SONGS OF ASCENT

Introduction

Patterns in the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) often reveal deeper meanings that can be missed without attentive, spiritually-minded reading. These patterns may take the form of literary structure, thematic progression, symbolism, repetition, or prophetic foreshadowing. Such a pattern can be seen in The Songs of Ascent.

See the Forest for the Trees

The Songs of Ascent, Shir HaMaalot (שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת) also called the Psalms of Ascent, are a collection of fifteen psalms (120-134) in the Hebrew Bible traditionally believed to have been sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem. 

The Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) form a literary and spiritual sequence that tells a cohesive, larger story rather than isolated, independent messages. 

This sequence guides the reader (and worshipper) through a spiritual journey mirroring both the physical ascent to Jerusalem and the metaphorical ascent toward closeness with God.

Historical Context

These psalms were sung during the ascent or uphill trek to Jerusalem for the three major Jewish festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Jerusalem sits on a hill, so the journey involved physically climbing, and these psalms accompanied that pilgrimage to worship at the temple.

The Songs of Ascent reflect these key ideas:

• The pilgrimage and spiritual journey toward God, symbolized by ascending to Jerusalem and the temple, the dwelling place of God.
• Worship and praise to God, expressing joy, trust, and hope in His presence and protection.
• Communal unity and fellowship among the pilgrims singing and journeying together.
• Reliance on God's help, mercy, and blessing during life's challenges and in pursuit of faith.
• The journey of faith as a metaphor for the believer's spiritual pilgrimage toward God's eternal kingdom.

Each psalm begins with the title "A Song of Ascents" and offers encouragement, prayers, and reflections that relate to both the physical pilgrimage and the spiritual journey of faith. For example, Psalm 121 famously praises God for protection during the ascent, while Psalm 133 emphasizes brotherly unity.

There is a beautiful Hebrew song and melody composed to Psalm 133, one of the "Songs of Ascent," that speaks to brotherly unity. The song is called "Hinei Ma Tov." The songs repeats a lyric, in Hebrew of course, that translates:

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers (or siblings) to dwell together in unity!" 

Here is a version of "Hinei Ma Tov” (הִנֵּה מַה טוֹב) song by a Jewish believer in Messiah at the Tower of David in Israel. 

A Spiritual Soundtrack for a Journey of Faith

Originally tied to the Jewish pilgrimage feasts, these psalms today serve as a spiritual "soundtrack" for believers on their faith journey, reminding them that life with God is a pilgrimage toward ultimate union with Him.

Themes in a Sequential Journey:

1) Beginning in Distress: The sequence starts in Psalm 120 with lament and alienation, depicting a pilgrim far f³rom home and surrounded by hostility. This sets the stage for a journey of transformation and hope.

2) Seeking Help and Assurance: The next psalms (such as 121–123) reveal a move from anxiety and danger toward confidence in God’s help and an attitude of humble waiting for His mercy.

3) Communal and Spiritual Ascent: The psalms progress from personal distress to shared celebration and petition for Jerusalem’s peace and prosperity (Psalms 122, 125, 128). The focus broadens from individual to community, reflecting the collective experience of pilgrimage.

4) Restoration, Protection, and Blessing: Along the journey, the psalms touch on themes of deliverance, restoration, and the blessings received in the land, family, and worship (Psalms 126, 127, 128).

5) Enduring Affliction and Hope: The Songs of Ascent also acknowledge real affliction (Psalm 129), honest repentance and hope for redemption (Psalms 130, 131), and God’s covenant faithfulness (Psalm 132).

6) Reaching the Climax: This movement culminates in unity (Psalm 133) and worship at God’s house (Psalm 134)—the summit of the ascent where blessing overflows.

Spiritual Steps 

Each individual psalm speaks to a step on a journey. Here is a breakdown with an explanation of each of the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134):

Psalm 120: Expresses distress and hardship while living among hostile people and calls out to God for deliverance and peace.

Psalm 121: A confident song of trust in God's protection and help, lifting eyes to the mountains where help comes from the Lord.

Psalm 122: A joyful pilgrimage psalm expressing gladness at going to Jerusalem and praying for the peace and well-being of the city.

Psalm 123: A plea for God’s mercy and patience as the people wait humbly amid scorn and trials.

Psalm 124: A song of thanksgiving recognizing God's help in delivering Israel from deadly enemies and overwhelming danger.

Psalm 125: Affirms the security of those who trust in the Lord, comparing them to Mount Zion that cannot be shaken.

Psalm 126: Celebrates the joy of God’s restoration and deliverance after exile, like a dream come true or abundant harvest.

Psalm 127: Reminds that without the Lord’s blessing, all human effort is in vain; the Lord is the true builder and protector.

Psalm 128: Blesses those who fear the Lord, promising prosperity, fruitfulness, and peace for their families.

Psalm 129: A call for God’s judgment on the enemies who have long oppressed Israel but failed to overcome them.

Psalm 130: A heartfelt repentance psalm expressing hope and patience for God's forgiveness and redemption.

Psalm 131: Speaks of humility and quiet trust in the Lord like a child content in a mother's care.

Psalm 132: Calls God to remember His covenant with David and the promise of an eternal king from his line, longing for God's presence in Zion.

Psalm 133: Praises the unity and harmony of God’s people living together as a blessing from the Lord.

Psalm 134: A short call to bless and worship God in the temple, celebrating those who serve the Lord in His house.

For A Christian Spiritual Eye

As a Jew, Jesus would likely have sung these psalms as He ascended to Jerusalem for the feasts. 

There is a meaningful connection between the pattern in the Songs of Ascent and the journey in the Christian Gospels. The deep longings expressed in each psalm contain messages in the Gospels: Crying out for deliverance (Psalm 120), trusting God's help (Psalm 121), hope for peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122), and so on. 

Here are a few examples:

• John 13:14 happens during the Last Supper, where Jesus washes His disciples' feet and commands them to serve one another in humility and love. This act redefines greatness and points to the servant leadership He exemplifies, which leads to His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
• John 14:6 records Jesus declaring, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This builds on the idea of pilgrimage and ascent, presenting Jesus as the true path to God, fulfilling the spiritual longing and journey expressed in the Psalms of Ascent.
• The crucifixion is the climax of this journey—Jesus, the ultimate pilgrim and servant, ascends the hill of crucifixion (a difficult and sacrificial ascent) to bring redemption, fulfilling the hope and restoration themes in the songs.

The Psalms of Ascent poetically set the stage for Jesus' ministry and mission: the journey toward God that culminates in service (John 13:14) and the way to the Father (John 14:6), ultimately realized in the crucifixion. The songs embody the physical and spiritual pilgrimage Jesus fulfills and models through His life, teaching, and sacrifice.

Grace

In Jesus' time, strict Jewish customs governed meal blessings: before eating, a blessing was recited, often by the head of the household, thanking God for the food. Everyone would respond with "Amen," and the meal would then begin. 

