Shalom Shalom

גיֵ֣צֶר סָמ֔וּךְ תִּצֹּ֖ר שָׁל֣וֹם | שָׁל֑וֹם כִּ֥י בְךָ֖ בָּטֽוּחַ

"You will keep in perfect peace (shalom, shalom) those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."  Isaiah 26:3

The Hebrew word "shalom" (שָׁלוֹם) is a frequently used Hebrew greeting (hello/goodbye).  It is commonly translated as "peace," but its root and deeper meanings encompass much more than just the absence of conflict. 

Where we see שָׁל֑וֹם שָׁל֑וֹם "Shalom shalom" in the Hebrew Bible it is translated as "perfect peace." 

Meanings and Connotations:

1. Peace: The most common translation of "shalom" is peace, understood as the absence of conflict and the presence of harmony and tranquility.

2. Wholeness: "Shalom" implies a state of completeness and wholeness. It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

3. Safety: It also connotes safety and security, suggesting a stable and secure environment.

4. Health: "Shalom" includes the idea of health and welfare, reflecting a holistic sense of well-being.

5. Prosperity: It can mean prosperity and success, not just in material terms but also in the sense of flourishing and thriving.

All the Letters of Shalom:

Shin (ש): Represents teeth or the act of consuming and destroying. Symbolically, it can signify transformation and the process of making something complete.

Lamed (ל): Represents a shepherd's staff or a goad, symbolizing guidance, teaching, or leading.

Vav (ו): Represents a nail/hook or a connector, symbolizing connection and bringing things together.

Mem (ם): Represents water/blood or chaos, symbolizing the potential for life and the depth of being. (Blog post about Mem.)

DEEP MEANING OF EVERY HEBREW WORD IS FOUND INSIDE THE ROOT OF EVERY WORD.

The Hebrew language is constructed in such a way that most words are built from a root consisting of three consonants, known as a "shoresh" (שורש). This root conveys the core meaning of the word, and various prefixes, suffixes, and vowel changes can modify this root to create related words with nuanced meanings.

The concept of the three-letter root is integral to understanding the depth and spiritual meaning of Hebrew words. Here’s how it works:

Core Meaning: The three-letter root captures the essence of a concept. For example, the root ש-ל-ם (Sh-L-M) relates to wholeness, peace, and completeness. From this root, we get words like "shalom" (peace) and "shalem" (complete).

Connected Meanings: By examining different words derived from the same root, one can see how these words are interconnected and share a common underlying theme. This interconnectedness can reveal deeper spiritual insights. For instance, the root ק-ד-ש (K-D-Sh) means holiness or sanctity, giving rise to words like "kadosh" (holy), "kedushah" (holiness), and "mikdash" (sanctuary).

Spiritual Insights: Understanding the root of a word can provide a richer, more layered understanding of spiritual concepts. For example, the root ר-פ-א (R-P-A) means to heal. Words like "refuah" (healing) and "rofeh" (doctor) are derived from this root. This connection underscores the spiritual belief in the power of healing and restoration.

Meditative Reflection: In Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, meditating on the root letters can lead to spiritual insights and personal growth. Each letter in Hebrew also has its own mystical significance, adding another layer of depth. For example, the letter "Aleph" (א) is associated with the divine and unity, while "Bet" (ב) symbolizes the house or dwelling, suggesting that every word can be seen as a dwelling place for spiritual meaning.

By delving into the three-letter roots of Hebrew words, one can uncover the profound spiritual and philosophical ideas embedded in the Hebrew language. This approach allows for a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of words and concepts, reflecting the rich tapestry of Jewish thought and spirituality.

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4

The Root of Shalom 

To fully appreciate the concept of "shalom," it's helpful to explore its root, its uses, and its broader connotations. The root of the word "shalom" is שׁ-ל-ם (Shin-Lamed-Mem). Below is brief explanation of meaning associated to each letter.

Shin (ש):  The Hebrew letter Shin (ש) is the 21st letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It carries significant meaning in Jewish culture and language. Hands of the priest or rabbi held to form shin during the "priestly benediction."

Represents teeth or the act of consuming and destroying. Symbolically, it can signify transformation and the process of making something complete.

Lamed (ל): Represents a shepherd's staff or a goad, symbolizing guidance, teaching, or leading.

Mem (ם):  Represents water, chaos, blood symbolizing the potential for life and the depth of being.

Putting the root שׁ-ל-ם letters together encapsulates a profound and holistic understanding of peace and wholeness, that goes beyond mere absence of conflict or hello/goodbye. Understanding "shalom" in its full depth provides a greater appreciation for its significance in Hebrew language, scripture, and everyday life.

יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֹ֖ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ

יָאֵ֨ר יְהוָֹ֧ה | פָּנָ֛יו אֵלֶ֖יךָ וִֽיחֻנֶּֽךָּ

יִשָּׂ֨א יְהוָֹ֤ה | פָּנָיו֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְיָשֵׂ֥ם לְךָ֖ שָׁלֽוֹם

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (shalom)." Numbers 6:24-26

Epilogue:

I can't talk about "Shalom" and not mention the source, "Shaddai." Obviously, both "Shalom" and "Shaddai" begin with the Hebrew letter "Shin." Breaking down Shaddai like I did Shalom will illustrate even better how deeply the Hebrew letters connect words and add a deeper understanding. 

"Shaddai" is a name for God that is often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient." The term "El Shaddai" combines "El," meaning "God," with "Shaddai," and is usually rendered as "God Almighty." This name emphasizes God's power and sufficiency, reflecting the belief that God can provide and protect in every circumstance. It appears in several key biblical passages, notably in God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:1.

Genesis 17:1 -- "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, 'I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.'"

This is the first appearance of "El Shaddai" where God introduces Himself to Abram (later Abraham) and establishes the covenant of circumcision. This passage marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, underscoring God's power and His promise to make Abraham the father of many nations.

"El Shaddai" is a significant and evocative name for God which emphasizes the different facets of God's nature and relationship with humanity. 

