ESAU’S TENDER HEART

“But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” Genesis 33:4 

The more literal Hebrew text of Genesis 33:4:

וַיָּרָץ עֵשָׂו לִקְרָאתוֹ וַיְחַבְּקֵהוּ וַיִּפֹּל עַל־צַוָּארָיו וַיִּשָּׁקֵהוּ וַיִּבְכּוּ׃

"But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept."

"Fell On His Neck" 

“Fell on his neck” is a Hebrew idiom that appears other times in the Old Testament (for example, Genesis 45:14, Genesis 46:29) and Luke 15:20 in the parable of the prodigal son in the Gospels. It conveys:

• Physical closeness: A full, heartfelt embrace, not a formal or distant greeting.
• Emotional intensity: The action is spontaneous and passionate, showing that Esau’s anger had melted away and was replaced by brotherly affection.
• Reconciliation: It’s a visible sign that the relationship is restored and that Esau has forgiven Jacob.

If you recall, When Jacob sent messengers ahead to Esau, they returned with the report: “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—and four hundred men with him.” 

When Jacob heard that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men, he was greatly afraid and distressed. He immediately took several precautionary and strategic actions:

• Divided his people and possessions: Jacob split his family, servants, and flocks into two camps, reasoning that if Esau attacked one group, the other might escape.
• Prayed for deliverance: Jacob earnestly prayed to God for protection, reminding God of His promises and expressing his fear of Esau's potential revenge.
• Prepared a large gift: Jacob assembled an enormous gift of livestock to send ahead to Esau, hoping to appease him and soften his approach.
• Arranged his family by importance: As Esau approached, Jacob positioned his maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel with Joseph last, placing those dearest to him farthest from potential danger.
• Humbled himself: Jacob went ahead of his family and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached Esau, showing humility and respect.

These actions show Jacob’s deep anxiety, careful planning, and reliance on both practical measures and divine help in the face of a potentially hostile encounter with Esau and his men.

However, when the brothers finally met, Esau’s actions were unexpectedly warm and forgiving— Esau ran to Jacob, embraced him, and wept, showing that his intentions were not hostile at that moment.

This response—running, embracing, kissing, and weeping—shows a genuine softening of Esau’s heart. Despite Jacob’s fears that Esau might still be angry or vengeful, Esau responds with open affection and forgiveness, not hostility. Many commentators and interpreters highlight this moment as evidence that Esau’s anger had dissipated and his heart was moved with compassion and love toward his brother before they actually got together.

If Esau's original intentions were to show forgiveness and love to his brother, he would have forwarded a reassuring message to his brother Jacob through either his own messengers or with the messengers that Jacob sent. 

In addition, Esau would not have needed to show as much military strength. Surely Esau had advance scouts who reported back to him that Jacob wasn't traveling with a force of armed soldiers. 

Esau’s Heart Was Supernaturally Made Tender

Esau’s actions tell me that his heart was made tender JUST before he arrived. Not years before, but possibly just days before.  What happened just before the brothers met up that could have caused Esau’s heart to soften? 

One the most significant events in the bible happened just before Jacob and Esau met.  Jacob wrestling with the Angel of God. This encounter occurred the night before their reunion, as Jacob was traveling to meet Esau after more than 20 years apart.

Jacob received the famous pivotal blessing and God named Israel, signifying “he who struggles with God.”

In addition, Jacob's hip was damaged so he could run no longer from his fear, more specifically the fear of his brother. This spiritual transformation marked a turning point in Jacob’s life, preparing him for the reconciliation with Esau that followed the next day.

This episode is seen as both a literal and symbolic preparation for Jacob’s meeting with Esau. This supernatural episode reflects Jacob’s internal struggle, his repentance and his readiness for a new chapter in his life and relationship with his brother.

We must remember that Esau was transformed too. He went from have decades of hate for his brother Jacob, who stole his birthright blessing, to feeling forgiveness and love for Jacod.