At the meal's end, a prayer of thanksgiving was also offered. This pattern of blessing before and after meals was a well-established ritual reflecting gratitude to God as provider.

In Jewish tradition, one of the Songs of Ascent, specifically Psalm 126, plays a significant role in the blessings after meals, known as Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals). Psalm 126 is often sung or recited before the formal blessing is said, especially on Shabbat and festivals. This psalm celebrates the restoration of Zion and conveys feelings of joy and gratitude for God’s provision and deliverance, making it a fitting prelude to a meal blessing.

The Birkat HaMazon itself is a gratitude prayer recited after eating a meal that includes bread. It is said in temples still after communal meals.

Birkat HaMazon thanks God for the food, sustenance, and the land, and prays for continued blessing, peace, and restoration. Incorporating the Songs of Ascent into this ritual highlights the spiritual journey from physical nourishment to remembering God’s faithfulness and the hope of redemption tied to Jerusalem.

Grace at the Last Supper

John 13 describes Jesus' Last Supper, held on the eve of the Passover festival, where Jesus follows this custom by blessing the bread before breaking and distributing it to His disciples. This act aligns with Jewish meal blessing practices but takes on profound new meaning as Jesus identifies the bread with His body given for others, symbolizing His impending crucifixion and sacrificial service.

Thus, the tradition of blessing before and after a meal in Jewish practice provides the ritual framework for the Last Supper scene in John 13. Jesus’ blessing is both a continuation of Jewish gratitude to God and a transformative moment pointing to the new covenant established through His death. The meal blessing ritual roots the Last Supper in Jewish tradition but also reveals its fulfillment and deeper significance in Jesus' mission and sacrifice

The Songs of Ascent connect the act of eating and blessing food to the broader spiritual pilgrimage of the Jewish people and their ongoing relationship with God, linking daily life with worship, gratitude, and the deep longing for restoration and peace.

Birkat HaMazon Prayer

The origin of Birkat Hamazon is rooted in the Torah’s command to bless God after eating. Traditionally, the first blessing, known as Birkat Hazan (Blessing of the Sustainer), is attributed to Moses when the manna fell in the desert. Moses composed a prayer praising God for providing sustenance to the Israelites during the Exodus.

The Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals) prayer is traditionally divided into four main blessings, thanking God for food, for the land of Israel, for Jerusalem, and for God's kindness. 

Here is the opening part of Birkat HaMazon in English from the Ashkenazi tradition:

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who nourishes the entire world with Your goodness, grace, kindness, and mercy. You give food to all flesh, for Your kindness endures forever. Through Your great goodness, we have never lacked food; may we never lack it forever for Your great name's sake, since You sustain and nourish all living beings and do good to all, and prepare food for all Your creatures. Blessed are You, Lord, who gives food to all."

AMEN 🙏

THE ONLY KING

The first and only Jewish king, 3000 years ago, to unite the biblical land of Israel was King David. While Saul was the initial king who brought together the tribes politically, it was David who successfully united all the tribes for a prolonged period, established the capital in Jerusalem, and founded a royal dynasty. David’s reign consolidated the entire territory, and under his son Solomon, the united kingdom reached its greatest extent before eventually splitting into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah following Solomon’s death.

Point of fact: Modern Israel including the contested or annexed areas covers roughly about 40-50% of the territory attributed to the biblical kingdom of David. 

No Latter King

After the fall of the united monarchy following King Solomon’s death, the kingdoms permanently split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. No other Jewish king ever re-united all of Israel; the two kingdoms remained separate until their respective conquests by foreign empires. 

Various kings ruled either Israel or Judah, and some righteous kings in Judah, such as Hezekiah and Josiah, enacted religious reforms and fortified their territories, but they never re-established a united Jewish kingdom over all of Israel. The unified monarchies of David and Solomon remained unique to their reigns.

How did David do it? What are the ways in which King David united the kingdom?

Surely David gave all the glory to God. By the same token, King David united the kingdom of Israel through a combination of political, military, and religious strategies:

Anointing and Acceptance by the Tribes: David was first anointed king over Judah, and later, the elders of all twelve tribes formally recognized his leadership by anointing him king over all Israel at Hebron. This act symbolized their mutual acceptance and political unity under David’s rule.

Choosing Jerusalem as Capital: David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and established it as his capital. Jerusalem was a neutral city, not previously affiliated with any tribe, strategically located, and well fortified. This centralization helped unify the northern and southern tribes and provided a political and administrative center.

Religious Centralization: David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, making it the religious center for all Israel. This move unified the diverse tribes spiritually under the worship of Yahweh, reinforcing David’s role as a unifying king.

Psalm 132:11-12 -- The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: ‘One of your own descendants I will place on your throne— if your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their descendants will sit on your throne forever.’"

Military Campaigns and Expansion: David achieved numerous military victories, including defeating the Philistines, Amalekites, Moabites, and other adversaries. His military successes secured peace, expanded the nation’s territory, and strengthened unity among the tribes.

Political Alliances and Diplomacy: David formed strategic alliances, reconciled conflicting tribal interests, and treated rivals honorably, such as the northern tribes after the death of Saul’s son Ishbosheth, further promoting national cohesion.

Administrative Reforms: David divided the land into tribes with independent departments, instituted taxation, and improved infrastructure, creating a stronger, more integrated kingdom.

Founding the Davidic Covenant:  The divine covenant promised by God (Davidic Covenant) further established his dynasty and reinforced the idea of unity under his lineage.

David’s reign was marked by his skillful integration of these elements, ensuring the unity and prosperity of the kingdom throughout his lifetime. 

Ultimately, David’s achievements in uniting and leading Israel are widely understood to have been possible only through divine providence—God’s guidance, blessing, and intervention.

How did David's Psalms factor in to his ability to unite and maintain israel?

David’s Psalms played an important role in his ability to unite and maintain Israel by shaping the spiritual and emotional identity of the nation:

David is traditionally credited with authoring many of the Psalms, which expressed deep devotion, trust in God, and the human experience of struggle and triumph. These helped unite the diverse tribes of Israel through shared religious worship centered on Yahweh.

By bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and composing Psalms that celebrated God’s kingship and covenant, David fostered a common religious foundation. This spiritual unity supported political unity, as the people were united in faith and national identity.

The Psalms convey David’s reliance on God’s guidance and protection amid trials, reflecting his role as a ruler chosen and upheld by divine favor. This strengthened his legitimacy and moral authority as king, which helped hold the kingdom together during challenges.

The Psalms express a range of human emotions from lament and repentance to praise and thanksgiving. This emotional resonance with the people helped David connect personally with his subjects, inspire loyalty, and strengthen communal bonds.

