Psalm 45, The First Man Adam, And The Last Adam

Myrbdl Myrpomh Ha’Misparim La’Debarim The Numbers of the Words by Craig Wm. Peters

Psalm 45, the First Man Adam, and the Last Adam

a In Hebrew, the word “Adam” (Mda) refers to the first man – the one created by Elohim from the dust of the ground.1 The misparim of Adam’s name is readily calculated: ←

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45 = (40) M + (4) d + (1) a = Mda = Adam Some Jewish sages taught the name “Mda,” in Hebrew, can also be interpreted as an acronym for “Adam, David, and Messiah,” since each of these words (in Hebrew) also begin with each of the three, successive letters composing the name “Adam” (ALEPH: a, DALET: d, and MEM: M or m): ←

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Mda = Adam A dwd = David xySm = Messiah (Mashiach)2 Note that going down the column formed by the first letters in each of the above Hebrew words, the name “Adam” is once more seen: a d m Using Hebrew grammar rules, the MEM just above would be changed to a MEM sofeet M (thus giving Adam: Mda). And there is certainly a connection between the Adam who was the physical progenitor of the human race and the One who came forth some 4000 years later as the Messiah: Just as Adam marked the special beginning of the human race from the physical standpoint, so the Messiah marked the special beginning of the human race from the spiritual standpoint. There is a definite scriptural connection between these two “Adams.” The apostle Sha’ul taught of the connection between the two Adams in his letter to the Corinthians. In his correspondence, the emissary compared and contrasted the first man, Adam, with the Messiah – the One Sha’ul called “the Last Adam” as he wrote under the inspiration of Ruach ha’Qodesh:3 45 And so it is written, “The first man, Adam, was made a living being: the Last Adam was a life-giving Spirit. 46 However, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthly: the Second Man is the Sovereign from Heaven. 1Corinthians 15:45-47

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Genesis 2:7, 3:19 The MEM (m) becomes a final MEM (M), called the MEM SOFEET, whenever it takes the last position in a Hebrew word. If MEM occurs at the start of a Hebrew word, or somewhere within the word, the open MEM (m) is used. But both letters are the MEM only they are written in different forms. 3 The Set Apart Spirit. 2

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And there is yet another place where Sha’ul wrote of the difference between the first Adam and the Last Adam: 12 Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,4 and death by sin;5 and so death passed upon all men,6 for that all have sinned. 13 For until the Torah, sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Mosheh, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come.7 15 But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one8 many are dead, much more the favor of Elohim, and the gift by favor, which is by One man,9 eSwhy the Messiah, has abounded to many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift. For the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses to justification. 17 For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they who receive abundance of favor, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by One, eSwhy the Messiah. 18 Therefore, as by the offense of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so, by the righteousness of One, the free gift came upon all men to justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience10 many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One11 shall many be made righteous. Romans 5:10-19 Which brings us to Tehillah 45: Given that “Adam” (Mda) adds to 45 in Hebrew, upon viewing the 45th Psalm (written many centuries before the coming of the Messiah!), we are more than interested to see the Spirit inspired mention of the first man Adam as well as the mention of the Messiah – the One who would someday be revealed to all people as “the Last Adam.” Tehillah 45 For the sons of Korah. A Maschil. A Song of Loves.12

1 My heart overflows with a goodly matter; I speak the things which I have made concerning the King: My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2 You are fairer than the sons of Adam;13 favor is poured into Your lips: therefore Elohim has blessed You for ever. 3 Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, Mighty One, Your splendor and Your majesty. 4 And in Your majesty ride on prosperously, because of truth and meekness and righteousness: and your right hand shall teach you terrible things. 5 Your arrows are sharp; the peoples fall under you; they are in the heart of the King’s enemies. 6 Your throne, Elohim, is olam va’ed:14 A scepter of equity is the scepter of Your Kingdom. 7 You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness: Therefore Elohim, your Elohim, has anointed 15 you with the oil of gladness above your fellows. 4

(i.e., Adam was the individual by which sin entered the world, Genesis 3:1-19) Genesis 2:17 6 Psalm 51:5 7 Even in his mortal weakness, the first Adam is shown to have been a prophetic type, a figure of the coming Messiah! 8 (i.e., the first Adam) 9 (i.e., the Last Adam) 10 (i.e., first Adam) 11 (i.e., the Last Adam) 12 The Hebrew is plural and we agree with E.W. Bullinger (editor of the Companion Bible) that this is the plural of majesty showing it to be a love which is very great. 13 The original Hebrew says “sons of Adam,” but this phrase is typically translated into English as “children of men.” 14 Age-abiding and beyond. 15 “Anointed” ( xSm ) is the Hebrew word “ma-shach,” the root word for Mashiach ( xySm ), the Messiah. 5

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8 All your garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad. 9 Kings’ daughters are among your honorable women: at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hearken, daughter, and consider, and incline your ear; forget also your own people, and your father’s house. 11 So will the King desire your beauty. Because He is your Sovereign, bow yourself to Him. 12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; the rich among the people shall entreat your favor. 13 All splendor is the King’s daughter within:16 her clothing is inwrought with gold. 14 She shall be led to the King in broidered work: the virgins, her companions that follow her, shall be brought to you. 15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be led: they shall enter into the King’s palace. 16 Instead of your fathers shall be your children, whom you shall make princes in all the earth. 17 I will make Your Name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the peoples give You thanks le’olam va’ed.17 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah. A Song upon Alamoth.18

The Last Adam: Fairer Than the First In this psalm, we are first impressed to see the Messiah, the Last Adam, is mentioned in the very same verse as the first Adam: 2 You are fairer than the sons of Adam; favor is poured into Your lips: therefore, Elohim has blessed You for ever. Psalm 45:2 We will show it is far more than coincidence that Adam (45, Mda) appears in the original Hebrew text of Tehillah 45: This was by Design! Sha’ul, a chosen emissary of the Good News, had proclaimed the first man Adam to be a living being, while declaring the Last Man Adam to be a life-giving Spirit. This is one straightforward indication the Messiah was/is far and away fairer than Adam or any of his sons: The first Adam was from the earth, while the Last Adam was the Sovereign from Heaven!19 The Messiah being fairer than the sons of Adam had nothing to do with His outward appearance, for when walking upon earth, eSwhy had no outward beauty to attract others: 2 For He grew up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root 20 out of dry ground. He has no form or splendour that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should desire Him – 3 despised and rejected by men, a man of pains and knowing sickness. And as one from whom the face is hidden, being despised, and we did not consider Him. Isaiah 53:2-3, ISRV 16

The inner beauty is what makes the King desire the outward beauty! (i.e., to the Messianic Age and beyond) 18 See the Companion Bible notes/appendices to understand why we have placed this subscription on Psalm 45. 19 1Corinthians 15:45-47 20 Revelation 5:5 17

