A MOMENT IN JEWISH HISTORY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

On Rosh Hashanah, when I hear the shofar's blasts, I imagine myself at Sinai. When I read the Tenach I like to put myself into the story. I have written many blogs from the perspective of the prophet Jonah. 

About 2000 years ago, Jews in Jerusalem were faced with almost unimaginable dilemma. A man who claimed to be in the lineage of the "Son of David" was promising forgiveness and salvation. 

This was not the first, and it wouldn't be the last time that one in our own Jewish community presented as the Messiah. However, only one such "messiah" made the claims that Yeshua (Jesus) did. Only one did the things that Yeshua did.  And only one resulted in the holiday that is being celebrated around the world this weekend. 

Yeshua (Jesus) wasn't a Christian. He and his followers were Jews. They didn't raise any weapons or gain any wealth. He also was clear that he did NOT come to abolish the Torah. 

Yeshua and his apostles all gave their lives for a cause that was entirely driven by love for Echad, the One God of Israel. The message that Yeshua taught is one Jews should know well -- love your fellow. 

It is such a compelling story that I opened up the Book of Matthew and began to read it. 

This weekend the world remembers 36 hours that changed more lives in more ways than any event in history. It also a story that has sold more books in history. 

The Crucifixion Didn't Just Happen to Happen

One of the most unique qualities of the "Death and Ressurection of Yeshua" is the idea that it was prophesied. Furthermore, that it was predestined.  If these are true, the implications are earth shaking. Are you catching my drift?

What's more, there are huge promises being made is the Gospels, tied to prophecies in the Jewish scriptures, which have enormous implications on each of us personally, Israel and the world as a whole. In other words, if there ever was an "I Am" then there is an "I Am."

The Apostle John recorded this in Chapter 11:49-51:

Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest (kohen gadol) that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest (kohen gadol) that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.

Those prophetic biblical words harken back to Genesis 50:20 (KJV) when Joseph said to his brothers, the future tribes of Israel, who left him for dead in a pit --- "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

In the final analysis, Ressurection Day (Easter) boils down to "one fact" which the Apostle Paul put this way in 1 Corinthians 15:14:

"And if Messiah be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain."

SO...DID HE???

When someone is alleged to be the messiah, people want to see signs. Is their a sign that proves that Yeshua was actually crucified? More importantly, is their evidence of his actual Ressurection?  If there was no ressurection, Yeshua goes down as another false prophet, and there would be no holiday to celebrate this Sunday. 

A good "Easter egg" scavenger hunt is surely more fun than searching for a broken piece of matzah, the afikoman. Personally, on Passover, I prefer matzo ball soup and gefilta fish to chocolate covered macaroons. Of course, none of this is in either the Torah or the Gospels.  Who cares? They're ways to celebrate and have fun. Go for it!! 

CHAG EASTER SEMACH. Hey, the Jew died for us, the least we can do is eat chocolate. If you expect more, show us a sign.

At some point though, you might ask yourself is there a factual basis for Easter?  Is there any evidence for "Ressurection Day?" Show me a sign! 

By evidence, I mean irrefutable factual scientific proof that has been meticulously and thoroughly examined and studied, that reveals beyond a shadow of a reasonable doubt that Yeshua did what was prophesied that he would do. The Sanhedrin supposedly put Yeshua on trial once. Jews today can do it again. 

There have been major recent worldwide revelations concerning that one essential fact - the Ressurection. 

Rather than hearing it from me...

An Orthodox Jew who became a national martial arts champion and instructor, had his life transformed when he discovered the love of Yeshua. That love led to a calling to become a pastor. 

Hear (Shema) what Pastor Nathan Robinson has to say this Sunday about the Ressurection. Access his message from Chapel Falls online. 

Conclusion

In 70 A.D., forty years after the crucifixion the Hebrew Temple in Jerusalem was completely destroyed. The Romans left no stone unturned and the Jews were scattered to all corners of the earth, as Yeshua predicted. Nearly 2000 years later, in 1948, the "fig tree," symbolic of Israel, was born again as prophesied in the Book of Isaiah 66.8. 

According to both Jewish and Christian scriptures, this story isn't over. There is still time to catch up. This weekend would be an excellent time to start. 

WHAT WILL BE DONE?

Yesterday I posted the message above on my Facebook page. It was a question to "the Universe" and I have been waiting for an answer.  The question led me subconsciously to a word - Prayer. This morning I am thinking about the word "prayer." So here I go. 

Merriam Webster defines "Prayer" as a noun with the first meaning "an address (such as a petition) to God." The "B" definition calls prayer "an earnest request or wish."

