less fortunate, He sees the hardened hearts. You measure and judge for yourselves, you make the change. Do not be faint hearted, you have not been rejected.

Extra Note: (On 5786 Av 29, (12 August 2026), Solar Eclipse (Total) Europe, North/East Asia, North/West Africa, much of North America, Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic. On 5786 Elul 14, 15 (27, 28 August 2026), Lunar Eclipse (Partial) much of Europe, South/West Asia, Africa, much of North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica.)) See further notes below.

Parashah #48 Shof’tim (Judges) D’Varim 16:18-21:9

This week covers topics and commands (guidelines) for and against; Community, Idolatry and Related Practices, Sacrifices (Not current), Justice, Monarchy, Prohibitions Resulting from Historical Events, Torah, Priests, Concerning Animals for Consumption, Donations to the Temple (Not current), Temple and the Priests (Not current), Loans, Business, Treatment of Slaves, War.

Lets look at some keys words in this weeks portion of scripture.

Dt 16:18 Judges שׁפט shaphat shaw-fat’ a primitive root word – noun and verb; judge, plead, avenged, condemn, execute, judgment, defend, deliver, govern, vindicate, punish

• to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man)
• to rule, govern, judge
• to decide controversy (of God, man)
• to execute judgment
• discriminating (of man)
• vindicating
• condemning and punishing
• at theophanic advent for final judgment
• to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together
• to be judged
• judge, opponent-at-law (participle)

Dt 16:18 Officers שׁטר shoter pronounced sho-tare. Act part of, an otherwise unused root probably meaning to write. Ruler, overseer.

In support of: θύρα Thura pronounced thoo’-rah. From a root word [“door, gate “]

• the vestibule
• used of any opening like a door, an entrance, way or passage into
• in a parable or metaphor
• the door through which sheep go in and out, the name of him who brings those who follow his guidance
• “an open door” is used of the opportunity of doing something
• the door of the kingdom of heaven (likened to a palace) denotes the conditions which must be complied with, in order to be received into the kingdom of God.

Dt 16:18 gates שׁער sha‘ar pronounced shah’-ar. From the noun and adjective Illyricum = “the lyric band”. In scripture, Illyricum is an ancient Roman province on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. It marks the northwestern border of Macedonia and covers parts of modern-day Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. (Rom 15:19)

gate, city, door, port, porters

• gate (of entrance)
• (of space inside gate, i.e., marketplace, public meeting place)
• city, town
• gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle)
• dwelling place of God

Yesha’yahu 51:12-53:12

Note: A bit of background and numerals in brackets are foot/endnotes.

God is patient as He waits for the correct timing of fulfilling the prophecy of 51:12-16. If Isaiah had listened to the words of the prophecy in 49:1-2, he would know it is not yet time for the Messiah to arise. Now is the time for God’s people to trust in their God’s wisdom and sovereignty and perfect timing. Now is the time for Zion to be hidden in the shadow of his hand, meditating on his words while it awaits the perfect moment for the Messiah to come. They need not fear during the long delay. (1)  He is still “the Lord your Maker” and The Lord your God’ and he, still says to them “You are my people. (2)

God sounds a fresh prophesy in 51:17-23 (3). It’s the Jewish exiles in Babylon who need to look lively, because their reaction to the destruction of Jerusalem will dictate how long they have to spend in far-off Babylon. ‘Awake, awake! Rise up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath.” They are not to be like the sleeping drunkards, (Connecting point: D’Varim 21:20) who opens the eyes only to look for a fresh bottle of wine for breakfast. Their days of heavy drinking from the cup of the Lord’s judgment are over. (4) Now it is Babylon’s turn. The Jewish exiles need to be clear thinking, as they commit themselves to swift repentance and to a speedy return to Mount Zion.

The final wake up call comes in 52:1-12. This time he cries out to Zion itself, declaring to this great symbol of his people throughout history that its problems never stem from his sleepiness, but only ever from their own. ‘Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Pit on your garments of splendour, Jerusalem, the holy city.” (5) He tells them that the promise which he made in 40:29-31 about clothing weak human flesh with divine strength was not a promise for the Messiah alone. Divine strength is to be their everyday attire. Knowing that his people always struggle to believe this, God spells it out for us by saying literally, “clothe yourself with your strength” and “put on your garments of splendour.” God is stronger than we think and he offers to clothe us with his strength whenever we admit our naked weakness. We don’t have to work hard to obtain God’s strength, it has already given while still sleeping!

Three things are needed to live in the good of this. First, we need to recognize that God has called us to be very different from the world (52:1-6). The Holy One of Israel has called us presently to be his “holy city”, so we must not allow any room in our lives for things that are “uncircumcised and defiled”. If we have learned anything from the history of Israel in Egypt, Assyria and Babylon, it is that sin never pays. It merely drags those who ought to be reigning on thrones with the Lord down into the dust. (6) It merely causes the Lord’s name to be despised by unbelievers, who assume his people’s actions must be a reflection on his character (7).

Second, we need to recognize the Messiah for who He is (52:7-10). The Lord exclaims in both the Hebrew text and the Greek Septuagint, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings good news!” He is therefore talking primarily about his Messiah. It’s Paul who expands on his meaning by changing the words slightly in Romans 10:15 to “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Our strength depends on our seeing the Messiah for who he really Is, and other people’s strength depends on our proclaiming this good news to them. Most people around the world are longing, like Isaiah, for God to help them. We get to tell them that he has. We get to fulfil the prophecy that “The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations.”

Third, we therefore need to recognize that we have a powerful opponent in this mission (52:11-12). Although Isaiah no longer utters the name of defeated Babylon, these verses are an obvious reprise of his warning in 48:20. (8) The earthly city of Babylon fell in 539 and 520 BC, but Paul quotes from these verses in 2 Cor 6:17 to warn us that the struggle between spiritual Zion and Babylon still carries on; Zion must not only come out of Babylon, but it must also drive what belongs to Babylon out of Zion!               .

Foot/Endnotes to this section:

1. Fear of God ends, fear of man (51:12), but those who stop fearing God, always start fearing people (51:13).
2. We need to exhibit this same patient faith ourselves; Psalm 121:3-4 tells us that the community is never in disarray because the Lord is asleep. It is only ever in disarray because we are.
3. Isaiah’s wake-up call in 51:9 was the simple עור uwr prounounced oor, meaning “Awake, awake!” (a primitive root through the idea of opening the eyes. Also comes from the primitive root – naked, to be exposed, be bared, be laid bare); in the (Gk) ἐκλείπω ekleipo pronounced ek-li’-po. A verb that can also emphasise fail, to leave out, omit, pass by, to leave, quit, to leave off, cease, stop, of the failing or eclipse of the light of the sun and the moon.

Extra Note: (On 5786 Av 29, (12 August 2026), Solar Eclipse (Total) Europe, North/East Asia, North/West Africa, much of North America, Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic. On 5786 Elul 14, 15 (27, 28 August 2026), Lunar Eclipse (Partial) much of Europe, South/West Asia, Africa, much of North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica.))