The Psalms are a giant part of King David’s legacy. They helped establish the idea of the Davidic Covenant—the promise of an everlasting throne—which gave hope of enduring divine support for his dynasty and the united kingdom, reinforcing long-term stability and identity.

Overall, David’s Psalms were not just religious poems but powerful tools in creating a shared spiritual, cultural, and emotional unity that underpinned his political and military efforts to unite and maintain Israel.

David is with us today through the Psalms!

David’s Psalms continue to have a profound impact today across religious, cultural, and spiritual domains:

The Psalms remain central to Jewish, Christian, and even Islamic liturgies and devotional practices worldwide. They are recited, sung, and studied regularly in synagogues, churches, and other places of worship, providing comfort, inspiration, and connection to the divine.

People use the Psalms for personal prayer, meditation, and reflection. Their themes of trust, lament, praise, and repentance speak to universal human experiences and struggles, offering solace and hope.

The Psalms have significantly influenced religious music, poetry, literature, and art throughout centuries, shaping Western and Middle Eastern cultural heritage.

The messages in the Psalms about faithfulness, justice, humility, and reliance on God continue to guide moral and ethical reflection for many communities.

The Psalms remain deeply connected to Israel's identity, history, and the enduring hope for peace and restoration, linking modern Israel to its ancient spiritual roots.

In short, David’s Psalms continue to resonate powerfully today as living expressions of faith, human emotion, and cultural identity across diverse societies around the world.

King Solomon, David’s son

The legacy of King David was carried forward by his son Solomon, the next King of Israel. 

Solomon, David’s son, greatly expanded and solidified the kingdom that David had united. Solomon is particularly known for:

• Building the first temple in Jerusalem
• Expanding the kingdom's influence
• Increasing Israel's wealth and infrastructure
• Wisdom and great governance

Those achievements have gone the way of history but Solomon's Book of Proverbs remain highly relevant today, much like David’s Psalms.

Proverbs offers practical guidance for daily life, addressing complex challenges with clear, sensible advice. Its teachings on wisdom, morality, relationships, and decision-making are applicable across cultures and eras.

Solomon’s Proverbs emphasize the importance of fearing and trusting God as the foundation for knowledge and wisdom, which continues to be a guiding principle for personal growth and ethical living.

The wisdom contained in Proverbs has shaped countless lives by encouraging virtues like humility, self-control, kindness, and justice. Its universal truths help people navigate modern ethical dilemmas and interpersonal relationships effectively.

By internalizing and applying Solomon’s wisdom, individuals can experience greater peace, contentment, and success, reflecting the divine gift of wisdom Solomon famously sought from God.

Solomon’s Proverbs endure as a powerful, practical guide for wisdom and godly living, bridging ancient insights with contemporary life challenges just as the Psalms do for spiritual unity and worship.

ONE TRUE KING AND SPIRITUAL LEADER --It's not surprising that both christians and jews believe fifth messiah would come from the line of David.

Psalm 2:6-7 -- I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain... You are my son; today I have become your father.

Both Christians and Jews believe the Messiah would come from the line of David. King David’s legacy is foundational in both faiths due to the Davidic Covenant, a biblical promise that God made to David, ensuring that his descendants would rule forever. This covenant established David’s lineage as the royal dynasty through which a future anointed leader—the Messiah—would arise to restore Israel and bring redemption.

In Judaism, the Messiah is expected to be a human descendant of David who will return to unite Israel, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and bring an era of peace and divine justice.

Psalm 110:1-4 -- The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'... You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

In Christianity, Jesus Christ is believed to be the fulfillment of the Davidic Messiah promise, as he is described as a descendant of David who brings spiritual salvation and establishes God’s eternal kingdom.

This shared expectation highlights the enduring importance of David’s kingship and lineage as a symbol of divine authority and hope for ultimate restoration in both religious traditions.

Conclusion

There will never be another profit like Moses. And there'll never be another king like David.

Just as David’s reign was marked by divine blessing and guidance, many see Israel today as under similar providential watch, fulfilling ancient prophecies and maintaining its unique place in history.

The spiritual and historical connection to the land, the fulfillment of biblical promises, and the nation's accomplishments are evidence of a divine plan unfolding.

For many Jewish and Christian believers worldwide, Israel’s continued existence and growth are intertwined with faith in God’s protection and blessings, much like the biblical narrative of David’s kingdom.

Many believers hold that it will take the Messiah to fully unite Israel and restore it to its biblical greatness. 

Psalm 89:3-4, 29-37 -- "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your descendants forever and build your throne for all generations... His offspring will endure forever, and his throne as the sun before me... I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered."

A CONTRARIAN ARGUMENT FOR LOWER INTEREST RATES

Trump has been calling for lower interest rates.  He says Jerome Powell's reasoning for maintaining higher rates is incorrect. 

Trump haters want the opposite of whatever Trump wants. As far as Trump haters are concerned, ANYTHING Trump thinks is wrong and motivated by his own ego and personal financial motives. But many others are starting to agree with Trump when it comes to the Federal Reserve needing to lower interest rates. I'm going to make a case for lower interest rates from a contrarian perspective.  

There's a point where inflation can be deflationary. Costs can rise to a point where consumers are unable to maintain their purchasing levels, thus slowing demand and causing prices to come down.

There is indeed a concept where inflation can lead to a deflationary outcome through a chain reaction affecting consumer behavior and demand. The idea is that when inflation causes costs and prices to rise beyond what consumers can sustain, their purchasing power diminishes to the point where they reduce their spending. This reduced demand can then slow economic activity and lead to falling prices, which is a form of deflation.

Summary of the concept:

- Inflation is generally a rise in prices, reducing purchasing power.

- If inflation pushes prices too high, consumers may be unable to maintain their usual purchasing levels.

- This reduction in demand causes companies to lower prices to stimulate buying.

- When prices begin to fall broadly, this leads to deflation—a sustained decrease in the general price level.

- Deflation increases purchasing power but may signal economic weakness, leading to recessions or depressions.

- Deflation can trigger a deflationary spiral, where expectations of falling prices encourage consumers to delay purchases, further decreasing demand and pushing prices down.

- This dynamic shows how very high or runaway inflation can paradoxically initiate conditions that lead to deflation.

In short, inflation can become deflationary if it severely suppresses consumer demand due to cost pressures, causing prices to eventually come down as businesses adjust to weaker sales. This phenomenon is part of why central banks monitor inflation carefully and intervene to prevent extreme scenarios.

This explanation aligns with economic principles described by experts, noting that deflation often arises when demand fails to keep up with supply, sometimes triggered by very high inflation that consumers cannot sustain.

In such a situation it is possible to maintain lower interest rates because higher interest rates compound the problem and put too great a drag on the economy. it may not be as necessary to have high interest rates if there are other forces dampening demand.

It is possible and sometimes advisable to maintain lower interest rates in a situation where inflation is being dampened by other forces that reduce demand. Here’s why:

- Typically, central banks raise interest rates to combat inflation by making borrowing more expensive, which reduces spending and cools demand in the economy.

