The Shemittah Year
The Sabbath year (shmita Hebrew: literally "release") also called the sabbatical year or sheviit (Hebrew: literally "seventh") is the seventh year of the seven-year agricultural cycle and it's every seven years after that.
As soon as the Jews settled in the Holy Land, they began to count and observe seven-year cycles. Every cycle would culminate in a Sabbatical year, known as "Shemitah," literally: to release.
The year following the destruction of the second Holy Temple was the first year of the seven-year Sabbatical cycle. In the Jewish calendar, counting from Creation, this was year 3829, 68-69 CE in the secular calendar. By counting sevens from then, we see that the next shemitah year will be the year 5775 after Creation, which runs from Sept. 25, 2014 through Sept. 13, 2015.
Those who put their trust in G d were richly rewarded:
G-d, will command My blessing for you in the sixth year, and it will yield produce for three years. And you will sow in the eighth year, while still eating from the old crops. Until the ninth year, until the arrival of its crop, you will eat the old crop! -- Leviticus 25:21-22.
As well as giving the people an opportunity to put their faith in G-d and see it fulfilled, the yearlong abstention from farming also allowed them to collectively take a breather and focus on higher, more spiritual pursuits -- as the people packed the synagogues and study halls. Even today, when the vast majority of Jews are not involved in the farming industry, the lessons of Shemitah are very germane. During this holy year we are expected to concentrate more on our spiritual mission in life, and a little less on our material pursuits. More on why we are needed, less on what we need. More on faith in G d, less on faith in our own talents and wiles
The first cycle started after the fourteen years of conquering and dividing the land -- the fifteenth year after they crossed the Jordan River (1258 BCE).
While the Torah ordinarily counts months starting from Nissan (in the spring), the years of this cycle -- and the Shemitah, too -- begin with Rosh Hashanah, at the start of the autumn month of Tishrei.
When all the twelve tribes lived in Israel, in their ancestral estates, the year following seven complete Shemitah cycles – the fiftieth year – was observed as Yovel, the Jubilee year. During Yovel, too, the land was not worked, as during Shemitah. In addition, during the Yovel year all slaves were freed and all fields and houses sold during the past fifty years were returned to their original owners. Unlike Shemitah, however, the Yovel year is no longer observed.
the next Jubilee year the Hebrews say they are eagerly await the day when G d will bring their entire nation back to our homeland—including the ten “lost” tribes—and they will again resume observing the Jubilee year, as well as so many other mitzvot which they are incapable of performing until that awaited day.
9/11
Isaiah 9
[10] The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores’ are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
I’m off on a rabbit trail – Here is the outline of The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn; on how history repeats itself: He talks about 9 Harbinger (forerunners):
1. The Breach – the enemy let in causes the removal of G-d’s hedge).
Removed in 732 B.C. Politics to the economy to foreign affairs and idols, a nation outside the will of G-d, any notion of national security or invincibility is an illusion. Wake up call! Foreign policy forming strategic alliances.
The attack was a warning of a harbinger of judgment. America was instruments to give refuge to the world’s poor and needy, and hope to its appraised. Stand against tyranny, against the dark movements of the modern world.
September 11 a judgment from ruling G-d out, abolished prayer and Scripture in its public schools, removed the Ten Commandments from public view. Same when calamity came to ancient Israel; both the righteous and the unrighteous were touched by it. Both perished alike (How can the church think they got a free pass out?). The judgment was upon the nation, both in the private realm of individuals and the public realm of the nation.
2. The terrorist – Nimrod, 9th century B.E. the Assyrians were militaristic and made terror into a science, they had arrogant hearts sinking the land. The Assyrians were a Semitic people speaking Arabic. 9/11 terrorist used words and speech pattern that mirrored the Assyrians in 732 B.E. 9/11 attack was to draw America into military conflict, a global battle against terrorism, encompassing a war in Afghanistan and another in Iraq. Assyria is the same land as Iraq. When a nation turned from G-d, it looses its protective covering for it goes into spiritual slumber, silencing the alarm Isa. 9:10 happen in both times.
3. The bricks – a visible sign of the calamity and of the fact that the nation’s existence now rested on shaky ground. Collapse of buildings, the collapse of a kingdom and then of a civilization = Ground Zero.
The world trade center was a symbol of America’s economic power – proud, majestic, and towering. No nations is in vulnerable or exempt its power crashing down. In the first few days and weeks after 9/11, it seemed as if there might be a true national turning, a changing of course, an awakening – even a spiritual revival, that never came for there was no repentance, they did not recognize the deeper meaning.
4. The tower- There leaders vow, ‘We will rebuilt! Bigger, taller and stronger,’ this is the first sign of defiance. A new icon – the Freedom Tower.
5. The Gazit stone (hewn stone), carved out of mountain rock. After the attack, the nations vows to rebuild, not with clay bricks but stone. The gazit stone is, in reality, a symbol of a nation’s rejection of G-d’s calling. The stone is a sign of future calamity linking to the proclaiming of the vow. Misplaced confidence in itt own power to emerge stronger than before. The laying down of the gazit stone was one more link in a chain of judgment.
6. The Sycamore tree (fig mulberry tree). Cutting it down is a sign of warning – uprooting of a kingdom. In the ignoring of the warning becomes a prophecy of judgment. The English Sycamore was a translation of the harbinger.
7. The Erez tree (Cedar) is stronger than the sycamore and was a act of defiance. The cedar was exotic, straight, majestic and towering (over 100 feet). The cedar would stand strong against any future attack. The cedar is like a cone-bearing evergreen that is stronger then the first tree of hope. The second tree became a symbol of national resurgence, confidence and hope – embodies the nation’s defiance. 2003 trees was placed at ground zero.
8. The Utterance – Samaria was the nation’s capital city, the seat of government. For a vow to matter, it has to be spoken by the leaders: it had to be the nation’s official respond.
The two targets of 9/11 were New York City and Washington. A vow only matters if it represents the will or voice of the nation; it’s the nation’s response to G-d. And only the leaders can speak for the nation as a whole and set forth its future course. The nation’s leaders pronouncing judgment on their nation! The utterance would join the Assyrian invasion to 9/11. By the summer of 2004 every object mentionable in the ancient prophecy had manifested at ground zero.
The utterance would joint the Assyrian invasion to 9/11 and America’s post 9/11 defiance. The most prominent of American leaders had now proclaimed the ancient vow – one of the most obscure verses in the Bible and of the most warning.
9. The Prophecy of Isaiah – prophecy of judgment on the nation’s defiance and arrogance, and a warning a sign foretelling its future.
The Senator majority was prophesying by virtue of the office as a instrument to represent the nations future course. America choose the same course as that of ancient Israel, enact the same strategy and walk the same footsteps.
