Tag Archives: inspiration

MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR, Overcoming Obstacles, The Journey Back, Where There is No Man

No enemy Can Overthrow Your Anointing!…

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Acts 5:38-39

Gamaliel tried to warn them!

One of the most difficult lessons my Pastor had to teach me, was not to defend myself against false accusations, a mean spirit or baseless hatred.

It was a very difficult lesson to learn, and I really had to press in, with every fiber of my being, and make my own flesh bow down. Because I honestly, from birth, can not stand a bully.

I grew up with confrontational people. So, I recognize a confrontational spirit when I see one, hear one, read one, or sense one.

The older I get, the stronger my zero tolerance policy becomes for a mean spirit. So, my deliverance is still in progress, because my flesh must be kept constantly under surveillance by the spirit.

One of the things that I LOVE about GOD the most is that… He taught me,

The Spirit of GOD is a Gentleman. The Spirit of GOD will never, “put a person on blast”, try to shame or humiliate. The Spirit of GOD does not ridicule or engage in fault finding. Man does that, not GOD.

And anyone operating in the Spirit of GOD, does not do that. “You will know them by their fruit”.

GOD asks that we build up, edify and encourage each other in the body of Christ. If GOD needs to rebuke someone, He will send a Prophet to do it.

And you never know in what manner the prophets will come. I know that everybody does not believe that we continue to be in the age of the prophetic. But Christians do, and that is who I am talking to. Christians that believe, the unredacted counsel of GOD.

God says He rejects the proud. I believe Him. GOD loves the humble. I believe Him about that too. His like-minded servants, operate in the same way, with chessed – Kindness-Tender Mercies-Patience-Humility-Love-Forgiveness-Long Suffering, to name a few. These are the Secrets to our Strength. These, are why we are still here today, Undefeated and Indestructible.

It must be that way, in order to serve the LORD GOD of Heaven.

THOSE ARE NOT OUR WEAPONS!

The enemy tries their best to get us to operate with their weapons. But we know the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. The minute we pick up the worlds weapons, we are vulnerable, and we have opened the door to spiritual threats.

Christ taught Matthew to, “Bless those that curse you, and pray for those that despitefully use you.” Then Matthew transferred the teaching to us.

This one teaching, can elevate the anointing on our lives to an incredible level.

We don’t need to get angry, enter into verbal disputes or banned battles of any kind. We don’t need to enter into word cursing competitions or word smith-ing confrontations.

IF WE JUST REALLY TRSUTED THE POWER OF PRAYER!

All we have to do is humble ourselves and pray!

Our Prayer LIFE, is our enemies worse nightmare. So we pray unceasingly and give our enemies no rest. This is how we win many battles. We need a prayer life! Not a prayer minute, or a prayer day, or a prayer season….Prayer must become a LIFESTYLE!

The POWER of Humility is Formidable!

Our Humility, alerts Angelic forces, in every realm.

Our dominion over our own flesh, to resist the urge to fight back and defend ourselves, produces that miraculous substance called Faith.

Our willingness to pray for someone, like our own life depended upon it… that’s priceless.

Prayer Places the Power in Your Spirits Hands!

When we serve GOD with every loyal fiber of our being, when we meditate on His Word Day and Night, until only our spirit can speak and our flesh has to listen, will cause our speech to become saturated in the anointing….

Then Christ in us, the Hope of Glory will arise and settle the dispute!

This is when GOD, will come for His Word to perform it!

So please, by all means, continue teaching speaking, preaching, ministering the Word of GOD.

Enemies will come… they are drawn to the WORD… I believe they either miss the anointing or they long for it!

So, let your light so shine into the world!

If your speaking love, harmony, unity and the peace of GOD is disturbing them…. Oh well. The people you are sent to communicate with, will know that you were sent to them, and they need to hear the Word from you, exactly as it was given to you!

The people you were not sent to communicate with, will know that you were not sent to them, and they still need to hear the Word from you, exactly as it was given to you.

If it were not so, why are they listening?

Either way, you are on task!

Scripture speaks far better than me, and I am particularly fond of Gamaliel’s warning…

The Apostles Before the Council

24Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Gamaliel’s Counsel

33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.“

To anyone found fighting against the Men and Women of GOD, I do not recommend it. Consider this a Restraining Order!

Today’s message is dedicated to someone I do not know. But, I saw your humility and kindness. I saw that you carried yourself in a way, that is in the image and likeness of GOD. I know that reflection when I see it. It is the cornerstone of the faith!

I saw your fruit! Your virtues will always draw the Anointing, and your humility will always draw the favor of GOD. I pray anyone who comes at you like an enemy, will recognize the anointing on your life, and repent, and be made whole.

Every time I even think of this, I will pray.

Be Encouraged Man of GOD…

May the anointing settle every dispute!

Rev. S. Madison

I was only able to share this with you because I was taught this by the MOST AMAZING PASTOR EVER, who made me learn it, even when I did not want to. I’m passing this on to you, because I know from experience, that if you follow it, NO ONE CAN EVER MOVE YOU OUT OF YOUR PLACE, no matter how hard they try or what lengths they go to. Stay in your position, stay humble, don’t defend yourself, stay prayerful and protect the people of GOD to the best of your ability.

GOD will handle the wicked!

I know this, like I know my own name.

God Bless You,

Cover Photo: Doug Tunison, Unsplash.com

What is Torah

THE MESSAGE IN THE LETTERS OF THE TORAH, Part 4 the hei

In Conclusion of our message on the Letters of the Torah, I present the letter hei.

Our work here is to establish a foundation in the beginning stages of torah knowledge. Everything that I have presented so far, has so much more depth than what I have even provided to you yet. We have to build, layer upon layer.

It’s like those roots of the olive branch we discussed in “Men Were Walking As Trees”, the teachings intertwine, they stretch out, they extend into the depths. The Word of GOD, uses everything to communicate with us; the letters, the words, the olive trees, the bread, the wine, the wheat, the corn and the oil… every word, symbol, sign and letter, He uses to communicate with us.

I hope to shine light on those nuances, to show that GOD is using everything to speak of us. Once we abandon that dreamy fairy tale story mentality that scripture is usually presented in, we discover that every word, every jot and title, is written with purpose.

Everything has meaning in the Word. God speaks through Everything!

There is so much more beneath the surface.

Take a look at the pictograph to the right. The letter hei is the last letter in the word torah. Therefore, it is the left-most letter on the photo. It has the Ancient Paleo Hebrew Pictograph of a little stick figured man, with his hands held up in the air. The hei means to “look” or to “behold”

The hei reminds me of the stick figures of man/people we used to draw as little kids. I can’t help thinking of that, whenever I see the letter hei.

