1

VAYECHI “And He lived”

Torah: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12

B’rit Chadashah: Luke 4:31-5:11All references: The Scripture 1998+ unless otherwise noted

JACOB LIVED - VA’YECHI

And Yaʽaqob lived in the land of Mitsrayim seventeen years. So the length of Yaʽaqob’s life was one hundred and forty-

seven years. (Genesis 47:28)17 Years: They were “tov” years. How do we know that they were “good”? Seventeen is the numeric value of the letters “tet-vav-vet” which is the word “tov” (good). •He is re-united with Joseph; •He lived out his life surrounded by all of his sons and at least one daughter. 147 Years: The length of his days.

110 years considered ideal lifespan for egyptian120 years lifespan for hebrews

2

Hebrew teacher BRAD SCOTT on no. 17

“… the number ‘17’ does represent victory and resurrection…- .the time of Messiah’s resurrection fell on the 17th of Aviv in the year He was tried and crucified…. It is clear to all that call on the name of Yeshua, that His resurrection was victory for all and the beginning of our rest in Him. - This victory and rest was pictured when the ark of Noach and

his family rested upon Mt. Ararat on the 17th day of the 7th month. For you see, in Noach’s time the beginning of the year was still in Tishri. The commandment for Aviv to be the beginning of the year did not occur until the time of Mosheh. This meant that in Noach’s time the 7th month from Tishri was Aviv. So the ark actually rested on the 17th of Aviv.

- We are also told a detail of one of the most obvious types of the Messiah, Yoseph, that he was 17 years old when he had the dream concerning the prophecy of the Messiah and the 11 other tribes in B’reshith 37:2-14.

- It can be shown that the Israelites crossed the Gulf of Aqaba on the 17th of Aviv….The city Jerusalem appears in the Psalms 17 times and there are 17 things unable to separate us in Romans 8:35-39. Jeremiah’s 17 prayers ended in Yirmeyahu 32:9, when buying the field for 17 shekels. There are 17 appearances of angels in the gospels and the book of Acts..” (end of quote) 3

Jacob lived 17 years in Egypt, and this is the same number of years Joseph lived with his father in Canaan before he was sold as a slave. Here are a few Hebrew words that have the number 17 in common: • Good (tov) - bAj 2 (b) + 6 (A) + 9 (j) = 17

So יהושע said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except One – Elohim. (Luke 18:19)

• Sacrifice (zevach) - xb;z< 8 (x) + 2 (b;) + 7 (z) = 17But He, having offered one slaughter offering for sins for all time, sat down

at the right hand of Elohim, (Hebrews 10:12)• To Fish (deeg) - gyDi 3 (g) + 10 (yi) + 4 (Di) = 17“See, I am sending for many fishermen,” declares יהוה, “and they shall fish them.

…(Jeremiah 16:16)Shimʽon Kĕpha went up and dragged the net to land, filled with one hundred and

fifty-three big fishes. And though there were so many, the net was not broken. (John 21:11)

4

153John 21:11 above points out another interesting number – there were 153 fish caught in the nets:• The Passover (haPasach) - xs;P'(h; 8 (x) + 60 (s) + 80 (P) + 5 (h) = 153

and looking at יהושע walking, he said, “See the Lamb of Elohim!” (John 1:36)

• Covenant (be’reet) - tyrIB. 400 (t) + 10 (y) + 200 (rI) + 2 (b) = 612 (4 x 153)

“For this is the covenant I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl after those days, declares יהוה: I shall put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.

(Jeremiah 31:33)There is indeed a Messianic link with the numbers 17 and 153. And here’s another math link between the numbers themselves as 153 is the sum of the integers from 1 to 17:1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 + 12 + 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 = 1535

SONS OF ELOHIMThe sages tell us that the number 153 is a reference to a statement by the prophet Hosea:

“Yet the number of the children of Yisra’ĕl shall be as the sand of the sea, which is not measured nor counted. And it shall be in the place where it was

said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they shall be called, ‘You are the sons of the living Ěl.’ “And the children of Yehudah and the children of Yisra’ĕl shall be gathered together, and appoint for themselves one head, and shall come up

out of the earth, for great is the day of Yizreʽĕl! (Hosea 1:10-11)To understand the connection between this prophecy of Israel’s return, the reconciliation of the two Houses of the nation of Israel, and the 153 fish that were caught by יהושע’s talmidim, we need to recognize that the gematria of the phrase “the sons of Elohim” is 153:

Sons of Elohim - ~yhiêl{a/h'( ynEåB.40 (~) + 10 (y) + 5 (h) + 30 (l) + 1 (a) + 5 (/h) + 10 (y) + 50 (nEï) + 2 (B) = 153

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of Elohim, to those believing in His Name, (John 1:12) 6

JPS TORAH COMMENTARYNow there’s even more. In the JPS Torah Commentary on Genesis, Nahum Sarna points out that the life spans of the three patriarchs lend themselves to factorization according to the following pattern:• Abraham lived to be 175 = 5 x 5 x 7 5 + 5 + 7 = 17• Isaac lived to be 180 = 6 x 6 x 5 6 + 6 + 5 = 17• Jacob lived to be 147 = 7 x 7 x 3 7 + 7 + 3 = 17In the above series, the squared number increases by one each time while the coefficient decreases by two. Not only that…in each case the sum of the factors is 17!! The patriarch’s lives all point to Messiah!

7

Hebrew teacher BRAD SCOTT on no. 17

“… the number ‘17’ does represent victory and resurrection….the time of Messiah’s resurrection fell on the 17th of Aviv in the year He was tried and crucified…. It is clear to all that call on the name of Yeshua, that His resurrection was victory for all and the beginning of our rest in Him. This victory and rest was pictured when the ark of Noach and his family rested upon Mt. Ararat on the 17th day of the 7th month. For you see, in Noach’s time the beginning of the year was still in Tishri. The commandment for Aviv to be the beginning of the year did not occur until the time of Mosheh. This meant that in Noach’s time the 7th month from Tishri was Aviv. So the ark actually rested on the 17th of Aviv. We are also told a detail of one of the most obvious types of the Messiah, Yoseph, that he was 17 years old when he had the dream concerning the prophecy of the Messiah and the 11 other tribes in B’reshith 37:2-14. It can be shown that the Israelites crossed the Gulf of Aqaba on the 17th of Aviv….The city Jerusalem appears in the Psalms 17 times and there are 17 things unable to separate us in Romans 8:35-39. Jeremiah’s 17 prayers ended in Yirmeyahu 32:9, when buying the field for 17 shekels. There are 17 appearances of angels in the gospels and the book of Acts..” (end of quote)

8

And the time for Yisra’ĕl to die drew near .. (Genesis 47:29)Quoting Rabbi Joseph Tzarfati in Yad Yosef (1617) (slight editions):“It is the nature of everything to ‘draw near’ and to cleave itself to its root and its source. For this reason the time of ‘death’ of the righteous ones is described as a ‘drawing near,’ as if they had a desire to return to their root and to ‘draw themselves near’ to their source. Our parents and their parents before them had a great yearning to be ‘brought near’ to the Land of Israel, for there was the root and the source of where they were formed.”Tzarfati explains that righteous people are always eager to return to their roots, that is, the Source of Life, itself. A righteous person has no fear of death because death is simply seen as an opportunity to transfer from this world to the Olam Haba – the world to come.

9

The root of the Hebrew for “draw near” is karav which is also the root of “korban”, the word describing ritual sacrifices. The korban sacrifices helped the Israelites “draw near” to יהוה, picturing that it was through a substitute death, that they were able to “draw near” to the life-giver.And Yaʽaqob lived in the land of Mitsrayim .. (Genesis

47:28)And the time for Yisra’ĕl to die .. (Genesis 47:29)

So Jacob, (his name switches to “Israel” in verse 29), expresses to Joseph his insistence in “drawing near” to his roots - the Land of Promise and the place where his ancestors are buried. - He wants to go home and he wants his family to maintain a personal link with the Land.

10

“Now if I have found favour in your eyes, please put your hand under my thigh, and show kindness and truth to me.

Please do not bury me in Mitsrayim, but I shall lie with my fathers, and you shall take me up out of Mitsrayim and bury me in their burial place.” And he said, “I do as you have said.” And he said,

“Swear to me.” And he swore to him, and Yisra’ĕl bowed himself on the head of the bed. (Genesis 47:29-31)

Jacob’s insistence that he be buried in Canaan with his fathers wasn't solely for his own comfort. - He knew that their ultimate redemption from Egypt wasn't

merely a promise from יהוה, but that it must always be a moral and spiritual imperative felt deep within the heart of Israel.

- This is why Jacob changed his language from a plea for "loving kindness and truth" to a demand that Joseph take a vow to do so, "commanding" his twelve sons to make it happen.

- They too must understand that they do not belong in the Godless land of Egypt. ( world/catholic cemetery)

- Jacob set the groundwork for the eventual exodus from Egypt by his children and their return to the land of Israel, the land of s delight. 7' יהוה

.. someone told Yosef that his father was ill. He took with him his two sons, M'nasheh and Efrayim. ..Ya`akov said to Yosef, "El Shaddai appeared to me at Luz in the land of Kena`an and blessed me, saying to me, 'I will make you fruitful and numerous. I will make of you a group of peoples; and I will give this land to your descendants to possess forever.’ (Genesis 48:1-4 CJB)Joseph hears that his father is “sick” or “chalah” in Hebrew; which more rightly means “weakened” or “becoming weak” or “worn down”. * Jacob speaks of El Shaddai’s appearing to him at Luz and the blessing that was given to him there by יהוה. This place, that Jacob called Beit El or House of Elohim, is within 11 miles of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. - Beit El fits within the confines of a larger Jerusalem, as it will be during the Messianic Age. - It was here that Jacob saw the “ladder” to “ha‟shamayim” or “the heavens”. - It was here that יהוה blessed Jacob with the blessing of his fathers, Abraham and Isaac. - It was here that יהוה told him that he would become a company of goyim (nations), and the land of Canaan.

12

But why does he call it Luz here, seeing that Luz was its old name. Jacob, himself, named it Beit El?Well, he wants us to understand the implications. Remember “Luz” means “almond tree”. El Shaddai appeared to him at the “almond tree”. This is near, or perhaps even part of the site of Gan Eden; where we had the “Tree of Life” and the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” and now, we have the “Almond Tree” associated with this area. What does the “Almond Tree” represent? *** When HaShem showed Moses the pattern of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), He gave Moses specific instructions for the vessels and utensils as well, according to Exodus 25:31-40 and 37:17-23. He was told to make the Menorah in the likeness of the “Almond Tree” because it is the “Tree of Light”. That is why, during the rebellion of Korah in the wilderness, when the chief of each tribe of Israel placed his rod (denoting leadership) in the Mishkan and only Aaron’s budded and bore fruit; and it bore almonds; because Aaron, as the High Priest, was the “Light Bearer”, which is what the name “Aaron” means in Hebrew.

13

“And now, your two sons, Ephrayim and Menashsheh, who were born to you in the land of Mitsrayim before I came to you in Mitsrayim, are mine – as Re’ubĕn and Shimʽon, they are mine. “Your offspring whom you shall bring forth after them are yours, and let them be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. (Genesis 48:5-6)- Jacob was saying that Ephraim and Manasseh were to be his full sons, that they were to be as his full BLOOD sons. To make sure they understood this statement, Jacob added the clause: “as Reuben and Simeon are.” - Reuben and Simeon were full blood sons by his wife Leah and not through a maidservant. - These two sons were the first and second born of the twelve sons of Israel. - With the above statement, Jacob effectively elevated Ephraim and Manasseh, his grandsons, to first and second born status, and - conferred the covenant name Israel upon Ephraim along with the firstborn status ... For I shall be a Father to Yisra’ĕl, and Ephrayim – he is My first-born. (Jeremiah 31:9)

14

Quoting from the book Redeemed Israel by Batya Wootten: “Jacob gave the birthright to his beloved Rachel’s firstborn son. He gave it to Joseph and to Joseph’s sons. - In ancient Israel the birthright consisted of a double portion,

as well as family preeminence (the right to act as the next family ruler).

