DIRE STRAITS

Lamentations 5:11 -- "They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah."

Have you ever heard the idiom, "dire straits." It is used to describe a situation that is very difficult or bad? 

For Jews, the 3-week time frame, from the 17th of Tammuz through the 9th of Av is called Bein ha-Metzarim (Hebrew: בין המצרים ) meaning "Between the Straits" or "In the Straits." The 9th of Av, Tisha B'Av (the 9th day of the month of Av) is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. 

The phrase "in the straits" appears in the Book of Lamentations 1:3, which describes the suffering and captivity of Judah. 

"Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude; she dwelleth among the nations, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits" 

This dreaded period is a time of mourning commemorating the destruction of the first and second Jewish Temples. For thousands of years, enormous tragedies have repeatedly befallen Israel and the Jewish people "between the straits."

Some of the awful historical events that have occurred at the beginning of "The Straits" culminated with an even greater tragedy and loss at the end of "The Straits." For example, it is said that on the 17th of Tammuz the Jerusalem Temple walls were breached twice, in 587 BC when the Babylonians destroyed the city and in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed it. Subsequently on the Ninth of Av, Tisha B'Av in Hebrew, the destruction of two temples in Jerusalem occurred. 

"In the Straits" has come to be associated with the most horrible times in Jewish history and dark times for the world including the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition and the Nazi's Final Solution. The expulsion deadline for the Spanish Inquisition and the Nazi's Final Solution were dated on the 9th Av in their respective years.

Are we "In the Straits" Today? 

This year the 17th of Tammuz was July 23, 2024 and the 9th of Av is August 13th.  So technically, YES, we are between the straits.  

Israel is at war. Between the Straits we've had the massacre of children with an Iranian made missile on Shabbat July 27th in Northern Israel.  As the 9th of Av approaches, the world awaits Israel's response.  We also know that Hezbollah and Iran still plot to kill Jews and destroy Israel.

Is history repeating itself, in the straits? If the infamous pattern is repeating itself, something even darker with major historical significance is about to occur. 

What is in store for Israel? What is in store for Jews around the world? What are the broader implications for the Nations?  Time will tell.

There is in another Jewish idiom pertaining to the Holocaust that most people have heard -- Never Again.  With the rapid rise in Antisemitism around the world, that expression has turned into -- NEVER AGAIN IS NOW! 

History has shown that Israel and Jews will be "Between the Straits" again.

THE TIME HAS COME! 

The situation in Northern Israel is unsustainable! 

The Hezbollah massacre on August 27th will be to Israel's action in Southern Lebanon what the Palestinian's massacre on Oct 7th is to Israel's action in Gaza.

Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houttis, the Ayatollah in Iran and their Shia Muslims followers around the world are cut from the same cloth of Amalek. 

ARE YOU READY?  LOOK UP FOR MESSIAH. 

"IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE ... IT'S SUPERMAN!

Original cover from the 1930's

The Jewish story of Superman 

Messiah as Superman

The cause of Tisha B'Av 

SPEAK TO THE ROCK!!

In the Wilderness, Bamidbar, the Israelites faith fails to pass the test. This is the second time it happened in the rockey desert area of Zin. The first time was when Moses sent spies from here to explore the Promised Land (Numbers 13:21). The second time, is 40 years later in the same place. Moses failed the faith test when he struck the rock twice in the place named Kadesh in Zin.

There is so much to unpack in chapter 20 of Bamidbar, better known as the Book of Numbers. It includes one of the most debated judgments of the Almighty in the Torah in my opinion.  

I will begin in Numbers 20:1-13:

1 The entire congregation of the children of Israel arrived at the desert of Zin in the first month, and the people settled in Kadesh. Miriam died there and was buried there.

2 The congregation had no water; so they assembled against Moses and Aaron.

3 The people quarreled with Moses, and they said, "If only we had died with the death of our brothers before the Lord.

4 Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord to this desert so that we and our livestock should die there?

5 Why have you taken us out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place; it is not a place for seeds, or for fig trees, grapevines, or pomegranate trees, and there is no water to drink.

6 Moses and Aaron moved away from the assembly to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and they fell on their faces. [Then] the glory of the Lord appeared to them.