  “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Psalm 33:6-9 (KJV)

The hei represents divine revelation. It is the symbol of the repentant man, who beholds the revelation of GOD. Hei is spiritual life, the breath of GOD, that is the essence of all creation. Hei, is also connected to the “light” spoken of 5 times in the book of Genesis, on the First Day of Creation.

The numerical value of hei is five. Five signifies the 5 dimensions, 5 senses, or the 5 levels of the soul, (Nephesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chiyah, Yechidah), which we will explore at another time.

Look closely at the letter hei. You will see that the hei is formed by combining the two vav’s, which form the letter dalet (D) and the inverted/upside down yod (Y).

True, it looks like the letter reish, with a vav, but that is only due to this particular block style for the Hebrew Aleph-bet. (I just wanted to point that out because your doing so good, I don’t want you confused later on. Just know structurally, the hei is formed from 2 vav’s and a yod!

When we put all the letters back into their proper place, We have the Word torah.

tav, the Covenant, the Cross, the Mark, the Sign, the Seal of GOD.

The First and the Last, is the aleph and the tav. Christ is the beginning and the end. Christ was speaking torah to us. Torah begins with His signature, Our LORD and Redeemer, the King of Israel, and beside Him there is no other!

Again, the aleph is silent, hidden as it is in the beginning of the torah; aleph precedes tav alphabetically. You can’t accept GOD, without accepting His torah. –it’s aleph to tav! God is implied.

Torah, begins with the tav, the covenant. Elohim – (starts with an aleph), silently preceding the covenant. We know the aleph is always present with the tav. Our spiritual journey begins with GOD and ends at the Cross. The Letters of the Hebrew Aleph-Bet are mile markers of our spiritual journey and elevation in GOD.

GOD’s torah, begins with the Sign of the Cross!

GOD is our access to the Covenant. Torah must begin with the tav, because there is no access to GOD without the Covenant.

vav, the man/discipled who connects Heaven to Earth through acceptance of the Covenant.

The vav draws down the power of Heaven to Earth. Vav connects with the anointing. Vav is the nail, the connecting force that binds the spiritual to the physical/natural.

When I think of the vav, I think of Matt 18:18, “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” The vav has the power to bind in Earth and in Heaven.

Vav represents completion, redemption and transformation. The vav represents the nails that pierced the Savior. The vav continues the conversation, the teaching. The vav continues the Message of Christ, which is the Message of GOD.

reish, operates in their position of authority and headship. The reish leads.

The reish stands with it’s back against GOD’s Glory, no longer a stranger to GOD. The reish refuses to sink to a lower level. reish is the beginning, and if they falter, the reish begins again….standing always for right, against wickedness. The reish, gives their spiritual enemies no quarter, no sanctuary, makes no accommodation for evil. The reish does not make camp in compromise, and is rewarded by GOD, who supports the reish, as they walk in covenant with the Spirit of GOD, in their Kingdom assignment.

God began the torah with the word b’rey-sheet, placing the symbol of the tabernacle before the reish. Reish can only achieve their place in the Kingdom, by staying connected to GOD in the tabernacle. The reish dwells with GOD in spirit.

hei, Divine Revelation, the Breath of GOD…

Hei at the end of a word, means, “What comes out of”

What comes out of tav – vav – reish… What comes out of the covenant is the disciple, that takes their place as firstborn and leads the flock of GOD. They shall ‘Behold’, the Secrets of GOD, and Divine Revelation is their reward.

The covenant births out the vav, the disciple, who dwells in the presence of GOD, and brings torah to the world.

Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and then the Bible tells us, “For the torah was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

Torah does not mean law. It is not a legalistic concept. Torah is Teaching.

tav – vav- reish – hei

  • What I hope you remember most about these 4 letters…
  • tav, the Covenant and the Cross.
  • vav is symbolic of man (a person, a human being).
  • reish, only a reish can step out of the tabernacle.
  • hei, Divine Revelation, breathed into the Men and Women of God.

Amen.

Knowing the meaning of the letters as you do now, What message can you see in the letters of torah?

God Bless You,

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This teaching is dedicated to one of My Dearest Friends, Heather… The Biggest torah Fan and Scholar of the Kingdom from across the sea!

Posts Included in This Series:

In order to access more teachings of this kind on the Hebrew Letters:

Cover by Rev. S. Madison

Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog All Rights Reserved.

Students/Subscribers have permission to print and share this information provided you do not use any of the teachings for profit or monetary gain of any kind. Please do not alter the material in any way. These conditions are subject to the additional term of giving full credit to torahisteaching.blog or Rev. S. Madison. Just send me an email to advise of your use of this material: torahbythesea@gmail.com Thank You.

Bible, Judeo-Christian Teachings, TORAH, What is Torah

Men Were Walking as Trees…

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

In scripture you will find many analogies made between man and trees. In Mark, Chapter 8, when Jesus begins the process to heal the blind man’s eyes, he looks up and testifies that he sees “men, walking as trees.” That has always stayed with me and for this reason, I want to share will you a bit of information about the olive tree. It makes all the other metaphors and messages around men and trees, so very clear.

The strongest trees survive the fiercest storms because their roots run deep into the earth, the adamah.

All around the globe, Christianity is under attack. There are many on the frontlines taking serious fire for the faith, while many others are falling by the wayside, tucked away in home territory.

Whether it be from Church hurts, breakdowns in Church leadership, or lack of the requisite knowledge to weather the storms of life, too many are despondant and lackluster. I believe that it is because some have roots, too superficially planted in the ground.

We are tossed to and from, by every wind of doctrine, we flip churches on a dime, we switch faiths many times, we do have itching ears, and we seek every prophetic word in sight, without nurturing any one of them.

Many are unable to give an answer about what we believe, and why we believe it. Perhaps, our most fatal flaw, is our lack of strength in apologetics.

For some, their roots are too shallow…

Jeff Finley – Unsplash.com

The trees with the deepest root systems, are the ones that spread their roots out far and wide to grip the earth. These trees are created to anchor themselves into the ground. They have stood up against hurricane winds, waves and storms that have taken out lesser trees, and cities of men.

If the roots are too shallow, the trees will not weather the storm.

Paul taught us that we don’t bear up the roots… it’s the roots of the tree, that bear us up! (Rom 11:18). Without a strong root system, we are sunk. Torah is our root system.

