Chronological Study (012/365)

Genesis 32:1 – 35:27

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THE GOD OF ISRAEL
(Genesis 32-33)

Genesis 32:1-2 says, “¹ Now as Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him. ² Jacob said when he saw them, ‘This is God’s camp.’ So he named that place Mahanaim.”

Reminiscent of Jacob’s vision of the ladder/stairway to Heaven (28:16-17), Jacob again is granted access to see into the spiritual realm. This time, he notices that the angels are with him, not merely going up and down between Heaven and earth. The word “camp” is the Hebrew word מַֽחֲנֶה [H4264] maḥănê (makh-an-ay’), which means a camp, host, or company, whether of soldiers or tribes. And the word “Mahanaim” Jacob chose to name the location is the Hebrew מַֽחֲנַיִם [H4266] maḥănayim (makh-an-ay’-yim), which is the dual of the prior word and means two camps. In other words, Jacob essentially exclaimed, “My camp is here, but so is a heavenly camp of the Lord’s angels!” Whereas Bethel (which means “house of God”), suggested a fixed location for GOD, this maḥănê (camp) implies that the Lord’s heavenly army is mobile. Indeed, GOD is with Jacob, just as He promised He would be (28:15).

In 32:3-5, knowing that he is returning to the land of his father, Jacob takes the initiative to reconnect with his brother Esau because he knows that he will eventually be forced to confront his past. Seeking to find favor in his brother’s sight, Jacob instructs his messengers to go ahead of him to Esau. In the Hebrew, word play is involved between 32:1 and 32:3 with the word מַלְאָךְ [H4397] mal’āḵ (mal-awk’), which does mean messenger when referring to a mere human, but is also translated to mean an angel when referring to the Lord’s messenger. So, the Lord sent messengers (angels) from His camp to meet Jacob, and Jacob decides to send messengers from his camp to meet Esau. When Jacob sends his messengers, he instructs them to address Esau as “lord” and to refer to Jacob as his “servant”. Now, when Jacob calls Esau “lord”, it is important to understand that Jacob is not referring to him as the Lord, or acknowledging him as a god; rather, the word “lord” is the Hebrew אָדוֹן [H113] ‘āḏôn (aw-done’), which means a king, a master, an owner, or someone who is in control. Thus, Jacob acknowledging and declaring himself to be in a lower position than Esau was an act of humility. In fact, this act of humility is a redemptive role reversal of when Jacob took advantage of Esau in order to acquire his birthright and blessing (25:29-34; 27:5-38). Essentially, Jacob’s actions declared that he was not first; moreover, he desired for Esau to be blessed.

In 32:6-8, Jacob’s messengers returned and stated that Esau was coming to meet him and that 400 men were with Esau. This news terrified Jacob. Why? Because in 27:41-42, the last memory he had of his brother is when his mother informed him that Esau intended to murder him. After all, with only 318 men, Abraham defeated the combined forces of four kings (14:14-16), so 400 men had the potential of completely wiping out Jacob and his entire line. Consequently, Jacob divided everyone and everything into two camps, thinking that if Esau attacked them, then at least one camp might be able to escape with their lives. Now, the Hebrew word used is מַֽחֲנֶה [H4264] maḥănê (makh-an-ay’), which is the same word that was used to describe the two camps of Jacob’s tribe and the angels of the Lord in 32:1-2. At first, Jacob was one whole camp, but then the fear of his brother tore him in half into two camps. But if the second camp was supposed to be the angels of the Lord who were with him, why did Jacob allow the fear of his brother to overcome him? Simply put, the reason is because Jacob was human and he allowed his emotions to overcome the logical truth that the Lord’s angels were with him. However, despite his fear, in 32:9-12, Jacob responded by turning to the Lord in prayer. Though Jacob did use GOD’s personal name (YHWH) for the first time, Jacob prayed to the GOD of Abraham and Isaac, revealing yet again that he had not committed himself wholeheartedly to a personal relationship with the Lord. In his prayer, he reminded the Lord of all that the Lord had promised him and then he requested for the Lord’s protection while also humbly acknowledging the fact that he was undeserving of all the love and faithfulness the Lord had already shown him, recognizing that he started with nothing and is now blessed to even be able to be two camps. Jacob reflected on his decision to walk with the Lord and how it brought him blessings. Why would the GOD of Bethel abandon him now? Truly, there’s only two paths we can walk in life, either the path of righteousness or the path of wickedness (Deuteronomy 11:26-28; 30:15-20; Proverbs 3:6-7; Ezekiel 18; John 3:18-21; Romans 1:28; 1John 3:4-10). C.S. Lewis might have said it best: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ ” And so Jacob stayed where he was at while waiting for the Lord to guide him under His protection.

In Genesis 32:13-21, Jacob attempted to spend the night where he was at, but apparently was unable to sleep. While waiting for the Lord to respond to his prayer of protection, Jacob formulated a plan and then took action. Jacob decided to send ahead of him a peace offering gift of over 500 animals for Esau to keep for himself. This gift was larger than many towns would have been able to pay in tribute to conquering kings even at later dates, indicating just how much GOD had blessed Jacob. Not only did Jacob send over 500 animals, but in a tactical move of defense, he sent them one drove at a time, and put a space between each drove. If Esau and his men had in mind to conquer and plunder, this would have potentially saved them the trouble of exerting energy in battle. After sending the peace offering ahead of him, Jacob was still unable to sleep and so in 32:22-23, he decided to send everyone and everything across the shallow point of the Jabbok (yab-boke’) river to continue their journey even though it was still dark outside.

