(Early) Shabbat Shalom {{firstName}},

Rabbi’s Note: Let’s take a break from Psalm 61 for a moment.  What follows in the RR for today was originally written in the Hebrew month Elul, (in 2022).  Elul is the month that immediately precedes Tishre, the month of the High Holidays.  Elul 5786 (2026) begins Thursday at evening and continues through Friday at evening.  Elul is dedicated to preparing us for the spiritual journey that is the fall feasts which each find their reality in events not yet a reality, the second coming of Yeshua.  Here is the key to it all… Jacob 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  End RN.

John 14:23 Yeshua answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words. And the word you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.”

Do you have the sense that we have read this before?  The beginning of John 14:23 sounds remarkably similar to John 14:21a He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.  They sound similar because the are.  Yeshua doesn’t want us to miss this, so He is repeating it for our benefit.  When we love, it shows.  However; Yeshua is making a much deeper point here and we don’t want to miss that either.

Yeshua is saying, “It’s not about Me.”  When we read, “… And the word you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me,” (John 14:24b) we are seeing Yeshua’s humility in submission to the Father.  Here’s my proposition,… if Yeshua can humble Himself, shouldn’t we be willing to follow Him and humble ourselves?

Here’s the headline.  Newsflash… “It’s not about you either.”  Before you pass this off, please take a moment to consider the implications.  We have a way of making everything about us.  It is the life of the follower of Yeshua to put God on the throne - in all things.  If we are honest with ourselves, there is always some part of our life (none of us is perfect) in which we have not yet completely surrendered.  

That’s the purpose of the month of Elul, which started this Thursday night.  Elul is a time to repent in preparation for the fall Feasts of the Lord.  Elul is spelled with four Hebrew letters, “Aleph-Lamed-Vav-Lamed”  An acrostic is made up of the first letter of each word of the first part of Song of Solomon 6:3a I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.  A more mature perspective on that verse is Song 7:11 I am my lover’s, and his desire is for me, which is less self focused.  

To walk in that truth means to trust our “Beloved.”  I put “Beloved” in quotes and capitalized it because this is King David’s Hebrew name (David means “beloved”) and Yeshua sits on David’s throne.  Isaiah made the connection in his prophesy.  Isaiah 9:6(7) Of the increase of His government and shalom there will be no end— on the throne of David and over His kingdom— to establish it and uphold it through justice and righteousness from now until forevermore. The zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot will accomplish this.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.  Let us, therefore; show that we love Yeshua by obedience to the Word of God and as a result we will receive the love of the Father Who promises to make His dwelling with us.  Emanuel!   The Hebrew breakdown is “Em” (with), “Anu” (us), “El” (God).  Put it together, ‘God with us.”  He is with us and He is for us.  That’s more than “good news.”  That’s very good news.  Why, the more I meditate on it, the more I’m convinced, “That’s greatest news ever!” Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri 14-Aug 2026 1st of Elul, 5786 Rosh Chodesh Elul Day 2
De 19:14-20:9, Nu 28:11-15 Hos 7-8 2 Ch 1 Phm (Jn 16)

Shalom,

Psalm 61:1 For the music director, on string instrument, of David. 2 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer. 3 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 4 For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength before the enemy. 5 Let me dwell in Your tent forever. Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

The second part of verse 3 is simply translated, “I call to You.”  It is made of two Hebrew words, “Aylecha Ekrah.”  “Aylecha” is “to you” in a very formal structure.  “Ekrah” is a future form (I will call out) of “Likrah,” which is the infinitive “to call out.”  I mention the “future form” because that fits our understanding of time and tense.  But with God, things are different.  

To God, what is past is complete, and what is future is incomplete (or not yet completed).  Therefore; what we call future is not yet completed to God.  So “I will call out” becomes “I will never stop calling out” or “I will keep on calling out to You.”  A certain parable comes to mind.

Luke 18:1 Then Yeshua told them a parable to show that they should always pray and not be discouraged,… 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice so she won’t wear me out by her incessant coming.’”… 7 Won’t God do justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He be slow to help them?

Yes, cry out to God, day and night.  Isaiah 58:9a Then you will call, and Adonai will answer. You will cry and He will say, “Here I am.”  Wait, before you go skipping into “La La Land,” read the context… Isaiah 58:6 “Is not this the fast I choose:… 7a Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,(NOW insert Isaiah 58:9a from above, then follows.) 9b If you get rid of the yoke among you—finger-pointing and badmouthing— 10 If you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom will be like midday.

With this we’re getting a greater sense of the reality in which God wants to prepare His people for the feasts that start September 11, 2026, and the greater reality of His soon and coming return to the earth.  Luke 18:8b “But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu13-Aug 202630th of Av, 5786 Rosh Chodesh Elul Day 1
De 18:14-19:13, Nu 28:11-15   Hos 5-6 1 Ch 29Tit 3 (Jn 15)

Shalom,

Psalm 61:1 For the music director, on string instrument, of David. 2 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer. 3 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 4 For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength before the enemy. 5 Let me dwell in Your tent forever. Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

Our subject verses today are the same as yesterday, but with a totally different focus.  Let’s meditate on just the first half of verse 3.  It is made up of three phrases: 1) From the end of the earth.  2) I call to You.   3) In the faintness of heart.  Three distinctly different thoughts to express David’s condition.  Let’s examine them individually, and then put them back together.

Rabbi’s Note: As I wrote this, there was much to write on just the first two words of verse 3, so here it is.  The plan now is to continue the meditation tomorrow.  End RN.

“From the end of the earth” is made of two Hebrew words.  Earth (Aretz) is the second one.  The first is “Miq’tzeh.”  The “Mem” prefix indicates a noun form (a place) the Shoresh “Qa’tzeh” means “an extremity, border, outer edge, or frontier.”  David sees his position as being far away from the presence of God (outside the promised land, which he was).  Paul (the apostle) sees his own condition from entirely different perspective.  

Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 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.

There, at the end of Romans 8:39 Paul nailed it.  Nothing that is/was created shall separate us from the Eternal One.  God’s love (read that as “presence,” nothing shall separate us from the presence) of God that is in Messiah Yeshua.  Paul lived after the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of our Lord and Savior.  He had Yeshua and King David did not.  That’s a huge difference.  

From time to time, we may feel estranged from God, but His promise will not allow it.  Moses said it (Deuteronomy 31:6), Joshua heard it (Joshua 1:5), Isaiah confirmed it (Isaiah 41:10) and the Messianic rabbi who wrote the book of Hebrews repeated it (Hebrews 13:5).  We might feel separated from God, but God is faithfully close.  Psalm 145:18 Adonai is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed12-Aug 202629th of Av, 5786
De 18:6-13Hos 3-4 1 Ch 28Tit 2 (Jn 14)

Shalom,

Psalm 61:1 For the music director, on string instrument, of David. 2 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer. 3 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 4 For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength before the enemy. 5 Let me dwell in Your tent forever. Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

Our subject verses today make up the first half of Psalm 61.  Verse 2 begins… “Hear my cry.”  From the English translation, we are left to wonder, what’s David crying over?  The Hebrew word, “Rinati,” meaning “my shout of joy and delight” leaves no doubt.  David isn’t crying at all, he is shouting for joy!  So then, now we must ask a different question.  Why is David expressing a shriek of joy toward the Lord, Elohim?

Let David provide the answer, as he continues to address God, Who has protected him his entire life… “You have been a refuge (and) a tower of strength.”  When we choose to follow Yeshua, we have David’s inheritance.  

Jeremiah 33:17 For thus says Adonai: “For David, there will not be cut off a man sitting on the throne of the house of Israel.”

Great for David, but what about us?  Yeshua prophesied this… Revelation 3:21 To the one who overcomes I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I myself overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.  No wonder David is shouting for joy.  We have every reason to join him in his celebration.

Psalm 31:20 How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have given to those who take refuge in You, before the children of men…. 22 Blessed be Adonai, for He has shown me His wonderful love in a besieged city.

Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue11-Aug 202628th of Av, 5786
De 18:1-5Hos 1-21 Ch 27Tit 1 (Jn 13)

Shalom,

Psalm 60:14 With God we will do mighty things, and He will trample our foes.

