Israel - The Hebrews
Flag of Zion
A narrow lane of shops in Israel’s Old City of Jerusalem, rich in history. A colourful, happy, bazaar-like atmosphere. Being there and knowing the significance of Israel, and that you are where Jesus (Yeshua) spent a lot of His time, gives one a deeply rich and meaningful feeling.
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Seek the Truth with all your heart.
Genesis 12:1-3 “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse and all peoples on Earth will be blessed through you.”
Isaiah 62:1 “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.”
Psalm 122:6 “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they that love thee shall prosper. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will say now, peace be within thee. For the sake of the House of the Lord our GOD I will seek thy good.”
Isaiah 62:6-7 “I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give HIM no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the Earth.”
GOD’s intention was for Israel to be highly and richly blessed, and to be a model for the rest of the rebellious world, but even the Israeli people would not be obedient and stay away from worldly ways and be separate, and blessed, and led by GOD.
King David personally was not without sin, but each time he repented and turned from sin. He became a “man after GOD’s own heart.” He wrote the book of Psalms. GOD made an unconditional and unbreakable covenant with David, assuring that his dynasty, ruling over Israelites would continue unbroken forever. In GOD’s time that throne will be taken over by Jesus Christ, at His second coming to Earth.
Leviticus 26:46 ‘These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the LORD established at Mount Sinai between Himself and the Israelites through Moses.’
GOD’s requirements of the Israelites are outlined in Leviticus 26:1-46
Jerusalem (Al Quds) was ‘Urusalim’ to ‘Yerushalayim (from Yireh + Shalem) = ‘Will be peace.’
When King David conquered the city from the Canaanite tribe of Jebusites in 1000 BCE.
2 Samuel 5:6-10 he hebraicized the old Canaanite name Urusalim (which means something like ‘founded by Shalim’) to Yerushalayim = the city of shalom = the city of peace. Now known as Jerusalem.
Bethlehem = Bayt Lahm in Hebrew.
The English term Jew originates in the Biblical Hebrew word Yehudi, meaning "from the Kingdom of Judah", or "Jew". It passed into Greek as Ioudaios and Latin as Iudaeus, which evolved into the Old French giu after the letter "d" was dropped. A variety of related forms are found in early English from about the year 1000, including Iudea, Gyu, Giu, Iuu, Iuw, and Iew, which eventually developed into the modern word.
Yehudi in the Hebrew Bible.
According to the Book of Genesis, Judah (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah) was the name of the fourth son of the patriarch Jacob. During the Exodus, the name was given to the Tribe of Judah, descended from the patriarch Judah. After the conquest and settlement of the land of Canaan, Judah also referred to the territory allocated to the tribe. After the splitting of the united Kingdom of Israel, the name was used for the southern kingdom of Judah. The kingdom now encompassed the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Simeon, along with some of the cities of the Levites. With the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria), the kingdom of Judah became the sole Jewish state and the term y'hudi (יהודי) was applied to all Israelites.
The term Yehudi (יְהוּדִי) occurs 74 times in the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible. The plural, Yehudim (הַיְּהוּדִים) first appears in 2 Kings 16:6 where it refers to a defeat for the Yehudi army or nation, and in 2 Chronicles 32:18, where it refers to the language of the Yehudim (יְהוּדִית). Jeremiah 34:9 has the earliest singular usage of the word Yehudi. In Esther 2:5-6, the name "Yehudi" (יְהוּדִי) has a generic aspect, in this case referring to a man from the tribe of Benjamin. "There was a man a Yehudi (Jewish man) in Shushan the capital, whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair the son of Shimei the son of Kish, a Benjamite; who had been exiled from Jerusalem with the exile that was exiled with Jeconiah, king of Judah, which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had exiled."
The name appears in the Bible as a verb in Esther 8:17 which states: "Many of the people of the land became Yehudim (in the generic sense) (מִתְיַהֲדִים, mityahadim) because the fear of the Yehudim fell on them."
In some places in the Talmud the word Israel(ite) refers to somebody who is Jewish but does not necessarily practice Judaism as a religion: "An Israel(ite) even though he has sinned is still an Israel(ite)" (Tractate Sanhedrin) More commonly the Talmud uses the term Bnei Yisrael, i.e. "Children of Israel," ("Israel" being the name of the third patriarch Jacob, father of the sons that would form the twelve tribes of Israel, which he was given, after wrestling with an angel, see Genesis 32:28-29) to refer to Jews. According to the Talmud then, there is no distinction between "religious Jews" and "secular Jews."
In modern Hebrew, the same word is still used to mean both Jews and Judeans ("of Judea"). In Arabic the terms are yahūdī (singular), al-yahūd (plural), and بَنُو اِسرَائِيل banū isrāʼīl. The Aramaic term is Y'hūdāi.
Goy = singular for a non-Jew. Goyim = plural for non-Jews.
Pepel Yisrael = People of Israel in Hebrew.
Adonai Elohenu, Adonai Echad, Shema Israel.
