Shalom,

Psalm 54:6 Surely God is my helper. My Lord is the supporter of my soul.

Did you notice in part 1 (see the RR for last Friday, May 22nd) this Psalm is labeled (along with some others that are similarly labeled) a “contemplative song?”  In Hebrew, it is called a “Maskil?”  This word is taken from Sachal (Seychel in Yiddish).  It means “understanding” or “wisdom.”  The “Mem” is prefixed to indicate a noun form.  Let me explain further….  

Many Psalms are written to appeal to the emotions of the reader, to bring us to a place of loving God emotionally, “Ki L’Olam Chasdo,” “for His mercy endures forever.”  This “Maskil” is written to appeal to our intellect (our minds which house knowledge) with reason, to love God with all our hearts (of course) AND to know (in our thought life) the difference between good and evil.  We love God and hate his enemies.  

Rabbi Trail: Biblical “hate” is not the same as secular hate.  Biblical hate is anything (or anyone) that is in second place to the primacy of God.  His purposes and His kingdom always come first in our hearts and in our minds.  In the Bible, anything subordinate to God is “hated.”  End RT.

The last half of this verse amplifies the first half.  “God is my helper.”  That’s straightforward enough, and timely too, since we already know we can’t fulfill our calling in our own strength alone.  The amplification is that God is also the Lord of those who “steady my soul.”  Truth be told, we all live in a shaky existence.  Whether we realize it or not, we’re all no more than a heartbeat away from disaster.  Without the Lord and His angels watching over us, we would be destroyed.  Only through faith in God are we established on a firm foundation that cannot be shaken.  Here are three scriptural proof-texts.

1Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what is already laid—which is Yeshua the Messiah.  

Ephesians 2:20 You have been built on the foundation made up of the emissaries and prophets, with Messiah Yeshua Himself being the cornerstone.  

Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 

That’s the life we live in Messiah Yeshua, built on a firm foundation and unshakeable.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon25-May-20269th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 4:38-49Jer 18Job 381 Co 2 (Mk 6:1-29)

Shalom and Chag Sameach,

Everybody should know about God’s grace, and we have the privilege of making His favor known. It is an honor to bear witness to this reality. We can proclaim His saving favor to those who are not yet born from above. Let’s determine to do this. Paul did.

However, I don’t consider my life of any value, except that I might finish my course and the office I received from the Lord Yeshua, to declare the Good News of the grace (charis/favor) of God. (Acts 20:24) 

We also proclaim His gracious acts in our public worship. Consider the following vow.

I will not die, but live, and proclaim what Adonai has done! (Psalm 118:17) 

The following is a declaration of intent and testimony regarding proclaiming God’s attributes within the context of corporate worship. 

I proclaim good news of righteousness in the great assembly. Behold, I am not shutting my lips— Adonai, You know! (Psalm 40:10) 

By the way, here’s something worth proclaiming about the good news of God’s righteousness: favor reigns through righteousness.

Grace (charis/favor) might reign through righteousness, to eternal life through Messiah Yeshua our Lord. (Romans 5:21b) 

Knowing that the experience of God’s grace is actually an outpouring of favor, we become interpreters of charis to those who hear us. Peter did.

I have written to you briefly, encouraging and testifying that this is the true grace (charis/favor) of God. (1 Peter 5:12b) 

In the assembly we publicly proclaim the praise of His favor (charis/grace).  Paul wrote of the glorious praise of His favor.

... the glorious praise of His grace (charis/favor), with which He favored (charis/graced) us through the One He loves! In Him we have redemption through His blood—the removal of trespasses—in keeping with the richness of His grace (charis/favor) that He lavished on us. (Ephesians 1:6–8a) 

Charis is used three times in these short, potent, verses. How worthy of praise is His favor? How rich is His charis? How many aspects of favor has God provided? Let’s think about the manifold nuances of grace and gloriously exalt the Father who has favored us.

First of all, we have redemption through the Messiah’s blood, and the assurance that our sins have been forgiven. If we never experienced His charis revealed in providence, provision, or relationships with others, this justifying grace, which has been lavished upon us, is much more than enough to be the impetus to private and public gratitude (eucharisteo). If this magnificent favor is lavished on us, then the maxim, “the greater includes the lesser” is surely applicable.

What then shall we say in view of these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31–32) 

Let us praise His favor together. The psalmist praised aspects of God’s character. 

Your love, Adonai, is in the heavens, Your faithfulness up to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like the great deep. (Psalm 36:6–7a) 

When we gather, with the Messiah in our midst, let us also proclaim His charis to the brethren. Let us build one another up, speaking of His favor as it is revealed in the Scriptures. Let us also illustrate His grace with firsthand testimony. What does the Word say? Share it. Has the Lord ever shown you favor? Tell a friend.

Come and listen, all you who fear God. I will tell what He has done for my soul. (Psalm 66:16) 

“Messiah Yeshua came into the world to save sinners”—of whom I am foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15b) 

... where sin increased, grace (charis/favor) overflowed even more (Romans 5:20b) 

We encourage one another with the word of His grace. The word of God’s favor is powerful. Allow me to reference this verse again. Paul spoke to elders: 

“Now I commit you to God and the word of His grace (charis/favor), which is strong to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who have been made holy. (Acts 20:32) 

Since we love one another, let us seek to edify one another. Let us proclaim His favor, praise His favor, and build one another up with the testimony of Scripture and our experiences of His grace.

Shavuot (Feast of Weeks)
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun24-May-20268th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 4:21-37 Jer 17Job 371 Co 1 (Mk 5)

Shabbat Shalom,

Here is a reminder that Sunday, May 24th is Shavuot.  We will have a joint service with Grace and Glory in the sanctuary followed by a picnic on the grounds.  Please bring a side, salad, or dessert to share and stay for the fellowship.  

There is a connection between Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks) and Pentecost (the 50th day from the resurrection of Yeshua).  Here is a link to a very good article by rabbi Curt Landry of Oklahoma that gives the details.

https://www.curtlandry.com/what-is-the-connection-between-shavuot-and-pentecost/ 

Day 49 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat23-May-2026 7th of Sivan, 
De 16:9-17, Nu 28:26-31    Hab 2:20-3:19 [3:1-19] Ruth 1-4   2 Co 3

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 54:1 For the music director, on stringed instruments, a contemplative song of David, 2 when the Ziphites came and said to Saul: “Is not David hiding himself among us?” 3  O God, save me by Your Name, vindicate me by Your might. 4 O God, hear my prayer, listen to the words of my mouth. 5 For strangers have risen up against me. Violent men seek after my soul. They do not set God before them. Selah

Let’s put some context to the writing of this Psalm.  It’s actually one of ten Psalms focused on David hiding from Saul, collectively called “Psalms of the Fugitive.”  Psalm 16 is out of order.  The other nine, 52-60, are in order.  

