The Secrets of the Dreidel by Elder Jason Jordan

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The Secrets of the Dreidel by Elder Jason Jordan

The Secrets of the Dreidel

Video Teaching Part 1


Video Teaching Part 2



 

 

Study notes and Slides

(Slide 1) One of the customs done on the holiday of Chanukah, in addition to lighting the menorah and eating ladakahs, is spinning the dreidel. A dreidel is a top, made of clay or wood. 
The Hebrew word for dreidel is sevivon, which means “to turn around.” Dreidel is a Yiddish word that comes from the German word drehen. Drehen means “to spin.” On the dreidel are four Hebrew letters, which are nun (נ), gimel (ג), hey (ה) and shin (ש).

 

(Slide 2) The dreidel is a Jewish variant on the teetotum, a gambling toy found in many European cultures. A teetotum (or T-totum) was known across Europe from Roman times. The name originates from Latin Totum meaning 'all' which was marked by a T on one of the four sides, indicated that the winning player could take all the played tokens.

Until recently the best explanation you’d get from me about the custom of playing dreidel on Chanukah was an answer about it being played as a ruse to trick the oppressors of the Jews into thinking they were playing games instead of studying Torah. The problem is that this is only the surface meaning behind the custom.

 

The Pashot

(Slide) What is the reason that we should play dreidel on Chanukah? On the p’shot level, the plain meaning, we play dreidel games to remember a time when the Jews were forbidden to study Torah in the Holy Land. The Syrian-Greeks had outlawed any form of studying Torah and anyone found doing so was killed mercilessly. In those days, Torah teachers would go into the mountains with students and study the Torah in caves. When the Syrian-Greek soldiers found them, they would hide their Torah scrolls and produce the dreidels in order to trick their occupiers into thinking they were just playing harmless games.

(Slide) The Al Hanisim prayer, a special benediction we recite on Chanukah, says, “L’hashkicham toretecha ul’haviram me’chukei retzonecha,” which roughly translates as “They tried to make us forget Your Torah and transgress Your will.” The Greeks wanted the Jews to forget the Torah and transgress the will of Yahweh. 
After the miracle of Chanukah, the one day’s supply of oil lasting eight days, the Hebrew letters were added to the Dreidel. The letters stand for the expression, “Nes gadol hayah sham,” which means “A great miracle happened there.” (In Israel, the letters that appear on dreidels are nun, gimmel, hey, and pey, for “Nes gadol hayah poh,” which means “A great miracle happened here.”)

The Rules

(Slide) The game play consists of turns between players at spins of the dreidel. Each play begins with an equal number of Chanukah gelt, playing chips or pennies. At the beginning of each round, every participant puts one game piece into the center. In addition, every time the centre is empty or has only one game piece left, every player should put one in the centre.
If a player gets a Nun, this means “nisht” or “nothing” in Yiddish. The player does nothing.

Gimmel means “gantz” or “everything” in Yiddish. The player gets everything in the centre. 
Hay means “halb” or “half” in Yiddish. The player gets half of the centre pieces (If there is an odd number of pieces in the pot, the player takes half of the total plus one.)
If a player gets a Shin, which means “shtel” or “put in” in Yiddish, he adds a game piece to the centre.
If you find that you have no game pieces left, you are out. When one person has won everything, that round of the game is over!
So this is the p’shot of the dreidel, to remember that there was a time when studying Torah was a capital offense.

The Remez

(Slide) On the level of remez, the hint is this. When Moshiach comes, all of the holidays will be absorbed. What does that mean? They will become minor holidays and Chanukah and Purim will become the major High Holidays. Chanukah and Puram are victory celebrations, while the other High Holidays are not so much about victory but removal from sin and receiving nearness, maintenance and atonement. (Click) Purim and Chanukah are about self-sacrifice and it is for this reason that their significance takes on an even more special quality in the Messianic age. They grab the Almighty’s supreme attention. These Holidays were created by man and sanctified by Yahweh and represent celebratory bond that all the other High Holidays do not possess. The whole idea that these holidays are separate from the Moadim of the Torah, an observation that causes their rejection by some, are their actual strengths and is the reason why they are so important to celebrate.

(Slide) The letters nun (נ), gimel (ג), hey (ה) and shin (ש) can also be read as Goshna, “to Goshen.” Goshen was a type of Promised Land and represents the Messianic era, after a state of exile. So as the dreidel spins and lands on each letter, it represents that spinning sensation of exile that eventually comes to a halt and makes us arrive in stages into the Promised Land, the age of redemption, the Messianic era. The numerical value, the gematria of Goshna is 358. This is the same numerical value as the Hebrew word “Moshiach” (Messiah). We play this game to remind us that there will be a future that will be better than today.

With the addition of the letter pey, instead of a shin that equals 138 is the gematria of Menachem, one of the names of Moshiach, which means “comforter.” This is the greatest name of Moshiach, even over rescuer, because it’s the revelation of being saved that comforts us greatly.

The Drush (Homiletics)

(Slide) The rabbis tell us that the four sides of the dreidel and the four letters are symbolic of the four exiles the Children of Israel. Through the years, the enemy has tried to destroy the righteous seed through assimilation and separation from the Land of Israel and the ways of Yahweh. The first captivity was from Babylon. The end of that 70 year exile brought about the time when the Persians ruled. Haman and his wicked henchmen sought to exterminate the Hebrews. Later the Greeks developed their competitive culture with sporting events and philosophy to sway the Israelites from spirituality. Then finally the Romans adopted all three approaches. But after each exile, comes a point where we are brought closer to Elohim.