Now judgment can be set aside ----IF MY PEOPLE-----
Ahab & Jezebel Spirit
Characteristics of the Ahab Spirit and the Jezebel Spirit
[1 Kg. 16: 30] And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.
[31] And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.
The life of Ahab shows us principles to avoid. His life is a prime example of what a man should NOT be. Ahab considered the things of G-d as being trivial.
The ultimate goal of the Spirit of Ahab is the destruction of G-d ordained authority and responsibility in the Family and in the Body of the Church. A spirit of Ahab symbolizes the giving up of authority and the advocating of responsibility. The Ahab spirit primarily affects men in an attempt to destroy the male and his role of authority and responsibility to his mate and the church.
Working together the spirits of Ahab and Jezebel will quietly form a codependent relationship. Both will need to feed off each other in order to accomplish each one’s goals. Ahab held marriage in low esteem and his marriage to Jezebel proved to be a major factor in the eventual fall of the Omride dynasty. He had left the things of G-d to his wife to handle.
His spirit will often make truces instead of relationships. It speaks of a mind-set that avoids confrontation and denies fault. King Ahab was efficient and strong in manipulative and administrative powers. He was weak and indecisive in the face of his wife, for he had given his authority to his wife. The wife receives the Head position of the home because he refused to be it, for it took too much energy, he did not set a godly example to his wife and children.
Most people do not realize that if a home is out of order G-d will allow it to come under a curse, the end result of this neglect opens the door for rebellious spirits to enter. Too many men fail to provide spiritual leadership in their homes which forces the wife into headship, handing problems or making decisions that he should be taking care of. This is an issue of transferring of responsibilities and in doing this the man will be head responsible.
Passive versus Aggressive character traits:
Overmerciful versus overlegalistic.
Passive people like Ahab tend to be overmerciful, seeing the best in every person and overlooking too much. They forgive others too quickly (not making them aware of their offense) and also forgive people who have not asked for forgiveness and are not even remorseful. This almost certainly guarantees the abuser's continued behavior. Aggressive people like Jezebel are on the other extreme — harsh in their expectations and unforgiving when people do not meet their unrealistic expectations.
Walking away from a person versus walking over a person.
People with passive Ahab personalities quickly walk away in order to avoid conflict. They find it easier to push their feelings inside. On the other hand, people with aggressive personalities seem to have no concern or conscience about whom they step on and use, as long as they get their way.
Avoiding confrontation versus in-your-face confrontation.
Passive people avoid confrontation at all costs and will even blame themselves when others insult or betray them. However, aggressive people have no problem handing out insults and pushing blame on whomever they happen to choose. They have no regard for others' feelings, and will more or less tell you this.
Peacekeepers versus peacemakers.
Passive personalities are notorious for being peacekeepers. They want the temporary, immediate gratification of keeping the peace at any price rather than "making peace" by boldly dealing with the issues at hand, which would result in more permanent, long-term gratification.
Grumbling under one's breath versus open verbal abuse.
People with passive personalities will resent verbal assaults, but they will refuse to take the offender to task and stop the behavior. Instead, they usually walk away grumbling. Aggressive people feel free to openly vent, abuse others and tell them off. Just minutes later, they will act as if nothing happened, even though they have left resentful people with wounded hearts in their wake. Jezebel personalities are so self-centered that they do not even realize they have severely damaged the people who happened to be in their destructive path, and Ahab personalities leave others feeling responsible for them as victims.
Do not mind being wrong (if you'll approve of me) versus refusing ever to be wrong (I'll love you if you see things my way.
Passive people often have such a need for approval that they will take the blame for anything if they perceive it as winning them your acceptance. Aggressive people will love you until you disagree with them! Then that love becomes a destructive hatred for you, and they will even go to the point of trying to destroy you and your reputation.
Fear of nonacceptance versus fear of rejection.
While passive people will do almost anything to gain acceptance, aggressive people (who are always insecure and often wounded people) have a huge fear of rejection. Their actions come out of an "attack mode" because they are determined never to experience rejection again.
Low self-esteem (clothed in nice) versus low self-esteem (clothed in fear of more hurt).
Passive people are usually nice people — too nice. They have low self-worth and try to gain ground by winning acceptance. Aggressive people also have low self-esteem, but usually they are bold, arrogant and pushy — all in an effort (because of old wounds) to avoid more hurt.
Fear of what people think of me versus fear of people not agreeing with me.
The fear of man totally binds most passive people. They spend amazing amounts of energy trying to please everyone — even those they do not know or those who could not care less about them. Aggressive individuals, on the other hand, are so insecure that they see anyone who chooses to disagree with them as the enemy. Filled with their own insecurities, aggressive people perceive any type of correction as more rejection.
Anger directed inward versus anger directed toward others.
Passive people are notorious for directing anger and insults back at themselves. If something goes wrong, they simply blame themselves. They often have major anger issues and will ultimately become passive-aggressive. Aggressive people pour their anger out on anyone who is available. They rarely look at themselves because they are so convinced that they are right. These aggressive personalities are self-appointed figures who think one of their roles is to correct the rest of the world. Sometimes they are sarcastically referred to as "gods in training”.
Accepting blame too easily versus projecting blame (you made me do it).
Typically, passive people will quickly embrace blame in a situation in order to put everyone else at ease. While this is actually a kind of a false humility, passive people have the goal of making everyone happy again in order to increase their own self-worth. Like Jezebel, aggressive people will take blame for nothing! Even when caught in a wrong, their defense is, "You made me do it." "Yes, I robbed the bank, but it's your fault because you didn't give me enough money”.
http://www.propheciesofrevelation.org/jezebel9.php
G-d Punishes Nations
[Jeremiah 9:1] Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
[2] Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.
[3] And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
[4] Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.
[5] And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
[6] Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.
[7] Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?
[8] Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.
[9] Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
The prophet, being commissioned both to foretell the destruction coming upon Judah and Jerusalem and to point out the sin for which that destruction was brought upon them, here, as in America, what he said of both came from the heart, and therefore one would have thought it would reach to the heart.
While we find our hearts such fountains of sin, it is fit that our eyes should be fountains of tears, when we hear of the numbers of the slain in great battles and sieges we ought to be much affected with the intelligence, and not to make a light matter of it; though they be not of the daughter of our people, for whatever people they are of, they are of the same human nature with us, and there are so many precious lives lost, as dear to them as ours to us, and so many precious souls gone into eternity. We must not go out of the world, bad as it is, before our time.
Time was when the place which G-d had chosen to put His name {In G-d we trust) there was the desire and delight of good men. Men’s ignorance of G-d is the cause of all their ill conduct one towards another. deceitful; therefore there is little hope of one doing any good among them; for, make things ever so plain, they have some trick or other wherewith to shuffle off their convictions. Fair words, when they are not attended with good intentions, are despicable, those that will not know G-d as their Lawgiver shall be made to know Him as their judge. Repent and call upon His name before it is too late! Let us start walking in righteousness and holiness.
