#Chedorlaomer

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Abram Rescues Lot

1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, 2 that these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. 3 All these were joined together in the Vale of Siddim, which is the Salt Sea. 4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness. 7 And they returned and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites and also the Amorites, who dwelt in Hazezontamar. 8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar), and they joined battle with them in the Vale of Siddim, 9 against Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and against Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar – four kings against five. 10 And the Vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell there, and those who remained fled to the mountain. 11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their victuals, and went their way. 12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods and departed. 13 And there came one who had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt on the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house (three hundred and eighteen), and pursued them unto Dan. 15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants by night, and smote them and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot and his goods, and the women also and the people. — Genesis 14:1-16 | Third Millennium Bible (TMB) Third Millennium Bible, New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 10:10; Genesis 10:19; Genesis 10:22; Genesis 11:3; Genesis 11:27; Genesis 12:5; Genesis 13:10; Genesis 13:12; Genesis 13:18; Genesis 16:14; Genesis 19:17; Genesis 21:21; Numbers 32:37; Numbers 34:12; Deuteronomy 1:4; 1 Samuel 30:8; 1 Samuel 30:18; Hosea 11:8; Acts 9:2; Acts 9:8; Acts 9:10

[artandthebible]

Abraham and Melchizedek

Artist: Follower of Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640)

Description

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.

Who was Melchizedek?

Melchizedek, whose name means “king of righteousness,” was a king of Salem (Jerusalem) and priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18–20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6–11; 6:20—7:28). Melchizedek’s sudden appearance and disappearance in the book of Genesis is somewhat mysterious. Melchizedek and Abraham first met after Abraham’s defeat of Chedorlaomer and his three allies. Melchizedek presented bread and wine to Abraham and his weary men, demonstrating friendship. He bestowed a blessing on Abraham in the name of El Elyon (“God Most High”) and praised God for giving Abraham a victory in battle (Genesis 14:18–20).

[numbersbythebook]

The Numbers 116 & 4347

written by Will Schumacher

Part 1

The 116th chapter in the Bible is Levitcus 26. It is the blessings and curses of obeying God’s commands.

In my last post I saw verse 4191 with a gematria of 930. I found this significant because in the day Adam would disobey God’s command he would die. Strong’s H4191 is “die”. Adam of course died at age 930.

Verse 4191 began the command of God that His people, Israel, are to wear tzittzit so that they would remember to obey the commands of God. Jesus has healing in His tzitzit. We are saved by our faith in Him.

The command to wear tzitzit is part of the parshah called “shelach” (Numbers 13:1 -15:41). It is the 116th verse of the parshah.

Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

Verse 116 of the Bible has a gematria of 4385.

Strong’s H4385 =”writing”. It is used the first time about the 10 commandments that God wrote:

Exodus 32:16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.

Strong’s H6918 =”holy” is found 116 times in the Old Testament.

Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

The number 116 seems to be about the choice to obey the commands.

Part 2

The curses of the law, or not following the commands, are called plagues in Leviticus 26 the 116th chapter:

Leviticus 26:21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Strong’s H4347 =”plagues”

These plagues are consequences God allows that are meant to bring us to repentance.

Leviticus 26:21 is verse number 3546. Strong’s H3546 =”able” and is used four times in Daniel with dreams and visions that Daniel interprets. The first use is the vision Nebuchadnezzar has about the statue of 4 metals:

Daniel 2:26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

This statue is of 4 kingdoms to which are smashed by a stone that becomes a mountain (Jesus). The 4 kingdoms are typically seen as Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome.

Leviticus 26:21 has a gematria of 3540. Strong’s H3540 = Chedorlaomer. He seems to be the leader of the 4 kings (just like Daniel’s 4 metals of 4 kingdoms) that defeat 5 kings and take Lot captive.

Genesis 14:1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

One can’t help but see the 4 kingdoms of Daniel and the 4 kings of Genesis and see the connection to the beast in Revelation 13. Daniel has another dream of 4 beasts from the sea: a lion (Babylon), a bear (persia), a leopard (Greece) and a 4th beast. The beast from the sea in Revelation is like a lion, bear, and leopard. Therefore it must be the 4th beast.

Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Notice verse 4347 with a gematria of 4198.

Numbers 21:6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Notice verse 4198 with a gematria of 4347, quite amazing I believe.

Numbers 16:3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?

The first verse in the Bible with a gematria of 4347 is God telling His people to observe His commandments. The beginning of chapter 34 is God’s 10 commandments.

Exodus 34:11 Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

The number 4347 seems to be tied to the plagues of disobedience of not obeying God’s commands.

These plagues are allowed by God to lead us to repent. In the book of Judges the people would rebel against God and he would allow their enemies to overtake them. They would cry for help and He would send a redeemer to save them.

The fiery serpents, those like Korah in opposition to God’s authority, the 4 kings of Genesis, the 4 kingdoms of Daniel, the beasts of revelation are all allowed in order to test, refine, and lead us to repentance.

[foggynightdonut]

Beberapa tempat bernama Kadesh: KADESH (Heb. קָדֵשׁ), name of several places in Ereẓ Israel and Syria to which a sacred character is attributed.

(1) Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea (Heb. קָדֵשׁ, קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ), an important oasis situated on the southern border of Canaan (Num. 34:4; Josh. 15:3; Ezek. 47:19; 48:28) in the wilderness of Zin (Num. 20:1; 27:14; 33:36; Deut. 32:51) – part of the wilderness of Paran (Num. 20:16) – at a distance of an eleven days' journey from Mt. Horeb (Deut. 1:2). Kadesh is alternatively called En-Mishpat ("spring of judgment"; Gen. 14:7) and the "waters of Meribah" ("strife," Num. 20:13, 24; 27:14; Deut. 32:51), names which indicate its special role as a sacred place of judgment and assembly for the desert tribes.