However, in 32:24-32, this decision to send everyone and everything across the river left Jacob alone on the other side, and abruptly, “a man” wrestled with him until daybreak. Thus, Scripture reveals a theme of mankind’s unceasing desire to wrestle against each other and against GOD. At first, Leah and Rachel wrestled against each other (30:7-8), then Laban and Jacob wrestled against each other (29:25; 31:26-30), and now Jacob finds himself wrestling with a mysterious “man”. Now, when this “man” saw that Jacob wouldn’t allow Him to prevail against Jacob, the “man” dislocated the socket of Jacob’s thigh where it meets his hip and then He told Jacob to let Him go because the dawn was breaking. Jacob, however, said he refused to let go until the “man” blessed him. In response to Jacob’s request to be blessed, the “man” asked Jacob, “What is your name?” And Jacob answered, “Jacob.” However, the “man” said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Jacob then asked for the name of the “man”, but His response was only, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And then the “man” blessed Jacob. And then as it is written, Jacob named the place Peniel because he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” And then as the sun came up, and the “man” was gone, Jacob continued his journey, limping.

As previously discussed in the topic of theophany, the “man” in this story is none other than the preincarnate Christ, the Lord Himself. For this reason, Jacob named the location פְּנוּאֵל [H6439] penû’ēl (pen-oo-ale’), which means face of God or facing God. It is also the reason the Lord said to Jacob, “you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” How did Jacob prevail? Because he refused to give up; he was determined to be blessed. Jacob refused to let go of the Lord and so he received the Lord’s blessing! Hosea 12:3 will later recount this event by saying, “In the womb he took his brother by the heel, And in his maturity he contended with God.”

Now, even though Jacob said that he had seen GOD “face to face”, that does not mean he literally saw the entirety of the Lord’s face. Not only is this an expression that describes personal or intimate contact, but we must remember that the entire wrestling match happened during the darkness of night. For this reason, I believe the Lord instructed Jacob to let go of Him prior to sunrise so that Jacob would not be able to see His face entirely. In fact, the Lord chose to dislocate the socket of Jacob’s thigh to initiate a conclusion to the wrestling match because Jacob refused to let go until he received a blessing. However, to receive His blessing, Jacob had to answer a simple question: “What is your name?” And Jacob answered, “Jacob.” But why did Jacob’s answer of such a simple truth earn him the blessing? Because Jacob’s history had been centered around lies regarding his identity. In Genesis 27:18-19, Isaac asked Jacob who he was, but Jacob lied and claimed to be Esau, the person who rightfully deserved the blessing. But this time, Jacob told the truth and humbly confessed his character flaw and his true identity – he is Jacob, the heel grabber, deceiver, and supplanter (25:26; 27:36). In his past, Jacob had been determined to be blessed even if he had to receive his blessing through deceitful deeds. Though Jacob is still seeking to be blessed (which is a good desire), he is now humble and desires to receive blessings through honesty and hard work. Due to Jacob’s character development over 20 years of being deceived by Laban, Jacob was now humble enough to receive the Lord’s blessing. Hence, the Lord renamed him from Jacob to “Israel”, which is the Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל [H3478] yiśrā’ēl (yis-raw-ale’), which means God’s power, God prevails, God fights, or God contends. Thus, the Lord made it known that every blessing and victory Jacob will ever receive will not come from Jacob’s own power out from deception, but due to the Lord’s power, holiness, love, and grace. However, the name Israel also has a meaning of contending with GOD, implying that Jacob wrestled with GOD and will no longer strive against man because all his struggles will now be taken directly to the Lord. And the fact that Jacob wrestled the Lord in the darkness and then became Israel when the sun came up showcases the image of salvation! Consider the following:

In Isaiah 9:2, the prophet speaks of hope in the Messiah and says, “The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.” And then Jesus quotes this verse in Matthew 4:16.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

In John 12:46, Jesus says, “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

In Acts 26:18, after Jesus blinded Paul (Saul) with light brighter than the sun, Jesus commanded Paul to open the eyes of both Jews and Gentiles “so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in [Christ].”

In Romans 13:12, Paul says, “The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

In Ephesians 5:8, Paul says, “you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.”

In Colossians 1:13-14, Paul says, “¹³ For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

In 1Thessalonians 5:4-6, Paul says, “⁴ But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; ⁵ for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; ⁶ so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.”

In 1Peter 2:9-10, Peter says, “⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Therefore, Jacob – now Israel – is a representative of GOD-Almighty and now walks in the light as a chosen child of GOD of the royal priesthood. However, so that Israel would understand not to rely on his own power, the Lord dislocated the socket of his thigh; consequently, Israel continued on his journey, blessed by the Lord, but humbled and limping, no longer able to run away from the consequences of his choices. And this entire story paints a beautiful picture that when a person seeks the Lord in prayer and asks to be rescued, that person will encounter a wrestling match with the Lord due to his/her sinful nature of darkness. And when that person wrestles with the Lord while seeking the Lord’s blessing, that person will never walk the same again because that person will be changed, will become a new person, will not rely upon his/her own strength, and will rely upon the Lord. That person will be changed and will walk in the light as a chosen child of GOD of the royal priesthood! Israel became a wrestler who overcomes and receives blessings because the Lord took hold of him. The Lord taught Israel not to grab at the heel of any man, but to hold on to GOD and never let go. If you set out to grab onto GOD, GOD will grab hold of you! For this reason, it is written in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” And when the Lord grabs hold of you, truly, as it is written in 2Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” For this reason, it is also written in Revelation 2:17, “To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.”