God uses the name "El Shaddai" when reaffirming His covenant with Jacob.  The use of "El Shaddai" underscores the seriousness and certainty of God's commitments and covenantal promises.  "El Shaddai" assures the patriarchs and their descendants of God's unwavering faithfulness.

Genesis 35:11 -- "And God said to him, 'I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins.'"

In Exodus God speaks to Moses, revealing that He appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as "El Shaddai," but did not make His name Yahweh known to them.

Exodus 6:3 -- "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them."

The name "El Shaddai" is also associated with God's nurturing and comforting attributes. The root "shad" means "breast" in Hebrew, symbolizing nourishment and sustenance, which conveys the idea of God as a nurturing provider. 

"El Shaddai" combines the aspects of God's overwhelming power with His gentle provision, offering a balanced view of God's character. This duality is reflected in God's interactions with humanity, where He demonstrates both justice and mercy. He is both stern/severe and lovingkindness.

"El Shaddai" is truly a revolutionary concept.  This concept is evident in the root. 

The Root of "Shaddai" 

There is more than one interpretation of the root of "Shaddai." The most prevalent are שַׁדַּי (Shaddai) and שָׁדַד (Shadad).

The Hebrew root שָׁדַד (shadad) means "to destroy" or "to overpower." This root emphasizes God's power, omnipotence and His ability to destroy enemies and protect His people.

שַׁד (Shad) is the other interpretation of the root of "Shaddai." שַׁד (shad) means "breast." This root conveys the idea of nourishment and sustenance. Thus, "El Shaddai" can be understood as "God the Nurturer" or "God the Provider," emphasizing God's sufficiency and care for His people.

The ancient Babylonian Akkadian influence adds an interesting third dimension to the meaning of "Shaddai." In the ancient Semitic language of Akkad, "shadu" means "mountain." In this context, "Shaddai" could be interpreted as "God of the Mountain." 

Hebrew is a rich language with the tendency to encapsulate multiple meanings. Hebrew offers a composite understanding. Thus, "El Shaddai" represents a God who is all-powerful (able to destroy and protect), nurturing (providing sustenance), and a strong refuge (like a mountain).

Exodus 19:16-20 -- "On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up."

All the root words start with שַׁד. We already looked at the shin שַׁ when we analyzed Shalom so now let's look at the letter dalet - ד.

Dalet is the 4th letter in the Hebrew aleph-beyt and it's numerical (gematria) value is 4.  Dalet is associated with a door or doorway/entrance. The word "Dalet" is related to the Hebrew word "delet" (דֶּלֶת), which means "door." 

This association symbolizes a gateway, entrance, or transition from one state to another. It can represent both physical and spiritual transitions or opportunities.

In Jewish mystical tradition, Dalet symbolizes humility. The shape of the letter suggests a person who is bent over, signifying a humble and modest character.

Dalet can also symbolize the idea of being poor or in need, as it is connected to the Hebrew word "dal" (דַל), meaning "poor" or "needy." This reflects the idea of relying on God's provision and mercy.

David" (דָּוִד), the name of the famous king of Israel, begins and ends with Dalet.

In the mystical tradition of Judaism, Dalet is associated with the divine attribute of Malchut (Kingdom), which represents God's presence in the physical world.

From the New Testament we read:

John 10:7 -- So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

I have blogged more about Dalet. Here is a link to that post.

In conclusion, the shin in "Shalom" connected us to the Shin in "Shaddai." By examining the two words together, hopefully one can gain a richer understanding of both words, as well as greater appreciation of the Hebrew language and Aleph-Bet.  

In Conclusion 

By understanding the richness of the Hebrew letters a Hebrew word is far more profound and meaningful.  Shalom Shalom. 

A COMPLEX UNITY

God is One -- thoughts for the 4th of July.

With the 4th of July just around the corner, I thought I would share some of my thoughts about the "Complex Unity" on the Great Seal of the United States of America. 

E Pluribus Unum is a Latin phrase, meaning "Out of many, one." It signifies the unity of the many states and people into a single nation. It emphasizes the idea that despite the diversity of the states and individuals, there is a unified whole.

E Pluribus Unum and the Hebrew word "echad" in the Shema share a conceptual similarity in that they both convey a sense of a "complex unity." 

The Shema in Deuteronomy 6.4

דשְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהֹוָ֥ה | אֶחָֽד

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God; the Lord is one.

Above is the text from the Shema. The Shema is one of the most important prayers in Judaism, serving as a central component of Jewish daily prayer services and religious practice. 

The central verse of the Shema is: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד). This verse encapsulates the monotheistic essence of Judaism. In the Shema in the Hebrew Torah, the word used for the word "one" is "Echad" (אֶחָד).

There is a Hebrew word that is very close to "Echad" which even sounds like it and also means one -- "Yachid." Though "echad" means "one" it is also means a composite, a "complex unity." On the other hand, "Yachid" means absolute singularity.

"Yachid" (יָחִיד) means "one" or "singular" and refers to absolute, indivisible oneness. It is often used to describe something that is uniquely one-of-a-kind, without parts or plurality. This contrasts with "echad," which, as discussed, can imply a composite or complex unity.

"Yachid" is often used in contexts where the emphasis is on uniqueness or singularity without any internal differentiation. For example, the term "Yachid" is used in reference to Abraham's son Isaac as his "only" son in Genesis 22:2, highlighting Isaac's unique and singular status.

Given that Yachid emphasizes absolute, indivisible oneness and Echad implies a complex unity that can include plurality within that oneness, isn't it interesting that the Torah uses the word "Echad" rather than "Yachid" in the Shema.

Spiritual Context

While "E Pluribus Unum" is focused on the unity arising from diversity within a nation, "echad" often highlights the concept of oneness and unity, particularly in a spiritual or religious context. Both terms underscore the importance of unity, though they apply it to different domains—political and social unity in the case of "E Pluribus Unum" and spiritual or religious unity in the case of "echad."