Kadesh-Barnea appears in the stories of Abraham (Gen. 16:14; 20:1) and in the description of the expedition of Chedorlaomer and his allies; Kadesh-Barnea, here called En-Mishpat, is said to have been inhabited by Amalekites (Gen. 14:7). During the Exodus it served as an assembly point for the Israelite tribes in the desert (Deut. 1:46). Some scholars regard it as the first amphictyonic center of the Israelites.

From Kadesh-Barnea spies were sent to explore Canaan (Num. 13:26); the attempt was made to penetrate into Canaan which was prevented by Arad and Hormah (Num. 14:40–45; 21:1; 33:36–40); messengers were sent to the king of Edom; and from here the Israelites started out on their eastward march to Transjordan (Num. 20:14ff.; 33:36ff.; Deut. 1:46ff.; Judg. 11:16ff.).

Biblical tradition associates Kadesh-Barnea with the family of Moses in particular: here Moses drew water abundantly from the rock; here he and Aaron were punished for their lack of faith by being denied entrance into the land of Canaan (Num. 20:2ff.); here his sister Miriam died and was buried (Num. 20:1); and Aaron died nearby at mount Hor (Num. 20:22–29; 33:37–39). Kadesh-Barnea has been identified with the group of springs 46 mi. (75 km.) south of Beer-Sheba and 15 mi. (25 km.) south of Niẓẓanah.

The name is preserved at the southernmost spring ʿAyn Qudays, but ʿAyn al-Qudayrāt to the north of it is of much greater importance being a rich spring which waters a fertile plain. In its vicinity a large fortress from the time of the Judahite kings was discovered. Most scholars therefore identify Kadesh-Barnea with the larger spring; the entire group of springs may have originally been called Kadesh-Barnea and the name survived at the southern one despite its lesser importance. During the Sinai campaign a large Israelite fortress was discovered also above ʿAyn Qudays as well as numerous remains in the whole region from the Middle Bronze I (c. 2000 B.C.E.) and Israelite periods.

[craftylovegentlemen]

Genesis

Chapter 14

1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; 2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. 3 All these were joined together in the vale_of_Siddim, which is the salt_sea. 4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth_Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh_Kiriathaim, 6 And the Horites in their mount_Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness. 7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar. 8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim; 9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five. 10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. 11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. 12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. 13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.

15 And he divided himself against them, and he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. 17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. 21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. 22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, 23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: 24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Genesis 14

Diane Beauford

[thefunbible]

Genesis 14

01 In the days of Amraphel, duke of Shinar; Arioch, duke of Ellasar; Chedorlaomer, duke of Elam; and Tidal, duke of Goiim,

02 they made murder-time with Bera, duke of Sodom; Birsha, duke of Gomorrah; Shinab, duke of Admah; Shemeber, duke of Zeboiim; and the duke of Bela (also called Zoar).

03 All these joined together in the valley of Siddim (also called the Salt Sea).

04 They served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

05 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the dukes who were with him came and murdered the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

06 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to El Paran, which is by the wilderness.

07 They returned, and came to En Mishpat (also called Kadesh), and murdered in all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar.

08 The duke of Sodom, and the duke of Gomorrah, the duke of Admah, the duke of Zeboiim, and the duke of Bela (also called Zoar) went out; and they set the murder-event in array against them in the valley of Siddim

09 against Chedorlaomer duke of Elam, Tidal duke of Goiim, Amraphel duke of Shinar, and Arioch duke of Ellasar; four dukes against the five.

10 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, not to be confused with tar piss, a totally different thing; and the dukes of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who remained fled to the hills.

11 They took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, including a small mountain of dildos and anal beads, and all their food, and went their way.

12 They took Lot, Bill’s male-sibling’s male-spawn, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

13 One who had escaped came and told Bill, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, male-sibling of Eshcol and male-sibling of Aner. They were allies of Bill, since the brutal colonization had yet to begin.

14 When Bill heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen males ready to murder, born in his house, and pursued as far as Dan.

15 He divided himself against them by night, he and his subservients, and murdered them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

16 He brought back all the goods, really admiring the dildos and anal beads, and also brought back his relative Lot and his goods, and the ladies also, and the other people, such as slaves.

17 The duke of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the dukes who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the Duke’s Valley).

18 Melchizedek duke of Salem brought out yum loaf and wine. He was magic-guy of Skypal Big Guy.

19 He blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Bill of Skypal Big Guy, possessor of skyplace and earth.

20 Blessed be Skypal Big Guy, who has delivered your enemies into your hand to be murdered.” Bill gave him a tenth of all.

21 The duke of Sodom said to Bill, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.”

22 Bill said to the duke of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to The Earl, Skypal Big Guy, possessor of skyplace and earth,

23 that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Bill rich.’

24 I will accept nothing from you except that which the young males have eaten, and the portion of the males who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion.”