(Slide) The four exiles are alluded to in the very beginning of the Torah in the second passage of the Book of Genesis. In English it is usually rendered, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of Elohim was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:2)”

The Babylonians - Formless

The expression “formless and empty (void)” is rendered in Hebrew as “אֶרֶץ erets הָיָה hayah וּהתֹּ tohuw וּהבֹּ bahuw.” The word tohuw means “formless” and bahuw means “empty.”
This is linked to Jeremiah 4:23 where it says “I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty; and at the heavens, and their light was gone.” This passage speaks of the Babylonian exile, using the rhetoric of Genesis 1. So the Hebrew word for “formless” tohuw represents the Babylon exile.

The Persians – Empty (Void)

(Slide) The word “void” (empty) also used in Jeremiah 4 is alluded to in the book of Esther where it says in Esther 6:14 that “they rushed Haman to come” in that the word for rushed is להַבְּ bahal which represents alarm and has the same root as the Hebrew word for void or empty. So bahuw represents the Persian exile.

The Greeks - Darkness

(Slide) Then, where it says “the world was dark,” represents the Greeks, who wanted the Jews to deny their Creator. The Hebrew word for darkness is ךְשֶׁחֹ choshek. As it says in Midrash Rabbah – Bereishit 2:4, “And darkness symbolizes Greece, which darkened the eyes of Israel with its decrees, ordering Israel to, 'write on the horn of an ox that they have no portion in the portion of Israel.’”

(Slide) According to Sfat Emet Chanukah 5636, “The Greeks rejected the idea of Creation, thus the idea of Shabbat was an absurdity to their way of thinking. Similarly, the idea of a "new month" was absurd: For Jews, the new month indicates renewal and a testimony to Creation. The Greeks clearly rejected this notion. Moreover, the Torah teaches us this process of renewal and the testimony it bears are within the domain of the Jew: The new moon occurs only when declared by the Rabbinic court, indicating that the so-called forces of nature are placed under our control. This tenet of Jewish philosophy is encapsulated in the midrash in which the angels ask Elohim when the new moon is and Elohim responds, "Ask the Jews." Elohim, as it were, is seen to have abdicated the right to declare the new moon, which is a physical reality, and given it over to the courts, making it a religious act. This idea must have been particularly offensive to the Greeks, for whom natural phenomena were sacrosanct, not influenced or dictated by man, and certainly not by the Jews.”

By outlawing the sanctification of the New Moon it caused Israel to descend into darkness, hence ךְשֶׁחֹ choshek.

The Romans – An Abyss

(Slide) Then there is the expression “over the face of the abyss.” This represents the Roman exile, which was the worst, because it appeared to have no end like an abyss. The Hebrew word for abyss is םוֹהתְּ tĕhowm, which comes from a Hebrew root that means “to distract” and “discomfit.”

(Slide) But the verse concludes with the Ruach of Elohim hovering over each of these exiles.
So the verse reads, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of Elohim was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:2)” But it can be rendered “Now the earth was subject to a formless exile, an empty exile, a dark exile and a deep exile, but Elohim hovered over them all.” Now as one continues to read on, he sees that Yahweh creates a good land, inhabiting it with all good things and populates it with His people. This light is the light of Moshiach, which vanquishes the exiles. This is the blueprint of all creation, right there in the second verse of the Torah. So this is the drush of the dreidel.

The Sod

(Slide) What is the Sod? The esoteric level. Again we look at the four letters. These letters represent the four forms of exile. 
The nun represents the nefesh, the soul. The Babylonians destroyed the Holy Temple, which represented the connection point to the soul of Yahweh’s people.

The gimel represents guf, the body. Then Persia tried to destroy the body, whether they kept Torah or not, they wanted to kill the bodies of the Jews.

The shin is שָׂכַל sakhel (consideration) which is the intellect. The sakhel represents the Greeks, who tried to kill the Jews through intellect, through vain philosophy.

The hey stands for הקהל hakhel, everything (the entire assembly). The hakhel, the entire ensemble of exiles are encapsulated in the Roman exile. They tried all the former forms of exile on the Jews.

Conclusion

Each face of the dreidel symbolises the four basic modes of being. We all have our Gimmel days, when we feel that everything is going great, and we all have our Hei days, when things are going quite well. Then we have our Nun days when we feel like we’re not getting anywhere, and our Shin days when we feel we lose a little bit of who we are. Each of these letters represents only one face of the Dreidel -- only a single angle or perspective of the whole.

 
(Slide) The Maccabees did not dwell on the absolute dire consequences of their situation. They focused on the Gimmel that was on the other face of the Shin. We must remember that whenever we seem to be getting a lemon in life, it's all part of one Dreidel. And that Dreidel is telling us that miracles happen. We can transform the dark situations of life into the bright light of the Chanukah Menorah. This depends upon our faith in Elohim’s plan, and our commitment to create a vehicle for such a miracle to happen.

Though the beautiful land of Goshen was set within what would eventually be a hellhole for Israel, Ya’akov looked at all of the letters of the Dreidel, and realised that hidden in the exile are the seeds of redemption. Israel prospered, built on houses of Torah study, which taught them that no exile can hold sway over them while they help fast to Yahweh’s decrees.

