Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, February 6, 2025
Shalom,
Here is one version of the cantorial “Se’u Sheorim” from Psalm 24. There are many other versions. Some are sung as liturgy during the Rosh Hashanah synagogue service, while others are in various genres of pop music. Check out “YouTube” and search for “Seu Shearim Roshechem.”
Here is how the Park Avenue Synagogue Choir in New York sang it classically (with Cantor Ari Schwartz). They must have borrowed a Catholic Church for the recording. Can you see why I believe so?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00mNAWwJRJs
Psalms
Psalm 24:8 – Part 7
Psalm 24:8 “Who is this King of glory?” Adonai strong and mighty, Adonai mighty in battle!
If verses 7 and 9 (identical verses) are the “chorus,” then verse 8 (today) must be the verse. “Mi Ze Melech?” Translates, “Who is this King?” If Jewish people could answer that question correctly, we would have the revival we so earnestly seek. Romans 11:11 I say then, they (Jewish people) did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their false step salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke Israel to jealousy…. 15 For if their rejection leads to the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
“Life from the dead” is the best description of revival ever. It speaks of the reconciliation of the world, not only in this life, but in the next also! Hallelujah! The same question (essentially) was asked of Peter by Yeshua at Caesarea Philippi. Matthew 16:15 He (Yeshua) said (to Peter), “But who do you say I am?” The Bible records his answer… Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Seems straightforward enough, yet questions remain concerning Yeshua’s divinity, especially among Jews and even some “Messianic” Jews. I put “Messianic” in quotes because I don’t believe you can be truly Messianic (Jewish or non-Jewish) unless you have faith in the divinity of Yeshua. Yeshua said as much several times… John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.” Even the Jews to whom Yeshua was speaking at the time called it blasphemy, and wanted to stone Him.
But it wasn’t blasphemy, was it? So the question remains, can God become a man? Are you going to tell Him He can’t? Certainly, not me. Yeshua died on the Cross, beneath a sign that read in three languages, “King of the Jews.” The rabbis wanted it changed, but Pilate would have none of it.
In Matthew 23, Yeshua speaks seven “Woes” over the Scribes and Pharisees. Then, Yeshua makes this statement in His lament over Jerusalem… Matthew 23:39 For I tell you, you will never see Me again until you say, ‘Baruch ha-ba b’shem Adonai. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” This translation misses an important idiom. “Baruch Haba” is idiomatic for “welcome.” Yeshua left this world in the most unwelcoming fashion. He will not return until we, His people – both Jews and Gentiles – welcome Him back, and in the fullness of Who He is, King of the Jews. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu 6-Feb-2025 8th of Sh’vat, 5785
Ex 15:27-16:10 1 Ki 17 Ps 119:25-48 Jn 1:29-51 (1 Th 1)