[abraao-vidal-galdino]

Bom dia

Assim tornou a trazer todos os bens, e tornou a trazer também a Ló, seu irmão, e os bens dele, e também as mulheres e o povo. Depois que Abrão voltou de ferir a Quedorlaomer e aos reis que estavam com ele, saiu-lhe ao encontro o rei de Sodoma, no vale de Savé (que é o vale do rei). Ora, Melquisedeque, rei de Salém, trouxe pão e vinho; pois era sacerdote do Deus Altíssimo; e abençoou a Abrão, dizendo: bendito seja Abrão pelo Deus Altíssimo, o Criador dos céus e da terra! E bendito seja o Deus Altíssimo, que entregou os teus inimigos nas tuas mãos! E Abrão deu-lhe o dízimo de tudo.

Gênesis 14:16-20

And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Genesis 14:16-20

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[dfroza]

A wedding and wine

[metamorphosis]

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 2nd chapter of the book of John:

Three days later, they all went to celebrate a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was invited together with Him and His disciples. While they were celebrating, the wine ran out; and Jesus’ mother hurried over to her son.

Mary: The host stands on the brink of embarrassment; there are many guests, and there is no more wine.

Jesus: Dear woman, is it our problem they miscalculated when buying wine and inviting guests? My time has not arrived.

But she turned to the servants.

Mary: Do whatever my son tells you.

In that area were six massive stone water pots that could each hold 20 to 30 gallons. They were typically used for Jewish purification rites. Jesus’ instructions were clear:

Jesus: Fill each water pot with water until it’s ready to spill over the top; then fill a cup, and deliver it to the headwaiter.

They did exactly as they were instructed. After tasting the water that had become wine, the headwaiter couldn’t figure out where such wine came from (even though the servants knew), and he called over the bridegroom in amazement.

Headwaiter: This wine is delectable. Why would you save the most exquisite fruit of the vine? A host would generally serve the good wine first and, when his inebriated guests don’t notice or care, he would serve the inferior wine. You have held back the best for last.

Jesus performed this miracle, the first of His signs, in Cana of Galilee. They did not know how this happened; but when the disciples and the servants witnessed this miracle, their faith blossomed.

Jesus then gathered His clan—His family members and disciples—for a journey to Capernaum where they lingered several days. The time was near to celebrate the Passover, the festival commemorating when God rescued His children from slavery in Egypt, so Jesus went to Jerusalem for the celebration. Upon arriving, He entered the temple to worship. But the porches and colonnades were filled with merchants selling sacrificial animals (such as doves, oxen, and sheep) and exchanging money. Jesus fashioned a whip of cords and used it with skill driving out animals; He scattered the money and overturned the tables, emptying profiteers from the house of God. There were dove merchants still standing around, and Jesus reprimanded them.

Jesus: What are you still doing here? Get all your stuff, and haul it out of here! Stop making My Father’s house a place for your own profit!

The disciples were astounded, but they remembered that the Hebrew Scriptures said, “Jealous devotion for God’s house consumes me.” Some of the Jews cried out to Him in unison.

Jews: Who gave You the right to shut us down? If it is God, then show us a sign.

Jesus: You want a sign? Here it is. Destroy this temple, and I will rebuild it in 3 days.

Jews: Three days? This temple took more than 46 years to complete. You think You can replicate that feat in 3 days?

The true temple was His body. His disciples remembered this bold prediction after He was resurrected. Because of this knowledge, their faith in the Hebrew Scriptures and in Jesus’ teachings grew.

During the Passover feast in Jerusalem, the crowds were watching Jesus closely; and many began to believe in Him because of the signs He was doing. But Jesus saw through to the heart of humankind, and He chose not to give them what they requested. He didn’t need anyone to prove to Him the character of humanity. He knew what man was made of.

The Book of John, Chapter 2 (The Voice)

A note from The Voice translation:

With a wedding as the setting of Jesus’ first sign, John shows how Jesus’ ministry isn’t limited to just “spiritual” things, but is His blessing for all of life.

Today’s paired reading from the First Testament is the 14th chapter of the book of Genesis:

Back when King Amraphel of Shinar, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim ruled the land, these four kings formed an alliance and made war on five other kings: Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah, Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (a city now known as Zoar). All of these joined forces in the valley of Siddim (near the area now known as the Dead Sea). You see, the five latter kings had been conquered by Chedorlaomer and so they had served him for 12 years; but in the 13th year, they rebelled against him. In the 14th year, Chedorlaomer and the three kings who were allied with him squashed rebellions of the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in the hill country of Seir all the way to El-paran, which lies on the edge of the wilderness.

Then Chedorlaomer and his allies turned back and did the same in En-mishpat (a city also known as Kadesh), and they conquered all of the country of the Amalekites and also the Amorites, who lived then in Hazazon-tamar. The five kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (that is, Zoar) all went and joined in battle in the valley of Siddim against the four kings (Chedorlaomer of Elam, Tidal of Goiim, Amraphel of Shinar, and Arioch of Ellasar). The valley of Siddim held many dangers; it was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled the battle, some of their soldiers fell into the pits and were killed. The rest managed to make it out alive to the hill country. As a result, Chedorlaomer and his allies captured all of the spoils of battle from the retreating forces of Sodom and Gomorrah—their provisions, weapons, and other supplies. Then they left. But before they left they took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother who lived in Sodom, prisoner along with all of his goods.

Then one of the men who had escaped the battle went and found Abram, the Hebrew, who at that time was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite (brother of Eshcol and of Aner—some of Abram’s allies). He told Abram what had happened. As soon as Abram heard that his nephew had been taken prisoner, he gathered a company of his most reliable and best-trained men (there were 318 of them, all born in his household) and pursued the enemy as far north as Dan. When he caught up with them, Abram divided up his men, surrounded the enemy, and attacked them during the night. He and his soldiers crushed the invaders and pursued any survivors all the way to Hobah, north of Damascus. After the battle Abram recovered all the spoils the enemy had taken and brought them back with him. He rescued his nephew Lot and brought him back, along with his goods; there were other captives, too, including some women whom he rescued.