Last Friday (in the RR for August 7th) we meditated on the frequently used name for God, Elohim, which begins the last verse of Psalm 60.  Today, let’s continue with the two words (connected to each other by a hyphen, which shows they are one thought) “Na’aseh-Chayil.”  These two words coupled together will require more unpacking, so let’s continue.  

“O’seh” is Hebrew for “I make,” or “I am making.”  With the “Nun” prefix, it becomes “we will make.”  What follows, answers the question, “What will we make?” The answer in Hebrew is “Chayil,” but our understanding is not so simple.  Nobody ever went to the store for a pound of Chayil.  Chayil is not physical in nature (although it does have physical qualities).  It is spiritual and emotional.

“Chayil” is translated as “might, power, valor, and even virtue.  One of its most well known uses in Scripture is found in Proverbs 31, as we pray over our wives as we begin Shabbat.  “Ayshet Chayil,” (The TLV translates “Chayil” as “accomplished”)  Proverbs 31:10  An “accomplished woman” who can find? Her value is far beyond rubies.

Chayil is bravery in the face of danger.  Chayil is a force for what is good and strong.  Chayil is the substance of virtue, when a lack of Chayil causes  us to crumble.  Interesting to note, our subject verse, Psalm 60:14(12) is exactly the same as Psalm 108, verse 14(13).  

The second part of verse 14, in both Psalms 60 and 108, is direct and to the point, saying, “He (speaking of God) will trample our enemies.”  When the Bible speaks of “trample,” there is a figurative connotation of being made useless.  Yeshua used this when He spoke… Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt should lose its flavor, how shall it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”

In God, we will act valiantly, and God, Himself, will perform miracles to subdue (trample) our enemies.  Psalm 89:14 Your arm is mighty, Your hand is strong, exalted is Your right hand.  It is a wise person who puts his/her faith in God’s power to deliver us from our foes.  May His name be blessed.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon10-Aug 202627th of Av, 5786
De 17:14-20Ez 481 Ch 262 Ti 4 (Jn 12:20-50)

Shavuah Tov,

The Sheep and the Goats — Who Reads It as You Do
A research record on Matthew 25:31–46 — expanded with the deeper dig into the commentary and Messianic / post-supersessionist scholarship
You said it plainly, and it frames this whole record: you are convinced by the text, and you do not need external validation — but it would be good not to be alone in your conclusions. So this is not a search for proof; it is a map of who is standing near you. The encouraging result of the deeper dig is that you have company at three different distances — on your conclusion, on the architecture underneath it, and on the ecclesiology it grows from — even though the precise way you put those together still appears to be a seam few others occupy.
A note on you, corrected.  This record now reflects that you pastor a church — you gather on Sundays, and you teach Jewish and non-Jewish believers to remain one body while each keeps their distinct ethnic-family heritage. That is a specific, named theological position (below), not a Messianic-synagogue model, and it turns out to be exactly where your strongest company lives.
Your reading, in a sentence — the thing being tested
"All the nations" (panta ta ethne) means the Gentiles, set over against Israel; "these brothers of Mine" are His own people, the Jewish people; and the judgment turns on how the Gentile nations treated the scattered Jewish people through the long exile. You reach it by two moves: an exhaustive survey of panta ta ethne across the Septuagint and the Apostolic Writings, and a reading in the flow of the Olivet Discourse that begins with the grief over Jerusalem at the end of Matthew 23.
The mainstream commentary — where it actually stands
The deeper dig confirms the first pass, and sharpens it. Among the major critical commentators the debate runs on exactly two tracks, and Israel is on neither.
R. T. France (NICNT, 2007)  ·  the "brothers" = disciples
"Matthew never records Jesus referring to his brothers as anyone other than those who do the will of God by becoming his followers." France reads Matthew 24 as the AD 70 judgment of Jerusalem and ties it back to 23:36–38 — but he treats 25:31–46 as the final, universal judgment, decoupled from AD 70 and from Israel. (Reported via Ian Paul’s summary of the NICNT.)
N. T. Wright  ·  shifted toward "all the needy"
Wright reads the Olivet Discourse (ch. 24) as AD 70, but takes the sheep-and-goats as the final judgment of the nations; his popular-level reading of "the least" moved over time toward the poor generally. No identification with ethnic Israel. (Reported from secondary summaries, not verified line-by-line.)
Keener · Luz · Blomberg  ·  the "brothers" = Jesus’ disciples / gospel-messengers
Keener: "the least of these" most likely = Jesus’ emissaries, and the nations are judged "according to how they respond to Jesus’ emissaries." Luz and Blomberg place it in the same missionary-messenger stream. None reads Israel.
Davies & Allison (ICC)  ·  the "brothers" = all the needy
The inclusive reading — "all those in destitute circumstances, not exclusively Christians." Again, no Israel reading.
Sherman W. Gray  ·  the history of interpretation — the useful statistic
Gray’s exhaustive survey found the narrow reading ("the least" = Christians/disciples) was the predominant view across church history — roughly 68% of medieval and 74% of Reformation-era interpreters (Origen, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin). The now-ubiquitous "any poor person" reading became dominant only after about 1850. And in his survey of the whole tradition, no Church Father or interpreter identifies "the least" as the Jewish people. That absence is worth having in hand.
The honest edge of this section.  Among the mainstream, your reading has no company at all — not as a minority position, but as an option not on the table. That cuts both ways: it means you will not find academic cover there, and it means the ubiquity you are pushing against is real and old on the "disciples" side, and only modern on the "all the needy" side.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun9-Aug 202626th of Av, 5786
De 16:18-17:13Ez 471 Ch 252 Ti 3 (Jn 12:1-19)

Shabbat Shalom,

Parshah Re’eh Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17
By Jeffrey Freeman 

This weeks’ Parsha is Re’eh, “see.” This comes from Deuteronomy 11:26 See (re’eh), I am setting before you a blessing and a curse…

This reading is full of interesting lesson opportunities. 

A foretelling of blessing and curses to be proclaimed from Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal in the Promised Land. Only one place to worship God. Destroy all the worship places current inhabitants. Tithing. Some seemingly random other commandments, including a comprehensive discussion about food and non-food. Don’t take away from or add to the LORD’s commandments. Don’t worship other gods. What to do with false prophets, including how to sort real prophets from fraudsters. Cancelling debts and freeing servants.  And the requirement to attend the Pilgrimage Festivals of Passover, Weeks, and Booths.

Lots to pick from. Let’s look at the blessing and curse.

Deuteronomy 11:27-28 The blessing, if you listen to the mitzvot of ADONAI your God that I am commanding you today, but the curse, if you do not listen to the mitzvot of ADONAI your God, but turn from the way I am commanding you today, to go after other gods you have not known.

Michah 6:8 He has told you, humanity, what is good, and what ADONAI is seeking from you: only to practice justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. 

Walking humbly with God is to walk in submission to His will, i.e. keeping His commandments.

Yeshua on the greatest commandment – Mark 12:30 You shall love ADONAI your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.

How do we love ADONAI? Yeshua tells us in John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.

1John 5:2-3 We know that we love God’s children by this – when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God – that we keep His commandments.

But some will say, “All those commandments, they are so hard to keep.”

Continuing in 1John 5:3 And His commandments are not burdensome.

Yeshua in Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. 

Yeshua was teaching Torah and asserting that keeping Torah was not burdensome. Comparing Torah commands to the heavy loads (additional traditions) that the current leadership was teaching and enforcing as law. 

Matthew 23:4-5 They tie up heavy loads, hard to carry, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but are not willing to lift a finger to move them. All their works they do are to be noticed by men.

Deuteronomy 30:11-16 This mitzvah that I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off. It is not in the heavens that you should say, ‘Who will go up to the heavens and get it for us?’ …Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross over for us to the other side of the sea and get it for us?’ …No, the word is very near to you – in your mouth and in your heart, to do it. See, I have set before you today life and good, and death and evil. What I am commanding you today is to love ADONAI your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His mitzvot, statutes, and ordinances. 

God’s commandments aren’t hard to understand. Neither are they difficult to keep. Unfortunately, we all do make mistakes or suffer from unplanned periods of rage (especially when we are behind the wheel in a car). So, Yeshua remains the only way for us to appear before the LORD in righteousness. 

If you do have trouble understanding a commandment, we are blessed with very knowledgeable Elders. Titus 1:9 Elders are to …hold firmly to the trustworthy message in keeping with the teaching, so he can both encourage by instruction that is sound and convict those who speak against it.