The oldest known living olive tree is estimated to be over 5000 years old, some are believed to be even older. Their root system is known to grow as much as 40 ft. in width (12 meters) and up to 20 ft. in depth (6 meters).

The olive tree is resistant to both drought and famine. Some times we can feel as if we just don’t have a sure or strong foundation. But, GOD called You an Olive Branch! The roots of an olive tree sprout and send forth new trees again and again.

  • Don Fontijn – Unsplash.com

The olive tree is well reknown for growing up in poor soil and extremely rocky environments. Inhospital conditions will not deter it’s growth or survival. Olives will grow and thrive where nothing else can live.

Scientist are not quite sure why the olive trees live so long. They believe, that it is primarily because they are sheltered by the soil and protected from mutations. saying that “…they simply have no reason to not live forever. The molds and fungi that attack most trees cannot find their way to the essential part of the tree in its bed of rock, and the diseases that come with interbreeding pass them by.”

Are you hearing this! The Olive Tree sets itself in the rock! Sickness and disease has to pass them by!

This must be why GOD selected the Olive Tree as a symbol of His People. A people who would perceive the prophetic clues in His Words that He left behind, and understand their spiritual advantage is to set themselves upon the rock! a tree knows…

David said, “I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.” Psalm 52:8

Although, my teaching are detailed, I pray you press in, grow as the wild olive branch grafted into the root… and Thrive!

Tom Pottiger – Unsplash.com

Amen.

Today’s teaching is dedicated to: Renae, Congratulations on your enterprises, from across the seas of torah! You always make me laugh about how much I love discovering all the details!

God Bless You,

Posts Included in This Series:

In order to access more teachings of this kind on the Hebrew Letters:

Cover Photo by Nazar Hrabovyi on Unsplash. olive leaves with fruit.

Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog All Rights Reserved.

Students/Subscribers have permission to print and share this information provided you do not use any of the teachings for profit or monetary gain of any kind. Please do not alter the material in any way. These conditions are subject to the additional term of giving full credit to torahisteaching.blog or Rev. S. Madison. Just send me an email to advise of your use of this material: torahbythesea@gmail.com Thank You.

Where There is No Man

THE Undiscovered ADAM and The Unexplained MAN, Part 2

“He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” —Daniel 2:22

Shalom,

We are 45 minutes into this series and as promised, today I am going to bring you a few highlights regarding the Hebrew word ‘adam’.

Since the series began entitled, “Where There Is No Man, Be A Man” Parts 1-4, I have reiterated the quote many times…”In the place where there are no men, be a man.” Would you be surprised to know that this statement has it’s roots in scripture?

What else can we learn from this message? The objective is to discover not only, what character and nature of ‘man’ is required when a tough situation presents itself, but also, Who is this elect man among men? Plus our original question still remains on the table, “Why are there so many different Hebrew words for ‘man’?”

Below, we will discover that there is more information to be known about the Hebrew word, ‘adam’, and that the information is kept within the Hebrew letters themselves!

First, Adam…is a Human Being…

In Part 3 of “Where There Is No Man, Be A Man”, we saw ‘adam’ applied first in recognition of ‘man’ as a human being; a messenger of GOD and representative of mankind. In Gen 5:2, we saw the transition and evolution of ‘adam’ to his name.

‘adam’, is written with 3 Hebrew letters; aleph (A) – dalet (D) – closed mem (M).

Let’s begin by exploring one letter at a time.

The Aleph is Silent…

  • The Hebrew Aleph-Bet contains 22 letters; 5 of the 22 letters are written in what is known as a ‘Final Form’. The Final Form is a way of writing the letter differently, when it appears at the ‘end’ of a word.
  • All of the Hebrew Letters are Consonants (with few exceptions of letters that are now used as vowels since the time of the Masoretes).  
  • Aleph is silent in Hebrew.

You may recall from previous teachings, that the Hebrew letters convey; concepts, images, ideas, symbols and possess numerical values. As a result, there is a lot of valuable data packed into every single letter of the Hebrew Aleph-Bet, which translates to a great deal of data in each word. In short, the Hebrew Letters are treasure houses of information; a.k.a. the Hebrew letters are said to possess ‘inner meanings’; literally, spiritually, and numerically. Meanings that exist beyond words.

The Hebrew Letter Aleph – a

The Hebrew Letter Aleph, is the 1st letter of the Hebrew Aleph-Bet. The Gematria of the letter aleph, i.e., the numerical value of aleph is 1. One is unique and Indivisible. The Aleph is formed by the combination of 2 Hebrew letters, the vav (V) and 2 yods, (Y). Referring to the handout on the right, the vav is the vertical line which is slanted in the aleph, representing the partition between the upper firmament and the lower firmament. The yod’s are connected to the vav, positioned on either sides of the stem. One facing up (toward the Heavens), and the other facing down (toward earth). The Gematria of the vav is 6, and each yod has a numerical value of 10, for a total of 26.

Why Is The Number 26 Important?

The aleph is equivalent to the 4 Letter Name of GOD, Y-H-V-H, which also equals 26. (Y=10, H=2×5, V=6). A clear connection between GOD’s Name, Y-H-V-H and the Aleph is visible in their numerical equivalencies. Concepts and Connections in the Hebrew that would otherwise be invisible to us, can readily be seen in their numerical equivalencies. We will continue to keep an eye open to these connections as we continue to study from the Hebrew perspective.

In Paleo Hebrew, i.e., The Ancient Hebrew Script, The letter aleph was shaped in the form of an Ox head, representing strength, leadership, power. Aleph became the symbol representing God. Aleph symbolizes the Oneness of GOD, and His Sovereignty. Aleph represents Divinity, The Father, The Strong Leader of the House. Aleph is torah, the very thought of GOD. All of creation is a product of torah, Genesis 1. Which is why, even the letters are called, “the raw materials of creation.“

God spoke His Word into the atmosphere and the Word took physical form. Before GOD ever asked adam to look into the essence of every creature and call out their name, their true essence, GOD looked into the essence of His crowning achievement and called him adam, a human being.

It is only fitting that the human beings are given a name that begins with the the 1st letter of GOD’s Name, Elohim (spelled – aleph (A) – lamed (L) – hei (H) – closed mem (M). Mankind’s name begins, with its origins and reflection in GOD. The image and likeness of GOD is embedded in the very name He gave for mankind, and it begins with the aleph. Adam is God-Like in being and will be GOD’s representative and messenger on earth. God signed off on His Creation by adding His Name to our name.