Oh those pesky Ziphites!  They would have turned David and the 600 men who were with him over to Saul for certain destruction.  1Samuel 23:19 Then some of the Ziphites went up to Saul in Gibeah, saying, “Isn’t David hiding with us in the strongholds at Choresh, in the hill of Hachilah which is south of Jeshimon? 20 Now therefore, O king, come down whenever it is a desire of your soul to come down—our part will be to deliver him into the king’s hand.”

How did David end up in the wilderness of Ziph?  The Lord had previously warned David to leave Keilah.  1Samuel 23:12 Then David asked, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my fellow men into the hand of Saul?” “They will surrender,” Adonai said.  It was out of desperate wandering that David ended up in the wilderness of Ziph, but the Lord delivered him from there too.  In fact, the only thing that ultimately saved David was an attack by the Philistines on Israel while Saul was away.

1Samuel 23:26b David was hurrying to elude Saul. Meanwhile Saul and his men were closing-in on David and his men to seize them. 27 But a messenger came to Saul saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land!” 28 So Saul had to return from chasing after David, and go to engage the Philistines. Therefore they called that place the Rock of Separation. 29 From there David went up and stayed in the strongholds of En-gedi.

Watch David’s response to this stressful situation.  Psalm 54:3 O God, save me by Your Name, vindicate me by Your might. 4 O God, hear my prayer, listen to the words of my mouth. 5  For strangers have risen up against me. Violent men seek after my soul. They do not set God before them. Selah. 

Did you hear that?  David’s first response is to turn to God for help.  Of course there is abundant Scriptural support about turning to God in times of trouble.  Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 3:5,6 and Joshua 1:9 all come immediately to mind immediately.  Paul’s instruction to the Philippians also commands our attention… Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.

“Let your requests be made known to God.”  Let’s make that our first option.  The promised result is that God will give us shalom.  This is not the equivalent of Zen Buddhism but the result of a confidence in our relationship with the supreme authority of every thing.  When our “understanding” says “panic” our response is in blessed assurance that God will provide.  He alone will save, and He alone will deliver.  May His name be blessed.  B’shem Yeshua HaMashiach, Amen.

Day 48 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri22-May-20266th of Sivan, 5786  
Ex 19:1-20:26(23), Nu 28:26-31Ez 1:1-28; 3:12   Ac 2:1-41

Shalom,

Psalm 53:7 Who will give salvation for Israel out of Zion? When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!

Today we end our study of Psalm 53 with the last verse.  Of course, as with all the Psalms, we end on an upbeat chorus of enthusiasm.  Even though we start with a question, the question itself is upbeat.  Psalm 53:7a Who will give salvation for Israel out of Zion?  The Hebrew for “salvation” is “Yeshuot.”  It is plural meaning literally “salvations.”  This is a poetic form for complete, total, once for all time SALVATION.

Let’s answer the question from Scripture.  Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved!”  The previous verse clearly specifies the NAME of YESHUA!  Therefore; the captive people (whom God has restored) rejoice and are glad.  They are the children of Jacob, also called ISRAEL.

And what is all the celebration about?  I’m glad you asked… Revelation 7:9  After these things I looked, and behold, a vast multitude that no one could count—from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues—was standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  Now that you know, feel free to join in.  Shalom shalom.

Day 47 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu21-May-20265th of Sivan, 5786 
De 16:4-8Jer 16Job 36 Ro 16 (Mk 4)

Shalom,

Psalm 53:6 There they are in great dread—where there is nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those besieging you. You have put them to shame, for God has rejected them.

Boo!  Did I just scare you?  Maybe not, because only the enemies of God are afraid of nothing.  This has everything to do with our inheritance in Messiah Yeshua.  How did God, “put them to shame?”  Think about this for a minute… Colossians 2:15  After disarming the principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross.

In the kingdom of God, you’re in or you’re out.  In by grace through faith, or out by unbelief.  Romans 1:20(in part) His invisible attributes…have been clearly seen….So people are without excuse.  How many times would a tornado have to pass through a junk yard before the dust would clear and reveal a Boing 747.  Anyone with a face and mirror can see the handiwork of God.  We are all “without excuse.”

What about you?  What about now?  On the road to Emmaus, Cleopas was speaking to Yeshua (but didn’t know it was Him).  Luke 24:18b “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”  Today, 2,000 years later, Yeshua is asking you the same question.  Make your answer, “Yes and amen, I, repent, believe and receive, in Yeshua’s name.”  Shalom shalom.

Day 46 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed20-May-20264th of Sivan, 5786 
De 16:1-3Jer 15Job 35Ro 15 (Mk 3)

Shalom,

Psalm 53:4 All have turned aside—together they have become corrupt. There is no one who does good—no, not even one! 5 Will the evildoers never learn? They consume My people as they would eat bread, and never call upon God.

There is that thought again, “There is no one who does good—no, not even one!”  How appropriate is the follow up question that starts verse 5? “Will the evildoers never learn?”  It is endemic to the title “evildoers.”  If they ever did learn, they would no longer be evildoers!  Ezekiel 18:23 “Do I delight at all in the death of the wicked?” It is a declaration of Adonai. “Rather, should he not return from his ways, and live?”

The way of sin is death.  That message is pasted throughout the Bible from cover to cover.  Genesis 3:19 “By the sweat of your brow will you eat food, until you return to the ground, since from it were you taken. For you are dust, and to dust will you return.”  We all have this terminal illness called sin, that is, until we enter the New Covenant by faith in Messiah Yeshua.  

1Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we, removed from sins, might live for righteousness. “By His wounds you were healed.” 25 For you like sheep were going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Affirm that Yeshua is who He says He is.  Matthew 16:15 He said, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  John 14:6 Yeshua said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life! No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 11:25 Yeshua said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life! Whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She says to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, Ben-Elohim who has come into the world.”

Believe this and never die.  Shalom shalom.

Day 45 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue19-May-20263rd of Sivan, 5786
De 15:19-23Jer 14Job 34Ro 14(Mk 2)

Shalom,

Psalm 53:3 God looks down from the heavens on the children of men, to see if anyone understands, who seeks after God.

The Hebrew word is “Shaqaf” meaning to look down from a lofty position.  In the physical realm, this is looking down from a watchtower or other elevated place.  In the spiritual realm (like in our subject verse) this “looking down” is from a position of higher authority.  