Throughout the Bible we are reminded that we demonstrate our love for ADONAI through our obedience to Him. The reward for obedience is blessing. The blessing is eternal life with Him through Yeshua. Disobedience leads to a curse. The curse is death. Therefore, choose life!

Shabbat Shalom

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat8-Aug 2026 25th of Av, 5786 Parashat Re’eh
De 15:19-16:17Isa 54:11-55:5Rev 21:9-27

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Correction:  Two days ago, I referenced the three parts of the Shema, but there was a typo.  The third part is taken from the end of Numbers 15 (not 13 as in the original RR).  Please forgive the typo.  I’ve corrected the original.

Psalms
Psalm 60:14(12) – Part 7

Psalm 60:4 With God we will do mighty things, and He will trample our foes.

Today we close out the work week by continuing our meditation of Psalm 60.  I love the way David ends every Psalm (song) on a positive, upbeat, declaration.  There are only six Hebrew words in this verse, divided evenly, with three in the first part and the other three in the second part.  Hebrew is a very efficient language.  Notice the English TLV takes 13 words to say the same thing.  Today we’re just going to focus on the first word.  Let’s go…

The first Hebrew word, “Bay’Elohim,” is God’s name with a prefix.  “Bay” which is the preposition “in.”  “Elohim” is the third word of the Torah in Genesis 1:1, “B’ray’sheet Bara Elohim,” meaning “In the beginning God….”  “El” is God’s basic name.  It is usually found coupled with an adjective such as “El Gibor” (the Mighty God - a “Gever” is a strong young man), “El Elyon” (the Most High God), and “El Shaddai” (the almighty God).

Rabbi Trail:  A “Shad” in Hebrew is a “breast.”  Yet, this name is always translated as “God Almighty,” which is understandable because a man’s strength is in his chest.  Consider the bench press in weight lifting for example.  End RT.

In the middle of God’s name, Elohim, is the Hebrew letter “Hey.”  The “Hey” is used twice in the four letter “tetragrammaton” ineffable name for God (Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey).  Each of those four letters represents the first letter of each Hebrew word in the sentence “He will be (Yud), He is (Hey), And (Vav), He was (Hey).  Notice God’s name starts with the future and proceeds with what is to us “the past.”  

Because God lives in a timeless eternity, the “past” to God is not as we think of it.  To God, the past is what He has completed.  The future is what He has not yet completed, and the present is what is now.  In modern Hebrew, the Hey followed by an accent mark, which is a way of abbreviating His most holy name.  

Rabbi Trail: It is our Jewish custom not to write out God’s name on anything that might be thrown in the trash.  Prayer books and other papers with God’s name are kept in a closet called a “Genizah” until there are enough old papers and prayer books to fill a coffin.  Then they are taken and buried in a Jewish cemetery, thus preserving the sanctity of God’s name.  End RT.

Finally, for Elohim, there is the plural masculine ending “im.”  God is both plural and singular at the same time.  Just as you are three in one: body, soul and spirit, so is God.  He has a Body (Son Yeshua), Holy Spirit, and God the Father.  Most Jewish people struggle with this concept, but Isaiah didn’t have such a struggle.  

Isaiah 48:16 “Draw near to Me, hear this: Since the beginning, I have not spoken in secret. From the time it existed, I was there. So now Adonai(YHVH) Elohim has sent Me, and His Ruach.”  

The “Me” in that verse is Yeshua.  Still not convinced?  Look how Isaiah ends Chapter 48, verse 12… Isaiah 48:12 Listen to Me, Jacob, Israel whom I called: I am He; I am the first; I am also the last.  Does that sound familiar?  Revelation 22:13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Revelation verse 13 is preceded with a warning in verse 12… Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to pay back each one according to his deeds.  And He finishes the thought with a blessing for those who are faithful in following Him.  Revelation 22:14 How fortunate are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and may enter through the gates into the city.

How fortunate indeed.  “Follow Him” into eternity and enter in with blessing.  Shalom shalom and early Shabbat Shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri7-Aug 202624th of Av, 5786
De 15:1-18Ez 461 Ch 242 Ti 2 (Jn 11:28-57)

Shalom,

Psalm 60:13 Give us aid against the adversary, for the help of man is worthless.

There are two powerful verses, at the end of Psalm 60.  Yet, as strong as their meaning is, from the translated English, there is even more to unpack from the original Hebrew of David. Let’s break them down, one today and the last verse tomorrow.  What’s better, as we break them down, we will rebuild them according to our own amplified version.  

“Havah” (Hey-Bet-Hey) from “Yahav” (Yud-Bet-Hey) translated “give.”  There are many other more common words for simply “give.”  This word means “ascribe” as at the beginning of Psalm 29.… Psalm 29:2 Ascribe to Adonai the glory of His Name. Bow down to Adonai in the beauty of holiness.  “Havah” as used here, at the end of Psalm 60 means to assign a new quality of life, and that life changing quality is found in our next word, translated as “aid.”

The sense here is that we can’t help ourselves and nobody else can help us either.  We’ve got enemies and it is going to take the strength and power of God to defeat them.  1John 3:13 Do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

The Hebrew word translated as “aid” is “Ezrat” (Ayin-Zayin-Resh-Tav) from “Ezrah,” like the name of the prophet.  The “help” connoted in this word “Ezrat” goes beyond “aid.”  In using it, David is recognizing our own inability to help ourselves, and at the same time, our need to rely on the Almighty to defeat our enemies.

The next Hebrew word is “Mitzar” (“Mem-Tzadi-Resh”) meaning, “from enemies.”  The “Mem” in front is a prefix meaning “from” and “Tzar” (Tzadi-Resh) is an adversary, one who opposes your purposes.  When we decide to stand with God, we align ourselves with God against everything and everyone else that is not FOR Him.  (Despite the “50 shades of grey” theory, in God’s kingdom everything is either white, for God, in the light, or against God, appearing as black, hiding in the dark.  

Rabbi Trail:  Almost every verse of the Hebrew Scriptures are divided into two parts, like an “if this, then that” structure.  An “Etnachta” serves as a comma to show us where the thoughts divide.  It looks like a point up wishbone that appears under a word.  Our sages (wise rabbis of ancient times) decided where to put the diacritical mark “etnachta,” and for this verse, and they put it under the word “Mitzar.”  So then, we are now at the end of the first thought of verse 13.  Let’s repackage just this much.

The entire verse is a part of and (at the same time) a continuation of David’s prayer to the Lord.  Here is our own amplified version of the first half of the verse.  “Ascribe unto us, (in other words) give unto us the help we need (see the RT below), to be (redeemed or delivered) from our enemies.”  

Rabbi Trail:  As we say in High Holiday liturgy, “Ki Ayn Banu Ma’asim.”  It means, “Because we have nothing within us to make (anything).”  Here, in this first part of verse 13, we are acknowledging that we’re all part of the problem.  We therefore recognize that we need God’s help.  Spoiler alert, God is specifically mentioned in the next verse.  End RT.

Now for the second part of verse 13.  “V’Shav” (Vav-Shin-Vav-Aleph) from “Shav” (Shin-Vav-Aleph) meaning “vanity, deceit, false vision, useless and deceptive.”  The leading “Vav” is the prefixed conjunction, “and.”  This leads us to the last operative phrase.

What is useless and deceptive?  It is “T’shuat Adam” meaning “(the) salvation (of) man.”  Headline: “We Can’t Save Ourselves or Each Other.”  That’s right, salvation comes through faith in Yeshua and in Him alone.  As Peter rightly testified, 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!”
 
So, to recap what we have rebuilt today.  “Ascribe unto us, (in other words) give us the help we need, to be (redeemed or delivered) from our enemies, because we know it is vanity and deceptive to think that salvation can come from (just any) man.”  We’ll close out Psalm 60 tomorrow as we close our our week.  Shalom shalom.  

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu6-Aug 202623rd of Av, 5786
De 14:22-29Ez 451 Ch 232 Ti 1 (Jn 11:1-27)

Shalom,

Psalm 60:10 “Moab is my washbasin, On Edom I toss my sandal, Philistia, cry aloud because of me!” 11 Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 12 Should it not be You, O God—who spurned us and no longer goes out with our armies?