This is the secret meaning of the dreidel. The letters represent the four major exiles, which after their endurance, bring us closer to the Messianic age and at the end of the Messianic age, the Olam Haba (The World-to-Come). The objective of exile is that the more we go down, the more we will eventually go up.

Through my own actions, I’ve put myself in one of the lowest places that I can ever remember being, but in that very low place, the lowest part of the womb, the birth canal, the most constrictive place, where the potential death of the mother and baby reaches its highest probability, there comes the birth, the elevation, the release. There comes true life.

(Slide) The miracle of Chanukah is the irony of a children’s game used to mask the true purpose of life, but in actually containing the true purpose of life concealed within its very make-up. At the time, the students may have thought that the game was a distraction from their true purpose in life, but Elohim conceals His countenance within the mundane and only through commitment to understand Yahweh within the ordinary facets of life do we make the deepest connection. 
A dreidel can’t spin forever ladies and gentleman. Eventually it stops. Just keep playing and your reward will come.
Will this be the last Chanukah we have in the exile? Only Yahweh knows. 
This is my message. Happy Chanukah everyone.

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Lost In Translation - Part 4 The Menorah

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Lost In Translation - Part 4 The Menorah

Study Note Slides


Study Notes

Lost in Translation Part 4- The Menorah

Slide 1

Introduction: The theme of this entire series should by now become apparent. There are many areas of mistranslation but the over-riding theme we have looked at has been Covenant since from times past ever since Adam & Chavah (Eve) sinned YAHWEH has been working to bring man back into Covenant relationship through a series of progressive Covenants. Ha Satan on the other hand has been working to cause man to break the Covenant and enter into a counter Covenant of rebellion against YAHWEH. Throughout the entire Christian World the Bride’s redemptive price has taken centre stage. Since this price was the blood of Yahshua Ha Machiach (Yahshua the Messiah) its importance must never be forgotten. 

Slide 2

Through the words of Sha’ul (Paul) this central theme of redemption through remembrance of the sacrifice of Yahshua has become the only necessary teaching for all of Christendom:

1 Corinthians 11:25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the renewed covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

The thought of YAHWEH sending his son to redeem the world as a Bridegroom would redeem his bride has so captivated the World of believers that the Tree/Cross has become the end all for most believers but the truth is that it begins this wonderful journey back into the presence of YAHWEH. 

Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Messiah, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward Elohim (G_d), 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Though the redemption from our former life through the forgiveness of sin is paramount this scripture speaks of progressing beyond the basic principles of faith just like the Bride must go beyond opening the door to the prospective Bridegroom & move into more commitment to become the Bride without spot or blemish. To know what that means is the centre of our teaching. 

When it was the appointed time Yahshua said to his disciples at the table to eat the bread & drink the wine in remembrance of him at that Pesach (Passover). Though the remembrance of that Passover is very important today we will endeavour to see what long establish central truth has been ignored & overlooked from all of Christendom as a result but is clearly not indicated in scripture. 

Slide 3

The Menorah: Throughout all Scripture the image of the Menorah played an important role so today I wish to discuss its role and its importance as a unique physical instrument that brings great spiritual truth.

 

Slide 4

Elohim & Metaphors: As central as the Betrothal/ Marriage to the message of Elohim is, it is not the only sustained Metaphor throughout Scripture. There is another tied to a sacred object that YAHWEH designed himself which resonates almost as powerful throughout Scripture and that is the Menorah. The Betrothal & Menorah Metaphors complement each other. The Betrothal tells us how YAHWEH thinks about us while the Menorah shows us his plan for restoring his bride to himself. 

Slide 5

The Menorah as a sacred symbol: As you read this material concerning the Menorah and discover its Scriptural significance to the believers’ community you will discover that it reveals Yahshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) & that is dependent upon understanding the Hebraic roots of our faith. 

The significance cannot be overstressed since it occupies a great many verses in scripture in Shemoth (Exodus) 25- 40, Vayiqra (Leviticus) 24:4, Bemidbar (Numbers) 3-8. Its construction is very detailed & served as the only light in the Qadosh (Holy) place representing the light of Elohim (G_d) for his people. 

The Menorah (Lampstand) is conceivably the most comprehensive of all Biblical symbols. As such, it is important that believers investigate the origin, use and purpose of this symbol referenced in both the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the Brit Chadashah (New Testament). We will discover that this Menorah symbolizes many things such as the Nation of Israel, the Qahal (body of believers), the Ruach Ha Qodesh (Holy Spirit), the Word of Elohim, the Seven Spirits of Elohim, even the Master Yahshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) himself as "the light of the world."

Slide 6

Significant Layout:

What is extremely significant is the layout that we derive from the Garden of Eden, The Mishkan (the Tabernacle) & the Hekal (The Temple). All had the same divisions representing the “Outer Court”, the “Holy Place” & the Holy of Holies”.  

Though the Menorah with its 7 lamps, 70 garnishings on its leaves, 12 foundational divisions represent many deep understandings we will look at a more general theme of the Menorah. 

The Menorah candles or lamps were to be arranged so as to "give light in front of it." What does this mean? This meant that all the six candles should face inward, toward the center candle. But this arrangement is contrary to the normal method of diffusing the light in as wide an area as possible. What this arrangement does is to concentrate the light, toward the center, thus making the whole shine more as one single large unified or “Echad” light.