The word "Pray" is a verb. Praying is an action. It is something we do. The Hebrew word is תפילה (tə-fil-lāh). 

Deuteronomy 10:12 -- And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

We are commanded to "serve Him with all your heart" and all our being (soul). Notice it doesn't say our mind or our hands or feet. Prayer is a labor of the heart. The concept of serving with "all our soul" implies an act of surrendering.  Prayer is an expression of what our soul, our being, longs for. 

When it comes to praying, it doesn't matter whether one is a man or woman, young or old, etc. The purity of the heart matters. 

Prayer is a declaration of love and an expression of spiritual longing. When we pray, we humble ourself in our effort to reach across the divide between the petitioner, us, and the provider, Elohim. In prayer, the heart speaks. God knows our heart. 

When I pray I am seeking to close the gap between me and Adonai. Prayer is first an effort to reach. Before I can have an exchange, I need to make a connection. Therein is my challenge because I feel so unworthy to be close enough to be heard. How do I close the psychic sense of the distance between me and my Maker? This is where I think most of us get hung up and give up. Don't give up!

What can I learn from the word itself? 

I find that the Hebrew word, particularly the Hebrew letters, offers me insight and understanding.  So let's look at the letters in Tefillah (תפילה):

The word tefillah in Hebrew begins with Hebrew letter Tav. This is the last Hebrew letter, it is the ancient symbol of a cross. 

Next we have the letter Pe. Peh is the Hebrew word for "mouth." Rather appropriate since we are seeking to speak with God.

Smack in the center is the next letter, the letter Yod. We are reaching up to God. We are also hoping God is holding His hand to us. 

Then we have a Lamed - a Shepherd's crook. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23. That is a good sign. Notice the way the lamed is drawn, it is in the shape a Shepherd would have it if he is grabbing the sheep. The Shepherd would have the straight end in his hand and with the crook-end he would grab the sheep or goat. I am feeling it; how about you? 

Finally we have the letter Hey. This letter means to behold or to reveal. Do you see how these letters culminate so nicely with hey? 

The Root of the Matter

I like to look at the root of the word for more understanding. The root of tefillah is פלל (palal) which can mean "to judge," "to intervene," or "to mediate."  Such is the case with our prayers. 

Conclusion 

The Hebrew name for the Book of Psalms is Tehillim, which translates to "praises" or "songs of praise." David's prayers (tefillot-תְּפִלָּה) praise God. I think this verse by David brings it all together:

Psalm 19:14 -- "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

In our prayer we make a request, but ultimately, it is God's will that will be done. My opening question has been answered.  

Now, may your prayers and mine be answered.

Amen

THE WORD "PASSOVER" ANSWERS PHARAOH

Aron and Moses telling Pharaoh that the
Lord of Israel said "Send out my people."

On the evening of the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan (ט"ו בְּנִיסָן), Jews around the world celebrate Passover (פֶּסַח). This holiday commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt after long years of slavery, as described in the biblical book of Exodus.

There is so much happening with this holiday, and it would take a book to tell the whole story. The Passover is celebrated in very particular order. 

Haggadah means "telling"

Seder means "order"

In this post I am not attempting to tell the Passover story or explain the holiday celebration.  All I want to do is examine the word "Passover."  To do so, I am going to explore a few particular details and see what inspiration comes to me. 

I want to start by going back to the moment this journey kicks off in the Book of Exodus.  

Exodus 5:1-2 -- 1 And afterwards, Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, "So said the Lord God of Israel, 'Send out My people, and let them sacrifice to Me in the desert.' "

2 And Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord that I should heed His voice to let Israel out? I do not know the Lord, neither will I let Israel out."

In the beginning of Exodus 5, "Lord God of Israel" spoke through Aron and Moses's mouth, telling Pharaoh to "Send out my people."

Pharaoh asks a two part question, "Who is the Lord that I should heed His voice to let Israel out?

Part 1 - "Who is the Lord?"

Part 2 - "...that I should heed His voice?"

The Chosen don't know the Lord YET. AND, there is a third part to Pharaoh's words. Pharaoh repeats: "to let Israel out." (It is interesting the "Let out" is said twice.) The Lord God of Israel does this for a purpose which is to free His people from their slavery to Egypt. (Mizraim - Hebrew: מִצְרַיִם, or as some would say "the world.")

Dive into the Word

The Hebrew word for "Passover" is Pesach. The Hebrew word פֶּסַח Pesach has three letters The Hebrew letters give us strong clues to the answers of both Pharoah's questions. Pharaoh is certainly going to find out "Who is the Lord" AND why he should "Heed His Voice!"