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” It is a declaration of Adonai. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts….12 “Yes, you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills will break forth before you singing, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands!”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH0XbpNY2g8 

Elohim is searching the earth to see who has the understanding (of the high value) of seeking after God.  Jeremiah confirmed Moses’ prophecy.  Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me, when you will search for Me with all your heart. Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek Adonai your God and you will find Him, when you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.  

However; both men (and others as well, who are not mentioned here) prophesy this time of heart connection to God comes to us only after a season of rebellion.  Deuteronomy 4:25 “When you father children and children’s children and have been in the land a long time, and you act corruptly… and do evil in the sight of Adonai your God, provoking Him to anger, 26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that you will certainly be carried off quickly from the land you are crossing over the Jordan to possess. You will not prolong your days on it, for you will certainly be destroyed.  

Here is an invitation… why not skip the rebellion and use the wisdom God offers us?…  Paul spoke this in Athens, addressing all the nations created by God… Acts 17:27 They were to search for Him, and perhaps grope around for Him and find Him. Yet He is not far from each one of us. Psalm 145:18 Adonai is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

Let’s end this today by backing up just one verse from where we began in Isaiah.  Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous one his thoughts, let him return to Adonai, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.  Shalom shalom.

Day 44 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon18-May-20262nd of Sivan, 5786
De 15:1-18Jer 13Job 33Ro 13 (Mk 1)

Shavuah Tov,

God’s favor is as certain as His love. The certainty of His acting favorably towards us is as sure as tomorrow’s sunrise. (Hosea 6:3) His intervening love is everlasting – it is always reliable. Our experience of His favor is like daily bread. 

Favor (charis/grace) proceeds from love. Since we know that God loves us, we need to cultivate the expectation of certain favor. This necessity flows from the Messiah’s direction. For the sake of our souls, Yeshua commanded us to abide in His love. 

“Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you. Abide in My love! (John 15:9) 

I must reiterate this: grace proceeds from love. 

But God was rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us. Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Messiah. (By charis/grace/favor you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4–5) 

The degree of grace we receive is determined by the extent of the love God has for us. 

In Him we have redemption through His blood—the removal of trespasses—in keeping with the richness of His grace (charis/favor) that He lavished on us. (Ephesians 1:7–8a) 

The amount of favor we experience in daily life is connected to our experience of the love of God that is in Yeshua. 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord. (Romans 8:38–39) 

Allow me to remind us that in the same way God’s love is located in Yeshua, so also is His favor.

Therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace (charis/favor) that is in Messiah Yeshua. (2 Timothy 2:1) 

Can anything separate us from the Father’s love that is in Yeshua? No, and nothing can halt His expression of that love – the charis of God. By the way, have you noticed that one sparks faith in the other? If we experience the love of God, we find that our expectation of favor is empowered. If we want the increase of our experience of favor, we may strategically seek the increase of our apprehension of God’s love.

Speaking of expectation, do we expect to experience God’s love? If so, we should anticipate experiencing His favor. After all, as we wrote earlier, Father’s grace towards us proceeds from His love for us. Hoping to experience His favor is a logical consequence of knowing the love of God that is in Yeshua. (Romans 8:38–39)

We are to view life through the grid of God’s grace. “The Grace Grid”... I think I’ll add that to my vocabulary. Hmmm, maybe “The Framework of Father’s Favor”? After all, it is written: 

What then shall we say in view of these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31–32) 

Let’s take a moment and concentrate on the fact that because God favors us, He is for us. God is with us. God is for us. To what degree is He for us? His favor is commensurate with the love with which He loves us.

God is for us.

Then my enemies will turn back in the day I call. This I know—that God is for me. In God—I keep praising His word— in Adonai—I keep praising His word— in God I trust, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:10–12) 

Adonai is for me—I will not fear! What can man do to me? Adonai is for me, as my helper. I will see the downfall of those who hate me. (Psalm 118:6–7) 

To what degree is He for us? Let’s return to Romans 8. This is a definitive word that describes the intensity of God’s determination to act upon the favor He has for us.

Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) 

Let us press on to interpret our pasts, presents, and expectations, from that perspective. Perceive life through The Grace Grid. Why not? After all, God is for you.

Day 43 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun17-May-2026 1st of Sivan, 5786 Rosh Chodesh SivanDayDe 14:22-29Jer 11-12Job 32Ro 12 (Mt 28)

Shabbat Shalom,

This week’s Torah Portion is Bamidbar, which translates to “in the wilderness. This portion includes a census of fighting men, naming leaders, organizing the camp, Levites replacing the first born, and designating Levite tribes for transporting the Tabernacle.

The camp is set up like an army. They march in military fashion, leaders are named, soldiers are numbered, and duties assigned. 

Numbers 1:3 You and Aaron are to muster by their divisions every son from 20 years and upward available to serve in the army of Israel.

Males 20 years and older and able to serve in the army are counted. Those too young, too old, or with physical limitations were not counted. 

Readiness to defend the people didn’t start with this census. At the start of the Exodus, the people were ready for a fight.

Exodus 14:8 …the Israelites went out with a high hand. This is ancient speak for they were ready to fight.

Many of the historical books in the Hebrew Scriptures report on consequential battles. What is in this for us, other than a good history lesson? 

The Prophets:

Isaiah 13:4 A sound of tumult in the mountains like that of many people! A sound of uproar of kingdoms, of nations gathered! ADONAI-Tzva’ot is mustering the army for battle.

Joel 4:9 …Prepare for war, Stir up the mighty men. Let the warriors advance and attack, Beat your plowshare into swords, and your pruning knives into swords…

This is the Messiah expected by most First Century Jews. A conquering King. They were unprepared for the suffering servant.

Isaiah 53:3-5 – He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, one from whom people hid their faces. He was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely he has born our griefs and carried our pains. Yet we esteemed him stricken, struck by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our shalom was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.

Even though the Suffering Messiah was prophesied, Jews in Yeshua’s day were not ready to accept the notion of one like Yeshua. They wanted one who was going to take on the Romans and send them packing. They were looking for a strong military leader.

Today, many Christians are in danger of the opposite. They are focused on only the suffering spiritual redeemer Yeshua, completely ignoring that he is also a warrior king. Numerous psalms and prophesies speak of how Messiah will defeat God’s enemies.

Jeremiah 51:20 You are my club, a war weapon – with you I will shatter nations, with you I will destroy kingdoms.

Revelation 19:11 The I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse! The one riding on it is called faithful and true, and he judges and makes war in righteousness.

Revelation 19:14 The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following him on white horses.

Isaiah 11:10-14 It will also come about in that day that the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples…that my Lord will again redeem a second time with his hand the remnant of his people…he will lift up a banner for the nations and assemble the disbursed of Israel…they will swoop down on the Philistine slope to the west. Together they will plunder the children of the east.