On August 12, 2026, the moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun in a New Moon phase (in the sign of the Lion). The moon reaches its exact new moon phase conjunction at 8:36 PM local Jerusalem time in Israel. At this precise time, the moon lies nearly directly between the Earth and the sun in the sky, rendering it essentially invisible (a waning crescent transitioning to a new moon) and positioned close to the sun’s coordinates.

The Lord intensifies his wake-up call in 51:17 by making the verb reflexive: hith’Orñ hith’Orñ, meaning “Wake yourself, wake yourself!”.

4. Matthew 20:11-23 and 26:30 tell us that Yeshua has now drunk God’s cup of judgment for us. As Isaiah 52:3 reminds us, our soberness was bought at the redemption price.
5. Now the same simple command as 51:9 – “Awake, awake!” In parallel, Ezra 1:5 uses this same verb to tell us God woke up Jewish hearts to leave Babylon in 538 BC.
6. The enemy of the soul loves to drag believers down into the dust through his voice of condemnation. One needs to remind the Adversary of 40:23 and 52:2. We are seated on heaven’s throne in Yeshua.
7. Paul quotes 52:5 in Romans 2:24 it’s a sobering thought that our sin and weakness makes other people despise God, but it is also encouraging. It means He longs to raise us up to vindicate his own power.
8. The Israelites left Egypt in a hurry (D’Varim 16:3), so the scripture points out that this new Exodus is better by telling us that we have all the time we need while still breathing to leave It all behind.

Yesha’yahu uses vivid metaphors to describe the human condition in 64:6. The middle word of the book of Yesha’yahu,  (which has 66 chapters) is the first word of Chapter 34. In Hebrew, the first word is קרב qarab pronounced kaw-rab, which means “near” or “draw near.” Believers while they have breath are able to draw near to “The One” who matters.

Mattityahu 5:38-42; 18:15-20

Verses 5:39-42 are commands. 18:15-17 are commands, and 18:18-20 are promises. 18:16 refers to Dt 19:15.

5:38 eye ὀφθαλμός ophthalmos pronounced of-thal-mos. Sight, Metaphor: the eyes of the mind, the faculty of knowing. (Symbolically, ways of seeing something).

5:38 tooth  ὀδούς odous pronounced od-ooce. On perhaps from the base of ἐσθίω esthio pronounced es-thee’-o. Strengthened for a primary εδω edo (to eat); used only in certain tenses, eat, live, devour (Symbolically, what is being devoured, consumed).

18:17 “he shall neglect to hear“. παρακούω parakouo pronounced par-ak-oo’-o. Meaning causally or carelessly or amiss, to be unwilling to hear, on hearing to neglect, to pay no heed to, to refuse to hear, pay no regard to, disobey.

 

 

See and know what you are and believe it, this is covered in chapters 8-11 of D’varim/Dt. This is only the beginning. Then worship Him in truth in chapters 12-13; 18:9-22 of D’varim. Believers are advised to worship in Spirit and Truth Yochanan/Jn 4:24; 2 Cor 3:17. Honour and obey God so that it may go well with you …

Parashah #47 Re’eh (See) D’varim 11:26-16:17

11:29 Gerizim = “cuttings off”. A mountain in northern Israel in Ephraim near Shechem from which the blessings were read to the Israelites on entering Canaan; site of the Samaritan temple built after the captivity.

11:29 Ebal = “stone” or “bare mountain”, north of Shechem and opposite Mount Gerizim.

11:30 Canaanites = see Cana “zealous”.

11:30 Gilgal= “a wheel, rolling”. the first site of an Israelite camp west of the Jordan, east of Jericho, here Samuel was judge, and Saul was made king; later used for illicit worship. A dwelling place of prophets in northern Israel about four miles (7 km) from Shiloh and Bethel. A region conquered by Joshua, site unsure.

11:30 Moreh = “teacher”. The oak tree at Shechem where Abram stopped when he first entered Canaan; close to the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim. The hill in the valley of Jezreel at which the Midianites were camped when Gideon attacked them.

11:31 Jordan = “descender”. The river running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km).

11:32 statutes חק choq pronounced khoke. An enactment, decree, ordinance, prescribed limit, boundary.

11:32 judgments משׁפט mishpat pronounced mish-pawt. An act of deciding a case. A process, procedure, litigation (before judges), rectitude (attributes of God or man), An act of deciding a case.

14:22 seed = זרע zera prounounced zeh’-rah.

Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 54:11-55:5

Note: A bit of background and numerals in brackets are endnotes.

In 54:4-8 God promises to make the New Jerusalem his Bride. Her predecessor’s flirtation with the great prostitute Babylon caused him to turn his back on her, but now he promises no longer to treat her like a jilted newlywed or a lonely widow.

He will act as her husband again and, in so doing, he will give her back the full benefit of bearing his name. He spells this name out for her in five different ways in 54:5. He is her “Maker”, “the Lord Almighty”, “the Holy One of Israel” her “Redeemer” and “the God of all the earth”. Given that her husband has these five title names, it’s not hard to see why Zion needed to increase the size of her tent in 54:1-3 in anticipation of a massive family of children. God’s judgment has been brief and his grace will spring eternal. (1)

In 54:9-10 the renewal of his covenant with Zion will last forever. The people of Judah could not understand the scope and scale of his forgiveness before they heard him sing his final Servant Song, but now they realize that the ink with which he writes his New Covenant is the righteous blood of his Messiah. Suddenly it all makes sense. If a rainbow in the sky proclaimed the permanence of the covenant achieved by righteous Noah and a wooden ark, how much more permanent is the covenant which has been achieved by the righteous Messiah and a cross. (2)

In 54:11-12 the Lord sings about the new walls and gates of Zion. She will not be rebuilt with stones quarried from a hillside, but with living stones – people quarried from the world and declared, righteous through the substitutionary sacrifice of the Messiah. (3) The ancient high priests of Israel engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel onto twelve small jewels on the front of their, clothing, but the Lord will turn every believer into a jewel as large as one of the massive building blocks which ancient city-dwellers quarried to construct their mighty walls. (4)

If Paul tells us in Gal 4:27 that not every Jew is truly part of Zion, it shouldn’t surprise us that not everyone who claims to be a believer is one either. (5) Yeshua meant it when he told people in Matt 9:29, “According to your faith will it be done to you.”

He knows more about the weaknesses of believers, which is why this promise comes as part of his pledge to make weak people strong. “I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise… I will make your battlements, of rubies,” a promise, putting the burden for this makeover on His own shoulders.

We can read a longer description of the Bride, the New Jerusalem, in Rev 21. Yosef’s brothers form its gates. The twelve disciples form foundation stones.

