THE LORD GOD IS MY STRENGTH; HE WILL MAKE MY FEET LIKE DEER'S FEET, AND HE WILL MAKE ME WALK ON HIGH HILLS. HABAKKUK 3:19



Thursday, February 17, 2011

Jesus/Hebrew Alphabet


In Kabbalistic literature, the upper Yod (meaning an arm) represents the hidden aspect of YHVH, (ein sof - “without end”), whereas the lower Yod represents the revelation of YHVH to mankind. The Vav, whose meaning is “hook,” shows connectedness between the two realms. Vav is also thought to represent humanity, since Adam was created on the sixth day. Vav is diagonal since it is humbled in the face of God’s mystery and His revelation. The two Yods also indicate the paradox of experiencing God as both hidden and close, far and near.

Aleph is a picture of oneness in unity. It is also a picture of the Messiah's intercession. Rev. 22:13, Jesus refers to himself as Aleph and Tav, the first and the last, and thereby told us directly that the Hebrew alphabet would provide revelation about Him.


Bet is a picture of Yeshua as Master of the House

Consider the word בְּרֵאשִׁית (bereshit) once again. Notice that the word is derived from the shoresh (rosh), which means head or chief:


Since we know that Yeshua was "in the beginning with God" and is Himself God (John 1:1-2), the Head of the house of creation is no other than Yeshua the Mashiach (Hebrews 3:4). This is further confirmed by looking at the verse from Genesis 1:1 alongside the verse from John 1:1:

Yeshua is said to have "tabernacled" with us (John 1:14), whose body was indeed (Bet-El), the habitation of God Almighty.


Mysteries of Dalet

Dalet represents lowliness and the consciousness of possessing nothing of one's own. As a door Dalet also symbolically represents the choice to open ourselves to the hope of our dreams or to remain closed off and alienated.

The corner point represents the concept of bitul or spiritual self-nullification. Practice of bitul leads to humility, the doorway to God's house, which is attained by the technique known as devekut, cleaving or clinging to God:

Devekut - Devotion

Dalet is a Picture of Humanity in need of Yeshua

The word for religion is (dat), which means the "door of the cross" using the ancient pictographs. The Father (Aleph) sent His Son (Bet) and by means of the Holy Spirit (Gimmel) who makes appeal to the poor and needy to receive the grace of the LORD God of Israel. As Yeshua said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).


The Mystery of Hey

According to the Jewish mystics, Hey represents the divine breath, revelation, and light (the word “light” is mentioned five times on the first day of creation (Gen. 1:3-4), which is said to correspond to the letter Hey). Since the numerical value of Hey is five, this corresponds on a physical level to the five fingers, the five senses, and the five dimensions. On a spiritual level it corresponds to the five levels of soul:

* Nefesh - instincts
* Ruach - emotions
* Neshamah - mind
* Chayah - bridge to transcendence
* Yechidah - oneness

Hey represents God’s Creative Power
“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6). In the Talmud (Menachot 29b) it is said that the “breath of His mouth” refers to the sound of the letter Hey - the outbreathing of Spirit.

Moreover, in the fifth word of Genesis 2:4, the hey appears smaller than usual:


This could be seen as “in Hey” they (i.e., the heavens and the earth) were created. Moreover, since Bet represents the Son of God (the Word of the LORD), we could read this as the Son breathed forth creation.

Hey and Teshuvah

Since Hey is formed from Dalet and Yod, it can also be a picture of returning to God by means of the transforming power of the Spirit. Dalet stands for brokenness, and Yod stands for a hand. Opening the door of the heart then is a picture of the Spirit of God indwelling the believer, and this image also coheres with the idea that part of Aleph (God) is joined with Dalet to form the Hey.


The Mystery of Vav

The first Vav in the Torah occurs in Genesis 1:1:


The placement of the Vav suggests two of its essential connective powers:

* By joining heaven and earth () it implies the connection between spiritual and earthly matters.

* Since it occurs as the 22nd letter in the Torah attached to the sixth word, (et), it alludes to the creative connection between all of the letters. Vav is therefore the connecting force of the God, the divine "hook" that binds together heaven and earth.

Vav is a picture of Man

Since Vav represents the number six, it has long been associated as the number of man in the Jewish tradition:

* Man was created on the sixth day
* Man works for six days - the realm of the chol and the mundane
* There are six millennia before the coming of the Mashiach
* The "beast" is identified as the "number of a man" - 666 (Rev 13:18)

The Vav, Messiah, and New Creation


When God first created the "generations" of the heavens and the earth, the word toldot (תולדות) is used (Gen. 2:4). This refers to created order before the sin and fall of Adam and Eve. After the fall of Adam, however, the word is spelled differently in the Hebrew text, with a missing letter Vav (i.e., as תלדות). Thereafter, each time the phrase, "these are the generations of" occurs in the Scriptures (a formulaic way of enumerating the generations of the heads of families), the word is spelled "defectively," with the missing Vav (ו). The Vav was "lost." However, when we come to Ruth 4:18 the phrase: 'These are the generations of Perez' is spelled with the missing Vav restored (i.e., as תולדות). In all of Scripture, the only two places where we see the restored spelling is in Genesis 2:4 and Ruth 4:18, which leads to the question as to what connection there might be between the creation of the heavens and the earth, the fall of mankind, and the creation of the family line of Perez?

To learn more about the meaning of the Hebrew Alphabet go to:
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/

http://www.yarahministries.org/alphabet.html

1 = Aleph
The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is Aleph. It represents God the Creator, a profound mystery of unity and harmony. Aleph has a numerical value of one (1). It is the first prime number, which signifies a beginning.

Aleph is one of two consonants in the Hebrew language that cannot be pronounced. It is always silent, indicating the qualities of being hidden, incomprehensible, unexplainable, and infinite.

In the Hebrew language, the word Aleph means "head of a bull" or the head of royalty (king). In Exodus 32, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the carved stone tables of the Ten Commandments, he saw that the children of Israel had made a golden calf. They wanted to symbolize God with the steer head. By covering their idol with gold they tried to legitimize their fraudulent religious expressions. Humanity often borrows ideas from the Creator God in order to give our enterprises an image of legitimacy.