= The LORD our GOD, The LORD is ONE, Hear O’ Israel.
Eretz Yisrael = Land of Israel in Hebrew. First mentioned in:
1 Samuel 13:19-22 ‘Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plow (plough) points, mattocks, axes, and sickles sharpened. The price was two thirds of a shekel for sharpening plow (plough) points and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening forks and axes and for repointing forks and axes and for repointing goads.
So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.’
One shekel today (1st July 2019) is worth approximately 40 cents AUD (Australian) or 28 cents USD (American.)
Despite many nations questioning the legitimacy of this Jewish state of Israel, and some totally committed to destroying it, and removing any Jewish right to exist at all, and despite constant challenges, Israel not only continues to exist, but to thrive.
Israel consists of only 20,770 square kilometres.
Its advances in technology, science, medicine, agriculture, and many clever and ingenious inventions, continue to be a major source of brilliance, and a blessing to the world. Israel’s doctors and hospitals will treat anyone needing help, including those who have declared themselves to be enemies. Israel is committed to compassion, caring, and fairness; and actions like this prove it.
Who according to the Bible, is the real Israel of today – racially and nationally?
Ephraim and Manasseh who together received the right to the name of Israel, which was to become the national name of their descendants, who were never Jews. Thus it is that many of the prophecies about Israel or Jacob do not refer to Jews or any of the nations that are today the descendants of the other tribes of Israel. Few theologians and Bible scholars know that today, and many refuse to know it. Ref. Genesis 48:18-20.
If ancient Israel had obeyed GOD in the land – Sabbath breaking and idolatry were specifically mentioned in Leviticus 26 – they would, in the ancient days of Moses, Joshua, and up to the time of their captivity in about 721-718 B.C., have inherited the national and material blessings of the birth-right promise that GOD made to Abraham. If they did not obey, these promises would be denied for a duration of 2,520 years – until 1800 A.D.
Therefore it is plain and clear that after the 2,520 years, beginning in 1800 A.D. it was the descendants of Joseph, subdivided into two nations descended from Ephraim and Manasseh, who were to become the wealthiest and most powerful nations on Earth.
(Information from ‘Mystery Of The Ages’ by Herbert W. Armstrong.)
Today Ephraim is Britain (England) and Manasseh is America; on whom the coming national calamities will fall first. They are literally prophetically marked for destruction in these end times, just before Jesus Christ’s (Yeshua HaMashiach’s) return to resurrect GOD’s true children into new perfect, eternal (immortal) bodies, and take them home to heaven – known as the New Jerusalem; and to liberate the remaining people.
End times recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
It will be a time of the greatest trouble and tribulation in human history.
In the Bible, Jerusalem is mentioned 667 times, and Israel 2,319 times.
In the Islamic Quran, Jerusalem and Palestine are not mentioned at all.
King David declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and from that point became known as Zion. This was in the era of the Patriarchs from approximately 1690 – 1000 BC.
King David’s son Solomon built the first temple in approximately 928 BC., which the Babylonians destroyed in approximately 516 BC., and the Jews were exiled.
Around 500 BC King Silas declaration enabled the Jews to return and rebuild the temple.
332 BC during the Greek conquests, Alexander the Great’s armies took Jerusalem without complication while travelling to Egypt after the Siege of Tyre.
167-160 BC The Maccabean Revolt was a Jewish rebellion led by the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire and the Hellenistic influence on Jewish life.
Around 54 BC The Roman Empire seized control and King Herod renovated the temple and during a revolt against the corrupt Roman Empire the temple was destroyed again.
4000 years in 5 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mR2W43t6tI
‘Marching to Zion.’ 1 hour 49 minutes video of Israel’s true history - very informative & interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=typ2pl2L47k&t=5825s 1 hour 49 minutes.
https://www.thetrumpet.com/15782-melanie-phillips-a-world-in-turmoil 1.5 hours
Israel is the only ancient nation in the world ever to have re-emerged – GOD keeps HIS covenants.
‘Star of David’ on the Jewish flag.
Acts 7:43 ‘You have taken up the tabernacle of Molek and the star of your ‘god’ Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I (GOD) will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’
The Western Wall - The Wailing Wall - The Kotel
There is an atmosphere at Judaism's holiest prayer site, where worshippers recite scriptures, lay their hands on 2000-year-old stone, and pray impassioned prayers. Thousands of people write their prayer requests on paper which they fold up and push into any crevices or space they can find.
The Western Wall was built by the romans as a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the original Holy Temple's courtyard which was on the original site in the City of David, about 600 metres south of the present Islamic Dome of the Rock Mosque, which stands on what most people wrongly consider to be the ‘Temple Mount.’
Rabbinical texts maintain that the Shechina (GOD’s divine presence) still exists at the Wall, which is open to everyone, 365 days a year; modest dress is preferred.
Jesus - Yeshua - was born a Jew.
The Holy Bible came from the Jews, with scriptures of Truth that nurture and bless people throughout the world.