In Genesis 33:1-3, Israel, now limping, and still having not slept the night before, yet sober and alert, looked up and noticed that Esau and his 400 men were coming toward him. With adrenaline flowing through his veins, Israel divided the children among the two maids, Leah, and Rachel, putting the maids and their children in front, Leah and her children after them, and then Rachel and Joseph last. Why did he do this? Favoritism. Israel positioned them according to prioritized favor, which would have allowed Rachel and Joseph the best opportunity to flee for their lives if Esau and his men attacked. And with Joseph being the only child listed by name, Scripture is setting the stage for his prominent position we will later see. However, in a selfless and masculine act of love, Israel then “passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother”, placing himself between the women and children and the potential threat. Before Israel wrestled with GOD, he planned to stay behind and use his servants as shields to protect himself (32:16-21); however, after receiving his new name and identity, he decided to go ahead of everyone in an act of sacrificial love. This is an example of how the love of GOD changes us from the inside out and realigns us with GOD’s will! The fact that he bowed down to the ground seven times showcases total submission, signifying to Esau that if he had any intentions of battle, then Israel surrendered in advance. Essentially, Israel gave honor to Esau while also requesting mercy and pleading for peace. And then 33:4 says that Esau ran to Israel. How would you feel in that moment if you were Israel, not knowing if your brother is running toward you with excitement or with rage? Yet the verse continues by saying that Esau embraced Israel and then they both wept. 20 years of emotions streamed down their faces in the form of tears. By Esau forgiving Jacob and not attacking him, Esau was showing Jacob the love of GOD (Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37; 7:47; 11:4; 17:3-4; 2Corinthians 2:7-8; Colossians 3:13). After all, as it is written, ‘the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1John 4:20; see also, 1Timothy 5:8).

In Genesis 33:5-11, Israel continues to address Esau as “lord” and refers to himself as “servant” while explaining that all the animals Esau had seen were a gift for him. Esau, addressing Israel as his “brother” declines the gift at first, but at Israel’s insistence, he finally accepts the gift. Esau’s acceptance of the gift was important to Israel because this was restitution for the wrongdoings he had committed against his brother 20 years ago. Now, in 33:10, when Israel said, “I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably”, he was not implying that Esau was like a god, but merely making a connection of the fact that Esau received him favorably and spared his life just like the “man” did who recently blessed him (32:30). If you remember, Israel believed he saw the “face of God” in that “man” who received him favorably, blessed him, and spared his life. Thus, to be received with such favor is like the encounter he had with the Lord. Therefore, when we act like the Lord, people will see the Lord when they look at us.

In 33:12, Esau says, “Let us take our journey and go, and I will go before you.” The minor details in the language are important. Esau used inclusive language such as “us” and “our” to communicate to his brother that there is no division between them. Further, Esau even offered to go before Israel, signifying that he will ensure Israel’s safety. However, in 33:13-18, Israel, still addressing his brother as “lord” and referring to himself as “servant”, explains that he is unable to travel with Esau and his men because their fast pace would be a strain on all the youth of the children and animals. And then for reasons unknown, Israel tells Esau that he would eventually meet him in Seir (say-eer’). However, the remainder of the passage goes on to state that Israel traveled in the opposite direction to Succoth and then on to Shechem, without ever mentioning Israel going to Seir. Why not? Did Israel lie to his brother? Did he visit him at some point later on yet Scripture doesn’t mention it? Scripture is silent on the matter, but the immediate context seems to imply that Israel won’t allow himself to trust Esau, and he simply desires to continue on his journey without meeting up with his brother. All known details seem to imply that Israel didn’t want to inform Esau where he was going or what he was about to do. Of course, that is mere speculation, but I believe it is a reasonable belief considering all available evidence.

Though Scripture does not say anything more regarding Seir, Scripture does state that the Lord brought Israel back safely to the land of Canaan into the city of Shechem, thus mostly fulfilling His promise made 20 years ago (28:15). And then 33:19-20 concludes with Israel purchasing some land in that city, fulfilling GOD’s promise to Abraham (12:7). Israel then possibly reconstructs the altar Abraham had built there, by building an altar and calling it “El-Elohe-Israel.” Why is this important? Because “El-Elohe-Israel” means “God, the God of Israel”. Therefore, Israel finally made the decision to have a personal relationship with the Lord rather than referring to the Lord as “the God of Abraham” or “the God of Isaac”. The Lord is now the GOD of Israel.

