Trianon event

I am announcing the upcoming meeting at the Trianon Hotel in Bonita Springs Florida, on this saturday February 21. The gathering time will be at 7:00 p.m. I hope you are able to attend and bring a friend. We look forward to meeting you there.

The message will relate to Jesus and our Jewish roots, with emphasis on the transmission of truth from "his" kingdom message" to the "apostles doctrine." I will also relate about Paul's gospel and show his view from Jewish perspective about the law of God.

Highway 41 in Bonita Springs Florida, intersecting Bay Commons Drive, is the place to arrive. The actual address is 3401 Bay Commons Drive. As usual, we will share some Hebrew words and thoughts to enrich understanding.

Ron

messiah/messias/mashiach

Messias/“mashiach”/messiah)

The word Christ is found often in the English King James Version Bible, being the Greek language term used in translation for the Hebraic concept of anoint/anointed.
The term occurs often in the New Testament section of the Christian Bible. Since Christians also use the Hebrew bible portion, which they call the Old Testament, we can easily found the ancient Hebrew source word that equates the term christ. Before it was rendered into Greek or English, the Hebrew word is משׁיח (mashiach). It’s found in 4 verses of the Christian Bible and translated with spellings of messiah and messias.

In Daniel 9:25, and Daniel 9:26, it was spelled messiah in the K.J.V. The Jewish Publication Society (JPS) rendered it “anointed leader” and “anointed one” in their translation version.

Two other verse locations in the Christian Bible (KJV), are John 1:41 and John 4:25, where a different English spelling is used for the word christ or mashiach. In those examples the spelling was messias.

The Septuagint Greek Version of the Hebrew Torah, made around 285 B.C., also used the Greek term christ, in that oldest Greek version of the bible. Supposedly, it was made by 72 scholars sent from Jerusalem to Alexandria, and for the benefit of the Royal Library there. There is also some indication that the growing Jewish population in Alexandria had become sufficiently hellenized to need a Greek translation of the Hebrew Torah ( 5 books).

In the Hebrew scriptures, the anointing not only applied to objects, kings, prophets, or things set apart, but also to authority figures chosen of God to lead His people. We even have an example of a pagan king named Cyrus (Khoresh), who didn’t know the Lord, but was anointed with authority and chosen of God to shepherd Israel (see Isaiah 45:1, למשׁיחוֹ, for His messiah/anointed).

There is a need for Christians to understand that the Hebraic concept of mashiach exists yet today among Jews, and is one of 13 basic principles of Judaism. But, Jews do not employ the Greek term christ to express that concept, and they do not believe that Jesus fulfilled the requirements. This writing is an attempt to relate when the term cristos (christ) had its beginning in scriptures, and shows how Hebrew concepts impacted the Greek world and Christianity.

If the Septuagint Greek translation of the Torah, had never been made,
the concept of messiah, would never have been expressed with the Greek term christ, except perhaps in a Greek speaking world when Christianity was first introduced. That appears to be exactly what has happened.

Some Christians think that the term mashiach or messiah/messias, is only a reference to Jesus, or originates only from the Greek New Testament term cristos (anointed). But the Hebrew Bible has numerous verses using the Hebrew term, and refers to others, and not Jesus; and in one case, the plural term is used of the sons of Aaron, showing that more than one messiah (anointed one) operated simultaneouslyהכּוֹהנים המּשׁוּחים (anointed PRIESTS), in Numbers 3:3.

Leviticus 4:3 mentions the “anointed priest” (K.J.V.), הכּהן המּשׁיח, (haKohen haMashiach or “the anointed kohen/priest”). In some sense every Levitical priest in the Hebrew Bible was a messianic type figure; a christ, if we dare to use Septuagint Greek terms. Matter of fact, Leviticus 4:5, and 4:16, also refer to each priest by the Hebrew term mashiach, and with the Hebrew direct article; “The.”

It’s also true of Leviticus 6:22. which even names sons of the priests with terms
הכּהן המשׁיח the Lord’s anointed, which in Greek would be the Lord’s Christ.

Thus, the first individual(s) in the bible to be designated or specifically linked to the term “mashiach” (messiah), were Israelite priests who literally had holy oil placed upon them.

In Lamentations 4:20, “the anointed of the Lord,” משׁיח יהוֹה(Mashiach Yehovah); is a possible reference to King Josiah, who was killed by Egyptian archers (see 2Chronicles 35:23-25). In the Septuagint, the terms used are “ho christos”. Some think it could also be a reference to captive Israel, after considering verses like Psalm 105:14-15, "mashicho" ; which refer to collective Israel; Gods anointed.

Other verses refer to both kings Saul and David as anointed (christ in the Septuagint, the mashiach in the Hebrew version).