I think Esau’s tender heart was the supernatural result of Jacob’s repentance.  I looked for any deeper clues hiddened in the bible to affirm this connection. I looked for a cipher coded in the text after Jacob received the blessing and before he got to his brother. That is when I think Esau’s heart was made soft and tender. Was there something in the word that God was fulfilling Jacob’s prayer? That led me to this piece of scripture:

Genesis 32:13-16 (ESV):

"So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. These he handed over to his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, 'Pass on ahead of me and put a space between drove and drove.'

By "spacing" out the "droves," Jacob made the gift appear even larger and more impressive to Esau, hoping to gradually soften his brother’s heart with each successive group. I figured the separation of the droves was also another piece of the clue. I thought maybe God hid the clue in the numbers. Numbers are letters, so first I converted the numbers to letters: 

Each letter corresponds directly to it's number as follows:

200 = ר (Resh)
20 = כ (Kaf)
10 = י (Yud)
40 = מ (Mem)

30 = ל (Lamed)

Then I sequenced them to correspond to the scripture. The sequence in Hebrew letters is:

ר כ ר כ ל כ י מ י

Then I seperated them into droves, grouping each set as a word, like the scripture says, "put a space between drove and drove." Low & behold they are Hebrew words:

 רכרך root (ר-כ-ר-ך) means "soft" or "tender" in biblical Hebrew.

רכרך Rakarak (Soft, Tender)
לכי L'chi (Go! /Feminine)
מי Mi (Who?/ Waters)

Who/Water? Go! Soft/Tender

Affirmation

Then I looked for an affirmation of the connection between Jacob recieving a blessing and the blessing of Esau's tender heart. I looked in the text at the time Jacob gave his gifts and Esau recieved them. Is there an indication that Esau’s heart was made tender by God, rather than being bought by Jacob's material possessions? I believe that is found clearly in these verses:

Genesis 33:8-11 (ESV):

"Esau said, 'What do you mean by all this company that I met?' Jacob answered, 'To find favor in the sight of my lord.' But Esau said, 'I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.' Jacob said, 'No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me. Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.' Thus he urged him, and he took it." 

Jacob's struggle with God was an incredible act of repentance. Surely, Jacob sought forgiveness for how he treated his brother Esau. In the process of his repentance he saw God’s face and he recieved the blessing he saught.  

Jacob himself declared, “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered” (Genesis 32:30, ESV). He named the place Peniel (or Penuel), which means “face of God,” to mark this extraordinary

Jacob wrestles with God in repentance with the intention to recieve a blessing in order to be a blessing, and he recieved his brother’s forgiveness. Esau, whose heart was filled with rage, was softened. This is a blessing to Esau! God's blessing was brotherly love!  

Jacob and Esau’s reunion coincides with Jacob’s name being changed to Israel. These events are a sign to the world. Israel will be a great blessing to the world. 

After their emotional reunion, Jacob and Esau did not fully restore their relationship or live closely together. While Esau forgave Jacob and their meeting was marked by genuine affection and a dramatic embrace (Genesis 33:4), the reconciliation was not complete in the sense of renewed closeness or ongoing partnership. 

Conclusion

The first brotherly relationship, Cain and Able was an epic failure. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked sin and the importance of brotherly kindness. It shows how envy and hatred can lead to violence and the breakdown of relationships. 

Perhaps the blessing Jacob desires is the forgiveness of his brother. ISRAEL recieved the blessing of Esau’s forgiveness. 

The sons of Jacob, the Twelve Tribes of Israel, had their own issues with brotherly love, but God meant it all for good and the Tribes of Israel went on to be a blessing to the nations of the world. 

“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,” from 1 John 3:11 (ESV).  

In _______ I Trust

Fill in the blank: In ________ I Trust.

In a world that increasingly doesn't make sense, what can we put your trust in? The answer is printed on our money.  

Before the verse "In God We Trust" appeared on our currency, the phrase appeared in a verse of the "Star Spangled Banner," reflecting America's long standing biblical roots. 

