Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Depravity results in permissiveness when righteousness is ignored...Permissiveness leads to rationalizing when holiness is ignored...Rationalizing encourages open rebellion when repentance is ignored. [Chuck Swindoll]

EVEN SO, PRAY
"As for me, far be it from me to sin against the LORD and refrain from praying for you; and I will continue to instruct you in the practice of what is good and right. Above all, you must revere YEHOWAH (the LORD) and serve HIM in truth with all your heart; consider how greatly HE has dealt with you." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 12. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Samuel had served the children of Israel as their faithful judge for many years, and the LORD had blessed them and their land. Nevertheless, they insisted on having a king like the other nations and pressed Samuel to appointing one for them. Ultimately, Samuel anointed Saul to be their king, even though Samuel and the LORD HIMSELF were both extremely displeased with their demands.

Even so, Samuel’s great heart, both for the LORD and for HIS people, is revealed in the promise of his prayer. Although he was hurt and disappointed because he had led them successfully and justly his whole life, he would still pray for them and teach whoever would listen. This is a great standard for true CHRIST-like leaders and workers today who have been replaced by someone else, through no fault of their own. Continue in love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.

Intercessory prayer is not easy, especially if our prayers are not appreciated by those we pray for. Nonetheless, it is a type of prayer ministry that especially pleases the LORD GOD, and that is more important than human gratitude. No doubt Paul was reflecting GOD’S OWN desire when he said — "I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of GOD our SAVIOR, WHO desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." [1 Timothy 2. 2 - 4] Paul even urged prayer for Nero, the wicked emperor who had imprisoned him and would ultimately have him put to death.

Our LORD Y’SHUA even instructed, "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." [Matthew 5. 44] And, HE is our GREATEST INTERCESSOR of all. For when we sin, and all have sinned against HIM, yet JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS ONE "is our ADVOCATE with the FATHER." [1 John 2. 1] In fact — "HE lives to make intercession" for us. [Hebrews 7. 25] Since the FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST is our GREAT EXAMPLE and HE seeks out men after HIS OWN heart, let us imitate HIM by specializing at being prayer-intercessors also.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation. May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel, Amen. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted above all else throughout eternity. Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered in this world, Amen.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Those who forsake the Law of ALMIGHTY GOD praise the wicked.

WONDERFUL PEACE
"Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [John 14. 27]

The search for peace in this world is futile, false peace or a pretense of it is the best the world can offer. However, the peace of GOD and HIS CHRIST is not the peace of the world. "MY peace" — the LORD Y’SHUA said — "is not as the world gives." HIS peace is on the inside, not on the outside. Wars, disputes, contentions and conflicts come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members. [James 4. 1]

Only in MESSIAH Y’SHUA is there genuine, true and lasting peace! "These things I have spoken to you, that in ME you may have peace. IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." [John 16. 33]

Only the LORD JESUS, the ROCK OF ISRAEL can give true peace, for only "HE is our peace." [James 4. 1] HE is exclusively the true "PEACE-MAKER" — the PROMISED CHILD, the SON WHO has the government upon HIS shoulder, WHOSE incredible name is the "PRINCE OF PEACE." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] JESUS is the ONE WHO "made peace through the blood of HIS cross" to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, to HIMSELF. [Colossians 1. 20] Thus, before there can ever be genuine peace between man-and-man, there must first be peace between man-and-GOD.

Once a person has been "justified by faith" he has eternal "peace with GOD" through our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH. [Romans 5. 1] Therefore, let us utilize the standard to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD; and the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through the LORD JESUS CHRIST." [Philippians 4. 6 - 7] Therefore, we can rejoice greatly for the GOOD SHEPHERD, the LORD OF PEACE is at hand. May the GREAT GOD OF PEACE be with you always.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
If you perceive something so important to be willing to sacrifice your own life for it, then your life has weight and purpose and direction; because until you know what you are willing to die for, you have not yet begun to live. Study that the LORD will reveal an abundance of peace and true favor to you in HIS PRECIOUS WORD! May you experience the care, love, and presence of GOD MOST HOLY this day and always.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Like the trees in the depth of winter, through GOD, we have the power to emerge from darkness and blossom.

GARDEN OF RENOWN
"I shall establish for them a GARDEN OF RENOWN (Y’SHUA, the ANOINTED ONE); they shall no more be consumed by famine in the land, nor bear again the shame and taunts of the Gentiles." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 34. 29 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Shem" is the Hebrew rendering for "renown (more frequently translated name which implies honor, fame, glory)." Shem was also the name of Noah's faithful son. It was from him (Shem), that the "PLANT OF RENOWN" came forth. "Blessed be the LORD, the GOD of Shem." [Genesis (Bereshith) 9. 26 Tanakh, Torah]

This "GARDEN OF RENOWN" is the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, and this promise is the climax of one of the great MESSIANIC prophecies of the OLD COVENANT assuring Israel that her MESSIAH would deliver them some day from their long exile and bondage. ALMIGHTY GOD'S servant David would again be their single shepherd to tend them; there would be "rains that bring blessings" and they would again be the people of the MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 34. 23, 26, 30]

Nevertheless, the primary meaning centers, as it should, on this "PLANT OF THE NAME" — the MOST HIGH ONE WHOSE NAME would be implanted firmly and permanently in the very land HE had created. Israel, the place of HIS choosing. JESUS CHRIST THE LORD is the "TRUE VINE" [John 15. 1] WHO will provide the true nourishment for all HIS people forever.

The LORD Y’SHUA "has grown up, by HIS (YEHOWAH’S) favor, as a TENDER PLANT, like a TREE TRUNK out of arid ground." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] MESSIAH would appear first as a HUMBLE SPROUT out of a dead stump. "A ROD shall grow out of the stem of Jesse, and a BRANCH…out of his roots" for our iniquities. But then, HE shall "see HIS offspring, and prolong HIS days, that through HIM the LORD'S purpose might prosper" [Isaiah/Yeshayah) 11. 1; 53. 10] and become our GARDEN OF RENOWN forever. "HE shall be like a TREE planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season; WHOSE foliage never withers or fades; and whatever HE produces thrives, and prospers forevermore." [Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Without a doubt, Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the TREE OF LIFE, the TRUE VINE the STEADFAST PLANT, our CELEBRATED MAGNIFICENT GARDEN OF RENOWN, in fact, HE is EVERYTHING wonderful.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, may this be a day that will lead us to search the hidden recesses of our hearts and find treasures in GOD’S HOLY WORD, arousing us to examine all our thoughts and deeds in the light of HIS Truth, that we may know wherein we have strayed from HIS perfect way — then turn back to our CREATOR in sincerity and truth. And when we have learned our shortcomings and that the burden of our sins weighs us down, may we have the strength and courage to turn from the evil of our ways and to seek the SHELTER of our FATHER’S love and forgiveness — Amen!
Have a rich week serving others and growing in the grace of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing with God.

HEAVEN'S PURPOSE
"A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under the heaven. All human experiences are preordained by GOD, HE brings everything to pass precisely at its time...HE preoccupies man with the ATTEMPT to discover the times of future events. But without man ever guessing, from first to last, all the things that GOD brings to pass — Indeed, man cannot guess the events that occur under the sun. For man tries strenuously, but fails to guess them; and even if a sage should think to discover them he would not be able to guess them." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 1, 11; 8. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

We are strangers before ALMIGHTY GOD, and sojourners; our days on earth vanish like shadows. The speedy flight of life and the gloom of the grave should not dismay us, but instead it should teach us wisdom. It should persuade us to put our trust in the SUPREME HOLY ONE OF HEAVEN, WHO will not suffer HIS children to see destruction. For only the dust returns to the dust; the spirit of man, which the RIGHTEOUS CREATOR has breathed into us, returns to HIM, its EVER-LIVING SOURCE. Whoever walks in the presence of HIS LIGHT, who holds fast to their testimony, and endures to the end will be given their reward. When Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH comes back, HE has declared, "I am coming quickly, and MY reward is with ME, to give to every one according to his work." [Revelation 22. 12]

O, that we might die the death of the righteous and our end be like theirs. [Numbers/B'Midvar 23. 10] Suffer us not to pass away in our sins, LORD. [Numbers/B'Midvar 18. 22] "Teach us to count our days rightly, that we may obtain a wise heart." [Psalms (Tehillym) 90. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Bestow YOUR strength and understanding to all, small and great, young and old that we may ever do what is right and honorable in YOUR sight; and through unwavering faith be reconciled to YOU, O LORD GOD, our LOVING REDEEMER & RIGHTEOUS KING.

"For GOD has committed them (Jews & Gentiles) all to disobedience, that HE might have mercy on all (Jews & Gentiles who believe!). Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable are HIS judgments and HIS ways past finding out!" [Romans 11. 32 - 33]

The sum of the matter — "Fear and revere GOD and keep HIS commandments! For this applies to all mankind, it is their whole duty." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 12. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] May we be found faithfully doing our assigned task, revering the MOST HOLY ONE each day of our lives.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
The real corrupters of today’s society may be not so much the corrupt (that is obvious), but those who have held back the righteous leaven, the salt that has lost its savor, the innocent who have not even the moral courage to show what they think of the effrontery (audacity, nerve, rudeness, disrespect) of impurity — the serious, who yet timidly succumb (yield, give way to, submit, surrender) before some loud-voiced scoffer — the heart trembling all over with religious sensibilities that yet suffers itself through false shame to be beaten down into outward and practical acquiescence by some rude and worldly influence.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Peace, more than any other vessel, holds blessedness.

GOD'S GREAT FAITHFULNESS
"The kindness of the LORD has not ended, HIS mercies are not spent. They are renewed every morning — Great and exceedingly abundant is YOUR grace! The LORD is my portion! — I say with full heart; therefore will I hope in HIM." [Lamentations (Ekhah) 3. 22 - 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Lamentations is full of mournful laments, wailing, damnation, and the scent of devastated Jerusalem after it collapsed from the plunderings by the Babylonian armies. Yet, from such a time as this comes this beautiful passage.

Done in Hebrew acrostic (Alef – Tav, the Hebrew alphabet), the entire Funeral Song is a remarkably structured hymn of grief. The first two and the last two chapters consist of 22 verses, each using all the Hebrew alphabets. The central chapter has 66 verses, with the letters of the alphabet applied every third verse.

It is in this central chapter, these three verses stand out like an "Island of Hope" in a "Sea of Despair" — as a sign that there is yet redemption in all the destruction. And throughout the ages, these SCRIPTURES have been a great comfort and blessing to all believers in times of testing.

We are most blessed for having been given these sustaining promises. Every new day brings some new token of our LOVING HOLY GOD'S gracious provision to meet the need of that day. We cannot count all our blessings, they are far too numerous. King David said, "O LORD my GOD, many are the wonders YOU have devised for us. I would rehearse the tale of them, if I would declare and speak of them, but they are more than can be numbered." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "GOD performs great deeds which cannot be fathomed, wondrous things without number." [Job (Iyob) 5. 9; 9. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; HIS greatness is unsearchable, it cannot be fathomed." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Every new day reminds us again that HIS faithfulness is exceedingly great!

The MISHNAH tells us that: "No days were as festive for Israel as the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur." [Tractate Ta'anit] What is Tu B'Av, the 15th of the Hebrew month of Av? In which way is it equivalent to Yom Kippur? Our Sages explain: Yom Kippur symbolizes GOD'S forgiving Israel for the sin of the Golden Calf in the desert, for it was on that day that YEHOWAH finally accepted Moses' plea for forgiveness of the nation, and on that same day Moses came down from the mountain with the new set of tablets.

Just as Yom Kippur symbolizes the atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf, Tu B'Av signifies the atonement for the sin of the Spies, where ten came bearing such negative reports which reduced the entire nation to panic. As a result of that sin, it was decreed by the ALMIGHTY that the nation would remain in the desert for 40 years, and that no person 20 or older would be allowed to enter Israel. On each Tisha B'Av of those 40 years, those who had reached the age of 60 that year died — 15,000 each Tisha B'Av. This plague finally ended on Tu B'Av.

No matter what the days ahead may hold and regardless how hopeless, prevailing, frightening or horrendously terrible they may be, the battle is the LORD'S and HIS compassion and mercy will not fail! HalleluYAH!

The LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA eagerly awaits to renew HIS mercies each morning and make HIS faithfulness known. . . if we have all of our faith, hope and trust in HIM. There is none greater!


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Today is the bitter fast day known as Tisha B'Av, the day on which we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Also, we read the Biblical Book of Lamentations/Ekhah. Jeremiah is known as the prophet of destruction as his duty was to warn the people to change their ways and return to GOD, lest the Temple be destroyed. Today's verse contains Jeremiah's first vision that he shares with the Jewish Nation. Interestingly, his first vision is not of rebuke, rather, Jeremiah's first prophetic vision is of GOD'S longing for HIS people, and HIS memories of how they were to HIM as a bride and followed HIM blindly into the desert. This serves as a reminder that whatever punishment may be meted out, GOD loves HIS people and desires a relationship with them.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
May the memory of the past impress us with the duty to remain faithful to our heritage and to be mindful of our obligations.

TISHA B'AV
"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat, sat and wept, as we thought of Zion. There on the poplars we hung up our lyres, for our captors asked us there for songs of joy, our tormentors, for amusement, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion." How can we sing a song of the LORD on foreign soil?" [Psalms (Tehillym) 137. 1 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

One of the major fast days in Jewish tradition, and a day of historic mourning in Jewish life is the Ninth of Av. Tisha B'Av is more like a death than a destruction, because on that day the world changed irrevocably. The world without the Holy Temple is not the same world minus one magnificent structure. The world without the Holy Temple is a totally different world.. The Holy Temple was the place ALMIGHTY GOD chose to meet with HIS people. There the DIVINE PRESENCE manifested HIMSELF. When the Temple was destroyed, the fragrance of the HOLY ONE was removed, HIS closeness and the clarity of life, thus it was a loss as real and as searing as death.

This is a fast day second in importance to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) in the Jewish year. It is the day of mourning for the destruction of both Temples. And, it once was kept in remembrance of the day in the year 558 BCE (Before Common Era/BCE — Before CHRIST/BC) when the mighty forces of the Babylonian armies under Nebuchadnezzar laid waste Jerusalem and slaughtered many of its inhabitants enslaving and exiling the survivors. Also, according to tradition [Taan 4. 4 Jewish Encyclopedia] the decree concerning Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness was made on the Ninth of Av.

On the Ninth of Av in the year 70 CE (Common Era — After Death/AD) the Romans swooped down on Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple and almost annihilated the nation of Israel. Tisha b'Av today commemorates the destruction of the Second Temple rather than that of the First, recognizing the fact that the second destruction was the greater catastrophe for the Jewish people. It is marked as "A Day of National Gloom." In the synagogues the Book of Lamentations is recited to a sad and mournful melody. The book was written by the Prophet Jeremiah, who warned the Jews to repent to prevent the fall of Jerusalem, which he prophesized. His advice not only was ignored, but he also was imprisoned for stating views that threatened the king's power. The TORAH Sages also teach that the MESSIAH will be born on Tisha B'Av as a sign that there is yet redemption in all the destruction.

At midnight there is a lamentation for the destruction of the Temple. Then, people usually visit the cemetery after the morning service. On the Ninth of Av in Jerusalem, devout Jews meet at the Kotel (Western Wall) or visit the Tomb of David, voicing their grief and pain over the fall of Jerusalem.. One of the songs or chants is a mournful hymn known as "The Wailing Song" which is said to date from the time of Ezra:
"HE is great, HE is good: HE will build HIS Temple speedily:
In great haste, in great haste; in our own day speedily.
LORD, build; LORD, build, build YOUR Temple speedily.
HE will save, HE will save; HE will save HIS Israel speedily;
At this time now, Oh, LORD, in our own day speedily
LORD, save! LORD, save! Save YOUR people, Israel speedily."

One can almost hear the children of Israel praying at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles on the day of the Great Hosanna: "Save now, I beseech YOU, LORD!" and see HIM WHO is "THE ANSWER" to their prayer standing in their midst. The LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA is THE TEMPLE REBUILT — for HE was seemingly destroyed, but on the third day ALMIGHTY GOD raised HIM from the dead!

The Jew, whose eyes are opened to behold the ANOINTED ONE of whom Moses and the prophets wrote, has no need to mourn, to have Tisha b'Av day in his life! Whomever has accepted Y’SHUA (the LORD JESUS) into their heart as MESSIAH, LORD & KING can declare with David: "YOU have turned my lament into dancing, YOU put off my sackcloth and girded me with joy and gladness, that my whole being might sing hymns to YOU endlessly; O LORD my GOD, I will praise YOU forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 30. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] May our HEAVENLY FATHER hear our prayers that our long-awaited MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the SON OF GOD, the SON OF DAVID, the KING of kings, come quickly. May HIS Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day.

Special Note: Tisha b'Av (9th of Av) started at sunset and continues until sunset this evening (evening-to-evening). When Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat, the fast is postponed until Sunday, as is true this year. Tisha b'Av should hold significance, not just for the Jewish people, but for everyone. The threat of terrorism is worldwide, though most acutely felt and experienced in Israel. Let us take this day to join hearts with our Israeli and Jewish brethren around the world and offer united and fervent prayer to our HEAVENLY FATHER, the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL, the LORD OF HOSTS.

Before the destruction of the 2nd Temple (70 BCE/BC) by the Romans on the 9th of Av, the Romans had laid siege around Jerusalem, but sufficient grain had been stored by the inhabitants of the City to sustain them for 21 years. The leading TORAH sage at the time was Rabbi Yochanan ben-Zakai who was in favor of pursuing a peace treaty with the Romans hoping to ward off a war and save the Temple from destruction. However a group of zealots called the Biryonim had other plans wanting to force all Jews to take up arms and decided to wreck the economy by burning down all the granaries, which created a quick and severe famine in the City. The Romans took advantage of the devastation the zealots caused and broke through the City walls and eventually destroyed the Temple.

The actual intent of such practices are in preparation for coming to grips with Israel's sin (sinat chinam — unfounded hatred) which led to the loss of the Temple, not just once, but twice. When the spies returned from the land, there was weeping when there should have been rejoicing. So, throughout history, GOD has given Israel reason to mourn on this day, Tisha b'Av, the 9th day of the month of Av. Also, it is suggested as the day the Wondering Hebrews sided against Joshua and Caleb's report that the Promised Land could be conquered, thus sinning with the unfaithful spies. [Numbers/B'Midvar 13. 30 - 31]

We invite everyone to join in solidarity with our Jewish friends and family to pray for Israel. We encourage everyone to light a candle in their homes this evening in memory of the Israelis who have died in this present daily war with the Palestinians; and read Psalm 83 aloud. I encourage parents to gather their children and do this as a family prayer time. Let us take this day to join hearts with our Israeli and Jewish brethren around the world and offer united and fervent prayer to our OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD for HIS mercy through judgment; pray for the coming of KING MESSIAH speedily even in our day.

No matter what the days ahead may hold and regardless how hopeless, prevailing, frightening or horrendously terrible they may be, the battle is the LORD'S and HIS compassion and mercy will not fail! HalleluYAH!

The LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA eagerly awaits to renew HIS mercies each morning and make HIS faithfulness known. . . if we have all of our faith, hope and trust in HIM. There is none greater!


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Bidding farewell to Sabbath Chazon (Sabbath of Prophecy)! We praise YOU, MOST HOLY God and ask that YOUR PRESENCE be manifest to us in all YOUR works, so that reverence for YOU may fill the hearts of YOUR creatures. May all the children of men bow before YOU in humility and unite to do YOUR will with one heart, that all may acknowledge that YOURS alone is the power, dominion and majesty; and that YOUR NAME is exalted above all.
In earlier times, it was the custom already from Tu b'Av to use as one's greeting "May your inscription and seal be for good (ketiva vahatima tova)!" — the same blessing that we use on Rosh ha’Shana.
This is Erev Tisha b’Av (Eve of the Ninth of Av)

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; let my tongue stick to my palate if I cease to think of you, if I do not keep Jerusalem in memory even at my happiest hour." [Psalms (Tehillym) 137. 5 – 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

THE NINE DAYS
"When you have begotten children and children's children and are long established in the land, should you act wickedly and make for yourselves a sculptured image in any likeness, causing the LORD your GOD displeasure and vexation, I call heaven and earth this day to witness against you, that you shall soon utterly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess; you shall not long endure in it, but shall be utterly destroyed. The LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a scant few of you will be left among the nations to which the LORD will drive you. There you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, that cannot see or hear or eat or smell.
But if you search there for the LORD your GOD, you will find HIM, if only you seek HIM with all your heart and soul — when you are in distress because all these things have befallen you and, in the end, return to the LORD your GOD and obey HIM. For the LORD your GOD is a MERCIFUL GOD, HE will not forsake you nor will HE let you perish; HE will not forget the covenant which HE made on oath with your fathers.
You have but to ask about bygone ages that came before you, ever since GOD created man on the earth, from one end of heaven to the other, has anything as grand as this ever happened, or has its like ever been known? Has any people ever heard the VOICE OF GOD speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and live? Or has any god ventured to go and take for himself one nation from the midst of another by prodigious acts, by signs, by wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and awesome power, as the LORD your GOD did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?
You have been shown to know that the LORD alone is GOD; there is none beside HIM. Out of heaven HE let you hear HIS VOICE, that HE might instruct you; on earth HE let you see HIS great fire, and from amidst that fire you heard HIS WORDS. And because HE loved your fathers, HE chose their descendants after them; HE HIMSELF brought you out of Egypt with HIS PRESENCE, in HIS great might, to drive from your path nations greater and mightier than you, to take you into their land and assign it to you as a heritage, as it is this day.
Know therefore this day and consider it in your heart that the LORD alone is GOD in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other. You shall therefore keep HIS statutes and HIS commandments which I enjoin upon you this day, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may long remain in the land that the LORD your GOD is giving you for all time." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 25 - 40 Tanakh, Torah]

The period known as "The Nine Days" begins — the days from Rosh Chodesh (head of the month), the month of Av to the fast of the ninth of Av (Tisha b'Av). In Jewish communities worldwide, prohibitions intended to decrease joy are implemented. All these reach a climax on the Fast of the Ninth of Av, a fast similar to Yom Kippur. During this time, we increase our solemn attitudes toward the Temple and of its loss. We are especially careful to keep our thoughts upon the destruction of the Holy Place and of the lifestyle that was lost with its destruction. There are no celebrations, no weddings, and no haircuts! Among the Orthodox, even bathing is kept to a minimum and freshly laundered clothes are not worn. These prohibitions are not intended to be overwhelming, but to turn our minds toward the seriousness of sin and its consequences.

Yet, even in destruction there is consolation. After Jeremiah prophesied judgment, he delivered a message of deliverance to the nation of Judah. "For I am with you to deliver you — declares the LORD. I will make an end of all the nations among which I have dispersed you; but I will not make an end of you! I will not leave you unpunished, but will chastise you in measure." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 30. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im; see also 46. 28]

The discipline of GOD OMNIPOTENT is a means to an end; that is, a restored relationship through repentance. "Let us search and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart rather than our hands to GOD in heaven...I have called on yOUR nAME, O LORD, from the depths of the Pit. Hear my plea — Do not shut your ear to my groan, to my cry! — YOU have ever drawn nigh when I called YOU; YOU said — Do not fear! — YOU championed my cause, O LORD, YOU have redeemed my life." [Lamentations (Ekhah) 3. 40 – 41, 55 – 58 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Through judgment, we are reminded of our need for GOD’S mercy. The month of Av reminds us that we are sustained by the mercy of the MOST HIGH GOD. When properly grasped, this consolation of Av naturally leads us to the next step…the repentance of the month, Elul.

We encourage everyone to light a candle in their homes this evening in memory of the Israelis who have died in past and present wars and read Psalm 83 aloud. I encourage parents to gather their children and do this as a family prayer time. Let us take this day to join hearts with our Israeli and Jewish brethren around the world and offer united and fervent prayer to our HEAVENLY FATHER.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcoming Sabbath Chazon (Sabbath of Prophecy)! {Traditional Jews observe this as a day of mourning with a fast and the reading of the BIBLICAL BOOK of Lamentations. The Sabbath preceding Tisha b’Av is called Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of Prophecy. The hafTORAH is Isaiah’s foretelling of the destruction of the Temple. The Shabbat following Tisha b’Av is Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort, when Isaiah’s message of consolation is read.}
Sabbath of Devarim – “Words” [Reading: Deuteronomy 1:1 -3:22; Isaiah 1:1-27; Matthew 24:1-22]
May our HEAVENLY FATHER hear our prayers. . . that our long-awaited MESSIAH Y’SHUA, THE SON OF DAVID, KING of kings comes quickly. And LORD, may YOUR Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day. Amen & Amen!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
He that keeps the Law brings offerings enough.