Mankind, was created to be an aleph in the earth. Even our name carries our assignment.

The Hebrew Letter Dalet – d

The Dalet, connects us to the four stages of deliverance as outlined by GOD in The Book of Exodus 6:6-7. “I will Bring You Forth, Save You, Redeem You and Take You.” Amen.

The dalet (D) is the 4th letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet and carries a gematria of 4. Dalet is the door, and it’s name carries it’s designation. The doorpost reaches up and down and the lintel reaches right to left. The 4 directions of dalet extend north, south, east and west.

The root word of Dalet, (dal) alludes to the poor, with the gimel – the 3rd letter of the Hebrew Aleph-Bet pursuing the dalet in order to provide care, generosity and kindness.

Consider Abraham, whose name by the way, also begins with the aleph – the 1st letter of GOD’s Name. Abraham was called the Chariot of GOD, who brought GOD’s character and Nature down to Earth. Abraham pursued the poor. His tent doors were always open to provide hospitality, supplies, comfort and care. His deeds of righteousness were always carried out expeditiously and his kindness to others is legendary. Abraham exemplifies chessed to the poor… the kindness of GOD.

The dalet is the symbol of the door, the path, the way. Once we, as those reared up on New Testament teachings, hear these words, we definitely connect the dots and immediately recognize the parallels to Christ, Who is The Way, The Truth and The Life. The dalet symbolizes movement, the pathway, access in and out, because it is the door.

In the Ancient Paleo Hebrew symbol of the dalet, you can also see the representation of the curtain hanging from the rods in the tabernacle. The veil stands between the Holy place and the Holy of Holies. The dalet is the door (Christ, that stands between us and The Father). To accept the FAther, you must accept the Son. Once again, Every New Testament Bible Student/disciple beholds the image of the dalet and hears the scripture saying, “No one cometh unto the Father, but by me”. John 14:6

IN THE REPRESENTATION OF THE ALEPH (A) AND THE DALET (D) WE CAN ALREADY BEGIN TO SEE THE IMAGE OF CHRIST AS THE DOOR, STANDING AT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF GOD, THE FATHER. DALET BEING THE DOOR, OUR PATHWAY TO GOD.

The Hebrew Letter Mem – m

The letter mem, (M) is the 13th letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet and has the same sound as our English letter, M.

In it’s ancient form, the letter mem was written in much the same way we would write it today, to represent waves of water. In fact, it carries the meaning of water (mayim), waves, liquid, or sea.

Notions of the sea carry with it the ideas of power, chaos and massiveness. These are concepts that are connected to the letter mem as well. The numerical equivalency of the Hebrew letter mem is 40. Traditionally, the letter mem represents water, nations, people, languages, and tongues. The letter mem has 2 forms, the open form and the closed form. The open form is said to represent the revealed truth and the closed mem represents what is concealed by GOD. In that context, the mem also symbolizes knowledge and wisdom.

Notice then, that ‘adam’ ends with a closed mem. —some truths remain concealed.

GOD, CHRIST AND THE NATIONS…

  • Adam

And the Door, standing squarely between GOD and the nations, a.k.a., GOD and the People.

You can also read the letters from aleph to mem as, The Father, who gave us His Son, the Door/Pathway from which all the nations have access to Him. The mem, the nations…none of which shall come to the Father, but by Christ, the Door! Whether we view it backwards or forwards, Christ is the Key to the Door!

DAM means BLOOD

Embedded in the word ‘adam’, is the word ‘dam’, which in English means blood. “The life is in the blood”, Lev 17:11.

GOD is attached, connected to the Blood. You can’t even spell the word for blood in Hebrew, without the concept of Christ as the door and the nations, as the people. You also see the message of the blood being applied to the doorpost to protect the people. Of course, our spilled blood cries out to GOD. GOD is attached to us, through the Blood.

Dam means life.

GOD (A) is Life… and the Life is in the Blood (D-M).

What Happens When You Remove the dalet?

  • Aleph – Mem (eem or eem-ma) spells Mother

If we remove the dalet from the middle of the word ‘adam’, we have a new word, ‘aleph-mem, which spells, ‘mother’ (517), pronounced ‘eem’ or ‘eemah’.

One more important thing that we don’t want to miss is that, in order to spell the word ‘mother’ in Hebrew, you have to include the 1st letter in GOD’s Name, aleph.

Aleph vs. Ayin

Ayin – Mem (ah’m) spells People

There are 2 Letter ‘A’s in Hebrew, the aleph which is a symbol of GOD and the ayin, which symbolizes the eye, sight, or insight. Ayin – mem forms another Hebrew word, ‘people’ (5971), which is also translated as flock, nation, men or folk; with 1868 occurrences in scripture.

People and Mankind are two different words (concepts) in Hebrew. In English, we use them interchangeably. In Hebrew they are completely separate words with distinct applications. Making distinctions of this sort is not one of the strengths of the Concordances, as terms and interpretations are lumped together.

To say people in Hebrew, you remove the dalet from ‘adam’ and the aleph becomes ayin. This indicates a different connection. One that lacks GOD and the Doorway.

When we follow the pattern in GOD’s language and you remove the dalet from adam, you either spell the word ‘am’, (eem) which means ‘mother’ or you create another word, ‘am’ (ah’m) which means people.

Mankind becomes People, with the removal of the dalet from the word adam.

When GOD is removed from the equation of Mankind, Hebrew doesn’t retain the Aleph, the symbol of GOD.

People have to choose GOD, they have to choose sight, or no sight. Insight or blind-sight. Mankind without the Door, without the Aleph (GOD)… we become, a people without GOD.

No wonder GOD’s word says, “My people perish for lack of knowledge”. When we sever the connection at the Door, there is no access to GOD, No Access to Knowledge, Wisdom or Understanding. No Torah, No Access.

The People Are One…

The Hebrew letters form the words of GOD’s message and they have much to teach us beyond the literal reading of the text. The Hebrew Aleph-Bet is able to transmit spiritual values, priorities, as well as another vision and level of the plan of GOD.

When we go back to the beginning and look at Genesis 11:6, When the People became One, without GOD...now we have a little more insight as to perhaps why this was such a dangerous thing.

GOD created us to be mankind. Mankind, are human beings who carry the image and likeness of GOD. Creating mankind, was the crowning achievement in the LORD’s creation masterpiece. If we lower ourselves to the level of a people without GOD, then we miss the mark and become a people who perish for lack of knowledge.