Many verses indicate that King Saul was the Lord’s anointed (mashiach). See
1Samuel 24:10 (24:7) and 12:3, 12:5, and 1Samuel 24:6.

King David is also referred to as the Lords anointed with the terms mashiach in the Hebrew text, and christos in the Greek text. See Psalm 84:9, 89:38, 89:51, 132:10, and Psalm 132:17.

Thus, we have in the Hebrew bible: 1. the mashiach/ messiah priests, plural 2. the mashiach/messiah priest, 3. an individual mashiach/messiah spoken of twice in Daniel, 4. King Saul a mashiach/messiah anointed by a prophet, 5. King David, three times anointed with holy oil, 6. Cyrus a Persian king משׁיחוֹ (His anointed),
mashiach/messiah, 7. A reference in Lamentations 4:20, יהוֹה משׁיח (mashiach Yehovah), the anointed of the Lord.

Pointing out these things establish that certain phraseology was employed long before the Christian doctrine regarding Jesus came into being. It also shows that Hebrew to Greek translators of the Septuagint did not attach divine worship to any person described by the terms “christ” or “the christ,” (or messiah). Only in the case of Cyrus and kings, who were God’s mashiach to Israel, and who were literal kings, was subjection and obeisance the normal. Respect and honor was certainly shown all leaders and teachers, but no anointed person was worshipped as Divine.

In the case of the priests, who were reverenced as Gods anointed, prayers and worship were never at any time directed to them personally. The Jewish understanding was, and is; that an anointed person was never to be worshipped as God. Neither was any human worshipped by devout Jews, as a Divine being.

In Jewish thought, the messiah is not to take the place of God, rather he is supposed to be Gods instrument to usher in a world peace that makes the nations turn their swords into plowshares and spears into pruninghooks (see Isaiah 2). He shall judge among the nations and rebuke many people. Neither shall they learn war any more. This will be in a time when the literal walls of God’s House will be rebuilt and the nations shall say; Let us go up to the mountain of the House of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob, and he (mashiach) will teach us of God’s ways.

Not only did Isaiah foresee and foretell that Jerusalem and Tzion, would be the place from which the Torah (law) of the Lord, and the word of God, would go forth to all the earth, but Micah 4:2 expresses the exact same. Thus, we have the witness of two Hebrew prophets, expressing coming messianic events. Jewish sages agree that those are messianic prophecies that the anointed of the Lord will perform. Ibn Ezra went so far as to say that messiah will preside at the Temple in Jerusalem (see Artscroll Mesorah comments on Micah 4:2).

It matters little that we try to tell our Jewish friends that Jesus will fulfill those prophecies at his second coming. They just point out that he failed the first time, since the last 2,000 years have been filled with wars and bloodshed, and the Temple is not yet restored. Nevertheless, they hold hope for the coming mashiach, and though he tarry, they yet await him. I heard a cute story told once about an honest Jews comment to a Christian, who told him that messiah had already come and it was Jesus. The Jew replied; “I’m going to ask mashiach when he comes; have you been here before?”

A final thought based upon my scriptural research should be added here, since it relates well to the subject of mashiach or “anointed” ones.

In my studies I learned an amazing thing regarding the life of King David. I found him to be the only person in the Hebrew Bible that was literally anointed three times with holy oil. The first anointing was mentioned in 1Samuel 16:13, when David was a shepherd, and the Spirit of the Lord rested on David from that time.

The second literal anointing was made upon David, by the men of Judah when they made him ruler over the House of Judah as recorded in 2Samuel 2:4).

The third literal anointing was given in Hebron, according to 2Samuel 5:3, when the tribes of Israel and its elders anointed David to rule over them.

The first anointing was a prophetic anointing, to watch God’s flock (people).
The second anointing was a King’s-to rule.
The third anointing was to unify and consolidate God’s people (kingdom).

Wow! No body ever had such grace and choseness bestowed upon them by God and God’s people. I wonder, is that why messiah/mashiach will be called the son of David? Hmmm. Something to think about. An anointed, with greater qualifications than king David.

These leads me to another point. Psalm 2:6 in the K.J. Version reads: Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Tzion. In my studies I have never found a king or anybody yet in biblical history, anointed on mount Zion. You see the Hebrew terms; “vah ani nasachti malchi al tzion” ( עַל־ציוֹן ואני נסכתי מלכי

Another translation actually changes the verse quite a bit. “ And I have anointed My king on Tzion.” The sages know when the Spirit of the Lord spoke through the prophets, they would speak in the first or second person and various tenses.

So, there must be a future anointing on mount Zion which will exceed the triple anointing of King David. Wow! When and who? What hath God wrought?

Finally, Jesus himself spoke considerably of false christs who would appear in Matthew 24:4-5. Likewise in Matthew 24:23-24, he mentioned false christs and false prophets, and warned about such religious deception.