LOVE GOD & MAN
"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of your people. Love your fellow as yourself; I am the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 19. 18 Tanakh, Torah]

The OLD COVENANT is frequently rejected and overlooked by peoples on the basis that it speaks about a harsh, vengeful GOD OF JUDGMENT; in contrast to the NEW COVENANT GOD OF LOVE as manifest in the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH. Definitely, this viewpoint is an obviously completely wrong concept.

A young lawyer asked the LORD JESUS — "MASTER, which is the greatest commandment of the Law? Y’SHUA replied — "You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." [Matthew 22. 36 - 40]

Both commandments were first recorded in the OLD COVENANT. The first is the most revered of all passages to my Jewish people and quoted, at least, every evening and morning. "Hear, O Israel! the LORD, our GOD, the LORD is ONE. You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Torah]

The second great commandment is unassuming and hidden in the heart of the most unlikely Book of Leviticus {opening verse} in the OLD COVENANT. In the NEW COVENANT, it is called The Royal Law — "If you really fulfill the royal Law according to the Scripture, you shall love your neighbor as yourself' — you do well." [James 2. 8]

Therefore, the essential doctrine of the OLD COVENANT is "LOVE" — love for the OMNIPOTENT COMPASSIONATE CREATOR and love for others — and this truth is emphasized by the LORD JESUS CHRIST throughout the NEW COVENANT. Even greater is GOD'S eternal love which was ours "from before the world began" and will never end. "The LORD revealed HIMSELF to me of old saying: Yes! I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn and lead you. I will build you again, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel!" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 3 - 4a Tanakh, Nevi'im] The everlasting union of beauty, perfection and love is obtainable in the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH. For GOD so loved the world. . .HE offers us HIMSELF. How then shall we give less then our all to HIM?


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Grant peace, welfare, blessing, grace, loving-kindness and mercy to us and to all Israel. Bless us, O FATHER, even all of us together, with the LIGHT of YOUR countenance; for by the LIGHT of YOUR countenance YOU have given us, O LORD our GOD, the Law of life, loving-kindness and righteousness, blessing, mercy, life and peace; and may it be good in YOUR sight to bless YOUR people everywhere at all times and in every hour with YOUR peace. YOU alone are our HOPE. We thank YOU, praise YOU and glorify YOUR HOLY NAME; YOU alone are good. Amen!

May we look beyond the seasonal presents we hold in our hands to the PRESENCE WHO holds us in HIS eternal nail-pierced hands.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When things go wrong, don’t go wrong with them.

SUBMISSION
"Submit to one another in the fear of GOD and CHRIST." [Ephesians 5. 21] "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." [Philippians 2. 3 - 4]

When we are truly in a right relationship with the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN, we will be submissive, patient, long-suffering, receptive and honest with one another. Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH taught that serving others was of much greater value in the eyes of ALMIGHTY GOD than mastering over them.

Selfishness, self-indulgence or an unwillingness to serve among believers brings about many conflicts. "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?" [James 4. 1] A SPIRIT-filled CHRISTian, one whose thoughts and actions are moment-by-moment controlled by the MASTER, desires to submit and serve, rather than to assert and rule.

"Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for GOD resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." [1 Peter 5. 5] "Thus says the HIGH & LOFTY ONE WHO forever dwells on high in holiness with him who has a contrite and lowly spirit." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 57. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "At scoffers HE scoffs, but to the lowly HE shows grace." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 34 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account." [Hebrews 13. 17] "Recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the LORD and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves." [1 Thessalonians 5. 12 - 13] "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the LORD'S sake, whether to the kings as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by HIM for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good." [1 Peter 2. 13; also see Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 3. 17 - 19]

The Hebrew word "raphac" — translated submit, clearly means to prostrate, humble, to line up under, to rank lower than. Our objective, therefore, should be to place others above ourselves and be in submission to and in service of them.

This was the attitude of the LORD JESUS. HE left the splendor of HIS HEAVENLY HOME to come and be under the Law, to serve mankind, then die in our place. The MESSIAH Y’SHUA "made HIMSELF of no reputation, taking the form of a SERVANT, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a MAN, HE humbled HIMSELF and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." [Philippians 2. 7 - 8] "JESUS, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of GOD." [Hebrews 12. 2] We should cheerfully, eagerly submit to GOD, our HEAVENLY FATHER, just as Y’SHUA, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, joyfully submitted to HIS FATHER'S will.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Our souls thirst for YOU, O FATHER GOD, as the hart after the refreshing water brook. When we would escape from the storms of earthly life, where can we find refuge but in YOU? As one week swiftly follows week and man gives no heed, so pass the years away, and the end of our works draws near. Help us so to live that our souls may look upon these transient scenes with calmness and contentment, assured that at last we shall rest in the light of YOUR countenance and rejoice in YOUR goodness forever. Truly, freedom of the soul comes through obedience to YOUR commandments.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The difference between genius and stupidity is genius has its limits. [Albert Einstein] 

WATCHMAN’S DUTY 
"When I (the LORD speaking to Ezekiel) say to the wicked — O wicked man, you shall surely die! — and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but I will require his blood at your hand." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 3. 18 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

The SOVEREIGN LORD GOD had appointed Ezekiel as watchman for the House of Israel. This word of warning is repeated frequently for confirmation (see Chapters 3, 18 & 33) that the concept is sure and established — "Now, O man, I have appointed you a watchman...whenever you hear a word from MY mouth, you must warn them for ME. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' but you have not spoken to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his sins; but I will demand a reckoning for his blood from you. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked man to turn back from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his own iniquity; but you will have delivered your soul." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 33. 7 - 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "The soul who sins, only he shall die." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 18. 4, 20 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This message has a broad purpose, not only for Israel, but for the soon-coming judgment on the Gentile nations that are well in-line for GOD’S wrath. The peoples are all responsible for their own sins, even those who have a form of righteousness or religion — that will never save them, and they will be judged for their unfaithfulness, 

"Therefore you, O son of man, say to the children of your people — 'The righteousness of the righteous man shall not save him when he transgresses; nor shall the wickedness of the wicked cause him to stumble in the day that he turns from his wickedness; nor shall the righteous be able to live because of his righteousness in the day that he sins.' When I say of the righteous — ‘he shall surely live’ — but he trusts in his own righteousness, he commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die. So too, when I say to the wicked — 'You shall surely die' — if he turns from his sinfulness and does what is just and right — if the wicked man restores the pledge, makes good what he has stolen, follows the laws of life [Leviticus 18.5] and does not commit iniquity — he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins which he has committed shall be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live. 
"Yet the children of your people say — 'The way of the LORD is unfair.’ — But it is their way which is not fair! When the righteous man turns away from his righteous deeds and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. And when the wicked man turns back from his wickedness and does what is just and right, it is he who shall live by virtue of these things. Yet will you say — 'The way of the LORD is not fair'? O house of Israel, I will judge every one of you according to his own ways." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 33. 12 - 20 Tanakh, Nevi’im] GOD’S judgment is impartial and precise. 

"If you refrained from rescuing those taken off to death, those condemned to slaughter, if you say — We knew nothing of it! — surely HE WHO fathoms hearts will discern the truth, HE WHO watches over your life will know it, and HE will pay each man as he deserves." [Proverbs (Mishle) 24. 11 – 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him...but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 19. 17 – 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

We who are true followers of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA are to be witnesses as well as watchmen: "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." [Mark 16. 15 - 16] We need not be anxious or concerned as to what to say because HE "will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist." [Luke 21. 15 ] 

Y’SHUA opened the minds of HIS disciples concerning SCRIPTURES that they might comprehend what was written of HIM in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms when HE said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the CHRIST to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIS NAME to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses (watchmen) of these things." [Luke 24. 46 - 48] "You shall receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to ME in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." [Acts 1. 8] 

The LORD Y’SHUA gave HIS life as atonement for the sins of the world, this was GOD'S doing. Like the LoVING SAVIOR, the FAITHFUL & TRUE SHEPHERD, we must be about our FATHER’S business proclaiming the GOOD NEWS, and "keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our LORD JESUS CHRIST unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh." [Jude 21 - 23] 

Just as sure as it is decreed (pronounced, declared, established) that judgment will come to those who hear and reject, there is a great blessing for those who are faithful witnesses (watchmen), and to those who hear and repent. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
May our behavior toward our neighbors, our faithfulness in every sphere of duty, our compassion for the suffering and our patience under trial show that HE WHOSE Law we obey is indeed the MIGHTY GOD of all goodness, the FATHER of all men, that to serve HIM is perfect freedom and to worship HIM the soul's purest happiness. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The cure of a fool is not in our hands. 

DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD 
"Behold, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before the coming of the greatly awesome and dreadfully terrible DAY OF THE LORD." [Malachi (Malakhi) 4. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

This fearsome theme of the DAY OF THE LORD will be a great and dreadful day. This phrase occurs repeatedly throughout HOLY WRIT to remind us over and over again that although GOD is merciful and long-suffering, HE will not remain silent forever. Man's day will end soon, and the DAY OF THE LORD will come. 

Day of the LORD in the OLD COVENANT "Woe! you who wish for the DAY OF THE LORD! Why should you want the DAY OF THE LORD? It shall be darkness not light!" [Amos (Amus) 5. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Before the great and terrible DAY OF THE LORD comes, I will set a sign in the sky and on earth; blood and fire and pillars of smoke; the sun shall turn into darkness and the moon into blood." [Joel (Yoel) 2. 31 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The GREAT DAY OF THE LORD is approaching, approaching most swiftly. The DAY OF THE LORD is faster than a runner, fleeter than a warrior. It is bitter! There a warrior shrieks! That Day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of calamity and desolation, a day of darkness and deep gloom, a day of thick dark dense clouds." [Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 1. 14 - 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Lo! the DAY OF THE LORD is coming with pitiless fury and wrath and fierce anger, to make the earth a desolation, to wipe out the sinners upon it." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 13. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Day of the LORD in the NEW COVENANT Luke, quoting Peter's statement from Joel/Yoel bearing witness declares — "I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome DAY OF THE LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." [Acts 2. 19 - 21] "But the DAY OF THE LORD will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." [2 Peter 3. 10; 1 Thessalonians 5. 2] "The LORD knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment." [2 Peter 2. 9] "(Y’SHUA) will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the DAY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST." [1 Corinthians 1. 7 - 9] 

It is obvious that the DAY OF THE LORD is coming and it will be a time of terrible judgment on all who have rejected or ignored ALMIGHTY GOD WHO created them. But GOD'S faithful believers can take great comfort, for then — "the LORD (YEHOWAH) shall be KING over all the earth. And in that DAY the LORD (YEHOWAH) alone shall be worshiped and shall be invoked by HIS TRUE NAME." [Zechariah (Tsefanyah) 14. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

I have a longing in my heart to see HIM, look upon HIS face, and be forevermore with my GOD & KING; the ONE WHO saved me by HIS glorious grace. What a Glorious Day that will be! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Our prayer for each of you is for the grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST to be with your spirit. 
My FATHER of mercies, MY PRAISE, do good in YOUR favor unto Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. For in YOU alone do we trust, O KING, high and exalted GOD, LORD of worlds. Rise up, O LORD and YOUR enemies shall be scattered, and they that hate YOU shall flee before YOU. For out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the WORD OF THE LORD from Jerusalem. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
No monument sheds such glory as an untarnished name. [-Eleazar ben Judah] 

FRAGRANCE OF A GOOD NAME 
"Your ointments yield a sweet fragrance, your name is like finest oil poured forth — therefore do maidens love you." [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 1. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Solomon combined "sweet fragrance (Hebrew: reyach)" and "name (Hebrew: shem)" together instilling the value and attraction of having a good name, even being more important than life itself. "A good name is better than fragrant oil, and the day of death than the day of birth.." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 7. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Until a man dies, there is always danger that he may forfeit his good name. A good name is far more precious, prized and important then all possessions and riches one can posses, "A good name and character is preferable to great wealth; grace (loving favor) is better than silver and gold." [Proverbs (Mishle) 22. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This greatest and wisest of all kings once had a name that was very similar to godliness and great wisdom. However Solomon's name eventually became so saturated with the excesses of wealth and fleshly indulgence that he began to long even for death. It is a tragic thing for GODly people anywhere to allow their good names to be ruined by careless everyday worldly materialism; thus never fulfilling the promise their lives once seemed to carry. Solomon had acquired in abundance all the most costly ointments and comforts to ease his declining years, but they could never redeem his good name. 