Ezekiel saw four creatures before the throne of God in a vision. One creature had a steer head, representing the physical world coming from a world of light.

Aleph symbolizes the beginning of everything in the universe. All had its origin within and from God.

2 = Beth
Beth means "house." Its mathematical value is two (2). It symbolizes our world, which is an enclosure within the universe.

Inside a house are many rooms and objects. The world contains governments, people, civilizations, and thousands of life forms. These concepts are reflections of realties that are found in heaven. Jesus tells us that there are houses prepared in heaven for those who will join him. This indicates that heaven will be a familiar place where we will feel at home.

A house has doors, windows, and a roof. Man is locked inside this world, like being in a house. However, there are other worlds outside our own.

In the Hebrew language Genesis 1:1 starts with "B’ree(i)shit Barah Elohee(i)m," which is translated in English as "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Notice the first word in the creation record starts with the letter Beth. It is the outward expression of the "I AM," the eternal God.

Two (2) is the first number that can be divided; hence, it can also mean "duality" or "division." Mankind is composed of two types of humans: male and female. There are two parts of the Bible: the Old and New Testaments. Man struggles with the opposing forces of good and evil, life and death, right and wrong. These concepts can only be understood when Beth (the house) is connected with Aleph (God the Creator).

3 = Gimel
Gimel means "camel." As a concept it indicates the physical (animal) side of man. Its numerical value is three (3). This is another prime number that cannot be divided.

Gimel expresses important ideas, thoughts, or things. It is graphically represented in a triangle. The Jewish star is comprised of two interlaced triangles. The triangle pointing up means "perfect manifestation on the physical side of man"; the one pointing down indicates "perfect manifestation of the spiritual."

Gimel also stands for "divine completeness or perfection." In the Trinity, God is one (Aleph) but His attributes are expressed in the time dimension as GodFather, GodSon, and GodSpirit.

4 = Daleth
Daleth means "door." It has a mathematical value of four (4).

The house (Beth) has a door (Daleth) by which you can go out or come in. The door can be closed or open. If the door is open, man can see another world. God designed us to live with the door open, which means that we will experience strife in our lives, rather than closing the door to avoid conflict. People live in a world of warfare and conflict, both within ourselves and against nature. Daleth symbolizes a world of opposition between good and evil, life and death, justice and injustice.

Daleth represents "this world in this time." It covers the physical side of our world, which exists within the time dimension. There are many examples of this four-dimension concept:

◦Four directions (north, south, east, west)
◦Four elements (earth, air, fire, water)
◦Four kingdoms (animal, vegetable, mineral, spiritual)
◦Four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter)
◦Four DNA genomes (A, G, T, C)
◦Four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

5 = Heh
The fifth letter is Heh, which means "window." Its numerical value is five (5).

Through the window, the world comes in, just as with the door, but on a higher level. Light comes in through the window, and you can see what is outside. If you shut the window, your soul will become dark; you will lose hope. You will become ignorant and evil. There is no tomorrow for you, and your soul will slowly die.

Heh also means "the other side." This can refer to heaven, the spiritual world, the immortal side of man, or angels and other spiritual beings.

Another meaning for Heh is "grace." In Hebrews 10:29 the Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of grace." Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) uses five names for Jesus Christ:

1.Wonderful,
2.Counselor,
3.Mighty God,
4.The Everlasting Father,
5.The Prince of Peace.

6 = Waw
Waw means "hook." Its numerical value is six (6). Waw connects one thing with another.

God made the earth in six days and connected man to the seventh day. The time before creation was then joined (connected) with man after creation.

A supplementary meaning of Waw is "man in his sinful nature," which denotes Satan's influence over man.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12 NRSV)

The above passage describes six manifestations of Satan's influence over man: "the devil's schemes," "flesh and blood," "rulers," "authorities," "powers of this dark world," and "spiritual forces of evil." It also contains three admonitions ("be strong," "put on," and "take your stand"). If you add three (Gimel, "important ideas") to six (Waw, "man in his sinful nature"), you get nine (Teth, "new life").

7 = Zayin
Zayin means "sword/strife" or "completeness/perfection." The meaning that applies to any given context depends on whether we are viewing events on earth or in heaven.

The numeric value of Zayin is seven (7). The number forty-nine (7 x 7) represents a double portion of trials, tribulations, struggles, or weapons (if we are looking at earthly things). The seventh tribe of Israel, Gad, was the first to engage the enemy to enter the Promised Land.

When examining the eternal dimension, Zayin means "divine completeness or perfection." It refers to something that is complete or set aside. The book of Revelation describes seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven trumpets, seven bowls, and seven candlesticks.

An old Hebrew tradition says that we are now living in "the seventh day." The six-day creation story repeats the phrase "And there was evening and there was morning" six times. On the seventh day, however, this phrase is omitted. The seventh day is still in the making and continues to our present time. It is full of strife, swords, weapons, killing, and conflict.

Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's foes will be members of one's own household." (Matthew 10:34-36 NRSV).

8 = Cheth
Cheth has a numerical value of eight (8). It means "fenced in," like in a cage, "being surrounded," or "a new beginning." The difference, again, depends on whether we are looking at earthly or heavenly things.

Man can have a new beginning if he directs his view into heaven. But he will be encircled by evil if he pursues earthly things.

Eight people were saved from the Flood (Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives). These eight people represented a new beginning for mankind after the world was destroyed by water. The root number is still four (4), meaning "this world in this time" (Daleth). Four males and four females came from the old world into the new, progressing into the Cheth (8), a new beginning on a higher level.

9 = Teth
The ninth letter, Teth, is not actually a word, but more of a concept. It indicates "new life." Hebrew tradition says that Teth represents a woman giving birth, or a place where something new is brought forth. That which was in the darkness comes forth into light like a seed bursting from the earth.

Another meaning for Teth is "fruit" or "spirit." Paul mentioned nine fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) and nine Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12).

10 = Jod
Jod, like a new birth, is born out of Teth. Life is transformed and continues on to a higher level becoming Jod.

Jod means "hand." It specifically symbolizes "the hand at rest" because God has provided and prepared everything we need.