- The Almighty commanded that the father must ‘acknowledge the firstborn…by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; to him belongs the right of the firstborn’ (Deut.21:17).

The firstborn was given a double portion, that he might be equipped to act as a kinsman-redeemer for his brethren. - This right of the firstborn speaks of preeminence, primogeniture, the right to act as family ruler, to dispense justice, and to be the family redeemer. He received the right to inherit family leadership (Ge.43:33). *** Preferential status: sanctity, authority, sovereignty, responsibility, and right of succession accrued to (him)…he became the next head of the family…and embodied the soul and character of the social group, becoming responsible for its continuance and welfare. 15

Ephraim and Manasseh were not adopted. The word adopted described one who generally had no blood ties to the family adopting them. - Ephraim and Manasseh had Joseph’s (and Jacob, Isaac, and

Abraham’s) blood in them. - The Hebraic interpretation of adoption is absolute.

- The Greek interpretation of adoption leaves room for debate, implying the thought of second-class citizens.

- Adoption was another word introduced by the King James Version into the New Testament.

- It is this interpretation that leads to the phrase and mindset of being spiritual Israelites. Many believers today think they are solely spiritual Israel because the word adoption is used.

- The correct rendering of adoption in scripture should read sonship. We who believe in the Messiah are full blood sons of Israel and heirs according to the eternal, everlasting promises given Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Understand, then, that those who believe are FULL BLOOD children of Abraham… If you belong to Yeshua, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:7, 29). 16

- The correct rendering of adoption in scripture should read sonship.

- We who believe in the Messiah are full blood sons of Israel and heirs according to the eternal, everlasting promises given Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Understand, then, that those who believe are FULL BLOOD children of Abraham…

If you belong to Yeshua, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:7, 29).

G5206 Strongs greek dictionaryυιοθεσια uihothesia hwee-oth-es-ee'-ahFrom a presumed compound of G5207 and a derivative of G5087; the placing as a son, that is, adoption (figuratively Christian sonship in respect to God): - adoption (of children, of sons).

17

SABBATH BLESSINGSTo this day, “May Elohim make you like Ephraim and Manasseh” are the words used in the traditional blessings over sons on Shabbat.

Genesis 48:20 So he blessed them that day, saying, "By you Israel will bless, saying, 'May Elohim make you as Ephraim and as

Manasseh!' "…Daughters are blessed in the names of Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah – the matriarchs. So why not bless our sons on Shabbat in the names of the patriarchs? Surely we’re not blessing our sons to be like princes in Egypt. Ephraim and Manasseh were raised in comfort and prosperity. We don’t actually know much about these young men growing up, but we can assume they led a very privileged life. They were children of the Diaspora*, born and raised in Egypt, with no connection to the Land. *The body of Jews (or Jewish communities) outside Palestine or modern Israel

18

19

Blessings are about more than prosperity and privilege. Igra De Kallah gives some insight:“Why should Jacob have wanted all his descendants to bless their children with the examples of Ephraim and Manasseh rather than with that of some other two of the tribes of Israel? - Because the two young sons of Joseph had conducted themselves in accordance with the fundamental Law of the Torah; namely, that one should neither consider oneself greater than another nor envy another. Even though Jacob had set Ephraim, the younger son, before Manasseh, the first born, Ephraim did not become arrogant and Manasseh did not become jealous. Seeing this, Jacob expressed the hope that all the children of Israel would be like Ephraim and Manasseh, free of arrogance and envy.”Manasseh was blessed because he did not get upset or vengeful when his younger brother receives the blessing of the first born over him. Ephraim, the younger who is set over his older brother, in no way flaunts it or becomes prideful. - The blessing we do over our sons is all about the absence of jealousy and arrogance.

NEGATIVITY ELIMINATED

Both of those characteristics have plagued the chosen family from the beginning. These feelings are prophesied to be eliminated along with the restoration of all of Israel:

And He shall raise a banner for the nations, and gather the outcasts of Yisra’ĕl, and assemble the dispersed of Yehudah

from the four corners of the earth. And the envy of Ephrayim shall turn aside, and the adversaries of Yehudah be cut off. Ephrayim shall not envy Yehudah, and Yehudah not trouble

Ephrayim. (Isaiah 11:12-13)Hopefully, our future generations will receive this blessing and be free of such negative emotions!

See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity – (Psalms 133:1)

20

See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity – (Psalms 133:1)

Ephesians 4:1–71 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Master, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Master, one faith, one baptism, 6 one Elohim and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Messiah’s gift.Paul names three virtues that will promote unity:The first and most important is humility, second gentleness, and third patience. He also taught that we are to show tolerance for one another in love and to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit.

21

Perfect unity is almost unattainable due to sin in the world. However, we as believers in Y’shua should strive to be in unity with our brothers and sisters in the faith. - Pride, harsh words or impatience can quickly disrupt any

unity that exists. Practicing humility, gentleness and patience makes unity possible even when we don’t agree on everything.

- We are to focus on what unite us, or better said on Who unites us, Y’shua our Messiah. Our salvation is through Him, and if we focus on Him, we could indeed have unity. We are united in our love for Y’shua and our salvation through Him as well as our love for each other.

The last quoted verse sums it up well. “ Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”Some people believe that we need to compromise our convictions in order to have unity. That is a new trend we are seeing in the messianic community. 22

Is it important what others think of us? Who is the focus on?Our focus should not be on how we are perceived by other people. Our focus should be obedience to YHVH. If we can only obtain unity through compromise, then should we aspire to it? Who do we fear? Is this what YHVH desires? *** You know, a few times in history Israel was united; they were united in idol worship. This is an extreme example, but it illustrates the point. - Compromise is compromise and transgression of YHVH’s

instructions is sin. - We can’t choose unity above obedience, that is wrong!

Approval of people should not be important to us. - Approval of YHVH, however, should be our priority.John 12:43“ 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of Elohim. “ 23

Eph 4:11 And indeed He has assigned some to be apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some shepherds and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Messiah,Eph 4:13 “ until we all may come to the unity of the faith and of the full knowledge of the Son of Elohim, to a full-grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah/Christ, “ Eph 4:14 so that we may no longer be children, being blown and carried about by every wind of false doctrine of men, who through their craftiness are very skillful in deceiving the people; ( manipulation of mind & emotion)Eph 4:15 but speaking the truth (Torah is Truth) in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, the Messiah,

24

Eph 4:16 it is through Him that the whole body is closely framed together and united at all joints, according to the gift that is imparted by measure to each member, for the guidance and control of the body; in order to complete the edifying of the body in love.Eph 4:17 Therefore, I say this, and testify in the Master, that you no longer walk even as also the rest of the nations walk, in the vanity of their mind, ( philosophy of men col. 2)Eph 4:18 having been darkened by their intellect, being alienated from the life of YAHWEH because they have no knowledge, which is because of the hardness of their heart,Col 2:8 Watch that there not be one misleading you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Messiah (Hebraic mind Phil..

.

25

2 Ti 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living.” ***Where Scripture gives a clear word, personal opinion must give way. But where the Word of God is subject to various possible interpretations, let each be persuaded in his own mind while at the same time “outdoing one another in showing respect for each other” (12:10). 2 (stern)

Each of us will give an account of ourselvesPaul then continues and speaks about judging others different opinion and regarding him with contempt because of that.Romans 14:10–1210 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Elohim. 11 For it is written, “As I live, says YHVH, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to Elohim.” 12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to Elohim.

.

26

Each of us must be convinced in our own mind and will have to give an account of ourselves to YHVH.The question is, do you follow others, or do you search the Scriptures for yourself and ask YHVH to reveal His truth to you? It is easy to be manipulated by others in following them, but when you give an account to YHVH, what will you give an account of?Did you know what the two middle words of the five books of Torah is? They are “daros” and “daras,” meaning to search carefully or more literally “searching you will search.” That is what we are to do search the Scriptures for ourselves while praying that YHVH will reveal it to us. The Bereans were mentioned for doing this, they did not take everything they were taught and swallowed it; they searched the Scriptures to see if it was so (Acts 17:11).

.

27

1Co 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Master Yahshua Messiah, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1Co 1:11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. 1Co 1:12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." 1Co 1:13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1Co 1:30 But you also belong to YAHWEH through Messiah Yeshua, who was made to us wisdom from YAHWEH, both righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 1Co 1:31 so that even as it has been written, "He that boasts, let him glory in YAHWEH." (Jer. 9:24).

28

1Pe 4:7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 1Pe 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1Pe 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 1Pe 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1Pe 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Yeshua the Messiah , to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1Pe 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; .

29

Eph 4:19 who, having cast off all feeling, surrendered themselves up to lust, and to the practice of all uncleanness with a desire for more and more.Eph 4:20 But that is not what you have been taught in Messiah,Eph 4:21 if indeed you heard Him and were taught in Him, as the truth is in Yahshua.Eph 4:22 Lay aside all your former practices and put off the old man, having been degenerated with deceitful lusts,Eph 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,Eph 4:24 and to put on the new man, who is created by YAHWEH in righteousness and true holiness.Eph 4:25 Therefore, put away from you lying, and speak the truth each with his neighbor; for we are members one of another. (Zech. 8:16)Eph 4:26 "Be angry but do not sin;" do not let the sun go down on your anger, (Psa. 4:5)Eph 4:27 and do not give the Devil a chance.

30

Eph 4:28 The one stealing, let him steal no more, but rather let him labor, working what is good with the hands, that he may have something to give to the one who has need.Eph 4:29 Let not any evil word go out from your mouth, but words that are good and useful for edification that it may impart a blessing to those who hear them.Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of YAHWEH, by whom you were sealed to the day of redemption.Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and anger, and wrath, and tumult, and evil speaking be put away from you, along with all malice.Eph 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as YAHWEH has forgiven us through Messiah.(UNITY among brethren) 31

The problem with the ekklesia (the body of believers in Messiah) today is that WE do not know who WE are. - If a people do not know who they are, they do not develop a respect for their heritage. - If we are part of Israel coming home, we have a responsibility, a place, a people and a blessing in our Hebraic heritage according to an eternal covenant. - When we lose our identity a veil covers our heart due to our lack of understanding. - Not knowing we are full, physical sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (meaning full blood relatives) causes us to miss our inheritance and be able to see only partially.- On the other hand, many today from the House of Judah tend to focus heavily on the “law” (contained in the Mosaic Covenant) or the legal end of the Torah, without the fullness of Torah, or the Spirit of Torah, Yeshua. - In doing so they miss the LIFE in Torah. The Mosaic Covenant can, in

fact, also be understood as the teachings of יהושע to Moses (John 5:46-47) and is the foundation of our covenant with our Savior.

- But to separate law from the Spirit or Life of Torah (יהושע) produces death. You cannot have one without the other.