7 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

8 Take the staff and assemble the congregation, you and your brother Aaron, 

and speak to the rock in their presence so that it will give forth its water." 

You shall bring forth water for them from the rock and give the congregation and their livestock to drink.

9 Moses took the staff from before the Lord as He had commanded him.

10 Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation in front of the rock, and he said to them, "Now listen, you rebels, can we draw water for you from this rock?"

11 Moses raised his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, when an abundance of water gushed forth, and the congregation and their livestock drank.

12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Since you did not have faith in Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land I given them.

13 These are the waters of dispute [Mei Meribah] where the children of Israel contended with the Lord, and He was sanctified through them.

DESPAIR IS A LACK OF FAITH...LACK OF FAITH IS A SIN.

In the third verse of Numbers 20 we hear the Israelites despair when they say, "If only we had died with the death of our brothers before the Lord." The Hebrews are referencing previous times when their despair led to God's judgment. 

In each of the incidents the Israelites were complaining about the hardships of the journey in the desert along and the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Here are some examples:

• There was the time when God caused the earth to swallow up the rebellious leaders and fire consumed 250 men offering incense (Numbers 16).
• There was a plague that killed 14,700 people after the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron following Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16:41-50).
• There was the lousy food in the desert and now there is another lack of water in this place called "Kadesh." 

Names of people and places matter in the bible.  In Numbers 20 we find the Israelites in Kadesh which literally means "holy" or "sacred." This is where the Israelites are complaining about their despair. 

Despair signifies a lack of trust in God's goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty. Despair implies that God is not adequately providing or caring for His people.  

Philippians 2:14-15 -- "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" 

MOSES MISSED A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY 

Sacred refers to something holy, set apart, or worthy of religious veneration. Sanctified means to be made sacred or holy, often through a specific ritual or process.

In the Holy place of Kadesh, Moses missed the perfect opportunity.  That is the opportunity that Moses missed.  Numbers 20.13 --  The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Since you did not have faith in Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, ..." 

God's holiness was highlighted through the Israelites' failures at the Waters of Dispute (Mei Meribah" (מֵי מְרִיבָה).) In verse 13 "where the children of Israel contended with the Lord, and He was sanctified through them."

MOSE STRUCK THE ROCK TWICE

We have two major failures of faith at the Holy place of Kadesh where Moses struck the rock twice. It's as if God wants to remind us of that. 

There is a terribly high price to be paid for a lack  of faith. There is also a very great reward. This was very evident in the very next chapter of the Torah.

Numbers 21:6-9:

"Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.' So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live."

God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent and be healed. Those who lacked faith in what God gave the Israelites and did not see, perished. 

According to John 3:14-15 in the New Testament, 

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life

Why Such a Harsh Punishment?

The Bible describes Moses as a faithful servant in several passages, highlighting his dedication and obedience to God's commands. 

Exodus 40:16: "Moses did everything just as the LORD commanded him"

He faithfully led the Children of Israel for 40 years through the desert.  This is an unimaginably difficult task and responsibility. 

Yet, for simply striking the rock rather than speaking to it, Moses is denied access to the Promised Land. 

What could possibly have been so important about speaking to the rock? What was Adonai going to reveal differently? 

Perhaps the Lord wanted to reveal Himself in such a way that the unbelieving Israelites would have been converted to believers. Adonai was going to perfect the Faith of the Israelites before they entered the last. 

Striking the rock to bring forth water could been seen as an act that Moses performed. Speaking to the rock to bring forth water leaves no doubt that the Almighty brought forth the water. 

By striking the rock rather than speaking to it as Adonai instructed, Moses missed the opportunity reveal God's saving grace.  Rather, Moses's disobedience revealed his personal lack of Faith in God's word. Moses's faith was required for even he to enter the Land. 

Leading the people out of Egypt and for 40 years in the desert wasn't sufficient to earn Moses's entry. Faith was all that was required at this critical moment in Moses's personal life. 

There are times in everyone's life when we feel despair. These moments are an opportunity to speak to the Lord and lean into our faith. 

Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

GEVURAH

Sodom

Proverbs 21:15 -- "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."