Speaking of religious/spiritual context, on the "Great Seal" notice what is above the words "E Pluribus Unum." While it is true that there are 13 stars signifying the 13 original colonies, the shape that those 13 stars forms the "Star of David" also known as the "Magan (Shield) of David."

Out of many, One.

The Star of David in the Great Seal

Allow me to digress in order to share a brief story about the Star of David on the Great Seal. 

Legend has it that the arrangement of the 13 stars was ordered by George Washington who, when he asked Haym Solomon, a wealthy Philadelphia Jew and political financial broker, what he would like as a personal reward for his services to the Continental Army. Solomon said he wanted nothing for himself, but he would like something for his people. The Star of David was the result.

Solomon's fundraising and personal lending provided critical financing to George Washington in his Revolutionary War effort. His most meaningful financial contribution, however, came immediately prior to the final revolutionary war battle at Yorktown.

In August 1781, the Continental Army had trapped Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis in the Virginian coastal town of Yorktown. Washington and the main army and Count de Rochambeau with his French army decided to march from the Hudson Highlands to Yorktown and deliver the final blow. But Washington's war chest was completely empty, as was that of Congress. Without food, uniforms and supplies, Washington's troops were close to mutiny. Washington determined that he needed at least $20,000 to finance the campaign. When Robert Morris, the Superintendent of Finance, told him there were no funds and no credit available, Washington gave him a simple but eloquent order: "Send for Haymè E Solomon." Solomon raised $20,000, through the sale of bills of exchange. With that, and the $1,400,000 personally loaned by Robert Morris, Washington conducted the Yorktown campaign, which proved to be the final battle of the Revolution. Solomon died a pauper a few years later

There's more...

Look closely at what's around the 13 stars.  It is the thunderous image of the Clouds of Glory.

To my mind there is no doubt that there is a spiritual context for the words "E Pluribus Unum" on America's Great Seal.

A Complex Unity

Like E. Pluribus Unum, Echad denotes a complex unity that encompasses diversity within that oneness.  For example, in Genesis 2:24 it says "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one (echad) flesh." Here, "echad" describes the union of two individuals into a single entity, highlighting the idea of unity in diversity.

The Shema is also significant in Christianity. Jesus quoted it when asked about the greatest commandment, linking it with the command to love one's neighbor (Mark 12:29-31, Luke 10:25-27)

The Trinity in Christianity, the doctrine of the Trinity refers to the belief that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are distinct yet of one essence. This means that while God is three distinct persons, there is still only one God, emphasizing both unity and diversity within the Godhead.

4th of July

The "Spirit" of America is a complex unity.  It is frightening to think of what will come to America, the world and each of us if we lose that Spirit!

George Washington wrote to Henry Lee (Oct. 31, 1786) as America was struggling without a Constitution: 

"I am mortified beyond expression when I view the clouds which have spread over the brightest morn that ever dawned upon any Country. In a word, I am lost in amazement when I behold what intrigue, the interested views of desperate characters, ignorance and jealousy of the minor part, are capable of effecting, as a scourge on the major part of our fellow Citizens of the Union: for it is hardly to be supposed that the great body of the people, tho' they will not act, can be so short sighted, or enveloped in darkness as not to see rays of a distant sun thro' all this mist of intoxication and folly." 

HEY - 5 (I AM)

This blog post is a little bit long because in order to make the point I want to make at the end I've got to build up some knowledge of Hebrew in you. Try to hang on. 

The personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, is represented by the four Hebrew letters יהוה (YHWH), known as the Tetragrammaton. This name was considered so sacred that its pronunciation was avoided, with "Adonai" (Lord) or "Elohim" (God) used as substitutes in speech and writing.

The exact pronunciation of YHWH is uncertain. Scholars generally pronounce it as "Yahweh" or something similar. The name is closely connected to the phrase "I am who I am" that God used when speaking to Moses at the burning bush.  

Exodus 3:14 -- God answered Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' Then He said, 'You are to say to Bnei-Yisrael, "I AM" has sent me to you.'

Exodus 3:15 --"God also said to Moses: 'You are to say to Bnei-Yisrael, Adonai, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has sent me to you. This is My Name forever, and the Name by which I should be remembered from generation to generation.'"

The Tetragrammaton:

והיה  Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey

יה (Yod-Hey): 

The first two Hebrew letters יה (Yod-Hey) represent a shortened form of the divine name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Here are some key points about its meaning and usage:

Yod Hey (יה), pronounced "Yah," is a contracted (shortened) form of the Tetragrammaton יהוה (YHWH), which is the personal name of God in Hebrew scripture.

Yod Hey (יה), Yah, is used independently as a divine name, especially in poetic and liturgical contexts. It appears frequently in phrases like "Hallelujah" (הללו-יה), meaning "Praise Yah".

In Jewish tradition, יה is considered a sacred name and is often substituted with other terms to avoid pronouncing the divine name directly.

Some scholars connect יה to the concept of "joy" or the "joy of the Lord", seeing it as representing God's joyful, energizing presence.

Yah also appears in the Hebrew Bible as a theophoric (bearing the name of God) element in many names, like Elijah ("My God is Yah") and Isaiah ("Yah is salvation").

וה (Vav-Hey):

The last two Hebrew letters in YHVH, וה (Vav-Hey), do not form a standalone word with a specific meaning in Hebrew. 

WHY ONLY "I AM"

Have you ever wondered why God told Moses "You are to say to Bnei-Yisrael (Children of Israel), "I AM" has sent me to you'" versus "I AM WHO I AM"?

It has long fascinated me that God shortened his name from "I AM WHO I AM" to just "I AM." God must have had an important reason!  

Last night at a Bible study regarding the "Attributes of God" it occurred to me why God may have done so. Hopefully I can explain my reasoning. But first I need to break down the Hebrew. 

An examination of the Hebrew letters offers insights. יהוה is comprised of three unique letters. The ה (Hey) is repeated. The manner/sequence by which ה (Hey) is repeated suggests to me that God had a reason for both repeating ה (Hey) in the full name "I AM WHO I AM" (YHVH) AND for telling Moses to just say "I AM" (YH). 

