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Revelation Chapter 1 – Unveiling Yeshua
“This is the revelation which God gave to Yeshua the Messiah, so that he could show his servants what must happen very soon. He communicated it by sending his angel to his servant Yochanan [John], who bore witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Yeshua the Messiah, as much as he saw. Blessed are the reader and hearers of the words of this prophecy, provided they obey the things written in it! For the time is near!” (Revelation 1:1-3).
The word ‘revelation’ in this passage means something hidden is being revealed. I like to think of the revelation in this book as the ‘unveiling of Yeshua’ at the end of days. Yochanan (John) had the privilege of seeing this unveiling, and writing it down with his unique understanding of the days, times, and seasons, along with the history of his own people.
The book of Revelation begins with Yochanan on an island called Patmos. He had been exiled from the Roman-controlled area known as Palestine because of his testimony to the Word of Elohim and his faith in Yeshua of Nazareth. As he prepares to leave this world, he has an encounter with Yeshua. With the Messiah, he is escorted into the last days of this present world, the Millennial Kingdom, and the new heavens and earth. It must have been comforting to see the words of the ancient prophets being fulfilled. It must have been an honor to write down the ‘unveiling of Yeshua’ for those who would live in the last days, ushering in the Day of the LORD.
A Blessing
Revelation often instills fear because it has some disturbing and confusing imagery. Yet, Yeshua does not want anyone to be afraid of Yochanan’s vision. A blessing is promised for reading, hearing, and obeying the words of this prophecy. Imagine the blessing that comes from actually understanding the prophetic words in their cultural context and original language! Because I want to be as authentic as possible, I will use Hebrew words and names throughout my study. This helps me keep the Scriptures in their original perspective; I pray it adds a new dimension to your study, too. I also find fascinating the meanings behind the original Hebrew letters that form a Hebrew Word Picture. Each word picture gives a little different perspective of the word.
The Hebrew word for ‘blessing’ is barak and means ‘to kneel.’ There is another meaning of barak that means ‘to bring a gift.’ When we read and obey the words of this prophecy, we are kneel and receive a gift from the Messiah of Isra’el.
Hebrew Word Pictures
Blessing – baruck – ברך
Bet is a ‘house’ and means ‘home or family’
Resh is a ‘head’ and means ‘authority’
Kaf is an ‘open hand’ and means to ‘open’
Baruch – Family authority [the Father] opens [the way for a gift]
The Hebrew word ashrei is actually used in this passage for ‘blessed’ and means ‘happy, blessed, praiseworthy.’ This is the root for one of the names of the Tribes of Isra’el: Asher. With this knowledge, why wouldn’t everyone desire to read and obey the words of ‘the unveiling’ and be worthy of praise?
Happy – ashrei – אשרי
Alef is an ‘ox’ and means ‘first or strong’
Shin is a ‘tooth’ and means ‘consume’ and may represent the Skekinah of Elohim, His divine presence
Resh is a ‘head’ and means ‘authority’
Yod is a ‘closed hand’ and means ‘finished work
Ashrei – The first, strong consumes the authority is a finished work
The Greeting
The greeting of this letter is from Yochanan, who is writing to the seven Messianic communities in Asia. With specific descriptions and numerous Scriptural witnesses, he makes clear the revelation is not from him, but from Messiah Yeshua and his Father.
Yochanan only bears witness to the Word of God and the testimony of Yeshua. These two witnesses describe those who are holy or set-apart by Elohim. These are the two characteristics that describe God’s holy ones in Revelation 12:17 and 14:12: those who obey the Word of God and have a testimony of Yeshua.
The Hebrew for ‘Word of God’ is Dvar Elohim. Dvar can refer to a written word, a spoken word, or even a thing. In the beginning, Elohim ‘spoke’ a dvar and the heavens and earth came into existence. Moshe wrote down God’s Dvarim (Deuteronomy) and we know them as the commandments. The essence of Elohim in the beginning, the dvar that was with Elohim, took on flesh in the person of Yeshua –– who fully lived out the dvar of his Father (John 1:1-2, 14, Colossians 1:15).
A testimony can be defined as a ‘formal written or spoken statement, especially in a court of law.’ Yochanan wants those who read, hear, and obey what is in his vision to understand that this is his testimony presented to him by Yeshua.
Glorified Described
“Grace and shalom to you from the One who is, who was and who is coming; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Yeshua the Messiah, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the earth’s kings” (Revelation 1:4-5).
The greeting begins with the Hebrew word chesed usually translated as ‘lovingkindness’ or ‘grace.’ Chesed signifies a relationship between two individuals or two groups of people. When referring to Elohim’s relationship with Isra’el, the word takes on different meaning. It includes His heart for Isra’el: His loyalty, steadfastness, and persistent love for His covenant people. The chesed of Elohim is eternal; He will never let Isra’el go. Even with the faithlessness of Isra’el throughout the generations, Elohim remains faithful to His promises to them. In this manner, chesed means loving-kindness, mercy, and goodness –– all of it undeserved. However, even with His chesed, He still desires righteousness in the lives of His people.
Shalom is an interesting Hebrew word that means more than just ‘peace.’ In Hebrew, shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, and harmony. As a greeting, this is how one person blesses another. In its Hebrew Word Picture, shalom means “the destruction of the One who causes chaos.”
From the beginning in Genesis 3, there has been the promise of the ‘seed of woman’ destroying the one who deceives the world. The entire book of Revelation reveals Elohim’s judgment on the world and His final reckoning with the Adversary –– the one who has caused all of the chaos throughout the history of the world.
Hebrew Word Pictures
Peace – shalom – שלום
Shin is a ‘tooth’ and means ‘consuming’
Lamed is a ‘shepherd’s staff’ and means ‘prods’
Vav is a ‘nail’ and means ‘to bind’
Mem is ‘water’ and means ‘chaos
Shalom – The consuming of the leader prodding and bound to chaos
The Seven-fold Spirit of Elohim
“The Spirit of Adonai will rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and fearing Adonai— he will be inspired by fearing Adonai” (Isaiah 11:2).
The Hebrew word for ‘spirit’ is ruach and means ‘wind’ or ‘breath.’ Ruach is first found in Genesis 1:2 when the ruach elohim –– breath of Elohim –– hovered over the waters. The word ‘hovered’ actually uses the Hebrew word for ‘brooded’ as one would see a hen brooding or incubating her eggs before they are born.
In Gan Eden (Garden of Eden), Adam and Chavah (Eve) walked in the “cool of the evening.” When correctly translated from the Hebrew, the phrase is: “They walked in the wind of the day.” In other words, they walked in the ‘breath of Elohim’ basking in His presence. (Note: Even the Complete Jewish Bible mistranslates ha’yom which means ‘the day’ not evening. Ha’erev would be ‘evening.’)