The phrase "In God I trust" appears verbatim in Psalm 56:4 -- 

"In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"

We best not put our trust in government or media. I may approve or disapprove of what a leader is doing, but I don't trust in them.  I have preferences and expectations based on past performance, but that isn't true trust.   

Disappointment is a universal human experience, but when difficulties and disappointments do happen, we have Adonai's assurances. God comforts us in many profound ways, offering peace, hope, and strength, rooted in His wisdom and presence during difficult times. The Bible acknowledges even faithful believers like Moses, Job, Naomi, and David faced deep letdowns and unmet expectations.

Isaiah 41:10 -- 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

At the start of this post I said to fill in the blank: 

In ________ I Trust. 

Day in & day out we need to fill in that blank. Life is filled with moments and situations when we need to fill in that blank. If we cannot, where does that leave us? Who or what shall we turn to?  

According to biblical teachings, individuals are presented with the option to accept or reject God, emphasizing the role of free will in matters of faith. God reaches out to individuals, whether we recognize it not.  Ultimately it is up to each person to respond, accept, or reject that relationship -- to "fill in the blank."

Such is the problem today: We are a nation filled with people who have conflicting opinions on how to fill in the blank.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 --

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him.”

The Apostle Matthew, a Jew who followed Rabbi Yeshua, said in his Gospel 6:33 -- 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

GOD BLESS AMERICA -- IN THE NAME

 

Israel Isidore Beilin
May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989

The name Irving, while not inherently Jewish, was a common secular or "Americanized" alternative to the traditional Hebrew names Isaac and Israel. So it was for Irving Berlin, one of the greatest American song writers there's ever been. He is famous for many songs, especially "God Bless America."  

The name "Berlin" may not have been the best choice, given the wars with Germany that were on the horizon, but Berlin's last name was not changed by anyone; it was a name he adopted. He began using the name "Berlin" after his actual last name, "Beilin," was misspelled on the sheet music for his first published song, "Marie from Sunny Italy," in 1907. He decided to keep the name, and it eventually became his legal name in 1911, well before both world wars. 

Before the rise of Hitler, Germany was the center of sophistication and Berlin was an extremely popular place for Jews to be.  That all came to a horrific end in Irving's life time.

The fall of Berlin and the 3rd Reich would lead to the rebirth of Israel.  You know who got to see it all. Imagine how Irving's heart must of swelled to see American's singing "God Bless America."

Irving Berlin was a Jewish Russian-born American composer and songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential figures in American music history. 

Irving Berlin's family escaped violent anti-Jewish pogroms in the Russian Empire and immigrated to New York in 1893. Irving grew up in poverty on the Lower East Side.

Berlin had a simple, direct, and heartfelt song writing style. During his 50+ year career he wrote over 1,000 songs, including "White Christmas," "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Easter Parade," "Cheek to Cheek," and "Puttin' On The Ritz." 

Relevant Tanget Warning⚠️ 

Speaking of Jews who change their name to sound less "Jewish," I gotta give a shout out to Mel Brooks for his rendition of  "Puttin On The Ritz" with Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle in "Young Frankenstein." If you recall, the son of the infamous Dr. Frankenstein was trying to hide his heritage, so he battled with people over how to pronounce his last name. That was a humorous play on Jews who tried so hard in those years to "fit in" with society, but still couldn't. Broadway was one of the few industries that accepted Jews.  Even in the name (title) of the song, could be a little hint of humor. The prounounciation of "Puttin" is a less cultured way of saying "putting." Mel Brooks is a gift to America, especially Jews. He built bridges of understanding through humor and movies. 

"Puttin on the Ritz" was released in 1929, shortly after what is considered the "great wave" of Jewish immigration, with over 2 million Jews, primarily from Eastern Europe, arriving in the US.  Many Jews, like Irving's family, were trying to escape very depressing and difficult lives. America was the new promise land, and New York City was like Jerusalem -- the center for Jews. (Remember, the modern state of Israel hadn't been created until after the Holocaust and WWII.) 