- However, if demand is already being suppressed through other channels—such as high price levels limiting consumer purchasing ability, causing slowing demand—the economy may naturally slow without needing high interest rates.

- In such cases, raising interest rates further could overly restrict borrowing and spending, putting an excessive drag on economic growth.

- Lower interest rates in this environment help avoid additional choking of economic activity and can prevent pushing the economy toward recession.

- Moreover, when inflation pressure is weak or demand is subdued, central banks may see less urgency to raise rates aggressively and may keep them lower to support manageable growth.

- This balancing act is part of why monetary policy decisions consider both inflation trends and underlying economic demand factors.

In summary, when inflation is high but demand is constrained due to other forces, maintaining lower interest rates may be preferable to avoid compounding the economic slowdown. Central banks aim to balance controlling inflation with supporting sustainable growth and avoid excessive tightening when natural dampeners on demand exist. This nuanced approach helps prevent excessive economic drag that could worsen downturn risks.  

This understanding aligns with how central banks like the Federal Reserve modify interest rates based not only on inflation but also on the broader economic context of demand and growth conditions. Lower interest rates can provide relief when inflation is being offset by demand reductions rather than purely by monetary tightening.

Impacts of demand-side forces on interest rates:

The impact of demand-side forces on interest rates can be summarized as follows:

- Interest rates are influenced by supply and demand for money and credit in the economy. When the demand for credit increases, interest rates tend to rise; when demand decreases, interest rates tend to fall.

- Demand-side factors refer to how much consumers and businesses want to borrow and spend. High demand for loans and credit pushes interest rates up because borrowing becomes more competitive.

- Conversely, if demand weakens—due to factors like consumers being unable to spend more because of high inflation or economic uncertainty—borrowing demand falls, which tends to lower interest rates.

- Central banks, like the Federal Reserve, adjust policy rates in response to these demand conditions to balance growth and control inflation.

- Studies of recent economic periods show demand shocks have had a significant role in driving changes in interest rates, often more so than supply shocks.

- When demand forces reduce the appetite for borrowing, interest rates decline as banks respond to reduced credit demand.

- The interaction of demand and supply in credit markets determines the equilibrium interest rate, which in turn affects overall economic activity through spending and investment.

In brief, demand-side forces are critical in determining interest rate levels. Low demand for credit usually results in lower interest rates, while strong demand tends to push rates higher. Central banks monitor these dynamics to set rates that support economic stability and growth.

This is why interest rates may be kept lower in situations where demand is weak due to inflationary pressures limiting consumer spending—so as not to exacerbate economic slowdown by further restricting borrowing costs.

This is an argument for the Federal Reserve, lowering interest rates.

This reasoning forms a valid argument for the Federal Reserve to consider lowering interest rates or at least maintaining them at a lower level under certain economic conditions. Specifically, if inflation is high but primarily driven by cost-push factors that lead to suppressed consumer demand—resulting in slower economic activity and some downward pressure on prices—the Fed might decide that raising interest rates further would overly harm growth.

Lowering or keeping interest rates low in such a scenario can help:

- Avoid deepening the economic slowdown caused by weak consumer spending.

- Support borrowing and investment to sustain economic activity.

- Provide the economy room to stabilize without triggering a harsher recession.

- Balance controlling inflation risks with fostering manageable growth.

This argument highlights a nuanced approach to monetary policy where the Fed weighs the source and nature of inflation, the real state of demand, and the overall economic outlook before deciding on interest rate changes. It suggests that high interest rates aren’t always the best tool when inflation coexists with demand-side weakness.

Such a perspective is consistent with economic theory and the practical challenges central banks face in maintaining growth and price stability simultaneously. It underscores why the Fed’s decisions often depend on a broad set of indicators and economic conditions, not just inflation metrics alone.

Lower Interest Rates Can Provided Needed Relief

While inflation is tame by today's standards, there was a significant run up and inflation during the biden years. Household income did not keep up with inflation during those years. so consumers today I really hurting, they are behind. higher than called for interest rates. Compound the problem for consumers. whether it's the cost of carrying their credit cards or their mortgage and car payments, consumers could really use some relief visa v lower interest rates.

My analysis captures the real challenges many American households are facing. During the Biden administration, there was indeed a significant spike in inflation: from January 2021 to late 2024, prices rose by around 19-21%. However, typical household incomes increased by only 16-19% in that period, meaning most families fell behind in terms of purchasing power. This gap resulted in a real squeeze for consumers, leaving them poorer on average by the end of Biden’s term.

Federal Reserve interest rate hikes—implemented to tame soaring inflation—led to much higher borrowing costs. As a result:

- Mortgage and car payments became more expensive, straining family budgets further.

- Credit card interest rates climbed, making it harder for consumers to pay down debt.

- Overall discretionary spending dropped because more income was needed just to service debt and buy essentials.

Even as inflation cooled in 2024-2025, many households had not caught up from this period of financial strain. Higher-than-necessary interest rates under these circumstances compound the pain, reducing disposable income and holding back economic recovery.

Thus, a strong argument exists for interest rate relief today. Lower rates would:

- Ease monthly debt payments for mortgages, cars, and credit cards.

- Allow consumers to catch up, boosting confidence and spending.

- Counteract the lingering effects of earlier inflation that wages have not fully offset.

This situation underscores why lower interest rates are not just a technical monetary policy adjustment—they are essential for restoring household stability and supporting continued economic recovery for U.S. consumers.

High interest rates raise the U.S. federal deficit and debt through direct and indirect channels, but these effects must be balanced against the benefits of a more robust economy that can result from lower interest rates:

- Direct Impact of High Rates: The government’s interest payments on its national debt increase significantly with rising interest rates, with about $952 billion projected for 2025. Higher rates make debt servicing more expensive, consuming a growing share of federal revenues and increasing the deficit.

- Indirect Impact of High Rates: Higher borrowing costs slow economic growth by constraining business investment and consumer spending. Slower growth lowers tax revenues and increases demands on social safety nets, further worsening the deficit. Higher debt levels can also push rates higher over time, creating a challenging feedback loop.

- Benefits of Lower Interest Rates: Conversely, lower interest rates reduce debt servicing costs and support stronger economic growth by making borrowing more affordable for consumers and businesses. This growth can increase employment, wages, and corporate earnings—all of which generate higher tax revenues. 

- Tax Revenue Boost: A more vibrant economy from lower rates leads to expanded tax bases and increased government revenue without raising tax rates. This can help shrink deficits and slow debt accumulation naturally.

- Long-term Fiscal Sustainability: While low rates ease near-term cost pressures, sustainable fiscal policy depends on balancing debt levels with economic growth. Lower rates that promote robust growth can improve fiscal health by raising revenues while controlling borrowing costs.