This tells us that the Menorah's unique structure was more designed for a spiritual purpose than for a physical or practical purpose.

Slide 7

The Representation of Elohim:

We find an amazing truth about the symbolism of the Menorah found in the following:

1 Shemuel (Samuel) 3:1-3 And the young Shemu’ĕl was serving YAHWEH before Ĕli. And the Word of YAHWEH was rare in those days – no vision breaking forth. 2 And it came to be in that day, that Ĕli was lying down in his place. And his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he was unable to see, 3 And the lamp of Elohim had not gone out in the Mishkan(Tabernacle) of YAHWEH where the ark of Elohim was. 

 

Here the Menorah becomes identified as "THE LAMP OF Elohim". As such, the Menorah is a timeless symbol. This seven-branched candlestick, for many Christians (if recognized at all) has been regarded as little more than a Jewish relic.

Notice the circumstances surrounding Samuel's prophetic call and the existing condition of Israel. The lamp of Elohim was going out and soon afterward the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant. Eli, the judge and High priest of Israel, had died and a child was born to Phinehas his son whose name says it all, Ichabod meaning "The glory of Elohim has departed." In principle this story could very well parallel many of the conditions within the “Church” in history, and serve as a prophetic picture of our own time. The setting was at evening time, the light from the Lamp of Elohim was shining less brightly in the temple and there was "no open vision" (revelation). It is very unusual that the lamp of EL (God) would have been going out at the very time of day when it normally should have been freshly fuelled and burning its brightest. The Qahal (Assembly) can learn valuable lessons from this story. We could very well be approaching the end of the age (evening). The Lamp of YAH, which is the Word of YAH (Tehillim- Psa. 119:105) and our understanding of it, has been seriously eroded due in great part to our forsaking the foundations of our faith rooted in the Hebrew heritage. 

Slide 8

The judgment of Elohim is impending as Yahshua predicted.

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins,
which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. . . .While
the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ... And
the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps
are gone out. (Mt 25:1,2,5,8).

In prophetic expression, Yahshua predicts that just prior to his coming a large percentage of the Kingdom of YAH will be spiritually asleep. He seems to indicate that there would be an unawareness of the gravity of time. A clear vision into the purposes of YAH and the destiny of man would be missing. The virgins were not aware of the eminent coming of the Bridegroom. Because the Qahal (body of believers) seems to be experiencing storms of "every wind of doctrine" (Eph 4:14), there is a lot of end-time events & confusion in our world. This is generating complacency and serious apathy towards truth. Many seemingly do not care which is the down side. The up side is this:

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. (Mt 25:7)

Slide 9

A sweet rain of pure truth has been predicted for the "pure in heart. It was at evening time when the lampstand was refuelled for greater burning in the Temple. If we are indeed in some close proximity to the end of the age it is "lamp trimming time." In other words, it is 'Biblical research time' for the body of Messiah.

Is this not why there is a growing movement today to return to our Hebrew roots:

Zecharyah (Zechariah) 8:23 Thus said YAHWEH of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all languages of the nations shall take hold, yea, they shall take hold of the edge of the garment of a man, a Yehuḏite, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that Elohim is with you.” 

 

Yermeyahu (Jeremiah) 16:19 The Gentiles shall come to You From the ends of the earth and say, “Surely our fathers have inherited lies, Worthlessness and unprofitable things.

Slide 10

Another prophet of restoration in whose vision the symbol of the Menorah appeared was Zechariyah (Zechariah). He was one who was highly motivated and involved in the restoration of the walls of Yarushalayim (Jerusalem) and the Holy Temple. There is a definite similarity between Samuel's experience and that of Zechariyah. As the vision unfolded before Zechariah, he beheld a huge candlestick (Menorah) with seven lamps upon the top of it. While beholding the scene, he heard a voice:

And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked,
and behold a Menorah all of gold, with a bowl upon the top
of it, and its seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven
lamps, which are upon the top thereof: . . .Then he answered
and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of YAHWEH unto
Zerubbabel,[the restorer] saying, Not by might, nor by power,
but by my Ruach (spirit), saith YAHWEH the LORD of hosts (Zech. 4:2,6).
 

In this case it symbolized the seven-fold spirit or spirits of Elohim at work in the restoration efforts taking place in Yarushalayim (Jerusalem). 

Slide 11

When Yahshua spoke these words from the Sermon on the Mount we see a picture of the Menorah as well: 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a MENORAH; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the Torah (Law), or the prophets (Nevim): I am not come to destroy, but to complete (fulfil).         ( Mt. 5:14-17)

The Qahal (Assembly) here is represented by the symbol of the menorah. The lesson is that the Qahal (called of YAH assembly) must become the light of the world (a reflection of the Word of YAH). The book of Revelation gives substantial affirmation to this assertion when the angel states:

Slide 12

... the seven CANDLESTICKS(Menoroth) which thou sawest are the seven CHURCHES. (Rev. 1:20

Further confirmation is given to us in chapter two where Elohim, through his angel (Malak), implores the Assembly of Ephesus to return to its first love:

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love


Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy MENORAH (CANDLESTICK) out of its place, except thou repent. Rev. 2:4-5

A spiritual interpretation could be reasonably rendered from this passage but evidently there is also a very practical side to consider. There is every reason for us to conclude that this Menorah symbol was physically on display in those first century Assemblies, and for good reason. First, as a congregation, they were more "Judeo-Nazarene" in nature and appearance than the subsequent church that became more Greko-Roman in orientation. The indication is that the MENORAH must have served as an official symbol of identity with that body of Netzar (Nazarene) assemblies originating in Jerushalayim (Jerusalem) who had been birthed of Judaism. YAHWEH Elohim did not want the Ephesus congregation, if it remained in its existing loveless condition, to even be considered by the public as representing the Judeo-Nazarene faith. 