The believer who follows the LORD Y’SHUA ha'Mashiach has a two-fold motivation to maintain their good name for their words and deeds reflect on the SAVIOR as well as on themselves. As with David, our behavior and conduct can spurn the LORD GOD and "give great occasion for the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 12. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

It is not too late for those who repent and vow from this time forth to have the new life they can in Messiah Y’SHUA alone, for HE will give them a new name. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT says....to him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." [Revelation 2. 17] "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the Temple of My GOD, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the NAME of MY GOD and the name of the City of MY GOD, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from MY GOD. And I will write on him My New Name." [Revelation 3. 12] Imagine, our name. . . written by the finger of the MOST HOLY ONE, permanently engraved in HIS heart and in the palm of HIS hand! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
We praise YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR saving power, for from YOU comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS NAME. 
Be reminded of your commitment to obey the LORD GOD in holiness and integrity of life. We are overwhelmingly grateful for the goodness and grace of the ALMIGHTY ONE to us. HIS compassions never fail; HIS mercy and steadfast love is forever; blessed be HE and praised be HIS name. 
Love, in MESSIAH'S Service - Rabbi Del & Rifkah 

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The foolishness of GOD is DIVINE wisdom, demanding faith. 

DILUTING SCRIPTURE       
"Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin (direct, command, instruct) upon you; neither add to it nor take away from it." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 12. 32 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

There are many people in a large variety of cults who think their leader has a new revelation some new inspired word from ALMIGHTY GOD.  They have not received any new commands, but have obviously failed to look into what is written  and believed what the LIFE-GIVING WRITTEN WORD says.  This is heresy, and extremely foolish.  Though it seems to also be a practice of some denominations who presumptuously cut out and/or explain away every BIBLE verse they consider offensive in some way.  This is an exceedingly dangerous practice since "anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 15] 

Paul too spoke words of diligent caution to the Galatians — "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from HIM WHO called you in the grace of CHRIST, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Gospel of CHRIST. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other Gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." [Galatians 1. 6 - 9] 


The warning is confirmed throughout HOLY SCRIPTURE.  "I know that whatever ELOHIYM has brought to pass shall be forever: Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it — ELOHIYM does it, that men should fear (revere, respect, be in awe of) HIM." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the court of the LORD'S House, and speak...all the words that I command you to speak. Do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and turn back from their evil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity  (punishment) which I am planning to bring on them because of the wicked and evil acts they are doing.’" [Jeremiah (Tehillym) 26. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 


In the final testimony of the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH to those who were to be HIS followers comes the clear command not to add to or dilute the INSPIRED LIFE-GIVING WORD: "If anyone takes away from the words of the Book of this Prophecy, GOD shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this Book." [Revelation 22. 19] 


If men believe it or not, the HOLY SCRIPTURE is the exact, infallible, unerring, fixed, established, absolutely precise and true WORD OF GOD.  The HIGH & LOFTY ONE says what HE means, and means what HE says.  The various authors of the BIBLE occasionally used figurative language, in which case the symbols are usually explained in context.  When the writer clearly intends to be understood literally, such as in the first chapter of Genesis, it is dangerous to impose some symbolic meaning on the passage to take in outside considerations.  This appears to be what Paul meant when he said, "We have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the WORD OF GOD deceitfully, but by manifestation of the TRUTH commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of GOD. But even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the Gospel of the glory of CHRIST, WHO is the IMAGE OF GOD, should shine on them." [2 Corinthians 4. 2 - 5] 

Changing or diluting what "is written" is completely unforgivable and is a treacherous path for those who choose the broad and easy way.  It will be easier at MESSIAH’S Judgment Seat to explain why we believed GOD than why we believed men who questioned the ALMIGHTY ONE. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR saving power, for from YOU comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS NAME.

   Welcoming Rosh Chodesh – the month of Tammuz, though this month is named after the ancient Babylonian sun god. [see Ezekiel 8:12–18]   It seems the opposite of what the entire concept the Hebrew calendar is about. Each month offers us the opportunity for growth and renewal. Idol worship is pagan and limiting. Invoking the name of a central figure in a cult that worshipped the sun as the source of all energy seems somehow retrogressive. Our forefather Abraham made sense of nature realizing that there is a DIVINE, hidden hand that gives unity, elegance of form, and purpose…that is to worship only the holy, infinite MASTER CREATOR. 
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The HOLY BIBLE is the second best gift GOD has given to man. The number one GIFT was HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON – Y’SHUA. 

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 5 - Conclusion) 
"Jacob called his sons and said — Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

"Joseph is a wild ass, a wild ass by a spring — wild colts on a hillside. {Other translations say: "Joseph is a fruitful vine by a fountain. Its branches run over the wall."} Archers bitterly assailed him; they shot at him and harried him. Yet his bow stayed taut, and the arms of his hands were made firm by the hands of the MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB — There, the SHEPHERD, the ROCK OF Israel, EL of your father WHO helps you, and SHADDAI WHO blesses you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that couches below, blessings of the breast and womb. The blessings of your father surpass the blessings of my ancestors, to the utmost bounds of the eternal hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the elect of his brothers." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 22 – 26 Tanakh, Torah] 

Jacob reserved his softest and his most loving tone of voice for Joseph, who was united with whatever was best, most gracious and noblest in both Reuben and Judah. Joseph was the man of vision, the man of dreams. But to this he joined moral and spiritual strength in all circumstances of his life. He was the ideal son, the ideal brother, the ideal servant, the ideal administrator. His character and story have from the beginning of time been held to be typical of the desired character of the people in the story of Israel. 

Israel said to Joseph, "Behold, I die, but GOD will be with you, and HE will bring you back unto the land of your fathers." [Genesis (Bereshith) 48. 21 Tanakh, Torah] Do not be afraid to stand on the PRECIOUS WORD OF THE LORD. The ALMIGHTY ONE had told Abram, "Know well that your offspring shall be strangers in a land not theirs, and they shall be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years; but I will execute judgment on the nation they shall serve, and in the end they shall go free with great wealth." [Genesis (Bereshith) 15. 13 – 14 Tanakh, Torah] 

As Jacob blessed Joseph, he said that there was a period of exile coming, and like Joseph in that period of exile, the people of Israel were going to be subjected to great temptations to be disloyal to the GOD of their fathers. But Joseph always remained loyal to the LIVING GOD, to the true GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC & JACOB. This was a reminder to the people of Israel to remain loyal despite great temptations even to the point of death. 

Israel was reminding Joseph that the God OF ISRAEL would never leave or forsake him and would bring him back to the land of his fathers. Then he added, "And now, I assign you one portion (Hebrew: shekem) more than your brothers, which I wrested from the Amorites with my sword and bow." [Genesis (Bereshith) 48. 22 Tanakh, Torah] The double-portion was referring to the fact that Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were counted by Israel (Jacob) as "son's of Jacob" for tribal inheritance when the Promised Land was divided. 

Joseph's bones were buried in Shechem (when the Israelites came out of Egypt, they brought his bones as he had requested, see Joshua/Yehoshua 24:32). This is the portion of land Jacob bought from the Hivites for 100 pieces of silver. This piece of land was given to Joseph for his burial place.. Jacob was still showing that extra bit of favoritism to Joseph, the son whom he loved who reminded him so much of his beloved Rachael. 

The BLESSED LORD said, "In the end days, I shall pour out MY SPIRIT on all flesh." [Joel (Yoel) 2. 28 Tanakh, Nevi’im] Some of us are going to dream dreams, and see visions — because we trust in the AWESOME YEHOWAH. 

"Benjamin is a wolf that ravens — that tears; in the morning he consumes the foe (or booty), and in the evening he divides the spoil." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 27 Tanakh, Torah] The tribe of Benjamin was wolf-like. Saul of Tarsus would come from the tribe of Benjamin. He would walk meekly into a synagogue, and begin preaching the GOSPEL. When they took out a whip and began beating him to death, he could say, "I count it a joy." [Acts 20. 24] The Apostle Paul (Saul) was as unrelenting as a persistent wolf, who goes back again-and-again preaching the GOSPEL, bringing the MESSAGE OF SALVATION, until he won them to the MESSIAH LORD Y’SHUA. 

Jacob also blessed Ephraim & Manasseh saying, "By you shall Israel invoke blessings, saying — GOD make you like Ephraim and as Manasseh." [Genesis (Bereshith) 48. 20 Tanakh, Torah] This is still practiced today, every pious Orthodox Jewish father, on Sabbath Eve places his hand on the head of his son and blesses him with the very same words that the HOLY SPIRIT just stated: "May GOD make you as Ephraim and Manasseh." 

Ephraim & Manasseh would never trade away their Jewishness for the most exalted social position. They voluntarily gave up their place in the higher Egyptian aristocracy, and they openly identified themselves with their alien kinsmen, the despised shepherd immigrants. It is fitting that every mother and father who know the LORD GOD MOST HIGH should pray that their children will show the same loyalty to their father and their father’s ETERNAL LORD GOD, as did Ephraim and Manasseh. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Let all those that seek the LORD GOD rejoice and be glad in HIM; let such as love HIS salvation say continually: “The LORD be magnified.” 
May grace and peace be multiplied to you, our dear friends! 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Peace is not about silence; not a place without trouble, or fear. Peace is standing in the middle of chaos and finding the calm assurance of GOD’S permanent presence in your life. 

TRIBES OF ISRAEL  (Part 4 of 5)      
"Jacob called his sons and said — Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

The HOLY SPIRIT spoke through Jacob saying,  "Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore; he shall be a haven for ships, and his flank shall rest on Sidon." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 13 Tanakh, Torah]   Zebulun settled in the favorable geographical position described here, and his tribe became mariners.  The actual territory of Zebulun is uncertain, but their "Tribal Standard (banner)" bears the picture of a ship. 


"Issachar is a strong-boned ass, crouching down among the sheepfolds. When he saw how good was security, and how pleasant was the country, he bent his shoulder to bear the burden, and became a toiling serf (a servant under task-work of forced labor)." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 14 – 15 Tanakh, Torah] 

As a strong-boned ass, the people of Issachar would have great physical power.  However, the minute they found a resting place, they would stay right there.  They would not become nomads like the rest of the people of Israel living in tents.  They did not like the life of a wandering Jew.  If Issachar found a place where he wanted to rest, he would much prefer to pay tribute and to submit to any enemy that came upon him then to leave his plowshare and take up a sword.  He would never go to battle.  All this was fulfilled.  Along with Simeon, Issachar did not receive a blessing from Moses along with the other tribes in Deuteronomy/Devarim 33.

"Dan shall govern his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the road, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider is thrown backward. I wait for YOUR deliverance, O LORD!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 16 – 18 Tanakh, Torah]


Samson came from the tribe of Dan to be one of the judges of Israel.  Dan would also be a serpent in the way, a horned snake in the way that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider falls backward.  Judas Iscariot would be coming from the tribe of Dan.  The HOLY SPIRIT knew who would betray MESSIAH Y’SHUA with a kiss.  This is why the tribe of Dan is not mentioned in the Book of Revelation 7.   {The 144,000 Witnesses are witnesses — not judges. Ephraim‘s name is also missing because his name means first-fruit and this company is a fixed number.}   And then Jacob said, "LORD, I am waiting for YOUR SALVATION. I can hardly wait to come home and be with YOU, LORD. I am waiting for YOUR SON, Y’SHUA, I’m waiting for YOUR SALVATION, O LORD." 

