Kadosh - Holy

 

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Re Tanakh versions:

Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2“Mechon-Mamre.org (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org (SEF), three brilliant versions, although JPS-1917 is my preferred version!

Colour coded details of our beloved TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

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Kadosh - קָדוֹשׁ

דְּבָרִים - Devarim - Deuteronomy 7:6.

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, Phd.

 

As we will most likely know, Kadosh - קָדוֹשׁ is generally translated as “Holy”, however, we should really understand that it also has a much deeper understanding.

For what was our role originally to be? We were to be separate to the world, and were set aside for אֱלֹהִים- יְהוָהthe LORD Elohim, blessed be He. Thus we are not like the world or things that are of the world! This study will cover a good number of points.

Let us read: דְּבָרִים - Devarim - Deuteronomy 7:6. In Ivrit - then in English.

כִּי עַם קָדוֹשׁ אַתָּה, לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ: בְּךָ בָּחַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לְעַם סְגֻלָּה, מִכֹּל הָעַמִּים, אֲשֶׁר עַל-פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה

“For thou art a holy people unto אֱלֹהֶיךָ- יְהוָה- the LORD thy Eloheycha: for אֱלֹהֶיךָ- יְהוָה - the LORD thy Eloheycha hath chosen thee to be His own treasure, out of all peoples that are upon the face of the earth”. דְּבָרִים - Devarim - Deuteronomy 7:6. (MEC).

Reflection on Deuteronomy 7:6:.

Let us look at an Historical and Literary Context, for this verse comes at the culmination of Moshe’s (Moses) charge to Yisrael as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land. 

He reminds a generation that never experienced Egypt of their unique calling and covenant relationship. 

Key points:.

It follows warnings against adopting Canaanite idolatry. 

It reiterates themes first introduced at Sinai (“a kingdom of priests, a holy nation”). 

It emphasizes choice and setting apart as central to Yisrael’s national identity.

Here are the Core Themes:

1... Holiness - קָדוֹשׁ:

Holiness means to be “Set apart.” For Yisrael’s (Israel’s) were chosen to live a good and a faithful life, upholding our Mitzvoth’s, whilst always worshipping our אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, by doing what is right including keeping our diet, etc. All of this illustrates a people who should be distinct from all neighbouring nations.

2 ... Divine Election:

Election isn’t merit-based. It’s rooted in אֱלֹהִים promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and sustained by divine love and faithfulness.

בָּחוּר (ûr) can refer refers to a chosen one or elect individuals. 

3... Treasured Possession - סְגֻלָּה: 

Yisrael is depicted as אֱלֹהִים private property valued above all other nations, not for privilege alone but for responsibility.

The Hebrew word סְגֻלָּה (Segulah) primarily means treasured possession, special property, or a chosen people. It signifies something highly valued and cherished, often in a covenantal or familial sense. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, it frequently refers to the Jewish people as אֱלֹהִים special treasure. 

Theological Significance:

1... Let us commence with - Covenant Faithfulness:

Election carries an implicit covenant: אֱלֹהִים remains committed, and Yisrael is called to loyalty, obedience and justice.

Missionary Impulse:

Being “holy” and “treasured” is not insular (ignorant of, or uninterested). Our witness to character’s and justice among the nations points to a broader purpose.

2... Grace and Responsibility:

The verse balances unmerited divine favour with the weight of living up to that blessed favour through “righteous conduct” and of course “ethical leadership”.

3... Practical Implications Today:

“Identity” ... Community Distinctiveness we should model integrity, generosity and compassion in everyday life as a tangible sign of being “set apart.” Thinking about the global outlook, our vocation is not withdrawal but we should engage and reflect אֱלֹהִים character in a pluralistic world.

4... Further Reflections:

How does ‘holiness’ shape your daily decisions, let’s say at work, with relationships, or social justice?

In what way might we be treasured, well let’s translate that into being called for stewardship; giving and using the talents we have been given to do good?

Just consider how ‘election’ inspires humility, and why? For the status we have been appointed with should give us challenges and hope for every generation called to embody both Divine election thus will fulfil our role with a willing and a loving responsibility!

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Please Note: “hebraicstudies” links are located down the page!

This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via several 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. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”,

For Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָהthe LORD of hosts, be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and regular בְּרָכָה Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

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