NEWSLETTER
BLESS THE LAND
August/Sept/2009 Vol. 1 Issue 3
Shalom!
Warm greetings from Orlando. Thank you for opening to our Newsletter, which is shorter on news but longer on teaching this month. Therefore, without further pleasantries and comments, let us begin.
In our opening Scripture (below), the prophet Isaiah, by the Spirit, speaks to backslidden, errant Israel/Judah. He warns them of progressing judgment, and that their current leaders will be replaced by kings who are children, leaders of lesser wisdom and discernment, of immature character and generally inept. In other words, the great and wise leaders would disappear altogether. They would be gradually replaced with people of "different weights"/values [see below] who have little respect for age or rank, and without vision for the task of protecting, building, and strengthening the nation. Instead the emerging leadership would be more inclined to dismantling, destabilizing. Simply put, immature "babes" in policy and statemanship would be given the reins of civil and central government! This was a forecast of impending social chaos as YHVH's judgment for Israel's continuous rebellion manifested across the land. The Scripture also speaks to America today, but unlike Israel, we should carefully listen. What happened to Israel many years ago is taking place increasingly within our nation today. "...when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn" (Prov. 29:2). Please read Isaiah's prophecy, and be alerted to the developing patterns of judgment forming over our nation.
"And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. And the people shall be oppressed every one by another, and every one by his neighbor: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honorable" (Isaiah 3:4-5).
Characteristics of the rule of children and babes:
*Compulsory sex education in government schools for pre-k children is on the horizon.
*Congress regularly considers for passage obscure legislation they have neither written nor carefully read.
*The U.S. gives Fatah $50 million to cover its anti-Israel, activist conference (MEMRI), the support thereof designed to strengthen the Palestinian Authority chairman, Abbas.
*The leadership of our nation is increasingly in the hands of socialists/progressives who have exchanged proven values for problem values, and who demonstrate shortsightedness and inabilty in their manangement of our economy.
*The collective character of our leaders/people has become decidedly materialistic and sensual, not spiritual.
*The executive and legislative branches of our government work to pass an extremely expensive, government controlled heath care bill supposedly to relieve citizens of medical costs, yet they ignore/will not confront the lawsuit issues (tort reform) which contribute to overflow medical expenses in the first place. What our babes will deliver, if left unchecked, is a health "IRS"! Or another Department of Education.
*The "children and babes" are launching an unnecessary, redundant CIA probe that will weaken our intelligence community, and undermine/weaken our security network radar.
*Those who disagree with popular, politically correct values and policies are labeled as "phobic" by the media, which exerts efforts to stifle dissenting voices whatever the media venue.
There is no need to go further. We all know such a list would go on and on.
The point is:
Our Ship of State is listing perilously to port. [There's no denying that the country is under the shadow of judgment now.] Many of our leaders are like babes, as children who have gained access to the bridge and are scampering all over it, pushing buttons, yanking levers this way and that, tugging on and spinning the helm/wheel, and shouting conflicting orders at one another as the proud old ship careens into unchartered and dangerous social and economic waters. If we do not heed the Voice of God, re-program our thinking with Scriptures, and turn our bow into righteousness, we will be overwhelmed by the rising rogue wave of secularism/socialism, and our democracy will be rolled as was the Poseidon.
The prospect is:
Our Ship of State can be brought back to an even keel, and then stabilized, but only if we return to Judeo-Christian values.
It might sound idealistic, religious, and unreasonable, but nevertheless, this is what is required:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Rom. 12:2).
We are here exhorted not to follow worldly fashions and values, but to transform our understanding and thinking power by renewing our minds, by introducing into our minds (our intelligence) God's truth, His life-enhancing standards, and moral distinctives. This alone can maintain/protect a high quality of life for every citizen, and manuever the nation into His blessing and favor.
The motive for renewal comes from the love and sacrifice of our Redeemer, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ). The power of renewal, transformation of heart, mind, and will, is found in the grace and work of the Holy Spirit. May I simply affrim, we must return to the Word of God for the transformation, purifying and charging, of our hearts and minds, which are assaulted daily by the messages of the world media. To that end, I would like to teach on understanding Scripture.