Opening Lyric Verse Makes More Sense: 

If you're blue, and you don’t know where to go to, why don’t you go where fashion sits ... Puttin' on the Ritz.  

Getting Back to Berlin and His Song that Blessed America 

Berlin wrote scores for 19 Broadway shows and 18 movie musicals. He received numerous honors, including an Academy Award, a Grammy, a Tony, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

His most well known and beloved song has to be "God Bless America." It became the unofficial national anthem. It was written originally in 1918 and revised in 1938 by Berlin. 

In the Song's Name: "God Bless America" is Framed as a Prayer 

Those were wars years for the world. Irving's song makes a call to God to bless and guide the United States during tumultuous times. The song also expressed gratitude and patriotism, important needed emotions for then or any time, especially now.

Original 1918 Lyrics:

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer:
God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.

"God Bless America" is sung on various occasions, most notably on Independence Day (July 4th) and Veterans Day.  It is also a regular feature at Major League Baseball games, particularly during the seventh-inning stretch, and especially on Sundays, Opening Day, and holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

In His Name 

I began this post with an explanation of Irving Berlin's first and last name changes -- From Israel Beilin to Irving Berlin.  There is an aspect about his original last name, "Beilin," that I find intriguing because of it's cool connection to the "God Bless America." 

"Beilin" is an Ashkenazi Jewish ethnic surname, particularly in Eastern Europe. It is believed to be derived from the Yiddish word "beyl," meaning "to be" or "to dwell," implying a connection to a specific place. The name is also linked to the name "Bella," another Ashkenazi Jewish surname that pops up. The name Bella, primarily of Italian origin, means "beautiful." Again, Berlin's first published song is "Marie from Sunny Italy." 

So, if you put the two origins of "Beilin" together I come up with "a beautiful place to be."  The lyrics of "God Bless America" describe a beautiful place to be. What an appropriate name! Coincidence? 

Coincidence or Mystery 

The ironic twist of fate is that Israel/Irving's last name was changed to "Berlin," the capital of Germany -- the country we went to war with. In every generation an enemy rises up to destroy the Jews no matter where we go or what we change our name to try to fit in.  I suppose that comes along with God changing Jacob's name. 

Thank you Irving Berlin. Your name and your songs certainly are a blessing to America! 

By the way, Berlin donated the song's royalties to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.

ABRAM WAS SENT, WE ARE CALLED

Genesis 12:1 -- The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

In Hebrew, the name Siloam שִׁלֹחַ in Hebrew, transliterated as Shiloach, means "sent" or "sending forth". This meaning is derived from the Hebrew verb שלח (shalah), which means "to send out" or "to let go."  The Pool of Siloam, a real place in Jerusalem, is named for this meaning, as it was fed by a water source that was sent out.  

In the New Testament, the name Siloam is explicitly linked to Jesus's healing of a blind man at the Pool of Siloam, where the pool is identified as "Sent". This highlights the connection between the name and the idea of something being sent out, whether it's water from a spring or a divine action. 

In Luke 13:4-5, Jesus references the recent collapse of the Tower of Siloam in Jerusalem, which killed eighteen people.  

Luke 13:4-5 -- Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Genesis 12:1 shows Abraham being "sent." Jesus sent out his apostles.  In Luke 13, Jesus extends Abraham's blessing and covenant to his descendants, emphasizing both physical and spiritual heritage.

The Hebrew for "Life" is Chai חַיִּ

The Hebrew word for life is Chai. The letters in chai (Yod 10 + Chet 8) = 18. Life = 18.

In Luke 13, God uses the death of "the 18" to challenge the common belief that suffering is a direct result of sin. Jesus emphasizes that everyone is susceptible to tragedy and calls for repentance, highlighting the universal need for turning to God.  Luke 13:3 -- I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

Also in Luke 13, Jesus encounters a woman who has been afflicted with a debilitating illness for 18 years, describing her as a "daughter of Abraham". He heals her on the Sabbath, leading to a confrontation with a synagogue leader who criticizes the timing of the healing. Jesus defends his actions by arguing that the woman, being a daughter of Abraham, should be freed from her affliction, just as one would release an animal for watering on the Sabbath. 