I chose to write this blog because of a dream I woke up from last night in which a single Hebrew word was put on my heart. I saw "Gevurah" in a healer's hand.  I am not going to explain my dream, but it is the inspiration for this message. I woke up with the sense the "the world" is going to experience Gevurah. First I have some explaining to try to do. 

There is an ancient Jewish Book of Creation known as the "Sefer Yetzirah" (ספר יצירה). It is traditionally attributed to the patriarch Abraham. 

The Sefer Yetzirah explores the creation of the universe through a series of mystical concepts, focusing on ten Sefirot and the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Frankly, the students who study and understand this body of knowledge refer to it as science rather than religion!  The knowledge has been handed down personally for thousands of years from one teacher to another. 

I have studied this knowledge with highly respected teachers and I can personally, say that I have recieved priceless spiritual insights from it. 

The Sefirot are 10 divine attributes or emanations through which Ein Sof (the infinite, unknowable essence of God) reveals Itself and continuously creates both the physical and spiritual realms. The Sefirot serve as channels of divine creative life force or consciousness, allowing the unknowable Divine essence to be revealed to mankind.

"Sefer Yetzirah" delves into the process of creation by describing how God used the Hebrew letters and the Sefirot as the building blocks of the cosmos.

Genesis 1:3 records, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light," 

Sefer Yetzirah discusses how these elements interact to form the structure of the universe, both in the physical and metaphysical realms.

Psalm 33:9 states, "For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm" 

Adonai emanated forth the ten Sefirot from a state of hiddenness to revelation. The Almighty guides the world with them like a mortal king who guides his nation on a balanced path. This blending is called truth and beauty, for it involves an intermingling from all the opposing qualities.

Jacob's Ladder 

These Sefirot or attributes/emanations are depicted on a ladder, known as Jacob's Ladder, based on Jacob's Ladder is a biblical story found in Genesis 28:10-19. In the story, Jacob has a dream of a ladder (or staircase) reaching from the earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. 

The story is significant for several reasons:

1. Divine Revelation - The dream is a direct encounter with the Divine, providing Jacob with reassurance of divine support and the continuation of the covenant.

2. Symbolism of Connection - The ladder symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth, suggesting that divine intervention and guidance are always accessible.

3. Jacob's Transformation - This vision marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's spiritual journey, leading to a deeper relationship with God. God changes Jacob's name from Yacov to Israel. 

4. Bethel - Upon waking, Jacob names the place Bethel, meaning "House of God," and sets up a pillar to commemorate the vision. This location becomes an important spiritual site in later Jewish tradition.

The Ladder 

Picture yourself climbing a ladder. To maintain balance and climb higher, you reach up with one hand and then the other.  We descend to the ground (the earth) the same way. 

On Jacob's Ladder you'll see that their are two sides and many interconnections.  In a sense, the Sefirot play off one another to form a complex system of interrelationships and balances, each one having its unique qualities and functions, yet all working together to maintain harmony in the divine and earthly realms. 

God's presence may emanate in manner that is stronger one way or the other. The Divine balances the Universe on One Hand and the other. 

Here's a brief overview of what the 10 Sefirot represent:

1. Keter (Crown): Represents the divine will and the source of all potential. It is the highest and most abstract Sefirah.
2. Chokhmah (Wisdom): The initial point of creation, representing the flash of insight or the seed of an idea.
3. Binah (Understanding): The process of developing and elaborating upon the ideas sparked by Chokhmah.
4. Chesed (Kindness): Represents boundless love and mercy.
5. Gevurah (Severity): Represents judgment, discipline, and restraint.
6. Tiferet (Beauty): The balance and harmony between Chesed and Gevurah, embodying compassion.
7. Netzach (Eternity): Represents endurance, persistence, and ambition.
8. Hod (Glory): Represents humility and the ability to acknowledge the greatness of others
9. Yesod (Foundation): The channel through which the divine flows into the world, representing connection and communication.
10. Malkhut (Kingship): Represents the manifestation and actualization of the divine in the physical world.

Gevurah (Severity)

On the "ladder" you can see that the Sefirot of Gevurah (Severity) is opposite Chesed (Kindness). They balance one another out. 