The children of Israel had God to lead them in battle.  Joshua 10:42 Thus Joshua captured all those kings and their lands at a single stroke, because Adonai God of Israel fought for Israel.  But Israel wanted a man, and Samuel’s sons were corrupt.  1Samuel 8:5 and (the elders of Israel) said to him (Samuel), “Behold, you have grown old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us—like all the nations.”  

So, God chose the best looking, the one who passed the eye test, to be king over Israel.  1Samuel 9:2 and he (Kish, the Benjamite) had a son whose name was Saul—young and handsome—there was no one among Bnei-Yisrael better than him. From his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people. They chose Saul, to be their human king.  

How does all of this history of Israel relate to our devotional life?  After all, this is a devotion.  I’ll tell you… there can only be one king on the throne.  We sing it in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).  

Rabbi’s Trail: I can’t let this go by without commenting further.  There is more (actually a total of three parts) to the Shema, but we always shorten it to only the first part when we pray at Shomair.  The other two parts are Deuteronomy 11:13-21 and Numbers 13:37-41.  End RT.
Our One God is our One King on the throne of our hearts.  That’s what we mean when we call Him, “Lord.”  When Yeshua reigns in our hearts, we become the reality of the redeemed, as prophesied….  Revelation 5:9 And they are singing a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals. For You were slain, and by Your blood You redeemed for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 You have made them for our God a kingdom and kohanim, and they shall reign upon the earth.”

Yes, we are that “kingdom of priests” serving the only wise God.  Romans 16:25 Now to the One who is able to strengthen you according to my Good News and the proclamation of Yeshua the Messiah, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages 26 but now is revealed and through the Writings of the Prophets has been made known to all the nations, according to the commandment of the eternal God to bring about obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God, through Yeshua the Messiah, to Him be the glory forever. Amen.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed5-Aug 202622nd of Av, 5786
De 14:1-21Ez 44 1 Ch 221 Ti 6 (Jn 10)

Shalom,

Psalm 60:8 God has spoken in His holiness: “I will exult! I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the valley of Succoth. 9 Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine, Ephraim is a helmet for my head, Judah is my scepter.

David is writing about the covenant God made with him…. 

2Samuel 7:9 I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make your name as great as the greatest on earth.

But wait… is that our reality today?  It depends on your perspective.  When we take on God’s perspective, we see the end from the beginning.  How we arrive at God’s desired end is a matter of choices.  However; through it all, we can count on God’s promises.  Verse 8 assures us, “God has spoken in His holiness.”  What will be our response?  The next Hebrew word translated “I will exult” provides our answer….

It is “Eh’lozah” meaning, “I will ‘jump for joy,’ rejoice and triumph!”  Do we need something more than God’s word?  After all, He spoke the entire universe into existence (without any assistance).  God created it all, and it was “good.”  Then He carved out a day of rest, and blessed it.  Not because he was tired, but to teach us the joy of a weekly holiday (a holy day), set aside to rejoice in and commune with Him.  We need a day to increase our trust in God’s provision.

Genesis 2:1 So the heavens and the earth were completed along with their entire array. 2 God completed—on the seventh day—His work that He made, and He ceased—on the seventh day—from all His work that He made. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on it He ceased from all His work that God created for the purpose of preparing.
 
Finally for today, God promises, “Judah is My scepter.”  The Hebrew word for “scepter” is “Makhak,” meaning “an engraving or a decree.  It’s connotation is of a law being cut in stone.  Next we learn that we are God’s engraving.  Isaiah 49:16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands. Your walls are continually before Me.  What could be better?  When we receive Yeshua, we are grafted into His family, and made part of the tribe of Judah.  

Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not pass from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs will come. To him will be the obedience of the peoples.

Yes, yes, yes… Philippians 2:9 For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue profess that Yeshua the Messiah is Lord—to the glory of God the Father.

Rest in that.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue4-Aug 202621st of Av, 5786
De 12:29-13:18[19]Ez 431 Ch 211 Ti 5 (Jn 9)

Shalom,

Psalm 60:7 Save with Your right hand and answer us, so that Your beloved may be delivered.

How is that going to happen?  There are two operative words here, and they appear at the beginning and at the end of the English translation.  Save us (in Hebrew “Hoshiah,” also the basis of “Hosana.”  The second word is “delivered.”  (in Hebrew “Yay-chal-tzun,” from “Chalatz” meaning (in addition to “deliver,” it also connotes one who is armed for defense or strengthened.

Back to the original question, how will this take place?  Did God make a provision for our salvation and deliverance?  Some of this is now starting to sound familiar, isn’t it!  God’s has a “right hand” man, His Son, Yeshua.  He is our defense and our deliverer.  Want proof?

Psalm 94:22 But Adonai has been my fortress and my God the rock of my refuge.

Psalm 18:3(2) Adonai is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in Him I take refuge, my shield, my horn of salvation, my stronghold.

The “answer” God gives us is His Son, Yeshua.  His defense is more than protection.  God answers our prayer by actually standing in for us.  He took our place, and gave his life, so we could live with Him.  

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Just because this verse is overused doesn’t disqualify from being the perfect fit to end this RR.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon3-Aug 202620th of Av, 5786
De 12:11-28Ez 421 Ch 201 Ti 4 (Jn 8:31-59)

Want a presentation of this?  Here is a link.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FiZO1ypjel9LenW8W22be5Id3cIOcwb3/view 

…and from Messiah Yeshua, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood — and made us a kingdom, kohanim to His God and Father…  (Revelation 1:5–6a TLV)

In Revelation 1:5, Messiah Yeshua is named according to His authority: the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, "the ruler of the kings of the earth." This glorious King is also a priest — our "great kohen" (Hebrews 10:21). And by His own authority He has made us "a kingdom, kohanim to His God and Father" (Revelation 1:6).

Apparently the believing community has forgotten this primary calling. We would worry about someone who woke up unable to remember where they work or what they do. Yet here we are. We really are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9), and we need to recover it.

Where does a priest go for his assignments? To the Scriptures. And there the apostolic guidance is plain. Having declared that Yeshua is King, Paul turns at once to prayer:
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all people — for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  (1 Timothy 2:1–2 TLV)

We are called to pray for the social and civil climate we live in — that the structure of our society would be amenable to the Kingdom of God, and that the King’s purposes would advance in our nation. But to pray this way, we must first identify with the King’s heart for those who govern. And that begins with renouncing wrath, rebellion, and resentment.
Renounce Wrath, Rebellion, and Resentment

Peter told husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way, "so that your prayers will not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7). There is an analogy here. Our hearts must be right with God before we can expect to be heard.

So I desire all men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without anger and argument.  (1 Timothy 2:8 TLV)

The "anger" in view was anger at a repressive Roman regime — a godless, idolatrous, tyrannical empire. This is a priestly call to pray, without rancor, for the very people who ruled that empire. And it echoes what Yeshua Himself taught:
Whenever you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your offenses.  (Mark 11:25 TLV)

Anger, rebellion, and resentment pollute the stream of our fellowship with God and the revelation we receive from Him. Let us not deceive ourselves that we can keep up holy intercession while ignoring this.

Honoring God’s Heart

Guard your heart diligently, for from it flow the springs of life.  (Proverbs 4:23 TLV)
Many who read this regard those currently in authority — a particular leader, party, or administration — as adversaries of godly priorities. I am not contending with that. But permit me one question: what is it about loving our adversaries that we do not understand? Yeshua shed His blood for those who were adverse to God’s righteousness. He loved His enemies. He died for sinners. He expects us to reflect that love, even under real political oppression.

The despotism Israel endured under Rome and what we endure are not worthy of comparison. Yet Yeshua said, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven… For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?" (Matthew 5:44–46). If we cannot walk in love during this season, how will we in a season of real tribulation?

And consider this. Can we come before God through the blood, carrying an attitude antithetical to the very love that offered it? His blood speaks love and cries out for forgiveness. To pray effectively for our leaders, we must carry a similar spirit.
Whatever the political season, and whoever holds office, let us consider our ways, return to ADONAI, and pray that righteousness would be exalted.

May ADONAI give us clean hands and a pure heart, that our prayers may rise unhindered. May He make us faithful kohanim who intercede for our land in the love of Messiah Yeshua — that righteousness would be exalted among us. Amen.