פֶּ - Pe 80 (mouth)

(פ) is the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The letter pe is associated with mouth (peh). Pe represents the body part that is connected to speech, since the word פֶּה (peh) means mouth. 

Coming out of Moses's mouth is God's command to Pharaoh. 

סַ - Samech 60 (support or to uphold)

Samech is the 15th Hebrew letter. Its circular form is symbolic of the endless cycle of life. The letter Samech is a symbol of support and protection.

God is going to support and protect His people.

ח - Chet 8 (wall or protect)

Chet is the 8th Hebrew letter. The ancient pictograph is a picture of a tent wall. The meanings of this letter are "outside," as the function of the wall is to protect the occupants.

His people are certainly going out! 

8, chet, has significant meaning. The first born is dedicated to God on the 8th day in Exodus 22.29 where the Torah says, "On the eight day So shall you do with your cattle and with your sheep: seven days it shall be with its mother, on the eighth day you may give it to Me."

In Hebrew, the word for "wisdom" is חָכְמָה (chokmah) begins with the letter Chet!

In these three letters we have a symbolic image of:  Something spoken which carries protection and support to go out to seek God and sacrifice.

I certainly see how the letters in the word Pesach relate to the message of the holiday of Passover.   

Deeper Dive

Now I am going to use the gematria value of the word פֶּסַח Pesach to see if they point in a direction which offers an additional or deeper insight.  Here is the calculation for the Hebrew word פֶּסַח Pesach:

פֶּ - 80 

ס- 60

ח - 8

80+60+8=148

The 148 gematria value of the word פֶּסַח Pesach points me to Psalm 148. The last five chapters in the book of Psalms (146–150) are considered a great “Hallelujah Chorus” -- “Hallel” book—the “book of Israel.'  Each of these Psalms begins with the Hebrew word אהַֽלְלוּיָ֡הּ Hallelujah. 

146 147 148 149 150. Right in the center of Hallel is Psalm 148. 

1 Praise the Lord (Hallelujah - אהַֽלְלוּיָ֡הּ)
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
    and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever—
    he issued a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
    stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
    small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
    you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
    old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,
    the praise of all his faithful servants,
    of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord.

In Hebrew, "Hallelujah" (הללויה) is pronounced "hale-lu-yah." Praise God.  Here is the gematria calculation of Hallelujah" (הללויה):

ה - 5
ל - 30
ל - 30
ו - 6
י - 10
ה - 5
= 86 

Instantly another Hebrew word comes to my mind. That is the very ONE we are praising! The powerful creator name of G-d. The first name we hear in Genesis 1.1 - Elohim. Elohim (אלהים) also = 86

By the way, the gematria for the Hebrew word פֶּסַח Pesach can be calculated another way. The integer value is the place the Hebrew letter appears. PE is the 17th letter, Samech is the 15th and Chet is the 8th letter. 17+15+8=40. That is the number of years the Children of Israel will spend in the desert.

I will conclude my dive into the word "Passover" with a song that praises Ya.

When I hear the word Hallelujah, I automatically thing of Leonard Cohen's famous composition "Hallelujah."

Here are the lyrics: 

Now I've heard there was a secret chord

That David played, and it pleased the Lord

But you don't really care for music, do you?

It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth

The minor falls, the major lifts

The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you

She tied you to a kitchen chair

She broke your throne, and she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain

I don't even know the name

But if I did, well, really, what's it to you?

There's a blaze of light in every word

It doesn't matter which you heard

The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much

I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch

I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you

And even though it all went wrong

I'll stand before the Lord of Song

With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The Secret Chord

The "secret chord" is a phrase that appears in Leonard Cohen's song "Hallelujah." It is a reference to King David, a biblical figure who was both a musician and a king, and is thought to refer to a particular chord or chord progression he played that brought him a sense of peace. While the exact chord or progression is not explicitly defined in the song, many interpretations and theories exist about its meaning. 

The phrase "secret chord" is linked to King David, who is described in the Bible as a skilled harpist. David's music was often used to soothe the King Saul's troubled mind, particularly after Saul's kingdom was taken away.  

1 16:19-22 -- Samuel Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” 20 And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. 21 And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.”

AMERICA'S WATCHFUL EYE

Proverbs 15:3: "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good".

This image is causes different reactions. I know what some people think and say about the "Iluminati" and the "dark side" and "deep state." They do exist. 