In 54:13 God promises that even the weakest believer will experience transformation, (paraphrasing). Yeshua quotes from this verse in Jn 6:45 when people doubt his authority because he is humble. He is transforming ordinary lives. Any believer who reads the scriptures, who worships, who prays and who pursues the place God has for them in Zion will find that they know God as their closest friend. They will discover that he is able to transform them into a very beautiful brick in the wall. (6)

In 54:14-17 The scripture ends with a promise that can never be undone. God points out that even Satan is one of his creatures, so he can ensure every one of Satans attacks on Zion’s walls ends in failure. Like Sennacherib breaking the teeth of his army on the walls of Old Jerusalem, any time Satan tries to reverse God’s plans it always backfires.

Marvel at what the Lord has made out of the smouldering ruins of Zion. Marvel that this encore is a song that the Lord sings right now over you.’ (7)

Endnotes for this section:

1. God is not downplaying the horrors of the Babylonian exile by calling it “a brief moment” in 54:7. He is simply contrasting it with his “everlasting kindness” In 54:8. Paul does the same in 2 Cor 4:17.
2. See B’resheet/Gen 6:9; 8:21-22; 9:8-17. Zion therefore needs to go forth, increase and multiply (9:7).
3. 1 Pet 2:4-10 describes believers as God’s new Temple rather than as God’s new city, but the Renewed Testament deliberately mixes its metaphors. Peter states that we have become the New Mount Zion.
4. Sh’mot/Ex 28:9-21 The historian Josephus tells us in his Antiquities of the Jews (15.11.3) that some of the stones that were used for rebuilding Jerusalem were 11 metres long, 5.5 metres wide and 3.6 metres high.
5. Paul warns us in Rom 15:7 that a proper response to the Gospel means viewing other believers as God views them and not as the lens of our own self-centredness perceives them to be.
6. Verse 13 has profound implications for how we disciple people. The Lord takes the primary responsibility for discipling believers. We merely need to work alongside what he is doing.
7. In the fourth Servant Song. The Messiah was the Lord’s servant. In 54:17, you are now his servant too.

1 Cor 5:9-13

Commands: verses 9-11, 13.

5:10 fornicators πόρνος pornos pronounced por’-nos. A man who prostitutes his body to another’s lust for hire.

5:10 covetous πλεονέκτης pleonektes pronounced pleh-on-ek’-tace. One eager to have more, esp., what belongs to others, greedy of gain.

5:10 extortioners ἅρπαξ harpax pronounced har’-pax. Rapacious, ravenous, a robber.

5:10 idolaters εἰδωλολάτρης eidololatres pronounced i-do-lol-at’-race. A worshipper of false gods. Used of any one even a believer, participant in any way in the worship of the heathen, esp. one who attends their sacrificial feasts and eats of the remains of offered victims. A covetous man as a worshipper of Mammon.

5:11 railer λοίδορος loidoros pronounced loy’-dor-os. From loidos (mischief); Reviler, insurgents.

5:11 drunkard μέθυσος methusos pronounced meth’-oo-sos. Besides the obvious, it also is a metaphor of one who has shed blood or murdered profusely.

5:13 wicked person πονηρός poneros pronounced pon-ay-ros. A person bringing toils, annoyances, perils; of a time full of peril to a person of faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble.

In this section, it is emphsised the importance of separation from the world, at the same time not be isolated. We don’t avoid contact but contamination.

1 Yochanan/John 4:1-6

This section is not discussing how to remove evil spirits. A general outline is set out below in how to have protection in God’s love as we are commanded to test all spirits (1 Cor 12:3) as in verse 1. How to test the spirits verses 2, 3. How to overcome demons verse 4. Marks of demon inspired false teachers (1 Tim 6:3; 2 Tim 3:2; 2 Pet 2:10-22) in verse 5. Marks of true believers verse 6.

4:1 The word spirit (Gk) pneuma is used 385 times in the renewed covenant. 1 Jn 4:4 is important advice, “Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world”. This indwelling of believers is also quoted in 1 Jn 4:13; 3:24. It is a reassurance we are not alone.

7 ways to test false prophets (Gk) pseudoprophetes. Read 2 Pet 2:1; which is the 3rd prophecy in 2 Pet 2:1-3 being fulfilled. Read also Mt 7:15-16, note verse 15 is a command of Yeshua; 24:11, 24; Mk 13:22; Lk 6:26; Acts 13:6; Rev 16:13; 19:20; 20:10.

1. Their confession of Yeshua (v 2-3)
2. Their relationship with the world (v 5; 2:15-17; James 4:4)
3. How they receive in what they believe (v 6)
4. Their attitude towards the commandments of God (v 6; 3:20-24; Jn 14:15)
5. Love of the believers/brethren (4:7-21; 3:11-16; Jn 13:34-35; 15:12-15)
6. Indwelling of the Ruach HaKodesh (v 4-6)
7. The word of God (v 6; 5:10; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Cor 4:4)

The Ruach HaKodesh is the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:13) and the spirit of error is Satan (2 Cor 4:4; 11:14-15; Mt 13:19; 1 Tim 4:1-2).

 

God looks into and searches out the ways, deeds, character, of people, in order to adjudge them their lot accordingly, whether joyous or sad is the result. It’s all in the weight of the scales. Some people tempt God by exhibitions of distrust, by impious or wicked conduct, it’s reckless rebellion. Tests from wherever for people, are for the purpose of ascertaining quality. It’s again about purity, which has been reiterated time and time again. God has compassion on us and for us, this is not to be taken lightly. The promises and commands are not to be taken lightly. There must be an element of trust and reverence. There are a few in this weeks reading.

Parashah #46: Ekev (Because) D’Varim 7:12-11:25

Statutes and Ordinances: Dt 7:12-24

There are in this section 7 Mitzvots/Commandments of the 613.

1. #429 Prohibitions Resulting from Historical events Dt 7:21. You are not to be frightened of them, because Adonai your God is there with you, a God great and fearsome.

2. #430 Idolatry and Related Practices Dt 7:25. You are to burn up completely the carved statues of their gods. Don’t be greedy for the silver or gold on them; don’t take it with you, or you will be trapped by it; for it is abhorrent to Adonai your God.

3. #431 Idolatry and Related Practices Dt 7:25. Don’t bring something abhorrent into your house, or you will share in the curse that is on it; instead, you are to detest it completely, loathe it utterly; for it is set apart for destruction.

4. #432 Torah Dt 8:10. So you will eat and be satisfied, and you will bless Adonai your God for the good land he has given you.

5. #433 Social Dt 10:19. Therefore you are to love the foreigner, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

6. #434 Relationship to God Dt 10:20.
7. #435 Relationship to God Dt 10:20. You are to fear Adonai your God, serve him, cling to him and swear by his name.

Dt 8:3 A Promise, quoted in Matt 4:4: He ⇒ humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had ever known, to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of Adonai.

⇒ humbled ענה anah pronounced aw-naw. A primitive root and verb (possibly rather ident, with <06030> through the idea of looking down or browbeating).

• afflict, force, exercised, sing, Leannoth, troubled, weakened, stoop, to be depressed, be downcast.