Menorah Symbolism:

The spirit of Love is central to the very essence and nature of Elohim as is demonstrated in the symbolism of the Menorah. The centre lamp of the Menorah is, in Hebrew, called the Ner Elohim the "Lamp of Elohim" as well as Shamash the term also for Sun. Since the scriptures teach that "YAHWEH is love" (1 John 4:8), one might even call this centre light the "Love Lamp" amidst the seven. Therefore the threat of the candlestick's removal was very significant. The absence of love was sufficient cause to threaten the disenfranchisement of the Ephesus congregation from the body of Congregations representing Messiah (Machiach) in that area.

Slide 13

We read in Revelation 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of Elohim (God). 

What are the *seven spirits of Elohim and what is their mission? Isaiah the prophet is very specific on this point:

And the spirit of YAHWEH the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the YAHWEH. (Isa 11:2)

The purpose for mentioning these seven spirits ablaze before the throne of Elohim is to show that the principles of the Menorah are also manifested in the heavenlies.

In our studies we have talked about the overarching theme of Covenant and Betrothal and from what we have seen the Menorah symbolizes the presence of Machiach (Messiah) but I wish to liken it as a gift from our Bridegroom representing him revealing his heart of love being central with the other characteristics of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge and the fear of YAHWEH reflecting who he is and what his desire is for his beloved the Bride. Since the Menorah is the only light in the Qadosh place (The Holy Place) in the Tabernacle & it symbolizes Yahshua as the light of the World only through him can we approach the presence of YAHWEH within the Most Qadosh place (The Holy of Holies). Further the Menorah is a constant reminder to encourage us that his presence is with us through the Ruach Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) who leads us, that we may have Messiah formed in us. 

The Menorah & the Book of Revelation: 

To anyone with Hebraic understanding and knowledge of the Menorah as a sacred instrument of structure with many depths of understanding the book of Revelation is a powerful proof of Hebraic roots. Like Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:15-28, Yahuchanan (John) saw a similar picture in Revelation 1:12-20. Each branch was also an entire seven- branched menorah unto itself like the “wheels within wheels” described by Ezekiel.  We therefore get a spinning Menorah and this is also described as the throne of Elohim. To fully grasp this we need to see the events of Revelation through the image of the multi-faceted Menorah since we have the following also revealed through the form of the Menorah:

Slide 14

  1. Seven letters.

  2. Seven seals.

  3. Seven Trumpets.

  4. Seven thunders.

  5. Seven Bowls.

  6. Seven Angelic Proclamations.

  7. Seven Evil Kingdoms.

Just as the Menorah is lit from the right (YAHWEH’s Covenant side) to the left (Satan’s Counter Covenant side) so events happen from right to left. 

Slide 15, Slide 16

The truth so easily overlooked in the Book of Revelation is that it is written in a way that reveals everything through the Menorah metaphor going from right to left just like a Menorah would be lit. By so doing we have a Divinely inspired book giving us a perfect sequential Chronology that can only reveal a Hebrew Origin revealed by the hand of the Master to his servant Yahuchanan (John). 

However in Spiritual terms the Menorah is also an image of the people of Elohim. Just as the branches of the original were conduits of the oil we are the pipes for the oil of the Ruach Ha Qodesh (the Holy Spirit) ignited from the Shamash representing Messiah at the Centre so we are conduits of the power, the light and the glory that comes from Yahshua when he dwells at the centre of our lives. 

Removing sin allows his truth, mind and spirit to flow through to the wick unimpeded giving forth his light as a witness. Yahshua our Kohen Ha Gadol (High Priest) tends his Menorah (Lampstand) since he will not extinguish a smouldering wick (Matt 12:20) but will breathe on it with the light of his Spirit.

Conclusion:

While the preaching of the Tree (the cross) and its message is indeed "the power of Elohim unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16), so horrible was the scene at the execution tree (the cross), that the Heavenly Father could not bring Himself to look upon it became Yahshua became sin for us. Therefore it is doubtful that Yahshua (Jesus), if He was on earth, would encourage the historic emphasis and high profile we have placed on it.

The Tree (Cross) would bring back haunting memories of excruciating torment as is indicated by the writer of Hebrews when he states that our Saviour "endured the execution tree (the cross) despising the shame" (Heb. 12:2).

Perhaps this is why the tree (the cross) is so glaringly missing, indeed totally absent, from the abundance of symbolism to be found in the book of the "Revelation of Yahshua Ha Machiach (Jesus the Christ)." It is simply nowhere there to be found.