The Jewish (Hebrew) people were the only nation in the world who received the divine truth directly from GOD HIMSELF by HIS revelation, but even they twisted it into a man-made religion of do’s and don’ts – which is a far cry from GOD’s original truth.
Jews do not recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah, so they ignore the Christian New Testament. The orthodox Jews are still expectantly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, not realizing that Jesus was and is the fulfilment of their expectation. They therefore object to their scriptures being referred to as the ‘Old Testament,’ because to them, their covenant with GOD is current and relevant; not ‘the old’ relevant to ‘the new.’
Many Jews, who so far represent a very low percentage of the world Jewish population, are becoming ‘Messianic Jews,’ meaning that they now understand, accept, believe, and have a true and meaningful relationship with Jesus. They now know Jesus as the Messiah. Due to the very sad ignorance of their families and friends, who ostracize them; they are treated terribly, psychologically and physically, as outcasts - traitors - pariahs.
Israel has received many blessings from GOD over the last 3000 years, but they need to again become worthy of GOD’s blessings.
Some religions and denominations apply ‘Replacement Theology’ to Israel by saying that GOD has removed all favour and significance from the Jews and has applied it to the Christian ‘church.’ This is wrong interpretation –– wrong application of scripture - and wrong understanding of GOD’s consistent mode of operation.
You cannot serve GOD and curse the Jews – the Hebrews.
Satan is behind the enemies of Israel who want to eliminate her from the face of the Earth.
Why? Because Jerusalem and Israel are very special to GOD; and Satan will do everything he can to separate people from GOD and destroy everything that is connected with GOD.
In 1965, Kamel Amin Tsa'abet was third in line to the presidency of Syria when he was publicly hanged on charges of spying for Israel—his legal name on the nation’s lips: Eliahu Cohen, better known as Eli Cohen.
While climbing the ranks in Syria's government to become chief adviser to the minister of defense, Eli Cohen strategically positioned Israel to win the 1967 Six Day War.
Before his capture in January 1965, this daring spy learned of and conveyed many military secrets that saved Israeli lives.
His work in 1964, for example, foiled a plan to divert the Jordan River's headwaters, which would have cut off Israel's water supply.
If the campaign had succeeded, the results would have been devastating for Israelis who depend on the Jordan. This move by Syria was one of the major contributing factors leading to the 1967 Six Day War.
Eli also uncovered Syria’s intention to use three successive lines of mortars and bunkers against the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), rather than one. As well, he conveyed to Israel the locations of secret gun emplacements overlooking Israel on the Golan Heights.
He even conveyed the identity of every new Soviet weapon Syria received and key information about Syrian Air Force missions against Israel.
Eli's influence in Syria and communicated intelligence to Israel helped Israel easily identify military targets during the Six Day War. In the early 1960s, Eli advised Syria to plant trees at military outposts in the Golan Heights to shade Syria's sentries from the sun, which made them easy targets in the war.
Eli Cohen's commitment to the greater good of Israel has made him a legend. In the hearts of the nation, he is beloved.
Genesis 12:1-3 ‘The LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
I will make you into a great nation, and will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on Earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 17:8 “The whole land of Canaan, where you (Abram) now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their GOD.”
Jacob’s name was changed to Israel.
Genesis 32:22-32 ‘Jacob got up in the middle of the night and took his wives, his eleven children, and everything he owned across to the other side of the Jabbok River for safety. Afterwards, Jacob went back and spent the rest of the night alone.
A man came and fought with Jacob until just before daybreak. When the man saw that he could not win, he struck Jacob on the hip and threw it out of joint. They kept on wrestling until the man said, “Let go of me! It’s almost daylight.”
“You can’t go until you bless me,” Jacob replied.
Then the man asked, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered.
The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have wrestled with GOD and with men, and you have won. That’s why your name will be Israel.”
Jacob said, “Now tell me your name.”
“Don’t you know who I am?” he asked. And HE blessed Jacob. Jacob said, “I have seen GOD face to face, and I am still alive.” So he named the place Peniel. The sun was coming up as Jacob was leaving Peniel. He was limping because he had been struck on the hip, and the muscle on his hip joint had been injured. That’s why even today the people of Israel don’t eat the hip muscle of any animal.’
Exodus 15:17-18 ‘YOU – GOD – will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of YOUR inheritance – the place, LORD, YOU made for YOUR Dwelling, the sanctuary, LORD, YOUR hands established.’
“The LORD reigns for ever and ever.”
The Aaronic Priestly Blessing.
Numbers 6:22-27 ‘The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
‘The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make HIS Face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn HIS Face toward you and give you peace.’
So they will put MY NAME on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
‘The Lord Bless You And Keep You.’ Aaronic blessing in song, from Numbers 6:22-27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-eHCxMM3PI 4 mins.
Numbers 23:21-23 “No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The LORD their GOD is with them; the shout of the KING is among them. GOD brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel. It will be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘See what GOD has done.”