32

33

“And I, when I came from Paddan, Rahĕl died beside me in the land of Kenaʽan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath. And I buried her there on the way

to Ephrath, that is Bĕyth Lehem.” (Genesis 48:7)Why the sudden move from inheritance to Rachel: It is all about the 5 points troubling Joseph prompted by the Holy Spirit that are to be answered indicating the significance of his mother burial.Legends of the Jews: .. the Lord commanded it." The reason of the command was that God knew that the Temple would be destroyed, and Israel would be carried away into banishment, and the exiles would ask the Patriarchs to intercede for them with God, but God would not hearken unto them. On their way to the land of the stranger they would pass the grave of Rachel, and they would throw themselves upon it, and beseech their mother to make intercession for them with God. Is there scripture to confirm this?

34

35

RACHEL WEEPINGThus said יהוה, “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing, bitter weeping,

Rahĕl weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15)

Legends of the Jews: And Rachel would pray to God in their behalf. "O Lord of the world, look upon my tears, and have compassion upon my children. But if Thou wilt not take pity on them, then indemnify me for the wrong done to me." Unto her prayer God will hearken, and He will have mercy upon Israel. Therefore was Rachel buried in the way. Then was filled what was spoken by Yirmeyahu the prophet, saying, “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and weeping, and great mourning – Rahĕl weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they

were no more.” (Matthew 2:17-18 )

36

And Yisra’ĕl saw Yosĕph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?” And Yosĕph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom Elohim has given me in this place.” And he said, “Please bring them to me, and let me bless them.” And the eyes of Yisra’ĕl were dim with age, and he was unable to see. And he drew them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. And Yisra’ĕl said to Yosĕph, “I had not thought to see your face. But see, Elohim has also shown me your seed!” So Yosĕph brought them from between his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. (Genesis 48:8-12)We read that Jacob’s eyes were dim by age and that he could not see. But, we also read in verse 8; And Yisra‟el saw Yoseph‟s sons, and said, “Who are these?” Now we know that they were born in Mitzrayim, before Jacob came down; they were certainly older than 17. Why then did Jacob ask who they were? He asked “for the record”. He was about to bless them and prophesy over them. From between his Legs: They were prostrated on the ground

37

CROSSED HIS HANDS

And Yosĕph took them both, Ephrayim with his right hand toward Yisra’ĕl’s left hand, and Mannaseh with his left hand toward Yisra’ĕl’s right hand, and brought them near him. And Yisra’ĕl stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephrayim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Menashsheh’s head, consciously directing his hands, for Menashsheh was the first-born. (Genesis 48:13-14)The time had come for Jacob/Israel to pass on the firstborn blessing to “his” children by the laying on of hands. * The younger son Ephraim was in front of Jacob/Israel left hand and the firstborn Manasseh was before his right hand. - The right hand represented the authority of יהוה and is

used when blessing and passing on inheritance. - Jacob/Israel, being led by the Holy Spirit, placed his right

hand on Ephraim’s head and not on Manasseh’s head. –- He crossed his hands and pronounced the firstborn blessing

upon the younger son.

tWhen Jacob crossed his hands, he formed an “X” or a t which is the letter “Tav” in the archaic Hebrew aleph-bet. The letter symbolizes “sign” or “covenant.” יהושע said he was the “Alef” and the “Tav” (remember יהושע spoke Hebrew):

“I am the ‘Aleph’ and the ‘Taw’, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. (Revelation 22:13)

Therefore, these boys were sealed with the “sign” of the completed work of the Messiah. *** It is because of Messiah יהושע that the children who are born in the gentile world can be adopted into and blessed by Israel.

38

39

The name Ephraim comes from the word pri, which means fruit. Out of Ephraim is destined to come what is called in Hebrew m’loh” goyim. This may be translated a multitude of nations or Gentiles.- The word goyim is Hebrew for Nations and has been

incorrectly transliterated as gentiles in some translations, especially in the New Testament.

- When this happened, the true identity and understanding of the Nations or Jacob/Israel’s children was completely missed and lost to believers because the word gentile had no relationship to the Tribes of Israel or to anything Hebraic in the Bible.

- People became blinded to their heritage and lost to the full understanding of יהושע in the New Testament.

- The word gentile means: a confused pagan without God, a group other than one’s own.

- Gentile does not describe יהוה’s people or those in ושעיה . - When יהושע indwells His people they are no longer confused,

pagans or without God!By crossing his arms Jacob symbolized the joining of the nations to

Israel through the cross fulfilling the covenant promise: I have made you the father of many nations. (Genesis 17:5 CJB)

We see not a blessing, but a prophecy that Ephraim, the House of Israel, would become a multitude of Gentiles. In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, this passage is rendered as playthos ethnov. There is a similarity between this phrase and that used by the apostle Paul when he describes how the Gentiles were broken off the wild olive tree and grafted into the cultivated tree.

For I do not wish you to be ignorant of this secret, brothers, lest you should be wise in your own estimation, that hardening in part has

come over Yisra’ĕl, until the completeness of the gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25)

The phrase “fullness of the Gentiles” in the Greek manuscripts is a similar “playroma ton ethnon”. The similarities are too blatant not to see the connection between them. - Clearly Paul understood the ministry of reconciliation of Messiah and his talmidim. So Paul would write to the brethren in Ephesus:

40

FELLOW CITIZENS

Therefore remember that you, once gentiles in the flesh, who are called ‘the uncircumcision’ by what is called ‘the circumcision’ made in the flesh by hands, that at that time you were without Messiah, excluded from the citizenship of Yisra’ĕl and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no expectation and without Elohim in the world. But now in Messiah יהושע you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah. For He is our peace, who has made both one, and having broken down the partition of the barrier, ..So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the set-apart ones and members of the household of Elohim. (Ephesians 2:11-19)

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

Rom 11:25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own estimation--that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; Rom 11:26 and so all Israel will be saved

48

49

ONE LAW/TORAH FOR NATIVE ISRAELITES & FOREIGNERSExo 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Lev 24:22 Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God. Num 15:15 One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. Num 15:16 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you. Num 15:17 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Num 15:29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

50

51

And Yisra’ĕl said to Yosĕph, “See, I am dying, but Elohim shall be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. “And I, I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.” (Genesis 48:21-22)Israel had adopted Joseph’s two sons in order to give them each a portion; in essence, giving joseph a portion above his brothers. What “portion” was the extra one? Does it matter? You see, the word in Hebrew here for “portion” is “Shekem”. “Shekem” literally means “the shoulder”, a “portion of the upper back”. o, the “portion” is “Shekem” because “Shekem” here means “the portion”. - “Shekem” is in the very “portion” that Ephraim would get in “The Land” (by casting lots) as the Children of Israel were preparing to come in and receive their inheritance, at the end of the exodus. - Shekem would also become the capitol of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the last city to be taken by the Assyrians in 722 BCE.

52

Shekem was a city in the middle of the land of the Amorites, yet Jacob never killed an Amorite. But, Israel did indeed take Shekem from the Amorites by sword and bow, through Simeon and Levi, and they killed all the men. Jacob/Israel, as the patriarch, takes responsibility for the actions of the family. In fact, back in Genesis 34:30, as he is admonishing Shimon and Levi for this deed, he says that they have made him “a stench among the inhabitants of the land”. And, in Chapter 49, as Israel prophesies over his sons, he says of them in verse 5; “Shim‟on and Lewi are brothers, their weapons are implements of violence.” It’s interesting to note that the symbol for the tribe of Simeon is the sword. The oral accounts have always stated that, prior to the “Breastplate of the High Priest”, a bow was the symbol for Levi.

53

And Yaʽaqob called his sons and said, “Gather together, so that I declare to you what is to befall you in the last days: (Genesis 49:1)

RABBI AVRAHAM GREENBAUM “According to tradition, At the time when Jacob our father assembled his sons in Egypt at the hour of his death, he commanded and spurred them on in the unification of the name of יהוה and that they should follow the path of יהוה that Abraham and Isaac his father walked. He asked them and said, 'My sons, maybe someone among you is flawed and does not stand with me in the Unification of the Name?' They all answered and said, 'Hear Israel HaShem our יהוה HaShem is One' -- that is, 'Hear from us, our father Israel, HaShem our יהוה, HaShem is one'. - The old man answered 'Blessed be the Name of the Glory of His

Kingship forever and ever!' - And this is why all Israel has the custom of repeating the expression

of the praise used by Israel when he was an old man after this verse. (Rambam, Laws of Recital of Shema Ch. 1:4)”. 54

Bereshith 49:1-2 And Ya’acov called his sons and said, "Gather together (ha’asfu), that I may tell you what shall befall you

in the end of days: "Come together (hekavstu) and hear, you sons of Ya’acov, and listen to Israel your father.

Jacob focuses on a future time when the tribes must purposely “gather together”. He uses two Hebrew verbs that represent coming together. He tells them - “become a single group…reconcile yourselves.” *** -There must not be any inner jealousies, hatred, or rivalries. Following the call to unity, he goes on to speak of their uniqueness – prophesied diversity within a unified Israel. - This is a picture of the chosen people in the “end of days.” The nation cannot function unless these tribes are all unified.“And if a reign is divided against itself, that reign is unable to

stand. (Mark 3:24)Unity is crucial for the end times. Thus Jacob begins with a strong call to come together, and follows with blessings

55

56

TWELVE TRIBES = YESHUA appointed 12 disciples who would lead redeemed Israel in the first century.

Ya'acov lives the final 17 years of his life in Egypt. Before his passing, he asks Joseph to take an oath that he will bury him in the Holy Land (cave of macpelah hebron). He blesses Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, elevating them to the status of his own sons as progenitors of tribes within the nation of Israel.The patriarch desires to reveal the end of days to his children. Jacob blesses his sons, assigning to each his role as a tribe: - Judah will produce leaders, legislators and kings; priests will come from Lewi, scholars from Issachar, seafarers from Zevulun, schoolteachers from Simeon, soldiers from Gad, judges from Dan, olive growers from Asher, and so on. Reuven is rebuked for "confusing his father's marriage"; Shimon and Levi for the massacre of Shechem and the plot against Joseph. Napthali is granted the swiftness of a deer, Benyamin the ferociousness of a wolf, and - Joseph is blessed with beauty and fertility.***Yosef, too, dies in Egypt, at the age of 110. He, too, instructs that his bones be taken out of Egypt and buried in the Holy Land

APPLYICATION OF THE LESSON IN THE TORAH PORTION 1. Blessing or "B'racha" in Genesis 48:1-49:332. Embalming the dead in Genesis 50:1-3Why is it important that Jacob is buried in the Holy Land?3. Laying on of hands in Genesis 48:12-204. Burial with other Hebrew people in Genesis 49:7-50:135. Mourning the dead in Genesis 50:1-13Other traditions are found in this parsha, like saying important dying words to those near you. These life events define who you are and attest to your identity and culture. Your traditions show to those around what you believe and whom you worship.- Friend, obedience to the Torah requires a different

lifestyle than that of the world. - Believers in the Bible must make a decision about the

Torah. Either we will dismiss the Torah or we will accept the Torah.

The Messiah in the Torah PortionThe actual name of our Messiah is found hidden behind the translator's words in this week's Torah portion. Genesis 49:18 is just one example of how we miss so many faces of Scripture that can only be discovered in the Hebrew texts and not in English Bibles. In this verse, the translation disguises the Messiah's name and prevents the casual reader from accepting the Savior's presence throughout the Old Testament.This verse in English reads, "I have waited for Your salvation, O YAHWEH." IN Hebrew the verse is "Le Y'shua tehka keyoo eet'ee YHWH." Here, the exact word for "salvation" is the exact name of the Messiah as given to him by the heavenly messengers in Matthew 1:21. This verse could also be translated "To thy Y'SHUA I am looking, O YHWH." In this passage, Jacob is actually calling out the name of Y'shua and professing faith in the Moshiach before his incarnation. ***

The Messiah in the Torah Portion*** Y'shua is found throughout the pages of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings if we will just look. May YHWH open our eyes that we could behold wonderful things from His Torah for Y'shua is the Torah made flesh.