“The earth was unformed and void, darkness was on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God – ruach elohim – hovered over the surface of the water” (Genesis 1:2).
“They heard the voice of Adonai, God, walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, so the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Adonai, God, among the trees in the garden” (Genesis 3:8).
When Elohim created the animals, he put a ‘spirit’ within them. This ‘spirit’ is an animal spirit called a nefesh that lives by instinct and the desires of its flesh. It is not a ‘spirit’ that seeks its Creator. It doesn’t have personal awareness nor does it have the ability to reason. It just exists in the physical realm.
When Elohim breathed the ‘breath of life’ into Adam, it was His ‘breath,’ His ‘holy wind’ or the Ruach haKodesh. This ‘breath of life’ spirit is called the neshama. It seeks a relationship with its Creator. The neshama is self-aware and seeks spiritual nourishment “like the deer pants for living water” (Psalm 42:1). This neshama gains wisdom from listening to the voice of Elohim. Sadly, for Adam and Chavah, and all mankind, their sin against Elohim by listening to their fleshly desires deafened their ability to ‘hear’ His voice carried on the wind.
Out of Gan Eden, they lived by the animal nephesh and listened to the voices of men. This nephesh is what drives men to sin: “the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life” (1 John 2:16). This is the ‘man’ Sha’ul (Paul) refers to as “the old man” who is hostile to Elohim and His commandments, and whose life ends in death (Romans 8:7).
“Adam, the first man, became a living human being; but the last “Adam” [Yeshua] has become a life-giving Spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45).
There is a “last Adam” or the Son of Elohim, the “life-giving Spirit.” He was conceived through the ‘breath of Elohim’ and born into this physical world. Because of the ‘holy wind’ in his neshama, he intently listened to His Father’s voice. He had the blessing of the Ruach haKodesh rest on him in its fullness of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and reverence for Elohim (Philippians 2:6-11).
This “last Adam,” Yeshua, left his heavenly position and became a human being. He humbled himself to the point of having to die like a criminal. But now, he is risen and exalted and given a name above every name. Because of his faithfulness, the Ruach haKodesh was poured out so that those who trust in him and are born again of ‘the wind’ may have the blessing to hear the voice of the Father again.
Faithful Witness
“How dreadful that day will be! — there has never been one like it: a time of trouble for Ya’akov [Jacob], but out of it he will be saved” (Jeremiah 30:7).
Yeshua is the faithful witness to the coming Kingdom. In Jeremiah 42:5, the children of Isra’el claim that whatever Elohim tells them to do, they will do. If they don’t, He will be the faithful witness against them. This time of judgment is also known as the “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” It is during this ‘trouble’ that the faithful witness will judge his people for their disobedience –– and deliver them through it.
Firstborn from the Dead
This is an allusion to the Feast of Firstfruits and the hope of the resurrection. As Sha’ul told the Corinthians, Yeshua was the firstfruits of those raised from the dead. As there is a firstfruits resurrection, there will be two other resurrections: the first of the redeemed and the second of all the dead (Revelation 20:5,12).
“But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died…. But each [person] in his own order: the Messiah is the firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of his coming…” (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).
“Many of those sleeping in the dust of the earth will awaken, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting shame and abhorrence” (Daniel 12:2).
Ruler Over Kings
Yeshua will become the ruler over all the kings of the earth when he returns. At his death, Yeshua was given the title ‘King of the Jews,’ but at his second coming, he will set up his eternal Kingdom. He will be known as King of Kings and Ruler over all the earth (1 Corinthians 15:24).
“Then Adonai will be king over the whole world. On that day Adonai will be the only one, and his name will be the only name” (Zechariah 14:9).
“In the name of myself I have sworn, from my mouth has rightly gone out, a word that will not return — that to me every knee will bow and every tongue will swear about me that only in Adonai are justice and strength.” (Isaiah 45:23-24).
The Deliverer
“To him, the one who loves us, who has freed us from our sins at the cost of his blood, who has caused us to be a kingdom, that is, cohanim [priesthood] for God, his Father — to him be the glory and the rulership forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:4-6).
The gospel message through Yeshua is one of repentance and being freed from the bondage of sin by putting faith in his righteous life and sacrificial blood. Moreover, it is his call for each of us to be born again into his Kingdom as part of a priesthood for his Father. As part of his royal priesthood, we will give glory to the one who rules forever (1 Peter 2:9).
“In turn Adonai is agreeing today that you are his own unique treasure, as he promised you; that you are to observe all his mitzvot [commandments]; and that he will raise you high above all the nations he has made, in praise, reputation and glory; and that, as he said, you will be a holy people for Adonai your God” (Deuteronomy 26:18-19).
Hebrew Word Pictures
Priests – cohanim – כהנים
Kaf is an ‘open hand’ and means to ‘uncover’
Hey is a ‘window’ and means ‘to reveal’
Nun is a ‘fish’ and means ‘life’
Yod is a ‘closed hand’ and means ‘finished work’
Mem is ‘water’ and means ‘chaos’
Cohanim – Uncover and reveal the life that finishes the work of chaos
A Vision of Return
“Look! He is coming with the clouds! Every eye will see him including those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the Land will mourn him” (Revelation 1:7).
Yochanan quotes both the prophets Daniel and Zechariah who describe the return of Messiah. He puts them into the context of the end-times vision of the ‘unveiling of Yeshua.’
The prophecy in Zechariah is an allusion to Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. It is on this ‘appointed time’ in the future when Yeshua returns in the clouds and all of veiled Isra’el will mourn for the one they pierced. At that time, the prophecy that all Isra’el will be saved will become evident (Romans 11:26).
“I kept watching the night visions, when I saw, coming with the clouds of heaven, someone like a son of man. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence” (Daniel 7:13).
“And I will pour out on the house of David and on those living in Yerushalayim a spirit of grace and prayer; and they will look to me, whom they pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son; they will be in bitterness on his behalf like the bitterness for a firstborn son” (Zechariah 12:10).
The Day of the Lord
“I came to be, in the Spirit, on the Day of the Lord; and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet …”(Revelation 1:10).
This verse stumbles some eschatological views because of a misunderstanding of the phrase, “Day of the Lord”. Some interpret this phrase to mean that on the ‘first day of the week,’ Sunday, Yochanan was in the Spirit. However, this idea comes from catholic theology that changed the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday and transformed the ‘first day of the week’ into “The Lord’s Day.”
If the “Day of the Lord” was a specific day of the week, it would have to be the seventh-day Sabbath as Yeshua said that he was “Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8). If “The Lord’s Day” was one day over which Yeshua is Lord, it would have to be the seventh day of the week, not the first.