War is coming. Tough times are ahead. Matthew 24:7-13 Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…They will hand you over to persecution and will kill you…many will fall away…lawlessness will multiply…but the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord!” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say…didn’t we prophesy…drive out demons…perform miracles in your name?...I will declare to them “I never knew you. Get away from me you workers of lawlessness.”

Fortunately, we know the ending. Revelation 22:20 Yes! I am coming soon! Amen, Come Lord Yeshua! Stand firm to the end! Don’t be the one Yeshua never knew. Shabbat Shalom

Day 42 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat16-May-2026 29th of Iyar, 5786 Parashat Bamidbar Shabbat Machar Chodesh
Nu 4:1-201 Sa 20:18-42Lk 1:26-33

(Early) ShabbatPsalm 53:1 For the music director: on Mahalath, a contemplative song of David. 2 The fool says in his heart: “There is no God.” They are corrupt, commit vile injustice. There is no one who does good.

There is a strange word that is part of the introduction to this Psalm.  (The Psalm is attributed to David, but some scholarship casts doubt on that assertion.  I’ll explain later, but not today.)  The word is “Mahalath.”  It is actually taken from Chalah, which is not the braided loaf of Shabbat bread, although it is spelled the same, it means “sick.”  In English we call them homographs.

So the Psalm is about or concerning a sickness, and what “sickness” could that be?  Verse 2, the second part of verse 1 in most Christian Bibles, actually mentions two “sicknesses.”  The fool, who says to himself, “There is no God.” And those same fools who are “corrupt (and) commit vile injustice,” probably because they think no one is watching or keeping account.  

Hello, we’re taking a survey to see if you’re sick.  Do you deny in your heart that there is a God?  Check!  Also, are you corrupt, committing vile injustice?  Check!  Yes, you checked both boxes, therefore; you’re officially sick.  What, you didn’t check the boxes?  You’re still sick… “There is no one who does good.”  Do you suppose Paul read Psalm 53?

Romans 3:10 As it is written, “There is no one righteous—no, not one. 11 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks after God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless. There is no one who does good—no, not even one!”

We all need to be healed, and faith in Yeshua is the cure.  Isaiah 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our pains. Yet we esteemed Him stricken, struck by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our shalom was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  Amen and Shalom shalom.

Day 41 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri15-May-2026    28th of Iyar, 5786 Yom YerushalaimNu 3:40-51Jer 10Job 31Ro 11 (Mt 27:32-66)
 Shalom,

Shalom,

Psalm 52:11 I will praise You forever for what You have done. I will hope in Your Name, for it is good, in the presence of Your kedoshim.

Here is my own amplified translation of verse 11, which is the last verse of Psalm 52.  “I will thank You for all eternity (to the end of the universe), on account of Your works, and I will collect (my thoughts) and wait patiently on Your name.  It is good (to be) in the presence of Your holy and kindly saints.”  

Many Psalms, Psalm 52 included, follow a similar pattern….  They typically start with repentance over sin and the pronunciation of various judgments as a consequence.  Then all that calamity is followed by a “love fest” of praise for God and His ways, leading to a happy ending.  That’s the story of Psalm 52.  The Psalm ends with eternal thanksgiving and an expression of goodness in the presence of God’s people because they are filled with grace.  Echos of Revelation 19…

Revelation 19:6 Then I heard something… saying, “Halleluyah! For Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot reigns! 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.

King David spent many years with his life threatened by Israel’s first king (Saul).  David’s Son, Yeshua, Who is the Lamb, also lived with His life threatened by Israel’s ruler.  Ultimately, Yeshua had His life taken from Him, but then, in victorious resurrection, He was able to take it up again.  

John 10:18 “No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.”

Thus, Yeshua became the first (to be raised from the dead) among many brethren.  We who follow the Lord have this inheritance… Romans 8:28 Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  

As a consequence, we are led to this conclusion… Romans 8:36  As it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38a For I am convinced that neither death nor life, 39b nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.

And that is the reason we wait patiently, with faith, believing our redemption draws near.  Luke 21:28 “Now when these things begin to happen, stand straight and lift up your heads, because your salvation is near!”  Shalom shalom.

Day 40 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu14-May-202627th of Iyar, 5786 
Nu 3:14-39Jer 9Job 30Ro 10 (Mt 27:1-31)

Shalom,


Psalms
Psalm 52:8-10(6-8) – Part 5

Psalm 52:8 Then the righteous will see and fear, and laugh at him: 9 Here is the man who did not make God his stronghold. Instead he trusted in his great riches—and was strong in his evil desire.” 10 But I—I am like an olive tree flourishing in the House of God. I trust in God’s lovingkindness forever and ever.

Here we go!  Finally, the righteous one is mentioned.  This righteous one will see Doeg and have two responses.  First, he will both “see and fear,” as he observes the destruction God brings into Doeg’s life.  Then, this will lead to laughter, as the righteous one laughs over Doeg’s destruction.  All of which leads us to a question.  “On whose team do you want to tie your hopes, dreams and aspirations, Doeg’s team (whose destiny is destruction) or David’s team (whose destiny is eternity in the presence of the Lord.”  Yes, the answer is laughable.  (Even a cave man could get it right.)

Isaiah had some choice words as he prophesied over team Doeg.  Isaiah 66:4 So I will choose their punishments and bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they did not listen. But they did what was evil in My eyes, and chose what I did not delight in.

Those who trust in themselves will be brought low by the greater power of God.  Ezekiel 26:9 He (God acting through Nebuchadnezzar) will thrust his battering engines against your walls. He will tear down your towers with his weapons.  Have you ever asked God, “How will all this end?”  He has answered your question in Psalm 40:4 He put a new song in my mouth—a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and trust in Adonai. 5 Blessed is the one who put his confidence in Adonai, who has not turned to the arrogant, nor to those who fall into falsehood.

That’s right, the inheritance of the righteous is the blessing of God.  1Peter 3:12 For the eyes of Adonai are on the righteous and His ears open to their prayer, but the face of Adonai is against those who do evil.  Is this some “great by and by” promise or is it for here and now?  Yes to both.  Psalm 34:16 The eyes of Adonai are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry. 17 The face of Adonai is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 18 The righteous cry out and Adonai hears, and delivers them from all their troubles.  Shalom shalom

Day 39 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed13-May-202626th of Iyar, 5786 
Nu 3:1-13Jer 8Job 29Ro 9 (Mt 26:36-75)

Shalom,

Psalm 52:6 You love only devouring words—treacherous tongue! 7 God will pull you down forever, and snatch you, rip you out of your tent, and uproot you from the land of the living. Selah

Yet again, David throws out a final volley of negative epithets at that betrayer and murderer, Doeg.  Now, David uses four words to describe the undoing of Doeg, “from the land of the living.”  First he says “God will pull you down (forever).”  In Hebrew, the word is “Natatz,” (from Strong’s) “A primitive root meaning, to tear down -- beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down.”  Wow!  Got the picture?