The terms false christs and christ, in his warnings are quite serious, and indicate much religious deception which will lead people away from truth and into error.
Christian prophecy preachers all seem to relate such verses to end time scenarios, and even use the term anti christ in a more specific sense, to refer to those of non christian views.

Fact is, that in the epistle of John (1John 2:18-19), the author also describes an antichrist, as a spirit affecting plural persons; people who began in the Christian faith, left the group and its apostolic teaching, and no longer continued in the faith delivered unto the early church. By using the terms “many antichrists”, it’s more of a reference to people who wilfully leave the faith, and are led into deception, rather than a “man of sin,” who deceives all the nations as pointed out in some verses in the Revelation.

My people, My name

My people, My name

A familiar verse from 2Chronicles 7:14, is cited by Christians and often used to inspire people to humble themselves, turn away from sin, and make prayers for forgiveness and healing. The reading is: “If My people which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My presence, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 15 Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this Place.”

This statement was originally made to Israel when the House of the Lord, was built in Jerusalem, the place which God had chosen to place His name (2Chronicles 6:6). King Solomon had built and dedicated that “House,” and God accepted it as a “place” of sacrifice, according to what was written in 2Chronicles 7:12 (I have chosen this place to Myself for an House of sacrifice).

Solomon had made many prayers and offered many sacrifices at the dedication ceremony, even 22,000 oxen, and an 120,000 sheep (2Chronicles 7:5). At that dedication service Solomon prayed for God’s blessing, and fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the House” (2Chronicles 7:1).

Solomon’s many prayers for Israel and the House of the Lord, as read in 2Chronicles chapter six, were specifically answered when the Lord appeared to Solomon by night and said unto him, "I have heard thy prayer” (2Chronicles 7:12). Those few verses I have given, are an appropriate background for the promise given the nation of Israel; the people called by His name.

Israel was the name God gave to Jacob in Genesis 32:28; thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel, for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. From such bible verses we have learned that the Hebrew term “EL” is a noun used to refer to God, and since EL is attached as suffix to the word Israel, we see a Hebrew construction which implies that Jacob being renamed Israel , means that Jacob is called by God’s name.

Beginning in Genesis 46:8, a list is given of the names of the sons of Jacob who came into Egypt, and in that same verse, all of Jacob’s descendants are rightfully called the children of Israel. Repeatedly, the Hebrew Bible makes reference to the children of Israel, and the prophets use the term Jacob and Israel interchangeably in many verses (see Isaiah 41:8). Thus, not only is Jacob called by God’s name, but all his seed line by virtue of the “EL” designation IsraEL , are the people called by his name.

Solomon, at the Temple dedication, was addressing the entire nation in regard to worship, sacrifice, placement of the Divine Name, God’s house, and trouble of any kind coming upon the nation. He related that prayer for help should be initiated by humility and turning from evil. He was assured by the Lord, that prayers made by the repentant nation would be heard.

Christians often borrow the verse of 2Chronicles 7:14, and apply it to their own agenda, or need. Maybe they feel justified in such interpretation, because of verses like Matthew 18:20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

With some, it doesn’t seem to matter that they take a verse out of context. I am saying that first and foremost, the people called by God’s name is Israel; and that it is the bible based nation to which the promises first apply. God assured Solomon that prayers made in the House of the Lord in Jerusalem by a humble people, confessing sins and turning away from them, would be heard. That is good news.

Israel is not destined to destruction and failure. Israel will not be overcome by hateful enemies.

Pestilence and plague will not obliterate the holy people. When Israel humbles itself and returns to God’s teaching, its prayers will be heard and its enemies shall not prevail against them. God will take away Israel’s reproach and shame when they return to Him.

The Temple was important to Solomon and Israel, and it was important to God, because it was there that God chose to place His name forever. It was so important that scripture called it simply the house (הַבָּיִת - ha bayit). This designation is noted in 2Chronicles 7:1 and 7:3. In that same chapter, it is called 4 times the House of the Lord (בֵּית יְהוָֹה- bait Yehovah) as follows: 2Chronicles 7:2, 7:7 and twice in 2Chronicles 7:11. It is also called the the House of God in 2Chronicles 7:5 (בֵּית הָאֱלֹהִים-bait Elohim). God simply calls it this Place and this House (הַמָקוֹם הַבָּיִת הַזֶה- הַזֶה hamakom hazeh, habayit ha zeh) in 2Chronicles 7:12 and 2Chronicles 7:16.

Lastly, in chapter 7, it is called a House of Sacrifice ( bait zavach - בֵּית זַבַח) in 2Chronicles 7:12.

Thus, in chapter 7 we have: the House,
House of the Lord,
House of God,
this House,
this Place
House of sacrifice.