- Overall Balance: High interest rates impose fiscal strain, but aggressively raising rates may suppress growth and tax revenues, ultimately worsening deficits. A policy approach that considers the growth-boosting effects of lower rates alongside cost savings on interest payments tends to support stronger, more sustainable public finances.

In summary, while high interest rates directly increase federal debt costs, the broader economic context means lower rates can significantly benefit the economy and public finances by fostering growth and increasing tax revenues. This dynamic must be factored into assessing the true fiscal impact of interest rate policies.

The Federal Reserve Is Getting It Wrong, Again.

The Federal Reserve has developed a reputation for being late in adjusting interest rates, either in raising or lowering them. Here are two historical examples:

• Delays in rate cuts during recessions (e.g., the Great Recession of 2007-2009) led to prolonged market volatility and deeper economic downturns.
• During the 1990-1992 Gulf War recession, significant delays in cutting rates required a prolonged and aggressive easing cycle to stabilize markets.

BOTTOM LINE: 

Trump is right -- Interest rates should come down. And they will. Members of his board are voting against him.  Jerome Powell's days are numbered.  

#TrumpIsRight 

Eyes to See and Ears to Hear — Awakening Spiritual Perception

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

This verse makes perfect since in ancient biblical times very few people could read and even less had access to written scriptures. People would listen to priests, pharisees and rabbis. Those people would speak or read what the prophets wrote. Moses is the quintessential example!

One of the recurring themes throughout the bible is the saying: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 13:9). This phrase — and its fuller form, “eyes to see and ears to hear” — serves as both an invitation and a challenge to perceive beyond the physical senses. It speaks to a spiritual awareness granted by God that enables understanding of His messages, His presence, and His purposes.

We might think of spiritual eyes like a pair of eyeglasses with a special filter. Without them, the world may seem flat, ordinary, and limited to what is visible to the natural eye. But when those lenses are put on, hidden details, meanings, and patterns suddenly emerge — things that were there all along but invisible without the filter. 

In Scripture, the prophets were given that kind of perception directly by God; they saw reality through the lens of divine revelation. Christians believe the Holy Spirit is those special glasses. He places the filter of truth over our eyes so we can discern God’s hand in events, understand His Word more deeply, and perceive spiritual realities we would otherwise miss entirely.

It is this kind of Holy Spirit-enabled vision — along with the capacity to hear with spiritual ears — that the Bible urges us to seek and cherish.

The New Testament as the Key to Unlocking the Old Testament

The Hebrew Tenach, known as the Old Testament, is rich with meaning but can often be challenging to understand. It contains many symbols, enigmatic events, and prophecies that appear complex or even bizarre without context. Over centuries, Jewish rabbis and scholars have worked diligently to interpret these Scriptures, developing traditions and commentaries to explain them.

Jesus, recognized as a rabbi—or teacher—by His followers, engaged deeply with the Tenach. Yet His teaching bore a unique authority unlike any other. According to the Gospels, He demonstrated special abilities — including miracles, prophetic insight, and authoritative interpretation — that confirmed His role as one who not only taught but fulfilled the Scriptures.

In this way, the New Testament functions like a “decryption key” to the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus and His disciples shone light on the meaning of prophecies and symbols, revealing how they pointed to Him as Messiah. 

In Luke 24, the risen Jesus opens the minds of His disciples to understand “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” in light of His death and resurrection. This revelation enabled them to see the Old Testament as a unified story of God’s redemptive plan.

Thus, while the Old Testament lays the divine foundation, the New Testament unveils its fulfillment and clarity, uncovering truths that had been partially veiled until Yeshua Himself brought them to light.

Old Testament Foundations of Spiritual Sight and Hearing

The call to have spiritual eyes and ears is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures:

Spiritual Sight in the Old Testament

Elisha prayed: “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see” (2 Kings 6:17), revealing God’s protection in the form of unseen angelic armies.  

Isaiah lamented: Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes…” (Isaiah 6:9–10).  

Divine Gift of Perception – Speaking to the Israelites, Moses said: “But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand, or eyes to see, or ears to hear” (Deuteronomy 29:4).  

The Spirit’s Role – “The hearing ear and the seeing eye—the Lord has made them both” (Proverbs 20:12).

The Meaning of Spiritual Sight and Hearing

Eyes to See — the discernment to recognize God’s hand and truth in all things.  

Ears to Hear — the openness to receive, believe, and obey His word.  

"Faith and Spiritual Awakening: Job’s Journey from Suffering to Seeing God’s Truth Beyond Human Understanding"

Spiritual Blindness Is Not Moral Evil

The Book of Job shows that suffering is not always a result of sin, as Jesus taught in John 9 about the man born blind. Job’s friends wrongly assumed his hardships were punishment, but God revealed this was not true. Though Job struggled to understand God’s purposes, his encounter with God opened his spiritual eyes—shifting his perspective from merely “hearing” about God to truly “seeing” Him (Job 42:5). This story reminds us that spiritual sight often comes through God’s revelation amid mystery, and faith means trusting His wisdom even when full understanding is beyond us.

Spiritual blindness is not simply rebellion or moral corruption — many remain well-meaning yet unaware. 

In John 9, when His disciples asked whether a man born blind or his parents had sinned to cause the blindness, Jesus responded clearly: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” but rather this happened “so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).

The Prophets Spoke of Disobedience Born of  Spiritual Blindness

The prophets of the Old Testament consistently spoke of disobedience as a condition born out of spiritual blindness—a blindness not merely of the eyes but of the heart and mind. Their prophetic words were not just warnings but spiritual gifts inspired by the Spirit of God to call people to repentance and deeper understanding.

This spiritual blindness, described vividly by prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, manifests as an inability or unwillingness to truly see, hear, or understand God’s truth, even when it is plainly present. Isaiah lamented God’s judgment on a rebellious people: “Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed” (Isaiah 6:9–10). This condition is a direct consequence of disobedience—when people reject God’s ways, their hearts become hardened, leading to shut eyes and deaf ears spiritually.

Jeremiah also spoke to this same theme: “O foolish people, without understanding, who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not… The word of the Lord is a reproach to them; they have no delight in it” (Jeremiah 5:21). The prophets warned that persistent rejection of God’s message leads to deeper spiritual blindness, confusion, and deception. Ezekiel added that disobedience results in false teachings and deception that further blind the people (Ezekiel 13:2–19).

Importantly, these prophetic words were inspired gifts from the Spirit to awaken the people and to reveal the condition of their hearts, urging them to repent and return to God. Jesus Himself referred to Isaiah’s prophecy to explain why many in His time failed to recognize Him: their hearts were spiritually dull (Matthew 13:14–15).

When Jesus said in Matthew 23:37 ESV, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing”. This verse expresses Jesus' lament over Jerusalem's rejection of God's messengers and his desire to protect its people. 