Yochanan was an Jew and well-versed in Hebrew and Aramaic; in fact, he wrote his vision in Aramaic which was later translated into Greek. To him the phrase, en teé juriake´heem´ra, translated “the Lord’s Day,” was a period of time spoken by the prophets; the time for when Elohim’s judgment of earth begins and continues through the 1000-year reign of King Messiah (2 Peter 3:8). This allusion to the judgment and darkness on the “Day of the Lord” is not a day of the week for greeting one another with, “Have a Good Lord’s Day” or “Happy Day of the Lord.”
“Oh no! The Day! The Day of Adonai is upon us! As destruction from Shaddai it is coming!” (Joel 1:15).
“Woe to you who want the Day of Adonai! Why do you want it, this Day of Adonai? It is darkness, not light; as if someone were to run from a lion, just to be met by a bear; as if he entered a house, put his hand on the wall, just to be bitten by a snake.” (Amos 5:18).
“Howl! for the Day of Adonai is at hand, destruction coming from Shaddai…. Here comes the Day of Adonai, full of cruelty, rage and hot fury, to desolate the earth and destroy the sinners in it” (Isaiah 13:6-9).
The ‘Appointed Time’
The ‘appointed times’ or mo’edim were set in motion by Elohim on the fourth day when He created the sun, moon, and stars (Leviticus 23:23-24). The ‘seasons’ are ‘appointed times’ as explained in Leviticus 23. The spring mo’edim were fulfilled by Yeshua on the exact day and time as outlined in the Feasts of Elohim. The next ‘appointed time’ to be fulfilled is the Feast of Trumpets or Yom Teruah.
Yom Teruah is a holy gathering or, in Hebrew, a mikra, which means ‘rehearsal’. Yom Teruah is to be announced with blasts of the shofar as a day for remembering; but what is to be remembered is not specifically stated. In other words, the ‘appointed time’ of Yom Teruah is for remembering something that will happen in the future that has not happened before.
The voice-sound of the shofar implies the vision given to Yochanan begins on the Feast of Trumpets. This is Yeshua’s prophetic way to prepare his people for the coming Days of Awe. The ten Days of Awe are a period of time set apart for repentance. It is when each person prepares to stand before the throne of Elohim, when books are opened and every personal deed is revealed. They prepare for the final judgment rendered on the Day of Atonement.
“A stream of fire flowed from his presence; thousands and thousands ministered to him, millions and millions stood before him. Then the court was convened, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:10).
“And I saw the dead, both great and small, standing in front of the throne. Books were opened; and another book was opened, the Book of Life; and the dead were judged from what was written in the books, according to what they had done” (Revelation 20:12)
The Beginning and the End
“I am the ‘A’ [alef] and the ‘Z,’ [tav]” says Adonai, God of heaven’s armies, the One who is, who was and who is coming” (Revelation 1:8).
This is another verse that translators change from Aramaic/Hebrew into Greek. It not only messes with the meaning of the beginning from the end; it takes away a unique part of the Hebrew Scriptures that unveil Yeshua in practically every sentence.
The two letters that begin and end the Hebrew alphabet are the Alef and the Tav – את. These two letters create the small word, ‘et,’ that is found before nouns throughout the old testament. Some give it a grammatical purpose as a noun modifier, but it has no specific Hebrew meaning. So what is this word? Why is it in the Scriptures?
Look at Genesis 1:1 in the Hebrew (read right to left):
בראשית ברא אלהים את השמימ ואת הארץ
Transliterated: Beresheet bara elohim et hashamayim v’et haeretz.
Notice the two-letter word ‘et’ twice in this verse. These are the Hebrew letters alef and tav; the first and the last letters of the alphabet.
In Revelation 1:8, Yeshua says that he is the ‘alef and the tav’ found between those first words in Genesis and between thousands of other words throughout the Scriptures. By revealing himself as the alef and the tav, he is revealing himself on every page of the Bible. He is proving that he is the beginning and the end of everything from Creation in Genesis through the final restoration in Revelation.
Some suggest that the tav represents the ‘cross’ because of the ‘crossed sticks’ in the ancient letter picture. However, there is more to the tav than just the cross. It represents the end –– not Yeshua’s death on the cross which was not an end or a beginning –– the end of the old order of things and a re-creation of a new heavens, new earth, and the New Jerusalem.
The alef and the tav in this verse is also connected with the “God of heaven’s armies” of which Yeshua is the Commander in Chief. I believe that the alef and the tav, in this instance, are the ‘first strong sign’ that Yeshua’s final revelation, his second coming, will include his heavenly armies.
Hebrew Word Pictures
Et – את
Alef is an ‘ox’ and means ‘first and strong’
Tav is a ‘crossed sticks’ and means ‘sign’
את – The first, strong sign
Menorahs
“I saw seven gold menorahs; and among the menorahs was someone like a Son of Man …” (Revelation 1:12).
Yeshua stands among seven gold menorahs. The Amplified Version and New International Version say “seven golden lampstands.” The King James Version says “seven golden candlesticks.” Though ‘lampstand’ could be an acceptable translation for menorah, candlesticks is a stretch.
The Golden Menorah created for the Tabernacle, and eventually placed in the Temple, was made of pure gold. It was filled with pure olive oil, not candles. It was designed from what is in heaven and shown to Moshe –– it was made through divine intervention. The Golden Menorah has become a symbol for Isra’el and the Jewish people. In the first century, Middle-eastern/Asian congregations would have been comprised of Jews and non-Jews who knew exactly what the Golden Menorah was. Translating the word ‘menorah’ into ‘candlestick’ is another subtle way to remove the Jewishness of the revelation message.
According to Yeshua, the seven gold menorahs represent the seven congregations that will receive a message from the angel or messenger to that congregation. Each of the seven congregation shines as a menorah into the darkness of the world and has a responsibility to that light. Seven is the number of completion symbolizing that the revelation given to Yochanan will happen as prophesied and is complete.
The Appearance of Yeshua
Yeshua was “wearing a robe down to his feet and a gold band around his chest. His head and hair were as white as snow-white wool, his eyes like a fiery flame, his feet like burnished brass refined in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, out of his mouth went a sharp double-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength” (Revelation 1:13-16).
His Hair
Wool comes from lambs. How significant for the Lamb of God to have wool-like hair! Wool can also be symbolic of being cleansed from sin by the Lamb. Having a head of hair white as snow-white wool could be the evidence that Yeshua overcame sin and death so that our scarlet crimson garments could also turn white as snow and wool (Isaiah 1:18).