From there, we move on to “Chatah” (Chet-Tav-Hey) meaning, (from Strong’s) “to lay hold of; especially to pick up fire -- heap, take (away) or snatch up.”  It is only used four times in Scripture, notably in Proverbs 6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without burning his clothes?  Hey Doeg, your murderous and treacherous ways are going to lead you into fiery trouble.  

Then there is “Nasach” (Nun-Samech-Chet) meaning (quoting the “Topical Lexicon”) “to forcibly remove: to tear away, yank out, or uproot something that is firmly fixed.” Throughout Scripture it describes decisive divine action that dislodges people, households, or nations from places of apparent security, underscoring the sovereignty of God over every human foundation. 

As a final prophetic insult, David uses the word, “Sharesh” (Shin-Resh-Shin) meaning “to root you out, or pull you out by the roots.”  Isaiah uses this word in describing God’s power… Isaiah 40:23 He reduces princes to nothing. He makes the judges of the earth a confusion. 24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely are they sown, scarcely their stem takes root in the earth, when He blows on them and they wither, and a storm carries them off as stubble.

The demise of Doeg is described in terms that leave no doubt.  God is sovereign and His enemies will not prosper.  David prophesied similarly over his own enemies.  Psalm 35:4 May those who seek my life be ashamed and disgraced. May they be turned back and humiliated—those who plot evil against me. 5 May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of Adonai driving them off. 6 May their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of Adonai pursuing them….8 Let ruin come upon him by surprise. Let the net he hid entangle himself—into that same pit let him fall.

In all of this, we must remember the greater reality is spiritual.  Even Yeshua suffered physically, but His (and our own) eternal inheritance far exceeds our highest expectations.  1Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, “Things no eye has seen and no ear has heard, that have not entered the heart of mankind—these things God has prepared for those who love Him.” (Quoting Isaiah 64:3)  Shalom shalom.

38 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue12-May-202625th of Iyar, 5786 Ascension of Messiah Day
Nu 2:1-34Jer 7Job 28Ro 8 (Mt 26:1-35)

Shalom,

Psalm 52:4 Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceit. 5 You love evil instead of good, lying rather than speaking right. Selah

David is not yet done trashing “Doeg.”  This sounds a lot like Habakkuk rebuking the Chaldeans… Habakkuk 2:16 You are filled with disgrace rather than glory. Drink—you too—and be uncircumcised. The cup of Adonai’s right hand will surround you, and disgrace will come upon your glory.  The contrast here is between disgrace and glory.  Today, in our subject verse, the contrast is between loving evil instead of good, and by extension, lying rather than speaking right (“Tzedek” means “righteousness”).

Our prayer is that we will be kept by God far from such evil works.  Psalm 119:36 Turn my heart to Your testimonies and not to dishonest gain.  As Yeshua taught us to pray… Matthew 6:13  “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”  Notice as well the connection Yeshua makes between “temptation” and “unforgiveness.”  Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.  

The lesson here should be clear… guard your thoughts, guard your tongue, and God will stand guard over you.  Psalm 121:7 Adonai will protect you from all evil. He will guard your life. 8 Adonai will watch over your coming and your going from this time forth and forevermore.  And finally, Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of Elyon, will abide in the shadow of Shaddai…. 11 For He will give His angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways. Shalom shalom.

Day 37 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon11-May-202624th of Iyar, 5786 
Nu 1:20-54Jer 6Job 27Ro 7 (Mt 25)

Shavuah Tov,

Yeshua will return. Those who confess Him as Lord and believe in their hearts that He has been raised from the dead will be saved.

For if you confess with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved ... For “Everyone who calls upon the name of Adonai shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9,13) 

When shall salvation be complete? At the time He returns, and we wait for that Day.

We wait for the blessed hope and appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua. (Titus 2:13) 

What shall happen to us? Friends, favor is our destiny and we’re commanded to wholeheartedly anticipate the favor we shall receive. Let’s concentrate on 1 Perer 1:13b.

... set your hope completely on the grace (charis/favor) that will be brought to you at the revelation (apocalypsis) of Yeshua the Messiah. (1 Peter 1:13b) 

When He returns, we will receive favor (charis/grace). In fact, it is written that this charis will be brought to us. God’s favor will be delivered to us at the Apocalypse (Revelation) of Yeshua the Messiah. (The revealing of the Messiah referred to in 1 Peter 1:13 is the same language used in 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7, and the very first words of Revelation.) 

We have found grace in God’s eyes. He has shown us charis – saving favor. At His revelation Yeshua brings His favor with Him to give it to you. It is the charis that will be brought to you. 

Behold, Adonai has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the Daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes! See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.” (Isaiah 62:11) 

What is this ultimate end-time favor like? How shall this favor be revealed?

Consider:

Favor will be brought to you as He returns to rescue you from wrath.

... and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Yeshua, the One delivering us from the coming wrath. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) 

He favors you and shall come to transform you. Your final destiny is glory. Charis will be brought to you.

For our citizenship is in heaven, and from there we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Yeshua the Messiah. He will transform this humble body of ours into the likeness of His glorious body, through the power that enables Him even to put all things in subjection to Himself. (Philippians 3:20–21) 

He comes to reward. He brings you favor at the Judgment.

... wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the things hidden in darkness and also make clear the motives of the hearts. Then the praise for each one will come from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5b) 

Favor will be brought to you when He comes to dwell with you. God’s favor towards you will be fully revealed.

“Behold, the dwelling of God is among men, and He shall tabernacle among them. They shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them and be their God. He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Nor shall there be mourning or crying or pain any longer, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3b–4) 

And the city has no need for the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God lights it up, and its lamp is the Lamb. (Revelation 21:23) 

Love is revealed as favor. Grace (charis/favor) is a manifestation of love. God favors you because He loves you. I encourage you to determine to have a hope-filled anticipation of the favor (charis/grace) that shall be brought to you when your Messiah is revealed. 

Here’s a song we recently released that is a celebratory anticipation of Yeshua’s return.

Day 36 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun10-May-202623rd of Iyar, 5786 
Nu 1:1-19Jer 5Job 25-26Ro 6 (Mt 24:29-51)

Shabbat shalom,

This week we have another double portion. Behar which translates to “on Mount (Sinai),” Bechukotai which translates to “in My statutes.” This reading covers Sabbatical years, the Year of Jubilee, reward for obedience, punishment for disobedience, and redeeming items dedicated to the LORD. 