ה (Hey) is the 5th letter in the Hebrew aleph-beyt. It is associated with something being revealed. The ancient picture image (the glyph) of a man with outstretched arms is associated to Moses in the scene from Exodus 17:8-16 during a battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites.  As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites prevailed in battle. When he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the advantage. God is revealed in that act. 

Another time in the Torah where God is revealed is at the crossing of the Red Sea. In Exodus 14:14, which states: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

There are many signs of revelation in the Torah where God's hand reveals his presence. 

Hey (ה) is also associated with breath. The Hebrew understanding of ruach connects the ideas of breath, wind, and spirit as life-giving forces from God. 

The concept of God's breath (Ruach) or spirit is foundational in Hebrew scripture. In Genesis 1:2, רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים (Ruach Elohim) or "Spirit of God" is described as hovering over the waters at creation.

Job 33:4 -- "The Spirit of God (Ruach El) has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life".

Psalm 51:11 contains one of the few explicit references to the Holy Spirit (Ruach Kodshecha) in the Hebrew Bible.

Hey (ה), the Spirit of God, is present with both Yod (י) and Vav (ו). The Spirit of God is in the Torah and the New Testament. 

Now let's look at the other two Hebrew letters in YHVH. We have the Yod (י) and the Vav (ו). 

The Yod (י) is the 10th and smallest Hebrew letter in the Torah. The paleo glyph of a Yod depicts an arm/hand and is associated with works and deeds. God is revealed through His outstretched Arm and Hand. One notable example is Deuteronomy 26:8:

"So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders."

The Vav (ו) Is the 6th letter in the Hebrew aleph-beyt.  It is depicted as a "nail." In the Hebrew Torah the nail (Vav) has several important meanings and functions which in my opinion point to the New Testament and the Crucifixion. 

Connection: As the word for "and" in Hebrew, the Vav serves to connect words, phrases, and ideas throughout the Torah. It symbolizes continuation and joining things together. Yeshua was joined to the cross with a nail (Vav). His crucifixion revealed much!

Transformation: When prefixed to verbs, the Vav can change the tense from past to future or vice versa. This demonstrates its power to transform meaning.

Spiritual bridge: The Vav is seen as connecting the spiritual and physical realms, symbolizing humanity's ability to bring divine concepts into the earthly world. I refer you to presence of the letter Vav IN the first letter of the Hebrew aleph-beyt -- the letter Aleph.  

THANKS FOR HANGING ON. NOW I CAN BRING IT HOME! 

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. CONTEXT IS AS IMPORTANT AS TIMING.

Luke 6:10 -- And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 

Putting the Hebrew together and applying the meaning associated with each letter this is what we get: (Remember that the Hebrew letters read right to left.)

"The Hand Reveals the Nail Reveals"

When God was telling Moses his name, YESHUA'S time had not yet come. I propose that God wasn't ready to directly introduce himself as YHVH so he said, 'You are to say to Bnei-Yisrael, "I AM" has sent me to you.'

In the context of the Torah, it wasn't the time for Moses to introduce God as "I AM WHO I AM." It was hard enough for the Children of Israel to grasp the concept of "I AM" (YH) let alone the One WHO said "I AM He" in the Garden of Gethsemane.  

I think there is a direct correlation between the concepts above and the reason Moses was told to "speak to the rock." As the Torah was coming to the end, the time was coming for a different kind of relationship with El Shaddai.  

Sadly, at the end of the Torah, after all the great acts God performed for the Children of Israel, Moses says something shocking to them in Deuteronomy 29:1-5:

"Moses called to all Israel and said to them, “You have seen all that Adonai did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and all his servants and all his land— the great trials that your eyes saw, those great signs and wonders. But to this day Adonai has not given you a heart to know, or eyes to see, or ears to hear.  I led you 40 years in the wilderness—your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet. Bread you have not eaten and wine and strong drink you have not drunk—in order that you may know that I am Adonai your God."

God revealed himself as "YH" through an outstretched arm in the desert. God revealed himself again as "VH" when he was nailed to the cross. Following this same pattern, God will reveal himself, the great and final Hey (ה) in the end-times as fortold in Revelation.  

Jesus said to her, 
“I who speak to you am he.”

In John 8:58

Jesus says, "Before Abraham was, I am."

John 4.22-26

You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

Revelation 19:11-13 -- "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."

"His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself."

"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God."

In these verses we have come full circle back to "In Beginning" (Bereshit) was The Word. God spoke ...

Jeremiah 5:21 -- "Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not.".

Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- where God says: "The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the Lord.

John 4.26 -- Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

John 10: 1-18 speaks to "Who I Am" is. How appropriate that John 10 is also the chapter about the Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah, when Jews "re-dedicated" the temple. 

One more powerful way to look at YHVH. The Hebrew numbers in YHVH add up as follows:

Y(10) + H(5) + V(6) + H(5) = 26

Matthew 22:37-40 -- Jesus  replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

That is 2 kinds of LOVE. Love God + Love Your Fellow

The Hebrew word for "Love" is אהבה. 

א - 1

ה - 5

ב - 2

ה - 5 

1+5+2+5=13

LOVE (13) x 2=26 YHVH the Tetragrammaton.

DALET - 4. FAITH IS A DOOR

 

The fourth letter of Hebrew is Dalet - ד. The letter is based on a glyph of the Proto-Sinaitic script, called dalt "door" which is ultimately based on a hieroglyph depicting a door. 