White represents purity, being undefiled, and righteous (Proverbs 16:31). Only a pure and sinless person is righteous enough to lay down their life to become an atonement for the corrupt and unholy. White represents being worthy, and only Yeshua is worthy of such righteousness –– and righteous act.
Yeshua has “eyes like a fiery flame.” In Hebrew, the word for fire is esh and means ‘flashing or blazing.’ Yeshua’s eyes blaze and flash. “Fiery eyes” suggest that in his glorified state, Yeshua refines the heart and minds of his people with just one look.
“I have made you a refiner and tester of my people, to know and test how they behave” (Jeremiah 6:27).
“But who can endure the day when he comes? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like the soapmaker’s lye” (Malachi 3:2).
Hebrew Word Pictures
Fire – אש – esh
Alef is an ‘ox’ and means ‘first and strength’
Shin is a ‘tooth’ and means ‘consumes’
Esh – The first strength consumes
His Feet
Yeshua’s feet are like “burnished brass refined in a furnace.” Yeshua, as a man, went through the refining furnace of suffering until he died on the cross. His suffering taught him obedience (Hebrews 5:8). If we seek to be like him, our refining-fire sufferings should bring forth a deeper obedience to the Word of Elohim.
Yeshua stood in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedigo in Babylon. Throughout the millennia, Yehsua has stood with his people as they go through the “fiery furnace” of suffering for righteousness sake. It is his ‘burnished bronze” feet that should give us hope that as we stand in the fiery tests of our own lives.
His voice is like the sound of rushing waters. According to King David, the sound of rushing waters is evidence of the power and splendor of El Elyon (God Most High). There was one time in my life, when I was doing great spiritual warfare, that I was silenced only to hear the sound of rushing water behind me, and felt a powerful voice of wind speak through me. The battle was won by the rushing-water voice!
“The voice of Adonai is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, Adonai over rushing waters, the voice of Adonai in power, the voice of Adonai in splendor” (Psalm 29:3-4).
Out of Yeshua’s mouth comes a double-edged sword. This is the living Word of Elohim being used to divide the soul and spirit. It is being used to judge iniquity in the heart of the inner man. During that same event in my life, I could see Words being formed that the rushing water had put together from individual letters. I could see the people who had caused the warfare being judged in their hearts by these words: one humbled himself; the other beat at the words with her fist. It was a most amazing experience; one where I learned that the battle truly is Yeshua’s.
“See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword — it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Prophets and Yeshua
Daniel had many dreams and visions while living in Babylon and he wrote them down for those living in the end times. One vision included seeing the Ancient of Days seated on His throne. Ezekiel also had a vision of the throne of Elohim. Above the sapphire throne appeared a person.
Yeshua takes Kefa (Peter), Ya’akov (James) and Yochanan to a mountain where he meets with Moshe and Elijah. He is transformed into glory for those few moments and “his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became as white as light” (Matthew 17:2).
This would be the second time Yochanan sees Yeshua in his glory with a shining face and white clothing. The first time he saw Yeshua’s glory, he believed the Millennial Kingdom had arrived and it was the ‘appointed time’ for the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. This time, however, he falls down at Yeshua’s feet like a dead man.
“His clothing was white as snow, the hair on his head was like pure wool” (Daniel 7:9).
“Gleaming, amber-colored fire radiated from what appeared to be his waist upward. Downward from what appeared to be his waist, I saw what looked like fire, giving a brilliant light all around him. This brilliance around him looked like a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day” (Ezekiel 1:27-28).
The Living One
“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last, the Living One. I was dead, but look! — I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Sh’ol [Hades]”(Revelation 1:18-19).
Spiritual death came to mankind in the beginning when Adam sinned and was forced out of Gan Eden. Physical death accompanied spiritual death though not immediately. Because of Adam, every human born into this world is spiritually dead and separated from Elohim. It is only through Yeshua that the relationship between mankind and his Creator is restored. And, it can only be restored because Yeshua died, conquered death, and is alive! (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
Because he paid the wage of sin and overcame death, Yeshua holds the keys to Death and Sh’ol (Hades). Along with being a god of the underworld, Hades motive of operation is Death and the dead being taken to a place of darkness for the unrighteous. This place is described by Yeshua as the “outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:13, Luke 13:28).
What or where is “outer darkness?” In the beginning, Elohim said: “Let there be light.” There was light and the light was good. He also separated the light from the darkness. This suggests there is still a place of “outer darkness” reserved for those who utterly reject the Creator and the way He provided to enter into and remain in His Light.
“Weeping and gnashing of teeth” is an phrase that brings forth the idea of anger and severe pain brought on by regret. Regret will be the eternal consequence for people who heard the Truth of salvation and mocked it, heard the Word of Truth and rejected it, or were taught the commandments of Elohim and chose to disobey. The unrighteous, wicked, and lawless (without Torah) will weep in the lake of fire and gnash their teeth at the righteous who obtained eternal life.
“Should I ransom them from the power of Sh’ol? Should I redeem them from death? Where are your plagues, death; where is your destruction, Sh’ol?” (Hosea 13:14).
“He will guard the steps of his faithful, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. For it is not by strength that a person prevails…” (1 Samuel 2:9).
“The wicked plots against the righteous and grinds his teeth at him…” (Psalm 37:12).
“With ungodly mocking and grimacing, they grind their teeth at me” (Psalm 35:16).
Death and Sh’ol
Yeshua holds the keys to Death and Hades. Keys are essential to opening and closing doors or gates, but also having the right ‘key’ is crucial to unlocking a specific door or gate.
Caesarea Phillipi was known for its immoral pagan practices. It was filled with shrines and idols erected to fertility gods and goddesses. Near the city was a cave known as the ‘Gates of Hades’ or the ‘Gates of Hell.’ It was believed that fertility gods and goddesses like Astarte (Easter) would go into this cave and sleep through the winter. In springtime, pagans would hold ceremonies to encourage the gods to come back to life or resurrect themselves.
It was in this pagan city near the cave that Yeshua asked his disciples who they believed he was. Kefa confesses that he believes Yeshua is the Messiah of Isra’el, the Son of Elohim. Kefa’s confession of faith includes the hope of resurrection since he knew about the beliefs of the pagan people within this city. In order for there to be a true resurrection, Death and Sh’ol would have to be defeated. Yeshua responded to Kefa:
“How blessed you are! For no human being revealed this to you, no, it was my Father in heaven. I also tell you this: you are Kefa,” [which means ‘Rock,’] “and on this rock [of faith] I will build my Community, and the gates of Sh’ol will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:16-18).
Write a Record
Yochanan is commanded to write down everything he sees, both in the present and in the future. Yeshua reveals the mystery of the seven stars and seven menorahs: the seven messengers to the congregations in Asia minor and the seven menorahs representing each of the Congregations –– Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
Revelation 2 – Community of Ephesus
©2020 Tentstake Ministries Publishing, all rights reserved. No copying or reproducing of this article without crediting the author or Tentstake Ministries Publishing.