• In Genesis 32:1-2, Jacob had been in awe that a camp of the Lord’s angels had been with him. But are you aware that a heavenly host of the Lord’s angels are with you wherever you are? Do you have the same sense of awe? If you could see them where you are right now, how would that change your perspective regarding your current circumstance?
• In 32:3-5, Jacob took the initiative to restore the relationship with his brother. What followed was a successful restoration and an encounter with the Lord which concluded with the Lord blessing Jacob. But what about you? Is there a relationship that has been broken between you and someone else because of the wrong you’ve committed? If so, are you willing to take the initiative to restore that relationship?
• In 32:9-12, Jacob’s first response to his fear and uncertainty regarding his future was to pray to the Lord. But what about you? Is prayer your last resort or your first response?
• If there are only two paths we can walk, then there are really only two camps in which we can dwell. Where are you walking? In which campground do you dwell?
• In 32:24-32, Jacob refused to let go of the Lord; consequently, he received His blessing. But what about you? Regardless of circumstances, are you determined to never let go of the Lord until you receive His blessing?
• We must be persistent in our faith and refuse to let go of GOD until we are blessed (Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 18:1-8; 11:5-13)! Where in your spiritual life do you need the persistence and endurance of a wrestler?
• In order for Jacob to be blessed by the Lord, he first had to confess his true identity and character flaws of being sinful. Only those who confess their sinful nature showcase a need for the Lord’s blessing. 1John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Are you willing to confess your sinful nature?
• Every wrestling match Jacob ever found himself in, he came out victorious. Have you wrestled with your identity? Have you wrestled against your sinful nature? Have you wrestled against your pride? Have you wrestled against addiction? What things in your life do you need to wrestle against and come out victorious?
• Jacob had been named after his character. But what about you? What if you were named after your character? What would be your name? Liar? Murderer? Pervert? Lustful? Angry? Cheater? Jerk? So… what is your name? Who are you? Confess your name and confess your sins. Wrestle with the Lord and ask for a new identity. What name do you want to have? What would you like to be called? Helper? Encourager? Trustworthy? Honest? Man of GOD? Woman of GOD?
• Have you had a personal wrestling encounter with the Lord that ended up in you being changed and never walking the same again? If so, what is your story? And have you shared that story with anyone? If you have a testimony, are you willing to share your story? Just as we needed to hear Jacob’s story, don’t you think there are people who need to hear your story?
• In Genesis 33:3, Israel placed himself between the women and children and a potential attacker even though he had been injured, he was exhausted, and without sleep. In John 15:13, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” So, are you loving enough to place yourself between the enemy and those who are weaker or innocent?
• In Genesis 33:10, Israel saw the Lord in Esau due to his lovingkindness. But what about you? When people look at you, do they see a reflection of the Lord? If you have been changed by the Lord, do you not realize that when people look at you, they should see a representative of GOD-Almighty who now walks in the light as a chosen child of GOD of the royal priesthood?

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DEDICATION TO DINAH
(Genesis 34)

Genesis 34:1 says that Leah’s daughter, Dinah, went out one day to visit with other daughters of the land. But 34:2 says, “When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.” Now, Dinah was not to blame for Shechem raping her; Shechem would have been the only person condemned in this scenario. However, a curious question does arise regarding Dinah’s situation: why did she go out to visit with the other daughters of the land? Did she have a good reason to leave the safety of her home or did she go when she should not have traveled? In 1Timothy 5:13, Paul says that some young women, “learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.” So, did Dinah go where she should not have been? We don’t know; Scripture is silent on the matter. But because Scripture describes this event as if it were a normal occurrence for Dinah, it seems likely that she was completely innocent. However, Dinah’s innocence seems to have been combined with complacency. Had she traveled alone? If so, it’s likely that her youthful immaturity led her to be isolated and vulnerable to the attack. But again, even if Dinah had somehow set herself up to enter into a dangerous scenario, Shechem would be the only person condemned in this scenario; Dinah was a victim. However, it’s always good to thoughtfully consider how events unfolded and why things happened the way they did.

It is written that Shechem is the son of Hamor the Hivite. If you remember, Genesis 10:17 informed us that the Hivites are descendants of Ham (one of Noah’s sons), through the Canaanites. They were indigenous inhabitants of the promised land, and they were usually referred to along with other groups such as the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites. Later in our chronological journey, the Lord will command the Israelites to conquer these people and take over the promised land (Exodus 3:8; 23:23; Deuteronomy 7:1).

Genesis 34:3 says, “He was deeply attracted to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the girl and spoke tenderly to her.” Now, when it says that “He was deeply attracted to” Dinah, that English translation comes from two Hebrew words. First, the word דָּבַק [H1692] dāḇaq (dawb-vak’) means to stick to, to cling to, and hence, connected to [someone/something]. Second, the word נֶפֶשׁ [H5315] nep̄ešh (neh’-fesh) means soul, self, life, person, living being, that which breathes the breath of life. Therefore, the Hebrew literally means that Shechem’s soul had connected to Dinah’s soul and stuck to her. As a natural consequence of that sexual relation with her, he experienced and felt the power of GOD’s design of two becoming one (2:24). However, Shechem acted sinfully outside of GOD’s design because Dinah was not his wife and she had been unwilling to become one with him. And because his soul had connected to her, he realized that he “loved” her. Though the Hebrew word אָהַב [H157] ‘āhaḇ (aw-hav’) does mean to love, the irony of this situation is that the proper context of the scenario reveals the opposite. Obviously Shechem did not love Dinah; if he had loved her, he would not have raped her. The truth is that his initial feeling had been lust, not love. However, after he experienced the beauty of his soul connecting to her soul and becoming one with her, he then desired to love her. When Scripture says he spoke “tenderly” to her, the Hebrew word לֵב [H3820] lēḇ (lave) means the inner person, mind, heart, will, conscious understanding. Therefore, the Hebrew literally means that Shechem attempted to speak to Dinah’s heart, the inner most part of who she is, with the hope of her understanding his words. However, that action should have preceded the action of sexual intercourse. And because Shechem defied GOD’s design, he defiled Dinah.