This pattern of spiritual blindness born of disobedience also illustrates that hearing and understanding God's word is itself a spiritual gift. Where there is rebellion, God may permit a hardness or blindness to deepen as a consequence of persistent refusal to obey. At the same time, the Spirit desires to open eyes and ears, granting understanding and healing to those who repent.

Spirit in the Flesh

Jesus applied Isaiah’s description to His generation (Matthew 13:13–15), pointing to the heart as the true gatekeeper of understanding.

Jesus's ministry is fundamentally the embodiment of God's Spirit, and as such, His communication was direct, clear, and authoritative. Unlike typical human teachers who rely solely on human wisdom or tradition, Jesus spoke with the authority of God Himself, empowered and anointed by the Holy Spirit.

Though Jesus came fulfilling the Torah and Prophets, many in Israel could not see Him due to the blindness foretold by Scripture (Acts 28:26–27; Romans 11:7–10).  

Yet many Jews did believe and follow Him. The earliest church was almost entirely Jewish: all the apostles, thousands at Pentecost (Acts 2:41), and figures such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Both rejection and joyful reception coexisted in the same generation. After the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D., the number of followers of Jesus increased substantially, marking a pivotal moment in early Christianity's history.

A Modern Awakening: Many Jews Today Are Opening Their Eyes and Ears to Jesus

Today, history is repeating. Across Israel and the world, many Jewish people are embracing Jesus as Messiah, recognizing His deep Jewish identity and role as the fulfiller of Torah and prophecy. Far from abandoning their heritage, these believers see their acceptance of Jesus as the natural continuation — and completion — of their faith.

Few Will Find the Way

The prophets also foresaw a faithful remnant (Isaiah 1:9). Jesus’ words ring true: “the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:14). 

One the eyes of my heart. 

The Latter Days — Intensification Before the Day of the Lord

In the last days, God promises an outpouring of His Spirit (Joel 2:28–29) to awaken His people. While deception will rise, so will spiritual vision among a remnant preparing for the Day of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

Conclusion

From the prophets, to Jesus, to the apostles, and now to modern-day believers — God’s invitation endures: open your spiritual eyes and ears. Only the Holy Spirit can place the “special lenses” over our hearts to see His truth clearly.  

As Jesus declared: “Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear” (Matthew 13:16).

GOD SAVES

1 Kings 20: 28-30 --  And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” And they encamped opposite one another seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the people of Israel struck down of the Syrians 100,000 foot soldiers in one day. And the rest fled into the city of Aphek, and the wall fell upon 27,000 men who were left.

In the battle described in 1 Kings 20:28-30, Israel's initial army of 7,000 men, including 232 young leaders, defeated the vastly larger Syrian forces.

The Israelites fought many decisive battles against great odds which are viewed as evidence of God safeguarding the Israelites. Others include the Battle of Mount Tabor (Judges 4-5), where Deborah and Barak defeated Canaanite forces through divine intervention, the Fall of Jericho, Gideon's victory over Midian with just 300 men (Judges 7) and of course God drowning  Pharaoh's men when He lead the Hebrews out of Egypt.  

Physical/military conquests is one way in to think about salvation. Consider the Jewish expectation for a Messiah who would defeat Rome.

Jews and Christians Define Salvation Differently

Judaism teaches that God saves, but the concept differs from many Christian interpretations. 

In Jewish belief, God's salvation primarily refers to collective deliverance rather than personal salvation from sin or guarantee of eternal life.

Salvation in Judaism is closely linked with the idea of redemption (ge'ulah) and is frequently understood in terms of God saving the people of Israel from exile, oppression, or other hardships. The Jewish Bible (Tanakh) records many instances where God delivers or saves, but unlike Christianity, Judaism does not emphasize individual salvation through faith in a savior. Instead, it focuses on collective rescue, living a righteous life, repentance (teshuvah), and following God's commandments. 

It seems to me that the Jewish concept of salvation has a perfect application to what Israel is going through since October 7th. Israel is fighting enemies to the north, east, west and internally. 

Messiah's Role

The Messiah in Judaism is anticipated as a human figure who will bring peace and redemption, not as a divine being who grants personal salvation.

The Messiah in Judaism is expected to be a future human leader—a descendant of King David—who will bring about the redemption of the Jewish people, usher in an age of peace, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and gather Jews back to Israel.

Interestingly, despite Jews and Christians having different notions of the role of the Messiah, expectations are running high for the coming of the Messiah by both Jews and Christians! 

Atonement - Are We Ready?

In biblical times, personal atonement from sin was done through a blood sacrifice. Since the destruction of the 2nd Temple and the end of the sacrificial system, atonement is achieved through repentance, prayer, charity, and good deeds—not through belief in an external savior. 

Jewish framework holds that God is just and merciful, and that the gates of repentance remain open to all who return to righteous behavior. Jewish faith asserts that God's salvation or mercy is available to all people, not exclusively Jews, provided they honor God and act ethically. 

The prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 66:18–23) envisions “all nations and tongues” coming to worship God, making universalistic statements about God’s accessibility and concern for all humanity—not just the Jewish people.

Given that there are 613 Commandments, it is hard to feel one is on solid ground when it comes to meeting a Jewish standard.  As a Jew, atonement was always on a year-by-year basis as we fasted and went to temple on Yom Kippur and prayed to be written into the Book of Life for another year. The afterlife was not so much of a focus. 

Jewish repentance (teshuvah) requires apologizing directly to the person you have wronged and seeking their forgiveness.  Jewish repentance (teshuvah) differs from the Christian concept of repentance in some key ways: 

• In Judaism, genuine repentance requires not only confession and regret but also making direct amends and apologizing to those you have wronged; interpersonal sins cannot be forgiven by God until the victim has been compensated or reconciled. 
• In Christianity, repentance is typically understood as sincere regret before God, often mediated through faith in Jesus, and is primarily focused on forgiveness and salvation, sometimes without the requirement for direct restitution to those harmed.

The differences between Jewish and Christian views on repentance and forgiveness are deeply rooted in their perspectives on this life versus the afterlife—this world (Olam HaZeh) versus the world to come (Olam HaBa).

Jewish focus on this world (Olam HaZeh) is why Jew's are so concerned with social justice,  environmentalism and other ways to repair the world (Tikkun Olam).

Christianity, being highly concerned with the Kingdom of Heaven, and a relationship with God, the dominant understanding is that sin primarily damages a person’s relationship with God. Therefore repentance is first and foremost directed toward God.

They're Both Right

The structure of the 10 Commandments indeed reflects this balance: traditionally, the commandments are understood as two sets of 5, where the first 5 are directed toward our relationship with God, and the second 5 toward our relationship with other people.

Interestingly, even though Christianity focuses on repentance to repair our relationship with God, Jesus redirects us back to our relationship with our fellow.  

