efei<\/p>\n
\u00a0The prophets had even more specific things to say about the Ma\u2019aseyah\u2019s birth than that He would come \u201cfrom the seed of a woman\u201d <\/strong>(Bare\u2019syth<\/em> 3), that He would be \u201cvirgin born\u201d<\/strong> (Yasha\u2019yahuw 7), that He would be \u201cfrom the seed of Abraham\u201d<\/strong> (Bare\u2019syth<\/em> 12), or \u201ca descendant of Dowd\u201d<\/strong> (2 Shamow\u2019el 7). We were told more than \u201ca Son would be given to us called God Almighty and the Eternal Father\u201d<\/strong> (Yasha\u2019yah 9 and Mizmowr 2), or that \u201cYahowah exists as Yahowsha\u2019\u201d<\/strong> (Yasha\u2019yah 12). We were told more than the Ma\u2019aseyah\u2019s, \u201cglorious presence and manifestation of power,\u201d<\/strong> would be \u201cthe person of Yahowah revealed and made known for all mankind to observe, consider and learn from, the only begotten son of God\u201d<\/strong> (Yasha\u2019yah 40). Prophecy tells us more than the approximate time the Ma\u2019aseyah had to be born so as to be at least thirty years of age prior to the fulfillment of the \u201c490 prophetic years after the decree to rebuild the city,\u201d<\/strong> so that He could be \u201ccut down, but not for Himself\u201d<\/strong> as an adult during Passover in 33 CE (Dany\u2019el 9). We know more than \u201cbefore the scepter departed from Yahuwdah\u201d<\/strong> (Bare\u2019syth<\/em> 49) the Ma\u2019aseyah would arrive. We know more than the Ma\u2019aseyah \u201cwould arise from the wilderness,\u201d<\/strong> at \u201cthe voice of a herald preparing the way\u201d<\/strong> (Yasha\u2019yah 40 and Mal\u2019aky 3:1). Yes, we were told even more than the names of His forefathers, His Father, His relationship, His nature, His purpose, His name, and His time.<\/p>\n We were also told that He would \u201ccome forth from the stem of Jesse\u201d <\/strong>(Yasha\u2019yahuw 11:1), be \u201cborn in Bethlehem\u201d <\/strong>(Mykyah \/ Micah 5:2), during a time \u201cinnocents would be slaughtered\u201d<\/strong> (Yirmayahuw 31:15), prompting Him to \u201cflee to Egypt\u201d<\/strong> (Howsha\u2019 11:1). Yahowah often reveals different aspects of a future event as important as the Ma\u2019aseyah\u2019s salvation advent with separate brush strokes so as to complete a picture that can be viewed from many perspectives. This kind of testimony is complementary, not contradictory. Each prophet is telling us what they saw at the scene. They never claim to have told us everything; on the contrary, they themselves often seem unaware of the significance of what they\u2019ve witnessed or heard.<\/p>\n A good example of this principle is the considerable body of prophecies concerning the Ma\u2019aseyah\u2019s youth. Micah said he would come from Bethlehem Ephrathah\u2014Dowd\u2019s home town, a few miles south of Jerusalem. Hosea predicted that he would be \u201ccalled out of Egypt.\u201d<\/strong> Yasha\u2019yahuw, in the 11th<\/sup> chapter, referred to Him as a netser<\/em>, or shoot, phonetically related to the Galilean town, Nazareth. That is why Matthew points out that He was expected<\/em> to be a Nazarene in addition to being born in Bethlehem, and being called out of Egypt. The three prophecies that appear contradictory, are not. They all fit the actual history of Yahowsha\u2019\u2014especially in the associated details, the teaching that accompanies the predictions.<\/p>\n Sometimes Yahowah through subsequent revelations progressively defines the prophetic requirements until literal fulfillment is virtually impossible; and only then does He bring it to pass. He delights in doing what we mortals think can\u2019t be done and then makes it absolutely impossible for the feat to be replicated by an imposter. For example, for Jews who are still awaiting the arrival of the Ma\u2019aseyah, I have some bad news. Bethlehem is now an Arab enclave; the town and its surrounds are entirely Islamic. There is no chance that a Savior, from the line of Dowd \/ David, could be born there, much less flee into Islamic Egypt for safety.