Daniel Interceding
Daniel interceding for Israel
Dan. 9:5] We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:
[6] Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
[7] O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
[8] O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.
[9] To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
[10] Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.
[11] Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.
[13] As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.
[14] Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.
[19] O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.
[24] Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
[25] Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
[26] And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
[27] And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
This was the Tribulation for Israel; we have not learned from their mistakes and we are heading for the Tribulation for the Gentiles. History repeats itself; we need to learn to live in righteousness obeying His Words and Laws before it is to late.
Fireproof your Marriage
THE LOVE DARE
40 Days Love Journey
Day 1: Love is patient
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
—Ephesians 4:2 NIV
TODAY’S DARE
The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It’s better to hold your tongue than to say something you’ll regret
Day 2: Love is kind
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
—Ephesians 4:32
TODAY’S DARE
In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.
Day 3: Love is not selfish
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. —Romans 12:10
TODAY’S DARE
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It’s hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, “I was thinking of you today.”
Day 4: Love is thoughtful
How precious also are Your thoughts to me. . . .How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
—Psalm 139:17–18
TODAY’S DARE
Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.
Day 5: Love is not rude
He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him. —Proverbs 27:14
TODAY’S DARE
Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.
Day 6: Love is not irritable
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.
—Proverbs 16:32
TODAY’S DARE
Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.
Day 7: Love believes the best
[Love] believes all things, hopes all things.
—1 Corinthians 13:7
TODAY’S DARE
For today’s dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.
Day 8: Love is not jealous
Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire.
—Song of Solomon 8:6 NIV
TODAY’S DARE
Determine to become your spouse’s biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday’s list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.
Day 9: Love makes good impressions
Greet one another with a kiss of love. —1 Peter 5:14
TODAY’S DARE Think of a specific way you’d like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.
Day 10: Love is unconditional
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
—Romans 5:8
TODAY’S DARE
Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse—something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.
Day 11: Love cherishes
Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.
—Ephesians 5:28
TODAY’S DARE
What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? Give a back rub or foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, “I cherish you” and do it with a smile.
Day 12: Love lets the other win
Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
—Philippians 2:4
TODAY’S DARE
Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.
Day 13: Love fights fair
If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
—Mark 3:25
TODAY’S DARE
Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to “fight” by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
Day 14: Love takes delight
Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life.
—Ecclesiastes 9:9 HCSB
TODAY’S DARE
Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they’d really like to work on. Just be together.
Day 15: Love is honorable
Live with your wives in an understanding way . . . and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.
—1 Peter 3:7
TODAY’S DARE
Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.
Day 16: Love intercedes
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
—3 John 2
TODAY’S DARE
Begin praying today for your spouse’s heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse’s life and in your marriage.
Day 17: Love promotes intimacy
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
—Proverbs 17:9 NIV
TODAY’S DARE
Determine to guard your mate’s secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.
Day 18: Love seeks to understand
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.
—Proverbs 3:13
TODAY’S DARE
Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas you’ve rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate.
Day 19: Love is impossible
Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
—1 John 4:7
TODAY’S DARE
Look back over the dares from previous days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask Him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.
Day 20: Love is Jesus Christ
While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
—Romans 5:6
TODAY’S DARE
Dare to take God at His Word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, “Lord Jesus, I’m a sinner. But You have shown Your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and You have proven Your power to save me from death by Your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by Your grace.”
Day 21: Love is satisfied in God
The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire.
—Isaiah 58:11
TODAY’S DARE
Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are thirty-one—a full month’s supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.
Day 22: Love is faithful
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord.
—Hosea 2:20
TODAY’S DARE
Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to these, “I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don’t love me in return.”
Day 23: Love always protects
[Love] always protects.
—1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV
TODAY’S DARE
Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that’s stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.
Day 24: Love vs. Lust
The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
—1 John 2:17
TODAY’S DARE
End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you’ve swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed—today—and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.
Day 25: Love forgives
What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ.
—2 Corinthians 2:10
TODAY’S DARE
Whatever you haven’t forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to “forgive us our debts” each day, we must ask Him to help us “forgive our debtors” each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, “I choose to forgive.”
Day 26: Love is responsible
When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things.
—Romans 2:1 HCSB
TODAY’S DARE
Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God’s forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
Day 27: Love encourages
Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
—Psalm 25:20
TODAY’S DARE
Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you’re expecting too much, and tell them you’re sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you’ll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.
Day 28: Love makes sacrifices
He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.
—1 John 3:16 HCSB
TODAY’S DARE
What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse’s life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.
Day 29: Love’s motivation
Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. —Ephesians 6:7 HCSB
TODAY’S DARE
Before you see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say “I love you,” then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person—unconditionally, the way He loves both of you.
Day 30: Love brings unity
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.
—John 17:11
TODAY’S DARE
Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
Day 31: Love and marriage
A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
—Genesis 2:24
TODAY’S DARE
Is there a “leaving” issue you haven’t been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.
Day 32: Love meets sexual needs
The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
—1 Corinthians 7:3
TODAY’S DARE
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about
they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.
Day 33: Love completes each other
If two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?
—Ecclesiastes 4:11
TODAY’S DARE
Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.
Day 34: Love celebrates godliness
[Love] does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.
—1 Corinthians 13:6
TODAY’S DARE
Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.
Day 35: Love is accountable
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
—Proverbs 15:22 NIV
TODAY’S DARE
Find a marriage mentor—someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.
Day 36: Love is God’s Word
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
—Psalm 119:105
TODAY’S DARE
Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock.
Day 37: Love agrees in prayer
If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father.
—Matthew 18:19
TODAY’S DARE
Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it’s in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don’t forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.
Day 38: Love fulfills dreams
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
—Psalm 37:4
TODAY’S DARE
Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.
Day 39: Love endures Love never fails.
—1 Corinthians 13:8
TODAY’S DARE
Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.
Day 40: Love is a covenant
Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
—Ruth 1:16
TODAY’S DARE
Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God’s eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate.
Wheels within Wheels
Ezekiel's Chariot
“Wheels within wheels" contains all the elements of lightning, fire, a whirlwind, and great noise that typically attend the great revelations of G-d's Word. It is the rolling thunder of G-d's Voice. The "noise of many waters" represents the many human voices of the prophets through whom G-d revealed His Word.
Ezekiel
[1:4] And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
[5] Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
[10] As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Searching the entire Bible for all verses that refer to a man, a lion, a calf or ox, and an eagle yields exactly three verses: two from Ezekiel 5-6, 10 and one from Revelation 4-6
13] As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
[14] And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.
[15] Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.