A condensed version of David Harwood’s “Called to Pray: A Prayer for Those in Authority.” The theology, exegesis, and conclusions are David’s, developed and taught by him; the prose was drafted with AI assistance from his material and edited by him. Scripture is quoted from the TLV.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun2-Aug 202619th of Av, 5786
De 11:26-12:10Ez 411 Ch 191 Ti 3 (Jn 8:1-30)

Ekev (because, as a result of in the TLV) comes from Deuteronomy 7:12, Then it will happen, as a result of (ekev) your listening to these ordinances, when you keep and do them…

In Parshah Ekev, Israel is urged to obey Adonai’s commandments, blessings are promised for obedience and judgement for disobedience, the people are reminded of Adonai’s provision in the wilderness, including manna and clothing that did not wear out. The sin of the Golden Calf is recalled along with the renewal of the covenant with the second set of tablets. Israel is called to wholeheartedly love ADONAI because their prosperity depends on obedience.

When ADONAI repeats something we are being told “listen up, this is really important.” Last week, in parshah Va’etchanan the Shema was given (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).  

Although not an exact repeat, Deuteronomy 11:18-20 recaptures the essence of the Shema – You are to set these words of Mine in your heart and in your soul. You are to bind them as a sign on your hand, and as frontlets between your eyes. You are to teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. You are to write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Okay, you say, I get it. The Shema is pretty important in our faith. So much so that we say the Shema every day, twice even. But this is nothing new. Perhaps not. But it does point to another thought repeated multiple times in parshah Ekev. 

The first time we get the thought that I am thinking of in Ekev is right at the start in Deuteronomy 7:12…as a result of your listening to these ordinances, when you keep and do them…
Verse 8:11 we get the reverse Take care that you do not forget ADONAI your God by not keeping His mitzvot, ordinances and statutes…

Verses 10:12-13 So now, O Israel, what does ADONAI your God require of you, but to fear ADONAI your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him…to keep the mitzvot of ADONAI and His statutes…

Verse 11:1 Therefore you are to love ADONAI your God and keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances and His mitzvot at all times.

There are more examples in Ekev, but to steal a phrase from Amos, three statements, even for four…(in Hebrew thought three is sufficient to prove an idea, four is over the top).

But this is not just a thought in Torah. What about in the B’rit Chadasha? 

Matthew 7:24&26 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man…Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man…

Luke 11:28 …blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it.

Romans 2:13 For it is not the hearers of Torah who are righteous before God; rather, it is the doers of Torah who will be justified.

Jacob (James) 1:22 But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.

 Three statements…even four…

Although the Shema was given in last week’s parshah, it is ringing like a clarion bell throughout Ekev. Hear and do…hear and do. Torah constantly reinforces this. It’s in the Prophets. Yeshua also picks up this same thought. As do the Apostles. Do you think ADONAI is trying to get our attention? (It’s in three sections of the Bible, even four!)

Let’s close with Matthew 5:18-19 Amen, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or serif shall ever pass away from the Torah until all things have come to pass. Therefore, whoever breaks even one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps and teaches them, this one shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Shabbat Shalom

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat1-Aug 202618th of Av, 5786 Parashat Eikev
De 11:22-25Isa 49:14-51:3Jas 5:7-11

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 60:4 You made earth shake; You split it open. Heal its fractures—for it shudders. 5 You made Your people see hardship. You made us drink wine of staggering. 6 To those who fear You, You gave a banner, to be unfurled before the archers. Selah

Do you see that phrase in verse 6, “You gave a banner?”  That “banner” is in Hebrew “Nes,” meaning a sign or a wonder.  This word, “Nes” appears more than 20 times in the Hebrew Scriptures.  Isaiah used this same word when he prophesied over the salvation of Israel.  Isaiah 62:10 Go through, go through the gates. Clear the way for the people! Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Lift up a banner over the peoples.

When Isaiah says, “Clear the way for the people,” that means remove the stones of stumbling that are preventing Israel (Jewish people) from coming to faith in the Jewish Messiah.  Anti-semitism is one example of such a stumbling stone.  Followers of Yeshua should reflect the love of the savior.  Jeremiah 31:3 “From afar Adonai appeared to me.” “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”  As the people of God, we must love what (and whom) He loves.

For centuries the Body of Messiah has accused Jews of being “Christ killers,” and the next moment asked the question, “Wouldn’t you want to love Jesus and welcome Him into your heart?”  The inconsistency of these two messages form a disconnect and a stumbling block for Jewish people to come to a place of faith in trusting the Jewish Messiah.
 
Here in our subject verses, David is offering a prayer.  Let me paraphrase, “God, You are breaking the world apart and we are suffering hardship.  Heal the broken places because we can’t do this ourselves (like people who are drunk on wine can’t help themselves either).  Therefore, oh Lord, send us a miracle, show us a sign, and save us from the arrows being shot at us.”  Let’s give Isaiah the last word today.  In these few verses, he answers our prayer.

Isaiah 45:21b “Who foretold this from ancient time? Who has declared it of old? Is it not I, Adonai? There is no other God beside Me—a righteous God and a Savior—there is none besides Me! 22 Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God—there is no other. 23 By Myself I have sworn—the word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness, and is irrevocable: that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear. 24a They will say of Me, ‘Only in Adonai is righteousness and strength.’ 25 In Adonai all the seed of Israel will be justified (made righteous) and give praise.”

Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri31-July-202617th of Av, 5786
De 11:10-21Ez 401 Ch 181 Ti 2 (Jn 7)

Shalom,

Psalm 60:1 For the music director, on the “Lily of the Covenant,” a Michtam of David, for teaching, 2 when he fought with Aram-Naharaim and with Aram-Zobah, and Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 3 O God, You have spurned us. You have broken out against us. You have been angry. Turn back to us!

Rabbi’s Note: First, as we begin our meditations on this Psalm, we must notice the way the verses are numbered differently in the Jewish and Christian texts.  The first three verses of most Jewish texts are combined into verse 1 of most Christian texts.  Therefore; most Jewish texts have 14 verses of Psalm 60, while most Christian texts have all the same words, but have only 12 verses.

The next thing we must understand is the period of time to which war this Psalm is describing.  Even though David had been anointed previously by Samuel, he finally assumed the throne to become King of Israel after the death of King Saul.  2Samuel 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David cut a covenant with them at Hebron before Adonai. Then they anointed David king over Israel.  Thus King David began his 40 year reign.  But there were still many wars to fights.  

The “Valley of Salt” is at the southern tip of the Dead Sea.  Aramians is another name for Syrians. These battles took place early in David’s reign as he sought to solidify his rulership over Israel and expand its territory.  These events are recorded in 2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19, and it all lines up well with Psalm 60.  End RN.

The last Hebrew phrase of verse 3 is where we want to focus our attention today.  “T’sho’vav Lanu,” meaning “You will return to us.”  After detailing three ways God has left us, “(1) You have spurned us. (2) You have broken out against us. (3) You have been angry.” the psalmist calls upon God to return.  

That’s the same lesson as at the end of Psalm 59.  Do you want God’s favor (hint: say yes) then call upon Him, and why wait until you’re in trouble?  Isaiah 58:9a Then you will call, and Adonai will answer. You will cry and He will say, “Here I am.”  When we call upon God, we are opening the door to him.  God is a gentleman, He doesn’t break down closed doors.  Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.  

Dining with God?  Why, that’s the last supper where the Lord Himself is the menu.  He alone is our sacrifice.  And we take on our role as priests when we partake of the sacrifice.  When God does something, it is done with perfection.  All that’s is left for us is to have an attitude of thanksgiving.  We open the door and we let God into our lives.  Then His kingdom is ours.  I think it was Prudential Insurance who was offering a “piece of the rock.”  The reality of the “Rock” is Yeshua.  

Psalm 18:3 Adonai is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in Him I take refuge, my shield, my horn of salvation, my stronghold.

Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu30-July-202616th of Av, 5786
De 10:12-11:9Ez 391 Ch 171 Ti 1  (Jn 6:37-71)

Shalom.

Psalm 59:15 They return at evening, snarling like a dog, prowling about the city. 16 They wander around for food. If they are not full, they stay up all night. 17 But I—I sing of Your strength! Yes, in the morning I sing aloud of Your lovingkindness. For You have been my fortress, a refuge in the day of my trouble. 18 O my strength, to You I sing praises. For God is my strong tower—my God of lovingkindness.