Leannoth is a Hebrew term found in the superscription (title) of Ps 88:1 as part of the phrase Mahalath ⇒ Leannoth. Scholars believe it derives from a root meaning “to answer,” “to sing in response,” or “to afflict/humble,” pointing to a musical or liturgical direction. (Ps 88:1 A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician  upon Mahalath ⇒ Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (For the leader. Set to Sickness that causes suffering). The title “Mahalath Leannoth” may be rendered “concerning sickness, to be sung” i.e., perhaps, to be sung in sickness.

Dt 9:23 rebelled מרה marah pronounced maw-raw. Meaning: rebellious, provoke, disobedient, against, bitter, changed, disobeyed, grievously, provocation.

• to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against
• to be disobedient
• towards father
• towards God
• to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey.

Dt 10:6 Mosera or Moseroth = “bonds”, a place near Mount Hor (Num 33:30, 31). Aaron’s burial place (Num 20:22; 21:4; 33:37).

Dt 10:7 Gudgodah = “the slashing place” (in the sense of cutting);

Dt 10:7 Jotbath = “pleasantness”

Dt 10:22 Tab’erah תבערה pronounced tab-ay-raw = “burning”. A place in the wilderness of Paran. The pillar of cloud and light is still present. They have been camped at Sinai 325 days. The cloud rises and directs them first to Taverah in the Wilderness of Paran where many complain and are consumed by fire. Hence the meaning “burning” (Num 9-10).

Dt 6:16; 10:22 Massah מסה Maccah pronounced mas-saw = “temptation”. The place in the wilderness where the Israelites tested Jehovah. Also ‘Meribah’.

Dt 10:22 Kivroth-Hattaavah קברות התאוה Qibrowth hat-Ta’avah pronounced kib-roth hat-tah-av-aw = “graves of lust”. A station of Israel in the wilderness 3 campsites away from Sinai near the gulf of Akabah. Here the people murmured about their food, and quail were sent and they ate of them until thousands of people died of gluttony. It has been just a year since the quail came over the first time. Hence the meaning “graves of lust” (Num 11).

Dt 10:23 Kadesh-Barnea קדשׁ ברנע Qadesh Barnea pronounced  kaw-dashe bar-nay- ah. A derivative of meaning desert of a fugitive; meaning = “holy”. A city in the extreme south of Judah, same as ‘Kedesh’ and ‘Kadesh’. Israel wandered about various parts for 38 years. Spies were sent into Canaan and preceeded as far as Hebron, (Valley of Eshicol. Korah instituted a rebellion Aaron’s rod budded and Miriam died (Num 12-19)).

Dt 11:24 Euphrates = “fruitfulness”.

Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 49:14-51:3

Isaiah 49:15 Compassion רחם racham pronounced raw-kham. Meaning to do with: mercy, pity, love, merciful, Ruhamah, surely.

Ruhamah is a Hebrew name meaning “pitied” or “having obtained mercy”. It appears as a symbolic name in Hosea 2:1 as a sign of God’s restored mercy toward Israel. (Contrasts with Lo-Ruhamah, meaning “not pitied” or “no mercy,” which was given to the prophet’s daughter earlier to show judgment).

• to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion
• of God, man
• to be shown compassion, be compassionate

(Gk) ἁγνεία hagneia prounced hag-ni’-ah, purity, sinlessness of life (1 Tim 4:12; 5:2)

1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity”. Is a call to young believers and leaders to earn respect through their actions rather than their age.

1 Timothy 5:2 instructs believers to treat older women as mothers (Respect: Honoring older women with the same care given to a mother) and younger women as sisters with absolute purity (with moral cleanliness and platonic respect).

Mattityahu (Matthew) 4:1-11

4:1 Wilderness ἔρημος eremos pronounced er’-ay-mos. Meaning to do with: solitary, lonely, desolate, uninhabited.

• used of places
• a desert, wilderness
• deserted places, lonely regions
• an uncultivated region fit for pasturage
• used of persons
• deserted by others
• deprived of the aid and protection of others, especially of friends, acquaintances, kindred
• bereft
• of a flock deserted by the shepherd
• of a woman neglected by her husband, from whom the husband withholds.

Commands:

Matt 4:4 But he (Yeshua) answered, The Tanakh says, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of ADONAI“. (Dt 8:3) A promise, mentioned above.

The Setting: In the wilderness during his temptation by the Adversary after fasting for forty days and nights.

The Temptation: The Tempter (the Adversary) tells Yeshua to turn stones into bread to prove he is the Son of God.

The Response: Yeshua quotes from the Tanakh (Dt 8:3 a promise, mentioned above), showing that obeying God’s voice and spiritual truth is more important than physical food.

Matt 4:7 Yeshua replied to him, But it also says, “Do not put ADONAI your God to the test” (Dt 6:16) mentioned above.

The Setting: In the wilderness during his temptation by the Adversary after fasting for forty days and nights.

Geographically: (Dt 6:16) Refers to the place where the Israelites tested God’s patience by doubting His presence and provision during their time in the wilderness. Mentioned above, Dt 6:16; 10:22 Massah מסה Maccah pronounced mas-saw = “temptation”. The place in the wilderness where the Israelites tested Jehovah. Also ‘Meribah’.

The Temptation: The Adversary places Yeshua on the high point of the Temple and tells him to jump, quoting scripture to argue that God’s angels will protect him.

The Response: Yeshua responds from the Torah (Dt 6:16), refusing to force a miraculous display of God’s protection. (Dt 6:16) mentioned above.

Matt 4:10 Away with you, Satan! Yeshua told him, For the Tanakh says, “Worship Adonai your God, and serve only him”. (Dt 6:13-14) (verse 13) You are to fear Adonai your God, serve him and swear by his name. (verse 14)  You are not to follow other gods, chosen from the gods of the peoples around you.

Luke 4:1-13

Commands:

Lk 4:4 Yeshua answered him, The Tanakh says, “Man does not live on bread alone”. (Dt 8:3) A promise mentioned above.

The Setting: The wilderness during a forty-day period of testing, right after Yeshua was hungry from fasting.

The Temptation: After forty days of fasting, when Yeshua is hungry and tempted to turn a stone into bread.

Lk 4:8 Yeshua answered him, The Tanakh says, “Worship Adonai your God and serve him only.” (Dt 6:13-14) mentioned above.

The Setting: The wilderness, during the temptation by the Adversary.

Lk 4:12 Yeshua answered him, It also says, “Do not put Adonai your God to the test”. (Dt 6:16) mentioned above.

The Setting: The wilderness during the temptation of Jesus by the Adversary. 

Geographically and The Temptation: The Adversary previously quoted Scripture telling Yeshua to jump from the pinnacle of the Temple. Yeshua responds with (Dt 6:16) to reject testing God.

Promise:

Lk 4:4 Yeshua answered him, The Tanakh says, “Man does not live on bread alone”. (Dt 8:3) A promise mentioned above.

If no one tells you about purity, will you know what it is or who it is or how it can be attained, even if it applies. It’s a daily discipline.

An outline of VAYIKRA (LEVITICUS)

Key theme: The holiness of God “Be holy, for I am holy”. It’s all about purity.