Numbers 24:8-9 ‘GOD brought them (the Israelites) out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. They devour hostile nations and break their bones in pieces; with their arrows they pierce them. Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness – who dares to rouse them?
“May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 ‘Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.‘
Deuteronomy 30:3-5 ‘… then the LORD your GOD will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where HE scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your GOD will gather you and bring you back.’
Deuteronomy 33:28-29 ‘So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell securely in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD! HE is your shield and helper and you glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.’
Judges 13:1 ‘Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, so the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.’
2 Chronicles 20:17 ‘You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.’
Verse 20 ‘Early in the morning they left for the desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD YOUR GOD and you will be upheld; have faith in HIS prophets and you will be successful.”
Psalm 9:11 ‘Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what HE has done.’
Psalm 14:7 ‘Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion. When the LORD restores the fortunes of HIS people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.’
Psalm 25:22 ‘Deliver Israel, O GOD, from all their troubles.’
Psalm 48:1-3 ‘Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our GOD (Jerusalem,) HIS holy mountain. Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole Earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. GOD is in her citadels; HE has shown HIMSELF to be her fortress.’
Psalm 83:1- 18. Speaks prophetically about the future pressures and plans of other countries to destroy Israel. Written around 588 BC., we can see it being fulfilled today.
Psalm 98:3 "HE has remembered HIS love and faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our GOD."
Psalm 102:16 ‘For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in HIS glory.’
Psalm 105:8-15 ‘HE (GOD) remembers HIS covenant forever, the promise HE made for a thousand generations, the covenant HE made with Abraham, the oath HE swore to Isaac. HE confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.
When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. HE allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake HE rebuked kings: “Do not touch MY anointed ones; do MY prophets no harm.”
Psalm 121:1-8 ‘I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and Earth.
HE will not let your foot slip – HE WHO watches over you will not slumber; indeed, HE WHO watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you – the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm – HE will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.’
Psalm 122:6-9 ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the LORD our GOD, I will seek your prosperity.’
Psalm 131:3 ‘O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.’
Isaiah 35 This chapter prophetically describes the restoration of the land of Israel, which we have witnessed in recent years, and see continuing.
Isaiah 1:16-18 ‘Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of MY sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though you sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Isaiah 28:16 ‘So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone (a prophesy of Jesus – Yeshua’s coming) for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.’
Isaiah 40:9 "You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah: ‘Here is your GOD!’”
Isaiah 43:4-7 ‘Since you are precious and honoured in MY sight, and because I love you; I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Don not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, “Give them up!” and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring MY sons from afar and MY daughters from the ends of the Earth – everyone who is called by MY NAME, whom I created for MY glory, whom I formed and made.”
Isaiah 45:15-17 ‘Truly YOU are a GOD WHO has been hiding HIMSELF, the GOD and SAVIOUR of Israel. All the makers of idols will be put to shame and disgraced; they will go off into disgrace together.
But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting.’
Isaiah 46:13 "For I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now! I am ready to save Jerusalem and show My glory to Israel."
Isaiah 51:3 & 11 ‘The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; HE will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.’
‘Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.’
Isaiah 60:10-12 ‘Foreigners will build your walls, and their kings will serve you. Though in anger I struck you, in favour I will show you compassion.
Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that My people may bring you the wealth of the nations, their kings led in triumphal procession. For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined.’
Isaiah 61:7 ‘Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice ion your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in you land, and everlasting joy will be yours.’
Isaiah 62:1 ‘For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet.’
Isaiah 62:6-7 ‘I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give HIM no rest till HE establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the Earth.’
Isaiah 66:10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her
Verse 13 ‘As a mother comforts her child, so will I (GOD) comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.’
All 66 chapters of the book of Isaiah have a lot to say in reference to Israel.
This also is a fulfilment of Bible prophecy:
"Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all the nations will be blessed through him." Genesis 18:18-19. Genesis 12:3.
Israel is the only country in history to become re-established after being virtually wiped out by so many countries who want Israel wiped off the world map, and to become non-existent.
The existence of this tiny state is also an indication that GOD is about to pour out His Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) for the end-time spiritual restoration of His people, as prophesied by Ezekiel.
Jeremiah 3:18 ‘In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.’
Jeremiah 16:14-15 “However, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when it will no longer be said, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, WHO brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,’ but it will be said, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, WHO brought the Israelites up out of the north and out of all the countries where HE had banished them.’ For I will restore them to the land I gave their ancestors.”
All of Jeremiah chapter 30 speaks of the restoration of Israel.
Jeremiah 30:18 ‘This is what the LORD says: “I will restore t he fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.”
Verse 22 “So you will be MY people, and I will be your GOD.”
Jeremiah 31:1-14 “At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the GOD of all families of Israel, and they will be MY people.” This is what the LORD says: “The people who survive the sword will find favour in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.”
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful.
Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit. There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Come let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our GOD.”
This is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, ‘LORD, save YOUR people, the remnant of Israel.’ See I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the Earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labour; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s FATHER, and Ephraim is MY firstborn son.