Today we conclude our meditations on Psalm 59.  First, David was being hunted by “bloodthirsty men” (in verse 3), who were acting like a pack of ravenous dogs (in verse 7).  And here also, at the end of the Psalm, the same hunters (prowling about the city) are still “snarling like a dog” (in verse 15).  Is it an honor to be hunted?  Not really, the honor is in being delivered by the hand of God from those seeking to ruin our lives.

Isaiah 41:13 “For I am Adonai your God who upholds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

That’s a great promise from God.  May the faithful receive it and stand firm upon it.  We read as David penned in the Psalm (paraphrasing), “They are coming after me in the evening,… but I’m singing God’s praises in the morning.”  Here’s another observation… Why are those “dogs” always “wandering around for food” (as in verse 16)?  It is because they are never satisfied.  Only Yeshua satisfies, and they don’t have Yeshua.  

John 6:35  Yeshua said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.

We are all born with an emptiness that longs to be satisfied.  The temptations of this world only offer cheap substitutes.  Our longings will only and ever be fulfilled by the One-True-And-Living God.  That’s why He alone is able….

Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and ‘you will find rest for your souls.’ 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Is there some better plan that I don’t know about?  1Peter 5:7 Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed29-July-202615th of Av, 5786 Tu B’Av
De 10:1-11Ez 381 Ch 162 Th 3(Jn 6:1-36)

Shalom,

Psalm 59:13 The sin of their mouth is the words of their lips. So let them be caught in their pride, and for uttering a curse and a lie. 14 Consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more. Let them know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah

Is this a contradiction within the Psalm?  Verse 12 begins (from yesterday’s subject verses), “Do not slay them,” while today, verse 14 begins “Consume them in wrath.”  How is this not a contradiction?  It certainly appears to be just that.  Let me give you a clue… it is a matter of timing, my friends.  

The Psalmist is saying, “Do not slay them…” until they remember (“lest they forget”) their error.  Then, Lord, go ahead and “consume them until they are no more,” as an example to others, who need such a lesson.  This is not without precedent in Scripture… Numbers 32:13 The anger of Adonai burned against Israel and He caused them to wander in the wilderness 40 years until all the generation doing that evil in Adonai’s sight was gone.  We are watching this happen in the world today.  There is prophecy now being fulfilled.  

Revelation 9:20 But the rest of mankind, those not killed by these plagues, did not repent and turn away from the works of their hands—they would not stop worshiping demons and the idols of gold and silver and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. 21 And they did not repent and turn away from their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their stealing.

Don’t be caught unaware.  Listen (take heed) to Yeshua’s words.… Luke 21:34 “But watch out so your hearts are not weighed down by carousing, strong drink, and the worries of life. Do not let that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come rushing upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

That’s our lesson for today.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue28-July-202614th of Av, 5786
De 9:4-29Ez 371 Ch 152 Th 2 (Jn 5)

Shalom,

Psalm 59:11 My God in His lovingkindness will go before me. God will let me look down on my foes. 12 Do not slay them, lest my people forget. With Your power shake them and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

The Hebrew word is “Y’qad’may’ni,” translated here as “He will go before me,” but in other translations as “He will meet me.”  It is derived from the Shoresh “Qadam” (Quf-Dalet-Mem) which can also mean “to confront” or “to anticipate.”  Clearly, from the context, David is prophesying a meeting with God as he deals with his enemies.  

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you will prosper and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of Adonai’s servants—their vindication is from Me.” It is a declaration of Adonai.

In what way is God going to anticipate or confront David?  A better question though is, how is God going to meet you and me in our own times of trouble?  The next verse itself tells us the answer, “In His lovingkindness.”  The Hebrew word is “Chas’do,” (from Chesed) also meaning “grace.”  Yeshua said as much to His enemies.

Luke 23:34a But Yeshua was saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

This brings us to yet another question, “How did God anticipate our need for grace to survive the difficult situations of life?”  Another answer you already know, “By sending His only begotten Son, Yeshua, as our eternal atonement.”  Break it down, “atonement” brings us to “at-one-ment” with God.  When we are one with Him, our enemies are His enemies too, and trust me, God knows how to take care of His enemies.

So, our prayer then should be, “May our enemies be shaken, but not killed.”  My personal testimony is that believers in Yeshua loved me into the kingdom.  My guess is that, if you know the Lord, the same is true for your testimony.  How dare we not offer that same kindness to those who are sick and dying in their unbelief.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon27-July-202613th of Av, 5786
De 8:11-9:3Ez 361 Ch 142 Th 1  (Jn 4:31-54)

Shavuah Tov,

Rabbi’s Note:  David submitted the RR below, giving me the option to use it or send it back to him (and he would submit something else for this week).  You see, David is a “man under authority.”  Even Yeshua was under authority, as we all are (or should be).  The danger of this RR is that some will view it as a license to be independent of ministry authority.  It isn’t, and David agrees with that statement.  Remember, even the Lone Ranger (although only a legend) was submitted to the local authorities.  

There is a difference between a “lone ranger” and a “parking lot prophet.”  Parking lot prophets are people who minister in the parking lot after the service because they are not submitted to the authority of the leadership.  If they were properly submitted, they would be recognized to minister in the building.  Don’t submit your life to a parking lot prophet, and nothing in this RR suggests that is a good idea.  End RN.

In Praise of the Lone Ranger
By David Harwood 

Last week I shared about the importance of the corporate armor of God. I stressed the vital connection we’re to have with one another to prevail in spiritual warfare. 

May I briefly share my testimony? 

I’ve been leading the same fellowship for almost fifty years. In 1982 I was ordained by two spiritual fathers and, also, in 1994, by about eight local leaders. I serve as an advisor to a local ministers network, am affiliated with Tikkun, and at this time my primary itinerant ministry is focused on a neighboring county – Queens, NYC. I’m not disconnected, disenfranchised, nor do I despise local congregations, networks, or denominations. 

But I’m writing sympathetically about lone rangers.

Lone Rangers have a bad name, but was the Lone Ranger a bad guy? Was he a loose cannon? Was he disconnected from society?

The Story:

John Reid (obviously not a real person), began his career as part of a legitimate, effective, recognized, organized group. He was a Texas Ranger. However, the troop he was with was betrayed, his brother and friends were killed, and he was wounded. Reid was rescued and cared for by Tonto – a disenfranchised honorable man. 

John Reid decided to continue to work for righteousness, but to do so outside the system.

He wore a mask.

The masked man maintained relationships with legitimate authority. He did not work outside the law. He worked apart from the law enforcement establishment. He still enjoyed the respect of those he used to work with. He did not undermine them. He did not disrespect their roles. He worked with local authority, but resisted unjust people who held legitimate offices.

When confronting evil, Reid would often disguise himself. People wouldn’t know it was the masked man, the man with a hidden identity. He did not help people for his own glory, but compassionately and righteously helped those in trouble. 

Upon completing his task he rode away from recognition. The people he helped did not know who he was. But others did. They identified him and gave him credit. His praise didn’t come from his own mouth. When finished with one problem he knew there were more people to help, and so, on to his next assignment.

This was his life.

By their fruits we shall know them.

From my perspective, there needs to be room for lone rangers to relate to and benefit local congregations. Often those who are itinerant claim to be connected to local congregations but their relationship with them is actually one of occasional attendance. Yet, their family lives are solid and their friendships with the leaders of the place they attend are in good repair, but... really, they function as lone rangers.

Some thoughts about Yeshua.

Yeshua was a rabbi, but from all we know, He was not part of the rabbinic schools of His day. (John 1:28,49; 3:2; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8; 20:16) He affirmed that which was wholesome and rejected that which was a perversion of God’s purposes. (Mark 12:34)

He stayed connected to the Temple and synagogue. (John 18:20) Yeshua upheld the Torah. He honored the traditions of the elders when they did not conflict with the Written Word, or the underlying principles of Torah. (Mark 2:25-27; Matthew 15:6b-8)

Yeshua told people not to publicize the extraordinary healings He did and was loyal to His people, working within His culture. (Matthew 8:4)

He ministered in one village and went on to the next. (Matthew 9:35)

Some thoughts about Paul. 