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These prophetic words were given to Isaiah in the Spirit many centuries before the Messiah appeared. So what was the thing which made the Savior fairer than the sons of Adam? eSwhy was fairer because He was the Unblemished Lamb: Of all those who have ever lived, He is the only One to ever be without sin.21 As far as the Messiah’s physical appearance, after His resurrection, Sha’ul writes that the Sovereign was no longer to be regarded as He appeared in the flesh!22 The thing that must now loom large in our minds is the great splendor with which eSwhy shines forth as He is seated in victory above all His enemies!23 Further, in the Revelation, we see Him standing in splendor as a Lamb that had been slain. In this, His exalted state, the Messiah is apparently radiating with great splendor 24 and beauty. Having overcome all things, eSwhy obtains the honor of which only He can ever be worthy: 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look upon it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Yahudah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose its seven seals.” 6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne, and of the four living beings, and in the midst of the elders stood a Lamb, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of Elohim sent forth into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when He had taken the book, the four living beings, and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one of them having harps, and gold bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the setapart ones. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals of it: for You were slain, and have redeemed us to Elohim by Your blood out of every kindred, and language, and people, and nation; 10 and have made us to our Elohim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many messengers around the throne, and the living beings, and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and splendor, and blessing.” 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying, “Blessing, and honor, and splendor, and power, be to Him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb l’olam va’ed. 14 And the four living beings said, Amein. And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him that lives l’olam va’ed.25 Revelation 5:4-14 This great scene is more than reminiscent of what we read in Psalm 45:17 … 17 I will make Your Name to be remembered in all generations:therefore shall the peoples give You thanks le’olam va’ed. Psalm 45:17

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John 1:29,36, 2Corinthians 5:21, 1Peter 1:22-24 2Corinthians 5:15-16. This puts an end to the importance which so many attach to such supposed relics as “the Shroud of Turin!” Whether true or untrue, such things are, at best, a mere sideshow. The Messiah’s precise physical image as He walked upon the earth is simply not the issue! The thing of greatest importance is that He overcame sin, and not only does He call us to do likewise, but His death and resurrection make this both possible and expected. 23 Matthew 22:41-46, 1Corinthians 15:25, Hebrews 1:13, 10:12-13 24 Revelation 1:16 25 (i.e., to the Messianic Age and beyond) 22

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As seen in the Revelation, in the very Courts of Heaven, the Messiah is proclaimed to be fairer than the sons of Adam: Of all those who have ever lived in this world, He, alone, is declared worthy to take the Book and to open the seals! The Lamb stands worthy in the Courts of Heaven! He is fairer than the sons of Adam!26 He is worthy! Having poured out His soul unto death, the Lamb is worthy of all our praise and thanksgiving l’olam va’ed. And, as we see in the Revelation prophecy just above, the Last Adam will most certainly receive such praise to the Messianic Age and beyond. 17 I will make Your Name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the peoples give You thanks le’olam va’ed. Psalm 45:17 Favor is Poured Into Your Lips We also have much evidence of the great power and favor (grace) with which the Messiah spoke. This, too, was foretold in Psalm 45: 2 You are fairer than the sons of Adam ( Mda ); favor is poured into Your lips … Psalm 45:2 On many occasions, it appears those who heard and witnessed the teachings of the Messiah were also quite stunned and overwhelmed at the wisdom and favor which accompanied the utterances of His mouth. We now cite a few such examples. • At the end of what is now called “The Sermon on the Mount,”27 Matthew said this regarding the reaction of those many who heard that discourse: 28 And it came to pass, when eSwhy had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at His teaching: 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28-29 • When eSwhy came to Nazareth, He entered into the synagogue on the Shabbat and stood up to read. Such favor was upon His lips that, just in the reading, the people were amazed: 17 And there was delivered to Him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of hwhy is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach Good Tidings to the poor: He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those that are bruised, 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of hwhy.” 20 And He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him. Luke 4:17-20

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Psalm 45:2 See Matthew chapters 5-7.

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And then He began to teach, with the result that all bore witness to the favor upon His lips: 21 And He began to say to them, “Today has this Scripture been fulfilled in your ears.” 22 And all bore Him witness, and wondered at the words of favor which proceeded out of His mouth: and they said, Is not this Yoseph’s son? Luke 4:17-20 Sad to say, the Messiah’s remarkable words of wisdom28 and favor were quickly forgotten as these people were blinded by carnal desires and false, preconceived notions. The throng’s admiration soon became seething anger, and the crowd swelled with murderous indignation, being moved to drive eSwhy out of the synagogue and to push Him over a cliff to His death.29 The attempt failed, and we can certainly say this city failed to recognize the time of their visitation.30 • During Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, eSwhy was ministering to the people of Yisrael at Yerushalayim.31 As a result, many came to believe on Him as the Messiah, and when the chief priests and Pharisees heard of this, they sent men to seize Him: 31 But of the multitude many believed on Him; and they said, “When the Messiah will come, will he do more signs than those which this man has done?” 32 The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning Him; and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to take Him. John 7:31-32 And what did the officers wind up doing? What did they encounter? They heard the preaching of the Messiah on the Last Great Day;32 this was a very special time, a time when eSwhy spoke those great words to fulfill the saying in the prophet Isaiah: Oh everyone who thirsts, come to the waters. And you who have no silver, come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without silver and without price. Isaiah 55:1, ISRV In fulfillment of this Isaiah prophecy, these were some of the words spoken by the Messiah on that Great Day: 37 In the last day, that great day of the Feast, eSwhy stood and cried, saying, “If any man thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He that believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38 So what was the effect of the Messiah’s words on those officers who had been sent to seize Him? Quite simply, they were overwhelmed at His teaching. They found themselves unable to apprehend eSwhy. This is what we read upon their return to those who had sent them: 28 29 30 31 32

Matthew 13:54 Luke 4:28-30 John 1:11, Luke 19:41-44 Leviticus 23:33-36, John 7:2-10 See John 7:33-43

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45 The officers, therefore, came to the chief priests and Pharisees. And they said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” 46 The officers answered, “Never has any man spoken like this Man!” John 7:45-46, ISRV These officials had been sent to take the Messiah into custody, and they were unable to do so because they were absolutely stunned at the favor which came forth from the mouth of this, the greatest Prophet of all time! Yet many centuries prior to His appearing, the prophecy in Tehillah 45 had predicted this very thing: “Favor is poured into Your lips!” The Savior possessed a great anointing of the Spirit of hwhy, an anointing which exuded the most remarkable favor ever given to any man; this was such favor as could only be possessed by the Son of the Living Elohim just as Yochanan/John recorded: His life was “full of favor and truth.”33 • Near the end of His life, on one of the last great occasions of His having spoken, eSwhy taught about the relationship between David and the Messiah: 41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, eSwhy asked them, 42 saying, “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How, then, does David, in the Spirit, call Him ‘Adonai’, saying, 44 ‘hwhy said to Adonai,34 “You sit on My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool?” 45 If David, then, calls Him ‘Adonai,’ how is He his son?” 46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither dared any man, from that day forth, to ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:41-46 After this time, those who had previously contradicted the Messiah would no longer ask Him questions, knowing that they were unable to answer His wisdom.35 • The twelve sent ones – those who walked in closest companionship with the Savior – were present to hear Him speak at the times recounted above as well as on many other occasions. Of course, they also most certainly heard and experienced the favor that was upon His lips; and they were greatly moved by His living words. After many of His followers abandoned Him, eSwhy asked the twelve if they, too, would be leaving Him. The shaliach36 Kepha’s reply indicates the great power and favor which they had so often witnessed in the spoken words of the Messiah: 66 Upon this, many of His disciples went back and no longer walked with Him. 67eSwhy said, therefore, to the twelve, “Would you also go away?” 68 Shimon Kepha answered Him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of age-abiding life.” John 6:66-68 So when Yochanan wrote of the “favor and truth” which accompanied the Messiah’s life, it was certainly a reference to the amazing favor which the Spirit of hwhy gave to His words; it

