Israel a Passing Crisis
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Some minor alterations have been made relating
to Names and Attributes having been corrected.
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With Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven ben Avraham-Goossens
Welcome to this
interesting study that looks at Yisrael - Israel of days of old, as well as the
land of today. Some may be aware that there are a number of ideas within
certain Christian circles, and in the past I have been asked; “Who
is Israel?” and believe me, I will cover that a little later,
but only from the our beloved Torah/Tanakh.
The truth is we
have to come back to what we once were as told
by אֱלֹהִים- יְהוָה (The LORD God), לְעוֹלָם-שְׁמו- בָּרוּךְ - “Baruch
Shmo Le’olam” - “Blessed be His Name forever”.
Introduction to Israel a Passing
Crisis:
Throughout many
years living our traditional Jewish lives, we may well recall how volatile our
position of life has really been. The truth is as Hebrew’s we have been
in a state of constant crisis. Will there ever be a day when we can live in a
world we all love and live in complete peace, however, I am also speaking of
the kind of peace that only אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God), blessed be He, can bring into our lives.
Pondering this thought, we will all realise that the vast majority in the world continues to live in a never ending crisis, even today, for tragically it is a sinful world which, as we know from the media and what is occurring in our own countries where we have seen so much ‘evil’, especially with the massive ideology of “I, me and myself”. Sadly the world has become very much about the self as well as never ending ‘lust’. We need to realise humanity at large has been living as there no Elohim (god), and that is why sin rules the globe, and that is also why our אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - YHVH Elohim, לְעוֹלָם-שְׁמו- בָּרוּךְ - “Blessed be His Name forever, gave us so many warnings, but did we listen, sadly at large the answer is, NO!
In this study we
are going to look specifically at “Israel’s Passing Crisis,”
which is based on a Word given by our prophet Tzephanyah -
Zephaniah in Chapter Three of his book. Unlike most other prophets, Tzefanyah provides much detail of his family’s background.
In fact, in the first verse of the book, he provided details of his families
four generations. The Book of Tzephanyah
commences with my favourite Hebrew word -
“HaDavar - הַדָּבָר”
- which translates as “The Word (of) אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה (the LORD God)”, לְעוֹלָם-שְׁמו- בָּרוּךְ- “Blessed be His Name forever”.
“The Word of יְהוָה that came to Tzefanyah the son of
Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the
days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.”
Tzefanyah - Zephaniah 1:1. (JPS).
His name Tzefanyah - Zephaniah has a wonderful meaning …
“יְהוָה has treasured,” or “יְהוָה protects.” It was a well-chosen name
for that time. There is no doubt that this prophet may not rival some of the
great prophets like Yeshayahu - Isaiah in sublimity, nor did he match the
eloquence and imaginative powers of Hoshea - Hosea, yet he was
a prophet who yielded to no one, as we will soon see by the impressive and
forceful manner in which he delivers Elohim’s Word, combined with a powerful
warning. A warning, that speaks of a cloud of retribution that would soon burst
a deluge of fire and blood. His style alternates between stern denunciation and
then of soothing comfort. The vigour and clarity of his diction compensates for
what Tzefanyah may lack in charm and a deep insight
into human nature.
Sadly, at the time
Tzefanyah - Zephaniah was facing what was rather a
corrupt nation and far from being faithful unto Elohim. The nation of Yehudah - Judah, we the people who are so closely identified by Elohim as
“My people” we need to remember that this is a title we
really never sought. However, at that time, as the majority of Judah
continued to live far from being good Hebrews in faith, thus the Almighty had
to act on His Word, for אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה (the LORD God), blessed be His Sanctified Name, for He is not a respecter
of persons, if we are the chosen, or not. Thus, Elohim, blessed be He, clearly
said that He would punish the children of disobedience, according to His Word!
Below are just several of examples.
“And if ye will not for all this hearken unto Me, but walk
contrary unto Me; then I will walk contrary unto you in fury; and I also will
chastise you seven times for your sins”. Vayikra – Leviticus 26:
27-28. (JPS).
“Know for a certainty that אֱלֹהֵיכֶם- יְהוָה (Elohim your God) will no more drive these nations from out of
your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap unto you, and a scourge in
your sides, and pricks in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land
which יְהוָה your אֱלֹהִים hath
given you” Yahushua - Joshua 23: 13, (JPS).
“Hear the word of יְהוָה, ye children of Israel! For יְהוָה hath a controversy
with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of אֱלֹהִים in the land. Swearing and lying, and killing, and
stealing, and committing adultery! They break all bounds, and blood touches
blood” ... “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because
thou hast rejected knowledge.” Hoshea - Hosea 4:1 & 6. (JPS).