Let’s focus on the Sabbatical Years and the Year of Jubilee.

Leviticus 25:3-4 For six years you may sow your field…and prune your vineyard and gather its fruit. But in the seventh year there is to be a Shabbat rest for the land - a Shabbat to the LORD.

Leviticus 25:8-10 You are to count off seven Shabbatot of years – seven times seven years…seven Shabbatot of years…49 years…you are to proclaim the fiftieth year holy.

The fifty-year and annual cycle share much in common. It is also quite interesting that is another 7/49/50 event. Even more interesting is that we get this reading while counting this event. The Omer count leading up to Shavuot.

Leviticus 23:15-16, 21 You are to count from the morrow after the Shabbat…seven complete Shabbatot. Until the morrow after the seventh Shabbat you are to count fifty days. You are to make a proclamation on the same day that here is to be a holy convocation, and you shall do no regular work.

Leviticus 23:3 Work may be done for six days, but the seventh day of a Shabbat of rest, a holy convocation. You are to do work it is a Shabbat to ADONAI.

Jewish scholars recon that these seven and seven times seven cycles represent both history and a foreshadowing of the Messianic Age. In this line of thinking, Shabbat offers a weekly foretaste of peace and rest when Messiah rules the earth. 

The same symbolism applies to the Sabbatical Year. Six years representing the historical redemptive ages. The seventh year represents the coming age of peace under Messiah. 

What else can we find in Scripture concerning peace and rest? 

Isaiah 26:3 You keep in perfect peace (shalom shalom) one whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. What is translated as “perfect peace” is a double “shalom.” This is Hebrew’s way of indicating something emphatically. In English, a particularly tasty meal might be referred to as being really, really good.

Psalm 4:8(9) I will lie down and sleep in shalom. For you alone ADONAI make me live securely.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

What can we do to enjoy this peace and rest from the LORD until Messiah returns?

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you.

Hebrews 4:9-10 There remains a Shabbat rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered God’s rest has also ceased from his own work just as God did.

Revelation 22:17 The Ruach and the bride say “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come – let the one who wishes freely to take the water of life!

So, let’s all enjoy the shadow of the Messianic Era every Shabbat. We can cast our worries on Him, cease from our regular work, and Come! To a holy convocation, freely taking the water of life. Shabbat Shalom!

Day 35 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat9-May-2026   22nd of Iyar, 5786 Parashat Behar-Bechukotai

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 52:3c(1g) God’s lovingkindness is every day.

There it is… a short “tag line,” just sitting out there like an orphan.  In Hebrew it reads, “Chesed El Kol-Yom.”  It’s a simple statement that will change your life.  God, the maker of heaven and earth, looks upon you with favor every day.  Solomon, who was the wisest man of all, wrote in Lamentations….

Lamentations 3:22 Because of the mercies (Chesed) of Adonai we will not be consumed, for His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning! Great is Your faithfulness.

Also written by Solomon, in Song of Songs, the Shulamite (symbolic of us) is looking with lovingkindness at her Beloved (symbolic of Yeshua).  And, what’s next? Her Beloved, Who is the Lord, is looking back at you with that same favor called “dove’s eyes.”  Adonai’s “tender mercies” (Chas’dei)… are new every morning!”  

God looks upon us with favor and lovingkindness every day.  What’s better, His favor is based on grace not works.  God loves you because that’s who He is, not because of who we are.  We don’t deserve His love, we didn’t earn it, but His favor is poured out on us just the same.  

Titus 3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared— 5 not by deeds of righteousness which we had done ourselves, but because of His mercy—He saved us through the mikveh of rebirth and renewing of the Ruach ha-Kodesh, 6 whom He abundantly poured out on us through Messiah Yeshua our Savior,

May we never recover from such a complete blessing.  God’s promise is to pour out His grace upon you every day for all eternity.  What, you were hoping for a greater blessing?  There isn’t any.  Shalom shalom.

Day 34 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri8-May-202621st of Iyar, 5786Le 27:1-15Jer 4Job 24Ro 5 (Mt 24:1-28)

Shalom,

Psalm 52:1 For the music director: a contemplative song of David, 2 when Doeg the Edomite came and reported to Saul telling him, “David went to Ahimelech’s house.” 3 Why do you brag about evil, mighty man? God’s lovingkindness is every day.

To appreciate this Psalm, we have to remember the story of “Doeg.”  We read it in 1Samuel, chapters 21 and 22.  David lied to the priest, Ahimelech, to get bread for his men and Goliath’s sword.  Consequently, Ahimelech and 85 priests plus their women and children as well as all their livestock were killed by Doeg at King Saul’s command.  This still grieves David.  David lied and they all died.

We will explore this in greater detail in the coming days.  Today I just want to point out the sarcasm when David calls Doeg a “mighty man.”  David uses this epithet to mock Doeg because the reality is too disgusting for words.  David even says that he knew Doeg would be a tale bearer to his own advantage.  However; the Bible warns us against that.  

Rabbi Trail:  Peter (in 1Peter 3:10ff) quotes these verses of Psalm 34.  Psalm 34:13 Who is the one who delights in life, and loves to see good days? 14 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking treachery. 15 Depart from evil and do good. Seek shalom and pursue it.  

Psalm 34 is also quoted (but not typically credited) in the final paragraph of the Amidah, (the central prayer of all Hebrew liturgy) which is where I first saw it as a youngster in Hebrew school.  The next time I saw it, I was reading 1Peter for the first time at the age of 30.  I didn’t understand why the rabbis would quote from 1Peter in Hebrew liturgy.  Then I found out they both (the rabbis and Peter) were quoting from Psalm 34.  That makes sense.  End RT.

Let’s give Yeshua’s half brother, Jacob, the last word today.  Take it as a warning to guard your tongue from evil.  

Jacob 3:5 So also the tongue is a small member—yet it boasts of great things. See how so small a fire sets a blaze so great a forest! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is a world of evil placed among our body parts. It pollutes the whole body and sets on fire the course of life—and is set on fire by Gehenna…. 8 But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless Adonai and Father, and with it we curse people, who are made in the image of God. 10 From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be.

Shalom shalom.

Day 33 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu7-May-202620th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 26:10-46Jer 3 Job 23Ro 4 (Mt 23)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:20 In Your favor do good to Zion. Build up the walls of Jerusalem. 21 Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will be offered on Your altar.