Freemasonry played a significant role in the Washington Monument's cornerstone ceremony in 1848, using Masonic symbols and rituals. However, this involvement reflects Freemasonry's historical ties to figures like George Washington and its civic influence at the time, not any connection to the Illuminati. The origin of the symbol of the watchful eye has legitimate biblical connections. 

God is still in control and America is a "Covenant nation." So let's "see with the good eye." Have an open mind for what I am trying to reveal. I sure you what I am going to offer has nothing to do with the dark side! 

Have you ever noticed the watchful eye on the top of the pyramid on the back of your ONE dollar bill?

The eye in the pyramid on the one-dollar bill is known as the Eye of Providence, symbolizing divine guidance and protection. It represents God's watchful eye overseeing the nation. The Founding Fathers included it in the Great Seal of the United States to signify their belief in divine providence favoring America's undertakings. 

The angles on the pyramid on the back of the ONE dollar bill DO NOT match with the dimensions of a pyramid from Egypt. The pyramid on the dollar bill is much steaper. They match the pyramidion (the pyramid-shaped cap) on top section the Washington Monument.  

For context, let's bear in mind that this Monument is dedicated to America's founding General and first President. He was beloved and admired. Without George Washington it is hard to imagine America happening. His belief is God and America's providential basis is legendary. 

My article is not written to delve into ANY OF THAT!! I am approaching the topic of the GW Monument to point out some fascinating connections to the bible. 

The overall Washington monument is 555' 5" tall. The pyramidion cap on top of the Washington Monument is 55' tall including a ~9-inch cap. 

Initial construction on the Washington Monument began in 1848, with the cornerstone laid on July 4th. 

The construction of the Washington Monument was delayed for over 20 years, from 1854 to 1877, due to a combination of funding challenges, a struggle for control over the Washington National Monument Society, and the American Civil War. The monument was 153 tall when construction was delayed. (I have seen various numbers. Source of 153.)

What an interesting height, 153 feet to reach. 153 is the "Measure of the fish." 153 is a very special "triangle number." (I encourage my reader to watch the video I've linked.) 

I blogged about this subject before and there are some other details in that post. Link to "Something Fishy."

The Washington Monument is built on a 17 acre Ellipse in a park called "Ellipse Park." The Monument literally points up from center of the "great fish" (gadol dawg) in the Ellipse.  

The Washington Monument's construction was completed on December 6, 1884. It is capped  off with a 100-ounce solid aluminum triangular capstone that is just under 9 inches tall. The capstone was the largest piece of solid aluminum in the world when it was made in 1884. 

The aluminum cap serves as lightning-protection device and a symbol of the emerging aluminum industry at that very moment in history.  Edgar H. Dix, then chief metallurgist of the Aluminum Company of America (now Alcoa) declared "the crown jewel of the aluminum industry is the cap of the Washington Monument."

Ironically, even though Aluminum is the second most abundant metallic element from the earths core, at the time aluminum was considered a precious metal because it does not occur in metallic form naturally and it was incredibly difficult and expensive to process before electricity. Development of the Hall-Héroult process, an electrolytic method that uses electricity to extract aluminum from its ore, invented independently by Charles Martin Hall and Paul Héroult in 1886, made aluminum MUCH cheaper to make.

So the dedication of the Washington moment marked the new abundance of low cost electricity and Aluminum. Aluminum played a crucial role in America's development, particularly in aviation, transportation, and national defense, becoming a key strategic metal during both World Wars and essential for industries like automotive and space exploration. It is almost as those God was favoring American through inventions.

Here is a cool fact about Aluminum for those who love God. The atomic number of Aluminum is 13, the same as the gematria value of the Hebrew word for LOVE -  אהבה (ahavah). So you could say that top of the Washington Monument is Love. To love your country is to be a patriot. Isn't that cool...keep reading because the connections gets better. 

WORDS MATTER

Inscribed on the aluminum capstone is the Latin phrase "Laus Deo," which translates to "Praise be to God". 

On our ONE dollar bill is the famous phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST." The are two other Latin phrases above and below the pyramid to the left side of the ONE. They are: 

1. “Annuit Coeptis” on top: Means “Providence Has Favored Our Undertakings.” Remember what I just said about electricity and Aluminum.  In addition, this phrase speaks to American exceptionalism being attributed to our faith in God. (This is something we are hearing a lot about from our current POTUS.)

2. “Novus Ordo Seclorum” below: Means “A New Order of the Ages,” which refers to the United States' historic form of government; a government for the people. This aligns with the biblical inscription on our Liberty Bell taken from Leviticus 25:10 -- "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof..."