Far away, in the
north east of Judah, was the mighty state of Assyria and this was the
nation that would be used by the Almighty as His instrument in order to bring
about Judah’s destruction as a corrective measure. This destruction
would be a day in which His righteousness would be vindicated. It would be
known as the “Day of יְהוָה (the LORD).”
Tzefanyah at all times rightly sought to inspire fear of that coming day into the
hearts of his hearers and constantly appeals for true “Te’Shuva,” - תְּשׁוּבָה -
“Repentance.” in Ivrit – Hebrew, the word “Te’Shuva,” which means to “Return”
to Elohim, in order to be redeemed, restored and be made whole again!
Tzefanyah - Zephaniah points out that through this judgement, mercy will come to
those whom Elohim truly intends to deliver, being
those with a genuine heart for Te’Shuva –
a Repentant Heart, who will sing praises unto the just and loving אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה (the LORD God), the אֱלֹהִים of
Avraham, Yitzchak - Isaac and Ya’akov - Jacob, who dwells in their midst.
אֱלֹהִים,
blessed be He, at ALL times has a redemptive plan
for His people. Even as His people were taken captive and suffered persecution
in Assyria, Medo-Persia as well as during the
last over 2,000 years, His redemptive plan was, and is always in operation.
The redemptive plan proves that the dispersion and persecution
of Israel is, a “Passing Crisis,” for the time will come
that we Israel will once again “take
refuge in the name of יְהוָה.” Tzefanyah - Zephaniah 3:12. (JPS).
Now let us take a
closer look at chapter three of Tzefanyah -
Zephaniah, as it contains some powerful teaching on the subject
of Israel’s crisis. As we study blessed teachings from our beloved
Tanakh, we will come to realise that this chapter is divided into three very
distinct divisions.
1. Judgement of the Corrupt City - Verses
1 to 8.
2. Promised Blessings in Salvation
- Verses 9 to 13.
3. That Salvation demands Praise and Worship
- Verses 14 to 20.
Amazingly twenty
five times our Heavenly Father says, “I will” in this
chapter. It is interesting to note that יְהוָה Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name, spends more time on restoration
than punishment.
“I will
Punish” occurs 10 times.
Whilst “I
will Destroy” occurs just once.
However, “I
will Restore” occurs 14 times, this being twice the perfect number of
7.
Let us now read
and consider Tzefanyah - Zephaniah Chapter 3:1 to 8. (MEC).
“Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing
city! She hearkened not to the voice, she received not correction; she trusted
not in יָהוָה,
she drew not near to her Elohim. Her princes in the midst of her are roaring
lions; her judges are wolves of the desert, they leave not a bone for the
morrow. Her prophets are wanton and treacherous persons; her priests have
profaned that which is holy, they have done violence to the law. יְהוָה
who is righteous is in
the midst of her, He will not do unrighteousness; every morning doth He bring
His right to light, it faileth not; but the
unrighteous knoweth no shame. I have cut off nations, their corners are
desolate; I have made their streets waste, so that none passeth
by; their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no
inhabitant. I said: 'Surely thou wilt fear Me, thou
wilt receive correction; so her dwelling shall not be cut off, despite all that
I have visited upon her'; but they betimes corrupted all their doings.
Therefore wait ye for Me, saith יְהוָה,
until the day that I rise up to the prey; for My determination is to gather the
nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them Mine indignation,
even all My fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of
My jealousy”.
Let us commence
with the Hebrew word for “filthy” which is “Ma’rah” -
מָרָה which is also translated as “rebellious.” What Tzefanyah was saying is simply this … “the
Children of Israel were being rebellious against יְהוָה Elohim and they were behaving in a vile and abhorrent way.” (Paraphrased).
Next comes the
word “polluted” which in Hebrew is “Ga’al”
- גָאַלְ which also means, “defiled” or “stained.” This same
word is found in Yeshayahu - Isaiah chapter 59 Verse 3. “For your
hands are defiled (גָאַלְ) with blood.”
Thus we have read
that Judah was filthy in rebellion and polluted or defiled, with their hands
stained with blood. For the sad truth is that Elohim’s chosen people had
once again turned their backs on their Creator and were guilty of making
sacrifices to pagan gods. Poor Jerusalem, the City of Peace in Tzefanyah is now sadly called in the Word, “the
oppressing city.”
Now beloved, I
have some very important news for you, for you are about to discover one of the
most powerful items of teachings that you will ever discover in the word of
Elohim, blessed be He! What comes next is not generally understood at all by
most Rabbis or Christian leaders, which is rather sad, but today you are about
to learn something very powerful from the Sanctified Word of אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה (the LORD Elohim), blessed be His Sanctified Name.