Another meaning of Jod is "law and responsibility." The Ten Commandments made up the Law of God. There were ten plagues in Egypt. The tithe (Malachi 3:10) represents a tenth of our earnings. Genesis contains the phrase "God said" ten times concerning his creation.

20 = Kaph
The higher level of Jod continues with the eleventh letter, Kaph, meaning "holding or reaching hand," expressing purpose or redemption. Kaph is connected with the physical side of our bodies, indicating our earthly existence.

The corresponding Zodiac sign is Mercury (Kochab), where redemption is possible. Redemption can lead us beyond our earthly existence.

According to ancient Hebrew law, a person had to be twenty (20) years old to become an adult citizen who was fully accountable to the law. (Exodus 30:14; Numbers 26:2-4, 32:11)

30 = Lamed
Lamed means an "ox-prodding stick." The ox is controlled when a "holding hand" (Kaph) starts an activity, and Lamed (the stick) gets the ox moving. Lamed guided the “bull” of first things (Aleph) that started the world.

The other meaning of Lamed is "dedication." It is connected with the blood and life of Jesus. He started his public ministry at the age of thirty (30) years. (Luke 3:23) According to the Old Testament, a man had to be thirty years old to fulfill the duties of a tabernacle/temple priest. (Numbers 4:23ff)

Jesus was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, which was prophesied centuries before. (Matthew 26:15; Zechariah 11:12)

The curtain in the Jewish temple, which separated the people from God, was thirty cubits long. At the time of Jesus' death this curtain was split in two, allowing people direct access to God.

40 = Mem
Mem is more than just a letter of the alphabet. It has a built-in word structure similar to Majim, which means "water."

When applied to days, months, or years, the number forty (40) does not necessary mean an actual measurable amount of time. Rather, it conveys something related to the time-life dimension like a “generation.” These concepts can be compared to water, which is an indefinable expanse without borders, a condition in which people could drown and die.

Mem also means that there is a purpose to the "trials," "testing," or "probation" of life on this side. Israel spent forty years in the wilderness being tested by God before they crossed over Jordan to inherit the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 8:2-5) Jesus was tempted by the devil for forty days. (Luke 4:1) Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. (Acts 1:3)

50 = Nun
Nun pictures a nahash or "snake." It also expresses man's individuality in the time dimension. It indicates "life with a purpose on the other side."

In Moses' time, the people of Israel were told to make a bronze snake and lift it up on a pole. (Numbers 21:4-9) Whoever looked upon that snake was saved from the poison and did not die. The image of that serpent not only symbolically reminded man of the original problem of sin, but it will also assured them that God had provided a means of salvation and restoration to live in the midst of a desert experience. As such, it is a prophetic type of Jesus on the cross. (John 3:14; 12:32-34)

Joshua, the son of Nun (50), led the children of Israel through water (Mem = 40) to the Promised Land (50 = 5x10, Heh = 5, "the other side"). Joshua is a type of Jesus who will lead us into the eternal rest of the Kingdom of God. (Hebrews 4:8-11)

The Torah required Israel to celebrate a special year-long holiday every fifty years called the Jubilee. All debts were forgiven on that day, all property returned to the original owners, all slaves freed, the high priest changed to another family, political ties were cut and money reevaluated to its original worth.

On the fiftieth day after the Lord's resurrection, Christians celebrate the holiday of Pentecost commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The number fifty (50) is also connected with Israel's future return and restoration to the land God gave them (1968-2018).

60 = Samech
Samech represents Satan, and it also means "snake" because Satan appeared as a serpent when he originally tempted man to sin. Adam had been commanded by God to multiply and subdue the earth, but was forbidden to eat from the tree of knowing good and evil. The serpent convinced Adam and Eve to question this command.

It seemed a paradox that God would tell the first couple to be fruitful and populate the earth, yet forbid them to eat the fruit that would give them the knowledge they needed for survival. So Adam and Eve used their own judgment, basing their decision on what seemed good to them at the time, rather than depending on God's provision for life.

At the moment man took that first step of disobedience, he began a journey away from the Lord. Mankind still strives to be independent from God, and thus experiences strife and difficulties in the midst of an evil world governed by Satan.

The first act of disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden brought sin into the world. All of the descendants of Adam and Eve now carry the disease of being sinful. Man is compelled to ask, Why I am here on this planet? Where am I going? Will life ever make sense?

However, through life's difficulties, we can still find God. He has made provision for his children's salvation so they can return to life in conformity with God’s holy nature.

Samech also refers to idol worship. The image of Nebuchadnezzar, which he erected and then commanded to be worshiped, stood sixty cubits high and six cubits wide. (Daniel 3:1)

70 = Ayin
Ayin means "eyes" or "spring." This letter, like Aleph, is silent and can only be verbalized with vowels. The number seventy (70) is an expression of "the sum total of this world." Ancient Hebrew tradition says that the earth has seventy nations, seventy languages, seventy words of wisdom, and seventy elders to guide people. (Exodus 24; Numbers 11) This does not always represent a literal number, but a connotation of something complete.

The inner eye sees the world in its proper place. When we understand a problem, we often say "I see," meaning that we understand what is hidden. The blueprint of God's plan for this earth is understood with the eyes of Ayin.

The second meaning of Ayin refers to spring water that comes out of a mountain. This refreshing life-giving water, which comes from hidden places, can sustain us on our journey.

Seventy (70) is the number of God's punishment for Israel because of their disobedience. Many Bible stories are connected with Ayin (70). For seventy years Israel lived in exile before they were restored. (Jeremiah 25:11; 29:10) Daniel 9:24 prophesied that seventy (70) weeks would be allowed for Israel to put an end to sin. Israel's final restoration will be seventy years long (1948-2018).

Jesus appointed seventy disciples to go out in his name and preach the good news. (Luke 10) In Matthew 18:21-22 Jesus said to forgive those who sin against you seventy times seven (490 times).

80 = Pe
Pe means "mouth." With the mouth, man can talk, question, and communicate with God and other men. He can also feed his physical body.