Some scholars have viewed Psalm 51 as a favorite of the prophet Isaiah, who lived about 300 years after King David (who wrote it).  In many places, throughout Isaiah’s 66 chapters, Isaiah echos the themes and subjects of Psalm 51.  Compare Isaiah 60:7 with today’s verses at the end of Psalm 51. Isaiah 60:7 All Kedar’s flocks will be gathered to you. Nebaioth’s rams will minister to you. They will go up with favor on My altar, and I will beautify My glorious House.”  

Just a few verses later, Isaiah goes on… Isaiah 60:10 Foreigners will build up your walls, and their kings will minister to you. For in My fury I struck you, but in My favor I will show you mercy.  Here we find the phrase, “Build up the walls” in both Psalm 51:20 and Isaiah 60:10 (although Isaiah calls them “your walls.”).

Let’s go back to Psalm 51:9 Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  Sounds unmistakably similar to Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says Adonai. “Though your sins be like scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they will become like wool.”  So then, without a doubt Isaiah read and loved David’s Psalm we now call “Psalm 51.”  If Isaiah loved it so, maybe we should love it too.

But wait, there’s more… Both Psalm 51 (in our subject verses) and Isaiah 62 mention the walls that surround and protect Jerusalem.  Isaiah 62:6 On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set watchmen. All day and all night, they will never hold their peace. “You who remind Adonai, take no rest for yourselves.”

I want to close this for today with the very next verse of Isaiah.  Isaiah 62:7 And give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.  Today, Jerusalem is not yet a “praise in the earth.”  In fact, quite the opposite is true.  The earth (the whole world) seems to rejoice in finding fault with Jerusalem.  We must… 1Thessalonians 5:17 pray constantly.  Give God no rest from our petitions.  Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem—“May those who love you be at peace! 7 May there be shalom within your walls—quietness within your palaces.”  Shalom shalom.

Day 32 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed6-May-202619th of Iyar, 5786 Le 25:39-26:9Jer 2Job 22Ro 3 (Mt 22)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:18 For You would not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it, nor be pleased by burnt offerings. 19 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

As he comes to the end of Psalm 51, King David has come full circle.  He started by being smitten over his sinful ways, stricken as both an adulterer and a murderer, deserving of death.  And we too, if we’re honest with ourselves, deserve nothing better.  1John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Then David, and by extension, we ourselves, cry out to God, seeking forgiveness.  1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  However; there is not any sacrifice of this world (which is temporary), that can cleanse us for eternity to make us fit for the presence of God.  The only eternal sacrifice must be “of the spirit.”  In our subject verse these eternal spiritual sacrifices are called the “sacrifices of God.”  

Once again, we are forced to declare, “It’s a heart thang.”  Two words of similar meaning are used (translated “broken and contrite”).  “Sha’var” meaning broken into pieces, and “Dakah” meaning crushed (into smaller pieces).  Verse 19 ends with the thought that God will not despise those who are broken hearted and even more broken hearted.  

God knows that if He has our hearts, everything else will come into right alignment.  Philippians 4:7 And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.  Our understanding is what we perceive from this physical world.  What “surpasses understanding” is what we perceive from the spiritual world, which is the greater reality.  

Colossians 3:14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfect harmony. 15 Let the shalom of Messiah rule in your hearts—to this shalom you were surely called in one body. Also be thankful.  Shalom shalom.

Day 31 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue5-May-202618th of Iyar, 5786
Le 25:29-38Jer 1Job 21Ro 2 (Mt 21)

Shavuah Tov,

We considered Yeshua demonstrating favor to His immediate friends Martha, Miriam, and Lazarus. Favor is also illustrated in relationships that are a step removed from a favored friend. 
 
We’re going to look into the favor demonstrated to Lot, Hagar, Israel, Mephibosheth, Peter’s wife’s mom, Onesimus, and us.
 
Consider Lot and Hagar. Both received favor due to their relationship to Abraham. 

God so loved Abraham that He sent angels to rescue His friend’s nephew. Lot and his daughters were delivered from the destruction of Sodom. Why? He was Abrahan’s nephew and the subject of the patriarch’s intercession. God also sustained Hagar, Abraham’s concubine, and her son who were at the point of death. (Genesis 21:15-19)

Those are examples of favor extended to others for the sake of Abraham, God’s favored friend. (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23b)
 
Consider the favor given to Israel for the sake of the patriarchs. 

Because He loved your fathers, He chose their descendants after them. Deuteronomy 4:37a) 

This follows through into Paul’s writings. Paul wrote that the Jewish people, Jewish pre-believers, are loved for the sake of the patriarchs. (Romans 11:28) If loved, then favored. One favors those who are loved. Love is the heartbeat of living favor.
 
Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son. King David wanted to do something for Jonathan, even though Jonathan was dead. 

The king asked him, “Is there still anyone from the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” 

“There is still a son of Jonathan,” Ziba said to the king, “with crippled legs.” 

“Where is he?” the king said to him. (2 Samuel 9:3–4a) 

Mephibosheth was elevated to a high status, wealth, restored authority, and intimate fellowship with David. (2 Samuel 9:7,9-10) Why? Jonathan, his father, was David’s beloved covenant friend. (1 Samuel 18:3; 20:16; 23:18) Mephibosheth received favor for Jonathan’s sake.

Here’s another example. Peter’s mother-in-law was ill. What did the Messiah do? He healed her. What brought about this miracle? This unnamed woman received favor because she was a relative of Yeshua’s favored friend. (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:30-31; Luke 4:38-49)
 
Philemon was asked to receive his renegade slave, Onesimus, back as a beloved brother for Paul’s sake. Paul had favor with Philemon. He’d been instrumental in Philemon’s salvation. Basically, Paul was saying, “If I have favor in your eyes, please show favor to Onesimus”.

I beg you for my child Onesimus ...  perhaps he was separated from you for a while in order that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—as a beloved brother, especially to me but even more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. (Philemon 10a,15–17) 

What about us? Consider this:

For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name because you belong to Messiah, amen I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41) 

Here it is said that, if for the sake of Yeshua, a servant of the Lord receives even the most simple gift, the giver will be rewarded. Note that the servants of the Messiah do not receive the cup of water for their own sake. It is favor for the sake of Yeshua.

We are in the ultimate favor zone for the sake of the Lord. We are counted as righteous for His sake. Let us receive favor, follow Him, and be favorable to those He loves. 

Day 29 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun3-May-202616th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 25:1-18Isa 65Job 19 Jude (Mt 19)
Le 27:16-34Jer 16:19-17:14Jn 14:15-27

Shalom,

Psalm 51:17 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

The Hebrew words of this verse (there are six words) have been put to music more than once.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWEhIDuMkGc. (Watch the little boys in the back isle.)  These same words are also strategically placed as the introduction to the Amidah (aka Shemona Esrei), the silent devotion which is the central piece of all Hebrew liturgy (and it is easy to see why). 