"Gad shall be raided by raiders, but he shall raid at their heels." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 19 Tanakh, Torah]  There is a play on words here, the translation should be. . ."a raiding band raids him, but he will now band himself against their heel."  He would always know where to attack, in their rear position.  OMNIPOTENT GOD succeeded in expelling the Ammonites, Moabites and the Armenian who were constantly raiding his border.  Jephthah, one of the judges of Israel, came from the tribe of Gad.  The LORD used him as an instrument to bring forth HIS victory.  Victory is always the LORD’S. 

"Asher’s bread shall be rich, and he shall yield royal dainties." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 20 Tanakh, Torah]  Asher's territory stretched from the Sea of Galilee to Mount Karem’El.  The name, Asher, means "happy" — and this meaning is reflected in the blessing that is bestowed upon him.  The land of Asher was prosperous and happy, where they went in business making delicacies fit for the tables of kings.  {In Deuteronomy/Devarim 33, Moses blesses the tribes and of Asher he spoke of him "dipping his heel in oil." The olive tree grows prevalent in the area allotted to him and the olive oil is indeed used for making of dainties.} The HOLY SPIRIT is never wrong, always true.

"Naphtali is a hind let loose; which yields lovely fawns (or "gives lovely words")." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 21 Tanakh, Torah] This gives us an image of swiftness and grace in movement.  "Yields lovely fawns" refers to the tribe’s reputation for persistence and eloquence.  The great victory of Barak [Judges/Shofetym 4. 15 - 16], who was of the tribe of Naphtali, was followed by the glorious song of Devorah, also of the tribe of Naphtali who "gives goodly words." [Judges/Shofetym 5. 12]  They would not only follow through where the LORD led them, they would also bring forth words of praise and thanksgiving unto the ALMIGHTY LORD OF HOSTS, the HOPE OF ISRAEL. 

. . . to be continued! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
HEAVENLY FATHER, teach us to emulate YOUR OWN grace and mercy. Cause YOUR truth to fall upon our hearts like seed upon fertile ground. And, may we learn to love YOUR Law ever more deeply and to find in it the beauty of holiness. Amen 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

1a Tribes of Israel    (part 1 of 5)
 Posted by: delrifkah


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Forgiveness is the only way to live with the past without being held prisoner by it. 

TRIBES of ISRAEL (Part 1 of 5) 
"Jacob called his sons and said — Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

"Reuben, you are my first-born, my might and the first fruit of my strength, exceeding in rank (dignity) and the exceeding in honor. Unstable as water, you shall excel no longer; for when you mounted your father's bed, you defiled it and brought disgrace — my couch he mounted!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 3 – 4 Tanakh, Torah] 

Israel was saying, "Reuben, you have forfeited your natural right of the firstborn. Through being the first-born, you had dignity and opportunity, but you did not have strength of character." Reuben appeared to be a man who began good actions, but he did not complete them. He planned to save Joseph and he actually prevented the murder of Joseph. [Genesis/Bereshith 37. 21] Nevertheless, Joseph was sold in spite of Reuben. 

In Jewish history, Reuben’s descendants remained true to their ancestral type, unstable as water. When Deborah unfurled the banner of Israel’s independence in the days of the judges, all the other tribes rallied around her. But in the camp of Reuben, there was great intention, a mighty searching of the heart, but no real action. Instead, they appointed half a dozen committees to study whether they should take action. [Judges/Shofetym 5. 15] Subsequently, the tribe of Reuben is very rarely mentioned in Israel’s history. They begin, but they never finish. They open their mouth, but they never move any further than that. 

"You are my might." As the firstborn, Reuben was endowed with a super-abundant vitality, the cause of both his preeminence and his undoing. He did not know how to use what he had wisely with the wisdom of the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD. And Jacob said, "you have had the excellency of dignity" which in the Hebrew means: "You have been superior in dignity. You have had this given to you, because it belongs to the firstborn. Reuben, it was provided for you to receive three portions above your brothers." The three portions are the right of the firstborn, the priesthood, and the kingdom. Reuben, you should have had all three, but now you are not going to get anything. 

The right of the firstborn was given to Joseph, the priesthood was given to Levi, the kingly power and headship were given to Judah. Judah would be the king of Israel. Through Judah's loins would come the LION OF JUDAH, the KING of the Universe, Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH. 

Israel further said to Reuben, "you are unstable as water." My son, any breeze can ruffle your surface. You bubble over like water in an uncontrolled vehemence of passion. You are a very emotional person with weakness of will, lack of self-control and hardness of purpose. You have also had a spirit of lust within you that you never overcame. You had the excellency, but now you will relinquish all your privileges of the firstborn. 

The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD was speaking through Jacob because none of the descendants of Reuben ever became judges, prophets or leaders in Israel. SCRIPTURE very clearly stresses that moral character is more essential than hereditary right. The LORD GOD, the RIGHTEOUS ONE, wants us to be moral and to be ethical one with another. We are to "love your fellow man as yourself." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 19. 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

. . . to be continued! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, we are praying for you our dear friends. May you have a heart to know YEHOWAH, that HE is the LORD of your life. O, return to HIM now, and HE will abundantly pardon. May each of you be delivered from trouble and harm, or strengthened and purified through it. Heal us O LORD, make us righteous in YOUR sight. May the message of GOD’S WORD and the love of Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH, the BELOVED SAVIOR bless you and fill your life with overflowing joy. Amen 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 


 A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
What does not kill us, will make us stronger. 

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 2 of 5) 
"Jacob called his sons and said — Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

Jacob continued, "Simeon & Levi are brothers; their weapons are tools of cruelty and lawlessness. Let not my person be included in their council; let not my honour be counted in their assembly. For when angry, they slay men, and when pleased they maim oxen. Cursed be their anger so fierce, and their wrath so relentless. I will divide them in Jacob, scatter them in Israel." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 5 – 7 Tanakh, Torah] This was the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD speaking of them. 

And Israel was saying, "In the past they formed a secret confederacy together when they went out and slaughtered the men of Shechem. They profaned the LORD GOD when they took the Lord'S Everlasting Covenant, the circumcision, and profaned it by having every man be circumcised after Dinah, their sister, was raped, and on the third day, they killed every man in the city." 

"My soul, my glory, shall not be united with them." Jacob was speaking about ALMIGHTY GOD'S glory. The ALL-WISE CREATOR breathed HIS HOLY SPIRIT into man and man became a living soul. Jacob said his soul should not be united together with theirs. 

Jacob also stated that Simeon and Levi were so cruel they had even hewed the oxen. They were not content with just getting revenge for the rape of their sister, Dinah, but they killed the men, took women and children and livestock; then they plundered the houses in the city. [Genesis/Bereshith 34. 25 - 29] This tendency of men taking vengeance, becomes the basis for GOD'S declaration, "Vengeance and recompense belongs to ME {I will vindicate MY people and take revenge for MY servants.}." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 35 Tanakh, Torah] 

"Cursed be their anger." Jacob did not curse them, but their sin.. The MERCIFUL ETERNAL ONE curses our sin, HE hates our sin, but HE still loves the sinner. Otherwise, none of us would be here. 

"I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel." We see this prophecy being fulfilled by the intermingling of the tribe of Simeon in the inheritance of Judah. [Joshua/Yehoshua 19. 1, 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im] The tribe of Judah swallowed them up. You cannot find anyone of the tribe of Simeon any more. And Simeon did not receive a blessing in Deuteronomy/Devarim 33. The tribe of Levi was dispersed among all the tribes of Israel causing this prophecy of the Holy Spirit to be fulfilled to the fullest. 

...to be continued! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
We don't take a leap of faith when we choose to believe the TORAH as truth. Our belief in the DIVINE authorship of HOLY SCRIPTURE makes rational sense. We need only investigate and we will see what makes MESSIAH Y’SHUA’S claims to truth unique and compelling. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Better to loose with a wise man then to win with a fool. 

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 3 of 5) 
"Jacob called his sons and said — Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

Judah was the forth born son to Jacob. Through the lips of his mother, Leah, the HOLY SPIRIT said — "This time I will praise (thank) the LORD" [Genesis/Bereshith 29. 8 – 12] as she gave birth to Judah. Speaking thru Israel (Jacob) the HOLY SPIRIT exclaimed, "You, O Judah, your brothers shall praise; your hand shall be on the nape of your foes; your father’s sons shall bow low to you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; on prey, my son, have you grown. He crouches, lies down like a lion, like the king of beasts — who dare rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet; until Shiloh comes (here the MIDRASH adds "so that tribute shall come to him") and the homage of peoples be his. He tethers his ass to a vine, his ass’s foal to a choice vine; he washes his garment in wine, his robe in blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine and his teeth are white from milk." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 8 – 12 Tanakh, Torah] 

Unlike Reuben, Judah had neither the birthright, the dignity, nor the opportunity of the firstborn. But, he did have strength and he was consistent in his purpose. Whatever he started, he would follow through with. He knew his enemy; and whether it was a person, an evil, or a cause, his hand was upon that enemy’s neck. The LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH defeated Satan upon the cross. . . JESUS knew HIS enemy; HE took the sting out of death. Praise GOD! HalleluYAH! 

Judah was capable of falling into grievous error and sin, yet he was true at heart to himself and to the LORD GOD ETERNAL. Judah’s character fitted him to take the lead and the rule. He was the father of the royal tribe, the ancestor of David and the Lion of Judah came from Judah. The LORD JESUS would be called the LION OF DAVID and the LION OF JUDAH. Y’SHUA was never called the SON OF ABRAHAM, the SON OF ISAAC, or the SON OF JACOB; but HE was called the SON OF DAVID. That is what made David's fame great. 

"All your brothers will praise you." Jacob was foretelling Judah’s military glory, as he would be the leader of all the tribes of Israel in subduing the enemies of the ALMIGHTY ONE, namely the Philistines and the Edomites. 

Then Jacob said a strange thing: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes." In Hebrew, the word Shi’loh means, the exact image and reflection of GOD. Not until the LORD JESUS comes into the world will the scepter and the ruler’s staff depart from the tribe of Judah. And MESSIAH Y’SHUA did come into the world, being the exact image and reflection of ALMIGHTY GOD, as HE HIMSELF said, “If you have seen ME, you have seen the FATHER, I and MY FATHER are ONE." [John 14. 9; 10. 30] 

Jacob, still speaking by the HOLY SPIRIT, said, "And unto HIM shall all the obedience (homage, honor, respect, worship) of the people be." Through the HOPE of all ISRAEL — the SAVIOR — the LION OF JUDAH, the world would be made right as HE would take all sin, all transgression and all iniquity of the world on HIMSELF as HE went to the cross. The eyes of MESSIAH Y’SHUA would be "as if sparkling with wine" — and yet HE would not be drunk. . . the LORD Y’SHUA would always have a sparkle (joy) in HIS eye. HIS teeth would be whiter than milk, and altogether lovely. These verses are a description of the LORD JESUS the LIFE-GIVER, my PRAISE. 

. . . to be continued! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Sometimes GOD, WHO’S PRESENCE dwells within us, will allow a calamity to come to see just where our faith lies. Glorify the LORD OF HOSTS by your steadfast commitment to HIM and trust your life completely in the merciful hands of the ULTIMATELY TRIUMPHANT LORD GOD. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Forgiveness is the only way to live with the past without being held prisoner by it. 

TRIBES of ISRAEL (Part 1 of 5) 
"Jacob called his sons and said — Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

"Reuben, you are my first-born, my might and the first fruit of my strength, exceeding in rank (dignity) and the exceeding in honor. Unstable as water, you shall excel no longer; for when you mounted your father's bed, you defiled it and brought disgrace — my couch he mounted!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 3 – 4 Tanakh, Torah] 

Israel was saying, "Reuben, you have forfeited your natural right of the firstborn. Through being the first-born, you had dignity and opportunity, but you did not have strength of character." Reuben appeared to be a man who began good actions, but he did not complete them. He planned to save Joseph and he actually prevented the murder of Joseph. [Genesis/Bereshith 37. 21] Nevertheless, Joseph was sold in spite of Reuben. 

In Jewish history, Reuben’s descendants remained true to their ancestral type, unstable as water. When Deborah unfurled the banner of Israel’s independence in the days of the judges, all the other tribes rallied around her. But in the camp of Reuben, there was great intention, a mighty searching of the heart, but no real action. Instead, they appointed half a dozen committees to study whether they should take action. [Judges/Shofetym 5. 15] Subsequently, the tribe of Reuben is very rarely mentioned in Israel’s history. They begin, but they never finish. They open their mouth, but they never move any further than that. 