After the encounter with the serpent, Adam's eyes were opened and he saw that he was naked. When he hid from God, God asked, "Ajakah?" (Where are you?). God knew where Adam was hiding, but he wanted Adam to communicate with him, to express his inner thoughts and answer back with his mouth (Pe). (See Genesis 3:9-19.)

In the Garden God resided with Adam and Eve in a separated environment, fenced in from the processes of life and death on this earth. Now that man has lost this paradise, an uncertain future awaits him. He is unhappy, unsettled, in turmoil. He asks God with his mouth, "Why do I have to be subject to the laws of life and death?" The answer is found in the next number, Tsade.

90 = Tsade
Tsade means "fishhook." To get a fish from water onto dry land, you need a hook. We live in the time dimension (Mem = "water"), but someone with a hook (Tsade) pulls us out as soon as the mouth (Pe) has spoken. The gospel of Jesus Christ (Tsade = "fishhook") is preached, causing confessing of sin (with the mouth, Pe). In this way is eternal life received.

Man was designed to live forever, but because of sin, he must take a detour, much like the Israelites when they wandered through the desert between Egypt and the Promised Land. Some will die on the journey; others will survive to enter the land they longed for.

Jesus chose fishermen as his disciples—men who would "fish" for people to add to the kingdom of God.

100 = Koph
Koph means "eye of a needle." Jesus used an illustration of a camel going through the eye of a needle.

Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."

They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?"

Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible." (Mark 10:24-27 NRSV)

It is just as impossible for sinful man to go through to the other side (heaven) as for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Jesus said that he alone can make this happen.

Abraham was promised a son when he was one hundred (100) years of age, and his wife Sarah was eighty years old. God told him that from the two of them would be born descendants as numerous as the stars in the heavens including royalty and the Redeemer. This seemed an impossible proposition, but the Lord assured Abraham that nothing is impossible with him. Abraham believed, but Sarah laughed. She knew her body was wilted. When in the due course of time Sarah gave birth to this promised child, Abraham named the boy Isaac, which means "laughter."

Koph also means "children of promise" and "God's election of grace." Galatians 4:28 and Romans 9:7-8 say that believers in Jesus Christ are "children of promise."

The number 100 can be expressed in the Hebrew system as one (1) in three dimensions or domains. The domains could represent, for example, heaven, earth and under the earth with God as the head (1 = Aleph) over all.

One hundred is also written as one (1) with two zeros. Zero (0) represents a circle. The circle indicates something infinite, with no beginning or end. The number one hundred (100) could represent someone (1) being inside or outside a circle (0). Jesus illustrates this in a story about one hundred sheep.

What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. (Matthew 18:12-14 NRSV)

200 = Resch
Resch means an "emerging head." The head comes out first during birth. Aleph is the head of the bull, but Resch is the head of man. It has a mouth and can talk to God, so Resch can also mean the brain where all bodily functions are anchored and connected.

Another meaning of Resch is "insufficiency" suggesting that something is "not enough." Human beings born in sin are insufficient to live in another dimension. We need something added from outside ourselves to make us "good enough" to enter heaven.

When Jesus asked the disciples to feed the five thousand men (plus women and children) who had followed them to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee, Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little" (John 6:7 NASB). Even two hundred denarii (200) would not have been enough to feed the multitude. Only Jesus Christ is sufficient to meet all our needs.

300 = Shin
Shin means "tooth" and refers to eating (achol). Teeth are required for eating so they are involved in the process of life and death. When food is crushed by the teeth, its components - fruits, vegetables and meats - lose their individual identities. In a philosophically similar way, when specific experiences in our past are mixed together, we can begin to see meaning and purpose for our lives, which can be expressed as a sense of general well-being.

All the senses (taste, smell, touch, and even sound) are involved in eating or to judge if the food is palatable. Shin is connected with the head and is coupled with what makes sense in this life.

400 = Taw
The last letter of the Hebrew alphabet is Taw, which means a "cross" or a "sign." It encompasses the outer region of existence or the material world.

Taw can also mean "eternity." The number four hundred (400) can be broken down to 100 x 4. God in three dimensions or domains (100) is in control of "this world in this time" (4).

Combining Numbers

All numbers besides these twenty-two are written as combinations of the above numbers. For example, "teen" numbers (12, 13, etc.) do not exist in the Hebrew numbering system. They are expressed as 10 + 1, 10 + 2, 10 + 3, etc. Adding ten (Jod) to another number brings the meaning of that number up to a higher level.

The Hebrew alphabet is composed of twenty-two letters. The last book of the Bible (Revelation) has twenty-two chapters. Combining twenty (Kaph, which means "holding or reaching hand" or "redemption") with two (Beth, which means "house"), we get twenty-two (22), which represents "an active hand with purpose in my house." The number twenty-two (22) can also mean "banned or exiled to another world." Jacob was separated from Isaac for twenty-two years. Joseph was separated from his father for twenty-two years.

A large number may be expressed by multiplying a base number by itself. For example, forty-nine (49) could be expressed as 7 x 7. Seven (Zayin) means "strife/sword"; therefore, 49 (seven squared) indicates seven times more trouble than seven.

To decide whether the proper meaning of a number in a particular instance can be determined by adding or multiplying other component numbers, we must examine the biblical contexts and compare several Bible verses that use that number. If many references indicate the same or similar meanings, we can be reasonably assured that a true interpretation has been established.

God in Everything
A thorough study of the Hebrew Alphabet Number System reveals that God has imbedded his complete plan for humankind in it.

1 = Aleph: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:13 NRSV)

2 = Beth: "I am in the Father and the Father is in me." (John 14:10 NRSV)

3 = Gimel: GodFather, GodSon, and GodSpirit (Matthew 28:19)

4 = Daleth: "And the Word became flesh." (John 1:14 NRSV)

5 = Heh: Jesus rose from death. (Luke 24:7 and Mark 16:6)

We could continue through the whole alphabet and still not fully capture the meaning of God. He is hidden in every level of human speech and thoughts that are expressed in the alphabet, yet we could never fully define him with mere symbols like letters of the alphabet.

Whenever you read prophecy in the Bible, just remember these numbers and their meanings.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Taking Authority in Prayer

All Christians are to put on spiritual armor against the enemies of their souls.