In the Torah, the concept of a door holds significant symbolic meaning, particularly in the context of faith and divine protection. Here are a few key examples:

• The Passover Doorposts - One of the most prominent examples is during the first Passover in Egypt. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the Lord would pass over their houses and spare their firstborn from the final plague (Exodus 12:7, 12-13). This act of faith and obedience symbolized divine protection and deliverance.
• Mezuzah - Jewish tradition includes the placement of a mezuzah on the doorposts of homes. The mezuzah contains a scroll with passages from the Torah, including the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21). It serves as a reminder of God's commandments and the importance of faith in daily life.
• Door of the Tabernacle - In the construction of the Tabernacle, the entrance (or door) played a crucial role. The door of the Tabernacle was the designated place for the presence of God to be encountered and for sacrifices to be offered, symbolizing access to God's presence through faith and obedience (Exodus 26:36-37).
• Thresholds of Covenants - In ancient Near Eastern cultures, covenants were often ratified at thresholds, symbolizing the transition from one state to another. The Torah contains several covenants between God and His people, such as the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17) and the Sinai covenant (Exodus 19-24). These covenants are like spiritual doorways, marking significant moments of commitment and faith.

The symbolism of doors in the Torah emphasizes themes of faith, protection, obedience, and divine presence, highlighting the importance of a committed relationship with God.

King David:

The name "David" (דוד) in Hebrew begins and ends with the letter Dalet (ד). This connection is significant as it frames David’s identity and his central role in the lineage of the Jewish people and the Messianic prophecy.

The association between King David and the Hebrew letter "Dalet" is rich with symbolic meaning, given David's prominent role in Jewish history and the unique characteristics of the letter.

Dalet is the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and has the numerical value of 4. This number can symbolize several things in Jewish thought, including the four matriarchs (Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah), the four cups of wine at the Passover Seder, and the four species used during Sukkot.

Humility is a key trait of King David, who despite his greatness, remained humble and sought God's guidance.

The word "Dalet" itself is related to the Hebrew word "dal," which means "poor" or "lowly." This can symbolize David's humble beginnings as a shepherd and his reliance on God, despite his eventual rise to kingship. It also reflects the idea of spiritual humility, recognizing one's need for God.

In a metaphorical sense, King David can be seen as a "doorway" to the future Messianic era. Jewish tradition holds that the Messiah will come from the line of David, making David a gateway to the fulfillment of God's promises.

King David's life and psalms (Tehillim) have a profound spiritual legacy. His psalms are often viewed as a means to connect with God, serving as a doorway to deeper faith and prayer.

Thus, the connection between David and Dalet encompasses themes of humility, access to divine presence, and the fulfillment of God's promises through David's lineage.

A door can be a powerful metaphor for faith in several ways:

1. Entry Point - Just as a door serves as an entry point to a new space, faith can be seen as an entry point to a spiritual journey or relationship with the divine. It represents the beginning of a new experience or understanding.

2. Access and Opportunity - Doors can symbolize access to new opportunities and experiences. Similarly, faith often opens up new possibilities in one's life, providing hope and guidance.

3. Choice - A door requires a decision to open it and step through. Faith involves a conscious choice to believe and trust, often despite uncertainty.

4. Protection and Security - Doors provide protection and security to those inside. Faith can offer a sense of security and peace, knowing that there is a higher power looking out for one's well-being.

5. Thresholds and Transitions - Crossing a threshold symbolizes transition and change. Faith can help individuals navigate life's transitions, providing strength and comfort during times of change.

6. Invitation: A door can be seen as an invitation to enter and explore. Faith often invites individuals to explore deeper meanings and spiritual truths.

John 10:9 (NIV)

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture."

In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of a gate (or door) to describe His role as the means of salvation and access to spiritual nourishment. Here are some key points and interpretations of this verse:

1. Exclusive Access to Salvation - Jesus identifies Himself as the only way to salvation. Just as a gate allows entry into a secure area, Jesus is the entry point to eternal life and a relationship with God.

2. Safety and Protection - Entering through Jesus, the gate, provides safety and protection. In the context of shepherding, a gate would keep sheep safe from predators and harm. Likewise, Jesus offers spiritual protection to those who follow Him.

3. Freedom and Provision - The phrase "come in and go out" suggests freedom and the ability to live without fear. Finding pasture symbolizes sustenance, provision, and rest. Jesus provides spiritual nourishment and the necessities for a fulfilling spiritual life.

Shepherd Imagery - This verse is part of a broader passage where Jesus speaks about being the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18). The gate metaphor complements the shepherd imagery, emphasizing His care and guidance for His followers.

John 10:9 highlights the essential role of Jesus in offering salvation, safety, and spiritual sustenance, reinforcing the belief that faith in Him is the pathway to a secure and abundant life.

I already mentioned that in David's (דוד) name there are two Dalet. The middle letter is Vav (ו) which is symbolic of a nail.  

The letter "Vav" (ו) in the name David (דוד) carries significant meaning and symbolism, especially when considering its placement and function within the Hebrew language and scriptural context. Here are several aspects of its importance:

The letter Vav is often used as a conjunction in Hebrew, meaning "and." It serves as a connector between words and ideas, symbolizing unity and continuity.

In David's Name: In the name David, the Vav connects the two Dalets (דוד), symbolizing a bridge or link. This can be seen as representing King David's role in uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing a strong, unified kingdom.

Vav is the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and has the numerical value of 6. The number six is often associated with creation (as the world was created in six days) and completeness.

In a spiritual context, the number six can symbolize human effort and the material world, as humanity was created on the sixth day. King David's life and reign reflect the balance between the material and the spiritual, as he was both a warrior and a poet who deeply connected with God.

The shape of the Vav resembles a hook or a nail, which are tools used to bind or secure objects together. This further emphasizes the idea of connection and stability.

Vav is often seen as a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth. David, as a king chosen by God, represents this connection, bringing divine guidance and justice to the earthly realm.

The Vav in David's name can also be seen as a link to the future Messianic line. Jewish tradition holds that the Messiah will come from the line of David, thus David's name and his lineage act as a bridge to this future promise.

 David’s authorship of the Psalms also serves as a spiritual connector for the Jewish people, linking their prayers and worship with divine inspiration.

In summary, the Vav in David's name highlights his role as a unifier and connector, both in a political and spiritual sense. It underscores his significance in linking the people of Israel with God and laying the foundation for future fulfillment of divine promises.

David's name has a gematria vale of 14. (4+6+4).