Key verses: (11:44-45)

1. A. HOLY OFFERINGS (1-7)
2. Laws for the worshipers (1:1-6:7)
3. Laws for the priests (6:8-7:38)
4. B. HOLY PRIESTHOOD (8-10; 21-22)
5. Consecration (8-9)
6. Admonition (10)
7. Qualification (21-22)
8. C. A HOLY NATION (11-17)
9. Clean and unclean food (11)
10. Childbirth (12)
11. Diseases and defilement (13-15)
12. The Day of Atonement (16-17)
13. D. A HOLY LAND (18-20, 23-27)
14. Immorality (18)
15. Idolatry (19)
16. Capital offenses (20)
17. Annual feasts (23)
18. Blasphemy (24)
19. Sabbatical Year (25)
20. Blessings and cursings (26-27)

Being Acquainted with Leviticus

1. The Sacrifices and the Messiah (Lev 1-7)
2. A Kingdom of Priests (Lev 8-10)
3. Cleanliness and Godliness (Lev 11-12)
4. The Great Physician (Lev 13-15)
5. Israel’s High and Holy Day (Lev 16)
6. Holiness Is a Practical Thing (Lev 17-20)
7. The Cost of Spiritual Leadership (Lev 21-22)
8. The Calendar That Tells the Future (Lev 23)
9. Holy, Holy, Holy (Lev 24)
10. This Land Is God’s Land (Lev 25)
11. The Word “If” (Lev 26-27) 

The Manual of Sacrifice (Lev 1-7)

1. The Whole Burnt Offering (Lev 1:1-17)
2. The Grain Offering (Lev 2:1-16)
3. The Fellowship Offering (Lev 3:1-17)
4. The Purification Offering (Lev 4:1-5:13)
5. The Guilt Offering (Lev 5:14-6:7)
6. Instructions for the Administration of Offerings (Lev 6:8-7:38)

Historical Narrative (Lev 8-10)

7. The Ordination of the Priests (Lev 8:1-36)
8. The Inauguration of Sacrificial Worship (Lev 9:1-24)
9. The Unfortunate Incident of Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10:1-20) 

The Manual of Purity (Lev 11-16)

10. Clean and Unclean Animals (Lev 11:1-47)
11. Uncleanness at Childbirth (Lev 12:1-8)
12. Skin Diseases and Contamination in Clothing (Lev 13:1-59)
13. Purification from Contamination (Lev 14:1-32)
14. Contamination in Buildings (Lev 4:33-57)
15. Bodily Discharges (Lev 15:1-33)
16. The Day of Atonement (Lev 16:1-34) 

The Holiness Code (Lev 17-27)

17. Slaughter and Sacrifice (Lev 17:1-16)
18. Sexual Relations (Lev 18:1-30)
19. Instructions in Worship and Ethics (Lev 19:1-37)
20. Penalties for Offenses (Lev 20:1-27)
21. Priests and Offerings (Lev 21:1-22:33)
22. The Festival Calendar (Lev 23:1-44)
23. Daily Worship (Lev 24:1-9)
24. Blasphemy: An Incident and Instruction (Lev 24:10-23)
25. The Sabbath and Jubilee (Lev 25:1-55)
26. Blessings and Curses (Lev 26:1-46)
27. Redemption and Vows (Lev 27:1-34)

Learning from Leviticus (A Summary) Responsibilities of the Bride and Groom fulfilled in D’Varim.

The fact that God devoted an entire book of the Bible to the subject of holiness would indicate that it’s an important subject, one that we dare not ignore. There were many fascinating details in this book, but the main lessons stand out clearly. Let’s summarize a few of these lessons and make some practical applications to our life today.

Our God is a Holy God

Whenever we minimize the holiness of God, we’re in danger of minimizing human sinfulness, and the combination of these two errors results in the minimizing of the Messiah Yeshua. If we want to preach the Gospel, we must have a holy God who abhors sin and has done something about it at great cost. It’s because God is holy, as well as loving, that the atonement is provided.

God’s holiness means His completeness “apartness” from anything that is sinful. God is different from that which is common; God is separate from that which is defiling. But God’s holiness isn’t a static thing. Gods holiness is dynamic (active and alive), a “sea of glass mingled with fire” (Rev 15:2). Everything about God is holy: wisdom, power, judgments, and even love. If His love were not a holy love, He would never have met the just demands of His own nature and His own holy law.

People today have lost the awesome sense of the holiness of God. Why?

Emphasize on holiness is diminishing. Scripture warns against “scratch people where they itch,” instead of directing them to the holy God, who deserves worship and obedience.

The absence of discipline and low standards of conduct indicates that some people don’t take holiness seriously. Think of the words of James, written to worldly believers: “Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom” (James 4:9 NKJV).

Moses and the elders on Mount Sinai beheld the glory of God. Isaiah in the temple reported when he saw, “the Lord… high and lifted up” (Isa 6:1). Contemplate on sinfulness and God’s holiness, Job, Isaiah, Peter, and John fell on their faces in reverence with godly fear.

God wants His people to be holy

Eight times in Scripture, God said, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Since God’s commandments are God’s enablements, this commandment assures us that it’s possible to live a holy life. What health is to the body, holiness is to the soul; and the Great Physician can give us the spiritual health and wholeness that we need.

God wants His people Israel to be “a holy nation” (Ex 19:6), and this high calling applies to believers today (1 Peter 2:9).

Israel had failed and still fails to be a holy nation and therefore failed to give the witness to the world that God wanted them to apply. Not only did Israel suffer for her sins, but also the pagan world suffered by not seeing in Israel the difference it makes when you belong to a holy God. Some communities emphasizes verbal witness but neglects godly character and conduct, and both are important. Yeshua didn’t say, “Ye are the lips of the world,” but “Ye are the light of the world.” He didn’t say, “Ye are the sermons of the earth,” but “Ye are the salt of the earth.” A holy life dispels darkness and repels decay. (Whatever version of scripture one uses, the basic context still applies.)

Holiness begins at the altar

The Book of Leviticus begins at the altar where innocent sacrifices shed their blood for the guilty. It begins with the description of five sacrifices.

The first step toward holiness is the admission of one’s own sin and the recognition of Messiah and walk in His ways. We need spiritual knowledge, and we ought to resolve to cultivate Holy/Godly habits.

God’s has always had an abhorrence of sin. Unless one learns to detest sin, one may never be able to cultivate holiness.

Believing in God reveals God’s power to conquer sin. The purity of Yeshua cleanses (1 Jn 1:7, 9), and brings nearness to God (Eph 2:13), and purges us from sin (Heb 9:14). By accepting His finished work and the sanctified position in Him (13:12), one take steps toward living a holy life.

Holiness involves obedience and discipline

Besides bringing a sacrifice to the altar and going away knowing that sins had been forgiven was a temporary measure. Worshipers also had to obey the rules and regulations that the Lord gave His people concerning what was clean and what was unclean.

One should heed even investigate the dietary laws, and what they illustrate: There are some things in this world that must not get into our system because God disapproves of them. There is reasoning in not to touch a dead body or pick up a bone, and one must be careful “to keep unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). There are conditions and means if one does, God has covered that aspect. Liberty isn’t license to participate in things that aren’t good.