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John 1:14,17 (i.e., Adonai) 35 See Acts 6:8-10 36 (sent one, emissary) 34

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was the favor upon His lips, the favor which emanated from His mouth, which gave life to the immutable words of the Torah: 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us and we beheld His splendor – splendor as of the only begotten from the Father, full of favor and truth … 17 For the Torah was given through Mosheh; favor and truth came through eSwhy the Messiah. John 1:14, 17 You are fairer than the sons of Adam: favor is poured into Your lips! Psalm 45:2 Those who follow eSwhy, and in whom His Spirit dwells, will also fulfill the word of hwhy through the emissary’s letter to the Colossians: Let your speech be always with favor, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6 May those who follow eSwhy continually learn how to be more like Him and to offer “a word fitly spoken.”37 It is a lifelong process of continual learning, and the Spirit will help those who sincerely want to pattern their lives after Him. Your Throne, O Elohim We are not alone in setting forth the Messiah as the main subject of Psalm 45. The writer of Hebrews quotes Tehillah 45 (vss. 6-8) in relation to the Last Adam, the Son of the Most High. That Messianic believer calls the Messiah, “Elohim”38 and quotes Psalm 45 to proclaim eSwhy was without sin during His earthly sojourn: 6 Your throne, Elohim, is for ever and ever: A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. 7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness: Therefore Elohim, your Elohim, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows. Psalm 45:6-8, Hebrews 1:8-9 This shows us the Savior hated iniquity. eSwhy the Messiah did the works of His Father,39 and in hwhy there is no unrighteousness! … to show that hwhy is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Psalm 92:15 Many other texts reveal the Messiah, the Last Adam, was without sin. One such Scripture shows how His righteousness was/is imparted to those who trust in Him: For He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Elohim in Him. 2Corinthians 5:21

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Proverbs 25:11, Isaiah 50:4 As does Yochanan (John 1:1-3). 39 John 5:20,36, 10:25,32,37-38, 14:10-11, 15:24 38

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Other teachings show us that, as we seek hwhy, seeking to walk as eSwhy walked, His Spirit increasingly gives us the power to be more like Him. But this only occurs if such seeking is sincere; this only occurs if we are seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness.40 This is a process which takes time, and it is a process which requires prayer, fasting, meditation, study of Scripture, and obedience. It is a process which the Most High expects us to be about diligently. There are many aspects to having and seeking this righteousness; here are a few: • In fulfillment of the New Covenant prophecies, hwhy gives us His Spirit by which we actively learn to walk in love,41 to walk in subjection to the Torah.42 • The Messiah will live in us and through us, as it is the desire of hwhy to reveal His Son in/through every believer.43 • Like eSwhy, we will be persecuted for the Word.44 • Like eSwhy, we are not only to love fellow believers, but we must also love those who persecute and hate us.45 The Messiah, the Last Adam, Reveals Me’ode It is a matter so far beyond the profound that words simply elude us in describing it. The Hebrew word “me’ōde” (dam) is another among the list of so many revelations which manifestly prove eSwhy is the Messiah and which leave us in great awe of His inspired and unfathomable Word. When one studies the usage of “me’ōde” (dam), and when its composition is compared to that of “Adam” (Mda), the Spirit not only leads us into more truth,46 but we also see it is a word of immense significance as its meaning is simply teeming with a number of remarkable implications. First of all, these two Hebrew words are composed of the very same letters, only placed in a different order: Adam Mda

me’ode dam

If, in the word “Adam” (Mda), we move the MEM from the back to the front, we obtain the word, “me’ode” (dam); but if, in the word “me’ode” (dam), we move the MEM from the front to the back, we obtain the word, “Adam” (Mda)! This also means the two words have the same misparim value: ←

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45 = (4) d + (1) a + (40) m = dam = me’ode

So what does this word mean? Me’ode (dam) is often employed as an adverb or an adjective, being translated as “greatly,” “exceedingly,” “very,” and “utterly.” To help readers get an overview of the many ways this word is employed, we feel it is necessary to display a number of texts in which it is seen: 40

Psalm 119:2, Matthew 6:33 Exodus 20:6, Micah 6:8, Ephesians 5:1-2, 2John 1:6, 1John 5:2-3 42 Jeremiah 31:31-33, Ezekiel 36:26-37, Romans 8:1-4. The commandment-keeping love of Elohim was shed abroad in our hearts via Ruach ha’Qodesh, the Set Apart Spirit. Exodus 20:6, Romans 5:5 But those who do not have the Spirit of hwhy are also not subject to His Torah commandments. Romans 8:5-7 If we have the mind of the Spirit, we will be walking in subjection to the Torah. 43 Galatians 1:15-16, 2:20, Philippians 1:21, Colossians 1:27 44 John 15:18-21, Matthew 5:10-12, 1John 3:13 45 Matthew 5:43-48 46 John 16:13 41

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And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly (dam) upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. Genesis 7:18 And the waters prevailed exceedingly (dam) upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Genesis 7:19 And it came to pass, that when Abram had come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very (dam) fair. Genesis 12:14 And Abram was very (dam) rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. Genesis 12:14 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before hwhy exceedingly (dam). Genesis 13:13 After these things the word of hwhy came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am Your shield, and Your exceedingly (dam) great reward. Genesis 15:1 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly (dam - dam). Genesis 17:2 When telling Abraham how great shall be the number of His descendants, hwhy uses “me’ode” twice to show how exceedingly large that number will be! This text would have been more accurately translated as … …“and will multiply you exceeding-exceedingly,” or perhaps, or even,

… “and will multiply you in exceeding excess,” … “and will multiply you exceeding abundantly.”

This fits with (and continues!) the promise of hwhy to make the number of Abraham’s descendant like the stars of heaven in number.47 Because “me’ode” already means something very excessive, “me’ode - me’ode” connotes something so great it is practically beyond measure! Seeing “me’ode - me’ode” (exceeding abundantly) in this text, we cannot help but think about those great words of Sha’ul which he wrote in the Spirit regarding the power of prayer: 20 Now to Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the splendor in the Assembly and in the Messiah eSwhy, to all generations, l’olam va’ed. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 47