[16] The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
Wheel this is displayed on the partial image of the Wheel, where the green inner circle represents the Wheel of Revelation. Yet there is more. The phrase G-d used to open Revelation 4, based on the Name of the Fourth Letter, also forms a KeyLink to the Book of Ezekiel. There are two and only two verses in all the KJV that contains the phrase "Behold, a door" - Revelation 4.1 (above) and this from a vision given to Ezekiel.
[17] When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went.
[18] As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.
[19] And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.
[20] Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
They were the cherubim. His reference to them as a single "living creature" signifies their profound unity. All four looked identical, and like the inseparable "wheel in the middle of a wheel" associated with each, they were intertwined as one for "their wings were joined one to another" (Ezek 1:9). The image of G-d enthroned above or between the cherubim originates in the design of the Mercy Seat that He revealed to Moses (Ex. 25:18).
[21] When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
[22] And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
[23] And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
[24] And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
[25] And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
[26] And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Both Ezekiel and Revelation 4 describe the Throne of G-d as surrounded by a rainbow, and both use precious stones to describe the color. These are the only verses in all the Bible where G-d's Throne is described this way.
[27] And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
[28] As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
The appearance of the likeness of the glory of the L-RD) are numerically equivalent to the Name Y’Shua HaMashiach, which is Jesus Christ in Hebrew.
Ezek. 2:1] And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.
Num. [7:89] And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
[Ez. 2] And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.
[3] And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.
Consider the degree of integration going on here! Revelation 4, Ezekiel, the meaning of the Fourth Letter and even its numerical value are all deeply integrated! There is no end to G-d's Wisdom as revealed in His Holy Bible!
The differences between Ezekiel's vision and that of Revelation 4 are as important as their similarities. In Revelation, the Four Faces are separated and distributed amongst the Four Cherubim and the wheels are absent. These represent the Four Gospels in their traditional canonical order, and are listed by number as the first, second, third, and fourth. In contrast, Ezekiel reveals the Cherubim with Four Faces each. This signifies their composite unity – four aspects of one being. They simultaneously represent four aspects of the One L-rd Y’Shua HaMashiach, the Living Word, and four aspects of His Bible, the Written Word, that reveals Him to us. Each stands beside a huge wheel that has another wheel within it.
Ezekiel's Chariot
“Wheels within wheels" contains all the elements of lightning, fire, a whirlwind, and great noise that typically attend the great revelations of G-d's Word. It is the rolling thunder of G-d's Voice. The "noise of many waters" represents the many human voices of the prophets through whom G-d revealed His Word.
Ezekiel
[1:4] And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
[5] Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
[10] As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Searching the entire Bible for all verses that refer to a man, a lion, a calf or ox, and an eagle yields exactly three verses: two from Ezekiel 5-6, 10 and one from Revelation 4-6
13] As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
[14] And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.
[15] Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.
[16] The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
Wheel this is displayed on the partial image of the Wheel, where the green inner circle represents the Wheel of Revelation. Yet there is more. The phrase G-d used to open Revelation 4, based on the Name of the Fourth Letter, also forms a KeyLink to the Book of Ezekiel. There are two and only two verses in all the KJV that contains the phrase "Behold, a door" - Revelation 4.1 (above) and this from a vision given to Ezekiel.
[17] When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went.
[18] As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.
[19] And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.
[20] Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
They were the cherubim. His reference to them as a single "living creature" signifies their profound unity. All four looked identical, and like the inseparable "wheel in the middle of a wheel" associated with each, they were intertwined as one for "their wings were joined one to another" (Ezek 1:9). The image of G-d enthroned above or between the cherubim originates in the design of the Mercy Seat that He revealed to Moses (Ex. 25:18).
[21] When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
[22] And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
[23] And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
[24] And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
[25] And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
[26] And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Both Ezekiel and Revelation 4 describe the Throne of G-d as surrounded by a rainbow, and both use precious stones to describe the color. These are the only verses in all the Bible where G-d's Throne is described this way.
[27] And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
[28] As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
The appearance of the likeness of the glory of the L-RD) are numerically equivalent to the Name Y’Shua HaMashiach, which is Jesus Christ in Hebrew.
Ezek. 2:1] And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.
Num. [7:89] And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
[Ez. 2] And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.
[3] And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.
Consider the degree of integration going on here! Revelation 4, Ezekiel, the meaning of the Fourth Letter and even its numerical value are all deeply integrated! There is no end to G-d's Wisdom as revealed in His Holy Bible!
The differences between Ezekiel's vision and that of Revelation 4 are as important as their similarities. In Revelation, the Four Faces are separated and distributed amongst the Four Cherubim and the wheels are absent. These represent the Four Gospels in their traditional canonical order, and are listed by number as the first, second, third, and fourth. In contrast, Ezekiel reveals the Cherubim with Four Faces each. This signifies their composite unity – four aspects of one being. They simultaneously represent four aspects of the One L-rd Y’Shua HaMashiach, the Living Word, and four aspects of His Bible, the Written Word, that reveals Him to us. Each stands beside a huge wheel that has another wheel within it.
Fill In The Blank & Recite
John 1
[4] In Jesus was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness understand it not.
[6] There was a servant sent from God, whose name was ________.
Mark 11
[22] I Have faith in God.
[23] For verily Jesus said unto me, That what I shall say unto a problem, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in my heart, but I shall believe that those things which Jesus said shall come to pass; I shall have whatsoever I say, that lines up with Him.
[24] Therefore Jesus said unto me, what things so ever I desire, when I pray, believe that I receive them, and I shall have them.
[25] And when I stand praying, forgive, if I have a problem against anyone: so that my Father also which is in heaven may forgive me my short comings.
Daniel 1
[17] As for me, God gave me knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and had understanding in all visions and dreams.
[20] And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that is inquired of me, I will be found ten times better than all in all my realm.
Phoenix Bird
The Origin of the Phoenix Symbol
A mythical bird of great beauty fabled to live 500 or 600 years in the Arabian wilderness, to burn itself on a funeral pyre, and to rise from its ashes in the freshness of youth and live through another cycle of years: often an emblem of immortality or of reborn idealism or hope.
The story of the phoenix begins in ancient Egyptian mythology and was later developed in the Phoenician, Indian and Greek traditions. The phoenix is a sacred firebird with beautiful feathers of gold and red or purple and blue. A phoenix lives for 500-1,000 years and then builds itself a nest of myrrh twigs. The nest of myrrh and the phoenix burn fiercely until they are reduced to ashes. Myrrh is a resinous sap that releases heavy, bitter-smelling smoke when ignited. Myrrh was used by the ancient Egyptians to embalm the dead and was also burned as a religious sacrifice. Historically, myrrh has often been worth more than its weight in gold.