Hear the word of the LORD, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: HE WHO scattered Israel will gather them and will watch them, and will watch over HIS flock like a shepherd.’ For the LORD will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD – the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.
Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and MY people will be filled with MY bounty,” declares the LORD.’
Jeremiah 31:31-34 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke MY covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD.
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put MY law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their GOD, and they will be MY people. No longer will they teach their neighbour, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will know ME, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Ezekiel 36, 38, 39. These chapters also prophetically describe the behaviour of the Israelite people, GOD’s dealing with Israel, and point towards end time events for Israel.
Israel’s ancient captivity had already occurred; this prophecy is about an end-time captivity called ‘the time of Jacob’s trouble.’ Jacob was the father of the 12 tribes of Israel, representing the whole population of Israel.
This is GOD speaking prophetically through Ezekiel about the Jews returning to Israel from the different countries around the world to where they had been dispersed (the Diaspora,) from where they have been returning (Aliyah) to Israel in recent years since Israel’s rebirth.
(Aliyah = regathering in the land of Israel. Many religious Jews espouse aliyah as a return to the Promised Land, and regard it as the fulfillment of GOD's biblical promise to the descendants of the Hebrew patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.)
The Israeli Declaration of Independence, formally the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, was proclaimed on 14 May 1948 (5 Iyar 5708) by David Ben-Gurion, the Executive Head of the World Zionist Organization and the chairman of the Jewish Agency for Palestine.
Jewish families have been pouring home to Israel from the 1990’s onwards, from countries where they had been scattered many generations earlier; named ‘The Diaspora’ = scattered. Many did not really know why they were going ‘home’ to Israel – they only knew they were being drawn to do so – ‘by GOD.’ Their return was called making ‘Aliyha,’ which refers to the journeying home of the Jewish people, the Olim = immigrants, to the Promised Land of Israel, which fulfilled:
Deuteronomy 30:1-5 ‘When all these blessings and curses I have set before you, come on you, and you take them to heart, wherever the LORD your GOD disperses you among the nations, and when you and your children return to the LORD your GOD and obey HIM with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the LORD your GOD will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where HE scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your GOD will gather you and bring you back. HE will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. HE will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors.’
‘Zion.’ A beautiful song about the Jews coming home to Israel; drawn by GOD’s leading.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_GsKLJcum8 5.3 mins.
This is living prophecy of the re-establishment of Israel; the Jewish people returning home to Israel from all parts of the world, and the re-greening of much of the land which had become desolate. We are witnessing the fulfilment of all these things today.
The modern state of Israel is undeniable evidence that GOD's Word is true. Its survival demonstrates GOD's faithfulness, love, and mercy.
Ezekiel 11:16-20 “Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.”
“Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.’
“They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow MY decrees and be careful to keep MY laws. They will be MY people, and I will be their GOD.”
Ezekiel 33:7-9 “Son of Man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from ME. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sins, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.
But if you do not warn the wicked person to turn from their wicked ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”
The following is part of the promise that GOD made to the People of Israel
Ezekiel 36:24-38 “For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put MY Spirit in you and move you to follow MY decrees and be careful to keep MY laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be MY people and I will be your GOD.
I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of the famine. Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices. I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign LORD. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, people of Israel.
This what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.” Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and I have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken and will do it.”
This what the Sovereign LORD says: “Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
At the general time of the Berlin Wall coming down, Israelites – Jews – flocked back to Israel. They were so strongly drawn that families who had been born outside Israel, were supernaturally draw back to Israel.
Hosea 2:19-20 & 3:4-5 ‘I (GOD) will betroth you (Israel) to ME forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD.’
‘For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household ‘gods’. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their GOD and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to HIS blessings in the last days.’
Hosea 4:6 ‘MY people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.’
A charge against Israel.
Joel 3:20-21 “Judah (Israel) will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem through all generations. Shall I leave their innocent blood unavenged? No, I will not.”
The Lord dwells in Zion.’
Amos 9:13-15 “The days are coming,” says the LORD (YAHVEH), “when the reaper will be overtaken by the ploughman and the planter by the one treading the grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills, and I will bring MY people Israel back from exile.
They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the LORD your GOD.’
Obadiah 1:10-15 & 21 ‘Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. You should not march through the gates of MY people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over them in their calamity in the day of their disaster, nor seize their wealth in the day of their disaster. You should not wait at the crossroads to cut down their fugitives, nor hand over their survivors in the day of their trouble.’
“The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.”
‘Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.’
Zephaniah 3:11-20 “On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to ME, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on MY holy hill. But I will within leave you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD. They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.” Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud Israel. Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem. The LORD has taken away your punishment, HE has turned back your enemy. The LORD, The King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not ley your hands hang limp. The LORD your GOD is with you, the Mighty Warrior WHO saves. HE will take great delight in you; in HIS love HE will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles, I will give them praise and honour in every land where they have suffered shame.
At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give honour and praise among all the peoples of the Earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the LORD.’