Since Yahshua is coming back for his bride he is not coming as the suffering servant but rather as the Bridegroom extraordinaire, the King of Glory (Melek Ha Olam) so we further read how Yahuchanan (John) in Revelation sees him: 

Revelation (Chazon) 1:10 I came to be in the Spirit on the Day of YAHWEH, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the ‘Aleph’ and the ‘Tav’, the First and the Last,” 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead and He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid, I am the First and the Last,

Slide 17

I pray as we observe the lighted Menorah, that the richness and beauty of everything it represents blesses us and I hope we are exceedingly encouraged by its symbolism, to become the true Bride without spot or blemish as we have the blessed opportunity of being the Menorah of Elohim in the Earth since Yahshua calls us his beloved, the “Light of the World” to the esteem of our beloved Bridegroom & eternal King (the Melek Ha Olam) & to the Praise of Av YAHWEH our Heavenly Father and eternal Elohim. Amein. 


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Lost in Translation - Part 3 Enter the Dragon

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Lost in Translation - Part 3 Enter the Dragon

Part 3 of lost in Translation delves into the unique Biblical world of Satan with his Demons & God's Holy Angels or Malakim and how they affect us in the Phy...

Part 3 Segment 2

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Lost in Translation Part 3- Enter the Dragon

Aim: The purpose of this discussion is to examine an area of understanding that is very often overlooked but is highly important. We have studied in Part 1 & 2 how YAHWEH our Elohim from the time of Adam & Chavah (Eve) was drawing his people back into intimacy through the establishment of the various Covenants. Today we will look at how another Kingdom is working in total opposition to the glorious Kingdom of YAHWEH though we know the end result will be the establishment of an Eternal Kingdom under YAHWEH & his Kingdom will prevail & endure forever and ever.

Slide 2

In the Beginning

Even before the Creation of the Heavens & the Earth Scripture teaches us that Elohim was, and all the Heavenly beings were created. We read the following words from YAHWEH the Elohim of all Creation painting a glorious picture of the Creation:

Iyob (Job) 38:4-7 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7 When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of Elohim shouted for joy?

From these words we can see that the Creation was wonderful, filled with so much perfection that all the created Malakim (Angels) rejoiced over the work of Elohim. Heylel in Hebrew or Lucifer as he is called was truly the most blessed of all the sons of Elohim.

Ezekiel 28:14 “You were the anointed cherub who covers (the Throne of Elohim); I established you; You were on the holy mountain of Elohim; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.

Slide 4

However by the hand of Heylel (Lucifer) a rebellion in Heaven took place & its implications are still felt today:

Ezekiel 28:15 “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you. 16“By the greatness of your trade you became filled with violence within and you sinned. So I thrust you from the mountain of Elohim and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17“Your heart was lifted up because of your loveliness; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendour. I threw you to the earth,

 

Slide 5

Elohim & his order of beings

To fully grasp the truths of this rebellion we need to understand the order of Ministering Spirits or Malakim. They were divided into three groups:

1. The Cherubim- commonly called Archangels who are the highest & most powerful. They literally surround the throne of Elohim. They have six wings, four faces & are quite large. With the help of the Talmud, Mishnah & the Apocryphal books we know six Cherubim.

  • -  Michael- Warrior prince of Elohim.

  • -  Gabriel- Redeemer of Elohim.

  • -  Raphael- Bringer of the healing of Elohim.

  • -  Uriel- Light of El or bringer of El’s light.

  • -  Abaddon- who originally was the Cherub of life and is now the Cherub of Death.

  • -  Ha Satan- who is known as “Heylel” in Hebrew or “Lucifer” by the Babylonians

    but this may be more a description than his name.
    Note: The term Covering Cherub could also refer to Covenant which can be thought of as a covering as with the “chuppah” the literal covering so central to a Hebrew Wedding. Since names embody identity it is possible that Elohim stripped these two fallen Malakim of their names as all the rest have an identity with El in their names.

    Slide 6

2. The Seraphim- who are also known as the “burning ones.” As messengers of Elohim they race back & forwards between heaven & Earth. In Revelation 8:7 the term for fire is Seraph while the term for normal fire is “esh” therefore this may refer to Seraphim.

It is thought that the Malakim (Angels) on Ya’acob’s ladder (Jacob’s ladder) were these in Bereshith (Genesis) 28:12.
Note: In YAHUchanan (John) 1:51 Yahshua said “Truly truly I say to you, you shall see the Heavens opened and the Malakim (Angels) of Elohim ascending and descending on the son of Man.
By implication Yahshua is telling Nathan’EL (Nathaniel) that he is the ladder between Heaven & Earth.

Slide 7

3. The Teraphim- These are the ones who can take on Human form. According to Hebrews 13:2 you may even entertain them. Teraphim are also denoted by the

Hebrew term “ayir” meaning watchers – Dani’el 4:10, 17 & 18.
This type of angel invariably appears as a human man in appearance, sometimes shining with light or fire. They are known by their job description in many cases. In Daniel 4 a messenger angel is referred to 3x as a “watcher, a holy one”, who delivered a message in a dream. They are always described to look like men, and are never described as having wings or to be female.

 

Note: The term “Idols” that Rachel took from Laban in Bereshith (Genesis) 31:34 comes from a Hebrew word for idols and images being “Ha Teraphim” suggesting that there are Spirits behind carved figures that are used in all Pagan Religions.

Slide 8

The Counterfeit Kingdom of Ha Satan

From the time Adam was placed in gan Eden (the garden of Eden) to work it & to Guard it as he was given rule over all creatures moving upon the face of Ha Eretz (the Earth) Satan began to work his plan to defeat the plans of Elohim.