The Phoenix as a Symbol of RebirthAfter this purification, a phoenix egg or a young bird appears, renewing the life cycle of the bird and making the phoenix virtually immortal and invincible. The phoenix also has the ability to regenerate itself when wounded. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the phoenix is a stork-like bird called the “benu”. Bennu probably derives from the word weben, meaning "rise" or "shine." (Out of ashes to beauty).
Legends also speak of the phoenix—a bird of beauty from the first paradise.
The phoenix legend commemorates a bird that was raised to new life out of the
ashes of fire. Some think it is only a myth, but the phoenix bird is mentioned in
the Book of Job. The Hebrew word KHOL has two meanings. Many translations
say sand but it can also be translated phoenix bird. In this corrected translation
it is indicating resurrection hope.
Job 29:18,Then I thought, ‘I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days like the phoenix.’
Strong's Number H2344 matches the Hebrew חוֹל (chowl ),which occurs 23 times in 23 verses in the Hebrew concordance of the KJV
Job is recalling the fire phoenix legend, wherein the phoenix bird dies in fire
and rises to new life from the ashes of death. Job is comparing himself to a bird
that dies in the nest—only to rise again at a future time just like the phoenix bird.
The phoenix is therefore a symbol of future resurrection to new life ( Out of ashes to beauty). We know anything that advances G-d’s purpose is possible. G-d can create life when He chooses—green herb, animal, human, or spirit. Any new-life from non-life is a divine act of creation, whether a first-creation or a later (resurrection). The phoenix bird can be explained as G-d’s prophetic symbol of future resurrection. From the beginning G-d has done miracles in all ages, more than was ever written in the Bible or in any other book.
Job 5:8-9, As for me, I would seek G-d, and to G-d I would commit my cause.
He does great things and unsearchable, marvellous things without number.
John 21:25, But there are also many other things that Y’Shua did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
The phoenix was one of G-d’s creations from the beginning. Animals do not have resurrection power in themselves but they can be resurrected from death if G-d chooses—just like humans, there will be animals in heaven. G-d has chosen to resurrect a phoenix bird to serve as a resurrection hope and inspiration for all of humanity everywhere.
Phoenix in chapter 25 of the First Epistle of Clement: Let us consider that wonderful sign of the resurrection which takes place in Eastern lands, that is, in Arabia and the countries round about. There is a certain bird which is called a phoenix. This is the only one of its kind, and lives five hundred years. And when the time of its dissolution draws near that it must die, it builds itself a nest of frankincense, and myrrh, and other spices, into which, when the time is fulfilled, it enters and dies. But as the flesh decays a certain kind of worm is produced, which, being nourished by the juices of the dead bird, brings forth feathers. Then, when it has acquired strength, it takes up that nest in which are the bones of its parent, and bearing these it passes from the land of Arabia into Egypt, to the city called Heliopolis.
The Jews believe that the phoenix was the only creature who refrained itself from eating the forbidden fruit and it did so by setting itself on fire. Because it preferred to die than to sin, it was risen from its ashes after 3 days, signifying winning over temptation and renewing itself from sacrifice
The phoenix signifies rebirth or a new beginning which is derived from the ashes of the past. The dying and rising after 3 days is also very similar to the resurrection of Y’Shua HaMashiach. The fire represents death and turbulence, and the rising phoenix bird symbolizes victory over death or the troubles of life! Also represents rebirth/resurrection/new beginning, which means no matter how difficult the past might have been for you, no matter how many difficult situations you would have gone through, no matter how many people or situations have tried to break you down, you still emerge as a winner defeating all the challenges of life!
Search Me & Know Me
[Ps. 139:1] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. All the motions and actions both of our inward and of our outward man are naked and open before him.
[2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. He confesses that neither our actions, thoughts or any part of our life can be hid from G-d. G-d knows me and all my motions, my downsitting to rest, my uprising to work, with what temper of mind I compose myself when I sit down and stir up myself when I rise up
[3]Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. G-d knows me when I come home, how I walk before my house, and on what errands I go. G-d takes notice of every step we take, every right step and every by-step. He is acquainted with all our ways, he knows what rule we walk by, what end we walk towards, what company we walk with.
[4] For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. The L-rd knows all my imaginations; He knows my meaning before I speak. Not a vain word, nor a good word, but knows what it meant, from what thought it came, and with what design it was uttered, for thoughts are words to G-d. "Thou understandest them from afar; from the height of heaven thou seest into the depths of the heart,’’ Ps. 33:14. When I am withdrawn from all company, and am reflecting upon what has passed all day and composing myself to rest, G-d knows what I have in my heart and with what thought I go to bed
[5] Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. G-d so guides me with His hand, that I can turn no way, but where He appoint me. Wherever we are we are under the eye and hand of G-d.
[6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. G-d hast such knowledge of me as I have not of myself, nor can have. I cannot take notice of all my own thoughts, nor make such a judgment of myself as He has made of me.
[7] Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? From G-d’s power and knowledge, for G-d is everywhere.
[8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
[9] If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
[10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. G-d’s power holds me so fast that there is no way I can escape from Him. [
11] If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Though darkness is a hindrance to man’s sight, yet is serves G-d’s eyes as well as the light.
[12] Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. No deceitful mask or disguise can save any person or action from appearing in a true light before G-d. Secret sins are as open before G-d. [13] For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. My reins; G-d is Master of my most secret thoughts and intentions, and the innermost recesses of my soul; thou not only knowest, but governs, them. My mother’s womb - in the forming, and un-sharpen embryo, was not hidden from G-d; His eyes did see my substance. G-d has made me in all parts and therefore must know me.
[14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Considering G-d’s wonderful work in forming me, I cannot but praise Him and fear His mighty power.
[15] My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. That is, in my mother’s womb so privately and so far out of sight.
[16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. All the days ordained for me were written IN YOUR BOOK before one of them came to be’. Here is a verse which prophetically symbolizes Israel, declaring that ‘all the days’ were written in the book! The Jerusalem Bible is equally astounding; ‘You have scrutinized my every action, all were recorded in your book, my days listed and determined, even before the first of them occurred.’ My members – is not part of the original Hebrew Scriptures. They were added by the translators. It was to be days. Reading: “in thy book all my days were written, which in continuance Chorological order) were fashioned when as yet there was none of them.] Seeing that G-d knew me before I was composed of either flesh or bone, much more now must G-d know me when G-d have fashioned me.
[17] How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! G-d, who knew me, thought of me, and His thoughts towards me were thoughts of love, thought of good, and not of evil, Jer. 29:11. We cannot conceive how many G-d’s kind counsels have been concerning us, how many good turns He has done us, and what variety of mercies we have received from Him.