Zechariah 1:17 ‘”Proclaim further: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ”MY towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.”
Zechariah 2:8-13 ‘For this is what the LORD ALMIGHTY says: “After the Glorious One has sent ME against the nations that have plundered you – for whoever touches you touches the apple of HIS eye – I will surely raise My hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the LORD ALMIGHTY has sent me.’
“Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become MY people. I will live among you and will know that the LORD ALMIGHTY has sent ME to you.
The LORD will inherit Judah as HIS portion in the Holy Land and will again choose Jerusalem. Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because HE has roused HIMSELF from HIS dwelling.”
Zechariah 3:7-9 ‘”Come, Zion. Escape you who live in Daughter Babylon. For this is what the LORD ALMIGHTY says: “After the Glorious One has sent ME against the nations that have plundered you - for whoever touches you touches the apple of MY eye – I will surely raise MY hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the LORD ALMIGHTY has sent ME.”
Zechariah 8:1-3 ‘The word of the LORD ALMIGHTY came to me. This is what the LORD ALMIGHTY says: “I am very jealous for Zion; “I am burning with jealousy for her.”
This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the LORD ALMIGHTY will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Zechariah 12:1-14 ‘A prophecy: The word of the LORD concerning Israel.
The LORD, WHO stretches out the heavens, WHO lays the foundation of the Earth, and WHO forms the human spirit within a person, declares; “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the Earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness,” declares the LORD. “I will keep a watchful eye over Jerusalem, but I will blind all the horses of the nations. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the LORD Almighty is their GOD.
On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a fire-pot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume all the surrounding peoples right and will but Jerusalem will remain in-tact in her place.
The LORD will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honour of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like GOD, like the angel of the LORD going before them. On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.
And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a first-born son. On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be as great as the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land will mourn, each clan by itself, with their wives by themselves: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of Nathan and their wives, the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives, and all the rest of the clans and their wives.”
‘Horses,’ in today’s meaning, refer to the war equipment and methods of the enemy nations surrounding Israel; all of whom have a fixation to wipe-out Israel.
It so happens that China has amassed, and still is amassing enormous numbers of horses.
John 1:9-14 ‘The true light - Jesus - that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, (Israel and the Jews – the Hebrews) but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of GOD – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of GOD.
The Word – Jesus – became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, Who came from the FATHER, full of grace and truth.’
Luke 13:34-35 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say, “Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.”
Luke 21:20-24 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfilment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers. There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
Other prophecies explain that this is, in fact, European armies led by Germany. They show that these armies will surround Jerusalem after they have conquered radical Islam led by Iran.
‘Jerusalem surrounded by armies’ is the biggest sign GOD gives that it is time to flee – or be destroyed.
Acts 23:11 ‘The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’
Romans 1:16 ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of GOD that brings salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.’
Romans 4:9-12 ‘Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before. And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.’
Romans 9:1-9 ‘I speak the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit, I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of y people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.
Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, Who is GOD over all, forever praised. Amen.
It is not as though GOD’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”
In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are GOD’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”
Romans 10:1-4 ‘Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to GOD for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for GOD, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from GOD and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to GOD’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.’
Romans 10:12-21 ‘For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of Whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:
“Their voice has gone out into all the Earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”
And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
Romans 11:1-2 ‘I ask then: Did GOD reject HIS people? By no means. I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. GOD did not reject HIS people, whom HE foreknew. Don’t you know what scripture says about Elijah; how he appealed to GOD against Israel.’
11:5-6 ‘So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.’
11:17-26 ‘If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others, and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches, if you do, consider this: You do not support the root , but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if GOD did not spare the natural branches, HE will not spare you either.
Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of GOD: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in HIS kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they did not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for GOD is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree.
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn GOD-lessness away from Jacob.”
That deliverer is Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus), the branch of Jesse - King David's father.
Matthew 10:5-8 ‘These twelve Yeshua (Jesus) sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”
Yeshua was and is the shepherd – He was born as an Israelite, a Hebrew. The Israelites – Hebrews - were the lost sheep. Their shepherd came to restore them.
Galatians 3:7-9 ‘Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that GOD would the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.’
Galatians 6:15-16 ‘Neither circumcision nor un-circumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, to the Israel of GOD.’
Based on the context, the words ‘thus’ or ‘In this way’ (houtos) indicate that GOD will save ‘all Israel’ by preserving a faithful remnant, by seeking to soften those who are hardened, and by grafting in the Gentiles through the proclamation of the gospel. Therefore, the phrase refers to the true Israel of GOD, all messianic believers, who have incorporated Gentile believers into the faith of Abraham.
Revelation 21:1-3 A prophecy which GOD gave to John on the Island of Patmos. ‘Then I saw “a new heaven and a new Earth,” for the first heaven and the first Earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from GOD, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “look; GOD’s dwelling place is now among the people, and HE will dwell with them. They will be HIS people, and GOD HIMSELF will be with them and be their GOD.”
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Messianic recognition - acceptance - conversion.