<\/p>\n But once upon a time, four thousand years from the fall of Adam, and two thousand years from the close of the age, it was all accomplished in precise accordance with Yahowah\u2019s prophetic pronouncements. \u201cThere shall come forth<\/strong> (yatsa\u2019<\/em> \u2013 appear, be born from, and become known) a branch<\/strong> (choter<\/em>) out of the trunk<\/strong> (geza\u2019<\/em> \u2013 stem or root-stock) of Yishay<\/strong> (from yaysh<\/em>, meaning I exist and I stand up). A shoot <\/strong>(netser<\/em> \u2013 sprout or branch; from natsar<\/em>, meaning a preserver, protector, and maintainer of relationships; one who watches over, guards with fidelity, and keeps, preserving from danger; a savior) shall be fruitful<\/strong> (parah<\/em> \u2013 produce offspring for a harvest in abundance) from his roots<\/strong> (sheresh<\/em> \u2013 source or base, family line).\u201d <\/strong>(Yasha\u2019yahuw \/ Salvation is from Yah \/ Isaiah 11:1)<\/p>\n Born in Bethlehem, Yahuwdah, Yishay \/ Jesse was the son of Boaz and the father of king Dowd \/ David. So in this passage we are told that the Ma\u2019aseyah shall come forth from someone whose name means \u201cI exist.\u201d Yahowah, perhaps. The Savior will be someone who \u201cpreserves, protects, and maintains the covenant relationship.\u201d He will \u201cwatch over and faithfully guard\u201d His people, \u201cpreserving them from danger.\u201d And He will \u201cbe fruitful, producing\u201d eternal and spiritual \u201coffspring for an abundant harvest.\u201d It sure sounds good so far.<\/p>\n But there is more to this opening stanza. Netser<\/em> is phonetically and linguistically related to Nazareth, the town Yahowsha\u2019 lived in for most of His earthly life, the place where He was rooted and became known. Matthew confirms: \u201cHe went and lived in the town called Nazareth, fulfilling what was said through the prophets.\u201d<\/strong> (Mattanyah \/ Yah\u2019s Gift \/ Matthew 2:23)<\/p>\n That, however, did not make Him a Nazarene, in the sense of the Nazerite vow, irrespective of the fact He embodied its meaning. The Ma\u2019aseyah made and drank wine, disqualifying Him as a member of the sect.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s turn to Numbers 6 to examine the redemptive foreshadowing God used in choosing Nazareth for the Ma\u2019aseyah and the Nazirite vow for the Israelites. \u201cYahowah spoke to Moseh saying, \u2018Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, \u201cWhen a man or a woman does something wonderful, symbolic of God\u2019s deliverance from judgment<\/strong> (pala<\/em>), making a voluntary promise to serve God, taking the vow <\/strong>(nadir<\/em>) of a Nazirite <\/strong>(nazyr<\/em> \u2013 one who is separated onto God, also an untrimmed vine), to separate <\/strong>(nazar<\/em> \u2013 to set themselves apart as a Nazirite and devote) him or herself to Yahowah, he or she shall separate themselves <\/strong>(nazar<\/em>) from wine and intoxicating drink\u2026 or eat anything that is produced by the grape vine for all the days of his or her separation <\/strong>(nezer<\/em>).\u201d <\/strong>(Bamidbar<\/em> \/ In the Wilderness \/ Numbers 6:1-4)<\/p>\n Separateness is central to the Covenant, to the Chosen People, to the Calling Out, to the Set Apart Spirit, and to the Ma\u2019aseyah. As the Qodesh<\/em> of Qodesh<\/em>, Yahowsha\u2019 was the embodiment of nazar<\/em>. His blood would be the new wine shed for the remission of sin which is why the Nazirites \/ Set-Apart-Ones didn\u2019t need the ordinary variety. They were living prophecies, or pala,<\/em> \u201cwonderful symbolism of God\u2019s deliverance from judgment.