The number 14 holds various symbolic and significant meanings in the Bible, appearing in different contexts that underscore its importance. Here are some key instances and interpretations:

In the genealogy of Jesus presented in the Gospel of Matthew, the author structures the lineage into three sets of 14 generations (Matthew 1:17). This deliberate arrangement emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the divine plan leading to the birth of Jesus. The number 14 here underscores the idea of completeness and God's orchestration of history.

In the Book of Shemot (Names), commonly known as Exodus, the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) is significant as the date of Passover, when the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice the Passover lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood (Exodus 12:6). This event led to their liberation from Egyptian bondage and became a foundational aspect of Jewish identity and faith. The number 14 thus symbolizes deliverance and new beginnings.

Fourteen is double seven (7). The number 7 is often associated with perfection and completion in the Bible (e.g., creation week). The number 14, being a multiple of 7 (2x7), can symbolize a double portion of spiritual completeness or divine perfection.

In 1 Kings.1 King Solomon took 14 years to build his palace, which is mentioned alongside the seven years it took to construct the Temple. This period of 14 years further highlights the completion and dedication to establishing a permanent and glorious place of worship and governance.

Genesis 14 

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying,"Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.  And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Genesis 14:18-20 (NIV)

Acts 27:33-38 (NIV)

Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board. When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

Matthew 13:31-32 and Mark 4:30-32:

'He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.'"

Mustard Tree

A LOVE LETTER FROM YESHUA

John 12:32 -- “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” 

John 20:3-9 -- So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 

The single most studied artifact in history is the burial shroud of Jesus (Yehoshua) of Nazareth, A.K.A. the Shroud of Turin. There are experts who have spent decades studying and lecturing about the Shroud. The history of the custody of the Shroud and the multitude of forensic details it provides are incredible. 

Why was the Shroud hidden for so many years?

Consider what was happening in the first century all the way through until Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 CE which fully legalized Christianity and restored confiscated church property.

In a biblical context this was the 1st Century AD, the time of Acts and Christian persecution. Christians faced opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities, including trials and imprisonments. Surely there were Jewish leaders as well as Romans who did not want evidence of Yeshua's resurrection. It is not at all surprising that the Shroud went deeply underground and was hidden!  The miracle is that it survived at all for 2000 years!

Some say that Jesus never spoke about the Shroud. And that it's not foretold in the Bible. I disagree.

Matthew 27:57-60 describes Joseph of Arimathea wrapping Jesus in a clean linen cloth and laying him in his new tomb, which was hewn out of rock, before rolling a large stone against the entrance. Mark 15:46 tells us Joseph of Arimathea wrapping Jesus in a linen shroud before placing him in the tomb. Luke 23:53 also recounts Joseph placing Jesus in the tomb. These accounts emphasize the care taken in Jesus's burial and the sealing of the tomb. John 20:6-7, Simon Peter observes the linen cloths lying in the tomb and the face cloth that had been on Jesus' head, which was not lying with the linen cloths but folded in a separate place. 

All four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John verify that Yeshua's body was prepared with a burial shroud.  

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus knew what to do after Jesus was taken off the cross! They knew what his disciples didn't understand yet. They knew very well what Yeshua meant when he told them that the only sign would be the "Sign of Jonah." . 

Why should so much attention be given to one 2000 year old piece of linen? 

One simple reason is that it matters to a lot of people. Christianity is the world's largest religion by population, with approximately 2.4 billion adherents, or around 31.6% of the global population.  If Jesus had not "conquered death," the number of Christians would be ZERO!

THE SHROUD SCIENTIFICALLY DOCUMENTED THE MOMENT THAT JESUS CHANGED EVEYTHING FOR THE JEWS, CHRISTIANS AND THE ENTIRE WORLD.

The term "good news" is used in Christianity to refer to the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The "good message" in the New Testament is the news of salvation, or liberation from sin, brokenness, and estrangement from God. The basis for His and His disciples' message rises and falls on whether or not Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead.  

While Jesus was alive, during His ministry many came looking for signs that He was the Messiah. In Matthew 12:38 (KJV) it reads "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee." Scenes of such a demand is repeated in the Gospel of Mark and Luke. In every instance Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that "there shall be no sign given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah (Jonas)." 

It is understood that Jesus's reference to Jonah "being in the belly of a "dahg gadōl" (Large/Great Fish) is the sign that He will die, be in the tomb until the third day and then rise from the dead. Jesus offered no other sign when challenged to produce a sign. He didn't show the Jewish leaders any other healing miracles as the basis for being the Messiah. Rising from the dead was his proof and for that, the Jewish leaders would have to wait until after he was crucified. Jesus's testimony only offered the promise of saving them! 

John 10:17-18 (NIV) :"The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." 

The Shroud reveals His suffering and other details in scriptures:

Humans endured the suffering process of crucifixion for varying lengths of time. If the convicted didn't die fast enough the Roman soldiers carrying out their death sentence would break the criminal's legs in order to accelerate the person's asphyxiation. It is said that Jesus willingly "gave up His life," so the Roman soldiers did not need to break Jesus's bones after they confirmed he was already dead by piercing his lungs with a spear and seeing water and blood poured out. This was also a fulfillment of prophecy.  

Every minute detail about Jesus's excruciating suffering and death as described in Old Testament prophecy and New Testament scriptures is documented on the Shroud. The Shroud reveals every step from sweating blood to the beatings, the crown of thorns, the scourging, carrying the cross, falling down, being nailed to the cross and even the timing of his death. 

Science shows that the possibility of a reproduction is beyond all odds! In fact, even today expert scientists agree that they cannot conceive forging the Shroud.  It truly is by all measures miraculous! 

John 19:38-40 (NIV): "Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs."

Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin (the Great Assembly that convicted Yeshua) and a secret follower of Jesus. He went to Pilate to ask for Jesus's body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph took Jesus's dead body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in an unused tomb. This account is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

Nicodemus helped Joseph prepare Yeshua's body on the night of Passover. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council who visited Jesus at night, as described in John 3:1-21. This nighttime visit allowed Nicodemus to speak with Jesus privately and inquire about his teachings without drawing attention from other Pharisees or the public. During this conversation, Jesus explained the concept of being "born again" and revealed the foundational principles of spiritual rebirth and salvation through belief in Him. One of the most famous verses from this passage is John 3:16, where Jesus emphasizes God's love for the world and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him.

it is notable that both of these Jewish leaders, Joseph and Nicodemus, willingly made themselves ritually impure by handling a dead body on the evening of Passover. Therefore, they could not participate in the Passover. They also exposed themselves as followers of Jesus, which was surely devastating to their status in the Sanhedrin.

The Shroud of Turin provides compelling and irrefutable evidence of the crucifixion and ressurection. It is literally a photograph of all the unimaginable torture and pain that Jesus endured to show us His love. His crucifixion was the ultimate act of selfless love.

What if Jesus wrote us a love letter with his blood?

John 12:46 NIV: "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." 

Throughout His Ministry Jesus emphasizes that He is the Light. When you understand the science of the creation of the Shroud you must appreciate the miraculous way light produced the image on the Shroud. What if Jesus used Light to document his ressurection? 

What if Jesus recorded the evidence of His death and ressurection on a 14 feet 3 inches long by 3 feet 7 inches wide sheet of linen and then personally left it for the world to read? 

What if Jesus meant for the proof of his message to be revealed at this point in time?! 

2 Thessalonians 2.8 -- And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

Over the last 2000 years the Shroud of Turin has been controversial. There have been numerous questions concerning it's legitimacy and scientific challenges to it's validity.  Latter scientific evidence has addressed older negative arguments, however the scientific means for the strongest evidence has only become possible in recent times. 

For a time such as this!  

Perhaps the most miraculous aspect of the Shroud is the amazing Light that was required to create the image.  Jesus is truly the Light. It is only in modern times can science understood and explain the phenomenon that produced the Shroud. 

The Shroud may be the greatest love letter ever written. It was written on a linen scroll by Jesus with His own blood.  It was the "Sign of Jonah." 

Judge for yourself. I've put links to several videos below that you can watch. Hear the science and reach your own conclusions. 

Each of these is an excellent source:

The Light of the Resurrection 

New Evidence for the Shroud of Turin

Is the Shroud Biblical 

Barrie Schwartz Exposes Jaw-Dropping New Evidence About the Shroud of Turin

The Suffering of the Man of the Shroud

Shocking new evidence

There is much more!!

https://www.shroud.com/

https://www.theshroudofturin.org/

P.S.  I pray you will read my other blog posts about the Shroud.

• The Perfector
• The Keter on the Shroud
• Asking Questions About the Image on the Shroud
• Credible Witnesses 
• The Man In the Shroud 
• Have You Seen Him?

MEM - 40

In the Hebrew alphabet, there are five letters that have a final form used when they appear at the end of a word. These letters are:

1. Kaf (כ) - final form: ך

2. Mem (מ) - final form: ם

3. Nun (נ) - final form: ן

4. Pe (פ) - final form: ף

5. Tzadi (צ) - final form: ץ

These final forms are called "sofit" (סופית) in Hebrew, meaning "final" or "ending." Originally, these forms were used to denote the end of a word when Hebrew did not use spaces between words. However, since the 7th century, Hebrew has regularly employed word spacing, and final forms are now used primarily for aesthetics and tradition.

The final forms of these letters have distinct shapes compared to their regular forms. For example, the final mem (ם) is a closed square, while the regular mem (מ) is open at the bottom. The final nun (ן) extends below the baseline, unlike its regular form (נ).

The letter mem symbolizes the physical world stemming from the divine word, as well as the boundary between the revealed and hidden/spiritual realms. Its meaning of "water" connects to the primordial waters in Genesis from which all creation emerged. 

מים (mayim) meaning "water" includes the letter Mem in both its standard form and its final form, seperated by the Yod. (Much could be written about that alone!). Water being so related to the letter Mem connects to the letter Mem's original pictographic meaning of water.

Water plays a central role in the Torah narratives, representing both the primordial creative force and the sustaining, life-giving power of God's word (Torah). Many pivotal events in the journey of the Israelites are associated with bodies of water.

• The creation story, where the spirit of God hovered over the waters before creating the world (Genesis 1:2). Water is presented as a primordial element.
• Noah's ark and the great flood (Genesis 6-9). God unleashed the waters to destroy the wicked world and start anew with Noah's family.
• The Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14). God miraculously parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to escape from Egypt and the pursuing Egyptian army.
• Moses striking the rock at Meribah to bring forth water for the thirsty Israelites in the desert (Exodus 17:1-7, Numbers 20:1-13).
• The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 19-20). Water is seen as a metaphor for Torah, which is life-giving.
• The Israelites crossing the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land (Joshua 3). The waters miraculously parted, echoing the crossing of the Red Sea.
• The Hebrew word for baptism is tevilah, which means "to totally immerse" in water.

The story of the bitter waters at Marah in Exodus 15:22-27 is a significant event in the Israelites' journey after crossing the Red Sea. It is also an early shadow of the Messiah:

After three days without water in the desert of Shur, the Israelites came to Marah but found the water there undrinkable because it was bitter (hence the name Marah meaning "bitter").

The people grumbled against Moses over the lack of drinkable water. The prophet Moses cried out to God, who showed him a piece of wood. When Moses threw it into the water, the water became sweet and drinkable.

God then gave the Israelites a statute and rule at Marah, promising them freedom from diseases if they obeyed His commands. This was a test of their obedience.

The bitter waters represented the challenges and bitterness the Israelites faced in the wilderness after their initial joy of being freed from Egypt. God's provision of sweet water foreshadowed His sustaining grace despite their grumbling.

The incident taught the Israelites to trust God's provision and obey His laws, even amidst difficulties. It marked an early test in shaping them into a covenant people through the wilderness experience.