The Savior's name is made known in the Tanakh. In Psalm 9:14, King David of Israel said "I will rejoice in thy salvation/Y'shua." The Prophet Isaiah agreed in 12:2&3 "Behold, Elohim is my Y'SHUA/salvation; I will trust, and be not afraid: for YHWH is my strength and my song; he also is become my Y'shua/salvation.  Later in Isaiah 62:11 we read, "Behold, YHWH hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation/Y'shua cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him." And in Habakkuk 3:13 we find a startling verse that actually call's Y'shua the anointed Messiah! "Thou wentest forth for the salvation/Y'shua of thy people, even for salvation/Y'shua with thine anointed/messiah..."

ISRAEL /JACOB blesses them all with an inheritance and then prepares for his death.In Hebrew the word for inherit is “yarash.” - Yarash literally means to “take possession by force.” This

phrase is used repeatedly in connection with the inheritance of land that YHWH gave the Hebrew people. It was their undeserved gift, but they had to follow YHWH to receive it and keep it. “You will inherit the Land, since I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am YHWH your Elohim who sets you apart from all peoples,”

- Leviticus / Vayikra 20:24. Later the prophet Jeremiah spoke of the yarash inheritance as the restoration of the nation of Israel after a time of punishment.

- Yarash is actually an active verb that expresses necessary action on the part of the one receiving.

- Ya’acov spoke the potential for each tribe, but the individuals had to enact what was spoken. YHWH has a rich inheritance for His children but His followers must claim what has been provided.

TAKE HOLD OF YOUR INHERITANCE TOGETHER WITH CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

Giving an inheritance blesses both the giver and the receiver. The one who receives is blessed and the one who gives can go to the grave knowing their life has lasting meaning. Israel is actually called the “inheritance” of YHWH in Psalm 79:1 and YHWH is the inheritance of all who call upon His name. The blessing of Ya’acov upon his descendants reads like a passage in 1 Peter which describes as our SPIRITUAL INHERITANC“Praise be to the Father of our Master Y’shua! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Messiah Y’shua from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by YHWH’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Messiah Y’shua is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls,” 1 Peter / Kefa Alef verses 9-16.

Messiah Y’shua died and left us His covenant which describes our great inheritance. Believers have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, made overcomers, and promised a great yarash. *** Remember though, yarash is an action verb. It’s not just a right or something that is bestowed upon you. Just because you have your name on a church pew, are listed in the membership of a local congregation, or have spoken a sinner’s prayer doesn’t guarantee that you get all that was promised. *** - A student of the Torah once came to Y’shua and asked, “What

must I do to inherit eternal life?” This person understood that we must do something to attain our inheritance. Y’shua’s answer in Matthew 19 is just as revealing… “If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” We have done nothing good enough to earn eternal life, yet we can participate in its blessings. The law of sin required death and so Messiah died in our place.

- ***Then He left us a vast inheritance of spiritual and physical gifts, including His word.

RABBI LORD AND MASTER ADONAI Y’SHUA is the supreme inheritance of all disciples. He has made us heirs and joint-heirs. “All things belong to you, and you belong to Messiah; and Messiah belongs to YHWH,” reads 1 Corinthians 3:22. - The greatest inheritance we can receive is life eternal, it is

an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” 1 Peter 1:4.

- Now, eternal life is a subject seldom discussed in Messianic circles.

- We are so busy trying to figure out how to live the Torah here on Earth, that we often forget that we have a birthright to the best of YHWH in heaven.

- How sad. Our Torah observance (or lack thereof) should continually remind us that better days are coming when we, like Ya’acov, pass from this life into the next.

- The fact that we have been seated in heavenly places should cause us to want to share our inheritance with others.

- Do you normally share Y’shua, your salvation, with other people?

fasfasfs

REUBEN“Re’ubĕn, you are my first-born, my power and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of exaltation and the excellency of power. “Boiling like water, you do not excel, because you went up to your

father’s bed, then you defiled it – he went up to my couch. (Genesis 49:3-4)

Reuben (#7205) “behold a son” the first-born, and from last week’s parsha, his sons Hanok (#2585) meaning “dedicated”, Pallu (#6396) meaning “set apart”, Hetsron (#2696) meaning “surrounded by a fence or hedge” and Karmi (#3756) meaning “keeper of my vineyard”. From the Tribe of Reuben we understand the following: “Behold a son, the first-born, dedicated, set apart, surrounded by a hedge, keeper of my vineyard.” Here we see that as first-born, Reuben was intended to be the leader of all the tribes. But, in sinning against his own father, he forfeited that right and blessing. Moses blesses Reuben in Deuteronomy 33:6; “Let Re‟uben live, and not die, and let his men be numbered.” While Reuben may have sinned, in the last days, he will live and not die and be numbered in Israel and find Tikkun (restoration)

67

SIMEON“Shimʽon and Lĕwi are brothers, their weapons are implements of

violence. “Let my being not enter their council, let my esteem not be united to their assembly; because they slew a man in their displeasure, and they lamed an ox in pleasure. “Cursed be their displeasure for it is

fierce, and their wrath for it is cruel! I divide them in Yaʽaqob and scatter them in Yisra’ĕl. (Genesis 49:5-7)

Simeon (#8095), whose name means “hearing & obeying”, from the word Sh’ma. His sons Yemu’el (#3223) meaning “the day of Elohim”, Yamin (#3226) meaning “right hand”, Ohad (#0161) meaning “united” as in echad, Yakin (#3199) meaning “whom He establishes”, Tsohar (#6714) meaning “brightness” or “radiance” and Sha’ul (#7586) meaning “desired”, the son of a Canaanite (#3669 &3665) meaning “humble” woman, or bride. Combined we get “In the Day of Elohim, when His Right Hand will be united with whom He establishes in radiance, a desired and humble bride.” Simeon is scattered in Israel throughout the world. But, in the last days, those who make teshuvah, return to HaShem and our Ketubah (bridal contract) in humbleness of heart, will be His Bride. 68

Generational curses and curses spoken over usA curse with a cause

YHVH can use it to test us, to build character in us, or to bring us back to Him. - When we sin, we break the hedge of protection we have around us. There is a verse in Proverbs that confirms this. Proverbs 26:22 …” So a curse without cause does not alight.Pro 26:2 …ang sumpa na walang kadahilanan ay hindi tumatalab. - We provide the cause when we compromise or sin. - Compromise is always the first step to sin. (I ME MINE) (self-inflicted curse not cause by Satan – Law of sowing & Reaping)- Every time we compromise, we are drawn away from YHVH and His ways, a little at a time. - We don’t even notice it when it happens and then one day we wake up and realize how far away from YHVH we are.

Generational curses and curses spoken over usA curse with a cause

We are to guard against this by living righteously. - YHVH has given us His instructions to help us to live righteously. It is almost as if YHVH built in protection for us in His commandments. When we do His commandments, we will be where we ought to be at the right time. We will not eat or do what is harmful to our bodies. - When we sin, we provide the cause for the curse to have

an effect. - This includes the curses YHVH promised for covenantal

unfaithfulness (Lev 26, Deut 28) as well as any other curses, whether spoken over us by believers, unbelievers, ourselves or curses having any other cause like for example defiled land.

The question is if curses were directed our way, what do we do about it?How to get free from a curse ?

How to get free from a curse ?We would first want to know if it was indeed a curse. Not every negative thing that comes across our path is a curse. It could be, but it could also be a trial from YHVH to test us.- Our first step is to go to YHVH in prayer, He will reveal the truth

to us and give us wisdom to know if there are any curses over us and how to deal with this.

- We have learned in the previous article how easy it is for people to speak negative things over others.

Some introspection won’t do any harm either. As we said, sin can break that hedge of protection around us. *** If the curse was from YHVH, it can only be broken through repentance and only YHVH can revoke it, we can’t.If YHVH reveals to us that it was a curse pronounced by another person, we can use the authority we have in Y’shua and cancel or break it. It depends on the nature of the curse. In the article The Significance of the Blood of Y’shua we wrote about this authority we have in Y’shua. Matthew 28:18

YHVH will return the curseWe can cancel or break curses spoken over us by other people or even when we have spoken a curse over ourself. - In Y’shua we have the authority to do this. We are not to take vengeance like returning curses, but ask YHVH to turn every curse into a blessing.YHVH will deal with those who curse us appropriately in His time.Psalm 7:16 16 His mischief will return upon his own head, And his violence will descend upon his own pate. The mischief can refer to curses spoken…Psa 7:15 Siya'y gumawa ng balon, at hinukay, at nahulog sa hukay na kaniyang ginawa. Psa 7:16 Ang kaniyang gawang masama ay magbabalik sa kaniyang sariling ulo, at ang kaniyang pangdadahas ay babagsak sa kaniyang sariling bunbunan. Psa 7:17 Ako'y magpapasalamat sa Panginoon, ayon sa kaniyang katuwiran: at aawit ng pagpupuri sa pangalan ng Panginoon na Kataastaasan.

Let’s look at an example from Scripture.The man Shimei came and cursed David.2 Samuel 16:6–86 He threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David; and all the people and all the mighty men were at his right hand and at his left. 7 Thus Shimei said when he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow! 8 “YHVH has returned upon you all the bloodshed of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and YHVH has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. And behold, you are taken in your own evil, for you are a man of bloodshed!”*** David considered that this man was cursing him because YHVH may have told him to (2 Sam 16:10-11). He said that perhaps YHVH would see his affliction and return good to him instead.2 Samuel 16:1212 “Perhaps YHVH will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.”

This whole account of Shimei cursing David is very interesting. David considered that the cursing might be from YHVH. He showed mercy to the one who pronounced it, and asked YHVH to return good to him instead of the curse. He didn’t return the curse, but asked YHVH to reverse it. Later, Solomon had to deal with Shimei when he transgressed the command of the king. He then told him that his evil shall be returned on his own head. Solomon also repeated YHVH’s blessing over him and his kingdom.We can do the same when we suspect we were cursed by somebody, whether it was with malicious intent or as a result of careless words – those of others or our own.*** We can first repent of any sin we may have done that has given a cause to the curse.- Then, we can cancel the curse in Y’shua’s name and ask YHVH to reverse it into a blessing.We can also repeat the promises YHVH has given us in Scripture.Curses can be very powerful and we are to be very careful not to curse others or ourselves.

Y’shua taught that we are to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us.Luke 6:2828 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.Paul later repeated Y’shua’s wordsRomans 12:1414 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.*** This means that Y’shua would rather have us pray for the salvation of our enemies than to curse them.

There is wisdom in this, for if we decide to curse our enemies and there is found any unrighteouness in us, we will suffer the same consequences. - What you sow, you will reap. - YHVH will take vengeance, we don’t have to. - We can ask YHVH to turn every curse into blessing, like

David did in the case of Shimei.

Generational Curses or the Iniquity of the FathersGenerational curses can affect every one of us. - You may have seen a family where the father has a problem with uncontrollable anger, his son may have the same and if you search a little you would find that his father or grandfather had the same problem. It seems to be handed down the family line. - I have read about a woman who “inherited” the ability to predict

people’s future using cards. This ability was operating in her mother as well. She taught the laying of cards to all her daughters, but only this one had the “gift.”

- This iniquity was passed down from one generation to the next.

Not only do we see similar sin patterns, but also similar chronic conditions. When you do a bit of research on the topic of depression, you find that this too can be “inherited”, it may even be a widespread family problem even to the extend of causing family members to commit suicide. - Alcoholism is another example and there are many more.