\u201d They were an \u201cuntrimmed vine\u201d whose circumcision would be performed by the Ma\u2019aseyah.<\/p>\n The closest words linguistically to nazyr-<\/em>Nazirite,all shadow aspects of Yahowsha\u2019s nature and mission. Nazah<\/em> is \u201cthe sprinkling of blood used for cleansing of the soul in the Miqra\u2019ey<\/em>.\u201d Nasal<\/em> is \u201ca cistern of flowing waters.\u201d Nazar<\/em> means \u201cto be separated.\u201d And nezer<\/em> is \u201cthe consecration and ordination of the highest priest.\u201d Even natsar<\/em>, with an \u201cs,\u201d means \u201ca preserver, protector, and maintainer of relationships; one who watches over, guards with fidelity, and keeps, preserving from danger; a savior.\u201d<\/p>\n Moseh continued: \u201cDuring the entire period<\/strong> (kol yowm<\/em>) of this vow<\/strong> (neder<\/em>) of separation <\/strong>(nezer<\/em>) no razor may pass over <\/strong>(\u2018abar <\/em>\u2013 cross) upon or beside <\/strong>(\u2018al<\/em>) his or her head <\/strong>(ro\u2019sh <\/em>\u2013 summit of your mountain) until <\/strong>(\u2018ad <\/em>\u2013 even to the end of time when) the days are fulfilled <\/strong>(male\u2019 <\/em>\u2013 finished, satisfied, and completed) in which <\/strong>(\u2018asher <\/em>\u2013 as a relative reference) he or she are separated <\/strong>(nazar<\/em>) unto Yahowah, he or she shall be <\/strong>(hayah<\/em>) set-apart <\/strong>(qodesh<\/em>).\u201d <\/strong>(Bamidbar<\/em> \/ In the Wilderness \/ Numbers 6:5)<\/p>\n Ro\u2019sh<\/em> is the root of re\u2019syth<\/em>, Scripture\u2019s first word. Most every derivative is associated with Yahowsha\u2019. Head of family, chief, cornerstone, summit, and first fruits are among the meanings. Similarly, the use of \u2018abar<\/em>-Passover and male\u2019<\/em>-fulfillment point to the Savior. As an interesting fact of history, those men and women consecrated in this vow of separation recognized the Ma\u2019aseyah whom they were foreshadowing. Up until the time they were hunted into extinction by Constantine\u2019s Catholics, the Nazirites were the most exemplary witnesses to the Way.<\/p>\n Returning to Isaiah\u2019s prophecy, we read: \u201cThe Spirit <\/strong>(ruwach<\/em> \u2013 the breath of God; God\u2019s vivacity (long life), vigor (strength, health, and growth), and disposition (character and personality); divine power, heart, and mind; from ruwach<\/em>, that which is perceived, accepted, and provides relief) of Yahowah<\/strong> shall rest and remain <\/strong>(nuwach<\/em> \u2013 shall provide the presence of security and final salvation) upon<\/strong> (\u2018al<\/em> \u2013 used to show God\u2019s providential care) Him, the Spirit of Wisdom <\/strong>(chakam<\/em> \u2013 instruction) and Understanding<\/strong> (bynah<\/em> \u2013 discernment, insight, and revelation), the Spirit of Counsel <\/strong>(\u2018etsah <\/em>\u2013 advice and purpose; from ya\u2019ats<\/em>, Spiritual Counselor and Advisor) and Power <\/strong>(gabuwrah <\/em>\u2013 strength and might), the Spirit of Knowledge <\/strong>(da\u2019ath <\/em>\u2013 from yada\u2019<\/em>, to know relationally) of the reverence and respect <\/strong>(yirah<\/em> \u2013 awesomeness) of Yahowah.\u201d<\/strong> (Yasha\u2019yahuw \/ Salvation is from Yah \/ Isaiah 11:2)<\/p>\n The Ruwach<\/em>-Spirit is from Yahowah. He is the exclusive source and the sole provider of this Spirit. His Ruwach<\/em> is the source of \u201clong life,\u201d of \u201chealth and growth.\u201d Yahowah\u2019s Ruwach<\/em> is the \u201cdivine power, the heart and mind\u201d of God. Yahowah\u2019s Ruwach<\/em> is how we \u201cperceive God and accept God.