While Christianity often frames repentance as restoring our relationship with God, Jesus repeatedly teaches that reconciliation with our fellow human beings is inseparable from that. In fact, He makes it clear that you cannot claim to be right with God if you are deliberately remaining unreconciled with others you’ve wronged.

Matthew 5:23–24 — “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there … first go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Another perfect example is Matthew 6:12 — “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us..”

What's Love Got to Do with It? Everything!  

"Love" in a Jewish spiritual sense was directed AT God. Judaism teaches that love is directed at God as a central commandment, especially expressed in the Torah: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

For the Christian, atonement and the Messiah go hand-in-hand. Please pardon the pun. God's love is directed at us. In the ultimate act of love, Jesus lays down his life for our wrongs.  He asks us to show our love for Him by loving our fellow.

In John 13:34-35, Jesus puts love for others at the heart of discipleship and as the distinguishing mark of His followers -- “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." — John 15:13 (NIV)

Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:12-13) is "love" in a class by itself.

Two Paths

Ironically, both Judaism and Christianity end up achieving a "better world," even though they get their in different ways. But when it comes to the afterlife, I will simply say that Christianity's view of Salvation brings more to the discussion. In the final analysis, Christianity's premise of how "God Saves" rides on whether or not Yeshua was crucified, was laid in an unused tomb and the rose from the dead on the 3rd day. That's why when some scribes and Pharisees wanted to see a sign, the only sign he offered was the "sign of Jonah" (Matthew 12:38-42).

Hezekiah and the Messiah

Some believe we are witnessing God’s salvation in Israel with the war. Surely Israel's miraculous protection since October 7th is beyond anyone's reasonable expectations. 

King Hezekiah of Judah
Between the late 8th and early 7th century BC.

It seemes to me that the defeat of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, Syria and Iran warrant a mighty Hallelujah. The amazing protection Israel has had during these wars  could be compared to the moment Hezekiah discovered that the angel of the Lord miraculously struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night during the siege of Jerusalem around 700 BC. 

The Implication of God’s Protection

The Jewish sages say that had Hezekiah sung praises to God after that great victory against Israel's Assyrian enemies, the Messiah would have been revealed as well as Gog and Magog as prophecied in Ezekiel. The Gemara tells us in Sanhedrin 94a: 

Isaiah said: “The burden of Dumah. One calls to me out of Seir: Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The Watchman said: The morning comes and also the night; if you will inquire, inquire; return, come” (Isaiah 21:11–12). Rabbi Yoḥanan says: That angel, who is appointed over the spirits [seirim], his name is Dumah. All the spirits assembled near Dumah and said to him: “Watchman of the night, what of the night? Does God, Guardian of Israel, say that the time for redemption has arrived?” 

The angel answered: “The Watchman said: The morning comes and also the night; if you will inquire, inquire; return, come.” The Holy One, Blessed be He, said that the morning of redemption has come as well as the night of the exile. If you inquire and seek repentance, inquire and repent, and return to God and redemption will come.

In Sanhedrin 94a, "It was taught in the name of Rabbi Pappeyas: It is a disgrace for Hezekiah and his associates that they did not recite a song themselves."

In other words, because Hezekiah and his associates failed to sign songs of praise to God for their redemption, the Messiah was not appointed by God. 

What is especially interesting is that we find a description of the nature of the Messiah in this part of the Gemara. Here is how the Messiah is described, had he appeared in Hezekiah's time: 

The Gemara Describes the Messiah

The Rabbis drew from Isaiah 9 to list the eight names of Hezekiah.  As it is written: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government is upon his shoulder; and his name is called Pele Joez El Gibbor Abi Ad Sar Shalom”. 

The translation of "Pele Joez El Gibbor Abi Ad Sar Shalom" is: "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" 

There you have it, a description of the One who Saves. That is the description of the Jewish Messiah. This is Israel's "Redeemer."

Speaking of names, the Hebrew name Yehoshua יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yeshua for short, and Joshua in English all means "YHWH (the LORD) is salvation" or "God saves".

Jonah Knew Who His Savior Was

With war against Hamas coming to a close the big question I have is whether or not Israel, will say their "Salvation is of God," just as Jonah did when he was redeemed. Three days and three nights in the belly, "Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish." ‐- Jonah 2:9 esv. 

The Prophet Jonah told us in Jonah 2:8-9 esv:

8 Those who pay regard to vain idols
    forsake their hope of steadfast love.
9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving
    will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
    Salvation belongs to the Lord!”

Today's Hezekiah Moment:

Clearly, the IDF soldiers and Israel's missle defence systems are to be lauded for their protection of Israel and defeat of Israel's awful enemies.  If you ask many of the soldiers, they would give the glory to God. There have been too many miracles not to see His hand and shield over Israel. 

If today’s events are a prophetic shadow of the events the bible in Jerusalem during the time of Hezekiah, the question should be:  To what/who will Israel give the victory?  And will the leaders and people of Israel sing praises?

If those songs of praise are for God and the Messiah is revealed, as the Rabbis in Gemara said He would be, who will He be. Again, we have a description so we recognize Him. Here is the Messiah we'd be looking for:

"Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" 

 This Hezekiah moment will be another moment like Yeshua spoke of in Luke 13.34. 

Conclusion

I called this blog post "God Saves." That is what  Jesus's name means. 

Jews and Christians relate to Salvation very differently. Both Jew and Christian believe God saves, but figuratively and literally they are talking two different languages, Hebrew and Greek. 

When it comes to Salvation, Jews and Christians both begin at the Aleph/Alpha, but Jews end at the Tav and Christians end at the Omega. 

EYES TO SEE

Hebrew letter Ayin  

The Hebrew letter Ayin (ע) is the sixteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet with the numerical value of 70. The literal meaning of Ayin is "eye," symbolizing vision, perception, insight, and the ability to see both physically and spiritually. 

In Hebrew the letter relates to deeper spiritual sight beyond the physical eye.

The number 70 symbolically represents completeness, judgment, and divine order in the Bible, often indicating a whole group or a significant period. Here are some key Bible scriptures and references related to the number 70:

• Genesis 46:27 - Jacob's family numbered 70 members when they went to Egypt, representing the entire Israelite nation at that time.
• Exodus 24:1 and Numbers 11:16-17 - God commanded Moses to gather 70 elders of Israel to help govern the people.
• Jeremiah 29:10 - The Israelites were exiled in Babylon for 70 years as a period of judgment and purification.
• Daniel 9:24-27 - The prophecy of "Seventy Weeks" outlines significant events for Israel and the Messiah.
• Psalm 90:10 - The years of our life are seventy,
• Matthew 18:21-22 - Jesus tells Peter to forgive not just seven times but seventy times seven (490 times), emphasizing boundless forgiveness.
• Luke 10:1-23 - Jesus sends out 70 (or 72) disciples to preach and prepare the way for him.