It isn’t enough to read and study the Bible. One suggests, “keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 Jn 3:22). Disciplined obedience is an important part of holy living. It’s important to discuss and debate the Bible, demonstrating its truths in our everyday lives. Listen to God himself and develop an intimate relationship. It is a clarion call.

Walk carefully to keep from being defiled (Eph 5:15). Incorporate God’s standards of holiness into every aspect of daily life: the clothes worn, the food eaten, the things touched, the people with whom one fellowships with. Marriages of husbands and wives: placing their most intimate experiences under the discipline of the Word of God. For everything in life belongs to God.

It’s only when God’s holiness increasingly begins to touch every area of our lives that we can say we’re starting to make progress in being holy.

Holiness must be from God and be genuine

One must be aware of “false zeal.” God disapproved of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, because they brought “false fire” and false zeal into the sanctuary, violating the holy law of God. (See notes in Parashah #36)

One example, today being under the influence of alcohol, Paul’s gives an admonition, “not be drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18).

One must be careful that one’s “fire” is ignited by God’s Spirit from God’s altar and not by the flesh or even demonic forces. Satan is a deceiver, and one must be careful to detect and reject his counterfeits.

Holiness involves priestly mediation

Those not born in the tribe of Levi, was banned from the sacred courts of the tabernacle. He had to come to God by means of the mediation of the priests. Today all of God’s people are priests; but one must come to God through Messiah, our mediating High Priest (1 Peter 2:5).

There can be no growth in holiness apart from fellowship with God. Messiah now carries on the “unfinished work” of our sanctification as He intercedes for us. This is one of the major themes of the Book of Hebrews. He wants to “make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight (Heb 13:21).

God’s people today can respectfully enter into His very presence and fellowship with Him (10:19-22). Through Messiah, we have access to the throne of grace to “obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (4:16). Unless we “take time to be holy” and commune with God, we will never grow in holiness or likeness to Yeshua. Complacency is no excuse.

Lack of holiness affects the land

Some tend to think of sin as an individual activity that affects only the person. Moses made it clear that the sins of the people affected the land God had given them, and that the land would “vomit them out” if they persisted in their rebellion.

Idolatry and sexual immorality are the two sins that God especially singled out as polluting the land. “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. The land was defiled; and enveloped consequences, and the land vomited out its inhabitants” (Lev 18:24-25).

Uphold holy standards. Do communities have the authority to impose God’s laws on the pagans of the land? Profess to know God, practice holy standards. When communities become like the world, there is no influence to change the world and/or the land to be a better place. In Genesis there were mandates.

Idolatry and immorality have invaded and become acceptable in today’s society, being approved and promoted. Instead of remorse and repentance bringing people to their knees soulful weeping, harden hearts exhibit a different sort of acceptable recreation.

God’s Judgment begins “at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17).

Holiness isn’t a private affair

The Old Testament believer was part of a worshiping community; he or she didn’t try to “go it alone.” The priests were the overseers of the spiritual life of the nation; the Levites assisted them; and each member of the nation had a part to play in the ongoing battle against the stain of sin and the world.

One of the dangerous tendencies in communities today is the emphasis on “individual believership,” as though each believer is a ‘Lone Ranger” and doesn’t need anybody else to assist them in their quest for holiness. Of course, we need individual and personal daily devotional times with the Lord, but it mustn’t end there. Everyone needs the help of other believers, and they need us.

The restful Sabbath Day is an opportunity to teach the Word, learn from each other. Each Passover is an opportunity to review God’s mercy toward His people. The Lord’s feasts bring the community together, either to repent or rejoice. When we forsake “the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:25), we rob ourselves of the blessings God gives to those who are a vital part of a worshiping fellowship.

Holiness glorifies the Lord

Since only God can make a person holy, a godly life is a pinnacle of His grace and a tribute to His power. Instruction, mentoring, and encouragement, reveals not only God, who gets the glory, but people see Messiah reproduced in His character and nature, and it changes lives.

We may not see the changes taking place, but God sees them. The important thing is that we keep measuring ourselves in the standards of God and following Yeshua. Keep yielding ourselves and letting Him be glorified in all that we are and do.

Holiness means living to please God alone

If one is walking alone in the land, and accidentally became unclean, one could do one of two things. Stay outside the camp (community) and take the necessary steps for cleansing, or one could return to the camp do nothing about it and remain defiled. But that person would be toxic and secretly defiling everything and everyone in contact.

Unless one obeyed the regulations given in God’s law and became clean again, that person would be living a lie, doing a great deal of damage and inviting disciplinary action.

One of the principles Yeshua stressed in the Sermon on the Mount is that we live our lives before the eyes of God, to please Him alone, and not before the eyes of people in order to impress them (Matt 6:1-18). There are times when what we do is misunderstood but fully understood and approved by God Most High. In other words, Yeshua wants everybody to concentrate on building character.

“Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Heb 4:13), so it’s futile to try to hide. According to 1 John 1:5-10, once we start lying to others (v 6), we’ll soon start lying to ourselves (v 8); and the result will be trying to lie to God (v 10). This leads to a gradual deterioration of character that brings collapse and shame. We seek to live a holy life, not so that we can be recognized as “holy people,” but in order to please a Holy God. We live before Him openly and sincerely, hiding nothing, fearing nothing. Having reverent fear is the only fear that’s acceptable.

Knowing God and becoming more like Him is the easiest thing in the world because God is for us and gives us all the help we want as we seek to attain the goal. But it’s the hardest thing because almost everything within us and around us fights against us, and we have to exercise a holy determination to run the race with perseverance and keep our eyes on the Lord (Heb 12:1-3). Replace defilement of any sort with holiness, that’s our part.

But it can be done; otherwise, God would never have said eight times in His Word, “Be holy, for I am holy!”

His commandments and promises are of His enablement.

 

Parashah 45: Va’etchanan (I pleaded) D’Varim 3:23-7:11

“Remember you were slaves” before you began to believe in Yeshua and his way of life, nature and character and followed God in what He said. The enemy will test continually what you know (even what you think you know) and how you live. Testing your mind, body, soul and spirit and every circumstance.

Believe in the promises of God and Yeshua. Beware of the corrupted, distorted enemy promises, these come in many different forms and tactics. Daily we decide who we are a slave to, in our mind, will and emotions.

This week we focus on point two, from Parashah 44 reading points, “Remember you were slaves, Dt 5:15”.

This week’s reading has 12 commands of the 613. These come under the categories:

• Loans Business, Treatment of slaves Dt 5:21
• Relationship to God Dt 6:4, 5, 13
• Torah Dt 6:7 (x 2), 8 (x 2), 9
• Blasphemy Dt 6:16. Not tempting God’s promises and warnings. “Do not put ADONAI your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah [testing].
• Prohibitions resulting from historical events Dt 7:2, 3.