In 34:4, Shechem spoke to his father, Hamor, and requested that he acquire Dinah to be his wife. In 35:5, Jacob heard that Dinah had been defiled. Scripture doesn’t state how Jacob heard, but it seems likely that Dinah went back home and shared the horrible news with her father. However, because his sons were tending livestock in a field, Jacob decided to stay silent until his sons returned home. According to James 1:19-20, Jacob’s initial silence seems to be wise, for it is written, “¹⁹ But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”

In Genesis 34:6-10, Hamor went to Jacob in order to arrange a marriage between Shechem and Dinah. By this point, Jacob’s sons had also heard the news and arrived, extremely angry. In Hamor’s negotiation for marriage on behalf of his son, he presented an offer of intermarriage, saying, “give your daughters to us and take our daughters for yourselves.” The end goal of this deal would be to unite as one large tribe who would share all the land and resources within the land, thus ensuring their strength and survival. In 34:11-12, Shechem added that he would do whatever it takes and pay any price as long as he could have Dinah as his wife. Though a bride price was typical in the Ancient Near East, it is written in Song of Solomon 8:7 that money cannot purchase love. And how could Dinah ever love the man who raped her? How could Dinah’s father and brothers ever allow her rapist to purchase her? Because Shechem had defiled Dinah, in Genesis 34:13-17, Jacob’s sons answered Shechem and his father with deceit, telling them that they would only be able to agree to this deal if all males from their tribe became circumcised as they were, because uncircumcision was a disgrace to them. The Hebrew word for “deceit” is מִרְמָה [H4820] mirmâ (meer-maw’), which means deception with a malicious motive. This is the same word used in 27:35 when Isaac told Esau, “Your brother came deceitfully and has taken away your blessing.” Certainly, Jacob had once been known as a deceiver, but now his sons are far surpassing any deceitful ploy Jacob ever did because their motive in their deception is much darker than anything Jacob ever planned.

Surprisingly, in 34:18, the counteroffer Jacob’s sons presented seemed good and reasonable to both Hamor and Shechem. Now, I can understand why it might have seemed reasonable to Shechem since his desire to have Dinah was so strong, but I am surprised that his father, Hamor, would also believe the demand to be reasonable. What did Hamor have to gain from getting circumcised? But then 34:19-24 reveals an even greater surprise in that the entire tribe agrees to this demand as well. However, the details within those verses explains why they all agreed to the demand of circumcision. In 34:19, Scripture reveals that Shechem was the most respected person in his father’s household. Why? Well, 34:2 informs us that Shechem was “the prince of the land”. But if Shechem was the prince of the land, then it is reasonable to believe that his father, Hamor, was the king or chief of the land. And in 34:20-24, both Hamor and Shechem convinced their people that not only would they receive Jacob’s daughters for their wives, but all of Jacob’s livestock and property would become their own, and by becoming one large tribe, they would become stronger, which would better ensure their safety and survival from potential enemies. Thus, Scripture reveals a picture of deceit from both sides: Jacob’s sons have ulterior motives for convincing Hamor’s tribe to get circumcised; likewise, Hamor’s tribe has ulterior motives for allowing Jacob’s tribe to unite with them. Thus, this tense scenario is like watching two spiders who desire to eat each other – who will initiate the first move of attack and who will be consumed?

In 34:25-26, on the third day after Hamor’s tribe circumcised themselves, while they were still in pain, Simeon and Levi went through the city and killed every male of Hamor’s tribe with the sword. But why did they kill all of the males? Why not just Shechem? We truly don’t know the character of any of those males who got killed, but if Shechem was the prince of the land and his father, Hamor, was the king/chief of the land, then it would have been too risky to keep the other males alive. However, this was an evil deed because circumcision was the sign of the covenant between GOD and His people that would bring divine blessing (17:10-14). The only people who should be circumcised are those who worship GOD (YHWH) and acknowledge Abraham as their father in the faith. While Jacob’s sons were right to insist that circumcision would be necessary in order for both tribes to become one people, their decision to keep GOD out of their plans was wrong. So, not only did Jacob’s sons instruct Hamor’s tribe to do what GOD never commanded them to do, but then Simeon and Levi murdered all the males who received GOD’s covenant. But why did Simeon and Levi murder the males with the sword? Simeon was son #2 and Levi was son #3, both of them brothers to Dinah, sharing Leah as their mother.

After killing Hamor and Shechem, it is written that they took Dinah from Shechem’s house. This means that Dinah had been used as bait, living with Shechem in his house for at least three days until her brothers came and removed her from his house. Though it is almost certain that Shechem didn’t have another opportunity to rape her again due to him being circumcised and in pain, she still lived with her rapist for at least three days. In addition to the trauma Dinah experienced from being raped and then having to live with her rapist for at least three days, she also witnessed Shechem get killed by the sword. Through all of this, the true victim in this scenario had been overlooked; Dinah was neither consulted nor comforted. Can you imagine the trauma Dinah experienced?