Hear & See

There is an ayin in the Hebrew word Shema, which means hear/listen, Shema underscores the interplay of seeing to perceive and hearing to obey in the Hebrew spiritual worldview.

As the "Shema" is written in Deuteronomy 6:4–9 the Torah, the ayin is enlarged and crowned. 

The root letters also carry symbolic meanings in Hebrew pictographs:

• Shin (ש) can symbolize "to consume" or "destroy" (like fire) Shin is the 21st letter in the 22nd letter Hebrew Alpha-beyt. It's value is 300. The next and last (22nd) letter is Taw, symbolically pictured as a cross. 
• Mem (מ) can represent "water" or "chaos,"
• Ayin (ע) means "eye" or "to see" and implies perception or insight.

The essence of Judaism's central prayer, the Shema, is to keep God constantly before our eyes and ears, expressed through wholehearted listening, loving, and obeying God. The prayer begins with "Hear, O Israel" (Hebrew Shema means “hear” or “listen”), but this hearing goes beyond just sound—it means to truly understand and respond by obeying God’s commandments with all your heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). This implies keeping God ever present in your mind, heart, and actions, symbolically before your eyes and ears, so that you live in faithful devotion and allegiance to Him

Love One Another

The central message of the Torah and the Bible emphasizes love as a foundational commandment, especially loving your fellow human being.

One of the core commandments stated explicitly in the Torah is “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). This commandment is considered by the Talmudic sages to be the greatest principle of the Torah.  We are to treat others, even to strangers, the same care and respect one has for oneself. (Leviticus 19:34). 

The scriptures command us to love God with all your heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5). Since man is created in the image of God, when we love our fellow we are showing God our love. 

Spiritual Sight

Jesus healed the blind on multiple occasions, often using the healings to symbolize spiritual sight and revelation. Some key examples include:

Jesus healed Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, near Jericho, restoring his sight because of his faith (Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43).

In John 9, Jesus healed a man born blind by making mud with his saliva, putting it on the man's eyes, and telling him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, restoring his physical sight and using the event to teach about spiritual enlightenment.

In Mark 8:22-25, Jesus healed a blind man in Bethsaida in stages—first partial sight, then complete restoration—showcasing progressive spiritual understanding.

In John 1:48 Nathanael asks Jesus, "How do you know me?" Jesus replies, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." This indicates Jesus' supernatural knowledge of Nathanael even before their meeting.

In verse 49 Nathanael answered, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

The Hebrew letter Ayin (עַיִן), meaning "eye," symbolizes seeing or insight. Jesus healing sight has a strong spiritual connection to this concept, as these miracles not only restored physical vision but also signified opening the eyes of faith, understanding, and recognizing divine truth. This aligns with the biblical theme that Jesus is the "light of the world" who brings spiritual sight, transforming blindness into seeing (John 9:5)

Love Beyond Feeling

Creation is the first act of Love. God created a house in which to place us. Perhaps that is why the first letter of the Torah is Bet, which is a house.  

The command to love your neighbor is not just about feeling but about action. Our actions are the outward expression of our inner feelings. Action is how we show our love. Sacrafice, charity, compassion and kindness are love put into action. 

Jesus elevated this principle of loving our neighbor as yourself to the foundation of Christian life and faith. 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." — Matthew 22:37–40

In the Gospel of John, Jesus commands us to love one another:

“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — John 13:34

In the next verse, Jesus says He will distinguish his followers by our love for others. 

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The Opposite of Hate is Love

The absence of brotherly love can be attributed to the first murder recorded in the Bible—the story of Cain and Abel. Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger because God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s. This act is widely understood as the tragic consequence of lacking love, compassion, and responsibility toward one’s own brother, escalating to the first act of murder in human history.

Cain’s refusal to love and care for his brother Abel is underscored by his reply to God when asked about Abel’s whereabouts: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). 

Love at First Sight

The love of Adam for Eve, Rebecca for Isaac, and Jacob for Rachel, where all love at first sight. Jesus' love for his disciples is illustrated by actions such as calling them to follow him. He loved them at first sight. 

Recognition of God's Image

Love at first sight in a spiritual sense means:

• Recognizing the divine spark within everyone.
• A spiritually response to their soul's needs
• Openness, respect, compassion, or even a protective urge whether they’re a friend, or stranger.
• When our spiritual antenna perceives something of divine value or destiny in the other, even before any relationship forms.

 In Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV), Jesus teaches:

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

Hebrew letter Bet

After God created a magnificent bet (house) for us, God said, Genesis 1:26 (esv), “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." Now the house was ready for man “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he  him; male and female he created them.” -- Genesis 1:27 (esv). 

In essence, mankind is no different than a beautiful sunrise or the view from a mountaintop or looking down at a tiny flower.  The amazing physical nature of a human being is as complex as any of God's designs.

Eyes Are An Amazing Creation

The human eye is an extraordinarily sophisticated design, consisting of multiple specialized layers and components that work together to convert light into electrical signals sent to the brain for image formation

Neuroscientific research has determined that approximately 50% of the human brain is directly or indirectly dedicated to vision and visual processing. The visual cortex alone has more neurons than the number of stars in our own galaxy (about 100–400 billion in the Milky Way.

Conclusion

In the most fundamental spiritual sense, to love someone at first sight is to use our God given spiritual eyes (ayin) to see our fellow as God’s creation. When we do, we also see God and God recognizes us. 

The Jewish sages say "Baseless Hate" led to the destruction of the 1st and 2nd temple and multiple other tragedies in Jewish history, most on Tisha B'Av (the 9th of the Hebrew month of Av. I have to wonder that the "Baseless Love" Jesus preached is a response.  

Psalm 121:1-2 -- I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." 

Ephesians 1:18 (ESV) -- "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,"

I pray to see with spiritual eyes.  

Epilogue:

The name of this Shabbas's Parshah is from Deuteronomy 3:23 and it is called "Va’etchanan," which means "I entreated*." 

Moses tells the people of Israel how he implored G‑d to allow him to enter the Land of Israel, but G‑d refused, instructing him instead to ascend a mountain and see the Promised Land.

The spiritual meaning of the word "entreated" (as in "Va’etchanan" from Deuteronomy 3:23, meaning "I entreated" or "I pleaded") centers on a deep, heartfelt, and persistent prayer or request made to God, often in a moment of vulnerability and earnest desire. Moses' entreaty to God to allow him to enter the Promised Land conveys intense longing and humility in approaching the Divine with a sincere plea, but God gives him spiritual eyes to see. 

This moment profoundly connects to the concept of Ayin, emphasizing spiritual sight and insight rather than physical possession.

This parsha also contains the Shema, which commands keeping God before your eyes (a direct connection to Ayin as the "eye"), highlighting the theme of ever-present spiritual awareness and devotion.

(BTW, I was unware of the Torah portion when I wrote this blog.)