Every reference is specifically to the house of worship of the nation of Israel, located in Jerusalem, where God designated that His name be placed. It is also implied in 2Chronicles 6:40 and 2Chronicles 7:15, that the newly dedicated “House” be a House of Prayer.

In Second Chronicles chapter 6, Solomon’s prayer of dedication requested that prayers for forgiveness be heard and justice be given for God’s servants in recompensing the wicked. Likewise, as follows: And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this House; Then hear Thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of they people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which Thou gavest to them and to their fathers, (2Chronicles 6:24-25).

These verses bring hope to Israel, and to all the world Jewry, in a time when different hateful organizations like Hamas, and the PLO, would try to uproot Israel and Jews from the land God gave to the descendants of Jacob for ever. In spite of thousands of rockets being randomly fired by Hamas into Israel’s civilian population, with intent to wound and destroy Israelis, God will continue to sustain Israel in spite of the hardships inflicted upon them by both enemies and well meaning friends.

Truly Israel has, and is yet suffering much for the sake of the Divine Name, and the Divine Promises. It’s hardly known among Christians that Israel is written by scripture as God’s suffering servants in numerous verses (see Leviticus 25:42 and Leviticus 25:55). Although those verse refer to the plural form (servants), there are other verse locations that talk about Israel being God’s servant in the singular sense, as in Isaiah 41:8, 41:9, 44:21, etc.).

The Hebrew form ( avdi- - עַבְדִּי), is indeed singular reference to Israel, the lineage of Jacob, and the servant of Yehovah.

Many verses like these shown, are the reason why Jews believe that the famous verses in Isaiah 53, relate to Israel as God’s suffering servant, rather than to Yeshua (Jesus). Certainly, the case can be well made for the Jewish contention, by using many Hebrew Bible verses. We Christians take the New Testament as our source for Jesus as being the suffering servant, but with Jews, they take Old Testament verses and amply prove their contention that the he and him verses of Isaiah don’t contain the name Jesus, while in the servant passages of the Hebrew Bible, the servant is usually always named (such as Abraham, Jacob, Israel, David, etc.).

Reading from our Christian Bible, and taking the comments therein by faith, is our interpretive right and privilege, but it is not appropriate to wrest the Hebrew scriptures, and deny dual fulfillments of many prophetic verses, which happens so often in Christian circles. We need always to avoid certain exegesis which detracts from a simple and plain text statement.

In this time, Israel is yet the nation of God’s choosing in the world. We dare not take from them the right to pray, and to assemble and to humble themselves and seek God’s Presence (face). God has not forsaken them for ever, for it is written in Psalm 147:19- He sheweth His word unto Jacob, His statutes and judgments unto Israel. 20 He hath not dealt so with any nation, and as for His judgments, they have not known them. Halleluyah!

The people called by His name are Israel. They have suffered much under Faraoh and other evil regimes. Adolph Hitler tried to destroy Jews with a Holocaust. Now public opinion of the nations is turned against Israel for defending itself from wicked and hateful regimes. But I daresay that God will preserve Israel in spite of the suffering heaped upon them by the raging goyim.

Israel still has the open option of prayer and return, Not only the return to the land as foretold, but return to the teachings of Moses; return to the Torah of the Lord. This is what the last day Elijah will call for as stated in Malachi: Return unto Me and I will return unto you. Remember you the law of Moses My servant. which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold I send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yehovah; and he shall turn the heart.........

There is yet great hope for Israel, and the message of the hour is to be announced - If My people which are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face ---.

Yes, we can borrow those verses and use them as a pattern for our prayers, but, may we never forget in these troubling times, that the Lord spoke those promises to his treasured, holy people, the nation of Israel, for their time of need and forgiveness.

The Temple, the House, does not now fully exist (2009), yet Jews still make prayers at the Place where it once stood. The existing wall is properly known as the Western Wall, but has been known in time past as the wailing wall. Jews know that the existing wall is a place of prayer, because of verses made in the prophet-king Solomon’s dedication of God’s House. This is the Place in Israel where the Lord chose to establish His name. It was here that the people called by His name (Israel), were told that humility, repentance of sin, and seeking the Lord, would bring help from heaven in all possible situations. We agree. Shaalu shalom Yirushalayim (pray for the peace of Jerusalem).

In this time when Israel has finally decided to make an incursion into Gaza, after having suffered thousands of rocket attacks into its territory, and having concluded that the Hamas rockets attacks must be eliminated, we offer prayers for the brave Israeli troops who are the true freedom fighters of the conflict. And, we also offer prayers for their injuries and wounds and grieving families. May all non combatants who have become victims of such conflict, find relief and assistance.

Unlike their enemies, Israel has tried always to avoid targeting the innocent. For that and many other reasons, they hold the upper moral hand and sensitivity for the masses. They deserve our support and prayers.