After Abram and his men defeated Chedorlaomer and the other kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him on his return at the valley of Shaveh (an area also known as the King’s Valley). The priest-king of Jerusalem, Melchizedek, came out to meet him as well and brought out bread and wine for them. Melchizedek was a priest of the One whom he called the “the Most High God.” Priest-king Melchizedek offered a special blessing to Abram.

King Melchizedek: May Abram be blessed by the Most High God,

Creator of the heavens and earth.

Blessing and honor to the Most High God,

who has clearly delivered your enemies into your hands!

Abram gave the priest-king a tenth of all of the captured goods he was bringing back with him.

King of Sodom (to Abram): Give me the people, and you can take all of the spoils for yourself.

Abram: I have pledged a solemn oath to the Eternal One—the Most High God, Creator of the heavens and earth. I promised that I would not keep any shred of what belongs to you—not a thread of a garment or a strap of a sandal. That way you could never take credit for any wealth of mine. I will take nothing except the food my men have eaten. As for the men who fought with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—let them take their shares, but I will take nothing more.

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 14 (The Voice)

A note from The Voice translation:

This unusual encounter has sparked much interest over the centuries. Melchizedek, it seems, appears out of nowhere. There is no genealogical record for him; he is described simply as the priest-king of Salem, likely a reference to the city that will one day be known as Jerusalem. The Hebrew root of the name Salem means “peace” (shalom). Melchizedek comes in peace, offering the victors a meal to sustain them on their journey home. Abram, in return, gives Melchizedek ten percent of the spoils claimed in battle. There are two other scriptural references to Melchizedek in Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7. The writer of Hebrews compares the priestly role of Jesus to the ancient priestly order of Melchizedek showing that Jesus’ role, like that of Melchizedek, is superior in every way to the later Levitical priests.

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Saturday, march 16 of 2024 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New) of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons about the cure:

Yeshua reveals the heart of God to us, teaching us about the meaning of life and death and why we suffer... Most radically, however, he offers us the cure for the sickness of “spiritual death” (i.e., separation from God) by offering the gift of his life for us. Yeshua heals us from alienation and separation from the Eternal by means of spiritual regeneration (Eph. 2:1,5; John 3:3-7). Your relationship with Messiah constitutes eternal life (חַיֵּי עוֹלָם), for it is He who “makes you alive together with him” (i.e., συζωοποιέω, the Greek word here means you are brought into a new realm of existence by participating in the life in Messiah). He offers us daily deliverance from the power of sin by means of the Spirit of Faithfulness (רוּחַ הָאֱמֶת), though we must remain receptive to the message of hope and be transformed by the renewing our minds (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23; Col. 3:10).

We must be careful not to “drift away” from the truth, since that forfeits the integrity of our lives and leads us into darkness and despair: “For what benefit is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36). Faith is the means or agency of connection with what is real, though we can lose that connection by hardening our hearts and returning to our former illusions (Heb. 3:13). Exile from God is therefore self-imposed; the gates of repentance are always open to those who seek God’s compassion; everyone is welcome to find life in the blessing of Messiah (Luke 14:16-23; Luke 15:11-32). Therefore, draw near to God and God will draw near to you. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Psalm 18:31 reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm18-31-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm18-31-lesson.pdf

3.15.24 • Facebook

from yesterday’s email by Israel365:

Meeting with a Jewish group at the Jewish Theological Seminary following his presidency, Harry Truman boldly declared “I am Cyrus!” With this statement, Truman was drawing a parallel between the Persian emperor’s decree to allow the Jewish exiles to return to the land of Israel and rebuild their Temple, and Truman’s pivotal role in recognizing the modern State of Israel.

This momentous Cyrus Declaration was not just a political declaration, but the fulfillment of prophecy.

How do an ancient Persian king’s decree and a mid-20th-century American president’s bold stance converge to fulfill a biblical prophecy, and what does this intriguing historical connection mean for us today?

(…)

Let us draw inspiration from the leadership of Truman and the ancient decree of Cyrus. Let’s embrace our role in supporting the State of Israel and the Jewish people in their historic return to their homeland. It’s time to stand up, to show courage and conviction, and to take part in the ongoing fulfillment of God’s promises. Encourage your leaders, engage your communities, and be a beacon of support for Israel. In doing so, we all can be a Cyrus in our own right, playing a part in the grand narrative of return and redemption that continues to this day.

Stand up and be counted. Be a Cyrus.

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

March 16, 2024

Praying for Faith

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Many centuries ago, a desperate father brought his son to the Lord Jesus with an appeal for healing. The boy was demon-possessed from childhood and tormented physically and spiritually. The agony was awful. His father had brought him to Jesus’ disciples, and they were unable to do anything. Nothing worked (Mark 9:17-21).

Jesus told the father, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (v. 23). The urgent and tearful cry of that hurting father was, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (v. 24). No doubt we often need to plea for such help. Join me in this prayer that the Lord will grant us greater faith in Him.

Oh Lord, God, we cannot know the end of a thing. We do not have certainty about the plans of our days. Forgive us when we try without consulting You. Forgive our blundering efforts to make something happen. We love You, and we want to please You, but our lives are so caught up in the things of this world. Help us, Lord. Help us to know how much we need You. Help us to see the real values of eternal things. Give us a greater awareness of Your Holy Spirit. Give us a holy awe of Your Word. Drive us to our knees more often, Lord. Keep us close.