"You are my might." As the firstborn, Reuben was endowed with a super-abundant vitality, the cause of both his preeminence and his undoing. He did not know how to use what he had wisely with the wisdom of the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD. And Jacob said, "you have had the excellency of dignity" which in the Hebrew means: "You have been superior in dignity. You have had this given to you, because it belongs to the firstborn. Reuben, it was provided for you to receive three portions above your brothers." The three portions are the right of the firstborn, the priesthood, and the kingdom. Reuben, you should have had all three, but now you are not going to get anything. 

The right of the firstborn was given to Joseph, the priesthood was given to Levi, the kingly power and headship were given to Judah. Judah would be the king of Israel. Through Judah's loins would come the LION OF JUDAH, the KING of the Universe, Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH. 

Israel further said to Reuben, "you are unstable as water." My son, any breeze can ruffle your surface. You bubble over like water in an uncontrolled vehemence of passion. You are a very emotional person with weakness of will, lack of self-control and hardness of purpose. You have also had a spirit of lust within you that you never overcame. You had the excellency, but now you will relinquish all your privileges of the firstborn. 

The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD was speaking through Jacob because none of the descendants of Reuben ever became judges, prophets or leaders in Israel. SCRIPTURE very clearly stresses that moral character is more essential than hereditary right. The LORD GOD, the RIGHTEOUS ONE, wants us to be moral and to be ethical one with another. We are to "love your fellow man as yourself." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 19. 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

. . . to be continued! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, we are praying for you our dear friends. May you have a heart to know YEHOWAH, that HE is the LORD of your life. O, return to HIM now, and HE will abundantly pardon. May each of you be delivered from trouble and harm, or strengthened and purified through it. Heal us O LORD, make us righteous in YOUR sight. May the message of GOD’S WORD and the love of Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH, the BELOVED SAVIOR bless you and fill your life with overflowing joy. Amen 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
I have learned that you ought always to be more or less specific. 

FEAR NO EVIL      
"In the days of evil and times of trouble, why should I fear when the iniquity at my heels compass me about?" [Psalms (Tehillym) 49. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 


This enigmatic question should be of real great concern to all unbelievers.  The "day of evil" seems to refer to those of old age while the young are encouraged, "So remember, appreciate your CREATOR in the days of your youth, before those days of sorrow come and those years arrive of which you will say — I have no pleasure in them." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 12. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

However, those who have not "remembered their CREATOR" while young may one day come to realize that the iniquities which had been accumulating against their record day by day through a long lifetime had actually involved the venom of that old serpent, ha’Satan, which the LOVING MASTER of the Universe long ago warned would bruise the heels of the children of Eve. [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 15]  Their sins, which will eventually become so numerous as to "compass" them about, might even destroy them in this present life and for eternity.  Satan, that old snake, will have "the power of death" [Hebrews 2. 14] until the day when the TRUE SEED of the woman, the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA will "crush the head" of that wicked one forever.  Even though the sins of the whole world were placed upon JESUS, the SON OF MAN, it was only HIS "heel" that was cruelly and viciously "bruised" by the Devil. 


Because of MESSIAH Y’SHUA’S great victory over Satan — when the LORD OF GLORY died for our sins and then defeated death by HIS resurrection, we no longer need to fear death, even when the evil days draw near. 

To accept ALMIGHTY GOD'S precious Gift of Salvation from sin and death when one is young is best.  However, it is never too late, as long as we live and have breath in our bodies.  So, why should we worry when "we have known and believed the love that GOD has for us. GOD is love, and he who abides in love abides in GOD, and GOD in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: That we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as HE is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." [1 John 4. 16 - 18]   For your greatest joy, delight and pleasure now and for all eternity, acknowledge JESUS as your ROCK OF DELIVERANCE, the MOST HIGH GOD as your REDEEMER & LORD. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath, the Bride of the week. Shabbos of SHELACH – “Send Thou” [Reading: Numbers 13:1 - 15:41; Joshua 2:1–24; Matthew 10:1-14] 
O INFINITE & MERCIFUL CREATOR, firm in the faith we are emboldened to seek YOUR PRESENCE, and we are assured that we shall find YOU if, with sincere hearts, we seek YOU. As the flowers of the field drink of the dew of heaven and of the radiance of the sun, so would we, lifting our spirits unto YOU, drink of the pure fountains of holiness.  Loving YOU is its own reward, our souls rejoice in YOUR PRESENCE, for YOU are our PRAISE and our SONG. Amen
Enjoy a blessed day with the LORD! 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Egotisms is nothing more than the antiseptic that dulls the pain of stupidity. 

REDEEMED FROM ENEMY’S HAND      
"Give thanks and praise to the LORD, for HE is good, HIS mercy is eternal! Thus, let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those HE redeemed from the hand of the enemy." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

There are four examples of GOD’S deliverance from particular problems that this hymn of praise surrounds. 

    First are the lost travelers who are out of provisions and far from a city:  "Some lost their way and wandered in the wilderness in the wasteland; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
    Second, there are the prisoners bound by their own rebelliousness: "Some lived in deepest darkness and in the shadow of death, captive in affliction and irons — because they rebelled against the WORD OF GOD, despising the counsel of the MOST HIGH. Therefore HE humbled their heart through suffering; they stumbled with no one to help." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 10 - 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
    Third, due to their own sins, are in physical illness: "There were fools who suffered for their sinful way, and for their iniquities they were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. In their trouble they cried to the LORD, and HE saved them out of their troubles. HE sent HIS WORD and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 17 - 20 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
     Forth, are the sailors who face shipwreck on stormy seas:  "Others go down to the sea in ships, who ply their business on mighty waters; they have seen the works of the LORD and HIS wonders in the deep. By HIS Word HE raised a stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens and plunge down again to the depths, their soul melts from their troubles. They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, all their skill to no avail. In their adversity they cried to the LORD and HE saved them out of their troubles. HE calmed the storm so that its waves are stilled. Then they rejoiced when all was quiet, and HE guided them to their desired haven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 23 - 30 Tanakh, Nevi'im]]   

This is just like the restless pattern during the time of the judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes, doing as they pleased." [Judges (Shofetim) 21. 25 Tanakh, Nevi’im]  As a result of their rebellious treachery, the SOVEREIGN ONE brought the people of Israel into captivity just as HE warned would happen to them. "If you or your descendants turn away from following ME and do not keep MY commandments and MY Laws which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods to worship them, then I will cut Israel off the land which I gave them; I will reject the House which I have consecrated to MY NAME and Israel shall become a proverb and a byword among all peoples." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 9. 6 – 7 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the Temple, has this same pattern [1 Kings 8. 22 – 61], for he knew that man’s tendency to rebel and forget the LORD’S provision when things go well, thus they inflict GOD’S righteous judgment.  But the ALL-KNOWING CREATOR has always used times of trouble to bring mankind back to HIMSELF.  HE truly is a GOD of grace, mercy, and love, desiring to forgive and restore those who repent and call on HIM for deliverance. 

This truth applies today, we still tend to rebel and the BELOVED SAVIOR remains long-suffering, willing to forgive and restore when one repents.  "The genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of MESSIAH Y’SHUA." [1 Peter 1. 7]  After HE tests us, may we come forth more than conquerors for HIS glory. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath at the Havdallah Ceremony, we use all of our senses: We taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadow of candles, hear prayers and songs, touch family and friends as we wish them a Good Week. 
 May the sweetness of Sabbath be felt all through your week! 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Egotisms is nothing more than the antiseptic that dulls the pain of stupidity. 

REDEEMED FROM ENEMY’S HAND      
"Give thanks and praise to the LORD, for HE is good, HIS mercy is eternal! Thus, let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those HE redeemed from the hand of the enemy." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

There are four examples of GOD’S deliverance from particular problems that this hymn of praise surrounds. 

    First are the lost travelers who are out of provisions and far from a city:  "Some lost their way and wandered in the wilderness in the wasteland; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
    Second, there are the prisoners bound by their own rebelliousness: "Some lived in deepest darkness and in the shadow of death, captive in affliction and irons — because they rebelled against the WORD OF GOD, despising the counsel of the MOST HIGH. Therefore HE humbled their heart through suffering; they stumbled with no one to help." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 10 - 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
    Third, due to their own sins, are in physical illness: "There were fools who suffered for their sinful way, and for their iniquities they were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. In their trouble they cried to the LORD, and HE saved them out of their troubles. HE sent HIS WORD and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 17 - 20 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
     Forth, are the sailors who face shipwreck on stormy seas:  "Others go down to the sea in ships, who ply their business on mighty waters; they have seen the works of the LORD and HIS wonders in the deep. By HIS Word HE raised a stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens and plunge down again to the depths, their soul melts from their troubles. They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, all their skill to no avail. In their adversity they cried to the LORD and HE saved them out of their troubles. HE calmed the storm so that its waves are stilled. Then they rejoiced when all was quiet, and HE guided them to their desired haven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 23 - 30 Tanakh, Nevi'im]]   

This is just like the restless pattern during the time of the judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes, doing as they pleased." [Judges (Shofetim) 21. 25 Tanakh, Nevi’im]  As a result of their rebellious treachery, the SOVEREIGN ONE brought the people of Israel into captivity just as HE warned would happen to them. "If you or your descendants turn away from following ME and do not keep MY commandments and MY Laws which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods to worship them, then I will cut Israel off the land which I gave them; I will reject the House which I have consecrated to MY NAME and Israel shall become a proverb and a byword among all peoples." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 9. 6 – 7 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the Temple, has this same pattern [1 Kings 8. 22 – 61], for he knew that man’s tendency to rebel and forget the LORD’S provision when things go well, thus they inflict GOD’S righteous judgment.  But the ALL-KNOWING CREATOR has always used times of trouble to bring mankind back to HIMSELF.  HE truly is a GOD of grace, mercy, and love, desiring to forgive and restore those who repent and call on HIM for deliverance. 

This truth applies today, we still tend to rebel and the BELOVED SAVIOR remains long-suffering, willing to forgive and restore when one repents.  "The genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of MESSIAH Y’SHUA." [1 Peter 1. 7]  After HE tests us, may we come forth more than conquerors for HIS glory. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath at the Havdallah Ceremony, we use all of our senses: We taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadow of candles, hear prayers and songs, touch family and friends as we wish them a Good Week. 
 May the sweetness of Sabbath be felt all through your week! 


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The best CHRIST-like-one is the one who wins the most splendid victories by the retrieval (salvage, recover) of mistakes.  

HOSTS OF HEAVEN, GOOD & EVIL     
"Therefore hear the WORD of the LORD: I saw the LORD seated upon HIS Throne, and all the host of heaven standing in attendance to the right and to the left of HIM." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 18. 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This extraordinary vision was given to the Prophet Micaiah, the only true prophet at the court of the evil King Ahab of Israel.  Other PASSAGES confirm that there is a great host of angels at GOD’S Throne in heaven: "Now there was a day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Adversary, Satan came along with them." [Job (Iyob) 1. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Thousands upon thousands ministered to HIM; myriads upon myriads stood before HIM." [Daniel (Danyel) 7. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the Throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." [Revelation 5. 11 - 12] 

These are mighty angels and they go forth at GOD’S commandment "Bless the LORD, O HIS angels, who excel in strength, who do HIS bidding, ever obedient to the voice of HIS WORD; bless the LORD, all you HIS hosts, HIS servants who do HIS will." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 20 - 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This is especially in connection with their primary function as "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation!" [Hebrews 1. 14] 

In addition to the ministering angels, there are other beings that are referred to as host of heaven — such as stars, which "cannot be numbered." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33. 22]  Like the stars, angels are also said to be "innumerable." [Hebrews 12. 22]  SCRIPTURE mentions both hosts — "YOU alone are the LORD. YOU made the heavens, the heaven of heavens and all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them. YOU preserve them all alive, and the host of heaven prostrate themselves and worships YOU." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Quite frequently, angels are associated with stars in HOLY SCRIPTURE and they are even likened to stars on various occasions.  However, one third of the angels "did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode." [Jude 6]  Definitely angels are not to be worshipped [see Revelation 22. 8 -9].  However Satan, the "anointed cherub" [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 28. 14], desired to "be like the MOST HIGH" [Ezekiel/Yehezke 14. 14], and led these now-fallen angels into a celestial rebellion against their CREATOR and that rebellion continues to this day.  