Looking for a deeper breakdown see below, there are also other commands and prophecies in this section. A reminder that God’s word does not change. The following is a breakdown with associated cross references.

• • Dt 3:23-29. Moshe’s unanswered prayer Verse 28 being a command. Here persistant prayer is a shadow of what Yeshua taught.
  • Dt 4:1 Warnings and charges to the new generation Dt 1-43. Five warnings “Hear and obey the law.” (Dt 4:39)
  • Dt 4:2-8. Do not add to or take from the law but keep it. (Rev 22:18-19). Verses 2 and 6 are commands.
  • Dt 4:9-14 Live diligently by the law and instill it in the children. Verses 9, 10, 14 are commands.
  • Dt 4:15 a command, – 22 Live freely from all adultery which is a form of idolatry (Ex 20:14).
  • Dt 4:23 a command, 24 Cleave to God; never provoke him to jealousy.
  • Dt 4:25–31 (a promise) is the 20fold prophecy of sin, dispersion and conversion in the later days (Dt 30:3). Verse 25, 28 = 7th prophecy fulfilled and being fulfilled. (2 Kgs 17, 25; Ezek 37; Mt 23:26-29; Lk 21:20-24; verses 29-31 will be fulfilled at Isaiah 11:10-12; Zech 12:10-13:1; 14:1-21; Mt 23:39; Rom 11:25-29).
  • Dt 4:32–38 Reasons for God’s miracles.
  • Dt 4:39–40 Both commands. God’s charge to Israel and conditions of blessing them. (Dt 5:30-33; 6:2; 8:1; 11:8; 30:15).
  • Dt 4:41-43 Cities of Refuge (Dt 19:11; Num 35; Josh 20).
  • Dt 4:44-49 Mosaic Law taught the new generation (Dt 4:44-7:26) Location of the giving of the law.
  • Dt 5:1 a command
  • Dt 5:2, 3 Charge to Israel to hear and obey the laws of Sinai. Mosaic covenant not made with man before Moshe.
  • Dt 5:4, 5 How the Mosaic covenant was given to Israel.
  • Dt 5:6, 7 The ten commandments (Ex 20). Law against polytheism. (Polytheism is the belief in, or worship of, more than one god. Derived from the Greek words poly (“many”) and theos (“god”), it contrasts directly with monotheism (the belief in a single, all-powerful deity). Verses 7-9 are commands.
  • Dt 5:8, 9 are commands, 10. Law against idolatry (Ex 20:4-6).
  • Dt 5:11 a command. Law against profanity (Ex 20:7)
  • Dt 5:12-15 are commands. Law against Shabbat breaking (Ex 20:8)
  • Dt 5:16 a command. Law against parental dishonour. (Ex 20:12)
  • Dt 5:17 a command. Law against murder. (Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17; Gen 9:6). Wilful murder (Num 35:16-21); Involuntary murder (Num 35:22-29); Inquest for the slain (Dt 21:1-9).
  • Dt 5:18 a command. Law against adultery (Ex 20:14)
  • Dt 5:19 a command. Law against larceny (Ex 20:15)
  • Dt 5:20 a command. Law against perjury (Ex 20:16)
  • Dt 5:21 a command. Law against covertness (Ex 20:17)
  • Dt 5:22–27 Effect of God’s presence. (Ex 20:18-21)
  • Dt 5:30-33 are commands. Long life and possession of Canaan (Dt 4:39)
  • Dt 6:1-3, verse 3 a command. Commandment to hear and obey to inherit God’s blessing (Dt 4:39)
  • Dt 6:4-5 are commands. The first and great commandment (Mt 22:36; Ex 20:1). Dt 6:4-9 The Shema is relevant, composed of three passages, The first passage has 42 words, name of God, with (Dt 11:13-21 has 72 words encoded with the names of God; Num 15:37-41). Remember what greatest connection to God was asked in the gospel of Mark 12:29, 30.  Genuine connection to God leads to all the connections to the rest. How you love others is also how you love yourself. Meditate on that. Have unity with God, be impregnated with His Word. He is the greatest gift we have. God is one, God is love, He unifies all creation.
  • Dt 6:6-9 are commands. Responsibility of parents. (v 20-25; 4:9)
  • Dt 6:10-18 verses 12-18 are commands. Warning of backsliding in prosperity of God’s word (Dt 8:10; 9:1). Verse 10 is the 8th prophecy in Dt (6:10-12 fulfilled in the settlement of Canaan, Josh 13:1-21:45).
  • Dt 6:20-25 Duties of parents. Verse 21 is a command.
  • Dt 7:1-6 Verses 2-5 are commands. Laws of conquest and segregation (Num 31:17; Ex 23:32).
  • Dt 7:7-8 Why God chose Israel (Dt 9:1-6; Gen 18:19)
  • Dt 7:9-10 God’s character (Dt 10:12-22; 32:3-4).
  • Dt 7:11 a command and 9th prophecy in Dt (7:11-24 fulfilled in settlement in Canaan).

  From this last dot point to the end of the end of chapter 7, it details the 27 conditional blessings. Taking note that verses 18, 25, and 26 are commands.

Yesha’yahu 40:1-26

This section looks beyond captivities (Chapters 40-66). Consolation with a view of return from captivity (40:1-48:22). Comfort, no sins (Jer 31:31-40; Rom 11:26). Just as we must look beyond our difficult circumstances, there is hope ahead. Isaiah was instructing people to get their eyes off themselves and look by faith to God who loved them and promised to do great things for them. “Be not afraid”. “Behold your God”. God is greater than our circumstances. Look at the faith of Yeshua.

As the remnant in Babylon looked back they saw failure and sin, and they needed encouragement. Four voices are heralded here;

1. The voice of pardon. v 1-2
2. The voice of providence. v 3-5
3. The voice of promise. v 6-8
4. The voice of peace. v 9-11

Verses 40:1, 2, 6, 9 and 26 are commands. 40:1 Comfort, <05162> נחם nacham pronounced naw-kham. Means repent, comforter, ease. In the context of;

1. to be sorry, console oneself, repent of, regret, comfort, be comforted, be moved to pity, have compassion
2. rue, suffer grief
3. to comfort oneself
4. ease oneself
5. be consoled

40:2 speak comfortably <03820> לב leb pronounced labe. From the standpoint of; heart, mind, midst, understanding, hearted, wisdom, comfortably, well, considered, friendly, kindly, stouthearted, care. Expanding;

1. inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
2. inner part, midst
3. midst (of things)
4. heart (of man)
5. soul, heart (of man)
6. mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
7. inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
8. conscience
9. heart (of moral character)
10. as seat of appetites
11. as seat of emotions and passions
12. as seat of courage

The Duty of Administering comfort can be read in the following (See Ac 16:40); (Isa 40:1; 1 Co 14:3,31; 2 Co 2:7; 1 Th 4:18; 5:11,14).

Now let us take a closer look at each voice mentioned. Again, whose voice does one listen to?