  • -  Satan deceived Chavah (Eve) to cause Man to sin therefore Adam lost his authority.

  • -  Satan caused Cain to kill Hebel (Abel).

  • -  Satan caused the World to be filled with violence resulting in the flood.

  • -  Satan caused Laban & Esau to desire to kill Ya’acob (Jacob) to defeat the

    promises of Elohim.

  • -  Satan tries to break the line of David to nullify the promise.

  • -  Even causing Herod to try to kill Yahshua.

  • -  Finally because he could not defeat Yahshua we read:

    Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of Elohim and have the testimony of Yahshua the Messiah.

    After man’s fall we read what YAHWEH Elohim of all creation said to the serpent:

    Bereshith (Genesis) 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

    Though one widely held view is that this is a reference to the Messiah it can also mean that Elohim is prophesying about two sets of offspring, Satan’s and Man’s since the Hebrew word used is “zarah” for both but these are not spiritual but physical descendants.
    Blue letter Bible- H2233

    Zera- seed, offspring, descendants, posterity.

    Slide 9

    Since generally the Canon of Scripture that we have was voted on in the council of Constantinople in AD 553 by the Catholic Church the Book of Enoch was excluded but in Yahshua’s time it was regular Canon and was quoted by various writers as it was very useful in the areas of Devils & Demons.

Slide 10

Enter the Nephilim

The saga found in Bereshith (Genesis) 6 details what happened next:

Bereshith (Genesis) 6: 4-The Nephilim were on the earth in those days and also afterward, when the sons of Elohim came into the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.

The book of Enoch however in Chapters 7 & 8 gives the rest of the story, with a group of 200 of Satan’s fallen Teraphim (Angels) led by one named “Samyaza”, who took on human form, took the daughters of men to produce hybrid giant offspring of Devils & Humans called Nephilim.

According to Enoch’s ancient account the Nephilim taught man such things as Sorcery, perverted use of herbs i.e. Drugs, sexual deviance and violent warfare with a thirst for bloodshed.

From all this we come to see a new truth as to why YAHWEH Elohim of Creation brought the flood. It was to destroy the Nephilim and all those tainted with the seed of Satan who desired to pollute the whole gene pool of the Earth. YAHWEH was therefore saving mankind from total corruption. Noah’s Family therefore was not the only righteous family but also the only pure human Family made in the image of Elohim.

Elohim therefore purified the Earth but the result was that since the Nephilim were half Devil their souls lived on seeking habitation. After the flood however they did re-establish themselves.
This may help us understand why YAHWEH ordered the destruction of the Canaanites since scripture speaks of Nephilim or Giants in the land of Canaan and even in King David’s time we read about them the most prominent being Goliath.

Slide 11

A Hebrew word for “Demon” is “Nefsheraa” a compound word coming from” Nefesh- animal soul.
Raa- evil.
Therefore the meaning we have is an “evil animal soul” but can be translated as “a disembodied soul, deformed, wicked, hungry or evil.

Interestingly the term “Chai” meaning life or living thing can be written in various ways but when it refers to the Nephilim its spelling does not include the “yod” which implies the work of Elohim because his work & spirit are completely absent. The result is that it is often then translated as an evil Beast.

We read in the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) words that imply persons of similar nature than those of the Nephilim in 2 Kepha (Peter) & Yahudah (Jude):

2 Kepha (Peter) 2:12 But these, like natural unreasoning beasts, having been born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheme that which they do not know, shall be destroyed in their destruction,

Kepha (Peter) surely is talking of persons that are not made in the image of Elohim but exhibit a satanic seed in their hearts. Is it possible that through the progress of time that Ha Satan (Satan) is continuing with his plan to corrupt the World?

Slide 12

How does this Knowledge affect us

Now that we know that Demons are these souls striving for their lost humanity we can see why much of Yahshua’s ministry and that of his Talmidim (Disciples) was Deliverance. There are many accounts in the Scriptures of Demoniacs being delivered through Yahshua’s ministry, his Disciples as well as Philip in Samaria & Sha’ul (Paul) in his travels to all the cities he visited.

Today it is still no different as Demons desire to feel our fear, our hate, our pain, our lust or any human emotion the stronger the better. They control their host to create intense sensation.
The truth however is that all believers have authority over them but only in the name of Yahshua. The Demons will try to convince us otherwise so we need to be aware of their prodding’s & be led by the RUACH HA KODESH (Holy Spirit) not giving Satan any room.

In the Book of Mark we find a great promise to all who believe:

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall accompany the ones who believe: In My Name they shall cast out demons, they shall speak with renewed tongues, 18 they shall take up snakes and if they drink any deadly drink it shall by no means hurt them, they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall get well.”

From this we notice that the casting out of Demons is the 1st in this list so we need to believe the same holds for us that if we can believe we will do the same as Yahshua and his Talmidim (Disciples) did by the power we have been given in his name.

Slide 13

We find an interesting story in the Nazarene Scriptures (New Testament) that will teach us some great truths:

Yahshua has just come down from the Mountain after being transfigured before Kepha (Peter), Yaakov (James) & Yahuchanan (John) while the rest of his Talmidim (Disciples) waited at the bottom of the Mountain:

Mark 9:17-20 Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”

19 He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.

The disciples that remained at the bottom of the Mountain had thought that they could deliver this boy from the mute Spirit as they had seen Yahshua delivering people many times so they knew the process and the words used but to no avail. When Yahshua said “O faithless generation how long shall I be with you” I believe he was speaking directly to his Talmidim (Disciples) more so than the crowd.