Chesed is the force of unconditional love and giving, while Gevurah is the force of restriction and discipline. Their interplay ensures that love is not overwhelming and that discipline is not harsh. Tiferet (Glory) harmonizes these two attributes, creating a balanced compassion

In Hebrew, Gevurah is written as גבורה. It encompasses concepts of strength, might, and power, and is often associated with the ability to enforce judgment and maintain discipline. Gevurah plays a crucial role in the balance and harmony within the Sefirot, ensuring that Chesed's compassion does not become excessive or unbounded.

Gevurah, which is sometimes translated as "strength," "severity," or "judgment."  Divine judgment and limitation are contrasted with Chesed (kindness or mercy). 

In the sense of personal development, Gevurah involves discipline, restraint, and the power to discern and enforce boundaries. We live in a world with serious problems that result from the lack of those qualities. 

Gevurah is "the essence of judgment (DIN) and limitation", and corresponds to awe and the element of fire. I will put is this way, we may be about to see some Red. 

My sense is that God may bring balance to the world by exercising His Gevurah.

There is a Hebrew prayer recited on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, contains a powerful line about tempering God's severe decree. The prayer is called the Unetaneh Tokef. At the end it is said, "But repentance, prayer and charity temper judgment's severe decree."

Deuteronomy 32:35 -- "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."

Epilogue: 

i blogged about Chesed (Hebrew: חֶסֶד) not long ago. Here is a link to that post. 

SHIN - 40

 

Shin (ש) is the 21st letter in the twenty-two letter Hebrew Aleph-beyt. It is the letter just before the Tav, the last letter associated with the cross, one's mark or sign and agreement.  Shin has a gematria value of 300. 

The shape of Shin represents "teeth" or "sharpness," symbolizing power and consumption.  

Shin's three prongs are sometimes seen as representing the three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) or the three elements. 

Bible words that come to mind for Shin include:

Shaddai - Shin also stands for the word Shaddia (Almighty) a Name of God. A Kohen forms the letter Shin with each of his hands as he recites the Priestly Blessing.

Shema - A central prayer in Judaism that begins with the word Shema (Here). 

On the doorposts of a Jewish home is a Mezuzah with the letter Shin on the outside and the Shema prayer written on a scroll inside.

Shalom - Peace, well being.  I've blogged about Shalom.  

Sh'at haShin ('Shin hour') is the last possible moment for any action, usually in a military context. Corresponds to the English expression eleventh hour.

Shin Bet (house) is a commonly used acronym for the Israeli Department of Internal General Security.

Here are several more biblical Hebrew words that begin with Shin:

• Shamayim (שָׁמַיִם) - heavens, sky
• Shabbat (שַׁבָּת) - Sabbath
• Shofar (שׁוֹפָר) - ram's horn
• Shir (שִׁיר) - song
• Shemen (שֶׁמֶן) - oil
• Shemesh (שֶׁמֶשׁ) - sun
• Shana (שָׁנָה) - year
• Shavua (שָׁבוּעַ) - week
• Shav (שָׁוְא) - vanity
• Shaar (שַׁעַר) - gate
• Sheker (שֶׁקֶר) - falsehood 

Exodus 23:7 -- The Torah commands us to distance oneself from falsehood: 

"From a false (sheker) matter, you shall distance [yourself]". 

The word "sheker" underscores the moral imperative to uphold truth and avoid deceit in one's actions and speech.

There are a few key associations between the Hebrew letter Shin (ש) and blood:

1. Symbolism of fire and flame: Shin represents fire and flame in Kabbalah. This connects symbolically to the "fire" or life force of blood.
2. Sacrificial blood: In Jewish tradition, the shape of Shin is associated with the sacrificial blood offerings in the Temple. The three prongs are said to represent the three types of blood offerings.
3. Divine Name: Shin is part of one of the names of God (Shaddai). Blood is often associated with the divine presence and covenant in Judaism.
4. Tefillin: The Shin appears on the head tefillin, connecting it symbolically to the head/mind and the "life blood" of Jewish practice and thought.

Christian Connection:

Below is an Aramaic form of the letter Shin:

Some interpretations see the blood flow pattern on the forehead of the Shroud of Turin image as resembling the shape of the letter Shin. This is seen as potentially symbolic of Jesus' Jewish heritage and divine nature.