In 34:27-29, the remainder of Jacob’s sons went through the city and took plunder from all the slain. In 34:23, Hamor’s tribe had schemed to take all of Jacob’s livestock, but in 34:28-29, in a great reversal, Jacob’s sons took not only all of Hamor’s livestock, but also the surviving children and females. Thus, many Hivites became absorbed into the tribe of Jacob.

In 34:30, angry with Simeon and Levi, Jacob told them that their actions caused the tribe of Jacob to be hated among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Further, believing that the other inhabitants would wage war against them, Jacob feared that they would be destroyed and erased from history. However, because Jacob had remained silent and never took action, Jacob’s sons challenged his leadership and authority and asked their father in 34:31, “Should he treat our sister as a harlot?” However, Jacob does not answer. Perhaps the inspired Scripture ends with Jacob’s silence as a reminder that Jacob’s failure to intervene at an earlier stage may have contributed to the outcome. Regardless, his silence seems to fit his character and calls to remembrance what is written in 25:27: “When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.”

• Genesis 34 is an often overlooked, avoided, and rarely discussed chapter in the Bible, but Dinah deserves some time for dedicated discussion. This entire chapter was included in the Holy Spirit inspired Scriptures as a dedication to Dinah due to the devastation and division caused by the lack of devotion to Dinah and her defilement. I, for one, am in absolute awe that the Lord loved Dinah so much that He made certain that her story would be included in sacred Scripture. But what about you? Do you truly comprehend how much love the Lord had for Dinah?
• In 34:1-2, Dinah got raped by Shechem because she had most likely put herself in a dangerous situation due to lacking both situational awareness and self-defense training. But what about you? Do you go to places you ought not go? Even if you travel to places that are common, do you travel alone and make yourself vulnerable to attack? Are you aware of your surroundings at all times? Have you been trained in any type of self-defense course?
• Have you been a victim of rape? If so, have you received counseling? Have you been able to heal both emotionally and spiritually?
• Do the exegeted details of 34:3 help you to better understand the depth beyond the surface of sexual intercourse? Are you able to better understand GOD’s design of two becoming one?
• Because Jacob remained silent and failed to follow through with any fatherly leadership (34:5), his sons decided to take matters into their own hands and they conjured up a plan to murder the tribe of Hamor (34:13-29). How would you have responded if you were Jacob?
• Shechem freely chose to rape a woman named Dinah; consequently, Jacob’s sons murdered the entire tribe connected with Shechem and then captured all remaining children and females, absorbing them into their own tribe. Can you see how far the reach of sin can go? Do you understand how destructive sin can be when we allow sin to be master over us?
• Are you able to put yourself in the place of Dinah and understand how she might have felt? Dinah had been a victim, but Jacob’s sons created multiple new victims by capturing the children and females alive. The children most likely witnessed their fathers get murdered. The females most likely witnessed their husbands get murdered. Are you able to put yourself in the place of all the children and females who got captured and understand how they might have felt?
• In 34:31, Jacob’s sons essentially presented the argument that their actions of murdering the tribe of Hamor was justified due to Shechem defiling Dinah and treating her as if she had been a harlot. Though this type of behavior was common in the Ancient Near East, do you believe that their actions were justified? Why or why not?
• As Christians within the new covenant, what does the Word tell us regarding seeking revenge?
• As the chronological story of the Bible continues, we will see that Dinah is never mentioned again and that she faded into oblivion. But even when everyone else seems to forget, GOD remembers. When no one seems to notice, GOD notices. When no one else seems to care, GOD cares. When you feel all alone, GOD is present. Think: GOD’s love is the reason this chapter is dedicated to Dinah. So, what does GOD want us to learn from Dinah’s drama? First, we must not allow sexual passion to boil over into evil actions. Passion must be controlled. Sexual sin is devastating because of its eternal consequences (1Corinthians 6:15-20; 10:8-13). Second, we are called to overcome evil by doing good (Romans 12:21). Third, we are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36). Fourth, we are not to seek revenge because GOD is the Avenger (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:17-19; Matthew 26:52).

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WHO’S YOUR DADDY?
(Genesis 35:1-27)

In Genesis 34, Jacob failed to lead as a father after his daughter Dinah got raped; consequently, Jacob’s sons decided to take matters into their own hands and they murdered Hamor’s entire tribe and then looted the city. As a result, Jacob feared that the other inhabitants of the land would join forces to kill him and his entire tribe. However, in 35:1, GOD the Father does not fail to lead and He instructs Jacob to return to Bethel, dwell there, and make an altar there to Him who appeared to Jacob 20 years ago after he fled from his brother, Esau. Now, if you remember, in 28:15, the Lord said to Jacob, “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” But what was “this” land? Bethel – the location where the Lord revealed Himself to Jacob in the vision of the stairway to Heaven.