Unfortunately the Orthodox Jews have been taught and conditioned to ignore the Old Testament (Covenant) book of Isaiah, which, among other books, contains prophetic material pertaining to Yeshua (Jesus), especially in Isaiah 53. Sickening stories were concocted by religious people who wanted to make Yeshua’s Name hateful to the ordinary non-informed Jew.
When a Jew is asked to take a good look into the New Covenant (Testament) – which is the only reliable historical source for the life and ministry of Yeshua, they recoil from it as though the very thought is poisonous. Jews forbid themselves from reading the New Covenant and from relating in any way to Yeshua.
A devout Jew avoids calling Him by His true Name, by intentionally mispronouncing it, and calling Him by the abbreviation ‘Yeshu’ which means: ‘May His Name and memory be blotted out;’ whereas Yeshua in Hebrew means ‘Salvation.’ However many Jews mispronounce the divine name of YAH (GOD) purposely and call HIM ‘Elokim’ instead of ‘Elohim’ or ‘Adoshem’ instead of ‘Adonai,’ to avoid using GOD’s holy Name in vain. This mispronunciation of Yeshua’s Name could be considered to be a secret admission of His divinity, despite the wicked hostile attitude of the religious Jews against Yeshua and His followers.
The Jews are seriously scared when they have to cope with the truth about Yeshua the Messiah – they suppress it and bypass it to avoid any meaningful confrontation – therefore one is very unlikely to receive any meaningful answers from the rabbinical establishment.
A concentrated in-depth study of the Torah and the Talmud reveal that there is absolutely no implication whatsoever that implies a call to betray or desert the Jewish people.
YHVH (GOD) forbid!
We are to love the Jews and to pray that they will expand their GOD-ly understanding to include and embrace Yeshua as their Messiah.
Yeshua was a Jew, and born again ‘Christians’ are adopted Jews.
I very sincerely pray that Jews – Hebrews – Israelis – come out of religious restriction to be able to find the truth of and about Yeshua HaMashiach. The prophecies in Isaiah 53 are easily revealed when the context is understood, as in other books in The Old Covenant - and fulfilled in The New Covenant.
It is all revealed in loving scripture for all to see – especially the Orthodox Jews – who, through religious restrictions have been denied the evidence of GOD’s (YAH’s) wonderful TRUTH which will set them free.
The Orthodox Jews are waiting for Him – Yeshua the Messiah – Who has already come.
Their extreme anger against Christians – Messianic Believers – Jewish converts – should rightly be aimed at the Rabbi’s who have wrongly taught – instructed – them – denying them the beautiful Truth.
John 8:31-32 ‘To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
In keeping GOD’s (YAH’s) Word unblemished and accurate, it is essential to filter out the added intrusion of human thoughts, additions, and traditions.
The ‘Kabbalah’ has been popular in some circles – but is very mis-leading. It is Jewish mysticism based on the Zohar, a book written by a Jew in the 13th century. It includes mystical discussions of the nature of GOD, souls, sin, redemption, and good and evil; which have been believed by the Orthodox Jews. Much of what it says is not in either the old or new covenants of the Bible.
Blessing Israel
Genesis 12:2-3 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on Earth will be blessed through you.”
Psalm 122:6 ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they that love thee shall prosper. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will say now, peace be within thee. For the sake of the House of the Lord our GOD I will seek thy good.’
Isaiah 62:1 ‘For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness (vindication) shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.’
Isaiah 62:6-7 “I have posted watchmen on your walls, O’ Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the Earth.”
Romans 15:27 ‘They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.’
The Story of Purim.
The story is recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther.
The setting was in the ancient Achaemenid Persian Empire.
Purim means ‘lots’ in ancient Persian. This Jewish - Festival – Holiday, is held in spring to commemorate the defeat of Haman's plot. Haman had thrown ‘lots’ to determine when he would carry out his diabolical scheme to massacre the Jews.
After the first temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, the Jewish people were exiled into Babylonia. Fifty years later, Babylonia was defeated by Persia which was ruled by King Achashverosh who had the largest kingdom in the world, 127 provinces spread between India and Africa.
The King had a huge celebration and invited his entire kingdom. On the last day of the feast, the king commanded his wife Vashti to appear before the crowd, but Queen Vashti refused. In a fit of anger, the king had her banished.
King Achashverosh then decided he wanted a young wife and had his men gather up all the young beautiful women in his empire, who were then entered into a ‘royal beauty conquest.’ Whoever won would become the new Queen.
When the king’s men came to the house where a Jewish orphan named Hadassah lived with her cousin Mordechai. Mordechai said, “Go with them but do not tell them you are Jewish. Tell them your Persian name – Esther. GOD will watch over you.”
Esther won the beauty contest and the King chose her to be his new Queen. However she kept her secret, and no one knew that she was a Jewess (Jewish.) The whole story is in the Biblical book of Esther.
At this time the King’s subjects were ordered to honour and bow down to Haman, the King’s prime-minister, Mordecai, being a Jew, refused to bow to him.