Genesis 15:5

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Since Sha’ul declared himself to be “a Hebrew of Hebrews,”48 we strongly suspect that, if we could see this text in the Hebrew original, when writing “exceeding abundantly” the apostle was using the same repetition of the Hebrew words that were used by hwhy in His promise to Abraham: “me’ode - me’ode” (dam - dam).49 And we will most certainly see exceedingly abundant answers to our prayers across the many “ages to come” as hwhy shows forth His favor in chesed (lovingkindness) toward us in the Messiah eSwhy.50 But we still want to view even more texts which incorporate the word “me’ode” … And he pressed upon them greatly (dam); and they turned in to him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. Genesis 19:3 And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very (dam) sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. Genesis 47:13 But take diligent (dam) heed to do the commandment and the Torah, which Mosheh, the servant of hwhy, charged you, to love hwhy your Elohim, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and to cleave to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Joshua 22:5 From the other texts we have seen, readers will understand when we say: “Diligent heed” would have been far better translated as “great heed,” “immense heed,” or even “excessive heed.” To the western mind, diligence connotes “sticking with it,” but me’ode connotes excessive heed – something which goes far beyond diligence and which might be better translated as a wholehearted, continual attention which consumes our thoughts!51 If we could see it in the Hebrew original, “more abundant heed”52 is likely another New Covenant text which incorporates the repetition “me’ode - me’ode.” Now to the next text … And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of hwhy was against the city with a very (dam) great destruction: and He smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had plague boils in their secret parts. 1Samuel 5:9 In the text above, “a very great destruction” could have been just as accurately translated as “an exceedingly great destruction.” Therefore hwhy was very (dam) angry with Yisrael, and removed them out of His sight: there was none left but the tribe of Yahudah only. 2Kings 17:18

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Philippians 3:5 If not “me’ode - me’ode” (dam - dam), this text most likely read, “gadol me’ōde” (dam lwdg), a phrase which literally means, “great exceedingly.” In English, we would write this as “exceedingly great.” 50 Ephesians 2:7 51 Psalm 1:1-2, 119:98-101 52 Hebrews 2:1 49

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The king shall joy in Your strength, hwhy; and in Your salvation how greatly (dam) shall he rejoice! Psalm 21:1 Elohim is our refuge and strength, an exceedingly (dam) present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 To see that hwhy proclaims Himself to be an exceedingly present help in trouble is also a revelation of the nature of His Kingdom. This certainly provides us with at least a partial explanation as to why eSwhy the Messiah could proclaim the Kingdom of Elohim was very close, yes, even within each person: 20 And when He was asked by the Pharisees, when the Kingdom of Elohim would come, He answered them and said, The Kingdom of Elohim comes not with observation. 21 Neither will they say, “Lo, here!” or, “Lo, there!” For, behold, the Kingdom of Elohim is within you. Luke 17:20-2153 And because He knew hwhy to be an exceedingly (dam) present help, eSwhy could proclaim Himself to be in heaven while walking on the earth: And no one has gone up into heaven, except He who came down out of heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven. John 3:13 This also explains why Sha’ul – even when speaking to the heathen – could say of hwhy, “He is not far from any one of us.”54 The Good News of the Kingdom proclaims: “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever He will.” Daniel 4:17,25,32, 5:21 hwhy is King forever!55 He is the Eternal King although we presently do not see all things in subjection under His feet.56 However, we have the clear assurance that one day soon such subjection will become a blessed reality in all the earth. Until then, the only thing of lasting importance is to assure our hearts57 that we, personally, are in subjection to the Eternal Kingdom of hwhy. We end this overview of me’ode’s usage with a few more Scriptures … You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently (dam). Psalm 119:4 I will keep Your statutes: forsake me not utterly (dam). Psalm 119:8

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Mark 12:34, Luke 10:8-9, Romans 14:17, 1Corinthians 4:20 Acts 17:27-28, Psalm 139:7-12 55 Psalm 29:10, 83:18 56 Hebrews 2:8 57 2Corinthians 13:5, 2Peter 1:10, 1John 3:18-21 54

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And take not the word of truth utterly (dam) out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Your judgments. Psalm 119:43 The proud have had me greatly (dam) in derision: yet I have not declined from Your Torah. Psalm 119:51 I have seen an end of all perfection: but Your commandment is exceedingly (dam) broad. Psalm 119:96 Finally, in the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel prophesied the Word of hwhy a number of times over the lifeless forms, and eventually, an army stood up having such an immense number that it is described as a number exceedingly great in excess! So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them; and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceedingly (dam - dam) great army. Ezekiel 37:10 Here is another text which uses “me’ode” twice to show how overwhelmingly immense this army will be! Given this Scripture repeats “me’ode” to indicate how very great a number this shall be, we see it as at least a partial fulfillment of the promise of hwhy to Abram: And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceeding abundantly (dam - dam). Genesis 17:2 In both texts,58 “me’ode” is repeated to bring great emphasis, thus showing how strikingly immense this number shall be!59 *

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So we have seen an overview of this most instructive, Hebrew word, and the texts cited comprise a representative selection which sets forth how me’ode is used by hwhy throughout the Scriptures. We have seen that me’ode is often translated as an adverb/adjective in the Hebrew language. But while it is accurately translated in this manner, the word me’ode also connotes something which humans possess! For so we are told in the Torah. And we are told humans possess “me’ode” to the end that they can use it to love hwhy! Yes! This word is also used to identify one of the things which hwhy declares, through the Shema, that we are to use to love Him! As we return, once more, to Psalm 45 and the Last Adam (Mda), we will see how the Messiah more fully reveals to us the meaning of the word me’ode (dam). It is of marked significance that the Last Adam would be the One to do this, since the two Hebrew words (Adam and me’ode) are composed of the very same Hebrew letters! In transitioning back towards seeing just how the Messiah reveals the meaning of me’ode (dam), we begin with the Shema:

58 59

Ezekiel 37 and Genesis 17. Genesis 15:5, 22:17, 26:4, 1Chronicles 27:23, Revelation 7:9

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The Shema Deuteronomy 6:5-6

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dxa hwhy wnyhla hwhy larvy ems echad is one/unity

YHWH YHWH

Elohenu our Elohim

YHWH YHWH

Yisrael Yisrael

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Shema Hear

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Kbbl-lkb Kyhla hwhy ta tbhaw le’vavka your heart

b’kol with all

Eloheka your Elohim

YHWH YHWH

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ET specifically

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V’ahavta And you shall love

Kdam - lkbw Kspn - lkbw me-o-deka your might

oo’b’kol and with all

naph’sheka your soul

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oo’b’kol and with all

Notice the Shema indicates how we are to love hwhy: With all our heart … with all our nephesh/desires/emotions … and with all our me’ōde! Do you see the word me’ode (dam)? It appears within the very last word of the Shema, (the word translated as “your might”), and in this text, me’ode ends with a suffix, the caph sofeet (K), an ending which shows possession (Kdam)! We are to love hwhy with all our me’ode (dam)! We are to love Him with all the strength, all the me’ode, He has given us! And is it merely coincidence that Adam (Mda) and his sons possess me’ode (dam) as these two words are composed of the very same Hebrew letters? But there is much more to the meaning of this intriguing word! As He taught and upheld the Torah,60 and as He showed us its absolute immutability,61 the Savior indicated the Shema was the greatest commandment of all. 28 And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that He had answered them well, asked Him, What commandment is the first of all? 29 eSwhy answered: The first is, “Hear, Yisrael; hwhy our Elohim, hwhy is one. 30 And you shall love hwhy your Elohim

with all your heart, and with all your soul/nephesh, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:28-30 We believe it is of great, prophetic significance that the Last Adam (Mda), the Messiah, more fully revealed to us62 the meaning of this word, me’ode (dam). We have, here, a rare instance wherein a prophet reveals the fuller meaning of a Hebrew word. Notice that eSwhy split the last part of the Shema into two phrases: 60