Slide 14

We find a truth in the following that absolutely affects us today just as it did the Talmidim who had seen him deliver & heal many people even though they could not deliver this boy:

In MattithYAHU (Matthew) 17:19-20 Then the disciples came to Yahshua privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

20 So Yahshua said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Here we see that the big issue was their lack of faith. The unclean spirit knew they doubted so without confidence in their authority the unclean Spirit would not come out. It was not lack of Torah that prevented the disciples from exercising their authority but it was lack of faith. Is it not the same with us?

If Yahshua has said for us to go and do as he did then we know we need to work on the area of faith without neglecting the Study of the Torah and Scriptures. Sadly many people today also neglect Torah which opens the Door to the power of the enemy. Torah could be thought of as a hedge of protection but through misunderstanding of Scripture many people now suffer more than is necessary:

Slide 15

Iyob (Job) 1: 8-9 Then YAHWEH said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears Elohim and shuns evil?”

9 So Satan answered YAHWEH and said, “Does Job fear Elohim for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

Job was truly protected by his righteous living as was his entire household which should encourage us and was only tested because YAHWEH knew his faith would keep him from sinning.

Slide 16

The Most Vital Key to Success

In Mark 9 however we also learn that just like an army, Demons have higher ranks because we find something added which I prefer to take from the “Kings Covenant Version” as it gives us better insight:

Mark 9:29 Yahshua said to them, "This kind will come out by nothing except by one who practices intense prayer and fasting." [Kings Covenant Version]

What this teaches is firstly that there are different kinds of unclean spirits, ones that are easier to deal with therefore a lower rank and ones that are of a higher rank & require more strength in the anointing and faith. Secondly it teaches that to be effective the disciples and us need to be a diligent people of intense prayer and even fasting when there is a great battle to be fought.

Slide 17

Sha’ul (Paul) teaches us about our struggle in:

Ephesians 6:12 Finally be strong in the Master and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of Elohim so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual beings of wickedness in the heavenlies.

Slide 18

An End time Prophecy

In the words of Yahshua however we find a prophecy that as we think about the world today could be coming into effect at this moment in time. It is found in:

Luke 17:26-27 And as it came to be in the days of Noah, so also shall it be in the days of the Son of Adam: 27 “They were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah went into the ark and the flood came and destroyed them all.

When we look to this passage we would normally understand it as a time when people are not ready and just going about their normal lives but when has there ever been a time when people didn’t eat, drink or marry. How can this be a unique sign to tip us off about Yahshua’s coming?

Slide 19

The words which translators got “they” were the Hebrew words “baal” or devils and “nashim” or women. Therefore we could read it like this: “as it was in the days of Noah when Devils and women were given in marriage.”

This makes perfect contextual sense. If we look to the World today are we not seeing that the same is happening and as in the days of Noah when the World was full of violence etc just like what the Book of Enoch describes with regards the world in Noah’s day? YAHWEH will not put up with it and surely will end it once and for all! This understanding though very different to what was thought, is surely worthy of consideration.

Slide 20

There is second witness of support from the book of Daniel for this line of thinking however:

Dani’el 2:43-44 And as you saw iron mixed with muddy clay, they are mixing themselves with the seed of men [in marriage bonds], but they are not clinging to each other [as with different ideologies], even as iron does not mix with clay. 44“And in the days of these sovereigns [Mighty ones] the Elah of the heavens shall set up a reign which shall never be destroyed, nor the reign pass on to other people – it crushes and puts to an end all these reigns and it shall stand forever.

Since Dani’el talks about the Statue in his vision referring to the four evil Kingdoms of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron as well as the feet of Iron mixed with Clay most think it refers to Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece with the last being Rome or in the future the final one being ruled by the beast or the Anti-Messiah.

Slide 21

There is however something more if we see it through Hebraic symbology which views clay as a sign of man since “adamah” from which we get Adam refers to clay or soil. Iron however is a sign of Angelic beings.

Are we reading too much into all this? You be the judge because if we are not then this could be the sign of the Kingdom of the Anti- Messiah and the Nephilim need not be giants based on the knowledge of the meaning of the Word “Nephal” which can mean “a living abortion” or “to fall to the ground” therefore the fallen ones.

Slide 22

The End of the Matter

We have previously studied how YAHWEH had a divine plan to bring us into deep fellowship of his design but we know the enemy from the beginning had his plan that will not end but will intensify as the day of Yahshua’s return draws near. As Netzarim it is to our advantage to understand the times and not be dismayed, for in Yahshua Ha Mashiach (the Messiah) we need to understand that we have the victory and by faith we walk, knowing our enemy walks around seeking whom he may destroy. We however need to know our enemy, with all his strategies so that we can stand strong. Through his forces he will attack the body of Mashiach (the Q’hilath - the Assembly) and especially those in positions of teaching & leadership.


Knowing that in the World we will have tribulations we must be of good cheer because Yahshua has overcome the world. To this end let us stand united together lest any of us fall. May we all bring praise to YAHWEH and to YAHSHUA his son who is our beloved King and long awaited Bridegroom who will be victorious over all his enemies!

Baruch Atar YAHWEH. Amein. 

Link: Part 4 of Lost in Translation


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