So, in 35:2-3, encouraged and emboldened by his encounter with the Lord, Jacob commands his tribe to get rid of the foreign “gods” among them, to purify themselves, change their garments, and then after doing so, they would all travel to Bethel in order to make an altar to his GOD who has been with him through everything and never left him. And surprisingly, in 35:4, everyone falls into line and acts in faithful obedience to Jacob’s command once again: “So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.”

Now, this oak tree is likely the same “oak of Moreh” (mo-reyh’) mentioned in 12:6 when Abram traveled to the “site of Shechem” where the Lord appeared to Abram and promised him that the land would belong to his descendants, and then Abram built an altar there to the Lord. But why did Jacob’s entire tribe have to be told to get rid of the foreign “gods” among them? Well, evidently the foreign “gods” Rachel stole from Laban (31:19) were still with her, but it’s also likely that some of the foreign “gods” came from the plunder they took after murdering Hamor’s tribe and looting the city (34:25-29). But Jacob commanded his tribe to get rid of those idols.

The burial of these idols at Shechem may be symbolically significant, implying that the wicked actions of Simeon and Levi reflect the influence of polytheism. In fact, later on in our chronological journey, we will see in 1Corinthians 10:20-22 that Paul says, “²⁰ the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. ²² Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?” Therefore, Jacob was preparing his family to properly worship the Lord for when they arrive in Bethel.

In Genesis 34:30, Jacob worried that all the other inhabitants of the land would unite together to kill him and his entire tribe; however, 35:5 states that GOD had placed a great terror upon all the surrounding cities so that they did not pursue Jacob’s tribe as they traveled. So, in 35:6-7, Jacob and his tribe arrive in Luz (which will later become known as Bethel) and Jacob builds and altar there, calling the place “El-bethel” (which means “God of Bethel”, or “The God of the house of God”). In 28:18, Jacob had only constructed a pillar to GOD, but now he constructs an altar to GOD, revealing a personal relationship with the Lord and acknowledging how GOD has been faithful to him.

Now, in 35:8, the narration seems to be abruptly interrupted and says, “Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; it was named Allon-bacuth” [al-lone’ baw-kooth’] (which means “oak of weeping”). But why is the death of Rebekah’s nurse mentioned yet the death of Rebekah is never mentioned? Why was there never any weeping for Rebekah mentioned? And why was Rebekah’s nurse with Jacob anyway? In 24:59, Rebekah’s nurse is briefly mentioned, yet without name. Here, a name of the nurse has been given as Deborah. It’s possible that her presence with Jacob suggests that she had been sent to him by Rebekah in fulfillment of her promise in 27:45 when she said, “I will send and get you from there”. Nevertheless, Scripture is silent on the matter and so all guesses are mere conjecture. However, one thing seems to be certain: the narration regarding Deborah’s burial is not an abrupt interruption; rather, it is a continuation of the previous narration and showcases a stark contrast to the burial of the false “gods”. No tears were shed while burying the false “gods”; to be rid of those false “gods” is a good riddance. However, there was weeping involved in Deborah’s death.

In 35:9-10, it is written that GOD blessed Jacob. This not only confirms the blessing he received from the Lord in his wrestling match in 32:29, but more importantly, it places Jacob on a par with Abraham and Isaac, of whom similar affirmations were also made (24:1; 25:11). Not only did GOD bless Jacob, but He also reminded him that his name was no longer Jacob, but Israel. So, not only did GOD bring Israel back to the place where he first encountered the Lord (28:10-22), but GOD made it known that the GOD of Bethel is the same GOD who gave Israel his new identity back in 32:24-32 after wrestling with Jacob and dislocating the socket of his thigh. Therefore, the Lord who revealed Himself at the top of the stairway to Heaven is the same Lord who wrestled with Jacob and gave him his new name of Israel. But in 35:11, GOD gives Israel a new name by which he can call the Lord: El Shaddai (which means, “God Almighty” or “God most powerful”). And this is how GOD revealed Himself to Abraham in 17:5-6, and also how Isaac referred to GOD in 28:3-4 when he blessed Jacob. And continuing in 35:11-12, GOD Almighty says to Israel, “¹¹ Be fruitful and multiply; A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, And kings shall come forth from you. ¹² “The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, And I will give the land to your descendants after you.”

When GOD said, “Be fruitful and multiply”, it was the same command GOD gave to Adam and Eve (1:28) and Noah and his sons (9:1), but it was also the blessing Isaac spoke to Jacob before he fled from his brother (28:3). And when GOD said that nations and kings would come from him, that was the same promise GOD gave to Abraham (17:6,16). Therefore, GOD declares that Israel is indeed the one who will continue what GOD started through Abraham.

In 35:13-16, after GOD finished speaking, Israel set up a pillar, anointed it with oil, and then the entire tribe of Israel continued on their journey toward Ephrath (ef-rawth’). However, on the way, Rachel began to give birth, but she had great difficulty and suffered severely through her labor. In 35:17, a midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for now you have another son.” In fact, the birth of this son was exactly what Rachel had desired. In 30:23-24, after giving birth to Joseph, believing that GOD had taken away her reproach, she named her son Joseph, saying, “May the Lord give me another son” because the meaning of “Joseph” is “may he add”, which implied that her prayer was for GOD to give her yet another son. Therefore, this new son was the answer to Rachel’s prayer.