Isaiah 42:21, Matthew 5:17-20, 7:12-28 Matthew 5:17-20 62 John 4:25 61

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• In Deuteronomy 6:5, the last portion of the Shema reads: … “and with all your might.” • While in Mark 12:30, the last portion of the Shema is given by the Messiah as: … “and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” So eSwhy defines loving hwhy with all one’s “me’ode” as loving Him … “with all your mind, and with all your strength.” As one meditates on the meaning of “me’ode,” it also becomes clearer that there is a relationship between the heart and the mind, just as there is a relationship between the soul and the strength: Heart corresponds with/relates to mind … While soul corresponds with/relates to strength. Given that me’ode means “exceedingly,” we see that one’s mind is the excess, or overflow, of the abundance of the heart, while one’s strength is the excess, or overflow, of the abundance of the desires/emotions. Many examples of these connections may be seen from Scripture and experience. • As far as the heart-mind connection, eSwhy stated a man speaks from the abundance of his heart: If there are good thoughts in the heart, the mind will be filled with proper thoughts and those are the ones which are conveyed forth from the mouth: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth that which is good; and an evil man, out of the evil treasure of his heart, brings forth that which is evil: for from the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 Another telling connection between the heart and the mind is the promise of hwhy to write His Torah on the hearts and minds of those who possess His Spirit.63 [[Yet the Spirit’s writing of the Torah upon our hearts oftentimes works in what some might consider to be “reverse order:” Many times, we must obey His Laws from the heart, in love and faith, before we get that “light-bulb-comes-on” experience and our minds say, “Oh, now I understand.” The carnal mind wants to “see” before it either believes or obeys.64 But to really know the spiritual truth of the Word, we must first walk in it; we must abide in the truth through meditation and obedience; we must live in the truth, being doers of the Word, before the truth can more fully live in us.65 Only then will we derive the fullest possible understanding in our minds.66]] • As far as the soul giving us daily, physical strength: What do righteous yearnings/goals, and properly channeled emotions do for us? They give us strength and zeal! In contrast, what do unrighteous yearnings/goals, and improperly driven emotions do for us? They absolutely drain us of life, strength, and vitality. Unrighteous thoughts and emotions will absolutely weaken us.67 We may cite many examples regarding this connection. 63

Jeremiah 31:31-33, Hebrews 8:8-12 John 20:24-29 65 Psalm 51:6, John 4:23-24 66 Psalm 119:98-100, John 8:31-32, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:9-10 67 Proverbs 1:19, Psalm 55:23 64

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On a negative note, at one time the author had occasion to befriend an elderly lady. Maybe in her lower 80’s, she was always positive and exuberant, and she always had a great deal of light in her eyes. Then, one day she fell and broke her hand/fingers. The next time I saw her, she was so dejected: the light had gone from her eyes, and she was noticeably downcast. Within a very short time, maybe two weeks, she had passed away. Having lost her zeal and expectation for life, she soon died. A crushed soul will quickly drain us of life. On the positive side, we know how zeal for hwhy and for His Kingdom has so greatly inspired men and women to serve Him across the centuries, often doing great things even under immense hardship. Their expectation, joy, and zeal spur them onward in life, giving them inner and outer strength to do great things; they love life in His service even through trying times. Because hwhy knows a crushed soul will quickly drain our life and zeal, He commands us to always rejoice.68 We are to rejoice in Him daily;69 we are to have joy in the work of His Hands each Shabbat;70 and we are to rejoice before Him at the Feasts – special times which He designated to be festivals of continual joy and thanksgiving.71 We now momentarily turn to the prayer of eSwhy in which He spoke of the great importance of the Shema. This is the prayer seen in John 17, and some refer to it as His priestly, intercessory prayer. eSwhy prayed regarding the love and unity (oneness/echad) which are to characterize those who truly love the Name of hwhy.72 His prayer was offered to bring the love of hwhy among His followers; this is the love we display for Him73 and for others74 by authentically observing His Torah commands: 17 Set them apart in the truth: Your Word is truth. 18 As You have sent Me into the world, even so, I send them into the world. 19 And for their sakes, I set Myself apart, that they themselves may also be set apart in truth. 20 Neither for these only do I pray, but also for those that believe on Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that You have sent Me. 22 And the splendor which You have given Me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that You have sent Me, and loved them, even as You loved Me. 24 Father, I desire that they also whom You have given Me be with Me where I am, that they may behold My splendor, which You have given Me: for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, the world knew You not, but I knew You; and these know that You have sent Me. 26 And I have made known to them Your Name, and will make it known; that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:17-26 We felt something had to be said over love and unity since so many believers who claim to have the Name of hwhy do not express the love of the Messiah.75 Often touting an exclusive corner on the “truth,” they do not embody unity in any way. Not only do they “major in the 68

Philippians 4:4 1Thessalonians 5:18 70 Psalm 92:1-4. The title of Psalm 92 indicates it is a song for the Sabbath Day! 71 Nehemiah 8:2-3,10, Leviticus 23:39-41, Deuteronomy 12:17-18, 14:22-26, 16:10-15, 26:1-11, 28:47-48 (This last text shows Yisrael’s ingratitude – expressed by not keeping the Feasts – is what led to their bondage!) 72 Psalm 5:11, 69:36, 119:132, Isaiah 56:6, Hebrews 6:10, 13:15 73 Exodus 20:6, John 15:10 < 1John 5:2-3, 2John 2:6 74 Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 5:43-48, 7:12, 19:17-19, Romans 13:8-10, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8 75 Revelation 3:1 69

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minors,” but many of their leaders “love the preeminence,”76 while members incessantly bite and devour others.77 But apart from repentance, like Yisrael of old, they will most certainly “[fall] in the wilderness,”78 and they will fail to inherit the Great Reward of life in the Messianic Age. The answer to the carnal rage – which so successfully keeps believers at war – is fasting-derived humility. And that is exactly what Ya’acob (James) taught in the context of such needless infighting.79 The lack of fasting-derived humility is what keeps the Body of the Messiah in such division and disarray presently. There is still far more to the Messiah’s revelation behind the meaning of the Hebrew word “me’ode.” The manner in which eSwhy phrased the Shema leads us to understand this preeminent commandment of the Torah actually addresses each of the First Four of the Ten Commandments. Significant conclusions may be drawn when we understand the Shema sequentially encapsulates each of the First Four Commandments: I. … No elohim before Me … Exodus 20:3 II. … No graven images … Exodus 20:4-6 III. … Do not take My Name in vain/for falsehood … Exodus 20:7 IV. … Labor six days and rest on Shabbat. Exodus 20:8-11 Those who do these things are those who love hwhy their Elohim … I. … with all their heart, II. … and with all their soul, III. … and with all their mind, IV. … and with all their strength.” Mark 12:30 Those who love hwhy in this way fulfill the Torah and receive a favorable mark:80 His Torah is written on their foreheads and hands because they love Him with all their minds and all their strength. Note how each command corresponds to heart, soul, mind, and strength: I. Those who have no elohim before hwhy, love Him with all their hearts. II. Those who will not worship graven images love hwhy with all their souls. III. Those who do not take the Name of hwhy in vain/for falsehood love Him with all their minds. IV. Those who labor six days and rest on Shabbat, love hwhy with all their strength. One’s mind and strength are closely connected with obedience because, as a person meditates upon and does His commandments, the Spirit will write His Torah on the heart and mind: What we repeatedly do becomes a part of us.