Below is alleged image of the face of Yeshua's on the "Shroud of Turin." Notice bright image of his forehead that has a similar shape that is believed to have been created by a brilliant light at the moment of his resurrection.

 

Revelation 22:3-5

3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Click here for more on the Shroud of Turin. 

GRACE 269 YEARS LATER

George Washington in
The Battle of the Wilderness July 9, 1755

Psalm 91:11-12 -- "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

269 Years to the day, both George Washington and Donald Trump spoke of grace saving their life from sniper fire.  

Two decades prior to the American Revolution, on July 9, 1755 there was the famous "Battle of the Monongahela" between the British and the French allied with Native American forces. The battle is often referred to as the "Battle of the Wilderness," and took place near present-day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

The British total strength was about 1,300-1,500 troops. They were a unified and skilled fighting force. This was far superior to the native forces of 800-900 fighters including a mixture of French colonial troops, Canadian militia, and warriors from several Native American tribes. 

Despite their greater numbers, the British suffered a terrible defeat. The British suffered heavy losses, with nearly 1,000 of the 1,459 engaged troops killed or wounded.

Then Lieutenant Colonel George Washington, serving under the British General Edward Braddock, fought in this battle. 

Washington played an instrumental role in saving Braddock's army from total annihilation. HE FOUGHT ON even though two horses were shot out from under him. After Braddock was wounded, Washington held the line and helped rally the fleeing troops, even managing to collect nearly 200 men to mount a counter attack. 

Washington witnessed firsthand the devastating defeat of the British. This showed Washington that disciplined British regulars could be defeated by unconventional warfare methods. Washington observed the collapse of the British command structure, with nearly two-thirds of officers killed or wounded. This highlighted weaknesses in the British military leadership and organization when faced with unfamiliar combat situations.

George Washington observed something else even more significant -- a miracle. 

Washington was one of the few British officers to survive the battle, emerging unscathed despite being in the thick of the action. 

GW letter to his brother

On July 18, 1755 after the battle, George Washington wrote a letter to his brother, John Augustine Washington. In this letter, he recounted his experiences and the dangers he faced. Washington described his own amazement that he had four bullets pass through his coat and had two horses shot from under him, yet he miraculously escaped unhurt. Washington attributed his survival to divine providence, expressing gratitude for his protection amidst the chaos and death surrounding him.

Washington's actual words were:

"By the all-powerful* dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was levelling my companions on every side of me."

* The expression "all-powerful" is equivalent to saying El Shaddai which is Hebrew for God Almighty. 

About 15 years after the Battle of Monongahela the Indian chief who led the Indian forces during that battle approached George Washington. The chief told Washington that during the battle, he had instructed his men to specifically target Washington, saying, "mark yon tall and daring warrior." He ordered his men to aim carefully at Washington, believing their rifles "knew not how to miss." However, despite repeated attempts, they were unable to hit Washington.

The Indian chief concluded that Washington was protected by "a power mightier far than we" and was "under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit." 

As a result, the Indians ceased firing at him. The chief stated he had come to pay homage to Washington, saying:

"I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle."

269 years later, in July 2024, about 45 minutes from the same battlefield that Washington fought on, a sniper aimed carefully at Donald Trump while he was on a podium rather than a horse.  The world observed what the Indian chief did -- by some miracle Donald Trump didn't die.

Washington shared his observation in a famous letter to his brother. Similarly, Donald Trump shared his personal observation with the American people at the RNC Convention.   

269 years later to the day that George Washington wrote in his letter to his brother "By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence," Trump said virtually the same thing. 

As Donald Trump was accepting the Presidential nomination for the 2nd time at the RNC Convention Donald Trump remarked, "I don't belong here," to which the crowd reacted by chanting, "Yes, you do!"  Ironically, they both meant the same thing. Trump affirmed that in his statement to the audience, "I stand before you … by the grace of almighty God." 

Such strong parallels and the fact that it is 269 years to the day made me want to check the gematria for any supernatural connections. 