Deceiving many, these fallen angels have become associated with both the sky-images of astrology and the corresponding graven images of paganism, even presenting themselves as unidentified flying objects which have been sited around the world today and in times past.  The Apostle Paul warned that such idol worship is, in fact, demon worship.  "They sacrifice to demons and not to GOD." [1 Corinthians 10. 20]  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." [Ephesians 6. 12]  

It is this particular "spiritual hosts of wickedness," which all ancient and modern devotees of false religions follow, and really are worshipping when they reject the TRUE & LIVING GOD, the LORD OF HOSTS and of creation, putting their faith instead in some expression of the universe itself. 

The faithful and obedient host of heaven, however, worship ALMIGHTY GOD alone, and we will be greatly blessed as we worship and adore the only ONE WHO is truly awesome. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Y’SHUA, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith." [Hebrews 12. 1 - 2] 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Open your mouth in holiness and purity, with song and psalm, and bless and praise, glorify and revere, sanctify and ascribe sovereignty to the NAME of the DIVINE KING, the GREAT, MIGHTY & AWESOME ONE, holy is HE. Take upon yourself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven and give sanction to one another to bless the CREATOR. In tranquil joy of spirit, with pure speech and holy melody exclaim: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD OF HOSTS, the whole earth is full of HIS glory. 
  Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world HE created. May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed, MOST HOLY ONE, in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel speedily and in our time, Amen.  May YOU be blessed forever, even throughout all eternity. May YOU, be blessed, praised & honored, extolled & glorified, adored and exalted above all else. Amen 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. [The Psalms] 

JOYFUL SOUND     
"Blessed (Hebrew: ‘esher — happy) are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of YOUR countenance. They rejoice in YOUR NAME all day long; they are exalted through YOUR righteousness." [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This great Psalm is extolling the LIVING GOD’S marvelous works of creation and then HIS promises of redemption. "O LORD, GOD OF HOSTS…The heaven is YOURS, the earth also is YOURS; the world and all its fullness — YOU established them. The north and the south — You created them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 11 - 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The incredibly first "joyful sound" was heard when the ELOQUENT CREATOR "laid the earths foundations" and the "morning stars sang together and all the sons of GOD shouted for joy!" [Job (Iyob) 38. 4, 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  The angels, the assembly of holy beings of the MIGHTY GOD sang of "YOUR wonders" and YOUR marvels were "praised by the heavens." [Psalms/Tehillym 89. 5] 

There was also a joyful sound when Y’SHUA, the PRINCE OF PEACE was born, and the angels came bringing "I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, WHO is CHRIST THE LORD...and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD." [Luke 2. 10 - 11, 13] 

Every time a soul is saved, there is great joy and sounds of rejoicing — "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance" [Luke 15. 7] — the TRUE VINE so fervently declared.  And the most wonderful sound of joy on earth will be when the LORD Y’SHUA comes again.  "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 35. 10; 51. 15 – 11 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

"With trumpets and the blast of the horn; joyfully raise a shout before the LORD, the KING." [Psalms (Tehillym) 98. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Even now as always, "my soul shall joyfully exult in the LORD; rejoice in HIS salvation." [Psalms (Tehillym) 35. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] There is such a joyful sound in hearing and knowing these cherished words, "JESUS saves!" 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, we pray:  Give us light and joy, gladness and honor, as in the happiest of Israel’s past. O FATHER & REDEEMER, mindful of YOUR covenant, we pray that YOUR love may never forsake us. Even as the rainbow recalls this covenant, so may each new day bring to all men the thought of YOUR gracious promise. Hasten the time when YOUR Law will be written in our very heart, from the smallest to the greatest. Then shall mankind do YOUR will and the reward of righteous service shall be peace.  
  In YOUR mercy, O LORD, remember us and all YOUR children as we enter a new week. The grace of our LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH be with you always!
   Zey ha-yom asaw ADONAI, nagilah ve-neesmechah voh. . .This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 


Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Some things have to be believed to be seen! 

VOICE FROM HEAVEN      
"Now MY soul is troubled, and what shall I say? FATHER, save ME from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. FATHER, glorify YOUR NAME. Then a VOICE came from heaven, saying — "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." [John 12. 27 - 28] 

This was the last of three remarkable times during the earthly ministry of MESSIAH Y’SHUA when GOD THE FATHER spoke directly from heaven concerning HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON.  The first was when John baptized Y’SHUA in the Jordan River — "When HE had been baptized, JESUS came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to HIM, and HE saw the SPIRIT OF GOD descending like a dove and alighting upon HIM. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying — This is MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well pleased." [Matthew 3. 16 – 17; also, Mark 1. 9-11; Luke 3. 21 - 22] 

This was primarily given to the John, who was the forerunner of MESSIAH in the likeness of Elijah, who said — "I saw the SPIRIT descending from heaven like a dove, and HE remained upon HIM. I did not know HIM, but HE WHO sent me to baptize with water said to me — Upon whom you see the SPIRIT descending, and remaining on HIM, this is HE WHO baptizes with the HOLY SPIRIT. And I have seen and testified that this is the SON OF GOD." [John 1. 32 - 34] 

The second time the VOICE spoke concerning the SON was to three chosen disciples, Peter, James and John at MESSIAH’S transfiguration.  And behold, "a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying — This is MY BELOVED SON, in WHOM I am well pleased. Hear HIM!" [Matthew 17. 5]  In later years, Peter recalled and wrote of this experience — "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, but were eyewitnesses of HIS majesty. For HE received from GOD THE FATHER honor and glory when such a VOICE came to HIM from the EXCELLENT GLORY: "This is MY BELOVED SON, in WHOM I am well pleased." And we heard this VOICE which came from heaven when we were with HIM on the holy mountain." [2 Peter 1. 16 - 19] 

The last illustrious words from the FATHER were in direct response to the prayer of HIS BELOVED SON, at the beginning of the final week before HE was crucified.  The message was to HIS SON, yet at the same time it was for the people.  Y’SHUA said, "This VOICE did not come because of ME, but for your sake. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to MYSELF."  This HE said signifying by what death HE would die." [John 12. 19 – 30, 33] 

When GOD THE FATHER spoke from heaven, the message was to assure and encourage all HIS dear saints for all time.  The LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH is the SON in whom GOD is glorified.  Now, it’s your choice, will you be obedient to the MASTER and hear HIM? Your eternal life depends on it. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Good Sabbath — the rest of love freely given — a rest of truth and sincerity — a rest in peace and tranquility, in quiet and safety — a perfect rest in which you find favor. 
Shabbos of BEHA’ALOTCHA – “When You Set Up” [Reading: Numbers 8:1 - 12:16; Zechariah 2:10 – 4:7; Matthew 14:14-21] 
We bow the head and bend the knee and magnify the KING of kings, WHO gave HIS life to redeem us from all our sins, blessed and praised be HE. O FATHER, forgive us, for foolishly we have strayed from YOU. O KING, pardon us for our sins are many. LORD OF HOSTS, WHO dwells above, YOU alone are GOD. Draw us nearer to YOU, for we seek repentance. Remember us unto life, be gracious to us according to YOUR abundant mercy.  Thank YOU for your hand that is stretched out to receive all who repent, therefore we seek you early.  O RIGHTEOUS ONE of mercy, glorify and cleanse us from sin and guilt. Forgive us our trespasses, though they are many, hear us, GOD of our fathers. Let not the gates of repentance be closed, bring us near to YOU, O GOD.  For YOUR forgiveness, YOUR love, long-suffering, abundant kindness, infinite goodness and governing the whole world in mercy we both desire and wait for.  Make us again, YOUR heritage. Thank YOU for the honor of being YOURS; we truly are humbled and so grateful.  Amen!
Have a peaceful, enriching Shabbat by blessing others. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Your belief needs to be based on reality — so develop an eye for noticing sparks of potential in others…be enthusiastic in telling others about the WONDERFUL GOD OF CREATION and HIS saving grace. 

EXTREMELY WELL DONE       
"Descendants shall serve HIM; the LORD’S righteousness shall be proclaimed to the generations to come; they shall tell of HIS beneficence to people yet to be born, for HE has finished (fulfilled) this." [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 31 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Psalm 22 is called the Psalm of the Cross and this is the last verse that marvelously prophecies, and so graphically describes the sufferings of MESSIAH on the cross. This prophesy was written a thousand years before it was literally fulfilled.  Also the promise was that this great event would be proclaimed in every generation and "they shall bend the knee before HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 30 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Father’s would tell their children from one generation to another declaring the righteousness of the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; HIS greatness cannot be comprehended. One generation shall praise YOUR works to another and declare YOUR mighty acts." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 3 – 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  It has been wondrously, incredibly, completely fulfilled for almost 2,000 years now and each generation of followers of the BELOVED LORD Y’SHUA have been faithful to teach their children the extraordinarily incredible story of "the sufferings of MESSIAH and the glories that would follow" [1 Peter 1. 11], both the sufferings and the glories are portrayed in the 22nd Psalm. 

The final verse stresses the fact that the work has been completed.  The most marvelous aspect of the Gospel Message (Good News) is that the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA has accomplished all that was needed to assure eternal salvation to everyone who would "seek the LORD and praise HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  

As HE was dying on the cross, the PIERCED ONE cried out — "It is finished!" [John 19. 30], the last illustrious prophecy was fulfilled. Comparable to when, in the beginning, HE expressed that "the heavens and the earth, and the host of them, were finished" [Genesis/Bereshith 2. 1], completing HIS wonderful work of creation.  The LORD Y’SHUA finished HIS work on the cross, satisfying the penalty for our sins and providing the even greater work of redemption.  Nothing remains to be done, indeed, that payment was made-in-full, and it is finished; CHRIST completed for us what we could not do for ourselves. 

All we must do now is receive, in thanksgiving, what our LOVING SAVIOR has done for us.  May we be faithful to THE MASTER, and like Paul, be able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the Crown of Righteousness, which the LORD, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved HIS appearing." [2 Timothy 4. 7 – 8] All to HIM we owe, and I for one, am tremendously grateful and eternally thankful. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Mankind has the ability to directly affect their destiny by virtue of their self-chosen actions...FAITH.   As the High Holy Day formula puts it, "Repentance, prayer, and charity override the evil decree." The universe is more vast than our ability to fully comprehend. Don't fear it, rather welcome it as a sign, as the Psalmist King David reminded us, that "The heavens declare the glory of GOD, and the sky above proclaims HIS handiwork." [Psalms 19:1]  Contemplate on GOD’S uniqueness and greatness, HIS splendor is beyond the capacity of our vision; to think we truly see HIS essence with the limited perspective of our eyes is to be blind to the reality of His infinite magnificence.
 LORD our GOD, great, eternal, wonderful in glory, WHO keeps covenant and promises for those that love YOU with their whole heart, WHO is the LIFE of all, the HELP of those that flee to YOU, the HOPE of those who cry to YOU, cleanse us from our sins, secret and open, and from every thought displeasing to YOUR goodness — cleanse our bodies and souls, our hearts and consciences, that with a pure heart, and a clear soul, with perfect love and calm hope, we may venture confidently and fearlessly to pray to YOU. And, we thank YOU in the MAGNIFICENT NAME of Y’SHUA, Amen! 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Happy Memorial Day,  Thank you to all who served in the military keeping this country as free as it is.  God bless you this Memorial Day and always. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is not a lack of love, but a lack of respect that makes unhappy marriages. 