GENERATIONAL CURSES CAN AFFECT EACH ONE OF USThese are the manifestations of the iniquity of the fathers or generational curses. Not every ailment thou will be inherited, but we do see an increased incidence. Some would like to link genetics to this, but we don’t have to, it is enough to know that spiritual bondage can be transferred from one generation to the next.*** This spiritual bondage is in scripture referred to as the iniquity of the fathers. Let’s quickly look at this word iniquity.Iniquity˓avon עוןiniquity ; guilt; punishment.” - The first use of ˓awon comes from Cain’s lips, where the word

takes the special meaning of “punishment”: “And Cain said unto YHVH, My punishment is greater than I can bear” (Gen. 4:13).

- The most basic meaning of ˓awon is “iniquity.” - The word signifies an offense, intentional or not, against YHVH’s

law. 

This meaning is also most basic to the word chatta’t, “sin,” in the Tanach, and for this reason the words chatta˒t and ˓awon are virtually synonymous; “Lo, this [the live coal] hath touched thy [Isaiah’s] lips; and thine iniquity [˓awon] is taken away, and thy sin [chatta˒t] purged” (Isa. 6:7).* “Iniquity” as an offense to YHVH’s holiness is punishable.The usage of ˓awon includes the whole area of sin, judgment, and “punishment” for sin. The Tanach teaches that YHVH’s forgiveness of “iniquity” extends to the actual sin, the guilt of sin, YHVH’s judgment upon that sin, and YHVH’s punishment of the sin. “Blessed is the man unto whom YHVH imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile” (Ps. 32:2).In the Septuagint the word has the following renderings: adikia (“wrongdoing; unrighteousness; wickedness”); hamartia (“sin; error”); and anomia (“lawlessness”). In the English versions the translation “iniquity” is fairly uniform.2

Let’s look at a few examples from scripture.Exodus 20:55 “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, YHVH your Elohim, am a jealous Elohim, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.*** To hate YHVH means not to choose Him, so those who hate Him are those who choose not to live for YHVH. *** Exodus 34:77 who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Leviticus 26:3939 ‘So those of you who may be left will rot away because of their iniquity in the lands of your enemies; and also because of the iniquities of their forefathers they will rot away with them.( HOLOCAUST in NAZI is classic example)

This phrase is also repeated in various other passages: 1 Kin 21:29; Jer 32:18; Is 14:21; Jer 14:20Lamentations 5:77 Our fathers sinned, and are no more; It is we who have borne their iniquities.Lam 5:7 Ang aming mga magulang ay nagkasala at wala na; At aming pinasan ang kanilang mga kasamaan.

Two Greek words are used to convey the idea of iniquity. One is translated as lawlessness and the other as evildoers or workers of unrighteousness.Matthew 7:2323 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

Lawlessness, Greek anomia, “absence of law, absence of Torah.” Hence you workers of lawlessness means “you who act as if there were no Torah”; it confirms Yeshua’s teaching on the permanence of the Torah (5:17–20&NN). - The Greek word “anomia” can be rendered “wickedness,” but doing so here skirts the Jewish context. 3

Luke 13:2727 and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’*** Both of these words confirm that iniquity is covenantal unfaithfulness or disobedience to YHVH’s instructions. There are many examples in Scripture of how the sins of the fathers were visited upon the children. The first king of the divided kingdom, Jeroboam is a good example. His sin of idolatry did not only lead the whole nation astray, but it was evident in the lives of each of his descendants up to the Assyrian exile.***- It also led to the exile and we as Israelites are still scattered in the nations as a result of this. ( individual & corporate)

Demons and generational cursesTo understand this we need to go back a few steps. - When we don’t obey YHVH, we actually obey ha satan. - It may sound strange to you, but it is true. When we sin, we

give ground to satan and we cause YHVH’s protective hedge to be removed from around us. This will allow demons to enter or afflict us. ( Job & HaSatan)

*** For example, when we dabble in the occult, we allow unclean spirits to enter us. Some of the manifestations of the curse in our lives may thus be as a result of these demons. -This is key to understanding why we still may see manifestations of the curse even after repenting. These manifestations will only go away after the demon has been cast out.- We can cast the demon out in the name of Y’shua and if it

doesn’t seem to work, we need to fast and pray. - Some demons only come out by prayer and fasting.Matthew 17:19–21

We now understand more about generational curses or the iniquity of the fathers and will through repentance and with YHVH’s help be able to get free from this.The role of the father in the home. Have you not wondered why it is referred to as the iniquity of the fathers? The authority of the father- It is because of the authority of the father. - The mother is also of vital importance, she has a specific

role and much influence, but the spiritual truth here is that - YHVH has an authority structure in place.

- The father has a tremendously important role as he is the spiritual authority of the family. YHVH has given him the spiritual responsibility for his family and he, when fulfilling his proper role, gives spiritual protection to the family. ( important for a righteous woman to marry godly man)

-*** If he doesn’t stand in this role, his family is vulnerable. Also, a father who walks in iniquity opens up his wife and children to temptation and attack by the enemy.

There are cases in scripture where a godly woman had spiritual authority. Deborah is one such example.Judges 4:44 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.- We do not know much about her husband, but she was a prophetess and was judging Israel at the time.- Esther is another example. As the wife of an unbelieving king, she took the spiritual authority of her people upon herself and with YHVH’s help delivered them from Haman’s evil schemes.- This may shed more light on the role of the wife of an

unbelieving husband, but this warrants further study. - Those of you who are in this situation, YHVH knows your

situation and your heart and He will protect you.

Conclusion

Disobedience is not a game, it could change the course of your lifeWhat if your next act of disobedience changes the course of your life? Have you ever considered this?YHVH is very patient with us; I don’t think we realize just how much. Will He always be? Or will His patience with us run out? - How often do we justify our disobedience; thinking it does

not really matter so much?- What if we could look back and see the consequences of

every act of disobedience. - Would that motivate us to be obedient? What if it’s too late?

You probably noticed that we talk about disobedience and rebellion interchangeably

Disobedience is rebellionThe reason is because it is the same. Did you know that disobedience is considered as rebellion by YHVH? Let’s look at the Hebrew word “meri” that is translated as rebellion.

Hebrew word “meri” that is translated as rebellion. n.masc.; ≡ Str 4805; TWOT 1242a—1. LN :(merî) מרי 530839.34–39.41 rebellion, revolt, i.e., an act. or state of disobedience, opposition, or resistance to one in authority,  (Dt 31:27; 1Sa 15:23; Ne 9:17; Job 23:2; Pr 17:11; nit: ן מרי bēn merî) rebel, formally, son of rebellion, i.e., one ב_in a state of revolt, implying a guilty or sinful state or bitterness (Nu 17:25[EB 10]+)2

*** Look carefully at this definition. Rebellion is an act or state of disobedience, opposition or resistance to the one in authority. It is also bitterness; I didn’t know that bitterness is a form of rebellion. - So, rebellion is not only an act of disobedience, but also

opposition or resistance and bitterness against YHVH. - So, when things go wrong, and we grumble and become

bitter, we are being rebellious against YHVH.Rebellion is something YHVH really hates!

Rebellion is something YHVH really hates!1 Samuel 15:2323 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of YHVH, He has also rejected you from being king.”Keep this in mind as we now proceed to look at a few peoples lives, as described in the Bible , to gain some insight into this.The twelve spiesWe shall first look at the passage about the twelve spies in Deuteronomy 1. Have you ever really contemplated this? It is so profound! It is about how the lack of trust in YHVH, which caused them to rebel against YHVH, changed the direction of people’s lives. They had a choice, in front of them. They had a good report based on trust in YHVH, and they had a bad report, man’s interpretation of the situation, based on fear.

What really happened at Kadesh Barnea was just one too many rebellions against YHVH. He was so patient with them. - By this time, they have miraculously been delivered from slavery in Egypt, they have been provided for with water, after murmuring about bitter water. They have been provided manna, after grumbling about not having food. YHVH provided quail, after they complained about not having meat. Then YHVH gave them His Torah, after they said they will obey. However, they broke their promise, made a golden calf and worshiped it. They really did have a stinking attitude, rebelling against YHVH constantly either by murmuring or disobedience.Up until this point, YHVH was extremely patient with them. However, this incident with the spies was the last straw; this act of rebellion changed their lives forever. The people chose to believe the bad report, and rebelled against YHVH. *** They knew from experience that YHVH can deliver them, yet they feared and rebelled. Interestingly, after YHVH told them that they would not enter the land, they realized that they sinned against YHVH and wanted to fix it by going up and fight. However, it was too late. YHVH told them He would not help them, yet they rebelled again and proceeded. This is what happened…Deuteronomy 1:44–45

Then their long journey of forty years in the wilderness began…We only have a fragmentDon’t we sometimes go through live grumbling about the things that go wrong instead of looking at the big picture? A spiritual picture of YHVH providing for our every need, a picture of His incredible patience and love. YHVH has a plan even if it seems to us that things are going wrong. Things that go wrong can turn out to be a blessing…“Maybe it’s a blessing or maybe it’s a curse.” This phrase is from an old Jewish Folktale. we have read to our kids many times. It’s about how something may seem a blessing, but isn’t or may seem a curse, but isn’t. A really cute, thought-provoking story. In the end what seemed to be a curse saved a boys life… This tale shows us that we have a partial perspective, a fragment of the whole, and often judge situations based on that.Whenever things don’t go according to our plans; it gives us a more realistic perspective, as we don’t know YHVH’s plans. YHVH’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways.Paul also commented on this partial perspective, he said that we only know in part. 1 Corinthians 13:99 For we know in part and we prophesy in part;1 Corinthians 13:12 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.*** These things, we consider bad, might be tests that YHVH sends our way to see if we would continue to trust Him. Alternatively, sometimes we face difficulties to build our character. The question is, do we pass the test or fail? Do we build character or grumble? ***

Disobedience brings disasterDisobedience brings disaster…1 Samuel 12:1515 “If you will not listen to the voice of YHVH, but rebel against the command of YHVH, then the hand of YHVH will be against you, as it was against your fathers.Do you know what it means if the hand of YHVH is against us? ***We read about this in Leviticus 26 and also in Deuteronomy 28. We will be blessed when we obey, but cursed when we don’t obey.*** We are currently, as a believing nation, (Phils) being cursed for our disobedience. These cycles of curses as described in Leviticus 26 are being experienced by us. You can read more about this in the article “If you will not return to Me…

Disobedience brings disasterThese cycles of curses. We are currently in the cycle of plagues, which are running concurrently with the curse of terror and the curse of natural disasters. The next curse is war and then comes captivity…It is not too late yet, we can still repent and return to YHVH. This is serious! Don’t just wave this away as not applicable to you. Start obeying YHVH in everything, your life and the lives of your loved ones may depend on this! This includes the Sabbatical year of 2016. **** Sometimes we lose out on blessings due to our disobedience, and sometimes our entire life might be changed. Is it worth the risk? Every time sin comes knocking at our door, we have a choice. We can resist satan and choose to be obedient to YHVH, or we can go ahead after the lust of our flesh, sin and face the consequences. - Not obeying YHVH’s commandments is sin.

You can read What does YHVH require of us? to find out what we are to do.