\u201d His Ruwach<\/em> is how God \u201cprovides relief\u201d restoring us so that He can make His \u201cpersonality and character\u201d known. And never forget: ruwach<\/em> is a feminine noun because Yahowah\u2019s Ruwach<\/em> is our Spiritual Mother. She provides spiritual rebirth. She cleans us and clothes us; she nurtures us and protects us. She loves us and cares for us.<\/p>\n Yahowsha\u2019 was and is the Ma\u2019aseyah because \u201cthe Spirit of Yahowah rests and remains upon Him.\u201d As \u2018Imanuw\u2019el, He is the Spirit of Wisdom from whom we receive instruction. Being one with God, Yahowsha\u2019 is both Son and Counselor. This is why the Ma\u2019aseyah told His apostles: \u201cI will ask My Father to give you another Counselor to personally remain and dwell inside you eternally, the Spirit of Truth\u2026. You know and recognize Her because He lives and exists in your immediate proximity; I shall exist, resting and remaining in you.\u201d <\/strong>(Yahowchanan \/ Yah is Merciful \/ John 14:16-17)<\/p>\n The Qodesh Ruwach<\/em>-Set Apart Spirit is the Counselor. The Ma\u2019aseyah, the Qodesh Qodesh<\/em>, is the Son. They are one, both manifestations of the singular character and personality of Yahowah. They are the means to the \u201cwisdom and understanding,\u201d to the \u201cpower and knowledge,\u201d of Yahowah. The Counselor and Son form the basis of a \u201crelationship based upon reverence\u201d with the \u201cawesomeness of Yahowah.\u201d<\/p>\n Isaiah continued\u2026\u201cWith righteousness He shall govern, judge, vindicate and punish<\/strong> (shaphat <\/em>\u2013 lead with authority, defend, and condemn) the lowly<\/strong> (dal<\/em> \u2013 weak and poor of status and standing), deciding fairly, reproving, and correcting <\/strong>(yakach<\/em> \u2013 vindicating and disciplining) with uprightness<\/strong> (myshowr<\/em> \u2013 justice according to the standard; from yashar<\/em>, to be upright and to make right; to be straight, look straight, and make straight) for the humble and unpretentious, afflicted and meek<\/strong> (\u2018anow <\/em>\u2013 lowly and needy; from \u2018anah<\/em>, oppressed and downcast) of the earth\u2026. With the Spirit<\/strong> (ruwach<\/em>) of His speech<\/strong> (saphah<\/em> \u2013 lips and language), causing the guilty to perish<\/strong> (muwth<\/em> \u2013 to die so as to be absent of life in the realm of the dead).\u201d <\/strong>(Yasha\u2019yahuw \/ Salvation is from Yah \/ Isaiah 11:4)<\/p>\n The Savior is a just judge, meaning He will condemn and punish those who violate the standard without the benefit of a redeemer, all those whose debt hasn\u2019t been paid. However, for those who have availed themselves of His services, He will use His authority to defend and vindicate them. The penalty in this example is to be deprived of eternal life. The guilty are not tormented, but extinguished.<\/p>\n Yahowsha\u2019 fulfilled the Isaiah prophecy to the letter, as He did this one from Micah\u2026\u201cYou, Bethlehem<\/strong> (from beyth lechem<\/em>, meaning House of Bread) Ephratah<\/strong> (from parah<\/em>, place of fruitfulness and productivity), you are insignificant among the thousands of Yahuwdah, yet out of you shall He come forth unto Me, to be ruler in Yisra\u2019el, whose origin has been before time<\/strong> (qedem<\/em>), from days eternal<\/strong> (\u2018owlam<\/em>).\u201d <\/strong>(Mykyah \/ Because Who is Like Yah \/ Micah 5:2)<\/p>\n Yahowsha\u2019 was unleavened bread born in the House of Productive Bread. He alone was without yeast, or sin. And that is why He took a piece of bread at the Passover in which He was appointed to be the sacrificial Lamb: \u201cHe broke it and gave it to them, saying, \u2018This is My body which is given for you\u2026\u2019\u201d <\/strong>(Luke 22:19) The one without sin assumed our sin, producing a worthy harvest of souls, who like Him, would live \u2018owlam<\/em>-forever.