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3John 1:9-10, Matthew 6:1-2,5,16, 23:5-7, Mark 12:38-40. Contrast: Psalm 115:1 Galatians 5:15 78 Hebrews 3:17 79 James 4:1-10. See the study on fasting, “Humble Yourselves in the Sight of YHWH.” That article proves Ya’acob (James) used many words to describe fasting and prayer and to emphasize the great need for the believers to seek hwhy in that manner, at that time, and in that dire circumstance. The conditions today are no less dire. 80 Ezekiel 9:1-4 77

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And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.81 Deuteronomy 6:8 Therefore you shall lay up these, My words, in your heart, and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. Deuteronomy 11:18 Even the continual, yearly observance of Passover was part of the process by which Yisrael was to have the Torah of hwhy written upon their hearts and minds: And it shall be for a token upon your hand, and for frontlets between your eyes: For by strength of hand hwhy brought us forth out of Egypt. Exodus 13:16 Such is the case when we keep and do any of His commandments; what we do (with our hands) becomes a part of our very beings: those things are written upon our hearts and our minds. And this brings us to the present world system: Those who do not love hwhy and keep His commandments have also succumbed to the beast system,82 the present world system83 – the world view which neither possesses nor conveys a true understanding of spiritual issues.84 Consequently, this beast system places an unfavorable, spiritual mark (a mark of defilement85) on the right hand86 and forehead of its subjects! From the vertical and horizontal alignment of the Scriptures below, we see how the First Four Commandments reveal the beast system for what it is: Apostasy and rebellion against the Kingdom of hwhy and against the Law of His Kingdom, the Torah: ======================================================================== THE FIRST FOUR OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS SEEN THROUGHOUT THE SCRIPTURES ======================================================================== Commandments I - IV I. … No other deities … II. … No graven images … III. … Honor the Name … IV. … Labor six days … (See Exodus 20:3-11)

Love hwhy … I. … with all your heart … II. … with all your soul … III. … with all your mind … IV. … with all your strength … (See Mark 12:29-30)

Those Who “Love Not the World”… I. … worshipped not the beast II. … neither his image II. … no mark in the forehead II. … or the right hand (Revelation 20:4, 1John 2:15-17)

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We briefly elaborate on the above connections: I. Those who have no other deities before hwhy love Him with all their hearts: They will not worship the beast. II. Those who worship no graven image love hwhy with all their souls: They will not worship the image of the beast. 81

“Between the eyes” is a Hebraism for forehead, but the phrase refers to the mind by implication. Psalm 49:12,20, Revelation 13:11-18 83 1John 2:15-17 84 1Corinthians 2:7-8 85 Isaiah 59:3, Ezekiel 23:37,45 86 Contrast: Job 31:7, Psalm 24:4 82

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III. Those who honor the Name of hwhy love Him with all their minds: They will not receive the mark of the beast in their foreheads. IV. Those who labor six days (and keep the Shabbat) love hwhy with all their strength: They will not receive the mark of the beast in their hands. Additional study only confirms the truth of these connections.87 So when our Messiah taught the Shema, He was teaching the love of hwhy! And He was teaching all people everywhere that keeping the First Four Commandments shows authentic love for the Most High. Those who love Him, hwhy says, will keep his commandments.88 In contrast: If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1John 2:15

The Marriage of the Lamb Psalm 45 celebrates a special marriage, perhaps that of Hezekiah and his wife. But we see this psalm as clearly prophetic of an even Greater Marriage: the Marriage of the Messiah and His Bride. And we note the following: It is of great significance that hwhy expressly performed the marriage of the first Adam,89 even as He will expressly perform the marriage of the Last Adam!90 Thus, we count this Great Marriage to be a significant reason that Psalm 45 is the forty-fifth in the sequence! Like the first Adam, the Last Adam will partake in a very special wedding! This prophetic psalm celebrates the Marriage of the Lamb. The Bride of the Messiah, we are told, will be the group of Firstfruits – those extremely few91 who overcome sin and the world.92 Those who desire to even possibly qualify93 for such a high calling94 must also know what things are essential to fulfill it. The essential requirements for following the Savior are also those things which provide invaluable help in fixating our ability to walk in the victory He came to give us. ♦ 1. The first qualification is having ears to hear … In Hebrew, the word for “hear” is “Shema.” This helps us to understand why the Shema is called “The Shema.” And we emphasize: The Messiah taught this to be the greatest, foremost commandment in all of the Torah! 28 And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that He had answered them well, asked Him, What commandment is the first of all? 29 eSwhy answered: “The first is, Shema, Yisrael; hwhy our Elohim, hwhy is one: 30 and you shall love hwhy your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:28-30 87

See “The Beast System vs. the Law of YHWH,” a study which details even more of the connections displayed above. Exodus 20:6, 1John 5:2-3 89 Genesis 2:18-25 90 Matthew 22:1-14, Revelation 19:6-9 91 Matthew 7:13-14 92 Matthew 20:16, 22:14 93 1Corinthians 9:27, Philippians 3:11,13 94 Philippians 3:14, Hebrews 3:1, John 14:1-4 > Hebrews 4:14, 12:1-2 88

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Not only is the Shema the greatest commandment in the Torah, but the very first part of this command is to hear! Of all the things that we do, hwhy wants us to be attentive to His Word, His will, and His ways: He wants our ears to be open. We have a saying that goes something like this: “The first part of any journey is taking that first step.” In a similar way, based on the Shema, we could say: “The first part of true obedience is continually hearing hwhy because we love Him above all else.” The first step of obedience is hearing. And to hear Him, hwhy must be obviously first in our lives. The Shema being so important, one would expect eSwhy to have mentioned it on more than one occasion. And we see this was the case. 13 For all the Prophets and the Torah prophesied of 95 Yochanan.96 14 And if you will receive it, this is Eliyah, who was to come. 15 He that has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:13-15 Whenever the Messiah spoke of having ears to hear, we believe He was also referring to nothing less than the Shema. And the truth of the Shema is also the key for actually having ears which are capable of hearing! 3 And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow. 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and immediately they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:13-15 We see this last sentence as being a reference to the Shema: The key to numbering among those who bear the fruit of the Spirit97 is in keeping the Shema;98 we must have ears to hear. eSwhy then went on to privately explain to His followers why He spoke in parables: 10 And the disciples came, and said to Him, Why do You speak to them in parables? 11 And He answered and said to them, To you it is given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but whosoever has not, from him shall be taken away even that which he has. 13 Therefore, I speak to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And to them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says, “By hearing you shall hear, and shall in no way understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall in no way perceive: 15 For this people’s heart has grown fat, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should turn again, and I should heal them. Matthew 13:10-15