The Ten Commandments and the Hebrew Alef-Bet
When the Ten Commandments were given to Israel at Mount Sinai, they weren’t written with Roman numerals or from left to right. They were written with Hebrew letters, right to left, and called the Ten Words. A wonderful teaching tool for learning the Ten Commandments is to use the first ten letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the letters have a picture that actually reveals the meaning of each commandment. The Ten Commandments are listed using the Hebrew letter picture along with new testament Scriptures proving that all of the Ten Commandments were reiterated by Yeshua and the apostles in the new testament.
Love God – The First and Greatest Commandment
א Alef – An Ox
The first commandment is represented by the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, alef. The letter picture for alef is an Ox. The Ox is symbolic of ‘strength, leader, or what comes first.’ We are to have no other gods except first and foremost, yod-hey-vav-hey who delivers us from the bondage of slavery into freedom, from sin and death into fullness of life. It is only Adonai who is able to destroy every power or ‘other gods’ as He did in Egypt.
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2-3).
“Yeshua answered, ‘It is written: ‘Worship the LORD your God and serve him only‘” (Luke 4:8).
ב Bet – A House
The second commandment is represented by the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, bet. The letter picture for bet is a Tent or House. This letter symbolizes ‘a household or family’ and is the preposition in. In Middle Eastern culture, idols were called ‘household gods.’ Rachel was guilty of sitting on an idol when Laban came to Jacob looking for his household gods (Genesis 31:19).
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:4-6).
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).
ג Gimel – A Camel
The third commandment is represented by the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet, gimel. The letter picture for gimel is a Camel, and is also the Hebrew word for ‘camel.’ The symbolic meaning is to ‘lift up or pride.’ We are not to use the name of Adonai pridefully. We are not to lift up His Name up in any profane way. When we live lawlessly, contrary to His commands, and call ourselves His followers, saved by Yeshua, then we misuse His Name and profane it among the world in which we live. This would be considered ‘taking His Name in vain.’
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7).
“As it is written: ‘God’s name is blasphemed among the nations because of you’” (Romans 2:24).
ד Dalet – A Door
The fourth commandment is represented by the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, dalet. The letter picture for dalet is a Door and is also the Hebrew word for ‘door.’ The symbolic meaning is ‘a pathway or a place to enter.’ Yeshua stands at the dalet and knocks. Anyone who opens the dalet to him will enjoy the feast fellowship with him (Revelation 3:20). The fourth commandment is the Sabbath and the dalet we enter so we can have a more intimate fellowship with the Father through Yeshua.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it ‘set apart’. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:8).
“Then Yeshua said to them, ‘The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5).
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work (of creation), just as God did from his” (Hebrews 4:9,10).
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The first three commandments explain how to love God; the next six explain how to love our neighbor. The Sabbath is the dalet or pathway that moves us from loving God to loving our neighbor.
Love your Neighbor – The Second Greatest Commandment
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20).
ה Hey – A Window
The fifth commandment is represented by the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, hey. The letter picture for hey is a Window and symbolizes ‘to behold, observe or reveal,’ and is the modifier the like in HaShem (The Name). On the cross, Yeshua looks at John and says, “John, behold your mother. Mother, behold your son” (John 19:26).
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 2:10).
Yeshua, on the cross, looks at John and tells him, “John, behold your mother. Mother, behold your son” (John 19:26).
ו Vav – A Nail
The sixth commandment is represented by the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, vav. The letter picture for vav is a Nail or Peg. It is symbolic of ‘securing and binding,’ and is the conjunction and as in chesed v’ahava meaning ‘mercy and love.’ Yeshua was bound and nailed to the cross and killed.
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
“Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with is brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22).
ז Zayin – A Sword
The seventh commandment is represented by the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, zayin. The letter picture for zayin is a Weapon like an axe. It is symbolic of ‘cutting, separating, and dividing.’ Adultery is like an axe that separates and divides a married couple.
“You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
“Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate (cut apart)” (Mark 10:9).
ח Chet
The eighth commandment is represented by the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, chet. The letter picture for chet is a Fence. The symbolic meaning of chet is to ‘surround in order to protect that which is within its boundaries.’ A fence surrounds personal property from those who would steal. In Hebrew thought, the Torah is considered a ‘fence’ that surrounds and protects those who stay within its boundaries.
“You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15).
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28).
ט Tet – A Snake
The ninth commandment is represented by the ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, tet. The letter picture for tet is a Snake. It symbolizes ‘twisting.’ It was the serpent who twisted the truth and lied to Eve in the Garden of Eden. False testimony or lying is ‘twisting’ the truth.
“You shall not bear false witness (lie) against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16).
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
י Yod – A Closed Hand
The tenth commandment is represented by the tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, yod. The letter picture for yod is a Closed Hand. This symbolizes ‘a finished work or completed deed.’ When a person covets, their hand is not closed and content, but open and desiring more –– more of what their neighbor has.
“You shall not covet your neighbors house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s (Exodus 20:17).
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrew 13:5).
©2012 Tentstake Ministries Publishing, all rights reserved. No copying or reproducing of this article without crediting the author or Tentstake Ministries Publishing. For a hard copy of this blog post, please purchase Journey with Jeremiah: Nourishment for the Wild Olive.
Matthew 6:9-13 – The Disciples’ Prayer
Tefillah Talmidim – The Disciples’ Prayer
Yeshua taught his followers to pray the well-known “Lord’s Prayer.” This prayer, often thought to be new, actually follows the traditional Jewish tefillah (prayer). Our Jewish Savior gave his Jewish (and non-Jewish) followers a completely Jewish way to pray to the his Father, his Abba.
:אבינו שבשמים ית1דש שמך
Avinu shebashamayim, yitkadash shemekha.
Our Father in heaven! May your Name be kept holy.
:תבא מלכותך יעשה רצונך בארץ כאשר נעשה בשמים
Tavo malkhutekha, ye’aseh r’tzonekha ba’aretz ka’asher na’asah vashamayim.
May your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.
These first phrases recall the kaddish, an ancient Jewish prayer. Like all Jewish prayers, Yeshua’s prayer begins with acknowledging the Creator of the Universe who is our Father in heaven, followed by sanctifying His ‘set apart’ Name, yod-hey-vav-hey. The coming Kingdom of God is the rule of God’s Spirit in, through, and over the hearts of mankind. This is the complete fulfillment of the new covenant that will bring forth God’s will on earth as it is accomplished in the heavenly realm.