ADAM, embodies the Strength of GOD, The Power of GOD the Father, He is the First, The Beginning of Mankind. Adam carries the Name of GOD, The Image and likeness of GOD, The Word of GOD. ADAM’s name is a prophecy of the Messiah, Christ the Door, without whom, there is no access to GOD. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Through ADAM, the nations have access to the Door. All People, All Tribes, All Nations. Living Waters reside at the Door. If we drink of the Living Waters that He provides, we, the nations, shall never thirst again!

In the name ADAM, we see the legacy of mankind, The connection of GOD, The Aleph, David and Messiach. So much revelation and beauty in every word of Torah.

Every jot and tittle of the Word, carries the messages of GOD.

The messages of Heaven are conveyed down to the letters. Every word formed from the Letters of Fire, carries the teachings of GOD and is in line with the Word of GOD.

As you gain greater exposure to the messages conveyed in the letters, this knowledge will be at the forefront of your thoughts, even as you pray.

I pray that Your Words become infused with the evidence of things unseen and the substance of things hoped for, the products of another level of wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

My Pastor has always called the Hebrew Aleph-Bet, the Letters of Fire. I’m glad to know and share why.

Catch the Fire!

If you are following along in this series, please review the above material extensively and be prepared for the next teaching in this series. I will be building upon the information already presented in the series.

One of the most important concepts our torah’s studies provide to us is the realization that our words provide us access into the realms and dimensions that would be closed to us in the natural. Words have a very strong impact on all of our interactions. Therefore, we must measure our words carefully for the impact they have on others.

Our words allow us to draw forth something supernatural, from the natural world. Let’s repeat that: What we need most of all, is for our words to draw forth something supernatural, from the natural world/realm.

  • Quick Links to Teachings in this Series: The Undiscovered Adam….
  • Part 1 – 8 minutes The Undiscovered Adam and the Unexplained Man
  • ++Vocabulary: Our elevated understanding of Gods terminology.
  • Adam ~ human being, the crowning achievement of God; mankind, man.
  • Zakar ~ male, man, belonging to and in covenant with the GOD of Heaven.
  • ish ~ (Make note of the patterns you see in how GOD uses this word in scripture).
  • nephesh ~ (Make note of the patters you see in how GOD uses this word in scripture)
  • gul-go-leth ~ every man counted in the omer of manna, or for the 1/2 shekel of the sanctuary. The counting of heads for the poll.
  • ba’al ~ rulers, elders, lords who shall not defile themselves with the dead, other than immediate family.

Note to Students: Over the years my re-quoting of this saying has shortened to, “Where there is no man, be a man.” I apologize for any incoveneience this may have caused any of you. The actual full quote is as stated above in each teaching connected with this series. “In a place where there are no men, be a man.”

Thank You for your forgiveness for my adpatation of the saying.

God Bless You,

  • COPYRIGHT 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog
  • Republished September 2020, for The Month Elul

Where There is No Man

THE Undiscovered ADAM and The Unexplained MAN

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” ––Acts 17:11 KJV

Shalom,

Upon the completion of reading this article, you will be approx. 45 minutes into this series, so I will keep you in suspense no longer. I know that this is the moment you have been waiting for! So, I am going to give a little insight into Hillel’s saying… “In the place where there are no men, be a man” Here we go!

In connection with the ongoing series entitled; “Where There Are No Men, Be A Man”… We are investigating 12 Hebrew Words for man, in order to assess just what type of man GOD may have in mind, who is qualified to respond to this mandate.

Rabbi Hillel, the 1st Century prophet who lived 110 BC – 10AD, is credited with the saying. I in turn accredit his words to GOD, for no other reason than he was a prophet of GOD, with insight into it’s ultimate meaning, which can only come from GOD Himself.

When I was first introduced to Hillel’s saying, it was taught to me in connection with Exodus 2:11-14; When Moses defended the Hebrew slave who was being attacked by an Egyptian overseer. Ultimately, in order to protect the slave, Moses had no choice but to kill him in order to protect his own life. As a result Moses fled from Egypt, knowing that Pharoah would soon hear of his actions. So, the teaching says, that when Moses looked around to see if there was anyone who would stand up for the slave, and against the abuses he was suffering, there was no man. There was only him, and Moses rose up to save the Hebrew slave.

The scripture reads, 11 “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 13And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 14And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.“

In the Bible Study lessons I attended in my youth, the typical teaching that came from the passage above was that, “Moses went out to look upon the burdens of his people and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and he looked around to see if any one was watching. Since no one was watching, he took advantage of the moment and killed the Egyptian to save the Hebrew slave.” A literal interpretation to be sure, but there is more going on here than that, and this might not be totally accurate. Below, we will key into some very important wording, to determine if we have all the facts.

  • OBSERVATIONS:
  • verse 11: Moses saw an Egyptian “smiting an ‘ish’ (320), one of his brethren”
  • verse 11: smiting is nakah(5221), and ‘ish’ only shows up in the Hebrew; meaning that it is untranslated in most English translations of the Bible, including the King James Version. If you refer to an Interlinear Bible, you will find that the word ‘ish’ is completely ignored and was not carried over into a majority of the English translations. For us English speaking Bible Students, ‘ish’ is invisible. The KJV reads, “smiting a Hebrew”, yet, ‘ish’ is a very important part of this teaching too, and we need to put it back into the forefront.
  • verse 11: a translation that would be more inclusive of these details would be, “Moses saw an Egyptian smiting an ‘ish’, an ‘ivri’, (a Hebrew).” NOTE: Hebrew is the word, ivri, which is pronounced, ‘ee-vree’. If you recall, we learned that the word, ‘ivri’ means, “from the other side.” Ref: Where There Is No Man, Part 2
  • verse 12: “and he looked this way and that way”, –he looked ‘koh va koh’
  • verse 12: “and when he saw there was no man”. —He saw there was no ‘ish’
  • verse 12: “…he slew (nakah, 5221) the Egyptian”.
  • verse 13: “Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?” the word for smitest is ‘nakah’ (5221) translated; attack, slay, kill. Fellow is ‘rea’, pronounced ray-ah (7453), i.e., a friend, neighbor, companion…
  • verse 14: …“intendest thou to kill (2026) me, as thou killedst (2026) the Egyptian?” 2026 is ‘harag’; to kill, slay

There are 4 key points I would like for you to grasp right now. We will double back for the rest of the information later. For now, the 1st 3 are of primary importance in this part of our study, so we will take a look at them first.