Oh, our Father, purge us from the ungodly. Separate us from the sins that hinder and blind us. Meet us in the halls of our heart and sanctify us there. And then, Lord Jesus, embolden us for the work ahead. Provide our daily bread. Cleanse us of our sins and enrich our fellowship with the saints. Clothe us in the armor of God and place us where we must stand. Enable us to resist the enemy in the faith, that we may see his strongholds crumble and his minions flee. Grant us a fruitful harvest and an effective ministry, in Jesus’ name. Amen. HMM III

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The War of the Kings

1 In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim 2 went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).

3 The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4 For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

5 In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the desert. 7 Then they turned back to invade En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar.

8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim 9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five.

Abram Rescues Lot

10 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country.

11 The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way. 12 They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom.

13 Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan.

15 During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.

Melchizedek Blesses Abram (Psalm 110:1–7; Hebrews 7:1–10)

17 After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High — 19 and he blessed Abram and said:

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

Creator of heaven and earth,

20 and blessed be God Most High,

who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.”

22 But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.” — Genesis 14 | Majority Standard Bible (MSB) The Majority Standard Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Genesis 10:10; Genesis 10:19; Genesis 10:22; Genesis 11:3; Genesis 11:27; Genesis 12:5; Genesis 13:10; Genesis 13:18; Genesis 16:14; Genesis 21:21; Genesis 24:3; Numbers 34:12; Deuteronomy 1:4; 1 Samuel 30:8; 2 Samuel 18:18; 1 Chronicles 10:12; John 1:27; Acts 9:2; Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 7:4; Revelation 10:6

Melchizedek Blesses Abraham

[carltonblaylock]

Valley of Siddim

      Four Kings against Five Kings battled in the Valley of Siddim.   Genesis 14:1-17 14 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, 2 that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 All these…

[wealthprobability2]

the-commentaries-gill-2.tumblr.com

"Biblical Wisdom Commentaries

Gill

Job 15:20

The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.

The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days,.... Either to commit iniquity, which he is at great pains to do, and even to weariness; and, agreeably to the metaphor used, he conceives it in his heart, he travails with it in his mind, and he brings forth falsehood and a lie, what disappoints him, and which issues in death, eternal death, see Psalm 7:14; or to get wealth and riches, in obtaining of which he pierces himself through with many sorrows; and these being like thorns, in using them he gets many a scratch, and has a good deal of trouble, pain, and uneasiness in keeping them, insomuch that he cannot sleep comfortably through fear of losing them; wherefore he does not enjoy that peace, comfort, and happiness, it may be thought he does; and, besides all this, he has many an inward pain and gripe of conscience for his many sins and transgressions, which lie at the door of conscience, and when it is opened rush in, and make sad work, and put him to great pain and distress; for otherwise this cannot be said of every wicked man, that they are in outward pain and distress, or in uncomfortable circumstances, at least in appearance; for of some it is said, "they are not in trouble as other men, neither are they plagued like other men", Psalm 73:5; they live wholly at ease, and are quiet, and die so, at least seemingly: some restrain this to some particular person whom Eliphaz might have in view; the Targum paraphrases it of wicked Esau, who it was expected would repent, but did not; others think that he had in his eye some notorious oppressor, that had lived formerly, or in his time, as Nimrod, the mighty hunter and tyrant, or Chedorlaomer, who held for some years several kings in subjection to him; but it is much if he does not design Job himself; however, he forms the description of the wicked man in such a manner, that it might as near as possible suit his case, and in many things he plainly refers to it: and this is a sad case indeed, for a wicked man to travail in pain all his days in this life, and in the world to come to suffer the pains of hell fire to all eternity; the pains of a woman, to which the allusion is, are but short at most, but those of the wicked man are for life, yea, for ever; and among the rest of his pains of mind, especially in this world, what follows is one, and which gives much uneasiness: and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor; Mr. Broughton renders it, soon numbered years; that is, few, as the years of man's life at most are but few, and those of the oppressor fewer still, since bloody and deceitful men do not live out half the days of the years of man's life, but are oftentimes cut off in the midst of their days; and be they more or fewer, they are all numbered and fixed, and the number of them is with God, and him only; they are fixed and settled by the decree of God, and laid up in his purposes, and reserved for the oppressor; but they are a secret to him, he does not know how long he shall live, or how soon he may die, and then there will be an end of his oppression and tyranny, and of his enjoyment of his wealth and riches unjustly got; and this frets him, and gives him pain, and makes him uneasy; whereas a good man is easy about it, he is willing to wait his appointed time, till his change comes; he is not so much concerned to know the time of his death as to be in a readiness for it. The Targum paraphrases this of Ishmael the mighty: the oppressor is the same with the wicked man in the preceding clause."

https://the-commentaries-gill-2.tumblr.com/#:~:text=Biblical%20Wisdom%20Commentaries,the%20preceding%20clause.

[the-drokainian]

‭Genesis‬ ‭14:17‭-‬24‬ ‭ESV‬

[17] After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). [18] And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) [19] And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; [20] and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. [21] And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” [22] But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, [23] that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ [24] I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.”