This is why the concept of a "new globalist one-world order" being pushed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) is so disturbing. Thanks to the current POTUS the "Global Agenda" seems to have been sidelined for a time.

It is notable that there was a switch from the Latin phrases to the English phrase "In God We Trust." The latin phrases have somewhat of an elite religious tone to them, don't you think? Whereas, the English phrase "In God We Trust"  sounds to me have more of "we the people" tone. Kind of like a crowd of people chanting "USA!"

Deuteronomy 32:11-12 (NIV) -- like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft.

The Lord alone led him; no foreign god was with him.

To the Right side of the ONE is an Eagle. There is a tremendous amount going on there. Connect the tiny stars of the colonies and you can find the Magan (Shield/Star) of David within the thunderous call of Adonia over Mount Sinai all hovering over the Eagle. 

TIMING IS EVERYTHING 

The Washington Monument began construction in 1848 and was completed in 1884. It so happens that is a 36 year period. 36 has special symbolic meaning in Judaism. It is called "Double Life." Chai (חי) is the Hebrew word for life. The word, consisting of two Hebrew letters —chet (ח) and yud (י). The gematria value is ח-5 and 10-י . That adds up 5+10=18. 18=Life. Many Jews wear chai on a necklace.

Chai (life) is 18.  36 = 2x Life. That is why Jews call 36 "double life." Or one might say a "second chance" or even "another life."  

36 is the "triangle number" of 8.  The number 8 is the Hebrew letter chet, and both are associated with "a new beginning." So 36 is also associated with "a new beginning. "

A Word Anout the Number 20

Notice that there was a 20-year delay in the middle of construction while the Washington Monument stood at 153 feet.  The length of the construction delay, 20 yrs, is an interesting number with meaningful biblical significance.  

Plus, the 20 year delay works out such that the monument is being finished up just as electricity (Light) is becoming widely available.  

The first central power plant and electric grid, Pearl Street Station, was established in New York City in 1882 by Thomas Edison. This was virtually at the same time American's greatest Monument, dedicated to our Founding Father was being capped with Aluminum that reflected with the new day's sun the words "Praise God" in a religious tone.

Conclusion 

George Washington truly believed God's Providence made the founding of our nation possible. 

God watches over a covenant nation. Israel and America are both "Covenant nations." The Washington Monument is symbolic of this. Thank God for his "Watchful Eye."  

The Hebrew Letter Ayin - 70!

See the 👁 from a Hebrew Perspective.  Read about the Hebrew letter and word for Eye.

Psalm 121:7-8 -- "The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." 

MARY WAS AN ACCOMPLICE (600th article)

It is said in 1 Samuel 13 that David was "a man after the Lord's own heart."  In so many of David's Psalms, he cried out to God. Imagine how much the Lord wanted to personally reveal himself to David. 

Pain of Separation 

The apostles believed they were in the presence of the Messiah.  But they still did not understand. Imagine their sorrow after the crucifixion.  Imagine if the apostles had to go forward from that point, without the ressurection. Would they have? Could they have?  Which of them anticipated what was about to happen?  

John 20:1 -- Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 

Doesn't it strike you as a bit odd that Mary would go out alone in the dark to the tomb on the exact day and hour that Jesus had apparently just risen? Aside from the obvious, there is a profound message about a colossal turning point in the fact that Mary went to the tomb on the first day while it was still dark.  

John 20:2 -- So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

Who is the "we" in that verse?

Although John focuses solely on Mary Magdalene, the use of "we" in the verse indicates that she was not alone and reflects the collective experience or assumption of those present at the tomb. This could of course, be Martha.  By the same token, they both could have gone to meet someone else. 

Could Mary and Martha have had an appointment with someone(s) that had an expectation to find an empty tomb?  Did someone coordinate with Mary to be at the tomb at that time? 

Who else would have known to go to the tomb at that day and hour? 

It had to be Nicodemus and/or Joseph of Arimathea! They knew Jesus was "of God." They heard and understood what Jesus meant by "the sign of Jonah" (Matthew 12:39-40). They knew the timing and where to be! 

Mary was to be the first witness that Jesus had risen, but first Jesus, Nicodemus and/or Joseph of Arimathea needed Mary to rush and get John and Peter. Mary wasted no time!

Notice that in the next verses (John 20:2-3) when she gets to John and Peter that neither of them is curious who Mary was with. If I were them I would have been curious, for multiple important reasons, which other disciples of Jesus were at the tomb at that world changing moment!  Evidently it was none of them or they would have been mentioned. 