EPHESIANS 6:18 praying (A) at all times (B) in the Spirit, (C) with all prayer and supplication. To that end (D) keep alert with all perseverance, making (E) supplication for all the saints,

Spiritual strength and courage are needed for our spiritual warfare and suffering. Those who would prove themselves to have true grace, must aim at all grace; and put on the whole armor of God, which he prepares and bestows. The Christian armor is made to be worn; and there is no putting off our armor till we have done our warfare, and finished our course.

The combat is not against human enemies, nor against our own corrupt nature only; we have to do with an enemy who has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls. The devils assault is in the things that belong to our souls, and labor to deface the heavenly image in our hearts. We must resolve by God's grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we give way, he will get ground. If we distrust either our cause, or our Leader, or our armor, we give him advantage.

The different parts of the armor of heavy-armed soldiers, who had to sustain the fiercest assaults of the enemy, are here described. There is none for the back; nothing to defend those who turn back in the Christian warfare. Truth, or sincerity, is the girdle. This girds on all the other pieces of our armor, and is first mentioned. There can be no religion without sincerity.

The righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, is a breastplate against the arrows of Divine wrath. The righteousness of Christ implanted in us, fortifies the heart against the attacks of Satan. Resolution must be as greaves, or armor to our legs; and to stand their ground or to march forward in rugged paths, the feet must be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Motives to obedience, amidst trials, must be drawn from a clear knowledge of the gospel. Faith is all in all in an hour of temptation. Faith, as relying on unseen objects, receiving Christ and the benefits of redemption, and so deriving grace from him, is like a shield, a defense every way. The devil is the wicked one. Violent temptations, by which the soul is set on fire of hell, are darts Satan shoots at us. Also, hard thoughts of God, and as to ourselves.

Faith applying the word of God and the grace of Christ, quenches the darts of temptation. Salvation must be our helmet. A good hope of salvation, a Scriptural expectation of victory, will purify the soul, and keep it from being defiled by Satan. To the Christian armed for defense in battle, the apostle recommends only one weapon of attack; but it is enough, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It subdues and mortifies evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; and answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. A single text, well understood, and rightly applied, at once destroys a temptation or an objection, and subdues the most formidable adversary.

Prayer must fasten all the other parts of our Christian armor. There are other duties of religion, and of our stations in the world, but we must keep up times of prayer. Though set and solemn prayer may not be seasonable when other duties are to be done, yet short pious prayers darted out, always are so. We must use holy thoughts in our ordinary course. A vain heart will be vain in prayer. We must pray with all kinds of prayer, public, private, and secret; social and solitary; solemn and sudden: with all the parts of prayer; confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgiving for favors received. And we must do it by the grace of God the Holy Spirit, in dependence on, and according to, his teaching. We must preserve in particular requests, notwithstanding discouragements.

We must pray, not for ourselves only, but for all saints. Our enemies are mighty, and we are without strength, but our Redeemer is almighty, and in the power of His might we may overcome. Wherefore we must stir up ourselves. Have not we, when God has called, often neglected to answer? Let us think upon these things, and continue our prayers with patience. (Eph. 6:19-24) -Unknown Author-

THE "BASIC DELIVERANCE MANUAL" by Gene B. Moody, Ordained Pastor

1. The first thing we do is get the people to pray about their specific problems and sins, so that the blood of JESUS can cleanse the people and take away legal rights that the demons have to remain, and God can begin to act.

Blood of JESUS Prayer

Through the Blood of JESUS I am redeemed out of the hand of the devil.

Through the Blood of JESUS all my sins are forgiven.

The Blood of JESUS CHRIST, God's Son, cleanses me continually from all sin.

Through the Blood of JESUS I am justified, made righteous, just as if I'd never sinned; I am sanctified, made holy, set apart to God.

My body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed, sanctified, by the Blood of JESUS.

Therefore Satan has no part in me, no power over me, through the Blood of the Lord JESUS CHRIST.

I renounce him, loose myself from him, command him to leave me, IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Pride

Father I come to you in the Name of JESUS CHRIST. I know pride is an abomination to you, that a haughty look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren are seven things doth the Lord hate and are an abomination unto Him. (Proverbs 6:16). Father I renounce these and turn away from them. I humble myself before you and come to you as a little child.

Soul Ties

Father I break and renounce evil soul ties that I have had or may have had with (lodges, adulterers, close friends, husbands, wives, engagements, cults, binding agreements between buddies). I renounce these evil soul ties, break them and wash them away with the shed blood of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

General Confession and Prayer

Lord JESUS CHRIST, I believe that you are the Son of God, that you are the Messiah come in the flesh to destroy the works of the Devil. You died on the cross for my sins and rose again from the dead. I now confess all of my sins and repent. I now ask you to forgive me and cleanse me in your blood. I believe that your blood cleanses me now from all sin. Thank you for redeeming me, cleansing me, justifying me, and sanctifying me in your blood.

Forgiveness Prayer

Lord, I have a confession to make: I have not loved, but have resented certain people and have unforgiveness in my heart, and I call upon you, Lord, to help me forgive them. I do now forgive (name them, both living and dead) and ask you to forgive them also, Lord. I do now forgive and accept myself, in the name of JESUS CHRIST.

Occult Confession Prayer

Lord, I now confess seeking from Satan the help that should only come from God. I now confess as sin (name them, occult sins) and also those sins I cannot remember. Lord, I now repent and renounce these sins and ask you to forgive me. I renounce Satan and all his works: I hate all his demons; I count them my enemies. In the Name of JESUS CHRIST I now close the door on all occult practices, and I command all such spirits to leave me in the Name of JESUS CHRIST.

Loosing From Domination Prayer

In the Name of JESUS CHRIST I now renounce, break and loose myself from all demonic subjection to my mother, father, grandparents, or any other human beings, living or dead, that have dominated me in any way, and I thank you, Lord, for setting me free.

Psychic Heredity and Bondage Prayer

In the Name of JESUS CHRIST, I now renounce, break and loose myself and my children from all psychic powers or bondage's or bonds of physical or mental illness, upon me or my family line, as the results of parents or any other ancestors. I thank you Lord, for setting me free.