When Jews raise a cup of wine we say "L'Chaim," meaning "TO LIFE." Jesus's promises everlasting life, 18, to those who raise a cup and take communion.  

The bible, all 66 books, is one story. 

A MEDITATION ON LIFE

A Journey of Faith: Reflections on Life's Path Through Scripture

This morning a dear friend sent me a text with the following expression:

"God I thank you for all that you have given me, all that you have taken away from me and all that you have left me. You gave me life, you took away my stone cold heart and you left a path for me to come home."

His message caused me to mediate on the concept of life as a journey through the lens of scripture. This metaphor permeates both the Tanakh (Hebrew scriptures) and the New Testament. Judeo-Christian scripture, the bible, speak to God's presence throughout every stage of our existence. 

Scripture paints a beautiful, continuous picture of our soul’s journey: from our time on earth to life everlasting with God.

The Bible teaches that our souls are created by God and given purpose on this earth. Psalm 139:13-16 describes how God forms us in the womb and knows every day of our lives before one comes to be. 

Our earthly journey is not random; it is guided by God’s wisdom and instruction—His Torah, His Word, His Spirit.

The Beginning and End of Our Journey

As Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says "There is a time to be born and a time to die," directly acknowledging the boundaries of our earthly pilgrimage. 

Ecclesiastes 12:7: “And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

God's Presence Along the Path

I wonder how much of journey is determined by our choices versus the impact of other forces on us. We make plans, but then life happens. The world has a way of changing our plans. Scripture provides us assurances that carry through life's vicissitudes.

Comfort is found in knowing that God walks with us! The Bible repeatedly assures us of His constant presence:

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?... If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast" (Psalm 139:7-10).

To Jacob, He promised, "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go" (Genesis 28:15). To Moses, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14). And Yeshua himself assured us, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

The Shepherd's Guidance

Hebrew letter Lamed (30)

Psalm 23 has become especially meaningful in my reflection. This psalm uses journey imagery to describe life with God as our Shepherd:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

Lamed (ל) is derived from the root meaning "to learn" or "to teach." It's shape, which resembles a shepherd's staff, indicates guidance and direction in learning. The shepherd's staff is also associated with a journey.  

Even in life's darkest valleys, the Shepherd remains: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

I've come to see Psalm 23 as a microcosm of our entire life journey - from the peaceful beginnings to challenging passages, culminating in the promise: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Beyond Death: The Journey Continues

The Tenach signals that there is a path to redemption.    

Psalm 49:15 – “But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.”

Isaiah 25:8 – “He will swallow up death forever; the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces.”

Is it better for death to be a final rest?  The hope that sustains many is that our journey doesn't end at death. The New Testament makes this abundantly clear:

"To live is Christ and to die is gain... I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far" (Philippians 1:21-23).

"We are confident... to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Yeshua promised, "I go to prepare a place for you... I will come back and take you to be with me" (John 14:2-3).

This is the Hope - our hope - The Hope of Israel. Like Rahab's scarlet cord at Jericho, marking her household for salvation amid destruction, we too have a sign of rescue from death's power.

The Choices That Shape Our Path

Throughout Scripture, I see how our choices determine our destination. As Moses told Israel: "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Yeshua spoke of two paths: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

Conclusion: A Journey With Purpose

As I reflect on these passages, I'm reminded that life isn't meant to be a meaningless wandering. The scriptures speak of life being a purposeful journey with God as our guide. 

The very word “Torah” comes from the Hebrew root meaning instruction or guidance, emphasizing that God’s teachings are meant to direct our steps, not just provide rules.

The mitzvot (commandments) are there to give us "life to the full" described as longer days and a more abundant life -- a purposeful life overflowing with spiritual richness. 