LIFE LOST, LIFE GAINED      
"When HE (MESSIAH Y’SHUA) had called the people to HIMSELF, with HIS disciples also, HE said to them — Whoever desires to come after ME, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow ME. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake and the GOSPEL'S will save it." [Mark 8. 34 - 35] 

This precept was emphasized by the LORD JESUS in various messages as HE tried to communicate its intensely profound importance. "Whoever does not take his cross and follow after ME is not worthy of ME. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for MY sake will find it." [Matthew 10. 38 - 39] 

"If anyone desires to come after ME, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow ME. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?" [Luke 9. 23 - 25]  "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." [Luke 17. 33]  "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves ME, let him follow ME; and where I am, there MY servant will be also. If anyone serves ME, him MY FATHER will honor." [John 12. 25 - 26] 

This amazing and wonderfully extraordinary paradox — "to die means to live" — is also found in the epistles expressed in a different way.  Paul said, "I am crucified with CHRIST; nevertheless I live." [Galatians 2. 20]  "HE (MESSIAH Y’SHUA) died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for HIM WHO died for them and rose again." [2 Corinthians 5. 15; 6. 9; Romans 12. 1 - 2; Philippians 1. 21 - 24]  "This is a faithful saying: For IF we died with HIM, we shall also live with HIM. IF we endure, we shall also reign with HIM. IF we deny HIM, HE also will deny us. IF we are faithless, HE remains faithful; HE cannot deny HIMSELF." [2 Timothy 2. 11 - 13] 

The HOPE OF ISRAEL, the LORD Y’SHUA, wants us to live in simple obedience to "HIS perfect will" — as recorded in HIS HOLY WORD, proclaiming in all that we say and do that HE is CREATOR, SAVIOR, REDEEMER, and the soon-coming TRIUMPHANT KING.   

"Oh, how I love YOUR TEACHINGS! It is my meditation all the day long." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 97 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  HIS will teaches us righteousness which is the only way to life eternal. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
O GOD, keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. Be my support when grief silences my voice, and my comfort when woe bends my spirit. Plant humility in my soul, and strengthen my heart with perfect faith in YOU. Help me to be strong in trial and temptation and to be patient and forgiving when others wrong me. Guide me by the Light of YOUR counsel, that I may ever find strength in YOU, my ROCK and my REDEEMER.  Thank YOU! Amen 

If you wish to make a comment, ask a question, or be deleted from this mailing, please feel free to contact us direct. Thank You! 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Happy Memorial Day,  Thank you to all who served in the military keeping this country as free as it is.  God bless you this Memorial Day and always. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Your mind is not old — keep developing it. Humor keeps you young, make a point of enjoying life. Keep you mind strong, protect it by using it. Opportunities are not vanished, keep pursuing.  GOD is not dead, seek and serve HIM while HE yet may be found! 

GIVING OF NAMES      
"ELOHIYM called the light Day, and the darkness HE called Night." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 5 Tanakh, Torah] "ELOHIYM called the expanse Sky." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 8 Tanakh, Torah]  "ELOHIYM called the dry land Earth, and the gathering of waters HE called Seas." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 10 Tanakh, Torah] "Male and female HE created them. And when they were created, HE blessed them and called them Man." [Genesis (Bereshith) 5. 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

The MIGHTY CREATOR gave names to things and beings of HIS OWN creation which would not only recall the occasion but be descriptive of certain compositions and functions belonging to them. 

This "calling" ability and authority was transferred by the ALMIGHTY ONE to Adam (means "red earth") who began to make use of it by giving appropriate names to every beast and the creeping things of the field and fowl of the air.  Adam also named his wife when she was presented to him, saying: "This one shall be called 'ishshah (woman) for from 'ish (man) was she taken." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 23 Tanakh, Torah] 

Adam renames her after the MASTER CREATOR informs them concerning the coming DELIVERER.  This new name, Chavvah or Eve is taken from the Hebrew word "chayyah" which is translated living — "Because [said Adam] she is the mother of all the living (more literally "the LIVING ONE")." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 20 Tanakh, Torah]   In this name we see Adam's faith and hope for HIM WHO was GOD'S PROMISED REDEEMER. 

The custom of "naming" suitable to the occasion, or having special significance as to the hoped-for characteristics and future work of the child, as well as holding the "key" to prophecy in some instances, continued to be practiced from Adam throughout the years to the closing of the NEW COVENANT days. 

GOD ETERNAL, in the OLD & NEW COVENANTS, declared HIS NAME and the name of HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON.  "WHO has ascended heaven and come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in the hollow of HIS hand? WHO has wrapped the waters in HIS garment? WHO has established all the extremities of the earth? What is HIS NAME or HIS SON'S NAME, if you know?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "Therefore GOD also has highly exalted HIM and given HIM the NAME which is above every name, that at the NAME of JESUS every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth." [Philippians 2. 9 - 10]  "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." [Acts 4. 12] 


Oh, how wonderful is the great plan of ALL-WISE GOD!  How carefully, in every minute detail of HIS HOLY WORD does HE emphasize over and over again the characteristics, the nature, work, and future of the GREATEST CHILD and most GLORIOUS SON of them all!   For GOD OMNIPOTENT offers this privilege as one more step on the path of prophecy which will lead to fulfillment in the greatest honor to be bestowed upon man.  For, wonder of wonders, one day it came to pass that HE gave the name "YEHOWAH" for HIMSELF!   "Look, the virgin (almah, an engaged virgin) is with CHILD and about to give birth to a SON. Let her name HIM IMMANU'EL (with us is GOD)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 7. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]   And again, "For a CHILD has been born to us, a SON has been given us. And authority has settled on HIS shoulders. HE has been named WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, the MIGHTY GOD, the ETERNAL FATHER, the RULER OF PEACE." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

And finally, the NAME above all names:  When the angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph, husband of Miryam (Mary), he said: "she will bring forth a SON, and you shall CALL HIS NAME JESUS (OLD COVENANT: "YEHOSHUA or Y’SHUA" — Hebrew for salvation, "YEHOWAH Saves or YEHOWAH is the SAVIOR"); for HE will save HIS people from their sins." [Matthew 1. 21]   HalleluYAH, what a SAVIOR. . . IMMANU'EL, GOD with us! 

 
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
 Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world. May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel speedily and in our time, Amen.  May YOU be blessed forever, even to all eternity. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honored, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted above all else.  Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered in this world, Amen.  May peace abundantly descend from heaven with life for us and give you a fulfilled week in serving the MASTER with those around you. Amen 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 


Happy Memorial Day,  Thank you to all who served in the military keeping this country as free as it is.  God bless you this Memorial Day and always. 


Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is pointless to argue with those who happily pervert reality in the service of their profoundly held bigoted prejudices and opinions. 
NOTHING IS TO DIFFICULT       
"HE has made the earth by HIS power, established the world by HIS wisdom, and by HIS understanding (discretion) stretched out the heavens." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 10. 12 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This SCRIPTURE gives the fascinating insight into GOD’S amazing power in creating the universe, especially on the first four days of HIS creative work week. [see Genesis /Bereshith 1. 1 – 19]  HIS power is in reference to the tremendous energetic ability to organize this complex system which governs the earth and the wisdom of the MARVELOUS CREATOR shows HIS skillful planning which HE set up to abundantly maintain it.  HIS understanding (discretion) is the infinite intelligence necessary to spread out the infinite cosmos filled with innumerable stars all individually distinct from each other. 

The infinite, complex, highly energized universe could never have evolved by itself from nothing, no matter what theories or ideas evolutionists delude themselves into believing and teaching.  The universal law of entropy (disorder, disruption, haphazardness, turmoil, confusion) operates in such a way it dissipates energy and disintegrates its complexity as it heads downward to chaos and death.  Thus it is ridiculous and illogical to think chance or the cosmos could have organized itself by the same processes which are now rapidly disorganizing. 

The LORD GOD had told Jeremiah to tell the House of Israel — "Do not learn to go the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the nations are dismayed by them." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 2. 10 Tanakh, Nevi’im]  "Let the gods, who did not make the heavens and earth, perish from the earth and from under these heavens." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 10. 11 Tanakh, Nevi’im]   {Significant Trivia: Verse 11 was written in the Aramaic language so even the Babylonians would know they were being used to punish the chosen people and it was not of their own strength or by the hand of their imaginary gods.} 

Unquestionably and with all certainty, "the LORD is the TRUE GOD; HE is the LIVING GOD and the EVERLASTING KING. At HIS wrath the earth quakes and trembles, and the nations will not be able to endure HIS wrath and indignation." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 10. 10 Tanakh, Nevi’im]  One would do well therefore, to trust HIM in all things and for everything, "Behold, I am the LORD, the GOD of all flesh. Is anything too hard or wondrous for ME? [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 32. 27 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "Ah, ADONEY YEHOWAH! YOU made the heavens and the earth by YOUR great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for YOU." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 32. 17 - 18 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

With GOD all things are possible, HE specializes in things thought impossible and HE can do what no other power can do. 
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 

Let truth and justice be your armor and fear not, the ALMIGHTY ONE, blessed be HE, is with you. 
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
For the bad we do, take responsibility; for the good we achieve, thank ALMIGHTY GOD.  When you act harshly, weep; but when you have success, ascribe it to the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN.  That is how we should live! 

POWERFUL & MAJESTIC VOICE      
"The VOICE OF THE LORD is over the waters; the GOD OF GLORY thunders; YEHOWAH is over many waters. The VOICE OF THE LORD is powerful; the VOICE OF THE LORD is majestic." [Psalms (Tehillym) 29. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This Psalm repeats the phrase, "The VOICE OF GOD" seven times and is especially centered on the awful judgment of the Great Flood in the days of Noah.   It occurs many other times in the OLD COVENANT as well, with a wide variety of applications and circumstances. 

The first time "voice" occurs in HOLY SCRIPTURE is in the Garden of Eden immediately after man brought sin into the world.  "And they heard the VOICE of YEHOWAH ELOHIYM walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the PRESENCE of YEHOWAH ELOHIYM among the trees of the garden. Then YEHOWAH ELOHIYM called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" So he said — "I heard YOUR VOICE in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 8 – 10 Tanakh, Torah] This specifically reveals that it is GOD’S Voice — not man’s — which we must hear and obey if we seek guidance for life. 

Mankind is lost and separated from the HOLY GOD, but HE continually calls to each of us, just as he did to Adam, and we desperately need to hear HIS VOICE if we are to live eternally and our lives be fulfilled and spiritually fruitful. 

In contrast to this scene of alienation (separation), the final occurrence of a "voice" is the wonderful scene of reconciliation (bringing together) when the ALMIGHTY again speaks to lost mankind, this time in glorious restoration (renewal) of that broken fellowship.  "Then I, John, saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from GOD, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud VOICE from heaven saying, "Behold, the TABERNACLE OF GOD is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be HIS people. GOD HIMSELF will be with them and be their GOD. And GOD will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." [Revelation 21. 2 - 4] 

To hear the Voice of ALMIGHTY GOD then, however, we must first hear HIS VOICE now, through HIS WORD.  MESSIAH Y’SHUA said — "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears MY WORD and believes in HIM WHO sent ME has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the VOICE of the SON OF GOD; and those who hear will live." [John 5. 24 - 25]   The HEAVENLY FATHER granted JESUS full authority to execute judgment because HE is the SON OF MAN. 

"Follow none but the LORD your GOD and revere none but HIM, keep HIS commandments and obey HIS VOICE; worship none but HIM and hold fast to HIM...When you are distressed and all these things come upon you in the latter days, return to the LORD your GOD and obey HIS VOICE. For the LORD your GOD is a merciful GOD, HE will not forsake you nor will HE let you perish; HE will not forget the covenant which HE made on oath with your fathers." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 13. 4 – 5 & 4. 30 – 31 Tanakh, Torah] 

Quoting the MASTER, these are such encouraging words of promise:  "Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you, Yes! I will help you, I will uphold you with MY righteous right hand." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 41. 10]  "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 19]  "The LORD your GOD in the midst, the MIGHTY ONE, will save; HE will rejoice over you with gladness, HE will quiet you with HIS love, HE will rejoice over you with singing." [Zephaniah/Tsefanyah 3. 17] 

It is such a gift and a privilege to serve THE ONE WHO faithfully continues to call. Please listen to that VOICE and be quick to answer and obey. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer for each of you is to be strong and of good courage; be bold as you proclaim the GOOD NEWS of Salvation to all.  In this dark world, may your life serve as an everlasting reminder that we are to be holy and celebrate GOD’S miracles of victory, provision, dedication, and light.
Blessed are YOU, O GOD, our salvation and our help. Everything that lives shall give thanks to YOU forever and shall praise YOUR NAME in truth. YOUR NAME is ALL-GOOD, and unto WHOM it is becoming to give thanks. So we thank YOU, GREAT & MIGHTY GOD for YOUR WRITTEN WORD, it is our exceedingly great joy and our life-giving crown. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect peace. Amen 
Go with GOD! The LORD bless and keep you throughout the coming days! 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 


Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com