Disobedience is not a game, it could change the course of your life

Please don’t take this lightly, who knows, maybe the next time you sin, your life will be changed completely, and you may regret it for the rest of your life. Turn to YHVH, He is our only hope! *** Repent and live an obedient life. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us!Philippians 4:1313 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

YHVH loved us first and He will help us in this. We do not stand alone. Ask Him for help and guidance, He is faithful. We started this journey feeling completely overwhelmed, and looking back, I see how YHVH has led us a little step at a time. YHVH wants us to be free, He sent Y’Shua to set the captives free. - Each of us is held captive by something, it could be a battle with sin, unforgiveness, the iniquity of our fathers, or words spoken over us. None of these are too difficult for YHVH, He will help us overcome.This doesn’t mean that we are to sit and wait for YHVH to do this. He will deliver us like He delivered the Israelites when they battled their enemies. The battle is real, but YHVH instructed us through His word as to what we are to do. 2 Timothy 4:1818YHVH will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 4

He will do this through our faith in Y’shua. YHVH has given us the authority in Y’shua to overcome. We are to walk in obedience as He walked and walk in this authority we have been given.May YHVH lead you and strengthen you in your battle.

CURSES FOR NOT KEEPING THE SHABBAT DAY HOLYNeh 13:15 In those days I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs and all kinds of loads, and they brought them into Jerusalem on the sabbath day. So I admonished them on the day they sold food. Neh 13:16 Also men of Tyre were living there who imported fish and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them to the sons of Judah on the sabbath, even in Jerusalem. Neh 13:17 Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, "What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the sabbath day?

CURSES FOR NOT KEEPING THE SHABBAT DAY HOLYNeh 13:18 "Did not your fathers do the same, so that our God brought on us and on this city all this trouble? Yet you are adding to the wrath on Israel by profaning the sabbath." Neh 13:19 It came about that just as it grew dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and that they should not open them until after the sabbath. Then I stationed some of my servants at the gates so that no load would enter on the sabbath day. Neh 13:20 Once or twice the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.Neh 13:21 Then I warned them and said to them, "Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you." From that time on they did not come on the sabbath. Neh 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come as gatekeepers to sanctify the sabbath day. For this also remember me, O my God, and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness. Neh 13:23 In those days I also saw that the Jews had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. Neh 13:24 As for their children, half spoke in the language of Ashdod, and none of them was able to speak the language of Judah, but the language of his own people. Neh 13:25 So I contended with them and cursed them and struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, "You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take of their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.

CURSES FOR NOT KEEPING THE SHABBAT DAY HOLYJer 17:27 "But if you do not listen to Me to keep the sabbath day holy by not carrying a load and coming in through the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates and it will devour the palaces of Jerusalem and not be quenched."'" Jer 17:23 "Yet they did not listen or incline their ears, but stiffened their necks in order not to listen or take correction. Jer 17:24 "But it will come about, if you listen attentively to Me," declares the LORD, "to bring no load in through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but to keep the sabbath day holy by doing no work on it,

JEFF A BENNER“While the Hebrew word “beriyt” means “covenant,” the root of the word and its cultural background are helpful in understanding its fuller meaning. This word comes from the root “barah” meaning “to select the choicest meat.” The word “beriyt” is literally the choicest, fattest, animal that is slaughtered for the covenant ceremony. (Genesis 31:44)The phrase “make a covenant” is found thirteen times in the Hebrew Bible where the word “make” is the Hebrew word karat meaning “to cut.” Literally, the phrase “make a covenant” means, “cut the choice pieces of meat.” The fattened animal is cut into two pieces and laid out on the ground; each party of the covenant then passes through the pieces. This symbolic act signifies to both parties that if one of the parties fails to meet the agreement, then the other has the right to do to the other what they did to the animal. (See Jeremiah 34:18-20).Countless times over the years following the institution of this covenant, Israel failed to abide by the covenantal agreement. Just as the animal of the sacrifice was cut in two pieces, Israel was also cut in two for their unfaithfulness to the covenant by being cut into two nations – Israel and Judah.” 97

יהושעIt could be said that as a result of Israel’s unfaithfulness, they were also cut into 12 bones like the unfaithful concubine? Is this another picture of the scattering of the tribes? physically took on the unfaithfulness of the tribes when He hung יהושעon the tree. The Hebrew word for “out of joint” (parad) also means “divided” or “disconnected”:

I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; …(Psalms 22:14)

Because of יהושע’s sacrifice, we are able to put the out of joint bones back together and become one (echad) with Him once again. We can become bone of his bone, in the same way that Eve became one with Adam. This was the goal of Messiah when he said he had come for those scattered pieces….the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Because we are members of him, body, of his flesh and of his bones.(Ephesians 5:30 Doug Reigns)

For as the body is one and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body: So also is Christ.

(1 Corinthians 12:12) 98

DRY BONES

The hand of יהוה was upon me and took me out by the Spirit of יהוה, and set me down in the midst of the valley. And it was

filled with bones. And He made me pass among them, all around, and see, there were very many on the surface of the

valley, and see, they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, would these bones live?” And I said, “O Master יהוה, You

know.” Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and you shall say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of יהוה!

‘Thus said the Master יהוה to these bones, “See, I am bringing into you a spirit, and you shall live.

(Ezekiel 37:1-5)Notice in verse 4 the bones are told to “hear” (shema) the word of יהוה! To “shema” is not only to “hear”, but to “obey”! Once this occurs, the bones can begin to be knitted together in community: 99

BONES COMING TOGETHER

And I looked and saw sinews and flesh came upon them, and skin covered them, but there was no spirit in them. He then said to me, “Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man, and you shall say to the spirit, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “Come from the four winds, O spirit, and breathe on these slain, so that they live.” ’ ” And I prophesied as He commanded me, and the spirit came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, a very great army. And He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are all the house of Yisra’ĕl. See, they say, ‘Our bones are dry, our expectancy has perished, and we ourselves have been cut off!’ “Therefore prophesy, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, O My people, I am opening your graves, and shall bring you up from your graves, and shall bring you into the land of Yisra’ĕl. “And you shall know that I am when I open your graves, O My people, and bring you up from your ,יהוהgraves. “And I shall put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall settle you in your own land. And you shall know that I יהוה have spoken, and I have done it,” declares יהוה.’ ” (Ezekiel 37:8-14)

100

JOSEPH

Verse 11 tells us that these bones are the “whole house of Israel”! Like Joseph, these bones have been taken to the land of Israel! Note: The parent root for bones is the word for “tree”! If you continue on reading in Ezekiel 37, you will come to the very familiar “two stick” prophecy detailing the restoration of the House of Judah and the House of Ephraim. And the Hebrew word for “stick” is? , the word for tree!Joseph understood that the bones and that is what gained him entrance into the faith chapter of Hebrews? Joseph understood that his life was a living representation of the restoration of the 12 tribes of Israel before they had even split. He knew that the return of his bones to Israel paralleled the eventual return of all of Israel to the Promised Land. Joseph was noted for his faith in Hebrews 11 because he caught that vision!

101

How to get free from a curse ?We

LEVILevi (#3878) “joined with at the heart”. His sons, Gereshon (#1648) meaning “exile”, Qehath (#6955) meaning “assembly” and Merari (#4847) meaning “bitter herbs”. So of Levi we read; “He is joined in heart to the exiled assembly, eating the bitter herbs.” It is most interesting that he is joined to the assembly in exile, eating the bitter herbs. That’s referring to all the tribes. While it is noted that some Levites stayed with Judah, at the splitting of the Kingdom, many Levi’im, true to their calling, stayed and were hidden with the rest of us in the nations. Remember, he had no inheritance of land or riches; but, his inheritance was in יהוה. Just, as Moses also prophesied of Levi in Deuteronomy 33:8-11. Though they tried their Redeemer in the wilderness, they stood with Elohim when their brothers sinned with the golden calf, even regarding their own family members, and, because of this, יהוה set them apart to guard His Torah, serve Him in the Set-apart Place and to teach all Israel His Word. 103

JUDAH“You, Yehudah, your brothers praise you; your hand is on the neck of your enemies; your father’s children bow down before you. “Yehudah is a lion’s

cub; from the prey you have gone up, my son! He bowed down, he crouched like a lion. And like a lion, who does rouse him? “The sceptre

shall not turn aside from Yehudah, nor a Lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to Him is the obedience of peoples. “Binding his

donkey to the vine, and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he washed his garments in wine, and his robes in the blood of grapes. “His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk. (Genesis 49:8-12)

Jacob blesses Judah with “leadership” over all Israel and his enemies. The “scepter”, or “shebet” (literally the “rod” or authority and leadership) nor the “lawgiver”, or in Hebrew “m‟chokek”, will depart from his descendants until Shiloh comes. There is a prophetic and Scriptural connection here to Psalms 110:1, that states; יהוה said to my master, “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Then also verse 2 reads; יהוה sends your mighty scepter out of Tzion. 104

JUDAH - ENDTIMEJudah (#3063) “Yah’s praise”. His sons Er (#6147) meaning “watchman”, Onan (#0209) meaning “strong”, Shelah (#7956) meaning “prayer”, Perets (#6557) meaning “to break through” and Zerah (#2226) meaning “dawning”. Note: Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan; or, that “the watchman and the strong died in the land of merchants (the world)”. Perets was Judah’s son by his daughter in-law Tamar (palm tree or upright column, both euphemisms for righteous), who had been married to Er and Onan, but was childless. We are now told that Perets had two sons Hetsron (#2696) meaning “surrounded by a fence” and Hamul (#2538), meaning “spared”. What do we get then: “even though Judah lost his watchman and strength (became blind and weak) through sin, with “Shelah” (prayer) he will breakthrough, as the dawn, in righteousness and יהוה’s fence will surround him and he will be spared”. With Judah we see this “surrounded by a fence” theme (as in Torah fences) in his genealogy.

105

SHILOHAs many equate “Shiloh” as meaning “Mashiach”; they thereby nullify Judah’s rule since they say that Mashiach has already come. However, the etymology of Shiloh indicates that this is referring to the time Mashiach will come and be the physical “king” of Israel on this earth, during His Millennial Reign. “Shiloh” (Shin-yud-lamed-hey) is from the root word “Shelah” (Shin-lamed-hey), was a grandson of Judah, and his name means “prayer” or “that which is prayed for” (a reference to Mashiach’ s reign). The definition of “Shiloh” is literally “rest and tranquillity”. This is also why the resting place of the Tabernacle for 369 years, prior to the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, was named “Shiloh”.