[craftylovegentlemen]

Genesis

Chapter 14

And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; 2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. 3 All these were joined together in the vale_of_Siddim, which is the salt_sea. 4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth_Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh_Kiriathaim, 6 And the Horites in their mount_Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness. 7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar. 8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim; 9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five. 10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. 11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. 12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. 13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. 15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. 17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. 21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. 22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, 23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: 24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Genesis 14

Diane Beauford

[archangels-bible-annotations]

Genesis 14

14:1-2 First explicit mention of war. We are given the mention of kings but in the previous chapters the names never show up. However, the lands on which they reign are those of Ham, thus it might be presumed that these are the descendants of Ham. As of yet, we are not given the reason for war.

14:3 The fight took place in the Valley of Siddim (Salt Sea).

14:4 Mention of some group serving Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam. Was he the king the other kings bowed to? It doesn't seem likely because in his introduction he was not the first one mentioned. "They" who served and then rebelled were most likely his own subjects.

14:5-6 Chedorlaomer and his fellow kings came together and "cut down the giants" who were from Ashteroth Karnaim and similar nations.

14:7 The kings with Chedorlaomer then cut down the princes of the Amalekites and Amorites. What was their intention for bloodshed?

14:8-9 Other side of kings went to fight. Battle is now 5 v 4.

14:10-12 Sodom and Gomorrah "fled and fell," so those two nations were defeated. Sodom and Gomorrah's resources were taken from them and they also took Lot w/ his possessions.

14:13 An escapee told Abram about Lot's capture because of ally ties.

14:14 Wow, Abram was a very wealthy person. He had 318 trained servants who he took with him .

14:15-16 Abram took advantage of the night and used his servants to fight. They reclaimed Sodom's resources, Lot, and the captured people. This is an awe-inspiring feat. Abram and his army of 300 subdued a 4 nation enemy who had taken down Sodom and Gomorrah.

14:17 The King of Sodom met with Abram to retrieve everything of Sodom's.

14:18 Melchizedek was a king and a priest. I am not sure we see Salem mentioned anywhere before. Interesting that he was a "priest of God Most High" because it seemed before that only Abram was the person favored by God. Why would a king bring out bread and wine, why not bring out more "kingly" foods? In fact, why even specify? It could have just stated that Melchizedek brought a feast.

14:19 If there was any confusion in the last verse, this verse tells us that Melchizedek believed in the same God that Abram believed in. As the Bible is written so far, Abram is the most blessed and favored by God. If that is the case, who has the authority to bless God's favorite? This person must be above Abram to do so. When the Bible mentions "bless" does it refer to praising/thanking or does it refer to conferring divine favor?

14:20 Melchizedek 'blesses' God. This might be referring to praise rather than giving divine favor to God. This is also the first instance of tithing we see.

14:21-23 The King of Sodom asks for his people back but Abram to keep the calvary. Abram says to the king that the king should keep everything because Abram doesn't want rumors to go around saying that the king is what made him rich. This shows Abram's conviction to God, that God will provide Abram with whatever and however much he should need.

14:24 Abram says that the only things that should be taken from the king are the rightful portions for the young men, who are Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.

Other Remarks:

King of Elam most likely had a bad style of ruling for his subjects to revolt against him. (v.4)

Abram really had everything he needed and was given everything by God. Shows that God the Father will provide if one is willing to obey His commands. God even helped Abram in battle. (v.14-16)

Going into battle was an active stance that Abram took, but it was not unprompted. He chose to fight because of Lot's capture. As far as we can see, Abram utilizes a passive, faithful role and does no action unprompted.

Melchizedek is often understood to be a prefiguration of Christ because of several factors. Salem means peace, so he was the 'King of Peace.' He brought forth bread and wine, which parallels the Eucharist. He also blessed Abram, so he must be higher and more favored by God than Abram. If Melchizedek was favored by God more than Abram, then Melchizedek would have been mentioned in the Bible before; this is not the case thus bringing the notion that God came down. If this is the correct interpretation, we officially see the Son in the Trinity. This could not be the Father Himself because Melchizedek blesses God. By this passage, the Trinity has been seen in the Bible. (v.18)

We need to have just as much faith in God that Abram has. Abram's faith in God gave him everything he needed, led him to victory in a war, and showed that he did not need handouts from a king.

Questions:

Why did the kings go to war? (v.1)

What made these individuals considered 'giants'? (v.5-6)

Does 'bless' refer to giving praise, or does it refer to conferring divine favor? (v.19)

Are Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre all sons of Lot? If not, why are they on Abram's side? (v.24)

Things to Add to Prayer:

Let us have so much faith in you and your plan for us, just as Abram did.

Deliver us from our enemies and help us fight for righteousness, just as you have helped Abram.

-Mikhael

[forgodsoloved7]

September 2023

1אַל־תִּירָ֣א Transliteration: Al tira  Genesis 14 gives us the account of the kings; Chedorlaomer, Tidal, Amraphel, and Arioch going to war with the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela. The four kings defeat the five and during this victory the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fall into tar pits [Genesis 14:10]. During this battle Lot is taken captive of the four kings and Abram…

[dfroza]

“God has now introduced a new and better hope, through which we may draw near to Him… ”

(A new covenant of grace)

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 7th chapter of the book of Hebrews:

In the Book of Genesis, we read about when Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he returned from defeating King Chedorlaomer and his allies. Melchizedek blessed our ancestor, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything captured in the battle.

Let’s look more closely at Melchizedek. First, his name means “king of righteousness”; and his title, king of Salem, means “king of peace.” The Scriptures don’t name his mother or father or descendants, and they don’t record his birth or his death. We could say he’s like the Son of God: eternal, a priest forever.