Psalm 16:11 says “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Proverbs 3:1-2 teaches, “Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”

From the beginning (Psalm 139) to the end (Revelation 22:13), He is there - directing, protecting, and ultimately welcoming us home.

The journey has its green pastures and dark valleys, its moments of clarity and confusion. Yet through it all, God's promise remains: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

This journey continues beyond death into eternity - not as a conclusion but as a transition to a greater reality where, as Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."

Life is a journey and Ecclesiastes 7:2 says “Death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.”

This is my meditation, my hope, my assurance - that from beginning to end and beyond, the God who formed me walks with me, and will one day welcome me home.

I hope somehow these thoughts are meaningful to you. 

Epilogue:

Whenever I do a meditation. I always refer to the Torah portion for the week, which is invariably relevant. This weeks Parshah is called "Chukat," means "Statute" and it is found in Numbers 19:1-22.1.

In this section, after forty years of journeying through the desert, the people of Israel arrive in the wilderness of Zin. Miriam dies, and the people thirst for water. G‑d tells Moses to speak to a rock and command it to give water. Moses gets angry at the rebellious Israelites and strikes the stone. Water issues forth, but Moses is told by G‑d that neither he nor Aaron will enter the Promised Land.

The Torah never fails.  Adonia called me by my name. 

THE WORLD WITNESSED THE SHIELD OF DAVID

Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2). 

Psalm 146.10 -- The Lord will reign forever! Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Hallelujah!"

What the world witnessed in Israel’s so called "12-Day War," and before against Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis is miraculous. The IDF and IAF went into battle with the protection of the shield (Magan) of David. 

In the Tenach, the Hebrew Bible, the Land of Israel and the city of Jerusalem are both referred to as Zion.  Zion is a specific, historically important location — the name refers to both a hill in the city of Jerusalem and to the city itself — but it's also used in a general way to mean "holy place" or "kingdom of heaven." 

Zechariah 2:10 -- Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord.

The phrase "daughter of Zion" is a personification of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, particularly in the Hebrew prophets.

2 Samuel 5:9-10 -- And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.

1 Samuel 17:34-37, King David is portrayed as having killed both a lion and a bear that threatened his father's flock. This act of bravery demonstrates David's courage, faith, and reliance on God's strength before the shepherd boy David slayed Goliath, long before his role as king. 

1 Samuel 17:34-37 (ESV) -- But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

The Star of David on the flag of Israel symbolizes the protection of Israel. 

Israel's victory will be studied for generations to come by military experts and students.  When one reaches the inevitable conclusion that God was in the battle with Israel, what does one do with that understanding?  Therein exists the dilemma for those who don't have faith. 

This dilemma is not just intellectual but existential: it challenges individuals to confront their assumptions about history, meaning, and the possibility (or impossibility) of the divine acting in the world. For people of faith, the conclusion inspires worship and further trust; for skeptics, it may prompt critical inquiry or a search for alternative explanations. The divide itself is a recurring theme in the philosophy of history and in how societies remember and teach about pivotal events. 

Do you have eyes to see? What do you see? Do you have ears to hear? What do you hear?

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד

Sh'ma Yisra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad. Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.

Epilogue:

Speaking of a Jerusalem/Zion, a "city on a hill," consider the vision of America. 

TODAY'S PARALLELS TO ANCIENT PERSIA

A ~400 Year Old Biblical Story and Parallels to Today

The Megillah (scroll) of Esther tells the story of how Queen Esther of Persia, a woman who was hiding her Jewish identity, risks her life to prevent the genocide of her people by a wicked man named Haman. Haman plans to kill Esther's cousin Mordechai and all the Jews, because he refuses to bow down to him or anyone but God. 

Convinced by her cousin Mordechai, Queen Esther  reveals her Jewish identity and exposes Haman's wicked plans to king Achashverosh. (That is the king's Hebrew name.  In the Septuagint Greek translation of the Book of Esther the king is referred to ArtaXerxes.)  