It is important
for us to realise that the word “Ga’al” - גָאַלְ as we have learned in Tzefanyah means “defiled” or “polluted.”
However this word has another meaning in the Hebrew and we will come to
understand the fullness of this word. I pray that you will be richly blessed by
the amazing revelation!
In Shemos - Exodus chapter 6, verse 6, the word “Ga’al” - גָאַלְ is also used there, however in this chapter it is translated
in a completely different way as “redeemed” or “rescued,”
or as being “covered.”
Let us look at the verse Shemos - Exodus chapter 6:6.
“Wherefore say unto the children of Israel: I am יְהוָה,
and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver
- גָאַלְ you from their bondage, and I will
redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments.”
In fact it is in this
very chapter that the word “גָאַלְ” appears for the very first time in the Torah. Thus, we may ask, why then
is “Ga’al not translated in Tzefanyah” as “redeemed” but
rather as something completely opposite such as “polluted” or “defiled.”
The question is, how can this be?
Let me now show
you the connection, for the fact is to correctly
understand the word redeemed, we have to realise that in order to be “redeemed”
we have to be “covered” or “surrounded”
with a protective care. When the word “Ga’al” is
used in the correct tense, we are redeemed with a total covering of
protection.
However, when
this same word is used in the negative tense it represents a covering
of evil. Thus, it is either a
covering of good or a covering of evil as it is in Tzefanyah. Sadly, our people at that
time had gone astray living in Jerusalem tragically had their hands “polluted,”
or “stained,” and “covered” in blood,
said יָהוָה Elohim through His
prophet Tzefanyah - Zephaniah.
We now come to the
last word of verse 1 “the oppressing.” In
Hebrew, it is “HaYonah - הַיּוֹנָה.” This
word is a rather strange one, for it also translates as “the Dove.”
Thus, in a sense
we see Jerusalem as being the city of Elohim likened to a senseless
dove, flying aimlessly around in some thoughtless pursuit of its own
desires, and even much wickedness.
Wickedness and fleshly desires of its
inhabitants turned Jerusalem into what was already described as an “oppressing
city.” Judah, the people of Elohim should have known better for in
their midst stood the Beit “HaMikdash” - the
“Holy Temple” of our Heavenly Father who had rescued us out of Mitzraim - Egypt with great signs and wonders. In addition,
all nations round-a-bout us continued to have a great fear of what they knew it
to be “a great and a powerful building of the Mighty Elohim of the
Children Israel”, but sadly somehow we had now gone astray from Elohim
who had saved us time and time again!
אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה (YHVH Elohim), blessed be His Sanctified Name,
declared in verse 6 that He has “cut off nations” because of
their horrendous sins, and that their “cities were made desolate, without
inhabitants.” Now you would think that no stronger warning could have
been given to Judah. Thus, then in verse 7 the Almighty says, “Surely you
will fear Me, you will receive instruction.” - “Instruction”
in Hebrew is “Mu’sar,” also
means “rebuke” - “harsh correction” or
“chastisement.”
The question is
this, did the people heed to this powerful warning? Sadly, the answer is no,
and Judah simply continued living in their sinful ways, and Elohim, blessed be
He, according to His Word had to correct them as he had stated in Vayikra -
Leviticus 26. However, even when He speaks of punishment, there is always a
redemptive element.
“And they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their
fathers, in their treachery which they committed against Me,
and also that they have walked contrary unto Me. I also will walk contrary unto
them, and bring them into the land of their enemies; if then perchance their
uncircumcised heart be humbled, and they then be paid the punishment of their
iniquity; then will I remember My covenant with Jacob, and also My covenant
with Isaac, and also My covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will
remember the land.” Vayikra - Leviticus 26: 40-42. (JPS).
“For then will I turn to the peoples a pure language that they may
all call upon the name of יָהּוָה יְהוָה, to serve Him with one consent. From
beyond the rivers of Ethiopia shall they bring My
suppliants, even the daughter of My dispersed, as Mine offering. In that day
shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed
against Me; for then I will take away out of the midst
of thee thy proudly exulting ones, and thou shalt no more be haughty in My holy
mountain. And I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people,
and they shall take refuge in the name of יְהוָה. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither shall a
deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and
none shall make them afraid”. Tzefanyah -
Zephaniah 3:9-13. (JPS).
Of course the
aforementioned does not mean that every single Jewish person will be saved, no
certainly not, but as the Word clearly states in Tzefanyah
- Zephaniah 3:13 - “She’e’rith
Yisroel,” being a “remnant of Israel.” Thus, those who are
faithful of the House of Israel (and for some Christians reading this, I do
mean all 12 tribes).
“Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout
O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! יְהוָה has
taken away your judgements; He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, יְהוָה is in your
midst; you shall see disaster no more. In that day, it shall be said to
Jerusalem: Do not fear; Zion let not your hands be weak. יְהוָה your Elohim in your midst,
the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will
quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. I will gather
those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, who are among you, to whom its
reproach is a burden. Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict
you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint
them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame. At that
time I will bring you back, even at the time I gather you; for I will give you
fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives
before your eyes,’ says יְהוָה” Tzefanyah - Zephaniah
3:14-20. (JPS).
The last seven
verses of this chapter prove the never-ending love of Elohim, blessed be He.
For even now, when His people are back in the state of Israel, and Elohim is in
“the midst of them” sustaining both His people and His land.
We may ask
ourselves, “Who really won the Six-Day War? Was it the mighty army of
Israel? Or was it the mighty hand of Elohim?” Humanly speaking Israel was
totally outnumbered and outgunned, thus they should have lost the battle and
had all Israeli’s forced from the land and driven into the sea, as
proclaimed by the enemy at that time. But יְהוָה had already declared in His Word that “no weapon formed against
you (Israel) shall prosper” Yeshayahu - Isaiah 54:17. Elohim is in
control of His land. However, let me make it clear that the current State of
Israel is NOT the completed nation of Israel of Elohim, for like the rest of
the world it is also a nation of those in faith, but countless who are not
religious at all, but in many ways it is a sinful nation. But the time is
heading towards the time that Elohim will make the name of Israel, “a
name and a praise among all people of the earth, when
I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith יְהוָה” verse 20. But there is still much to happen before that, as the
crisis is not over as yet.
But praise Elohim
it is “a passing crisis” for the word of promise clearly
states, that the Elohim will never reject His people Israel, for the day is
coming that “they will take refuge in the Name of יְהוָה.” This is
the Name that through the massive errors made by the priests and rabbis of
the later time of the Second Temple, as they went against the Mitzvot’s and went against Elohim instructions,
they decided that His blessed Name could no longer be said. Even though we the
Hebrews had used the blessed name for over a thousand or more years, we ended
up saying “Adonai” or “HaShem”! But.
The time will come when we will again use most blessed “Memorial Name”
and pronounce the Name” of יְהוָה Elohim in
full, when we praise the wonderful Name of “יְהוָה Elohim.”
I pray that we, Bnei Israel will fully return to the Torah and uphold the Mitzvoth we were given!
“Therefore, behold, the days come, saith יְהוָה, that it shall no more be said: 'As יְהוָה liveth, that brought up the children
of Israel out of the land of Egypt,' but: 'as יְהוָה liveth, that brought up the children
of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries whither He had
driven them'; and I will bring them back into their land that I gave unto their
fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith יְהוָה, and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and
they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the
clefts of the rocks”. Yirmyahu - Jeremiah 16:14-16. (JPG).
Thank you יְהוָה, blessed be your Sanctified Name, the day will come when Israel’s
Crisis will be over …
“Teach me, O יְהוָה Thy way, that I
may walk in Thy truth; make my heart to fear Thy Name.” Tehillim -
Psalms 86:11. (JPS).
In
Conclusion, a Question to Deepen the Conversation:
Which part of this Tanach study or possibly a particular line or
statement within it has touched you the most? And how do you feel
about spending more time studying our beloved Tanakh? I pray that you are doing
well as a faithful Hebrew, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim willing you are upholding as many as
possible of our blessed Mitzvoth’s?
I am well aware that the modern world sadly contains too many deviations
as well as problems that seem to get in the way of our Hebrew
lifestyle. Yet worse than that, these days there are far too many enticements,
which can so easily throw many off track,
and I know that has happened far too much. Thus, if there are struggles
that are taking place in your life, be it at this or at any time, I am well
aware that sadly it can often have a terrible and a cruel effect upon your
life?
Dear reader, please remember this, pray for peace and solitude in
your life, and then work on keeping as calm as possible and learn to improve
your life, for אֱלֹהִים, בָּרוּךְ
אֱלֹהִים
- Bless Elohim, He is
always there and ready to help and guide you!
This site was originally set up for those who needed to return to our
blessed and wonderful faith, thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at
least three times a day, and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via a
number of our prophets...
“Return unto Me,
and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. MEC).
And Remember ...
Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat
Shalom!
אֲנִי
יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה (the LORD your God);
walk in My statutes, and keep Mine
ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign
between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - YaHVaH Elohim”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
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שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom aleichem - Peace be with you!
Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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