106

ZEBULUN“Zebulun dwells at the seashore, he is for a haven for ships, and his

border is unto Tsidon. (Genesis 49:13)Zebulun (#2074) “habitation or dwelling”. His sons Sered (#5624) meaning “fear”, Elon (#0356) meaning “mighty” and Yahle’el (#3177) meaning “Elohim expects”. Regarding Zebulun (HaShem’s habitation): Elohim tells us that He expects us to “fear our Mighty One, YHVH”. Now, in Scripture, the seas also represent peoples and Tsidon (#6721) means “fishing”. So, “Zebulun is a fisher of men.” This make sense, along with a connection to Issachar, in Moses’s words in Deuteronomy 33:18-19; And of Zebulun he said, “Rejoice, O Zebulun, in your going out, and Yissaskar in your tents! They call peoples to the mountain, there they bring offerings of righteousness, for they draw from the riches of the seas, and treasures hidden in the sand.” Together Zebulun and Issachar, in the last days, are calling the people to יהוהs Mountain (Mt. Tzion) with offerings of righteousness. They draw out the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel, Yah’s treasured possession), who are as the sands of the seas and hidden in the world. 107

ISSACHAR“Yissaskar is a strong donkey lying down between two burdens, and he saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, and he inclined his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a subject to slave

labour. (Genesis 49:14-15)Issachar (#3485) whose name means “recompense”. His sons Tola (#8438) “scarlet”, Puw’ah (#6312) “mouth”, Yob (Job) (#3102) “persecuted” and Shimron (#8110) “watchtower” or “Samaria”. As Elohim speaks to all Israel through Issachar’s blessing, He tells us “that the recompense for our idolatry is scarlet red, and that from our own mouth we have persecuted our brothers and we will also be persecuted because of our choices in Samaria, the place where our idolatry began”. It’s so very interesting that the fight for the Land today centres around Samaria. Note: In the genealogies listed in 1 Chronicles 7:1 we read; And the sons of Issachar : Tola, and Puw‟ah, Yashub, and Shimron, four. Here Yob’s name has been changed to Yashub (Strong’s #3437) meaning “he will return” as in make teshuvah and return to 108 .יהוה

DAN“Dan rightly rules his people as one of the tribes of Yisra’ĕl. “Dan is a serpent by the way, an adder by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider falls backward. “I have waited for your deliverance, O

(Genesis 49:16-18) !יהוהDan (#1835) “Judge” and his son Hushim (#2366) meaning “those who make haste”. While Jacob says that Dan will rule his people, as a “judge”; many scholars deduce from the description of Dan being “the nachash (serpent) and a “shephyphon” (viper) in the derech (way or path) subversively striking the heel of the “soos” (horse or swift one [as in He who comes quickly]) so that the rider falls backwards”, that from Dan will come “anti-messiah”. That, because of him, Jacob will wait anxiously for the Deliverance of HaShem, or the coming of Mashiach. Jacob uses the word “shephyphon” for “viper”, the only time this Hebrew word is used in Scripture. It is a specific kind of viper that lives in and around Israel namely the black and red horned viper. This viper digs into the sand, with only its horns protruding. When birds, or other small prey, come to peck at, or eat, the “worm”, it kills and eats its prey. Thus the rabbis as indicate that Dan will, use trickery and deceit to gain a victory and rule. 109

HEELThe Hebrew word used for “heel” is “aqeb”, which is more commonly translated as “at the end”. However, the context of our verse suggests “heel”. We get another piece of the puzzle from And of Dan he said, “Dan is a lion’s cub, that leaps from Bashan.” (Deuteronomy 33:22 ) This is another clue regarding anti-messiah. Bashan is the Golan Heights and is the area that’s part of the portion given to Joseph (through Menashe), by Jacob. It’s interesting that when they came from Mitzrayim to enter Israel, they were attacked and overcame Og, king of the Amorites in Bashan. The mountain of Bashan is Har Hermon. “Hermon” was a mighty one of the Amorites in the region, whose name meant “Consecrated to Destruction” or “Devastation”. This area has been part of Israel since the 1967 war; but, Syria also continues to claim ownership. One of the ancient Biblical cities in Bashan / Golan Heights is “Dan”. This is where the second of Yarboam’s (Jeroboam’s) temples and golden calves was set up. The other city is Beit El. Thus beginning the idolatry and whoredom of the House of Israel. To many it appears that “anti-messiah’s armies” will come to attack Israel from, or through, Syria.

110

GAD“Gad, a raiding band raids him, but he raids its heel. (Genesis 49:19)

Gad (#1410) “good fortune”. This presents somewhat of a problem, as it relates to the false elohim of fortune. However, Leah clearly stated in Genesis 30:11 that “good fortune” had truly come, and that’s why she named him Gad. His sons Tsiphyon (#6837) meaning “longing” or “expectation”, “Haggi” (#2291 & 2287) meaning “festive” or “to keep a festival”, Shuni (#7764) meaning “in Gad” or “fortunate” or “blessed”, Etsbon (#0675) meaning “to see” or “to discern”, Eri (#6179) meaning “guarding”, Arodi (#0722) meaning “roaming” or “to break loose” and Areli (#0692) meaning “hero”. Here we see Gad as “longing to celebrate יהוה’s feasts and blessed is he who discerns and guards them.” Further that “Gad will one day break loose as a hero”.

111

ASHER“Bread from Ashĕr is rich, and he gives delicacies of a sovereign.

(Genesis 49:20)Asher (#0836) “happy”. His sons Yimnah (#3232) meaning “prosperity”, Yishwah (#3438) meaning “to resemble” or “become like”, Yishwi meaning “will be like me”, Beri’ah (#1283) meaning “a gift”, Serah (Serach), their sister (#8294) the same as Sarah meaning “remnant”, and the sons of Beri’ah, Heber (#2268) meaning “a company” and Malki’el (#4439) meaning “my King is Elohim”. We read through his children that his “happiness and prosperity is in learning to be like Elohim.” In fact, Yah says “Yishwi, he will be like me.” For he is a “gift a, remnant and a company that calls Elohim, my King.” Bread is Torah and Asher finds rich delicacies within it. And, as Moshe says in Deuteronomy 33:24; “Asher is most blessed of sons. Let him be accepted by his brothers, and dip his foot in oil.” In these last days, Asher will walk in the oil, the anointing of Ruach HaKodesh.

112

NAPHTALI“Naphtali is a deer let loose, he gives words of elegance. (Genesis

49:21)Naphtali (#5321) “wrestling” and his sons were Yahtse’el (#3183) meaning “Elohim divides”, Guni (#1476) meaning “painted with colors”, Yetser (#3337) meaning “forming” as man from the dust and Shillem (#8006/7999) meaning “a covenant of peace”. Here Naphtali is “wrestling as Elohim divides and paints with colors (many colors) Yisra’el. But, Yahweh will form with man, a covenant of peace.” We read Moses’s words in Deuteronomy 33:23; And of Naphtali he said, “O Naphtali, satisfied with pleasure, and filled with the blessing of יהוה, possess the west and the south.” Naphtali is wrestling as it doesn’t match Naphtali’s original land grant; but rather, the new distribution of the Land Ezekiel 48. 'Naftali's territory will run alongside the territory of Asher from east to west.

113

JOSEPH“Yosĕph is an offshoot of a fruit-bearing tree, an offshoot of a fruit-bearing

tree by a fountain, his branches run over a wall. “And the archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. “But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty One of Yaʽaqob – from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Yisra’ĕl – from the Ěl of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses

you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. “The blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, up to the limit of the

everlasting hills. They are on the head of Yosĕph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separated from his brothers.

(Genesis 49:22-26)

114

JOSEPH con’tJoseph means “Yah has added”. Manasseh means “forgetting” or “causing to forget”. And, Ephraim means “double portion” or “double land”. This is echoed in Moses’s words:

of And of Yosĕph he said, “Blessed of יהוה is his land, ….And they are the ten thousands of Ephrayim, and they are the thousands of

Menashsheh.” (Deuteronomy 33:13-17)

Through Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's seed is spread throughout all the nations of the earth.

115

BENYAMIN“Binyamin is a wolf that tears, in the morning he eats prey, and at night

he divides the spoil.” (Genesis 49:27)Now Benyamin (son of the right hand) and his sons, Belah (#1106) meaning “swallowed up”, Beker (#1071) meaning “young man”, Ashbel (#0788) meaning “man of Elohim”, Gera (#1626 & 1627) meaning literally “one granule of grain” or “1/20 of a shekel” (the smallest coin of currency minted, equating to the widow’s mite), Na’aman (#5283) meaning “pleasant”, Ehi (#0278) meaning “my brother”, Rosh (#7220) meaning “head” or “beginning”, Muppim (#4649) meaning “Speaking or Repeating what is heard”, Chuppim the plural of Chuppah, meaning “bridal canopies” or “coverings” and Ard (#0714) meaning “Wanderer”. So, of Benyamin and his sons we learn; “The Son of the Right Hand, though swallowed up, as a young man, attached himself to Yehudah, a man of Elohim”. And, “as the smallest of grain, he was pleasant for his brother, the head, speaking what he has heard, he is under the bridal canopies, with the wanderer”. Smallest grain refers to Benyamin almost wiped out; Judges 19-20

116

HIS OWN BLESSINGAll these are the twelve tribes of Yisra’ĕl, and this is what their father

spoke to them. And he blessed them, he blessed each one according to his own blessing. (Genesis 49:28)

Not everything that Jacob says appears to be a “blessing”. We might evaluate Jacob’s words as part blessing, part prophecy, and part settling of scores. Rabbi Ralbag notes, however, that blessings are not like possessions, which have an objective value independent of their bearers. Rather, a blessing is defined by what a person makes of it. We are familiar with the idiom, “a blessing in disguise.” Consider a person who missed their plane, only to hear later that the plane crashed. Or to be rejected by a job offer, only to be offered a much better job a few days later. Jacob speaks to the strengths and weaknesses of each of his sons. In doing so, each son has the choice of working with these known tendencies. How each son receives the message and applies it will determine whether or not it is a blessing. 117

VIRTUEThe Or Hachayim comments on Genesis 49:28:“According to his own blessing” – a blessing, which matched the inner traits of his soul and his actions. For every soul has a particular virtue. It may be the priestly service or the majesty of a monarch, the crown of Torah or physical strength, wealth or simple good fortune. Jacob wanted his blessing to bring out the inner nature of every son. “He blessed them” – He blesses them as a collective, for the particular blessing of every one of the brothers will help all the brothers. When one brother has a particular virtue….a small amount of that virtue will reach each and every one of the brothers.Every brother has something unique. Every brother has something to contribute to the family as a cohesive unit. Even Jacob’s “curses” can be understood as “blessings” from this perspective.

118

A CURSE IS A BLESSINGRabbi S. R. Hirsch explains this concept in the “curse” over “Simeon and Levi”:“Shimʽon and Lĕwi are brothers, their weapons are implements of violence. “Let my being not enter their council, let my esteem not be united to their assembly; because they slew a man in their displeasure, and they lamed an ox in pleasure. “Cursed be their displeasure for it is fierce, and their wrath for it is cruel! I divide them in Yaʽaqob and scatter them in Yisra’ĕl. (Genesis 49:5-7)The motives which prompted Simeon and Levi to action – family pride, a sense of the dignity of the Israelites, and an unwillingness to see their sister disgraced or to be taken advantage of. These motives can be good, but only when applied in moderation. In its extreme form, these feelings of family pride (or nationalism) can become dangerous, even leading to murder. For this reason, Simeon and Levi must be split up or “scattered in Israel”. Then these feelings can be toned down with the help of the other tribes and can become a valuable asset to the nation. 119

THE MESSIAHThe Messiah is really the focus of Jacob’s blessing over Judah. Remember Jacob had received an earlier vision fromיהוה

Bereshith 28:14 …in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

promised Jacob that through his “seed” (singular) would come יהוהthe “blessing”: Galatians 3:16 Now to Avraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Messiah.This “seed”, who is “Messiah”, is what Jacob is most interested in now that he has reached the end of his life. This “seed” is the great hope for the world and it is through this “seed” that the unity of Israel will be accomplished. In his blessing over Judah, Jacob refers to this seed as “Shiloh”:

Bereshith 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Yehuda, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be

the obedience of the people.120

DETERMINIG THE LEADERQuoting Rabbi Yaakov Beasley :“How was Yehuda determined to be the rightful choice? Reuven was the firstborn, but his instability disqualified him from serving at leadership. Because “their anger was strong and their wrath was fierce,” Shimon and Levi were also deemed unsuitable. Reuven’s abandonment of the land of Israel and their settlement on the other side of the Jordan, Shimon’s involvement in the Shittim incident, Levi’s sins during Korach’s rebellion. In addition, since both of the latter tribes would be scattered among the others, the monarchy would not be suitable for either. The other tribes were rejected, continues the Abrabanel, not because they didn’t possess leadership qualities but for practical reasons. The people of Zevulun were traders who dwelled by the seashore, not the centre of the country. Yissachar tended towards agricultural pursuits, awhile Asher preferred material comforts. The people of Naftali, exemplary in strength and swift as a hind, would make great servants, but not leaders. Dan, Gad, and Binyamin were brave fighters – but not at the head of an army. They were not the brave lion, but the cunning snake and ravenous wolf. Yosef was blessed materially with everything, but not the obedience of his brethren. This, suggests the Abrabanel, left Yehuda, destined to rule due to his strength, generosity, and sense of filial responsibility.” 121