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:תן לנוּ היוֹם לחם חקנוּ
Ten-lanu hayom lechem chukeinu.
Give us the bread we need today.
The word ‘give’ at the beginning of this phrase is the imperative. It presents the idea of a child completely dependent on their father for everything they need. ‘This day’ is a reference to the manna -– the bread of life -– in the wilderness that was provided each day in order to build faith in The Provider. Lechem chukeinu is used in Proverbs 30:8: “Keep falsehood and futility far from me, and give me neither poverty nor wealth. Yes, provide just the food I need today.”
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:וסלח לנוּ את אשמתנו כאשר סלחים אנחנו לאשר אשמו לנוּ
U’selach-lanu et-ashmateinu ka’asher solechim anachnu la’asher ashmu-lanu.
Forgive us our sins just as we are forgiving those who sin against us.
Yeshua taught in Luke 6:38 that we will receive the same measure that we measure out. Unless we forgive others, our Father will not forgive us. This part of the tefillah is a mirror to our hearts, and the verb is in present progressive because the process of forgiving continues.
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:ואל–תויאנוּ לידי מסה כי אמ–הצילנוּ מן הרע
Ve’al-tevieinu lidei massah, ki im-hatzileinu min-hara.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Massa is translated as ‘test or temptation,’ but can also mean ‘despair’ as in the ‘melting of one’s heart.’ This phrase does not suggest that we be kept from trials, but that as we go through them, our hearts are changed or melted and we are delivered from falling into despair, becoming bitter or angry. Hatzileinu min-hara is more than being drawn into evil inclination, but a cry for deliverance from the Evil One, the Adversary, who is the root of our evil inclinations and tries to steal all glory from God.
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:כי לך הממלכה וחגבוּרה והתפארת לעולמי עולמים
Ke lakha, hamamlakha, vehageverah, veha tiferet l’olemei ‘olamim.
For kingship, power and glory are yours forever.
The conclusion of this prayer reflects the prayer and praise of King David in 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 when he dedicated Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem: “Yours, Adonai, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. The kingdom is yours, Adonai; and you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from you, you rule everything, in your hand is power and strength, you have the capacity to make great and to give strength to all. Therefore, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name.”
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אמן ו אמן
Omein
Amen
Jewish sages taught that Amen is an acronym for el melech ne’eman or “God is a faithful King.”
©2017 Tentstake Ministries Publishing, all rights reserved. No copying or reproducing of this article without crediting the author or Tentstake Ministries Publishing.
The Gates and Walls of Nehemiah
“Our feet were already standing at your gates, Yerushalayim” (Psalm 122:2).
Nehemiah chapter 3 outlines the rebuilding of the gates and walls of Jerusalem in the days of Ezra. Its focus is on the names of those who set the gates and rebuilt the walls surrounding each gate. Biblical/Hebrew names have always fascinated me as they always have prophetic significance. As I began researching the meanings of the names, I found incredible messages.
It is important to note that the boundaries of city of Jerusalem in the days of Nehemiah were very different, and much smaller, from modern times. Some gates had different names; other gates didn’t exist or exist now. The layout of the city went south into the City of David or Mount Zion rather than west towards what is known today as the Old City. Excavations of the Broad Wall are found near the center of the Jewish Quarter near the Hurva Synagogue.
Sheep Gate
“But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s own shepherd” (John 10:2).
Nehemiah 3 begins with the restoration of The Sheep Gate. This gate was where the lambs were brought for examination and eventual sacrifice in the Temple. Today, the Sheep Gate is known as the Lion’s Gate and is the entrance to the Arab Quarter near Bethesda.
“Eliashib, the high priest along with the Levite priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate to the Tower of the Hundred and onto the Tower of Hanna’el. Next to the priests, the men of Jericho and Zakur, the son of Imri continued building” (Nehemiah 3:1-2).
The meanings of the names of those who restored the Sheep Gate:
“My God will return with a strong utterance [a shofar blast implying warfare].
The prophetic voice: “The LORD will roar from Tzion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel” (Joel 3:16).
Fish Gate
“So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn” (John 21:11).
The Fish Gate was the next to be restored in the north wall of ancient Jerusalem near the modern-day Damascus Gate which is also in the Arab Quarter. The Fish Gate was the closest gate to the fish market and fishermen from the Galilee, whether Arab or Israeli, used this gate to bring their fish to market.
“The sons of Hasna’ah rebuilt the Fish Gate. Next to them M’remot the son of Uriyah, the son of Hakotz, made repairs. Next to them Meshulam the son of Berekhyah, the son of Mesheizav’el, made repairs. Next to them Tzadok the son of Ba‘ana made repairs. Next to them the men from T’koa made repairs” (Nehemiah 3:3-5).
The meanings of the names of those who restored the Fish Gate:
“Thorns, the myrrh of death, God is my Light, my shalom, my deliverer. My righteous one is blessed by Yah through a confirming Tekoa [trumpet blast].”
The Hebrew numerology for the 153 fish with each number being represented by a letter means: “I Am yod-hey-vav-hey.”
The prophetic voice: “On that day [the day of the LORD],” declares the LORD, “a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, wailing from the New Quarter, and a loud crash from the hills. Wail, you who live in the [fish] market district; all your merchants will be wiped out, all who trade with silver will be destroyed” (Zephaniah 1:10-11).
Old “Ancient” Gate
“Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Yeshua is the Messiah” (Acts 9:22).
The Old Gate was known as the Sha’ar Yahshana meaning ‘ancient entrance/pathway.’ This ‘ancient’ gate was located on the north side of Jerusalem and may have been what is known today as the Damascus Gate. The Damascus Gate leads out to the Nablus Road and, in ancient days, led directly to Damascus, Syria.
“Yoyada the son of Paseach and Meshulam the son of B’sodyah made repairs to the Old City Gate…. Next to them M’latyah the Giv‘oni, Yadon the Meronoti and the men from Giv‘on and Mitzpah made repairs; they worked for the people associated with the governor of the territory beyond the [Euphrates] River. Next to them ‘Uzi’el the son of Harhayah, goldsmiths, made repairs” (Nehemiah 3:6-8).
The meanings of the names, places, and vocation of those who repaired the Old Gate:
“Yah favors, passing over, sparing. Shalom in the counsel of Yah. Men of the ‘hill city’, watch[tower] for the deliverance of Yah who will judge the great stream. God is my strength. Yah protects and tests the heart.”
Gibeon or Giv’on was conquered by Joshua just like Jericho. Gibeon means ‘hill country’. Mitzpah means ‘watchtower’ and was a city in Benjamin located near Jerusalem. The word ‘Euphrates’ is an Assyrian word meaning ‘the great stream’.
Goldsmiths are mentioned twice in Nehemiah 3 as those who worked on repairing the wall.