The bitter waters story highlights key themes of grumbling, testing, obedience, and God's miraculous provision and healing power over seemingly impossible circumstances.

There are three letter "Mems" and three letter "Yods" in the phrase "Living Water" in Hebrew מַֽיִם־חַיִּ֖ים  mayim-ḥayyîm. This Hebrew phrase has an usually dominant use of the letter Mem. The mem מַֽ appears at the end of both words in its final form, the mem sofit ם. 

MEM in the Torah

Several important biblical Hebrew words start with the letter mem (מ) including:

• מקום (makom) meaning "place", which is also one of the names of God. This word contains the mem at the beginning and end, with the root קו (line/boundary) in the middle, symbolizing the boundary between the known and unknown realms.
• משיח (mashiach) meaning "messiah" or "anointed one". The mem represents the messianic era and secrets of the Torah being revealed.
• מצוה (mitzvah) meaning "commandment". The Mishnah, the oral law, begins and ends with the letter mem, highlighting its importance.
• מלך (melech) meaning "king". The mem represents physical/worldly existence, connecting to kingship and rulership.
• מדבר (midbar) meaning "wilderness" or "desert", from the root meaning "to lead" or "to speak", representing the physical world being revealed through God's word.
• מלאך (mal'akh) meaning "angel" or "messenger". This connects to the spiritual realm represented by the closed form of the mem.
• מצרים (mitzrayim) meaning "Egypt", the place the Israelites were enslaved before the Exodus.
• מנחה (minchah) meaning "grain offering" or "gift", one of the major types of offerings in the Temple service.
• מזבח (mizbe'ach) meaning "altar", the place where sacrificial offerings were made.
• מרים (Miryam) meaning "Mary", the name of Moses' sister and the most famous woman in the Torah besides Eve.
• מנורה (Menorah) meaning "lamp" or "candelabra". It refers to the seven-branched candelabra used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. 
• מצה (Matzah) meaning "unleavened bread". It is an important part of the Passover holiday, commemorating the Israelites' hurried exodus from Egypt when they did not have time for their bread to rise. 

Mem in the New Testament 

Water plays a symbolic role in the New Testament, as well, representing spiritual cleansing, new life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit given through Yeshua Hamashiach. In the New Testament several important scenes take place around water:

• Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:32-34). This marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.
• Jesus walks on water on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21). This demonstrated Jesus' divine power over nature.
• Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25). This showed Jesus' authority over the wind and waves.
• Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well (John 4:1-42). This encounter revealed Jesus as the source of "living water" and Messiah.
• Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:1-15). This miracle on the Sabbath caused controversy with Jewish leaders.
• Jesus washes the disciples' feet with water (John 13:1-17). This act demonstrated humble service and spiritual cleansing.
• The crucifixion scene where blood and water flowed from Jesus' pierced side (John 19:34). This signified the life-giving power of Christ's death.

Gematria Reveals

Mem is the 13th letter in the 22 letter Hebrew aleph-beyt.  13 is the gematria value of the Hebrew word for Love Ahavah (אהבה). 

Mem's numerical value is 40.  Here again the letter Mem plays a key role in many biblical scenes and events related to the significant number 40:

Old Testament

• The great flood lasted 40 days and nights of rain (Genesis 7:4, 12).
• Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:18, 34:28).
• The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before entering Canaan (Numbers 14:33-34, 32:13).
• Spies scouted the Promised Land for 40 days (Numbers 13:25).
• Goliath taunted the Israelites for 40 days before David defeated him (1 Samuel 17:16).
• Ezekiel laid on his right side for 40 days to symbolize Judah's sins (Ezekiel 4:6).
• Jonah warned Nineveh they had 40 days to repent or be destroyed (Jonah 3:4).

New Testament

• Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13).
• After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples over a period of 40 days before ascending to heaven (Acts 1:3).

The number 40 is used repeatedly to signify a period of testing, trial, purification, or preparation before a major transition or new beginning in biblical narratives. It represents the time required for spiritual renewal and transformation.

Form Follows Function

The Hebrew letter mem (מ) has a notable and symbolic shape:

1. It has two forms - an open form (מ) and a closed/final form (ם) when appearing at the end of a word.
2. The open mem resembles a square or box with a small opening at the bottom left corner. This opening is said to represent the flowing of water, connecting to the letter's original pictographic meaning of "water".
3. The closed final mem has no opening, representing contained or potential waters/creation.
4. The open mem's shape incorporates the letters kaf (כ) and vav (ו), symbolizing the divine flow of creation from the infinite (kaf) through the connecting vav into the physical world.
5. The closed final mem fully encloses the vav within the kaf, representing them divine creative force in potentiality before actualization.
6. This dual form is said to symbolize the revealed/knowable (open) and the hidden/unknowable (closed) aspects of God's wisdom and Torah.

The unique open and closed shapes of the mem convey deep symbolic meanings related to water as the primordial element, the dynamics of divine creation flowing into manifestation, and the interplay between the revealed and concealed realms of Torah wisdom.

As you can see, there is a lot to be said about the letter Mem. I've tried to say some of it. I hope it blesses you.

I dedicate this post to Rich. Rich has been at our men's Bible study more recently. He has come up to me with a longing to learn about the Hebrew letters. He is particularly interested in the letter Mem. One can appreciate why .... 

Citations:
[1] The Hebrew Letter MEM - Tishrei - HIS-ISRAEL https://his-israel.com/the-hebrew-letter-mem-tishrei/
[2] Mem - The thirteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet - Chabad.org https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/137085/jewish/Mem.htm
[3] The Letter Mem - Hebrew for Christians https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Grammar/Unit_One/Aleph-Bet/Mem/mem.html
[4] מ Mem — Alphabet of Kabbalah, a free course - Glorian https://glorian.org/learn/courses-and-lectures/alphabet-of-kabbalah/mem
[5] The Amazing Biblical Language: The Importance of The Letter Mem https://objectivetranslation.home.blog/2019/05/30/the-amazing-biblical-language-the-importance-of-the-letter-mem/