The Scriptures Protect the Identity of Nicodemus and/or Joseph of Arimathe

Either they were not there, OR there is a reason the identity of Nicodemus and/or Joseph of Arimathe were not included in the scriptures at this scene. I believe it is because they are the ones who took the Linen Clothes and the Face cloth away in order to preserve them for today. There identities had to be protected or those artifacts would most likely have been destroyed by either the Pharisees or the Romans. 

Mary is seeking her Lord!

John 20:11-14 --- Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

The "we" that Mary was referring to in the prior verses is not the risen Jesus and the two angels.  She would not have left the tomb in John 20.2 if it were. At this point, Mary doesn't realize Jesus is risen -- she is looking for his corpse.

John 20:15 -- He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

In prior chapters of the Gospels, Jesus has been telling the Apostles that he is going away to be with His Father and they can not go with him. Mary is seeking to be with her Lord! 

John 20:16-18 -- Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Delivered the "Good News"

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.  

Conclusion

The true prophets of the Hebrew scriptures forsaw the Cornerstone would be rejected, the Lamb of God, and One who would be pierced. 

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are the first Jewish leaders who figured out Jesus's plan and the purpose of his crucifixion. 

John and Peter are the first Apostles to understand what "the linen clothes" meant. 

The time Mary is at the tomb is the turning point in a High Sabbath that has been planned since Genesis 1.1. It is the time between the first 12 and the second 12. 

Mary Magdalene was more than an accomplice with Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. She is the first person Jesus revealed his Risen body to. She is the first stated witness of the Risen Jesus. Jesus chose a lonely desperate prostitute who was once possessed by demons, to be the first person to deliver the "Good news."

Mary, was Jesus’s accomplice. She was, as some have called her, "The apostle to the apostles."

And ALL of it, from "In the beginning" was ordered by God and "Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12.2)

Psalm 77  (Ayin Zayin)

I cried out to God for help;

    I cried out to God to hear me.

2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;

    at night I stretched out untiring hands,

    and I would not be comforted.

3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned;

    I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.[b]

4 You kept my eyes from closing;

    I was too troubled to speak.

5 I thought about the former days,

    the years of long ago;

6 I remembered my songs in the night.

    My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

7 “Will the Lord reject forever?

    Will he never show his favor again?

8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?

    Has his promise failed for all time?

9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?

    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:

    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will consider all your works

    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

13 Your ways, God, are holy.

    What god is as great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles;

    you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,

    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, God,

    the waters saw you and writhed;

    the very depths were convulsed.

17 The clouds poured down water,

    the heavens resounded with thunder;

    your arrows flashed back and forth.

18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,

    your lightning lit up the world;

    the earth trembled and quaked.

19 Your path led through the sea,

    your way through the mighty waters,

    though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock

    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Epilogue:

This post marks the 600th article I wrote on my blog. Not all the them are published (visible publicly) but most are.

I have been doing a deep dive into the subject of the "linen clothes" found in the tomb as described in John 20 for a few years. As such, I have written a number of blog posts. Here are links to the others in ascending order, the first one the list is the first I wrote. 

Love Letter from Yeshu'ah https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/06/a-love-letter-from-yeshua.html

The Perfector https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/07/perfector.html

The Keter

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-keter-on-shroud.html

Questions about the Image

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/08/asking-questions-about-image.html

The Man In the Shroud https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-man-in-shroud.html

Credible Witnesses

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/09/credible-withnesses.html

Have You Seen Him?

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/09/have-you-seen-this-him.html

How Bright Are We Talking About

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/10/how-bright-are-we-talking-about.html

Brought Together

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/11/modern-technolgy-reveals-what-apostle.html

Nicodemus Knew

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2024/12/nicodemus-knew.html

The Sign of Jonah

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-sign-of-jonah.html

Why the Romans?

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2025/04/why-romans.html

Mary was an accomplice 

https://bobritterblog.blogspot.com/2025/04/mary-was-accomplice.html

 

After thought:

If all this, the entire Christian bible is false, the Gospels are a documented case of "Mass Suicide by Messiah." 

"Suicide by cop," also known as suicide by police or law-enforcement-assisted suicide, is a suicide method in which a suicidal individual deliberately plots their death at the hands of law enforcement.  

All the apostles were sealing their terrible deaths as martyrs by following Jesus. He warned them!  

 

WHY THE ROMANS?

With Passover and Ressurection Day (Easter) in less than two weeks, one might wonder about the timing of events in the Bible. Why did Jesus show up when he did? Why not when the Greeks or Babylonians ruled the world?

The life of Yeshua retraces many of the Jewish holidays. But why did his ministry start and end when it did, during the Roman occupation.