Interpretation of Scripture
Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpreting the Bible. [Homiletics refers to the practice and art of preaching.] The traditional and most common way (in Christianity) of interpreting Scriptures is called exegesis. Exegesis focuses on the grammar and literary aspects of the Bible text and deals primarily with the literal/surface meanings. Isogesis is the interpretation of Scriptures that goes beyond the literal. People who follow the method of exegesis sometimes ignore isogesis, and do not pursue deeper revelatory insights. This limits people/readers from receiving and benefiting from the full understanding/richness of Holy Bible, which includes the Old Testament, and New Testament.
But we are among those who want to understand the Hebrew Scriptures (the entire canonized Bible) in their complete contexts, and with their full meanings and applications. Therefore, since the Bible is of Hebrew/Jewish origin, let's look at the Bible from a Hebraic perspective.
There are four levels of Hebrew interpretation in Scripture for which we are to look/seek as we read and study, and through which we can powerfully renew our spirits and souls. The authors of the books of the Bible, as well as the early readers of their inspired texts, used them as the wrote and studied.
The four levels of interpretation are:
1. P'shat. The P'shat level is the plain, simple meaning of the Bible text. This is the foundation of understanding Scripture. The other three levels will never contradict the p'shat's literal/basic meaning.
2. The next, slightly deeper level is called Remez. This is the implied, suggested, or hint level of interpretation. Please note, that any verse can have, and usually does have, multiple applications. Proverbs 20:10 will serve as an example, although other Scriptures would do also. "Different weights, and different measures, both are an abomination to the Lord." This refers literally to stones and ephahs of varying size and weight that ancient traders used to defraud unwary customers. They and those who used them were impure before the Almighty. The p'shat level of interpretation is simple, basic, literal: God condemns the wickedness of fraud and dishonesty in business. However, the remez level would suggest that not only should people be honest in their financial and business dealings, but that the principles of fairness, justice, and honesty apply to all aspects of our lives, labors, enterprises, and purposes--in the family, in work, in government, and in religion. Further, remez interpretation hints of the pervsersity within mankind's heart and that an inborn tendency to covetousness makes such a clear admonition to strict honesty necessary!
3. Drash is the third level of interpretation. It is also called midrash. This is the exposition, allegorical, inductive level. With drash interpretation, we use Scripture to interpret Scripture. Here, for instance, we would juxtapose Proverbs 20:10 (mentioned above) with any number of passages/verses that relate to justice, integrity, fairness, honesty, love, care, character, or even the compassion and perfection of motive of almighty God Himself in all His dealings with mankind, individually and collectively, as revealed in His creative and redemptive works.
We can deduce more about the principles of fairness and integrity indirectly invoked in Proverbs 20:10 by comparing it, for example, with Joshua 14:2. The verse reads, "By lot was their inheritance, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses..." This verse deals with the equal distribution of the territory of Canaan to the tribes of Israel once they entered and subdued the Promised Land. The important matter was not left to the whim or inclination of the people, but was referred to God and His leaders, Moses and Aaron, who determined the decision according to lot. "The lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord" (Prov. 16:33). There would be no conflicts or jealousy between the tribes regarding the appointment of land parcels, no favoritism would be shown. The larger tribes could not take advantage of the smaller ones. The arrangement would be satisfactory for all, and there would be no complaints of unfairness, ambition, or intrigue. No tribe could chose the best acreage, as the division process was just and balanced for all. The principle of competition gave way to tribal cooperation, and the stronger were not allowed to take advantage of the weaker. All submitted to the wisdom of division by lot. The principle demonstrated in the division of the land by lot is stated concisely in the New Testament. "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (Phil. 2:4). Everyone would trust God for the best outcome, according to each tribe's needs and purpose. Further, each individual would gain from the exercise of impartial standards and honesty, for (1) the practice of harmony, and (2) policies of fair weights and measures promote the welfare and contentment of the whole community. "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all members rejoice with it" (1 Cor. 12:25-26).
Thus far, a little basic drash-level truth has been observed as we have quickly studied. However, let's go a little further and look at another verse. In Matthew 15:8 Jesus/Yeshua is speaking to the Pharisees. He says, "This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me." The Pharisees obeyed the law, but their prayers and worship were unacceptable because they were not inspired by inward devotion. As we have progressed a bit farther from the Proverbs verse into other Scriptures, we begin to find that the principle of fairness and honesty (fair weights and measures) is being divided, and we are now having to distinguish the policy of honesty from the motive of honesty, which comes from inward holiness. The difference between the two is real and important, and must be recognized and understood. At our drash level the Word of God is now "piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit...and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). The motivation for honesty and fairness must come from purity of heart, and be based in one's love for God and man, for this is the only way such a policy/habit/practice can endure free from resentment and legalism, and bear the fruit of peace and joy.