Paul was not part of the Jerusalem establishment. He honored them, but did not inordinately respect them. (Acts 15:32; Galatians 2:1-2,6)

After he was sent out from Antioch it does not appear that he had an established accountability structure. Yes, he would occasionally show up and report what was happening, (Acts 14:26-27) but it was not the same thing  as saying, “Elders in Antioch, I submit my theology and practices to you.” There’s no hint of that.

In addition, Paul did not always make important decisions in harmony with his team. He left his senior partner and patron, Barnabus, and struck out on his own. (Acts 15:39) His decision to ignore spiritual counsel and go to Jerusalem shows his independence. (Acts 20:22–23; 21:4,13-14) He upheld the legitimacy of his co-workers’ individual choices. (1 Corinthians 16:12)

Lone rangers... Bad?

Maybe some are actually sent.

“Because of this, behold, I’m sending you prophets and wise men and Torah scholars. Some of them you will kill and execute at the stake, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city.” (Matthew 23:34 TLV) 


Scriptures Referenced

Yeshua turned around and saw them following. He said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is translated Teacher), “where are you staying?” (John 1:38) 

“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are Ben-Elohim! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49) 

He came to Yeshua at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You, a teacher, have come from God. For no one can perform these signs which You do unless God is with Him!” (John 3:2) 

Meanwhile, the disciples were pressing Him, “Rabbi, eat!” (John 4:31) 

When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” (John 6:25) 

His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” (John 9:2) 

“Rabbi,” the disciples say to Him, “just now the Judean leaders were trying to stone You! And You’re going back there again?” (John 11:8) 

Yeshua says to her, “Miriam!” Turning around, she says to Him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:16) 

When Yeshua saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared any longer to question Him. (Mark 12:34) 

“I have spoken openly to the world,” Yeshua answered him. “I always taught in the synagogues and the Temple, where all the Jewish people come together. I spoke nothing in secret. (John 18:20) 

And He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, and he and those with him became hungry? How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was kohen gadol and ate the showbread, which is permitted only for the kohanim to eat, and gave some even to those who were with him?” Then He said to them, “Shabbat was made for man, and not man for Shabbat. (Mark 2:25–27) 

On account of your tradition, you made void the word of God. Hypocrites! Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying, ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. (Matthew 15:6b–8) 

And Yeshua said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go show yourself to the kohen and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” (Matthew 8:4) 

Now Yeshua was going around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. (Matthew 9:35) 

When Paul and Barnabas had a big argument and debate with them, the brothers appointed Paul and Barnabas with some others from among them to go up to Jerusalem to the emissaries and elders about this issue. (Acts 15:2) 

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus with me. Because of a revelation, I went up and presented to them the Good News that I proclaim among the Gentiles. But I did so privately to those who seemed to be influential, to make sure I would not run—or had not run—in vain. (Galatians 2:1–2) 

But from those who seemed to be influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those influential ones added nothing to my message. (Galatians 2:6) 

From there they sailed back to Antioch (where they had been entrusted to the gracious care of God for the work now completed). When they arrived and gathered together Messiah’s community, they began to report all that God had done in helping them and that He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26–27) 

A sharp disagreement took place, so that they split off from one another. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. (Acts 15:39) 

“And now, look, bound by the Ruach, I am going to Jerusalem—not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Ruach ha-Kodesh bears witness to me from city to city, saying that bondage and afflictions await me. (Acts 20:22–23) 

We looked up the disciples and stayed there seven days. They kept telling Paul through the Ruach not to set foot in Jerusalem. (Acts 21:4) 

Then Paul responded, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but to die for the name of the Lord Yeshua!” Since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, saying only, “May the Lord’s will be done.” (Acts 21:13–14) 

Now about our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers and sisters, and he was quite unwilling to come now—but he will come when he has an opportunity. (1 Corinthians 16:12) 

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun26-July-202612th of Av, 5786
De 7:12-8:10Ez 34-351 Ch 131 Th 5(Jn 4:1-30)

Shabbat Shalom,

The Parshah this week is Va’Etchanan which comes from Deuteronomy 3:23 I (Moses) pleaded (Va’Etchanan) with ADONAI…

In this parshah, Moses pleads to enter the land, Israel is commanded to obey Torah, Trans-Jordan cities of refuge are identified, the Ten Words are reiterated, the Shema is given, and the people are warned about becoming complacent.

Deuteronomy 4:23-31 Watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the covenant of ADONAI your God which He cut with you, and make for yourselves a graven image…(if) you act corruptly and make a graven image and do evil in the sight of ADONAI your God…you will be carried off quickly from the land…ADONAI will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left with but a few…among the nations where ADONAI will drive you.

The LORD predicted that Israel would bend under the pressures of the nations around them. They would worship idols and make unholy sacrifices; they would do evil in the sight of the Lord.

Hence the warning in Deuteronomy 7:1-6 When ADONAI your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out many nations before you…and ADONAI your God gives them over to you and you strike them down, then you are to totally destroy them…(do not) give your daughter to his son or take his daughter for your son, (they) will turn your son away from following me to serve other gods...

ADONAI knew that if the Israelites left any remnants of the nations in the land they would be pressured to join these nations and worship their idols.

Then most Israelites would be removed from the land and scattered among the nations. Yet ADONAI also predicted that there would come a time when the people would return to Him, that the people would seek ADONAI and seek to obey Him. Then ADONAI would return his people to the land.

Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there (the diaspora) you will seek ADONAI your God, you will find Him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Psalm 63:1 O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You.

Matthew 7:7-8 Yeshua says Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it shall be opened.

What exactly does it mean to seek after God? Yeshua seems to be pointing to us getting to know God. When we seek after someone and knock on their door, we get an opportunity to get to know them.

Just remember there is a world of difference between knowing about someone and knowing them.

Knowing someone requires spending time with that person, building a personal relationship.

It’s the same way with ADONAI. When you accept Yeshua as your personal savior Yeshua helps you to “knock” on ADONAI’s door.

John 17:3 “This is eternal life that they may know You, the only true God, and Yeshua, the one You sent.”

Yeshua introduces us to God when we turn from sin, turn to God and trust in Yeshua.

Then we must develop our relationship with ADONAI through months and years of study and prayer.

Psalm 119:66-68 Teach me knowledge and good judgement, for I believe in Your commands. Before I was afflicted and went astray, but now I obey Your word. You are good and what You do is good, teach me Your decrees.

There David is admitting that he used to live a crazy, sinful life. Then he was introduced to ADONAI and found that He is good, and He does good things for people who trust in Him. David pleads with ADONAI to teach him Torah, and through Torah to give him the knowledge and judgement to make better life choices. He’s seeking to “know” God.

We have all made bad choices. ADONAI knew that we would need a Savior. So, He made a way for us. All we need to do is to trust in Yeshua and get to know Him through study and prayer. Then as the Psalmist says:

Psalm 63:5-6 I will bless You as long as I live. In Your name I will lift my hands. My soul is satisfied with fat and oil, so my mouth praises you with joyful lips.

Shabbat Shalom

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat25-July-202611th of Av, 5786
Parashat Vaetchanan Shabbat Nachamu
De 5:22[19]-7:11Isa 40:1-281 Pe 1:18-25

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 59:Psa 59:7 They return at evening, snarling like a dog, prowling about the city. 8 See, they are spewing with their mouth—swords in their lips—“After all, who is listening?” 9 But You, Adonai, are laughing at them. You scoff at all the nations. 10 O my strength, I watch for You—for God is my strong tower.

There are three “players” in these four verses.  First, there is “they” (and what “they” are doing to disrupt the purposes of God). Then, in verse 9, we have, “But You, Adonai(YHVH).”  Aren’t we glad those words are in the Bible?  Where would we be without them?  “But God” saves us from certain destruction.  Finally, there is “us.”  We are the third party.

Here, in verse 9, God is laughing at “them” (our enemies).  That’s what God does, He laughs at those who oppose Him.  He is not threatened.  God is secure in His identity.  Those who oppose God have a certain (predetermined) destiny.  Romans 6:23 For sin’s payment is death, but God’s gracious gift is eternal life in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.  Want more good news?  God has arranged for us to determine our own destiny.  