Jesus could have come at any point in time from Creation. But he didn't! Yeshua was born, lived, died and was resurrected during Roman rule and during Passover.  

1400 years

Passover and Resurrection happened during the same time 1400 years apart.   What can we make of that from a Judeo Christian perspective? Pure coincidence? Of course not!

Roman rule lead to the destruction of the temple, the renaming of Israel, and the diaspora which leads us to the issues Jews and Israel face today with the Palestinians and Arabs. 

Jesus changed the world, including the basis for the world calendar. Why did He appear in the flesh, reveal himself and conduct his ministry when he did. What is it about the timing of his first coming? Why then, why there? Does it say anything for us today??

The answer to why "there" seems relatively obvious.  Because he was a Jew and he came first for the Jews. If there were no Jews and no Israel, there could be no Yeshua as we know him today. 

If there was no Noach, there would be no Shem. If there was no Shem there would be no Semites. There would be no Abraham, no Isaac to bind on Mount Moriah, and no Jacob. If there was no Jacob there would be no Joseph and no Moses. If there was no Moses there would be no giving of the Word at Sinai and no Joshua to bring them into the Land which God promised to Abraham. 

If God had not led the Children of Israel out of Egypt and brought them to the Land when he did there would be no David to buy the threshing floor from Amunah. There would be no Israel and no temple in history as we know it.

If there was no temple there would be no King Hezekiah. The Assyrians, who Jonah was sent to, repented and then showed up at the walls of his temple 100 years latter only to face destruction in one night at the hands of one angel. If the Assyrians had succeeded there would be no Jerusalem to be conquered by the Babylonians as Jeremiah warned. Then we would have no Daniel, who prophecied the Greeks, and Romans. If there were no Romans, there would be no crucifixion. No crucifixion, no Jesus as foretold by Isaiah and other prophets. 

The God who ordered the Universe, put history in such an order than it brought the world to the last letter in the Hebrew Alpha-beyt, the Tav -- the symbol of the cross. All the Jewish people suffered under the Romans. But one"marks" that time.

The prophet Daniel in the lion's den.

 Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet. God gave us a Pe, a mouth, to praise him. He put his words in Moses mouth at 80 years old.  God gave us the 7th letter, Zayin, a sword to destroy Haman in the Story of Esther. He gave us the 70th letter too, the Ayin -- eyes to see to read the "seventy sevens prophecy of Daniel" who predicted the day Yeshua would come riding into Jerusalem on a donkey to willingly die on a cross, the last Hebrew letter, the Tav, in order to fulfill prophecy and Rise from the dead to fulfill His purpose. 

The Infinite God wove all this together. It is all one story hidden in 22 Hebrew letters and numbers. A story that lead to the diaspora and the dead bones. 

This story takes us up to modern history with the rebirth of Israel and the return of Jews, as the prophets foretold. A story that includes the rebirth of the fig tree (Israel) that Yeshua himself said would mark the start of the end-days and the promise of his return. 

From the beginning, history lead to the Roman cross. The Maccabees, of Hanukkah fame, helped establish the Romans in Israel when they made a treaty with the Roman Republic. The Roman's brought with them the crucifixion.  It took Judah's hammer to drive the Vav that held Jesus to the cross.  It took Hannah's tears to tear the veil. 

Roman oppression lead to the Roman wars and the destruction of the temple as Jesus predicted 40 years after his crucifixion. Followed by a false Messiah who brought the total destruction of Jerusalem. The Tav, the cross, marked time.  Everything is connected.

The Romans played a significant role in the spread of Judeo-Christian beliefs through several mechanisms:

• Roman Roads and Infrastructure: The extensive network of Roman roads and the relative safety of travel within the empire allowed missionaries like Paul to travel widely, spreading Christianity to major cities such as Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome itself.
• Jewish Diaspora: Jewish communities dispersed throughout the Roman Empire (the Diaspora) provided a foundation for early Christian missionaries. They often began preaching in synagogues, converting some Jews and using these communities as springboards to reach Gentiles.
• Hellenistic Influence: The Roman Empire's integration of Greek culture facilitated the spread of ideas. Early Christians used Greek, a common language in the eastern empire, to communicate their message effectively across diverse populations.
• Urban Centers: The Roman Empire's large urban populations, particularly among the poor and marginalized, were receptive to Christianity's message of hope and eternal life. Missionaries targeted these groups in cities like Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome.
• Legalization and State Support: Over time, Christianity gained state support. Emperor Constantine's Edict of Milan (313 CE) legalized Christianity, and it later became the official religion of the empire under Emperor Theodosius I in 380 CE.