The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 13:15, that the Lord found David as "a man after My own heart..." King Saul had failed to obey God, and was unrepentant. Thus the prophetic process of succession was set in motion so that a man, who (1) recognized the will of God as supreme, (2) had true devotion for the honor and Person of God, (3) would be yeilded to and dependent on the power of God, (4) had compassion for the people of God, and (5) was sincere and honest in all his relationship with God, would end up on the throne. That person was David, who, from the sheepfold to the palace, personally knew and loved YHVH, the holy One of Israel, his divine Helper and Shield. Consequently, in the passage 1 Samuel 18:17-30, we read about King Saul's evil, cunning plot to have David, of whom he was jealous and fearful, killed. God saw the true but hidden motive of the Saul's heart, and the self-serving ambition, duplicity, and murder seething in the king's soul, but noticed also the integrity of David. Scripture informs us, "He who walks in intergrity [employs true weights and measures] walks securely" (Prov. 10:9). David maintained uprightness and humility in all his dealings with the murderous, scheming Saul, was blameless in his conduct and motive, and prevailed in the end. Saul was killed in battle, along with his sons, and David was elevated as king over all Israel. The upright and honest of heart have good cheer. Integrity is a sure defense against "crafty weights and measures". Jesus/Yeshua, understanding from where a person's true welfare and honest reward came, said, "If you love Me, you will keep [maintain an honest effort born of sincere faith and love to follow] my commandments" (John 14:15).
So we see that, at the drash level, Proverbs 20:10 actually teaches us (1) that love for God and man is the only acceptable, effectual motivation for "just balances and measures", and (2) a person's quality of life is determined by/consists of, in every way, what is within him/her, and not by outer circumstances or conditions. Therefore, what is in heart determines our destiny. Unfortunately, unregenerate mankind will naturally gravitate to "false measures and weights" without divine intervention. Therefore the Spirit said through the prophet, "Behold, the days come when I will make a new covenant...I will put my law in their inward parts, I will write it in their hearts..." (Jer. 31:31, 33). In order for that inner transformation to supernaturally happen, Jesus/Yeshua explained to Nicodemus, "You must be born again [born from above; regenerated by the Holy Spirit through repentance and faith in Jesus/Yeshua]" (John 3:7). [See Acts, chapters 2 and 3.] Following drash exposition in this way, we come to the truth of our need for New Birth by the Spirit, and salvation in Messiah.
There are many other expository journeys we could take from Proverbs 20:10 at the drash level of interpretation and study if we had the space and time. But we do not, so let's continue forward.
4. The fourth, and deepest level of Hebraic interpretation of Bible verses is called sod (pronounced "sawd").
It means "hidden". This is the unrevealed, secret, revelatory level/meaning of Scripture and it comes directly from the Holy Spirit into the spirit, and to the heart and mind of the Believer. It is the voice of the Almighty illuminating the Scriptures in deep and profound ways to the understanding of the reader. We want to be "tuned in" (have our senses trained, according to Hebrews 5:14) to pick up and discern His holy communications from this deep, knowing, unfathomable, holy realm of divine glory.
In the case of our example verse, the Holy Spirit could reveal/illuminate to a reader of the Word a hidden and timely meaning/direction/instruction/exhortation from Proverbs 20:10 that could carry with it all manner of needed and profitable insight, unattainable through any other means, including New Age and occultic practices, logic, mysticism, kabbalism, and other soulish/humanistic efforts to obtain personal knowledge of or about YHVH, Elohim of Israel, and the realms of heaven.
Note: You do not need to try to grasp every level of interpretation, or understanding of Scripture at once. How far or deep you go is up to you. This explanation is just to let you know there are legitimate levels of interpretation/meaning in the Word of God that are obtainable/available to the sincere reader/seeker through prayer and study, and with the necessary help of the Holy Spirit. Remember, if you ask Abba for the Spirit of truth, He will give you the Spirit of truth. Rejoice!
We are almost done, so hang in here just a bit longer and reveiw the brief summary of what we have gleaned from Proverbs 20:10, "Different weights, and different measures, both of them are an abomination to the Lord."
The P'saht, plain level of Prov. 20:10 states in context that: (1) God condemns business fraud and
dishonesty.