There are a few Bible-related gematria connections to the number 269:

1. While not explicitly stated as biblical, the phrase "hold the line" has a Hebrew gematria value of 269. This phrase could be interpreted in a spiritual context as maintaining faith or standing firm in beliefs. 
2. The number 269 symbolizes trusting in the divine plan and leaning into spiritual growth with faith.
3. It's seen as a reminder to listen to inner guidance and make positive changes in life with faith and grace. 
4. The phrase "worship the LORD thy God" also has a gematria value of 269.
5. The phrase "this is the King of the Jews" has a gematria value of 269. 
6. Both Dark Knight and Black Horse each have a value of 269.

Neither Washington or Trump is God. Neither is the Messiah. Nor do Trump supporters believe Trump is either! But sometimes the world needs a superman with super powers to defeat the dark forces of the Deep State. 

Sometimes the world that needs a superman who has a calling to save the people and the nation. One with Providential protection. Coincidently, 269 is also the gematria for "Clark Kent." 

There are times that call for a leader who "holds the line" and will never quit. One who has seen how effective unconventional warfare methods can be. A person whose strategies and tactics expose weaknesses in the enemies leadership and organization when faced with unfamiliar combat situations.

There are times when there is need for a "man for the times." A man such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Donald Trump. A man who will "fight on." A man who's reaction to being show is "fight, fight fight!"

Psalm 2:10-11 -- "Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling."

What an incredibly ironic photo of Trump’s shooter.

I love Meagan Kelly's coverage on everything!

WATCH!!

Epilogue: 

Below are links to some of my previous blog posts which relate to points in this article: 

The July 13th Miracle 

It's hard to tell the difference between Lincoln and Trump (Feb 2020) 

Superman As Savior

The First Conspiracy 

1776 and 2021

JONAH

Pablo Picasso's Peace Dove

Almost ten years ago I chose to introduce myself by my middle name Jonah instead of my first name Robert. My middle name Jonah is also my Hebrew name, so I was bar mitzvah as Jonah.  I wrote about this on my blog back back in 2016 in a post I titled "Call Me By My Other Name." 

The name Jonah is Hebrew for Dove.  I am a birdbrain at times, but I'm sure that is not what my parents had on their mind when they named me Robert Jonah after my paternal grandmother Rose and my maternal grandfather Joseph. 

I love my name Jonah. Doves have become widely recognized symbols of peace. Jonah, Dove, has various associations and biblical origins.

In the story of Noah's Ark, a dove returned to the ark with an olive branch, signaling the end of the flood and God's peace with humanity. This established the dove as a symbol of hope and peace in Judeo-Christian tradition. 

Doves have long been associated with love and peace goddesses in other ancient cultures including Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman. In Christianity, the dove represents the Holy Spirit and is associated with peace, purity, and love.

The modern peace movement uses a dove because it is a universal symbol. Pablo Picasso's dove artwork was used for the iconic 1949 World Peace Congress poster. The release of doves at Olympic opening ceremonies (now replaced by dove-shaped balloons) further cemented their status as peace symbols.

Doves are inherently peaceful birds that coexist well with humans. They are generally associated with harmony and tranquility and represent hope, renewal, and new beginnings.

I love the meaning and associations with my Hebrew name Jonah, but I remember when I told my mother about my choice to elevate my middle name that it upset her. Mom could not understand my preference.  Sadly, my name was like many things about me - unacceptable.  Mom and I never came to peaceful understandings over politics, religion, how I dressed or even my choice to wear a yarmulke.

Picasso's Flower's of Peace

Love isn't easy. Peace isn't easy. 

Shalom Shalom 

Epilogue:

I don't want to forget about my first name, "Robert" because that name was given in honor of my Paternal Grandmother's name "Rose." She passed when my Dad was just 18 years old, so we never met. That makes me sad. 

The famous quote "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" comes from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. I need to find the time to write about my other name, Rose.  

IN-TENSE

Tense is a grammatical category that expresses time.  This blog post explores how one discerns what "tense" a bible verse is in. 

The primary function or purpose of "tense" is to indicate the time of an action: past, present, or future.

One of the most interesting aspects of Hebrew, and thus the way the Torah is written, is that Hebrew has a unique "tense system" compared to many other languages. 