These factors combined to make the Roman Empire a fertile ground for the rapid spread of Judeo-Christian beliefs.

As much as Jews hate the Apostle Paul and the Romans, there is no denying their role is spreading the Hebrew scriptures and replacing pagan idol worship with Monotheism and a belief in the God of Israel.  

To understand why Yeshua waited for the Romans, one has to know and understand the Hebrew Scriptures.  One has to understand prophecy. One has to appreciate why even during Rabbi Yeshua's short 3 year ministry, it wasn't time until it was time. 

We need eyes to see what Nicodemus knew when he came to Jesus in the night and what he kept on his mind after that night in John 3. We need a heart that understands why Jesus loved the "rich young ruler." 

As I see it, we need to understand the different purposes of night & day, the 12 tribes & the 12 apostles. 

To truly and fully understand the crucifixion, where we get the word excruciating from, as the scriptures described, we needed our present day technical knowledge of what is revealed on the linen clothes that the Apostles John and Peter saw in the empty tomb as spoken of in John 20. To appreciate the power of the Light that Moses saw; that knocked Apostle Paul to ground and blinded him for 3 days; the Light of the transfiguration. We needed present day technology to calculate the miraculous light that revealed Yeshua's image on the linen clothes.  

The linen clothes and the Sudarium face cloth were rolled up and kept separate from when it was originally removed from Jesus's head so he could be prepared for burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two rich Jewish leaders were witnesses to his death. Those two artifacts have been digitally brought together in our time, for the first time since they were in the tomb, to prove who the man in the tomb was and what he suffered so that he might perfect our faith. 

Jesus gave the Pharisees one sign, the "sign of Jonah" which has been amazingly preserved for 2000 years as God said to Daniel. Yeshua used the Roman crucifixion to write a testimony of his love in his blood. 

Conclusion:

God used the Roman Empire at a pivotal point in history. I have to wonder if that foreshadows a future time when He will use the Roman Empire again.

Daniel 12.4 (NIV) -- But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.

"SEE YAH!"

Yah-El (יָהּ־אֵל) is a Hebrew poetic combination meaning "Yah is God."

In Hebrew, the hard 'J' is pronounced 'Ya." For example, the name Jacob in Hebrew is יַעֲקֹב (Ya'akov) and it begins with Ya. 

The Hebrew word for "salvation" or "deliverance" is yeshu'ah (יְשׁוּעָה). It is derived from the root word Yasha (יָשַׁע), meaning "to rescue" or "to save." Yasha begins with "Ya."

The name YHWH (יהוה), often rendered as Yahweh, or pronounce "Yahova" begins with "Ya" (יָהּ). YA is a shortened form of the divine name. "Ya" represents the personal and intimate aspect of God's name.

The abbreviation, "Yah" (יָהּ), is frequently used in Hebrew scripture, especially in poetic contexts, such as in Psalms. We are  familiar with the phrase Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ), meaning "Praise Yah."Some highly significant biblcal Hebrew words/names begin with Yah (יָהּ).

• Yeshayahu (Isaiah) – "Salvation of Yah."
• Eliyahu (Elijah) – "My God is Yah."

This next example is a stretch just for fun, pun intended. 

Edwin S. Lowe was born 1910 in Poland. He was the eldest son of a Polish Orthodox rabbi.  Lowe started a game board business before WWII. He aquireed the game Yah-tzee from an anonymous Canadian before WWII. It's origins are shrouded in mystery. 

Yah-tzee is a game played with pur (פּוּר), which means "throwing of the dice" or "casting lots." "Purim" is the plural of Pur. The holiday Purim is famously celebrated with playing games. Heaven knows the Jews were praying for a Purim like miracle in the years Yah-tzee was created. Haman and the Jews fate was set based on the throwing of Pur, dice. 

The 2nd syllable, "tzee" sounds a bit like the Hebrew letter Tzade.  

In Yah-tzee their are 13 scoring categories. 13 is the gematria value for the Hebrew word for LOVE. 

See, YA!

Epilogue: 

Did you know Bingo was first called "Beano?"

Lowe is also famous for the game "Bingo." Bingo may not be inherently religious, but Bingo's role in supporting faith-based communities has given it a unique place in religious history. Lowe's game business was bought out by game maker Milton Bradley, which was famous for "The Game of Life" and many others.

For more about Edwin Lowe's life, check out this article in Jewish "Tablet Magazine" --Making millions on the roll of dice. The real story of the Jewish game entrepreneur.