Loosing of Curses, Spells, Etc. Prayer

In the Name of JESUS CHRIST I now rebuke, break, loose myself and my children from any and all evil curses, charms, vexes, hexes, spells, jinxes, psychic powers, bewitchment, witchcraft and sorcery, that have been put upon me or my family line from any persons or from any occult or psychic sources, and I cancel all connected or related spirits and command them to leave me. I thank you, Lord, for setting me free.

Come to JESUS Deliverer Prayer

I come to you, JESUS, as my Deliverer. You know all my problems (name them), all the things that bind, that torment, that defile, and harass me. I now loose myself from every dark spirit, from every evil influence, from every satanic bondage, from every spirit in me that is not the Spirit of God, and I command all such spirits to leave me now in the Name of JESUS CHRIST. I now confess that my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed, sanctified, by the blood of JESUS. Therefore, Satan has no place, no power over me, through the blood of JESUS.

2. Then we get the people to repeat the Short Prayer out loud with sincerity after me.

SHORT PRAYER

"Lord JESUS CHRIST, I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again from the dead. You redeemed me by your blood and I belong to you, and I want to live for you. I confess all my sins--known and unknown--I'm sorry for them all. I renounce them all. I forgive all others as I want you to forgive me. Forgive me now and cleanse me with your blood. I thank you for the blood of JESUS CHRIST which cleanses me now from all sin. And I come to you now as my deliverer. You know my special needs--the thing that binds, that torments, that defiles; that evil spirit, that unclean spirit--I claim the promise of your word, "Whosoever that calleth on the name of the Lord shall be delivered." I call upon you now. In the name of the Lord JESUS CHRIST, deliver me and set me free. Satan, I renounce you and all your works. I loose myself from you, in the name of JESUS, and I command you to leave me right now in JESUS' name. Amen!"

This is my favorite prayer because it is short and effective. The first part is salvation and the last part is DELIVERANCE. You can pause after the sentence underlined about "forgiveness" and let the people forgive others as the Holy Spirit leads them.

MEDIUM PRAYER

"Thank you, Lord, for dying for my sins, for your glorious resurrection, and for making me a new creature in CHRIST by faith in your precious blood. Dear Lord, I have a confession to make:

I have sought supernatural experience apart from you.

I have disobeyed your Word.

I want you to help me renounce all these things and cleanse me in body, soul, and spirit in JESUS' name.

I renounce witchcraft and magic, both black and white.

I renounce Ouija boards and all other occult games.

I renounce all seances, clairvoyance, and mediums; ESP, second sight, and mind reading.

I renounce all fortune telling, palm reading , tea-leaf reading, crystal balls, Tarot and other card laying. I renounce all astrology and interest in horoscopes.

I renounce the heresy of reincarnation and all healing groups involved in metaphysics.

I renounce all hypnosis under any excuse or authority.

I break any curse placed on me from any occult source, in JESUS' name.

I renounce all curiosity about either future or past, and which is outside Thy will.

I renounce water witching or dowsing, levitation, body lifting, table tipping, psychometry, and automatic writing.

I renounce astral projection and other demonic skills.

I renounce all literature I have ever read in any of these fields, and vow that

I will destroy such books in my own possession.

I now break, in the name of JESUS CHRIST, all psychic heredity, and any demonic hold upon my family line as a result of the disobedience of any of my ancestors. I also break any bonds of physical or mental illness, in JESUS' name.

I also break all demonic subjection to my mother, father, grandparents, or any other human being.

In the name of JESUS CHRIST I renounce everything psychic and occult.

I renounce every cult that denies the blood of CHRIST.

I renounce every philosophy that denies the divinity of CHRIST.

I call upon the Lord to set me free.

Lord, I have another confession to make, I have not loved, but have resented certain people. I call upon you, Lord, to help me forgive them. I do now forgive...(Here we pause for several minutes while each person puts the names in there which the Lord brings to mind, either of persons living or dead.)
I do now forgive myself.

I renounce every evil spirit that binds or torments me and I call upon the Lord to set me free."

LONG PRAYER - Warfare Prayer

Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before you.

I cover myself with the blood of the Lord JESUS CHRIST as my protection.

I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to you.

I take a stand against all the workings of Satan that would hinder me in my prayer life.

I address myself only to the true and living God and refuse any involvement of Satan in my prayer.

Satan, I command you, in the Name of the Lord JESUS CHRIST, to leave my presence with all your demons.

I bring the blood of the Lord JESUS CHRIST between us.

I resist all the endeavors of Satan and his wicked spirits to rob me of the will of God.

I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

I pull down the strongholds of Satan.

3. Then we get the people to repeat the Short Prayer out loud with sincerity after me.

Finally, we lead the people in a prayer out loud that covers Sins of Ancestors, Curses, Soul Ties, Fragmented Soul, and Subconscious Mind as follows:

"Lord JESUS CHRIST, I forgive my ancestors and descendants, and I ask you to forgive and bless them. Forgive me for my many sins and I forgive myself for sins against my body. I break all curses, hexes, vexes and demonic ties that bind. I break all soul ties caused by witchcraft or sexual sins. Lord JESUS, restore my fragmented soul: mind, will and emotions; send your angels out to recover anything that was stolen from me. Lord JESUS, stir up the demons in my subconscious mind so that they can be identified and cast out. All these things we ask in the blessed name of our Lord JESUS CHRIST: Our Lord, Master and Savior. We now take authority over Satan and all the forces of evil according to the whole Word of God and command that you obey it. In the Name of JESUS CHRIST, we ask these things. Amen."

4. After the people have prayed and been led in prayer, then I take spiritual authority over the meeting as follows:

"Satan, we come against all powers, principalities, evil forces in this world and spiritual wickedness in high places. We come against all demons inside or outside of anyone present, over this city, state, nation and world, in Hell or out of Hell. The Bible says, 'Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.' We intend to exercise that power to set ourselves free. Satan, we come against you by the power and blood of JESUS CHRIST, by the Word of God, by the name of JESUS, by the authority of the Believer, in the unity of our spirits. Satan, we tell you that we sit in heavenly places with our CHRIST JESUS. We are over you, your fallen angels, your demons and all forces of evil. We command you to line up in rank and file and order, and come out quickly. We bind every power that you have and loose ourselves from you in the name of JESUS."