  1. Moses did not, look around to see if anyone was watching because he was concerned about someone seeing him in the act of committing murder. This is not an example of a severe character flaw that we are witnessing here. Moses is a tzaddik, a righteous one. There is an injustice occuring in front of him, and he cannot just stand by and let it happen. He has been raised as a Prince of Egypt, a leader. Leaders stand up for the defenseless.
  2. Since we already know that there are 12 Hebrew words for ‘man’, we understand that scripture is drawing our attention to the fact that, he saw no ‘ish’, which makes this issue significant to note. There are 11 other possibilities for word choices here, so “seeing no ish” is important and we must pay attention to this detail. When we take the information that we have in hand thus far, what does that tell us about the characteristics that an ‘ish’ must possess? Who is an, ‘ish’?
  3. In addition, Moses is connecting the concept of being an ‘ish’, with being an ivri, a Hebrew. What else can we glean about the quality of an ‘ish’ from this statement?
  4. There are 2 different words in this portion of scripture that both have the interpretation of “to kill”; harag and nakah. We need to take a look at these words in the same way in which we are looking at the word ‘man’. What distinction is being made between these two Hebrew words? What pertinent information is the concordance lacking here? Are there patterns that are revealed in the use of the Hebrew words themselves that will provide another source of information, detail or revelation?

Hillel, is speaking scripture to us in his ‘saying’. He is pointing those that he is teaching, back to the word of GOD, that has been rehearsed in their ear’s yearly. When the children of Israel in the 1st Century hear these words, their minds go to the portion of scripture that points to Moses’ confrontation with the Egyptian. As for our Christian minds, where do they go?, Are there any dots for us to connect? I sincerely doubt if we are reflecting back on the Book of Exodus, Chapter 2; the portion of scripture known as shemot, “and these are the names…” (shemot is pronounced as one syllable, i.e., shhh’mote). Shemot (Ex. 1:1 through 6:1), is the portion of the Hebrew Scriptures that deals with the children of Israel remembering who they are in GOD and crying out to the GOD of Heaven for deliverance. They had been stripped of practically everything that made them Hebrews. There was one virture, that qualified them for destiny… they had kept their Hebrew names, i.e., they kept their identities that connected them to their people and their GOD.

In our childhood bible studies, these words of scripture were not rehearsed in our ears, so we miss the connection that Hillel is making, i.e., We don’t hear the Hebrew Scripture being echoed back to us.

In fact, we aren’t even aware that there are any connections to be made, so we don’t even know were missing them. This is one of the primary reasons that my advocacy for Christians learning torah is so vocal. How many peices to the puzzle were missing from your knowledge banks regarding this portion of scripture? Has any additional light been shed on this torah portion? Did you hear the torah being spoken in Hillel’s saying?

If not, why not? Is there anything else that has gone unrecognized in these 4 passages of scripture, that we should know about?

I am deliberately focusing on these point for 2 reasons.

1. As we read the New Testament, we are reading right over critical language that we should recognize from the Hebrew Scriptures.

2. If we heard the language cues, we would automatically have greater understanding and insight into the context and mindset from which Christ and the disciples were speaking. We would know, that Christ is speaking torah the entire time and that He never broke the torah, nor did He come to destroy the torah. This matters.

All of the information provided above has bearing on our study of, ‘man’. All of the little dots that we have connected will shed more light on Hillel’s invocation, the Hebrew Scriptures as a whole and all of the relevant information we have missed, due to our lack of torah study.

By the way, that photo on the caption is the word, ‘adam’ in Hebrew. Reading from right to left, we have the letters, aleph (A) – dalet (D) – mem (M). adam is connected to this teaching about ‘man’. We are still in pursuit of the meaning of the word, ‘man’, as found in the saying of Hillel. Have we found it?

Think about the information that you have learned so far. What dots have you connected in the scriptures? What insights have been revealed? In our next series associated with adam, we are going to take an indepth look at the 3 letters that spell, ‘adam’ and see what they can tell us of the character and nature of adam and who, adam is referring to, and/or what the word ‘adam’ really means. Is it a name only or is it a reference to mankind, or both? Should both designations apply, is that all that this Hebrew word, chosen by GOD and applied to his highest form of creation, can tell us about GOD and ourselves? Let’s find out!

Review this material extensively and be prepared for the next teaching in this series. Stay tuned!

Teaching related to the topic of Adam:

  • ++Vocabulary: Our elevated understanding of Gods terminology.
  • Adam ~ human being, the crowning achievement of God; mankind, man.
  • Zakar ~ male, man, belonging to and in covenant with the GOD of Heaven.
  • ish ~ (Make note of the patterns you see in how GOD uses this word in scripture).
  • nephesh ~ (Make note of the patters you see in how GOD uses this word in scripture)
  • gul-go-leth ~ every man counted in the omer of manna, or for the 1/2 shekel of the sanctuary. The counting of heads for the poll.
  • ba’al ~ rulers, elders, lords who shall not defile themselves with the dead, other than immediate family.

Note to Students:  Over the years my re-quoting of this saying has shortened to, “Where there is no man, be a man.”  I apologize for any incoveneience this may have caused any of you.  The actual full quote is as stated above in each teaching connected with this series.  “In a place where there are no men, be a man.”  

Thank You for your forgiveness for my typo’s and adpatation of the saying.  

God Bless You,

  • COPYRIGHT 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog

The Journey Back

MAKE A WINDOW IN THE ARK…

Genesis 6:13 “And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth”.

6:14  “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch”.

6:15  “And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits”.

6:16  “A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it”.

Before Noach (Noah) was finished, he had to make sure that he had placed a window in the ark. Makes perfect sense. God commanded a flood. It would be raining for quite some time.

As you can see from the chart below, the Hebrew word for ark is teivah. As with all the words in Hebrew, there is depth and height. The Word of God contains such rich luxurious texture, streaming with meaning, purpose, treasure and insight. In English, ark means ark. In the Hebrew, the LORD’s language, is a 2 edged sword.

Psalms 119:30 says, “The entrance of thy Word brings light, and gives understanding to the simple!”  King David, (Prophet, Priest & King) connected with the revelation of this message. David recognized that God was not just talking commanding Noach to make a window for the ark in some mundane, mechanical sense.  Noach is commanded to make ‘one’ window, singular. Whatever he needs to see, when he needs to see it, will be facing him head on.

Yes, Noach makes a literal window. But scripture is not just teaching us literal concepts. There are revelations to be found in the Word. Noach builds an ark, based solely on the Word of God. Noah will look out of that window when he in instructed to, at the Word of God. When the storm is over, it will be through that window that the light will come.