SHILOHShiloh….this is the Messiah who shall achieve the “obedience of the people” to יהוה. Judah’s rule over the nations will last till Messiah comes, and then the nations will follow him. The result of “obedience of the people” is connected with the meaning of the Hebrew root of “Shiloh” – shalah , meaning “to enjoy rest”.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your

souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."Gematria also makes an interesting connection:Shiloh comes = 358 Messiah = 358All the ancient scholars recognized that “Shiloh” spoke of Messiah (LXX, Targumim Onkelos, Yonathan, Jerusalem; the Talmud, Zohar, Bereshith Rabba andYalkut). Modern Jewish and liberal scholars hesitate to admit that this is a reference to Messiah because it will open the door to the idea of a personal Messiah, i.e. יהושע! 122

DREW HIS LEGSAnd he commanded them, and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people, bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron

the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field of Makpĕlah,...And when Yaʽaqob ended commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. (Genesis 49:29-

33)Jacob was painfully aware of Egypt a pit of immorality, a she'ol of injustice, cruelty and licentiousness. Taking up residence in the land of Goshen was good, as Israel was separated from the rest of Egypt, and Jacob understood that he must live out his days there. So hateful to him was this place that before leaving this earth, he withdrew his feet from the land of Egypt. He died in Egypt, but he first separated himself from its soil, the soil through which the Nile ran and upon which the Pharaoh ruled. Even in his own death, Jacob 's soul would not be comforted and would not rest until his body was brought up out of the netherworld of Egypt and buried with his fathers deep in the soil of the land of Israel. Only from this holy portal would his soul enter Paradise. 123

BOOK OF JASHERJasher 56:10-13 And Jacob again commanded his sons on that day,

saying, Behold I shall be this day gathered unto my people; carry me up from Egypt, and bury me in the cave of Machpelah as I have

commanded you. Howbeit take heed I pray you that none of your sons carry me, only yourselves, and this is the manner you shall do unto me, when you carry my body to go with it to the land of Canaan to bury me,

Judah, Issachar and Zebulun shall carry my bier at the eastern side; Reuben, Simeon and Gad at the south, Ephraim, Manasseh and

Benjamin at the west, Dan, Asher and Naphtali at the north. Let not Levi carry with you, for he and his sons will carry the ark of the covenant of

the Lord with the Israelites in the camp, neither let Joseph my son carry, for as a king so let his glory be; howbeit, Ephraim and Manasseh shall

be in their stead.Note: The Hebrew word for “coffin” is “aleph-reish-yud-nun” or “arown” which also means “ark”, as in “Noah’s ark” or the “Ark of the Covenant”.124

REDEMPTIONAnd Yosĕph dwelt in Mitsrayim, he and his father’s household. And

Yosĕph lived one hundred and ten years. (Genesis 50:22)Joseph lived to be 110 years old. 110 represents the letters “kuf” and “yud” which mean “surround” and “hand”. Joseph was always surrounded by the Hand of יהוה. But interestingly, in the Paleo Hebrew, the letter “kuf” was written as the “sun on the horizon” which also indicates “time” as in the “completeness” or “fullness of time”. In other words, Joseph then and in the future would always be surrounded by the Hand of יהוה. Words and phrases with a numeric value of 110 appear throughout Torah. Most of these have to do with the “palms of the hand” (6 times) and “going” or “being taken” (8 times). But 110 is numeric value for “pey-dalet-vav-yud-yud”, “padoo‟ee” which is “redemption”.

125

126

DELIVERANCE“I have waited for your deliverance, O יהוה! (Genesis 49:18)

At the time this was said, Jacob was under no threat requiring deliverance/salvation from his enemies. The word translated as “salvation” is יהושע. We know that Jacob was a man who already knew something of the Almighty’s promise of “salvation”. Now he is about to die, and it is not surprising to see he is focused on “salvation”…i.e. forgiveness of sin, victory over death, and the inheritance of everlasting life. So what in particular triggered Jacob to cry out at this moment?

“Dan is a serpent by the way, an adder by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider falls backward. (Genesis 49:17)

These words…serpent, heel, suffering….bring another verse to mind? “And I put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed

and her Seed. He shall crush your head, and you shall crush His heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

BRANCH OF DAVIDThis Genesis verse gives the promise of overcoming the evil one through the promised “Seed”. The “Seed” will suffer, for the “heel is bruised”. As Jacob blessed Dan, he was overwhelmed with the promise of “salvation” (יהושע).The ancient sages understood Jacob’s exclamation to reflect his longing for the Messiah. Three times a day, based upon this passage in Genesis 49:18, observant Jews pray with “hope” for the coming of “your salvation” (יהושע). Blessing 15 of the Amidah:

The Branch of your servant David may you speedily cause to flourish and may You exalt in your salvation (יהושע). For we hope (qavah) for

your salvation (יהושע) all the day. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who brings forth the Horn of our salvation (יהושע).

Orthodox Jews have a passionate longing/hope (qavah) for the Messiah. May it also be said of us!

127

JOSEPHAnd Yosĕph made the children of Yisra’ĕl swear, saying, “Elohim shall

certainly visit you, and you shall bring up my bones from here.” (Genesis 50:25)

We find this verse alluded to in Hebrews 11, the chapter known as the “Hall of Faith.” With all the extraordinary events that occurred in Joseph’s life, it is amazing what Joseph is recognized for:By belief, Yosĕph, when he was dying, made mention of the outgoing of

the children of Yisra’ĕl, and gave orders concerning his bones. (Hebrews 11:22)

What is so significant about the bones, why the emphases with both Jacob and Joseph on their bones?

128

BONES - ONENESSAnd the man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.

This one is called ‘woman,’ because she was taken out of man.” (Genesis 2:23)

Eve was the “bride” of Adam. Having been taken from his very “bones”, she was the very essence of the bridegroom. As a couple, they would unite and again become one (echad) flesh. “It is eaten in one house, you are not to take any of the flesh outside the

house, nor are you to break any bone of it. (Exodus 12:46)Like the Passover lamb, יהושע also would not endure any broken bones. His body is a picture of the “oneness” of the bridegroom and his bride. At the time of the Exodus, we are told that Moses sees to it that the bones of Joseph will be taken along to the Promised Land:

And Mosheh took the bones of Yosĕph with him, for he certainly made the children of Yisra’ĕl swear, saying, “Elohim shall certainly visit you,

and you shall bring my bones from here with you.” (Exodus 13:19) 129

After the Israelites are settled into the Promised Land, we read the sad story of an adulterous concubine. Her husband cuts her body into 12 bones and sent each tribe one of her bones:

and came into his house and took a knife, then laid hold of his concubine, and cut her up limb (bone) by limb (bone) into twelve

pieces, and sent her throughout all the borders of Yisra’ĕl. (Judges 19:29)

The story is so gruesome, but putting that aside let look at some Hebraic understanding to it. Jeff Benner, known for his ancient Hebrew insights, paints an interesting picture of the word for “covenant” that just might tie in. The following is quoted from his book, The Living Words ~ Vol. 1:

130

JEFF A BENNER“While the Hebrew word “beriyt” means “covenant,” the root of the word and its cultural background are helpful in understanding its fuller meaning. This word comes from the root “barah” meaning “to select the choicest meat.” The word “beriyt” is literally the choicest, fattest, animal that is slaughtered for the covenant ceremony. (Genesis 31:44)The phrase “make a covenant” is found thirteen times in the Hebrew Bible where the word “make” is the Hebrew word karat meaning “to cut.” Literally, the phrase “make a covenant” means, “cut the choice pieces of meat.” The fattened animal is cut into two pieces and laid out on the ground; each party of the covenant then passes through the pieces. This symbolic act signifies to both parties that if one of the parties fails to meet the agreement, then the other has the right to do to the other what they did to the animal. (See Jeremiah 34:18-20).Countless times over the years following the institution of this covenant, Israel failed to abide by the covenantal agreement. Just as the animal of the sacrifice was cut in two pieces, Israel was also cut in two for their unfaithfulness to the covenant by being cut into two nations – Israel and Judah.” 131

יהושעIt could be said that as a result of Israel’s unfaithfulness, they were also cut into 12 bones like the unfaithful concubine? Is this another picture of the scattering of the tribes? physically took on the unfaithfulness of the tribes when He hung יהושעon the tree. The Hebrew word for “out of joint” (parad) also means “divided” or “disconnected”:

I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; …(Psalms 22:14)

Because of יהושע’s sacrifice, we are able to put the out of joint bones back together and become one (echad) with Him once again. We can become bone of his bone, in the same way that Eve became one with Adam. This was the goal of Messiah when he said he had come for those scattered pieces….the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Because we are members of him, body, of his flesh and of his bones.(Ephesians 5:30 Doug Reigns)

For as the body is one and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body: So also is Christ.

(1 Corinthians 12:12) 132

DRY BONESThe hand of יהוה was upon me and took me out by the Spirit of יהוה,

and set me down in the midst of the valley. And it was filled with bones. And He made me pass among them, all around, and see, there were

very many on the surface of the valley, and see, they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, would these bones live?” And I said, “O

Master יהוה, You know.” Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and you shall say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of יהוה! ‘Thus said the Master יהוה to these bones, “See, I am bringing into you

a spirit, and you shall live. (Ezekiel 37:1-5)

Notice in verse 4 the bones are told to “hear” (shema) the word of ,To “shema” is not only to “hear”, but to “obey”! Once this occurs !יהוהthe bones can begin to be knitted together in community:

133

BONES COMING TOGETHERAnd I looked and saw sinews and flesh came upon them, and skin covered

them, but there was no spirit in them. He then said to me, “Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man, and you shall say to the spirit, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “Come from the four winds, O spirit, and breathe on these

slain, so that they live.” ’ ” And I prophesied as He commanded me, and the spirit came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, a very

great army. And He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are all the house of Yisra’ĕl. See, they say, ‘Our bones are dry, our expectancy has perished, and we ourselves have been cut off!’ “Therefore prophesy, and you shall

say to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, O My people, I am opening your graves, and shall bring you up from your graves, and shall bring you into the land of Yisra’ĕl. “And you shall know that I am יהוה, when I open

your graves, O My people, and bring you up from your graves. “And I shall put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall settle you in your own

land. And you shall know that I יהוה have spoken, and I have done it,” declares יהוה.’ ” (Ezekiel 37:8-14) 134

JOSEPHVerse 11 tells us that these bones are the “whole house of Israel”! Like Joseph, these bones have been taken to the land of Israel! Note: The parent root for bones is the word for “tree”! If you continue on reading in Ezekiel 37, you will come to the very familiar “two stick” prophecy detailing the restoration of the House of Judah and the House of Ephraim. And the Hebrew word for “stick” is? , the word for tree!Joseph understood that the bones and that is what gained him entrance into the faith chapter of Hebrews? Joseph understood that his life was a living representation of the restoration of the 12 tribes of Israel before they had even split. He knew that the return of his bones to Israel paralleled the eventual return of all of Israel to the Promised Land. Joseph was noted for his faith in Hebrews 11 because he caught that vision!

135