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Some Aramaic manuscripts have the word “al” ( le ) in this text. “Al” means “upon” or “concerning;” so the Law and the Prophets spoke concerning Yochanan! 96 (i.e., John the Immerser) 97 Galatians 5:22-23, Colossians 1:5-6, 2Peter 1:5-8 98 John 15:4-14

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We see from this Scripture the inability to hear is a heart problem: The people could not hear with their ears or see with their eyes because their hearts had grown fat; because they were spiritually and physically complacent,99 their hearts had become proud and self-sufficient so that “they forsook Eloah who made them, and scorned the Rock of their salvation.”100 Without a heart of love for their Creator, people simply will not have ears to hear: They will succumb to man-made theories and doctrines, to the imaginations of their own hearts, and even to demonic paganism.101 After a few more lines, eSwhy proceeded to explain the parable of the sower to His followers. And He began by saying: Hear you, therefore, the parable of the sower. Matthew 13:18 After privately explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples,102 eSwhy then spoke a second and a third parable to the multitude, the parable of the tares and the parable of the mustard seed.103 He then sent away the crowd and subsequently explained the parable of the tares.104 And what were His last words in summarizing the explanation? Then will the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:43 But this was not the only time eSwhy spoke of the importance of the Shema. When dealing with Pharisaic traditions of washed versus unwashed hands,105 eSwhy said, 15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. 16 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 7:15-16 While this was not a commentary against the laws of clean and unclean animal flesh,106 it does take us back, once more, to the Shema: eSwhy was saying that hearing and obeying the Torah commands – loving hwhy with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength – this is what will keep a man truly clean and undefiled!107 Finally, at the Transfiguration, the Father bore witness to His Son from heaven. We see this time as a great revelation of the Shema, the commandment to hear and to love hwhy: 1 And after six days eSwhy took Kepha, Ya’acob, and Yochanan, his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His garments were white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared to them Mosheh and Eliyah talking with Him. 4 Then answered Kepha, and said to eSwhy, 99

Deuteronomy 6:10-12, 8:10-20, 32:15-17, Amos 6:1 Deuteronomy 32:15 101 Leviticus 17:7, Revelation 9:20 102 Matthew 13:10-23 103 Matthew 13:24-35 104 Matthew 13:36-43 105 Mark 7:1-23 106 See the book, “Is All Meat Meet to Eat?” and the tract “Clean or Unclean?” 107 For other texts in which the Messiah further spoke of the Shema, see the following: Luke 8:20-21, John 5:30, 8:43,47, 10:3,8,16,27, Revelation 1:3, 2:7,11,17,29, 3:6,13,20,22, 13:6-9 100

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Sovereign, it is good for us to be here: if You will, let us make here three tabernacles; one for You, and one for Mosheh, and one for Eliyah. 5 While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear you Him. Matthew 17:1-5 108 This explains why eSwhy, the Living Word, could teach His followers: Believe in Elohim, believe also in Me!109 John 14:4 hwhy requires all of His people to hear the Son110 if they truly wish to be those who fulfill the Shema! eSwhy spoke of this in the Evangel of Yochanan/John: 26 But you believe not, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: 28 And I give to them age-abiding life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who gave them to Me, is greater than all; and none is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. 30 I and My Father are one/echad. John 10:26-30 We now move on to the second qualification for inheriting the Great Reward in the Millennial Kingdom. ♦ 2. The second qualification for being part of the Bride, for partaking in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, is forsaking all to follow eSwhy the Messiah. On more than one occasion, eSwhy spoke of leaving all to follow Him: 24 Then eSwhy said to His disciples, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake, and follow Me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he will gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But eSwhy answered again, and said to them, Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of Elohim! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Elohim. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And eSwhy looking upon them said, With men it is impossible, but not with Elohim: for with Elohim all things are possible. 28 Then Peter began to say to Him, Behold, we have left all and have followed You. 29 And eSwhy answered and said, Amein, I say to you, There is no man that has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake, and the Good News, 30 but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions – and in the Age to come age-abiding life. Mark 10:24-30 *

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See also: Luke 9:28-36 We are to keep the commandments of hwhy (Believe in Elohim) and the testimony of eSwhy (… believe also in Me). Revelation 1:9, 12:17, 14:12 110 Deuteronomy 18:15-19, John 10:4 109

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We have now seen the importance of the Shema: eSwhy taught that hearing and obeying hwhy from a heart of love is the preeminent Torah command. If we do that, we will also eventually be learning and keeping everything else which is of age-abiding importance to hwhy. And part of being completely free from idolatry, of not trusting in riches,111 is forsaking all (including one’s own family) to follow Him. Yet these are the very two things seen in Psalm 45 – a psalm which anticipates the Wedding of the Lamb. And we see these spiritual qualifications are the very two things mentioned in a context relating to what it takes to be that Bride! To become the King’s bride, two things were required: 1) Hearkening to the words of the King. 2) Forsaking one’s household. Yet these are the two things mentioned in Tehillah 45, and that, in the very same breath! 10 Hearken, daughter, and consider, and incline your ear; Forget also your own people, and your father’s house. 11 So will the King desire your beauty. Because He is your Sovereign, bow yourself to Him. Psalm 45:10-11 The phrase “Hearken, daughter, and consider, and incline your ear,” is one which reminds us of what eSwhy said about continually abiding in and hearing His Word: 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatsoever you will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is My Father magnified, that you bear much fruit; and so shall you be My disciples. 9 Even as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you: abide you in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. John 15:7-10 The Messiah is the King of Yisrael, and abiding in His love sounds so very much like the promise in Psalm 45: … So will the King desire your beauty … To abide in His love requires us to hear and obey the commandments of hwhy, the commands of the Torah. The words of eSwhy also bid us to forget our father’s house: 26 If anyone comes to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whosoever does not bear his stake, and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26-27 In violation of the Fifth Commandment, cults make much of the above Scripture and attempt to turn the hearts of children away from their fathers.112 But this was not the Messiah’s intent, nor was it His teaching! The language in this text is relative: 113 Compared with our love for hwhy and His Messiah, our love for parents and family may seem like hate, but 111

Matthew 6:2425, 30-33, Mark 10:24, 1Timothy 6:17 Contrast Malachi 4:5-6 113 No pun intended! 112