Joshua 24:15  If it seems bad to you to worship Adonai, then choose for yourselves today whom you will serve—whether the gods that your fathers worshipped that were beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will worship Adonai!”

Or, perhaps the more often used scripture to support the idea that the choice is our own…1Kings 18:21a Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If Adonai is God, follow Him; but if Baal is, follow him.”  Elijah spoke to a people who were conflicted… 1Kings 18:21b But the people did not answer him, not even a word.  Don’t be conflicted.  If you deny the power of God transform your life, God will laugh at you.

It is way better that we have God as our strong tower.  Proverbs 18:10 The Name of Adonai is a strong tower. The righteous one runs into it and is set safely up high.  There is trouble in the world today, and more trouble coming.  That’s the promise of Matthew 24:21 For then there will be great trouble, such as has not happened since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.  

Let’s not follow a delusion and finish outside of righteousness, looking up to the kingdom of God with no way to enter in.  This takes us to images of the rich man and Lazarus.  Luke 16:26 Besides all this, between us and you a great chasm is firmly set, so that those who want to cross over to you cannot, nor can those from there cross over to us.  Choose wisely my friends.  Shabbat shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri24-July-202610th of Av, 5786
De 5:1-21[18]Ez 331 Ch 121 Th 4 (Jn 3)

Shalom,

Psalm 59:5 For no guilt of mine, they run and set things up. Awake! Help me! Look! 6 For You are Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot, the God of Israel! Rouse Yourself to punish all the nations. Show no mercy to any iniquitous traitors. Selah

David is a hunted man.  He is being hunted by men who had previously followed him in battle against a common enemy.  Now, those same men have turned against him, all because an obsessed king said so.  Things for Yeshua were much the same.  He also was hunted by His own people.

Our freedom in America has caused us to forget the tyranny of kings.  We have the sovereign God, but in many parts of the world, they have, or had, a sovereign king.  There can only be one sovereign in any one place at any one time.  By definition, a “sovereign” must be obeyed immediately and without question.  Any unaddressed rebellion at all means the “sovereign” is no longer “sovereign.”

God alone is sovereign in heaven.  Psalm 103:19 Adonai has set up His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.  The battle raging between good and evil in the earth today is over who will reign on earth.  So we pray… Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  God’s will in heaven is done immediately and without question.

Rabbi Trail: God warned Israel through the prophet, Samuel, against having a king since He was already their King.  1Samuel 8:11 “This will be the practice of the king that will reign over you,” he said. “He will draft your sons, etc… 17b Then you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When the day comes and you cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, Adonai will not answer you on that day.”

But the people insisted, and God gave them their desires.  1Samuel 10:19 “But today you have spurned your God, who is your deliverer from all your calamities and your distresses. For you said to Him: ‘No! Rather set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before Adonai by your tribes and by your thousands.”…24b Then all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!”  End RT.

All David can do is to call upon the greater King, Who is the Lord.  We are all hunted.  Satan wants our souls.  And the only hope of salvation for any of us is to follow David’s example, and call upon the Lord.  

Psalm 91:14 “Because he has devoted his love to Me, I will deliver him. I will set him securely on high, because he knows My Name. 15 When he calls on Me, I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, rescue him, and honor him.

Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu23-July-20269th of Av, 5786Tish’a B’Av
De 4:25-40Jer 8:13-9:23Lam 1-51 Co 3:1-20
Ex 32:11-14; 34:10 (afternoon) Isa 55:6-56:8 (afternoon) Mt 5:1-12 (afternoon)

Shalom,

Rabbi’s Note: Take a look at the Hebrew date in the “Daily Bread” section below.  You know what that means?  The RR for tomorrow, July 23rd is for Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of the Hebrew month Av, a date of many Jewish calamities throughout history.  For insight into the most observant of Jewish practices, click this link… https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144576/jewish/Tisha-BAv-Order-of-the-Day.htm End RN.
_______

Psalm 59:3 Deliver me from workers of iniquity. Rescue me from bloodthirsty men. 4 For behold, they lie in wait for me. Defiant men stir up strife against me—not for my transgression or sin, Adonai.

Verses two and three both start with the same word.  In both verses, David (Notwithstanding that some scholars believe this Psalm was written much later by Nehemiah because Nehemiah also had enemies who plotted to kill him.) is calling upon God for deliverance.  In verse two, he seeks deliverance from his enemies, while in verse three, he is seeking deliverance from “workers of iniquity.”  

As with all Scripture, we must ask the question, “What is God saying to me through these words?  How does this speak to my life?”  First, let’s do a quick study…..  “What is deliverance?”  Or, perhaps a better way to phrase the question is, “What needs deliverance?”  This is at the very heart of Yeshua’s ministry.  

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of Adonai Elohim is on me, because Adonai has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.  

Yeshua read this in his hometown (Nazareth) synagogue, affirming this is his ministry… Luke 4:21 Then He began to tell them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your ears.”  Yeshua spoke, and the people heard in their ears, but they were not ready to receive it in their hearts.  Deliverance happens in the heart.

Back to our original question, Who needs deliverance?  Let me answer unequivocally, “Everybody!”  And to the second question, “What needs deliverance?”  Our verse from Psalm 59 answers the question, if you look at the Hebrew, the English misses it.  Psalm 59:4a For behold, they lie in wait for me.  The Hebrew says, “They lie is wait for my soul.”  The Hebrew word for soul is “Nefesh,” meaning, “the life giving force that is within me.”  Make no mistake, that’s what the enemy wants.  Add to that, we are all captives of sin.  We all need deliverance from that captivity.  

Stop and ask!  Then pray for deliverance and Malachi 3:20(4:2) “But for you who revere My Name, the sun of righteousness will rise, with healing in its wings.”  That “sun of righteousness” is the bright and morning star!

Revelation 22:16 “I, Yeshua, have sent My angel to testify these things to you for My communities. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
   
Oh this is good!  What’s better?  When you receive it, it becomes your goodness, direct from the throne of God.  Shalom shalom.
 
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed22-July 20268th of Av, 5786
De 4:41-49Ez 321 Ch 111 Th 3 (Jn 2)

Shalom,

Psalm 59:1 For the music director: “Do Not Destroy,” a Michtam of David, when Saul sent men to watch the house to kill him. 2 Deliver me from my enemies, my God! Set me on high, away from those who rise up against me.

David is a hunted man whose only hope is that God will deliver him from his enemies.  What he is writing about here, is a story that is retold in 1Samuel 19.  Specifically, 1Samuel 19:11 Then Saul sent agents to David’s house to watch him, in order to kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him saying, “If you don’t escape for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” 12 So Michal lowered David down through the window, and thus he went, fled and escaped.  Spoiler Alert: God answers David’s prayer for deliverance.  He survives many attempts on his life, and lives to old age.  He died naturally, meaning nobody killed him, though there were many who tried.

This is the third Psalm in a row to start with these words.  Psalm 59:1a For the music director: “Do Not Destroy,” a Michtam of David.  “Do not destroy” in Hebrew is “Al Tash’chet” which was probably the opening words to a popular tune in David’s time.  It is likely a musical designation, containing implied instructions to the conductor of the worship team related to the singing or instrumentation of the poem.

Rabbi’s Note:  Psalm 75 is a fourth “Al Tash’chet” but it is of Asaph.  End RN.

In David’s initial petition before God, he asks for two things: “deliver me,” and “set me on high.”  In transliterated Hebrew, “Hatzi’lay’ni” and “T’sag’vay’ni” respectively.  (Hebrew is naturally poetic due to the similar structures of words, especially the same prefixes and suffixes.)  To be delivered is to be set free.  It is a word that figures prominently in the Passover story.  

To be set high includes the figurative understanding of being exalted. Ultimately, it is not us who will be set up high, but Yeshua….  Isaiah 2:17 The pride of man will be humbled, the arrogance of men abased, for Adonai alone will be exalted in that day. 18 The idols will completely pass away.  Oh, did I leave out the fact that we will be seated in high places together with Him?  

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Messiah. (By grace you have been saved!) 6 And He raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Messiah Yeshua.  Deliverance from our enemies and seated together with Yeshua!  What could be better?  Paul is quoting Isaiah 64:3(4)…

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.”  

Shalom shalom.

Tue21-July 20267th of Av, 5786
De 4:5-40Ez 311 Ch 101 Th 2  (Jn 1:29-51)