 King David, (Prophet, Priest & King) connected with the revelation of this message. David knew that every instruction of God has purpose. So, when he tells Noach to make a window in the ark, a detail we easily read over like we are reading a fariytale story, David is paying attention to detail.

David’s experience with GOD, tells him to ask a few questions. For instance, it makes common sense to make a window. Why is GOD giving such detailed instructions for something that I know. Of course, I’ll make a window.

However, on the heels of that same instance, instance that he ask himself the question, the next instant he has to just smile and say, OK GOD, I get it.

David, understood something we will never see without the Hebrew. He understood that ‘teivah’ also means, ‘Word’. Yes, Noah, make a literal window for the ark, but in doing so he understood the message behind the message. He knew that he had another job to do. He also was charged with bringing forth light with the Word, that is in the ark!  

Our entire spiritual survival will depend on how we utilize our power to speak the Word and bring light into the darkness. The ‘light’ from the sun will not be available for a little while. You need to tap into another level of light!

When Noah made that window, he was doing it on faith that the light would come. Making that window was equivalent to Moses saying, “I believe you Lord, and I trust You”. If GOD was not going to keep His word to Noah, and destroy him and his family in the flood, there is absolutely no need for a window. So Noah makes a window in the ark, knowing that on a completely higher level, he is making a window for the Word.

Just as Noah had to make a window for the purpose of bringing light into the ark, we have to learn how to bring forth light with the Word.  Again, our entire spiritual survival will depend on how well we can follow the instructions and make a window for the Word, despite the trials and tributions, the problem or the situation, the circumstances, or the complications… despite the 40 dark days, make a window for the Word!

Can we bring forth light with the Word of GOD? What will we create, with the Word?

As you increase your knowledge of the Hebrew, and begin to pray with the Hebrew tongue (even a few words); every utterance will take on the creative force imbued within the Word, at the dawn of creation.  When I say, you begin to pray with a Hebrew tongue, for now, I’m speaking of praying with a torah mindset, meaning you are now praying with a more intimate knowledge of the Word.

Genesis 7:1, “You and all of your household shall enter into the ark”. 

What if we dared to understand this at a higher level?  What can happen when you are no longer satisfied with a superficial knowledge and understanding of the Word?

When we study torah, we are pursuing, d’resh (investigation), remez (comparing scripture with scripture) for the purpose of a sod level of knowledge (revelation).

Let’s read this again, but this time let’s insert the revelation,  “You and all your household shall enter into the Word” – 

The Baal Shem Tov taught that this means that we must put our entire self, into the words of our prayers. The brightest light we will ever create, will be the light we create with our words. With this one, tiny bit of torah knowledge we find, that the ‘teaching’ about the making of the ark, is more than a bible story. God didn’t give us stories, He gave us teachings, instructions and directions. I hope our biblical vocabularies will eliminate the words, bible story, from our vocabulary for a while. I encourage everyone to try. We need to elevate the kedusha (Holiness) on our words, and the way in which we speak about the Word of GOD. We are the experts on spiritual matters, not the world. The world, will take their lead from us.

Our words have work to do. The Hebrew Letters are known as the Letters of Fire. When we pray, we have access to the Fire of God through his Word. When passion, compassion and love are the very foundation of our prayers; When we speak with kindness, honoring every soul, When the words we speak have only one agenda; to build up, edify and encourage, then our words are doing the work we were called to do.  We are creating, (creating is the Hebrew word, ‘asah’), a window in the Ark. 

As we go about our daily lives, and look out of our windows through the vision of all of our circumstances, speak light and look for the light to come. Call it into existence. When our words and prayers infuse the light of God into the world and into another’s soul…We are creating light, from every Word of God!

Make a Window for the Word!

© 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog

Image provided by Unsplash.com

The Journey Back, What is Torah

THE JOURNEY BACK TO A TORAH MINDSET BEGINS…. Part 1.2

Q&A Continued…
Below are a few questions that were submitted to me via email that did not come through the posts. I am going to answer a few of them here for the benefit of all participants.

Q#3: Will your articles typically take 10-15 minutes in length to read?

Yes indeed! I am really very impressed with myself that they are that short! It is my teaching style to be at length. Generally speaking, I struggle in class to contain my lectures to 50 or 110 minutes. I try to squeeze every drop, out of every minute with my students and I am not ashamed to hold them captive. Learning is a scientific process. You have to be meticulous in every detail. I demand a lot out of my students, and I have no sympathy for the amount of time it takes to study to show yourself approved.

The Hebrew letters are called the raw materials of creation. I agree. I think every student is like the raw materials of creation. In my class, every student carries a Hebrew Letter over their head, like a crown of torah. They are going to create something powerful with it. Every time they absorb new information, they have the power to create, edify, encourage. They have the power to build. Some in 7 minutes, some in 6 minutes, some in one hour, some in a year. In reading, studying, learning….they are the masters of time.

Imagine my surprise and delight to have written something in a blog that only takes a few minutes to read. I might mess around and find this enjoyable!

So, why am I writing this, if it is such a foreign concept to me?
Earlier I told you that I am going for my graduate level degree in humility. Humility 101 is a marathon. It is all day, every day, and last a lifetime. This is my primary reason.

Secondary to that… I am doing this because my students are making me do it! They have suggested, implored, cajoled, questioned, fussed and looked at me strangely. They have asked me to do this for years, and I have just smiled and said, “one day, maybe”.

This is me, surrendering and being obedient to their request. They obviously have something else to teach me. So I am taking the course.

The most excellent truth of the matter is, teachers can only excel in their particular skill set, as long as they are willing to be students at the same time that they are teaching. My students have probably taught me more than I have ever taught them. I don’t know how many teachers actually share that thought out loud, or even if we share it with each other. However, ask a teacher and find out if they agree.

Students are not learning in a vacuum. Your teacher has just as much to learn from you, as you do from them. It is a symbiotic relationship. I have come to know it as, iron sharpening iron!

Technically speaking, we are just about 20-25 minutes into our first class!

I think this is a good place to introduce you to a few of your classmates. There is Ruth. Her code name is Ruth. I call her that because she is tah-meem. That is Hebrew for blameless. She has such a pure, innocent spirit and is so genuine in prayer.

You will hear me speak of David. That is his code name. I call him David because he is so sold out to God. David is one of the tzaddikim (righteous ones). His children are aware of his spiritual identity, and they see God in him. He is a rare one. He is a man, who has honour in his own country, and his own house.