[18] If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. I continually see new opportunity to meditate in G-d’s wisdom, and to praise Him. It would help to keep us in the fear of the L-rd all the day long if, when we awake in the morning, and our first thoughts were of Him and we did then set Him before us.]
[19] Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. [Depart from me, you bloody men; you shall not debauch me, for I will not admit your friendship nor have fellowship with you; and you cannot destroy me, for, I am under G-d’s protection, He shall force you to depart from me.’’
[20] For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. They set their mouth against the heavens (Ps. 73:9), and shall be called to account for the hard speeches they have spoken against Him, Jude 15. They are His enemies, and declare their enmity by taking His name in vain.
[21] Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? He teaches us boldly to contemn all the hatred of the wicked and friendship of the world, when they would prevent us from serving Him sincerely.
[22] I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Sin is hated, and sinners are lamented, by all that fear G-d. "I hate them’’ (that is, "I hate the work of them that turn aside,’’ Ps. 101:3) "with a sincere and perfect hatred; I count those that are enemies to G-d as enemies to me, and will not have any intimacy with them,’’ Ps. 69:8.
[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: I desire that as far as I maybe in the wrong, G-d would show it to me. [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Or any terrible or rebellious way: meaning that though I am subject to sin, yet I may not give to wickedness, and to provoke G-d by rebellion. The way of godliness is an everlasting way; it is everlastingly true and good, pleasing to G-d and profitable to us, and will end in everlasting life.
[2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. He confesses that neither our actions, thoughts or any part of our life can be hid from G-d. G-d knows me and all my motions, my downsitting to rest, my uprising to work, with what temper of mind I compose myself when I sit down and stir up myself when I rise up
[3]Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. G-d knows me when I come home, how I walk before my house, and on what errands I go. G-d takes notice of every step we take, every right step and every by-step. He is acquainted with all our ways, he knows what rule we walk by, what end we walk towards, what company we walk with.
[4] For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. The L-rd knows all my imaginations; He knows my meaning before I speak. Not a vain word, nor a good word, but knows what it meant, from what thought it came, and with what design it was uttered, for thoughts are words to G-d. "Thou understandest them from afar; from the height of heaven thou seest into the depths of the heart,’’ Ps. 33:14. When I am withdrawn from all company, and am reflecting upon what has passed all day and composing myself to rest, G-d knows what I have in my heart and with what thought I go to bed
[5] Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. G-d so guides me with His hand, that I can turn no way, but where He appoint me. Wherever we are we are under the eye and hand of G-d.
[6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. G-d hast such knowledge of me as I have not of myself, nor can have. I cannot take notice of all my own thoughts, nor make such a judgment of myself as He has made of me.
[7] Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? From G-d’s power and knowledge, for G-d is everywhere.
[8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
[9] If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
[10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. G-d’s power holds me so fast that there is no way I can escape from Him. [
11] If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Though darkness is a hindrance to man’s sight, yet is serves G-d’s eyes as well as the light.
[12] Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. No deceitful mask or disguise can save any person or action from appearing in a true light before G-d. Secret sins are as open before G-d. [13] For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. My reins; G-d is Master of my most secret thoughts and intentions, and the innermost recesses of my soul; thou not only knowest, but governs, them. My mother’s womb - in the forming, and un-sharpen embryo, was not hidden from G-d; His eyes did see my substance. G-d has made me in all parts and therefore must know me.
[14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Considering G-d’s wonderful work in forming me, I cannot but praise Him and fear His mighty power.
[15] My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. That is, in my mother’s womb so privately and so far out of sight.
[16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. All the days ordained for me were written IN YOUR BOOK before one of them came to be’. Here is a verse which prophetically symbolizes Israel, declaring that ‘all the days’ were written in the book! The Jerusalem Bible is equally astounding; ‘You have scrutinized my every action, all were recorded in your book, my days listed and determined, even before the first of them occurred.’ My members – is not part of the original Hebrew Scriptures. They were added by the translators. It was to be days. Reading: “in thy book all my days were written, which in continuance Chorological order) were fashioned when as yet there was none of them.] Seeing that G-d knew me before I was composed of either flesh or bone, much more now must G-d know me when G-d have fashioned me.
[17] How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! G-d, who knew me, thought of me, and His thoughts towards me were thoughts of love, thought of good, and not of evil, Jer. 29:11. We cannot conceive how many G-d’s kind counsels have been concerning us, how many good turns He has done us, and what variety of mercies we have received from Him.
[18] If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. I continually see new opportunity to meditate in G-d’s wisdom, and to praise Him. It would help to keep us in the fear of the L-rd all the day long if, when we awake in the morning, and our first thoughts were of Him and we did then set Him before us.]
[19] Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. [Depart from me, you bloody men; you shall not debauch me, for I will not admit your friendship nor have fellowship with you; and you cannot destroy me, for, I am under G-d’s protection, He shall force you to depart from me.’’
[20] For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. They set their mouth against the heavens (Ps. 73:9), and shall be called to account for the hard speeches they have spoken against Him, Jude 15. They are His enemies, and declare their enmity by taking His name in vain.
[21] Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? He teaches us boldly to contemn all the hatred of the wicked and friendship of the world, when they would prevent us from serving Him sincerely.
[22] I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Sin is hated, and sinners are lamented, by all that fear G-d. "I hate them’’ (that is, "I hate the work of them that turn aside,’’ Ps. 101:3) "with a sincere and perfect hatred; I count those that are enemies to G-d as enemies to me, and will not have any intimacy with them,’’ Ps. 69:8.
[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: I desire that as far as I maybe in the wrong, G-d would show it to me. [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Or any terrible or rebellious way: meaning that though I am subject to sin, yet I may not give to wickedness, and to provoke G-d by rebellion. The way of godliness is an everlasting way; it is everlastingly true and good, pleasing to G-d and profitable to us, and will end in everlasting life.
Mystery Babylon
[Ps. 137:1] By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
[2] We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
[3] For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. [4] How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land? This psalm appears to be written as a prelude to 138-145. the prophecy begins here with the introduction of Mystery Babylon, thus introducing seven years of Tribulation and concluding with the glorious appearing of the Messiah in Psalm 144, followed by a psalm of praise (145). Psalms 138-145 were written by David. Though Psalm 137 was not authored by him, it nevertheless sets the stage for those events predicted in David’s psalms. The prophetic implications appear to be both progressive and chronological. This psalm addresses the subject of the Babylonian captivity following the destruction of Solomon’s Temple with strong prophetic implications to Babylon’s future mystery daughter, Babylon the Great. Prophetically, the lament of the 144,000 can be seen in verses 5-7:
[5] If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
[6] If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
[7] Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. The memory of the Temple’s destruction is kept alive in every facet of Jewish life. A Jewish home has at least one unpainted rick or board. Every garment has one small part soiled. At every wedding a glass is broken-all to keep the remembrance of a destroyed Temple. Prophetically, a restoration of Temple worship will be forthcoming at or near the beginning of the Tribulation. The Tabernacle of David will be set up on the Temple site (Amos 9:11-12). According to prophets there is at least one more desecration of the Temple site-the abomination of desolation. It is ironic that Edom is mentioned here, for that will be the destination of the fleeing 144,000 when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies and the antichrist commits the abomination that makes the Temple Mount desolate. The Babylonian Captivity set the stage for the ‘Times of the Gentiles’ - a term used to describe, the great world empires which, having begun with Babylon, will end with her mystery daughter, Babylon the Great.