(1) The voice of pardon (v 1-2). The nation had sinned against the Lord, with their idolatry, injustice, immorality, and insensitivity to His messengers (Jer 7). But they were still people, and He loved them. Though He would chasten them, He would not forsake them. “Speak tenderly” means “speak to the heart,” and “warfare” means “severe trials.” “Double”, does not suggest that God’s chastening’s are unfair, for He is merciful even in allowing punishments (Ezra 9:13). God chastened them in an equivalent measure to what they had done (Jer 16:18). We should not sin, but if we do, God is waiting to pardon (1 Jn 1:5-2:2), so long as there follows a repentant heart.

(2) The voice of providence (v 3-5). The Jews returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, and the Lord would go before them to open the way. The picture here is of an ambassador repairing the roads and removing obstacles, preparing the way for the coming of a king. The image of the highway is frequent in Isaiah’s prophecy (read 11:16). Of course, the ultimate fulfillment here is in the ministry of John the Baptister as he prepared the way for the ministry of Yeshua (Mt 3:1-6). Spiritually speaking, Israel was in the wilderness when Yeshua came, but when He came, God’s glory came (Jn 1:14). The way back may not be easy, but if we are trusting God, it will be easier.

(3) The voice of promise (v 6-8). “All flesh is grass!” Assyria was gone, and now Babylon was gone. Like the grass, nations and their leaders fulfill their purposes and then fade away, but the Word of God abides forever (Ps 37:1.2; 90:1-6; 103:15-18; 1 Pet 1:24-25). As they began their long journey home, Israel could depend on God’s promises, and so can we. Perhaps, they were especially claiming (2 Chr 6:36-39).

(4) The voice of peace (v 9-11). Now the nation itself comes out of the valley and climbs the mountaintop to declare God’s victory. To “bring good tidings” means “to preach the Good News.” The good news in that day was the defeat of Babylon and the release of the captive Jews (52:7-9). The Good News today is the defeat of sin and Satan by Yeshua and all who will trust in Him (61:1-3; Luke 4:18,19). God’s arm is a mighty arm for winning the battle (Isa 40:10), but it’s also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs (v 11). “We are coming home!” would be good news to the devastated cities of Judah (1:7; 36:1; 37:26)

The circumstances before us (Isa 40:12-26). The Jews were few in number, only a remnant, and facing a long and difficult journey. The victories of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia made it look as though the false gods of the Gentiles were stronger than the God of Israel, but Isaiah reminded the people of the greatness of Yehovah. When you behold the greatness of God, then you will see everything else in life in its proper perspective.

God is greater than anything on earth (v 12-20) or anything in heaven (v 21-26). Creation shows His wisdom, power, and immensity. He is greater than the nations and their gods. He founded the earth and sits on the throne of heaven, and nothing is equal to our God, let alone greater than our God. The next time you are tempted to think that the world is bigger than God, remember the “drop of a bucket” (v 15) and the “grasshoppers” (v 22; read Num 13:33). And if you ever feel so small that you wonder if God really cares about you personally, remember that He knows the name of every star (Isa 40:26) and your name as well! (See Jn 10:3, 27.) The same God who numbers and names the stars can heal your broken heart (Ps 147:34).

Someone defined “circumstances” as “those things you see when you get your focus off God.” If you look at God through your circumstances, He will seem small and very far away, but if by faith you look at your circumstances through God, He will draw very near and reveal His greatness to you. The circumstances within us (Isa 40:27-31). Praising the Lord, stop complaining to Him. He doesn’t act as though He did not know their situation or have any concern for their problems (v 27; 49:14). The same for us, He knows. Instead of seeing the open door of opportunity, the Jews saw only the long road before them, and they complained that they did not have strength for the journey. Was God was asking them to do the impossible?

God knows how one feels and how one fears, and He is adequate to meet every need. We can never obey God in our own strength, but we can always trust Him to provide the strength needed (Phil 4:13). Every person and every circumstance are teachers.

Mattityahu 4:1-11; 22:33-40

Temptation is one focus in this section, which is also significant in Mk 1:12; Lk 4:1; Heb 2:9-18; 4:14; 5:9.

Yeshua states in Mt 12:26: If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? One answer may be – When people agree with, act out and empower what the demonic has enticed.

Three commands:

1. Mt 4:4 But he answered, ‘The Tanakh says, ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of ADONAI’ (Dt 8:3).
2. Mt 4:7 Yeshua replied to him, “But it also says, ‘Do not put ADONAI your God to the test.”
3. Mt 4:10 “Away with you Satan” Yeshua told him, “For the Tanakh says, “Worship ADONAI your God, and serve only him.” (Dt 6:13-14)

One promise: (Shows the enemy of the soul also knows scripture in its fullness.)

Mt 4:6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “jump” For the Tanakh says, ‘He will order his angels to be responsible for you…. They will support you with their hands, so that you will not hurt your feet on the stones.”

As well as replies or explanations, Yeshua asked over 300 questions across the four Gospels, ranging from theological challenges to deeply personal inquiries. While He was asked 183 questions, He rarely answered them directly, preferring to use His questions to teach, challenge motives, and encourage faith.

Yeshua’s questions can be broadly grouped into these key categories:

• Identity and Faith
• Personal and Heart-Checking Questions
• Theological and Scriptural Challenges
• Observations on Human Nature

Yeshua frequently drew insights from everyday life and human behaviour, often phrasing them as probing questions.

Mark 12:28-34

You fill in the blanks……

Priority: (Mark 12:28-34). One challenger to Yeshua was a scribe. When he started his conversation with Yeshua, who was a tool of the Pharisees who were trying to get evidence (Matt 22:35), the scribe stood and dared to commend the Lord for His reply. The Word had spoken to the man’s heart and he was beginning to get a deeper spiritual understanding of the faith he thought he understood.

What does it mean when a person is not far from the kingdom of God? It means that the person is facing the truth honestly and is not interested in defending even personal prejudices. Meaning, testing personal faith by what the Word of God says and not by what some group demands. People close to the kingdom have the courage to stand up for what is true even if they lose friends and make enemies. These leads on to Identity (v 35-37).

May our walls of separation from God be broken quickly so we may see Him face to Face in the way He wants us to view Him. What is your priority?

Luke 4:1-13; 10:25-37

Two thought provoking questions are raised in this section.

Luke 10:26: Yeshua responds to an expert in the law by asking, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

He challenges the expert to interpret the text not just through rote knowledge, but with insight and discernment, ultimately leading to the expert’s correct identification of the law’s essence: loving God with all one’s being and loving one’s neighbour as oneself.

Luke 10:36: “Of these three, which one seems to you to have become the neighbour of the man who fell among robbers?”

This may be a lot to take in, let the Ruach guide you as to what is needed. He gave you the breath of life, live. An acronym for HOPE can be bringing heaven over people everywhere. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. When we are able to mourn the loss of something in our lives it is then we are comforted. May El Gibbor (Mighty God) instill in us his strong, might, warrior elements to our soul to fight the enemy and his draining tactics from our soul. Matt 5:4 “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. This week may we be aware of the intimacy with God. When confronted with life’s challenges, He will supply our needs with unmerited kindness.