And just imagine how great this man was, that even our great and honorable patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the spoils. Compare him to the priests who serve in our temple, the descendants of Levi, who were given a commandment in the law of Moses to collect one-tenth of the income of the tribes of Israel. The priests took that tithe from their own people, even though they were also descended from Abraham. But this man, Melchizedek, who did not belong to that Levite ancestry, collected a tenth part of Abraham’s income; and although Abraham had received the promises, it was Melchizedek who blessed Abraham. Now I don’t have to tell you that it is the lesser one who receives a blessing from the greater. In the case of the priests descended from Levi, they are mortal men who receive a tithe of one-tenth; but the Scriptures record no death of Melchizedek, the one who received Abraham’s tithe. I guess you could even say that Levi, who receives our tithes, originally paid tithes through Abraham because he was still unborn and only a part of his ancestor when Abraham met Melchizedek.

If a perfect method of reconciling with God—a perfect priesthood—had been found in the sons of Levi (a priesthood that communicated God’s law to the people), then why would the Scriptures speak of another priest, a priest according to the order of Melchizedek, instead of, say, from the order of Aaron? What would be the need for it? It would reflect a new way of relating to God because when there is a change in the priesthood there must be a corresponding change in the law as well. We’re talking about someone who comes from another tribe, from which no member has ever served at God’s altar. It’s clear that Jesus, our Lord, descended from the tribe of Judah; but Moses never spoke about priests from that tribe. Doesn’t it seem obvious? Jesus is a priest who resembles Melchizedek in so many ways; He is someone who has become a priest, not because of some requirement about human lineage, but because of the power of a life without end. Remember, the psalmist says,

You are a priest forever—

in the honored order of Melchizedek.

Because the earlier commandment was weak and did not reconcile us to God effectively, it was set aside— after all, the law could not make anyone or anything perfect. God has now introduced a new and better hope, through which we may draw near to Him, and confirmed it by swearing to it. The Levite order of priests took office without an oath, but this man Jesus became a priest through God’s oath:

The Eternal One has sworn an oath

and cannot change His mind:

You are a priest forever.

So we can see that Jesus has become the guarantee of a new and better covenant. Further, the prior priesthood of the sons of Levi has included many priests because death cut short their service, but Jesus holds His priesthood permanently because He lives His resurrected life forever. From such a vantage, He is able to save those who approach God through Him for all time because He will forever live to be their advocate in the presence of God.

It is only fitting that we should have a High Priest who is devoted to God, blameless, pure, compassionate toward but separate from sinners, and exalted by God to the highest place of honor. Unlike other high priests, He does not first need to make atonement every day for His own sins, and only then for His people’s, because He already made atonement, reconciling us with God once and forever when He offered Himself as a sacrifice. The law made imperfect men high priests; but after that law was given, God swore an oath that made His perfected Son a high priest for all time.

The Book of Hebrews, Chapter 7 (The Voice)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 22nd chapter of the book of Ezekiel:

The word of the Eternal came to me.

Eternal One: Son of man, will you judge this bloody city? Will you? You must! Confront her about her shocking actions, and speak to her.

Then the Eternal Lord declared this for me to say to her:

Eternal One: You are a city of bloodshed, and your ways will come back to haunt you. You are a city of idols, making them even though they defile you. The blood you shed covers you with the heaviness of guilt. The idols you have made degraded your spirit. You have reached the end of your life, so I have made you an object of scorn to all the nations! Those near and far will mock you—city of infamy and turmoil!

Look, the princes of Israel who reside in your walls use their political power to murder. Infamous city of turmoil, your people mistreat their elders, disrespect their parents, take advantage of foreigners passing through, and treat orphans and widows with contempt. In you My holy things are desecrated and My Sabbaths are profaned. Your citizens lie and give false testimonies at capital trials, shedding innocent blood. Your people feast at lofty shrines devoted to false gods and commit lewd sexual acts. In you men expose their fathers’ nakedness by having intercourse with their wives and engage in sexual relations with women who are impure because of their menstrual cycles. In you one man commits unspeakable things with his neighbor’s wife, while another practices incest with his daughter-in-law or half-sister. In you murder is for hire, exorbitant interests and profits are taken from the poor, neighbors are oppressed for personal gain; and in you I am forgotten.

I will strike My hands at your extortion and murderous ways. Will you be courageous and strong when I come to deal with you? I, the Eternal One, will do what I’ve said I will do. I will scatter you among the nations and disperse you throughout unfamiliar lands! I will put an end to your impurity. When you have been defiled in front of the nations, you will know that I am the Eternal.

Then the word of the Eternal came to me with how He would judge these crimes.

Eternal One: Son of man, the people of Israel have become dross to Me; all of them are the dross metals—bronze, iron, tin, and lead—left inside a furnace after silver has been refined. Therefore, I, the Eternal Lord, say to them, “Because you’ve become worthless dross, I will gather you up in the middle of Jerusalem. Just as men throw copper, iron, tin, lead, and silver into a furnace to melt the impurities away with fiery blasts, I will gather you inside My furnace called Jerusalem, and you will experience the fire of My wrath as it blows across and melts you inside that city! Just as silver is melted in a furnace, you will be melted in My city. Then you will know I, the Eternal One, have poured out the fire of My wrath upon you.”

The word of the Eternal came to me.