This last Shabbat, Keith Henschen, the Shomair Yisrael Congregational Leader, spoke on giving (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaeKrCTdXvw ).  It wasn’t your usual message on giving.  He said that the command to give is to “give out of your wealth.”  And what is “wealth?”  Scriptural wealth is more than extra zeros to the left of the decimal in your bank account.  Proverbs 8:18 With me are wealth and honor, enduring riches and righteousness.  Here, true wealth is associated with honor and righteousness.

What does all this have to do with our subject verse?  God wants to bless His people with a wealth of wisdom.  Jacob 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him.  Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge.  Wisdom is the God given ability to take what we know in our heads and apply it to real life situations from a correct heart.  Psalm 51:12(10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

So, we ask God to open our mouths to declare His praises because He has already opened His hand….  Psalm 145:16 You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor.  God has favored (blessed) us with a wealth of wisdom.  How can we not, then, open our mouths to declare His praises?  We are satisfied only in and by Yeshua.  Shalom shalom.

Day 30 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon4-May-202617th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 25:19-28Isa 66Job 20Ro 1 (Mt 20)

Shabbat Shalom,
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Special Announcement:  This Sunday, May 3rd is the annual Jewish Food Festival, known as “Knoshville.”  It will be held from 11AM to 2PM at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Dean Hill Drive.  Details online are sparse.  To buy food tickets.  https://jewishknoxville.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/jewishknoxville/giftstore.jsp Hope to see you there.
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Day 28 of counting the Omer

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us about the counting of the Omer.  Today is four weeks and no days of the counting of the Omer.

Follow up that prayer by remembering a blessing from the Lord and give Him thanks. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God.
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Torah Portion Emor
Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23
By Jeffery Freeman

This week’s Torah Portion, Emor translates to “speak” In verse 21:1 Adonai tells Moses to “Speak (Emor) to the Kohanim…” What follows are rules that establish a higher standard for spiritual leaders than the general population.

Chapter 21 sets higher standards for serving priests, particularly the High Priest. Priests are restricted in which loved ones they may mourn for, what signs of mourning they may perform, who they can marry, and are prohibited from serving if they have physical defects.

After proclaiming various holiness standards, the LORD states:

Verse 4, …He is not to defile himself…and so profane himself.

Verse 8, …He shall be holy to you, for I, ADONAI, who sanctifies you am holy.

Verse 12, Concerning the High Priests mourning the death of a near relative… He is not to go out of the Sanctuary or profane the Sanctuary of his God…I am ADONAI.

These three sets of rules deal with death. God and death don’t mix. The best evidence for this is Numbers 19. The entire chapter is dedicated to the Ashes of the Red Heifer and how this is used to remove the stain of death from worshipers before entering the Tabernacle or Temple.

Verses 7-8 Give some restrictions on who a priest may marry…he shall be holy to you, for I, ADONAI, who sanctifies you am holy.

Verses 13-14 give some very strict limitations on who the High Priest may marry. Verse 15…so as not to corrupt his offspring among his people. For I am ADONAI who sanctifies him.

Perhaps among the most difficult to understand commandments are the rules restricting priests with physical defects from serving before the LORD.  Verse 18…any man who has a defect is not to draw near… verse 23…he is not to approach the curtain or come near the altar…so that he may not desecrate My sanctuary, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Interestingly, the priest with the defects may share in the holy foods, verse 22 He may eat the food of his God, both the holy and the most holy.

We get similar rulings for animals being sacrificed. Leviticus 22:19-20…you are to offer a male without blemish…but whatever has a blemish you are not to present, for it will not be acceptable… However, the LORD gives an exception in Leviticus 22:23 For a freewill offering you may present a bull or a lamb that has any deformity or lacking in its parts…

Another data point is from John 9:1-3 He saw a man who had been blind since birth. His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind.” Yeshua answered, “Neither this man or his parents sinned. This happened so that the works of God might be brought to light in him.”

While the specific reasons the LORD has ruled that deformities are unsuitable for service or use in the Temple is not completely clear, He nevertheless made provision for their use through voluntary or freewill service. Maybe this is an answer to this chuk (unexplainable commandment), that despite our shortcomings, God can use us for His purposes. Our calling is to be prepared. To that end, consider these three verses:

1 Peter 2:9…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession…

Revelation 1:6…(He) made us a kingdom, kohanim to His God and Father…

Revelation 5:10…You have made for them our God a kingdom and kohanim…

Most of this conversation is about a holiness standard specific to the Levitical priesthood. Most of us are not Levitical priests. But the concept is the same. We are called to be holy because ADONAI is holy. What in your life is standing in your way of holiness? Shabbat Shalom

Day 28 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat2-May-202615th of Iyar, 5786 Parashat Emor
Le 24:1-23Ez 44:15-31Col 2:16-3:4

Early Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 51:16 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God—God of my salvation. Then my tongue will sing for joy of Your righteousness.

Like so many verses of Scripture, this verse is in the form of “cause and effect.”  If “this” happens, then “that” will happen.  In this verse, David is calling upon God (by name… twice: “Elohim, Elohei T’shuati”) to deliver him from “bloodguilt.”  Then he goes on to say, “When You do that, my tongue will shout for joy (consistent with) Your righteousness.”

Rabbi Trail:  The use of the word for “tongue” here is not the organ that is part of the mouth, but the tongue of a language.  What language will we be speaking?  The language of praise to God.  After all, what are you gonna do when you’ve been delivered from bloodguilt?  We can’t help ourselves.  The joy we experience at being delivered from such guilt commands an exuberant shout.  End RT.

Furthermore; while we’re on the subject of being ecstatic over being delivered from a death sentence, (Although it isn’t mentioned here specifically, that’s exactly what is happening.) how dare we return to our misery as if nothing has changed.  

Our deliverance from that eternal guilty verdict by the blood of Yeshua is greater than the temporary redemption of the children of Israel at the Red Sea.  Yet they sang… Exodus 15:1 Then Moses and Bnei-Yisrael sang this song to Adonai: I will sing to Adonai, for He is highly exalted! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea. 2 Adonai is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will glorify Him, my father is God, and I will exalt Him.  

They were delighted with being saved from first (physical) death.  How much more should we, who are saved from second (spiritual) death rejoice to the point that we can’t restrain ourselves. 

Matthew 5:12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great!

1Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.

Shalom shalom.

Day 27 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri1-May 202614th of Iyar, 5786 Pesach Sheni
Le 23:33-44Isa 63-64Job 18 3 Jn (Mt 18)