[8] O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Mystery Babylon may be the capital of the antichrist. The great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:18), will be destroyed sometime during the Tribulation. By the middle of those seven years the antichrist will move to Jerusalem and take over the government. He will enter the Temple Mount, establish his throne, and claim to be the Messiah. He will demand a mark be accepted in the right hand or forehead of every person on earth as a medium of exchange in the marketplace. From that point, however, his kingdom will began to deteriorate-ending in the Battle of Armageddon.
[9] Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. 8-9 This psalm is just one of six psalms that are generally classified as imprecatory psalms. These are Psalms 55, 59, 69, 79, 109, and 137. There is no author or title to Ps. 137; the scene is pictured as taking place by the river Babylon. Ps. 79 is ascribed to Asaph; the remaining four are from David’s pen, according to the ancient psalm titles. The label imprecatory may be misleading if it is not used to denote its more proper sense of invoking judgment, calamity or curse in an appeal to G-d who alone is the judge of all believers. These invocations are not mere outbursts of a vengeful spirit; they are prayers addressed to the Father. These earnest pleading to G-d ask that He step in and right some matters so grossly distorted that if His held does not come all hope for justice is lost. These are legitimate expressions of longings of OT saints for the vindication that only G-d’s righteousness can bring. They are not statements of personal vendetta, but they are utterances of zeal for the kingdom of G-d and His glory. To be sure, the attacks, which provoked these prayers, were not from personal enemies; rather, they were rightfully seen as attacks against G-d and especially His representatives in the promised line of the Messiah. Thus, David and his office bore the brunt of most of these attacks, and this was tantamount to an attack on G-d and His kingdom! These prayers were the fierce hatred of sin from those who wanted to see G-d’s name and cause victory. Therefore, those whom the saints oppose in these prayers were the fearful byword of wickedness, and praying for G-d speedily to vindicate their own honor and name. In almost every instance, each expression used in one of these prayers of malediction may be found in plain prose statements of what will happen to those sinners who persist in opposing G-d. Happy is used altogether twenty-six times in the book of Psalms. It is used only of individuals who trust G-d. It is not an expression of a sadistic joy in the ruin or destruction of others. It means that G-d will destroy Babylon and her progeny for her proud assault against Him and His kingdom. But those who trust in Him will be blessed and happy. For those who groaned under the terrifying hand of their captors in Babylon there was the prospect of a sweet, divine victory that they would share in as sons and daughters of the living G-d. Dasheth thy little ones against the stones – is usually regarded as being so contrary to the teachings of the NT., but these words are repeated by Y’Shua in Lk. 19:44. The verb in its Greek form is found only in here, the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew text and in the lament of Luke. Y’Shua found no more difficulty in quoting this psalm than He did in quoting the other two psalms most filled with prayers of imprecation, namely, 69 and 109. Little ones – the Hebrew word does no specify age, for it may mean a very young or a grown child. The word focuses on a relationship and not on age; as such, it points to the fact that the sins of the fathers were being repeated in the next generation. That the psalmist has located the site of G-d’s judgment in Babylon not only appears to denote this psalm as being composed while Judah was in exile in Babylon but also that there are figurative elements included in this psalm. One thing Babylon was devoid of was rocks or rocky cliffs against which anything could be dashed. In fact there were not any stones available for building, contrary to the rocky terrain of most of Palestine. All building had to depend on the production of sun-dried mud bricks and the use of bituminous pitch for mortar. Therefore when the psalmist speaks of dashing little ones against the rocks, he is speaking figuratively and metaphorically. Close to this metaphorical use of the same phrase is that of 141:6, ‘their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs.’ But that same psalm adds, ‘and the wicked will learn that My words were well spoken (the literal rendering is sweet).’ If the rulers had been tossed over a cliff, they surely would have had a hard time hearing anything! The point remains: these psalms of cursing do not contain ‘wicked or immoral’ requests or desires. They only plead with G-d that He not let the office of the Messiah or His kingdom be trampled underfoot by the arrogant despisers of those who currently hold that office and throne.
[2] We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
[3] For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. [4] How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land? This psalm appears to be written as a prelude to 138-145. the prophecy begins here with the introduction of Mystery Babylon, thus introducing seven years of Tribulation and concluding with the glorious appearing of the Messiah in Psalm 144, followed by a psalm of praise (145). Psalms 138-145 were written by David. Though Psalm 137 was not authored by him, it nevertheless sets the stage for those events predicted in David’s psalms. The prophetic implications appear to be both progressive and chronological. This psalm addresses the subject of the Babylonian captivity following the destruction of Solomon’s Temple with strong prophetic implications to Babylon’s future mystery daughter, Babylon the Great. Prophetically, the lament of the 144,000 can be seen in verses 5-7:
[5] If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
[6] If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
[7] Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. The memory of the Temple’s destruction is kept alive in every facet of Jewish life. A Jewish home has at least one unpainted rick or board. Every garment has one small part soiled. At every wedding a glass is broken-all to keep the remembrance of a destroyed Temple. Prophetically, a restoration of Temple worship will be forthcoming at or near the beginning of the Tribulation. The Tabernacle of David will be set up on the Temple site (Amos 9:11-12). According to prophets there is at least one more desecration of the Temple site-the abomination of desolation. It is ironic that Edom is mentioned here, for that will be the destination of the fleeing 144,000 when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies and the antichrist commits the abomination that makes the Temple Mount desolate. The Babylonian Captivity set the stage for the ‘Times of the Gentiles’ - a term used to describe, the great world empires which, having begun with Babylon, will end with her mystery daughter, Babylon the Great.
[8] O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Mystery Babylon may be the capital of the antichrist. The great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:18), will be destroyed sometime during the Tribulation. By the middle of those seven years the antichrist will move to Jerusalem and take over the government. He will enter the Temple Mount, establish his throne, and claim to be the Messiah. He will demand a mark be accepted in the right hand or forehead of every person on earth as a medium of exchange in the marketplace. From that point, however, his kingdom will began to deteriorate-ending in the Battle of Armageddon.