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nowhere did the Savior ever speak to turn us from the Torah, or from honoring114 and caring115 for our parents. The willingness to leave all for the sake of the Kingdom was, and is, the very same spirit of sacrificial love and devotion which was so highly commended in the Levites: 8 And of Levi he said, “Let your Thummim and your Urim be with your Qadosh One, whom you did prove at Massah, and with whom you did strive at the waters of Meribah; 9 Who said to his father and to his mother: “I have not seen him.” Neither did he acknowledge his brothers, nor knew his own children: for they have observed Your Word, and kept Your Covenant. 10 They shall teach Ya’acob Your judgments, and Yisrael Your Torah: they shall put incense before You, and whole burnt sacrifice upon Your altar. Deuteronomy 33:8-10 We believe it was this Scripture to which eSwhy referred when speaking of hating one’s father and mother, and brothers and sisters. Faithful Yisraelites accepted, and even embraced,116 the calling which required Levites to lose normal aspects of life in their service to hwhy! At the same time, New Covenant believers are forbidden to fail to provide for their family.117 The very things revealed in Psalm 45 are the very things the Messiah revealed while walking upon the earth: We must earnestly, continually, diligently hearken to His words, and we must forsake all things to follow Him. Sha’ul also wrote of forsaking all for the supremacy of knowing the Messiah and, in so doing, it was the emissary’s greatest desire, if at all possible, to qualify to inherit the Great Reward of life in the First Resurrection at the outset of the Messianic Age: 7 However, what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for the Messiah. 8 Yes verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of the Messiah eSwhy my Sovereign: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may gain the Messiah, 9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the Law, but that which is through faith in the Messiah, the righteousness which is from Elohim by faith: 10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, becoming conformed to His death; 11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by the Messiah eSwhy. 13 Brothers, I count not myself to have yet laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of Elohim in the Messiah eSwhy. Philippians 3:7-14 We note Sha’ul suffered the loss of all things that he might gain the Messiah. If not even the apostle Sha’ul regarded himself to have been a certainty for the First Resurrection, how can anyone in our day be under the delusion that reward and greatness in the Kingdom is somehow automatically theirs by inheritance? Only those who endure to the end118 will be granted to inherit the Great Reward of Resurrection Life in the Millennium, and this precludes anyone who breaks the least Torah command and so teaches others.119 114

Matthew 19:17-19 Matthew 15:1-6, Mark 7:6-13 116 1Samuel 1:11, 20-22, 26-28 117 1Timothy 5:8 118 Matthew 10:22, 24:8-13, Mark 13:10-13 119 Matthew 5:17-20 115

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The Lamb Returns as A Lion The religious world often still views the Messiah as being humble, weak/impotent, and beggarly. To be sure, eSwhy was the most humble of any who ever lived, and we also understand He was poor. But those are things that largely applied to His earthly sojourn,120 His time on earth which spanned approximately 33 years. eSwhy the Messiah now sits in great power and splendor far above all things, and He will soon stand up to judge the earth and to destroy the heathen kingdoms of this world. There is now nothing poor or “weak” about the Messiah: He has been made the Ruler of Heaven and Earth.121 And we are warned He will punish all disobedience:122 3 Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, Mighty One, Your splendor and Your majesty. 4 And in Your majesty ride on prosperously, because of truth and meekness and righteousness: and your right hand shall teach you terrible things. 5 Your arrows are sharp; the peoples fall under you; they are in the heart of the King’s enemies. Psalm 45:3-5 This is an indication of war and retribution. The One who came to earth the first time came as a Lamb, but He will return the second time as a Lion:123 He will destroy and subdue all the kingdoms of the earth. Many of our other studies have highlighted the cataclysmic events which will be unleashed as eSwhy the Messiah breaks the seals124 and opens the heavenly judgments upon the unrepentant inhabitants of the earth. The heavens will retreat with a great noise as He rolls up the sky like a scroll,125 the mountains will be removed into the seas,126 the cities of the nations will fall,127 and the islands will flee away.128 Those who have refused to repent of violating the Torah will be burned with fire as volcanoes erupt from beneath and scorching fire falls from above: 3 The earth will be utterly emptied, and utterly laid waste; for hwhy has spoken this word. 4 The earth mourns and fades away, the world languishes and fades away, the lofty people of the earth do languish. 5 The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the Torah, violated the statutes, broken the Everlasting Covenant. 6 Therefore has the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are found guilty: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. Isaiah 24:3-6 All evidence shows this time is quickly approaching: Regardless of any past or future promises of “peace,”129 the unrepentant world teeters on the brink on complete anarchy and unrelenting war. And the heavens will soon erupt in unprecedented cosmic upheavals that 120

To be sure, He still retains His great humility (cf. Luke 12:37, John 13:3-5), but it is certainly not humility as most in the religious world define it! 121 Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:36 122 1Peter 4:17 123 Revelation 5:5, 19:11-21 124 Revelation 5:1-14, 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 8:1 125 Revelation 6:12-17 126 Psalm 461-3, Isaiah 54:10, Matthew 21:21 127 Isaiah 2:10-21, Revelation 16:18-19 128 Revelation 16:20 129 1Thessaloninas 5:3

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will shake the very foundations of the earth.130 The only way to prepare for this time of trouble is to abide in Presence of the Most High, to dwell under the Shadow of the Almighty,131 to believe that the Last Adam is the Sovereign Messiah and to place our faith in Him. Summary Not only does the name “Adam” (Mda) have a misparim of 45, but Tehillah 45 manifestly mentions the first man, Adam as well as the Last Adam – eSwhy the Messiah. The Last Adam has more fully revealed to us the meaning of the Shema, and especially the meaning of the word “me’ode” (dam) – a word which also has a misparim of 45, but more amazingly, is also composed of the very same letters as “Adam” (Mda)! This prophetic song not only shows the Messiah’s beauty in the resurrection, it also gives us further understanding surrounding what Scripture calls “the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” Further, the teachings of this psalm fully concur with what the Messiah said was/is required of those who wish to partake in the immense joy and honor of that unprecedented Wedding Feast! As with the other studies in this series, we continue to magnify the great Name of hwhy by proclaiming His infinite ways are past finding out: There is simply no way these many truths could ever converge on Psalm 45 as a mere coincidence. Misparim is an inspired phenomenon and hwhy has greatly blessed His Word so that, regardless of the level at which it is studied, the only thing that one derives is the pure truth – truth which radiates with a splendor that reveals the overwhelming greatness of His Name (His magnificent signature): namely, His infinite love, His supreme power, and His all-encompassing, prophetic foreknowledge! Blessed be the Name of hwhy, to the Messianic Age and beyond! C.P. Northridge, CA 11/16/2008 t s r q u p e o n m l k y j x z w h d g b a

Copyright 2005-2010, by Craig Wm. Peters

This document may be freely copied and distributed if it is left unaltered and in its entirety. It must also be given away without cost to recipients, and it may not be included in any publication without the author’s written permission.

hwhy El Shaddai will rebuke anyone who copies these truths for republication and/or who subsequently attempts to reproduce and sell them. Isaiah 55:1-2, Micah 3:11, 1Peter 5:2 The full details/stipulations of the applicable copyright are seen in the Prologue to this series: http://www.yahuyahweh.org/iah

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Psalm 18:6-15, Isaiah 24:18-19, Haggai 2:6-7, Luke 21:25-26, Hebrews 12:26-27 Psalm 91:1, Isaiah 8:12-14, Psalm 46:1

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An Excellent Translation of the Scriptures “ISRV” is an acronym which means: “INSTITUTE FOR SCRIPTURE RESEARCH VERSION.” The INSTITUTE FOR SCRIPTURE RESEARCH is an organization of Messianic believers based in South Africa. They have published an excellent version of the Word of hwhy which is titled, “The Scriptures.” This outstanding translation fulfills the Word of hwhy to Mosheh by restoring His Qadosh Name – the Name which He declared to be His Memorial forever.132 Our abbreviation, ISRV, refers to this version of the Scriptures. For those wishing to make further inquiry, the website address for ISR is: http://www.isr-messianic.org t s r q u p e o n m l k y j x z w h d g b a

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Exodus 3:14-15

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