The Hebrew Tense System works differently from languages like English. The Hebrew verbal system is based on three main tenses:

1. Past (Perfect)
2. Present (Participle)
3. Future (Imperfect)

However, these tenses don't always correspond directly to how we use tenses in English or other languages. Let's break this down further:

Perfect Tense (Past) - 

The perfect tense in Hebrew generally corresponds to the past tense in English, but it can also be used in other ways depending on context. It's used for completed actions, whether they occurred in the past, present, or even future.

Participle (Present) - 

The participle in Hebrew is used for the present tense, but it can also describe ongoing actions or states in the past or future.

Imperfect Tense (Future) - 

The imperfect tense typically corresponds to the future in English, but it can also be used for habitual actions in the past or present.

Aspect vs. Tense - 

Hebrew focuses more on the aspect of an action (whether it's completed or ongoing) rather than strictly when it occurred in time. This is why the tenses can sometimes be used in ways that might seem counterintuitive to speakers of languages with more rigid tense systems.

Perfect Tense in Hebrew is used primarily for past actions, but it can also be used to express:

• Completed actions in the present or future
• States of being
• Conditional statements

All Religion is Interpretation

The interpretation often depends on context and other elements in the sentence.

Here are some examples of bible verses where the reader can read "the tense" to be the past, present and/or the future. 

Genesis 1:1 - "בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים" (Bereshit bara Elohim)

"In the beginning, God created"

The perfect form of "bara" (created) has bearing to the creation occurring around us today and what happens in the future. 

Psalm 23:1 - "יְהוָה רֹעִי, לֹא אֶחְסָר" (Adonai ro'i, lo echsar)

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want"

The author King David was referring to himsrlf thousands of years ago. Yet, "Echsar" is in the imperfect form, which can express future ("I will not want") or ongoing present ("I do not want"). 

Psalm 119:47 - "וְאֶשְׁתַּֽעֲשַׁ֥ע בְּמִצְוֹתֶ֗יךָ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָהָֽבְתִּי"

"And I will delight in Your commandments, which I love"

Here, "אָהָֽבְתִּי" (ahavti - "I love") is in the perfect form but is often translated in the present tense in modern translations.

Proverbs 31:10-31 is considered an "inspired utterance" or prophecy. (*The full copy is below*.)  This passage was written thousands of years ago. It uses many verbs in the imperfect form to describe the actions of the virtuous woman. These could be interpreted as habitual present actions or future actions, depending on context. 

THE OLD, THE NEW AND THE FUTURE

Old: Psalm 69:21 -- "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink."

New: John 19.30 -- When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

In the New Testament, the last word Yeshua uttered from the cross is "tetelestai." It signified the completion of his mission, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the finality of his sacrificial work for humanity's redemption. The perfect tense of "tetelestai" indicates that the action was completed in the past with ongoing effects into the present and future.

The perfect tense of "tetelestai" significantly enhances its meaning in several important ways:

• Completed action with ongoing effects
• Permanent and Unchanging
• Past, present, and future significance
• Definitive ccompletion
• Ongoing relevance
• Assurance for believers

The greek word "tetelestai" as used in John 19:30 and 19:30 is perhaps the most in-tense example of "perfect tense" ever used.

John 28.19 -- After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”

Seek and You Shall Find

The way to get the most "good" out of reading/hearing the Bible is to put it into the context of the times one is in and our personal life. The bible has the greatest impact if we apply it to our entire life including our past, present and future hopes. 

My conclusion: The bible is a mirror. You can seek and find yourself. You can see your past, your present and/or your future.  Such is the timeless nature of the bible and Adonia.

* Epilogue: 

In 1999, Mary and I stood on King Herod's hilltop fortress, Masada, with my parents and my children for the Bar Mitzvah ceremony of our son Alexander.  Past, present and future together. It was "perfect" and very in-tense. 

Today, I'm bike riding on Nantucket with Alex's family. I'm the Saba, Alex is still my son, and his children are the future. 

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 An excellent wife who can find?

    She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

    and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

    all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax,

    and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant;

    she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is yet night

    and provides food for her household

    and portions for her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She dresses herself[a] with strength

    and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

    Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the distaff,

    and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She opens her hand to the poor

    and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,

    for all her household are clothed in scarlet.[b]

22 She makes bed coverings for herself;

    her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates

    when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them;

    she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

    and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently,

    but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

    and let her works praise her in the gates.