[9] Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. 8-9 This psalm is just one of six psalms that are generally classified as imprecatory psalms. These are Psalms 55, 59, 69, 79, 109, and 137. There is no author or title to Ps. 137; the scene is pictured as taking place by the river Babylon. Ps. 79 is ascribed to Asaph; the remaining four are from David’s pen, according to the ancient psalm titles. The label imprecatory may be misleading if it is not used to denote its more proper sense of invoking judgment, calamity or curse in an appeal to G-d who alone is the judge of all believers. These invocations are not mere outbursts of a vengeful spirit; they are prayers addressed to the Father. These earnest pleading to G-d ask that He step in and right some matters so grossly distorted that if His held does not come all hope for justice is lost. These are legitimate expressions of longings of OT saints for the vindication that only G-d’s righteousness can bring. They are not statements of personal vendetta, but they are utterances of zeal for the kingdom of G-d and His glory. To be sure, the attacks, which provoked these prayers, were not from personal enemies; rather, they were rightfully seen as attacks against G-d and especially His representatives in the promised line of the Messiah. Thus, David and his office bore the brunt of most of these attacks, and this was tantamount to an attack on G-d and His kingdom! These prayers were the fierce hatred of sin from those who wanted to see G-d’s name and cause victory. Therefore, those whom the saints oppose in these prayers were the fearful byword of wickedness, and praying for G-d speedily to vindicate their own honor and name. In almost every instance, each expression used in one of these prayers of malediction may be found in plain prose statements of what will happen to those sinners who persist in opposing G-d. Happy is used altogether twenty-six times in the book of Psalms. It is used only of individuals who trust G-d. It is not an expression of a sadistic joy in the ruin or destruction of others. It means that G-d will destroy Babylon and her progeny for her proud assault against Him and His kingdom. But those who trust in Him will be blessed and happy. For those who groaned under the terrifying hand of their captors in Babylon there was the prospect of a sweet, divine victory that they would share in as sons and daughters of the living G-d. Dasheth thy little ones against the stones – is usually regarded as being so contrary to the teachings of the NT., but these words are repeated by Y’Shua in Lk. 19:44. The verb in its Greek form is found only in here, the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew text and in the lament of Luke. Y’Shua found no more difficulty in quoting this psalm than He did in quoting the other two psalms most filled with prayers of imprecation, namely, 69 and 109. Little ones – the Hebrew word does no specify age, for it may mean a very young or a grown child. The word focuses on a relationship and not on age; as such, it points to the fact that the sins of the fathers were being repeated in the next generation. That the psalmist has located the site of G-d’s judgment in Babylon not only appears to denote this psalm as being composed while Judah was in exile in Babylon but also that there are figurative elements included in this psalm. One thing Babylon was devoid of was rocks or rocky cliffs against which anything could be dashed. In fact there were not any stones available for building, contrary to the rocky terrain of most of Palestine. All building had to depend on the production of sun-dried mud bricks and the use of bituminous pitch for mortar. Therefore when the psalmist speaks of dashing little ones against the rocks, he is speaking figuratively and metaphorically. Close to this metaphorical use of the same phrase is that of 141:6, ‘their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs.’ But that same psalm adds, ‘and the wicked will learn that My words were well spoken (the literal rendering is sweet).’ If the rulers had been tossed over a cliff, they surely would have had a hard time hearing anything! The point remains: these psalms of cursing do not contain ‘wicked or immoral’ requests or desires. They only plead with G-d that He not let the office of the Messiah or His kingdom be trampled underfoot by the arrogant despisers of those who currently hold that office and throne.
King Hezekiah
The Psalms of Ascent 120-134:
A veil of sadness hung over the city of Jerusalem. There was no singing in the Temple. There was no joy in the streets. The beloved King Hezekiah was dying. He had been a godly ruler and had brought spiritual revival to the country. Idolatry had been put away, and the worship of Jehovah had been encouraged.
Some months before, Jerusalem had been under siege by Sennacherib, the Assyrian king. But because of the prayer life of King Hezekiah, G-d had destroyed the Assyrian forces and had kept the nation free. Now Hezekiah was sick, and the prophet Isaiah had the difficult task of telling the king to set his house in order, for he would not survive.
The sadness over the sickness of the king was compounded by the fact that he did not have a son to succeed him on the throne. With the death of Hezekiah, the royal lineage of the house of David would come an end. But Hezekiah was a godly king, and he knew how to pray.
When news of his impending death reached him, he turned his face to the wall and with tears called upon the G-d who had sustained him through some of the most dramatic moments in history of the kingdom. He reminded the Father of his faithfulness and asked that he might be granted a miracle, He wanted to live. This shows us the Father hears our prayers and loves His faithful students. 2 Kg. 20:5 G-d had granted the godly king another fifteen years to live!
As was the custom in the days of he prophets, Hezekiah asked for a sign to prove the word he had received from Isaiah – the sign was the shadow return backward ten degrees (2 Kg. 20:9-10. It is believed from that day forward, to the astonishment of all the world, the length of the year was changed from 360 days to 365 ¼ days.
The rabbis wrote that Hezekiah changed the calendar in the fifteen remaining years of his life, adding one month to the calendar every six years. It has also been recorded that the Romans and the Egyptians changed their calendars to account for the lengthened year.
Hezekiah composed ten sons to compare with the ten degrees on the sun dial and added to them four songs written by David and one by Solomon to set the total number at fifteen. Those fifteen songs chosen by the recovered Hezekiah are recorded in Psalms 120-134. They are called the ‘Songs of the Degrees.’ So named because of the ten degrees of the sun dial, they are also called the ‘Psalms of Ascent,’ for they were sung by the priesthood as they ascended the fifteen steps of the Temple each year during the Feast of Tabernacles.
It is believed these songs also contain five prophetic prayers of a dispersed Israel.
1. There is a prayer for the restoration of the land to the Jews which corresponds with Genesis.
2. There is a prayer for the restoration of the Jews to their land which corresponds with Exodus.
3. There is a prayer for deliverance from tribulation which corresponds with Leviticus.
4. There is a prayer for deliverance from tribulation which corresponds with Numbers.
5. There is a prayer for the coming of the Messiah to establish a kingdom of peace which corresponds with Deuteronomy.
These fifteen psalms are compiled in five sets of three psalms each. The first psalm in each group offers a cry of distress; the second psalm declares a trust in the L-rd; and the third psalm promises deliverance, blessing, and peace. Furthermore, these five sets follow an outline given in the five divisions of the Psalms:
Ps. 120-122 represent a Genesis period
Ps. 123-125 represent a Exodus period.
Ps. 126-128 represent a Leviticus period.
Ps. 129-131 represent a Numbers period.
Ps. 132-134 represent a Deuteronomy period.
In so doing, they offer a prophetic overview of the events of the last generation, read and learn.
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