The name Artaxerxes, of Persian origin, generally means "ruler of heroes" or "great king". It's composed of the elements arta, meaning truth or righteousness, and xerxes, meaning ruler or king. 

Queen Esther's Hebrew name was Hadassah (הֲדַסָּה), which means “myrtle”. When she became queen of Persia, she was given the name Esther (אֶסְתֵּר), likely derived from the Hebrew root s-t-r (סתר), meaning “to hide or conceal,” reflecting her hidden Jewish identity. 

Truth Is Revealed

After Esther reveals Haman's wicked plans, the king orders Haman and his 10 sons to be hung on the gallows (a tree) that Haman had prepared to kill Mordechai on. Queen Esther's cousin Mordechai is elevated to royal status. 

A Royal Decree to Fight Back

Using the Signet Ring given to him by the king, Mordechai issues a royal decree that is dispatched to all 127 provinces of Achashverosh's empire. Jews are given license to defend themselves. They are to rise up against those plotting to kill them. They do, and they kill Haman’s soldiers. The evil plans of Haman are reversed. The Jews survive. In witness to the power of God of Isreal, many Persians become believers and convert to Judaism, so it says. 

This story is why Jews celebrate the holiday of Purim. The word “Purim” means “lots,” referring to the lots (dice-like objects) that Haman cast to choose the date for his planned genocide of the Jews. Those lots fell on the date the 13th of Adar. Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, the day after the battle.

The Law of the Pursuer 

The decree issued by Mordechai reflects the ethical imperative: to take action to prevent harm, which is a broader principle underlying the Halachic law of Din Rodef, the "law of the pursuer."

Din rodef (“law of the pursuer”) is a principle in Jewish law that allows, or even obligates, a person to stop someone actively trying to kill another—even by killing the attacker if necessary, so long as lesser means would not be effective. The law provides for self-defense, even the obligation to kill someone before they kill you or another. But it does not justify revenge! 

Consider the Parallels to Today

• The battle takes place in ancient Persia, which is modern day Iran.
• Haman’s name is spelled almost exactly like Hamas, which means violence.  
• The Jews fight back to prevent their own destruction. 
• The tables are turned on Haman and his evil guards. They're the ones who are killed. The covenant Children of Israel survive destruction.

One More "Coincidence"

There is one more date that has an interesting correlation to today's events with Israel's war with Iran. That is the date that Mordechai issued his royal decree. That date is the 23rd of Sivan. This date falls on the 19th of June this year 2025 (5785). The 23rd of Sivan is this Thursday, which also happens to be the date of this year's Jewish Federation of Dutchess County's Gala. 

Meanwhile, the world is anxious to know the fate of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is probably hid up in one the bunkers Iran built to strike Israel from. Israel also anxiously anticipates the decree of President Trump concerning the use of America's bunker buster bombs. 

Conclusion 

My conclusion would sound like a prediction, if I shared it.  But you don't have to be prophet to recognize the amazing parallels. There are a lot of great miracles are happening there!  Nes Gadol Hey Shin. But that is another holday, Hanukkah. 

Notably, in Books of Maccabees, after the victorious battle against the Seleucids, Judah Maccabee declares for the ages, to "Remember the 13th of Adar." To this day that Fast of Esther is remembrance of that. 

The Ayatollah will not unconditionally surrender. Especially if he is dead and his regime has been overthrown! But the Persians who take back their country may.

The irony in all of this is that it is Israel that is freeing both the Palestinians from the evil of Hamas and the Persian peoples from the terrible Iranian regime. The rise of Persian and the end of Hamas (violence) is the greatest reset in this century.

"Rising Lions" like her are the future!

History in today is prophecy of tomorrow.  

Epilogue:

Some interpretations of the war prophesied in war in Ezekiel 38 and 38 say that it will not begin until israel is secure and prosperous in the land. After the defeat of Iran, this will be the first time in the history of modern israel that this may happen.

Netanyahu’s finest hour: Facing Iran alone, if he must

"Rising Lions" like her are the future!