Eternal One: Son of man, say to her, “You are a land plagued with drought during My wrath—[not a single drop of rain has fallen from the sky].” Her prophets conspire in her midst like raging lions killing their prey; they have destroyed lives, stolen treasures and other valuable things; they have made many wives widows all over the city. Her priests violate My laws and desecrate My holy things. They fail to distinguish between the sacred and profane. They no longer teach that there is a difference between pure and impure! They completely disregard My Sabbaths; as a result I am defamed among My people. Her princes and officials are like a pack of wolves tearing apart their prey. They kill innocent people and ruin lives just to get what they want! Her false prophets whitewash these wicked acts by claiming to receive divine visions, but they are all false! Their divination turns up only lies! They say, “This is what the Eternal Lord says . . . ,” when the Eternal Lord has not said anything to them at all. Her people are full of wickedness: they are bullies and thieves; they have abused the poor and helpless; they have taken advantage of foreigners and perverted justice. I searched for one man among them, a man who could build the wall and stand in the gap before Me and advocate for the land, a man who could convince Me not to destroy it; but I found no one. Therefore, I will dump the fires of My fury on them, and the flames of My indignation will devour them. I will give them what they deserve.

So said the Eternal Lord.

The Book of Ezekiel, Chapter 22 (The Voice)

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Saturday, november 18 of 2023 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons about a sacred turning:

"Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!" (Isa. 45:22). Though the LORD graciously seeks and saves the lost, He calls us to return to Him and be saved. This is the challenge we face, and on a daily basis, to truly turn to the LORD... And yet when we do, when we center all our heart in him, we experience salvation. All that oppresses us, all our fears and troubles begin to fade from view and we find refuge: "And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, but Yeshua only" (Matt. 17:8).

Rouse yourself, therefore, and return to the LORD. Look to Him now and earnestly seek His face. We only have this hour. Today is the day... No matter what may beset your way, no matter the buffeting gale of your shame, no matter the wound you have made of your life -- return to the outstretched arms of Yeshua's mercy extended for your salvation. "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us," which is to say that He welcomes you into the utmost depths of his heart, to know and love Him forever... He promises that the one who comes to Him will never be refused (John 6:27). Friend, heed the Spirit's invitation and know the salvation of the LORD.

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

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Isaiah 45:22 reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/isa45-22-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/isa45-22-lesson.pdf

11.15.23 • Facebook

from yesterday’s email by Israel 365:

This role is even expressed through the numeric value of the Hebrew word for “priest,” or kohen: “The numerical equivalent of the word kohen (כהן), “priest,” is seventy-five… in Jewish numerology, 75 is the same as 7.5, or seven and a half. The priest, who is a mediator between Israel and God, stands between the numbers of 7, which represents the laws of nature, and 8, which represents all that is above nature. For the world of nature was created in the seven days of Genesis… and the eighth day is above nature. For this reason, Abraham our father, who was the priest, began his journey to Israel when he was seventy-five years old [for it was his role to serve as a “priest,” as the bridge between God and humanity]” (Rabbi Yehoshua Hartman, Notes to Maharal, Gevurot Hashem, Chap. 28).

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

November 18, 2023

The Angelic Shout

“...when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:7)

The phrase “shouted for joy” in this verse is actually a single word (ruwa) in the Hebrew, and it can carry a number of meanings. It is most frequently translated simply “shout,” as when the army of Joshua surrounding Jericho shouted and the walls fell down (Joshua 6:20). In Psalm 100:1, it is translated “make a joyful noise.” It can refer to a shout of alarm or shout of triumph, as well as a shout of joy, but it always refers to a loud shout. In fact, it comes from a root meaning “to split”—a noise that would split eardrums or shatter glass.

In the context of Job 38, the Lord is reminding Job and his friends of the great primeval event of creation. When the earth—which is destined eventually to house God’s throne in the eternal ages to come—was established on solid foundations (on the third day of creation), a resounding noise like mighty thunder—or, better, a gigantic angelic anthem—echoed throughout the universe. An “innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22), identified in the poetic structure of the Hebrew parallelism in our text as both “morning stars” and “sons of God,” shouted exultantly and sang in unison when the solid earth appeared.

The angels probably were created on the first day of the creation week, immediately after the creation of the universe itself. Even though Satan and other angels later rebelled against God, most of the angels still obey Him, and one day we ourselves will actually hear them singing His praises and shouting for joy when He returns to Earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 4:9-11; 5:11-14; Psalm 148:1-6).

Therefore, “praise ye him all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts” (Psalm 148:2). Someday, we shall join them in a “joyful noise” at God’s throne. HMM

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from an email by Glenn Jackson:

November 18th

THE RENEWED MIND

[part 5 of 7]

* Here He shows us the relation of the recreated spirit to our physical body or senses.

Your spirit has been recreated. You live in the same kind of a body that you have always lived in. This body must be brought into subjection to the Word of God through your spirit. Before that can be done the truth brought out in Romans 12:1 must become a reality

"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service."

Your bodies are the universities through which your senses teach you Sense Knowledge. Your body in most cases rules your mind and spirit. So He tells us to have our "minds renewed." If you are sick, the body instantly takes the ascendancy over the mind and the spirit.

The mind has ruled the spirit in natural man almost entirely. Conscience is the voice of your spirit. It is your spirit speaking out against certain things and approving of other things. The moment you are Born Again your spirit becomes the voice of a recreated spirit in fellowship with the Father. It becomes the vehicle through which God speaks to us.

Man's spirit is the point of contact between God and man, and between Satan and Man in a very large measure. The problem is that of "renewing the mind," bringing it into fellowship with a recreated spirit so that the two together can govern the body and bring it into subjection to the Word.