<\/p>\n Yahowsha\u2019 fulfilled this prediction, arranging to be born in a tent in Bethlehem Ephratah during the Feast of Tabernacles in 2 BCE, validating the Miqra, Genesis and Micah prophecies. Not surprisingly, the rest of what Micah had to say proved equally accurate. The Jews were given up until the last days, at which time a remnant returned. \u201cTherefore<\/strong> (ken<\/em> \u2013 this is true and verifiable), He will give them up, abandoning them, until the time of torment and birth pangs <\/strong>(yalad<\/em> \u2013 labor leading to childbirth), then a remnant <\/strong>(yathar<\/em> \u2013 those who remain) of His brethren<\/strong> (\u2018ach <\/em>\u2013 brothers, relatives, and kin) shall return, believe, change, and be restored<\/strong> (suwb <\/em>\u2013 be brought back, turn around, and recover) to sons of Yisra\u2019el.\u201d <\/strong>(Mykyah \/ Because Who is Like Yah \/ Micah 5:3)<\/p>\n For Yahuwdah, the time of abandonment began at the crucifixion. They were given up for the better part of 2,000 years, only to have a remnant called home in the last days, the time of torment and childbirth leading to restoration. Since everyone who is reading this is familiar with the historical confirmation of Jews being called home to Israel, let\u2019s focus on the related prophetic passages.<\/p>\n Hosea, speaking of this return and restoration, said, \u201cCome, let us return to<\/strong> (suwb<\/em> \u2013 turn around, change, restore, and reestablish our relationship with) Yahowah. For He has torn us <\/strong>(taraph<\/em> \u2013 expelled us, chased us away, and banished us), <\/strong>but He will heal us <\/strong>(rapha<\/em> \u2013 promote restoration, cure our diseased and injured state, thoroughly mend and completely repair us, make us whole). He has stricken us <\/strong>(nakah<\/em> \u2013 smitten and inflicted us, subjugated and chastised us, send judgment upon us to punish us), but He will wrap Himself around us <\/strong>(chabash<\/em> \u2013 healing us and bandaging us, wrap clothing around us, bind us to Him and govern us, encourage us, speaking words which enliven our attitude).\u201d <\/strong>(Howsha\u2019 \/ He Saves \/ Hosea 6:1)<\/p>\n Then the prophet speaking in the context of \u201ca day is like a thousand years to Yahowah,\u201d said: \u201c<\/strong>After two days He will revive us <\/strong>(chayah <\/em>\u2013 restore us to life and keep us alive, save us, spare, sustain, and preserve our lives, heal us so we can live forever).<\/strong> On the third day He will raise us up <\/strong>(quwm<\/em> \u2013 arise; accomplishing, confirming and fulfilling) and we shall live <\/strong>(chayah <\/em>\u2013 be restored to life, our lives saved, sustained, and preserved; heal us so we can live forever) in His presence.\u201d <\/strong>(Howsha\u2019 \/ He Saves \/ Hosea 6:2) The second day will end with renewal and restoration on the Day of Atonement in the fall of 2033. The third day will begin five days later on the Miqra\u2019 of Tabernacles.<\/p>\n The \u201ctime of torment\u201d being equated to \u201cbirth pains\u201d is explained by Yahowsha\u2019 in Mattanyah \/ Matthew 24. Speaking of His \u201creturn and the end of the age,\u201d<\/strong> He said: \u201cSee that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying \u2018I am the Ma\u2019aseyah,\u2019 and will deceive many. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars, but don\u2019t be frightened, for they must take place, but that is not the end. Nation will rise against nation and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. These things are the beginning of birth pangs<\/em>. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and will kill you. And you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. Many will fall away and betray, hating one another. And many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Lawlessness will increase and most people\u2019s love will grow cold\u2026but the good news of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all nations. And then the end will come\u2026. For then there will be a Great Tribulation\u2026and unless those days were cut short, no life would be saved.\u201d<\/strong> (Mattanyah \/ Yah\u2019s Gift \/ Matthew 24:3-22)<\/p>\n Yahowsha\u2019s arrival, in both His redemptive and ruling advents, follows birth pangs. We have to examine them to know the when and who of salvation. While I\u2019d love to scrutinize every word of Matthew 24, for now understand that this passage speaks of our time, of the last days: \u201cHe will give them up, abandoning them, until the time of torment and birth pangs, then a remnant of His brethren<\/strong> shall return, believe, change, and be restored<\/strong> to sons of Yisra\u2019el.\u201d <\/strong>Yahowsha\u2019 said \u201cWhen you see all these things, recognize that the Ma\u2019aseyah is near, at the door. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.\u201d<\/strong> (Mattanyah \/ Yah\u2019s Gift \/ Matthew 24:33-34)<\/p>\n The prophet Mykyah, whose name is a compound of \u201cma<\/em> \u2013 who is like,\u201d \u201cky<\/em> \u2013 because\u201d and Yah, meaning \u201cBecause Who is Like Yah,\u201d concluded his dual advent announcement with these glorious thoughts:<\/p>\n \u201cHe will present himself, stand upright, causing others to rise<\/strong> (\u2018amad <\/em>\u2013 take a stand focusing on the presentation of a gift and service, be upright, establish, arise, remain, and endure), and He will shepherd<\/strong> (ra\u2019ah<\/em> \u2013 associate with, befriend, teach, nourish, and protect) in the steadfast might and victorious power <\/strong>(\u2018oz <\/em>\u2013 the personal, physical and material presence or condition needed to do whatever is intended and necessary) of Yahowah. In the majesty and excellence of Yahowah\u2019s name, their<\/strong> God<\/strong> (\u2018elohym<\/em>). And they will meet, be restored and live <\/strong>(yashab <\/em>\u2013 come near, dwell, remain, and be renewed) at that time<\/strong> (\u2018atah <\/em>\u2013 now, a point in time simultaneous with that which has preceded it in the narration, a sequential, related, and rational conclusion) because He has grown to be magnified and praised, able to do great things <\/strong>(gadal<\/em> \u2013 come to be exalted and having a high status, enabling nurturing, growth, and a great harvest, triumphantly achieving the goal) to the end<\/strong> (\u2018ephec <\/em>\u2013 ceasing and finality or extreme boundary) of the earth. This One <\/strong>(zeh<\/em>) was, is, and will be <\/strong>(hayah<\/em>) our blessing of peace <\/strong>(salowm <\/em>\u2013 our restoration and redemption).\u201d<\/strong> (Mykyah \/ Because Who is Like Yah \/ Micah 5:4)<\/p>\n An alternative meaning for ra\u2019ah<\/em> is \u201cto be the best man, an attendant at a wedding who is the best friend.\u201d Both renderings are appropriate. Yahowsha\u2019 is Yahowah\u2019s \u201cbest man\u201d and our \u201cclosest friend,\u201d because He is the one who officiates at the wedding ceremony in which we are married into God\u2019s eternal family. Yahowsha\u2019 is also our Shepherd, guiding us, nurturing us, and protecting us, ultimately saving us from predators who desire our premature death.<\/p>\n Two youthful Ma\u2019aseyah prophecies are found in Yirmayah and Howsha. One speaks of Herod\u2019s attempts to rid himself of the future king by annihilating babes in the area of Bethlehem. The prophet begins: \u201cHear the word of Yahowah, O nations and declare on the coastlands far, far away. He who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock for Yahowah has ransomed Ya\u2019aqob, redeeming him.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n The Savior speaks of