"Lord JESUS, we ask that you would send the gifts of the Holy Spirit as needed to minister to the needs of the people and to accomplish what you want done here tonight. We are careful to give you all the glory, honor, praise and credit for everything that is said or done. We ask all these things in the blessed name of JESUS CHRIST, our Lord and Master and Savior. And we take authority over Satan according to the whole Word of God. For it's in JESUS name we pray. Amen!"

This manual is not copyrighted! You may freely use the lessons for teaching aids! To download the manual in it's entirety go to:
http://www.lakehamiltonbiblecamp.com/man/d-index.htm

Giving GOD all the Praise

Give GOD the praise for all He gives you. The Lord is teaching me how to praise Him with all my being. His Holy Spirit directs us down the path of communion, which draws us closer to a relationship with Him. Words the Holy Spirit gives each of us has so much meaning to them. I am sharing some words the Holy Spirit as shared with me to understand how to give only GOD our creator the praise.

ידה yâdâh (yaw-daw')

To praise, give thanks, acknowledge, declare the merits of someone. Yada is an important word for “praise” or “thanks”, and occurs more than 100 times in the OT, more then half of these are in the book of Psalms.

The origin of this verb is the noun Yad (hand) which developed into the verb “yadah”, suggesting outstretched hands as a means of worship and of thanks.

ידעyâda‛ (yaw-dah')

A primitive root; to know (properly to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively instruction, designation, punishment, etc.): - acknowledge, acquaintance (-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, [un-] awares, can [-not], certainly, for a certainty, comprehend, consider, X could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be [ig-] norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to, let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have [knowledge], (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X prognosticator, regard, have respect, skillful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have [understanding], X will be, wist, wit, wot.

God acknowledges that He has seen and heard the problems of the Hebrews and intends to become personally involved. Exodus 3:7

κατά kata (kat-ah')

A primary particle; (preposition) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case [genitive, dative or accusative] with which it is joined): - about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to, touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, [charita-] bly, concerning, + covered, [dai-] ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from . . . to, godly, in (-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), . . . by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-) on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through (-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-) to (-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where (-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution or intensity.

καταρτισμός katartismos (kat-ar-tis-mos')

Complete furnishing (objectively): - perfecting.

A making fit, preparing, training, perfecting, making fully qualified for service. In classical language the word is used for setting a bone for surgery. The Great Physician is now making all the necessary adjustments so the church will not be “Out of Joint.”

The Greek word for equipping implies:

1. A recovered wholeness as when a broken limb is set and mends.

2. A discovered function, as when a physical member is properly operating.

The work of the ministry is the enterprise of each member of the Body of Christ and not the exclusive charge of the select leaders.

Taken together, Eph 4:11,12 reveal that the task of the gifted leader is to cultivate the individual and corporate ministries of those he or she leads.

בּרך bârak (baw-rak')
A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason): - X abundantly, X altogether, X at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, X greatly, X indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, X still, thank.
-Debi Webster-

God the Creator

"Creator God, I praise you because you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you'. . . . " (Nehemiah 9:6).

The Only God
"God, I praise you because you are the LORD, and there is no other; apart from you there is no God. . . ." (Isaiah 45:5).

The Almighty God
"O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD," and I praise you . . . ." (Psalm 89:8).

The Everlasting Father, the Ancient of Days
"I praise you, Lord, as the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6), who lives forever and ever. . . ."

A Loving God
"I praise you because you are a loving God, whose very nature is love. . . ." (1 John 4:16).

A God of Justice
"Lord, I praise and magnify you, who is just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. . . ." (Romans 3:26).

The Trustworthy God
"Heavenly Father, I give you my praise and adoration, because you are a "faithful God, keeping [your] covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love [you] and keep [your] commands. . . ." (Deuteronomy 7:9).

A Merciful God
"You, O Lord, are a gracious and merciful God," (Nehemiah 9:31), and I praise you for your great mercy. . . ."

God my Refuge, my Fortress
"I praise you, Lord, for you are my mighty rock, my refuge. . . .'" (Psalm 62:7).

A Longsuffering, Persevering God
"Father, I praise you because you are patient with [all your children], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9). Thank you for your patience with me. . . ."

The Only Wise God
"I give praise to you, my Father, the only wise God [my] Saviour' (Jude 1:25). May all glory and majesty, dominion and power, be yours both now and ever. . . ."

The Holy One
"Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. . . ." (Revelation 4:8).

A Personal God
"I praise you, God, because you are a personal God, who gives me the honor of knowing you personally, just like you did to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. . . ." (Matthew 8:11).

A Giving God
"Praise and honor be yours, O God, because you are a generous God, who did not even stop short of giving your own Son (John 3:16). . . ."

The Provider God
"I praise you today, Lord, as my Jehovah-jireh, who will generously provide all [I] need'. . . ." (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The Shepherd God
"I bless your name and praise you as my Jehovah-rohi, who will shepherd me and guide me in the paths of righteousness for your name's sake" (Psalm 23:1-3).

God my Victory
"Praise to you, my God, because you are my Jehovah-nissi, God my victory, who always leads [me] in triumphal procession in Christ'. . . ." (2 Corinthians 2:14).

God my Peace
"I praise you with all my heart, Lord, because you are my Jehovah-shalom, the God of peace [who] will soon crush Satan under [my] feet. . . ." (Romans 16:20).

The God Who Heals
"Father, I praise you because you are the Lord who heals me. . . ." (Exodus 15:26).

The God of All Comfort
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. . . ." (2 Corinthians 1:3).

The God of Miracles
"Lord, I praise you because You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the people'. . . ." (Psalm 77:14).

A Forgiving God
"I want to bless you with my praise, Father, because you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love'. . . ." (Nehemiah 9:17)

The Burden-Bearer
"Praise be to the LORD, to God [my] Savior, who daily bears [my] burdens'. . . ." (Psalm 68:19).

A Faithful God
"I praise you because your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies'. . . Great is your faithfulness'. . . ." (Psalm 36:5; Lamentations 3:23).