Haman was furious and went straight to the king to complain. “The Jews don’t eat our food, drink our wine, marry our daughters, or keep the King’s laws. If you give me permission, I will destroy them for you.”
With the King’s approval, Haman cast lots (Purim in Hebrew) to choose the day to murder all the Jews. Then he sent out letters, sealed with the King’s royal ring, to each of the 127 provinces in the kingdom.
When Mordechai heard of the decree, he told Esther that she must try to save the Jews. Esther was afraid, for it was forbidden to come before the King without being invited.
Esther asked for all the Jews to fast and pray for her, for three days.
After the third day, Esther invited the King to a banquet she had prepared for him. “Spare my life,” she cried, “and the lives of my Jewish people. We have been sentenced to death.”
The King was outraged and hung Haman on the gallows which Haman had built to kill Mordechai. The Jewish people were saved from annihilation and Mordechai became the King’s new prime minister in place of Haman.
In remembrance of being delivered from death, the Jewish people have been celebrating the holiday of Purim as a day of thanksgiving, feasting, and joy, by sending gifts to friends, and money to the poor, for the past 2,400 years.
The book of Amos in the Old Testament, all 9 chapters, is a prophetic summary of Israel.
Watch Melanie Phillips, a journalist who writes for the ‘Times’ of London:
The Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret, Lake of Gennesaret, and Lake Tiberias (Teverya,) is a freshwater lake approximately 53 km in circumference, about 21 km long, and 13 km wide. Area: 166 sq.km. Surface elevation: 12.1m below sea level. Max. depth: 43 m (141 ft) It occupies a down-warped basin. The Jordan River flows in at the northern end and out at the southern end, and proceeds south for 251Km to enter the Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea.
There are at least 18 varieties of fish in the fresh-water Sea of Galilee.
The Sea of Galilee does not have many homes along the shore frontage, because the Jews have a negative view of water. The Hebrew word for water is ‘mayim’ which comes from the root word ‘mah’ meaning chaos. Their reason for being afraid is easier to understand in terms of the Bible:
In Genesis, the beginning of creation was a watery chaos to which GOD brought order.
Water flooded the Earth in the time of Noah.
Jonah was thrown into the sea after turning his back on GOD.
The rescue of the Israelites from Egypt was completed when GOD parted the Red Sea.
Jesus spent a lot of His time around and on the Sea of Galilee. It seemed to be one of His favourite places, as was also the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem about 123Km south.
When Jesus insisted on His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee, even though they sailed straight into a huge storm, He was communicating something important to them, and by walking on top of the water to help and reassure them, He showed them that He has authority over every worldly situation including the elements, and that through Him we can have confidence in everything.
The charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba, Israel.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 ‘When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your GOD, WHO brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint hearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the LORD your GOD is the ONE WHO goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’
Full story: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/the-charge-of-the-4th-light-horse-brigade-at-beersheba
800 Australian horses and Australian soldiers, of which 120 were Aboriginals, defeated 4,800 Turkish soldiers, thus freeing Israel from Turkish invasion.
This is believed to be GOD’s miracle. Many of the soldiers had their own Bibles.
The battle of Beersheba took place on 31 October 1917 as part of the wider British offensive collectively known as the third Battle of Gaza. The final phase of this all day battle was the famous mounted charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Commencing at dusk, members of the brigade stormed through the Turkish defences and seized the strategic town of Beersheba. The capture of Beersheba enabled British Empire forces to break the Ottoman line near Gaza on 7 November and advance into Palestine.
The mounted troops spent the summer of 1917 after the second battle of Gaza in constant reconnaissance and in preparation for the offensive to come. The Turkish forces held the line from Gaza near the coast to Beersheba, about 46 kilometres to its south-east. The Allied forces held the line of the Wadi Ghuzzer from its mouth to El Gamly on the East. The positions were not continuous trench lines but rather a succession of strong posts. Both sides kept their strength in front of the city of Gaza.
The newly arrived British commander of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, General Sir Edmund Allenby used plans prepared by Lieutenant General Sir Phillip Chetwode. The plan was to attack Beersheba by using mounted troops from the east whilst the infantry attacked Beersheba from the south west. The preparation also involved persuading the Turkish forces that the offensive would again be against Gaza. Chetwode was in command the 20th Corps and the Desert Mounted Corps was under Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel.
One of many photos below.
Light Horsemen advance on Beersheba.
Hebrew (Jewish) songs and teaching
Give Thanks To The Lord (Hodu La’Adonai) | |
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Holy (Kadosh) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsiLjfZoHLo |
Aaronic Benediction (Birkat haCohenim)
What is the Birkat Kohanim? The Jewish Priestly Blessing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3tXSX_ltDI
Birkat Kohanim: The Priestly Blessing Guided Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmZGRJlnZ6E
Learn the Priestly Blessing in Hebrew (Aaronic Benediction)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnEHIVkFyoA
Shimcha Kadosh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIk0_WWIvU8