“The crucible [tests] silver, and the furnace [tests] gold, but the one who tests hearts is the LORD” (Proverbs 17:3).
The ways of Adonai are described by the prophet Jeremiah as ‘ancient paths’ (Jeremiah 6:16). These ‘ancient pathways’ in Jerusalem that so many have walked on over the centuries are accessed through ‘ancient gates’ like the Sha’ar Yahshana.
The prophetic voice: “I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will destroy the king who is in the Valley of Aven and the one who holds the scepter in Beth Eden. The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir,” says the Lord” (Amos 1:5).
Broad Wall
One other job description mentioned in this group of men is a perfume maker who helped repair the way to the Broad Wall. The Broad Wall was a defensive wall about 23 feet thick built during the reign of King Hezekiah. It is believed that the city of Jerusalem at this time was confined to the fortified, narrow hill running to the south of the Temple Mount known as the City of David. There are remnants of this wall in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter.
“Next to him Hananyah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs; they renovated Yerushalayim as far as the Broad Wall” (Nehemiah 3:8).
His name means:
“Grace and mercy are a sweet-smelling gift of Yah.”
Ephraim Gate
“Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples” (John 11:54).
The Ephraim Gate is not mentioned in Nehemiah 3 as needing repairs, however, it is mentioned in Nehemiah 8 when the people built their sukkot (booths) at this gate, and in Nehemiah 12 as part of the processional walk of choirs during the dedication of the wall at Feast of Tabernacles. According to 2 Kings, the distance between the Ephraim Gate and the Corner Gate was 400 cubits or 200 yards. Ephraim was the name of second-born son to Joseph in Egypt. In Hebrew Ephraim means ‘fruitfulness.’
“Next to them Refayah the son of Hur … made repairs. Next to him Y’dayah the son of Harumaf made repairs opposite his own house. Next to him Hatush the son of Hashavn’yah made repairs” (Nehemiah 3:10-11).
These are the meanings of the names of the men who repaired the wall to the Tower of the Ovens:
“Yah has cured, examined, guided, assembled. Yah has imputed to me.”
Prophetic voice: “See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son” (Jeremiah 31:8-9).
Tower of the Ovens
“They [the Levites] were in charge of the bread set out on the table, the special flour for the grain offerings, the thin loaves made without yeast, the baking and the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size” (1 Chronicles 23:29).
The Tower of the Ovens, in Hebrew tannurim, was located at Bakers’ Street off the western wall of Jerusalem. This area was considered the baking district of Jerusalem. The Sabbath showbread for the Temple was baked here by Levite bakers (1 Chronicles 9:31-32). Zedekiah had his guards feed Jeremiah a daily loaf of bread from Bakers’ Street (Jeremiah 37:21). This is the only place Scripture mentions that women worked on the wall –– the daughters of HaLochesh.
“Malkiyah the son of Harim and Hashuv the son of Pachat-Mo’av [Sheik of Moab] made repairs on another section and on the Tower of the Ovens. Next to him Shalum the son of HaLochesh … he and his daughters, made repairs” (Nehemiah 3:9-12).
The meanings of the names of those who worked on the Tower of the Ovens and the nearby wall:
“God is my King, dedicated to God, important, honored, considerate, one who whispers.”
Prophetic vision: “Those who walk righteously and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil— they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them” (Isaiah 33:15-16).
Valley Gate
“‘Uziyahu [Uziah] built towers in Yerushalayim at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the Angle, and fortified them” (2 Chronicles 26:9).
The Valley Gate gate was most likely on the southwestern side of the city between the Tower of Ovens and the Dung Gate. It doesn’t exist in modern-day Jerusalem. It was through the Valley Gate that Nehemiah left the city to inspect the wall that had been broken down and the gates which had been burned by fire (Nehemiah 2:13).
“Hanun and the people living in Zanoach repaired the Valley Gate … and they rebuilt 1,500 feet of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate” (Nehemiah 3:13).
The meanings of the name of the man who repaired the Valley Gate along with those living in Zanoah:
“Rejected, stinking; gracious and merciful.”
There are several valleys around Jerusalem. The Kidron Valley, the Tyropoeon Valley, and the Hinnom Valley. The Kidron Valley is dotted with thousands of burial sites and is known as ‘the valley of the shadow of death.’ The Tyropoeon Valley, called the ‘valley of cheesemakers’, separates Mount Moriah with the Temple Mount from Mount Tzion also known as the City of David. The Hinnom Valley is on the south and west of Jerusalem. In Hebrew, Hinnom is gehenna. Scripture calls this place the ‘valley of slaughter’ because of the sacrifices to Molech which took place there (Jeremiah 32:35). It is most likely that the Valley Gate led out to the Hinnom Valley.
Prophetic voice: “A voice cries out: “Clear a road through the desert for the LORD! Level a highway in the ‘Aravah for our God! Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill lowered, the bumpy places made level and the crags become a plain. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed; all humankind together will see it, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken” (Isaiah 40:3-5).
The Dung Gate
“The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, is to be carried outside the camp; there they are to burn up completely their hides, meat and dung” (Leviticus 16:27).
The Dung Gate in Hebrew is Sha’ar Ha’ashpot or ‘Gate of Garbage.’ It received its name from the refuse and ash that was removed from the Temple and taken out out of the city into the Valley of Hinnom where it was burned. The Dung Gate is mentioned in Nehemiah 12:30 when the priests and the Levites dedicated the gates and the wall. There was a rampart walkway on which the people could walk around the city and offer their praise and worship to Adonai (Nehemiah 12:13).
“Malkiyah the son of Rechav, leader of the district of Beit-Hakerem, repaired the Dung Gate (Nehemiah 3:14).
The meanings of the names of the men who repaired the Dung Gate from the district of Beit-Hakerem:
“God is my King. He enlarges the people, the house of his vineyard.”
The present-day Dung Gate was built during the Ottoman Empire and is probably not in the same place as it was in Nehemiah’s day. The gate was widened in 1948 to allow cars to enter. In the days of the Temple, it was a gate where refuse was taken; today it is the main gate into the Jewish Quarter where tourists visit the Western Wall and the Temple Mount.
Fountain Gate
““For my people have committed two evils: they have abandoned me, the fountain of living water, and dug themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water!” (Jeremiah 2:13).
The Fountain Gate was on the ophel or the part of the eastern hill that sits between the City of David and the Temple Mount. It was near the Pool of Siloam and was used by the people for a cleansing immersion before proceeding to the Temple. It was at the pool of Siloam that Yeshua told a blind man to go and wash the mud out of his eyes.
“Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing” (John 9:7).