The Remez, hint level of Prov. 20:10 suggests that: (1) Traders, and all people, should be honest and fair not only in finance dealings, but (2) should apply principles of justice and truth to all of life's labors and activities, (3) and demonstate truthfulness in the family, workplace, meeting hall, and government, whatever the outcome. What's more, Remez hints (4) that mankind has an inborn inclination to selfishness and egocentric indulgence [sin] that must be acknowledged, resisted and overcome through compliance with Biblical precepts and the assisting power of the Spirit of Christ.
The Drash, expository level of Prov. 20:10 teaches (among other things) that: (1) The condemnation of fraud and dishonesty reveals to man God's high esteem of justice, fairness, honesty, compassion and truth, and therein publishes His perfection of motive in creation, and in the redemption of mankind, (2) fair weights and measures promote the welfare, stability, and contentment of a society/community, (3) individuals benefit greatly from the exercise of impartiality and fairness in society, (4) fairness eliminates strife and jealousy, (5)honest weights and measures militate against both extreme social poverty and the accumulation of excessive wealth, (6) honesty developes self-respect, builds reliable character, sustains good relationships, and fosters care among neighbors, (7) compassion and fairness promote the principle of cooperation over competition, (8) there is a difference between the policy of honesty and the motive of honesty, (9) a person's quality of life is determined by the "weights and measures" active in the heart, (10) honest weights and measures tend toward health and strength, while "different measures" [disceit, deception, falshood, hypocrisy] tend to mental, physical, psychological weakness, demonic oppression, and, we deduce, even generational curses, (11) God, Who cannot be bribed, is the Author of just measures and weights, and is the Giver of every perfect, unsullied gift, (12) He demonstrated His concern/love by sending His eternal Son for the salvation of fallen mankind, therein delivering them who repent and believe from the certainty of absolute calamity, and bringing them from the edge of the abyss to within reach of their greatest benefit (need), eternal life and peace with God, (13) dishonesty and deceit grieve the Holy Spirit, dishonor Christ/Messiah, always produce destruction and shame, and are enemies of our souls and destinies that on all occasions must be overcome, and rejected, (14) faith, love, goodness, fairness, justice and all life-enhancing moral virtues need to be inculcated and sustained with all vigilance, person by person, generation by generation, (15) intergrity, born of love, is an essential trait/attribute that was exemplified by Yeshua, and is always rewarded with the favor of the Almighty, and finally (16) that we "must be born again" (Jn. 3:8).
The Sod, hidden level of Prov. 20:10 reveals the: (1) Mind and heart of YHVH (God Almighty), divine mysteries, and the deep meanings of Holy Scriptures waiting to be revealed. Thus, the earnest reader will have to fill out this space for himself.
However, there is one example of sod interpretation I would like to mention. It is found in Luke 15:11-32, which is the parable of the prodigal son. We all know this story of the rebellious son, who leaves home, squanders his birthright and rich inheritance, becomes a hired hand for a pig farmer, descends to further miseries, finally comes to his senses, recognizes the value of his family and home, repents of his sins, and returns to his father's house and love, and to his brother. The p'shat, remez, and drash level interpretations/understandings are numerous, and are left for the reader to discern. But the deeper, hidden sod level interpretation is that the prodigal son is a type of the errant, scattered House of Ephraim [descendants of the "lost" Ten Tribes] returning in the last days to YHVH (represented by the father), His Torah, and to brother Judah (represented by the older brother) who never left his identity, culture, or Torah (home). The story is a sod prophecy concerning the restoration of the whole House of Israel, the Tabernacle of David, prophesied for the end-times. [This is occurring today. See Hosea 1, and Ezekiel, chapters 36 and 37.]
Conclusion
"Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are an abomination to the Lord (YHVH)."
Found in every arena, these are what is sinking us, individually and corporately.
It's time to hear His Voice and see His visions. Thus, give yourself some regular reading time and allow the Scriptures to refresh you at every level of understanding. The Words of the Bible are Spirit and life. As you read, precept by precept, line by line, a little here, a little there, they will enrich your soul, impart new faith and vision, bring life-changing revelation, and produce moral equilibrium for a nation, one person at a time. And unite with others in prayer for our nation, and for the restoration of all Israel.
Congratulations! You have done well to come so far! May the Lord (YHVH) bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ (Yeshua Messiah).
Hutch Church, D. Min. www.blesstheland.net