God the Blessed and Only Ruler, King of kings and Lord of lords
"All honor and praise be to you, my God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords'. . . ." (1 Timothy 6:15).

God the Liberator
"I praise you because You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD'. . . ." (Psalm 70:5).

The Lifter of My Head
"Father God, I praise you because you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head' when I am weary or depressed. . . ." (Psalm 3:3).

A God of Light
"I praise you, Lord, because you are my light and my salvation,' and because you know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with you'. . . ." (Psalm 27:1, Daniel 2:22).

A God of Joy
"I give you my praise, O Lord, because you have granted [me] eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of your presence'. . . ." (Psalm 21:6).

The God Who Answers Prayer
"I praise and honor you, Father, because you are a God who loves to answer prayer, and who begins to answer even before I begin to pray" (Isaiah 65:24).

The God of All the Earth
"I praise and adore you, Lord, as the Holy One of Israel. . . [my] Redeemer. . . the God of all the earth'. . . ." (Isaiah 54:5).
-Bob Hostetler-

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I Am Who I Am

Did you know that when you study God's names, you gain power? Power exists in verbalizing God's name. Meditating on God's names will open a door and lead you on a journey in which you can experience God in exciting and extraordinary ways. God's magnificent names are a disclosure of God Himself. In His name, there is peace, comfort, provision, healing and destiny. When you press into a name of God, you will discover a transforming power.

Meditate on God's name. Ask him to remind you of the times he has evidenced that name to you personally and to others. In the Bible, we are encouraged to ponder things which are of a good report; we are admonished to meditate on virtuous and praiseworthy things. What could be purer, lovelier, nobler, truer, or more praiseworthy than the names and attributes of God?

God's wonder's never change. His power and powerful acts are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. he is in control of the universe, showing His compassion and might in a myriad of ways. Meditate upon the wonders God has done in your life. What are the marvelous works which He has done during your friendship with Him? What secrets have you and He shared? What more does God have for you? What wonders will God show you in the coming weeks? What does God have in store for you in the days ahead?

-Bits and Pieces from "I Am" 365 Names of God by John Paul Jackson-

Names of God: His Titles Revealed in Scripture

"ELOHIM" (or Elohay) is the first name for God found in the Bible, and it's used throughout the Old Testament over 2,300 times. Elohim comes from the Hebrew root meaning "strength" or "power", and has the unusual characteristic of being plural in form. In Genesis 1:1, we read, "In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth." Right from the start, this plural form for the name of God is used to describe the One God, a mystery that is uncovered throughout the rest of the Bible. Throughout scripture, Elohim is combined with other words to describe certain characteristics of God. Some examples: Elohay Kedem - God of the Beginning: (Deuteronomy 33:27). Elohay Mishpat - God Of Justice: (Isaiah 30:18). Elohay Selichot - God Of Forgiveness: (Nehemiah 9:17). Elohay Marom - God Of Heights: (Micah 6:6). Elohay Mikarov - God Who Is Near: (Jeremiah 23:23). Elohay Mauzi - God Of My Strength: (Psalm 43:2). Elohay Tehilati - God Of My Praise: (Psalm 109:1). Elohay Yishi - God Of My Salvation: (Psalm 18:46). Elohim Kedoshim - Holy God: (Leviticus 19:2, Joshua 24:19). Elohim Chaiyim - Living God: (Jeremiah 10:10). Elohay Elohim - God Of Gods: (Deuteronomy 10:17).

"EL" is another name used for God in the Bible, showing up about 200 times in the Old Testament. El is the simple form arising from Elohim, and is often combined with other words for descriptive emphasis. Some examples: El HaNe'eman - The Faithful God: (Deuteronomy 7:9). El HaGadol - The Great God: (Deuteronomy 10:17). El HaKadosh - The Holy God: (Isaiah 5:16). El Yisrael - The God Of Israel: (Psalm 68:35). El HaShamayim - The God Of The Heavens: (Psalm 136:26). El De'ot - The God Of Knowledge: (1 Samuel 2:3). El Emet - The God Of Truth: (Psalm 31:6). El Yeshuati - The God Of My Salvation: (Isaiah 12:2). El Elyon - The Most High God: (Genesis 14:18). Immanu El - God Is With Us: (Isaiah 7:14). El Olam - The God Of Eternity (Genesis 21:33). El Echad - The One God: (Malachi 2:10). "ELAH" is another name for God, used about 70 times in the Old Testament. Again, when combined with other words, we see different attributes of God. Some examples: Elah Yerush'lem - God of Jerusalem: (Ezra 7:19). Elah Yisrael - God of Israel: (Ezra 5:1). Elah Sh'maya - God of Heaven: (Ezra 7:23). Elah Sh'maya V'Arah - God of Heaven and Earth: (Ezra 5:11).

"YHVH" is the Hebrew word that translates as "LORD". Found more often in the Old Testament than any other name for God (approximately 7,000 times), the title is also referred to as the "Tetragrammaton," meaning the "The Four Letters". YHVH comes from the Hebrew verb "to be" and is the special name that God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. "And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM; and He said, thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM has sent me to you... this is My eternal name, and this is how I am to be recalled for all generations'" (Exodus 3:14-15). Therefore, YHVH declares God's absolute being - the source of everything, without beginning and without end. Although some pronounce YHVH as "Jehovah" or "Yaweh," scholars really don't know the proper pronunciation. The Jews stopped pronouncing this name by about 200 A.D., out of fear of breaking the commandment "You shall not take the name of YHVH your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). (Today's rabbis typically use "Adonai" in place of YHVH.) Here are some examples of YHVH used in scripture: YHVH Elohim - LORD God: (Genesis 2:4). YHVH M'kadesh - The LORD Who Makes Holy: (Ezekiel 37:28). YHVH Yireh - The LORD Who Sees/provides: (Genesis 22:14). YHVH Nissi - The LORD My Banner: (Exodus 17:15). YHVH Shalom - The LORD Of Peace: (Judges 6:24). YHVH Tzidkaynu - The LORD Our Righteousness: (Jeremiah 33:16). YHVH O'saynu - The LORD our Maker: (Psalm 95:6).