“Shalun the son of Kol-Hozeh, leader of the district of Mitzpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; … he also rebuilt the wall of the Pool of Siloam, by the royal garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David. After him Nechemyah the son of Azbuk, leader of half the district of Beit-Tzur, made repairs from the place opposite the tombs of David as far as the artificial pool and the soldiers’ barracks” (Nehemiah 3:15-16).
The meanings of the names of the men who repaired the Fountain Gate and the areas around the pool and tombs:
“Prosper, all prophets, the watchtower. Yah comforts, sends. Strong devastation, House of Rock.
Prophetic voice: “And he [Yeshua] said to me, “It is done! I am the ‘alef and the tav,’ the Beginning and the End. To anyone who is thirsty I myself will give water free of charge from the Fountain of Life” (Revelation 21:6).
Gate of the Guard
“He stationed guards at the gates of the house of the LORD, so that no one who was unclean in any respect could enter” (2 Chronicles 23:19).
From the Fountain Gate, a number of priests repaired the wall sections attached to their homes until they reached the Gate of the Guard. It was in this section that Eliashib, the high priest lived. Like the Ephraim Gate, the Gate of the Guard needed no repairs.
“After him the Levites made repairs: Rechum the son of Bani; next to him Hashavyah, leader of half the district of Ke‘ilah, made repairs for his district. After him their colleagues, Bavai the son of Henadad … made repairs. Next to him ‘Ezer the son of Yeshua, leader of Mitzpah, made repairs on another section, opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle. After him Barukh the son of Zakkai worked diligently … to the door of the house of Elyashiv the high priest. After him M’remot the son of Uriyah made repairs on another section, from the door of the house of Elyashiv to the end of the house of Elyashiv.
The meanings of the names of the Levites who repaired the wall to the high priest’s house:
“Merciful and compassionate to the one whom God sees building the ‘little city’. With the desire of the LORD, the grace of the beloved, help and salvation are ‘the witness between two’. The pure blessing, my God will restore from bitterness, the myrrh of death to the Light of the Lord.”
The priests from the plains continued the repairs from the high priest’s house to the Courtyard of the Guard.
“Binyamin and Hashuv made repairs opposite their house. After them ‘Azaryah the son of Ma‘aseiyah, the son of ‘Ananyah, made repairs next to his house. After him Binui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of ‘Azaryah to the Angle and to the Corner. Palal the son of Uzai made repairs opposite the Angle and the tower that projects out from the upper part of the royal palace near the Courtyard of the Guard” (Nehemiah 3:17-25).
The meaning of the names of the priests who repaired the wall:
“Consider, the Son of the Right Hand, Yah’s helper, the work of Adonai, the cloud [glory] of Adonai building up the grace of the beloved.”
Prophetic voice found in the Millennial Temple of Messiah shown to the prophet Ezekiel: “He [the angel] went to the east gate, climbed its steps and measured one of the gate’s doorposts at ten-and-a-half feet wide and the other one the same. There were guardrooms, each ten-and-a-half feet square; the distance between the guardrooms was eight-and-three-quarters feet” (Ezekiel 40:6-7).
The Water Gate
“All the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel” (Nehemiah 8:1-3).
The Water Gate led down to the Gihon Spring which was located near the Kidron Valley. It was at this gate the people of Israel gathered to hear Ezra read the Torah on the ‘first day of the seventh month’ or the Feast of Trumpets.
“Next to him, Pedaiah son of Parosh and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel” (Nehemiah 3:26-27).
The meanings of the names of those who repaired the wall to the Water Gate:
“Redemption of Adonai, a flea [come to seek my life], a confirming trumpet.”
Prophetic voice from Ezekiel’s vision of the Millennial city of Jerusalem: “He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side” (Ezekiel 47:2).
The Horse Gate
“The whole valley of corpses and ashes, including all the fields as far as Vadi Kidron, and on to the corner of the Horse Gate to the east, will be separated out for Adonai; it will never be uprooted or destroyed again” (Jeremiah 31:39).
The Horse Gate was close to the king’s stables and the men of Jerusalem would ride their horses out of this gate to war.
“Above the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each one opposite his own house. After them Tzadok the son of Immer made repairs opposite his house” (Nehemiah 3:28-29).
The meaning of the names of those who repaired the wall around the Horse Gate:
“A righteous lamb speaks.”
The prophetic voice: “Next I saw heaven opened, and there before me was a white horse. Sitting on it was the one called Faithful and True, and it is in righteousness that he passes judgment and goes to battle” (Revelation 19:11).
East Gate
“Kore the son of Yimnah the Levi, gatekeeper at the East Gate, was responsible for the voluntary offerings to God; he had to distribute the offerings made to Adonai and the especially holy gifts” (2 Chronicles 31:14).
The East Gate was part of the Eastern Wall and had an entrance directly to the Temple area and courtyards. It is believed that Yeshua used this gate to ride into Jerusalem; however, the actual East Gate is now underground. The Eastern or Golden Gate faces the Mount of Olives. It is closed and waiting for the Messiah’s return to Jerusalem and the glory of Adonai to be restored in the Temple.
“After him Sh’ma‘yah the son of Sh’khanyah, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs. After him Hananyah the son of Shelemyah and Hanun the sixth son of Tzalaf made repairs on another section. After him Meshulam the son of Berekhyah made repairs opposite his own room” (Nehemiah 3:29-30).
The meanings of the name of the keeper of the East Gate and those who repaired the walls:
“He who hears or obeys Adonai, the divine presence settles. Grace and mercy are a gift of Adonai. God is my perfection, gracious and merciful, human paid for friends. Yahblesses.”
The prophetic voice: “The LORD’s glory entered the house through the gate facing east” (Ezekiel 43:4).
The Inspection Gate
“He [King Hezekiah] appointed military commanders over the people, then gathered them before him in the open space at the city gate and spoke these words of encouragement to them: “Be strong! Take courage! Don’t be afraid … we have Adonai our God to help us and fight our battles!” (2 Chronicles 32:608).
The Inspection Gate is also called the Muster Gate and is also perhaps the Gate of the Guard. The Hebrew word for this gate is miphkad and means ‘appointed place.’ It was at this gate where King David would inspect his troops before heading into battle. It is most likely the gate where King Hezekiah mustered his military commanders to remind them that Adonai fights Israel’s battles.
“After him Malkiyah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Mustering Gate and on to the upper room at the corner. Finally, between the upper room at the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs” (Nehemiah 3:31-33).
The meaning of the name of the goldsmith who worked on the Inspection Gate:
“Yah is King”.
The prophetic voice: “For we must all appear before the Messiah’s court of judgment [an appointed time called Yom Kippur], where everyone will receive the good or bad consequences of what he did while he was in the body” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
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