You will hear me speak of one person, as the Beloved of John. She is a master torah scholar in Christ Jesus. She is the librarian, historian, record keeper par excellance. Although she would never agree with me commending her with praise. In the area of humility, kindness and joy, she is a savant. They are truly her areas of expertise. She operates in a highly specialised skill set in the body of Christ.

Then there is Shamar. shamar in Hebrew means to guard, to protect. She is hungry for the Word. She is a soldier, fearless in spiritual battle. She detests stagnation, apathy, and confusion, and she knows how to stand her watch in the service.

David, Shamar, Ruth and the Beloved of John are like the sons of Thunder in prayer. They each have an-already-been-done kind-of-spirit in prayer, and nothing is impossible with God. They know their names and each of them will recognise their description when they have read it. One day, when their identities are revealed, their families will see that I have made no exaggeration about their spiritual character.

They will attend every class and every lecture with you. They will read what you read, and hear what you hear. They are ministers of the gospel, students, teachers and intercessors. It’s what they do.

Now we’re learning torah!

Quick Links to Previous Post:  

The Journey Back To A Torah Mindset, Part 1

The Journey Back To A Torah Mindset, Part 1.1

[When I find typo’s that I did not see before I published and/or I re-read and know that I could have stated something better for clarity, I will make corrections and place brackets around the changes, like so.  I want your final product to be as pristine as possible.  Also, you have noticed that I do not include the scripture reference when I am quoting or paraphrasing something from the New Testament.  I do that intentionally.  We know this material and I believe it is already a part of our regular dialogue.  We may have the impulse to look them up and that’s good.  I want to provoke us to do that.  It’s good for the soul 🙂  Your a good student!  God Bless You].

Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog

The Journey Back, TORAH BIBLE STUDY, What is Torah

THE JOURNEY BACK TO A TORAH MINDSET BEGINS…. Part 1.1

Q&A:

Below are a few questions that were submitted to me via email, that did not arrive through the posts. I am going to answer a few of them here for the benefit of all participants.

Q#1: Why did your original two posts not include any scripture or torah teachings? I think you only quoted scripture once.

The first two posts referred to are: The Journey Back to a Torah Mindset Begins… April 11, 2019, and How to Reset Your Torah Mindset to Acquire Torah Concepts… April 13, 2019.

Good question. “Because I am a teacher at heart.” There are several reasons I can offer to explain why I handled the introduction in this way. The fact is, both articles were loaded with torah principles, insights and teachings. I purposefully did not identify them in the articles, for the specific benefit of allowing everyone to hear the information and gain some insight into our foundational objectives. Teachers never start teaching, until everyone in the class knows specifically, what we are there to accomplish. Students hail from vastly divergent backgrounds, knowledge in and experience with scripture. It is imperative that we are given the same road map for our journey.

That being said, The Journey Back… began with a rabbinic quote. Did you recognise the quote, or have you heard it before? Chances are if you have had no prior experience with torah, you did not. That’s OK. How did you answer the question when you read it?
Were you so curious about the right answer, that you googled the question to see if you could find it and discover the meaning?
In your opinion, What is the good path to which a human being should cling? You have been out among the world. What have you discerned? What is the proper path?

If you still remember the question in your heart and are still pondering your response, you are a Christian torah scholar in the making. If not, you may have some struggles with the upcoming material. Regardless, dependant upon how much effort you are willing to place in your study, you will be an excellent student in your own right! How much are you willing to put into it? Do you have a thirst and a hunger to understand scripture at a higher level? Are you willing to be taught? Are you teachable? What are the characteristics of a teachable spirit? Even the questions are torah centric questions. Together we shall explore the answers, as long as you feel that this blog is right for you!

As we continue on this journey together, we will identify every torah principle that was addressed in the body of these two articles mentioned above. We will proceed line by line, precept by precept.

—Torah Lesson Number 1: The Five Students of Torah

How did the five students of the Rabbi answer the above question? “Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai said to them [the five disciples]: Go out and discern which is the proper path to which man should cling. Rabbi Eliezer says: A good eye. Rabbi Yehoshua says: A good friend. Rabbi Yose says: A good neighbor. Rabbi Shimon says: One who considers the outcome [of a deed]. Rabbi Elazar says: A good heart. He said to them: I prefer the words of Elazar ben Arach to your words, for your words are included in his words.” Pirkei Avos 2:13 (i.e., Sayings of the Fathers 2:13)

Do you agree with Rabban Zakkai? Did you have a completely different answer than the five students? Explain.

Q#2: It seems like you rarely ever capitalise the word, torah, even when you should. Why is that?

That’s deliberate. In Hebrew, there is no capitalisation of letters. Capitalisation is a western concept in our writing system. Not so, in Hebrew. Even though English is my first language, I work very hard at not capitalising Hebrew words. It’s adorable when I think about it. Every letter is conceptually written in lower case… this is an aspect of humility embedded into the presentation of the Hebrew Language itself.

The torah was given in humility, given with love. The torah was received with humility, and received in reverence (awe). Reverence, is how we say, “I Love You” back to God. This is the disciples short hand for, “I will do and I will hear” (Ex. 24:7). torah should be written with a lower case t, to remind us of the necessity to handle the word of God with humility and love.

Case in point, my computer is operating on the world system, with a western mindset. I have to be mindful to do the opposite of what it is programmed to do. The computer is on autopilot. I, on the other hand, am forcing myself to be mindful of a new thing, another way, a more excellent way. I am retraining my mind to think a new way. Little things like this, I find helpful. I place this simple requirement on myself. My students are not required to do them. Contrary to some beliefs, the study of torah is not about being legalistic, or ritualistic. It’s more about building a fence around the torah. (A concept that we will delve into at much length, later in this journey!)

Torah is about the little things, considerate things, that we can do to let God know that we are continually walking consciously, aware of His Presence. I am daily training my own spirit, in the art and science of graduate level humility. Every little bit helps!

Excellent question!

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[When I find typo’s that I did not see before I published and/or I re-read and know that I could have stated something better for clarity, I will make corrections and place brackets around the changes, like so.  I want your final product to be as pristine as possible.  Also, you have noticed that I do not include the scripture reference when I am quoting or paraphrasing something from the New Testament.  I do that intentionally.  We know this material and I believe it is already a part of our regular dialogue.  We may have the impulse to look them up and that’s good.  I want to provoke us to do that.  It’s good for the soul 🙂  Your a good student!  God Bless You].

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