However, 35:18 says that Rachel’s “soul” departed from her body while giving birth. The Hebrew word translated here as “soul” is the same word that had been used in 2:7 when GOD gave Adam the breath of life and he became a “living being”. The Hebrew word is נֶפֶשׁ [H5315] nep̄hešh (neh’-fesh), which means soul, self, life, the inner being of a person, mind, living being, creature, desire, emotion, passion, activity of the mind, will, character, that which breathes, that which possesses the breath of life. This is the same word that had been used in 1:20,21,24,30 which describes all sea, land, and air animals that possess breath. Thus, Rachel breathed her last breath and her body died while giving birth to this new son. However, in her last moments, she named her son ben-‘ônî (bane-o-nee’), which means “son of my sorrow”. But Israel quickly changed the name of his son and called him binyāmîn (bin-yaw-meen’) [or, Benjamin], which means “son of the right hand”, which indicates a place of honor and status. In fact, Jewish commentators note that this name indicates that Benjamin was Israel’s favorite son and that this is consistent with the favoritism shown to both of Rachel’s sons. And later on in our chronological journey, we will see that in a different time period, Psalm 110 will show a similar meaning for this idiom. Therefore, Israel refused to allow Benjamin to be blamed for the death of Rachel and have that horrible character trait follow him his entire life; instead, Israel celebrated the fact that even through death another life came into existence.

But was Benjamin to blame for Rachel’s death? No; in fact, Genesis 30:1 says, “when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she became jealous of her sister; and she said to Jacob, ‘Give me children, or else I die.’ ” And in 31:32, after Rachel stole Laban’s “gods”, Jacob had said to Laban, “The one with whom you find your gods shall not live”. Consequently, Rachel’s death was ironic because she did not die because she had no children; rather, she died while giving birth to a child. Further, Rachel’s death seems to be fulfillment of Jacob’s curse because Rachel had been guilty of stealing Laban’s “gods” and they were in her possession at the time of Jacob’s curse.

Therefore, 35:19 says, “Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).” So, Luz later becomes known as Bethel (35:6); likewise, Ephrath will later become known as Bethlehem. Because these minor and seemingly insignificant details will become important later on, we must notate them now so that we will remember them later on when these details arise again.

In 35:20, Jacob set up a pillar over Rachel’s grave, and then 35:21 says they all continued on their journey until Israel stopped and pitched his tent beyond מִגְדַּל־עֵדֶר [H4029] miḡdal-ʿēḏer (mig-dal’-ay’-der), which means “tower of the flock”, indicating that it was a shepherd’s watchtower near Ephrath (Bethlehem).

And then 35:22 seems to once again abruptly interrupt the narration and states, “It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it.” But why so abrupt? Why had evil infiltrated at this time? Why Reuben? Why Bilhah? Well, Dinah had recently been raped (34:2), Israel heard about that yet he failed to take action (34:5), and so Israel’s sons bypassed the authority of their father and took matters into their own hands, murdering all males of Hamor’s tribe, and looted the city (34:13-17,25-29). Further, Rachel had just died (35:18) and they were all traveling without knowing what to expect. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that everyone had been overwhelmed by emotions and most likely filled with anxiety/stress. But the fact that Reuben had sexual relations with his father’s concubine showcases his lack of respect toward his father. Possession of the concubines that belonged to the head of the tribe was presumably a sign of leadership in the tribe. Typically, when the father died, the care and ownership of the concubines (as part of his property) passed to the next head of the tribe. But to seize ownership of the concubines prior to the father’s death would be understood as an act of subversion and disrespect (comparable to seizing land or herds), but would not be unusual if succession to tribe leadership were contested. In this context, Reuben’s offense against his father circumvented proper succession procedures and implies that his father was powerless. Regardless of motive, this act was not as abrupt as it may seem while reading the text; rather, this had been building up like a volcano ready to erupt ever since Israel failed to lead as a father when Dinah got raped.

Reuben was the firstborn and Bilhah had been Rachel’s maid. Therefore, it is likely that because Rachel was no longer around to watch over Bilhah and keep her held accountable, Bilhah seized the opportunity to pursue either pleasure or purpose for herself. But why Reuben? I believe it is reasonable to assume that because he was the firstborn, this was in some way an act of rebellion against Israel on Reuben’s part and a prideful expression of his own authority as the rightful heir and future leader of the tribe. And because Reuben was the oldest son, he would have been the one closest in age to Bilhah. Now, we cannot know for certain, but Bilhah could have chosen to have sexual relations with Reuben because she knew he was the firstborn; consequently, it’s possible that Bilhah had hopes of becoming the main woman/wife of the new future tribe. However, it’s also possible that there existed no ulterior motives other than the primal pursuit of pleasure at the expense of purpose and that they had both been merely led by lust. However, this was not only a great sin against Israel, but also against two of Reuben’s brothers because Bilhah was the mother of Dan and Naphtali (30:4-8). But 35:22 states that Israel heard about this great sin and yet Scripture does not state that Israel did anything about it. And so Israel not only failed to take action against the great sin against Dinah being raped, but now he fails to take action against this great sin of Reuben having sexual intercourse with Bilhah.

And because this great sin involves multiple people, 35:23-26 explains once again the relation between all children in Israel’s tribe. But due to the birth of Benjamin, this list is now updated and complete:

LEAH	ZILPAH	RACHEL	BILHAH
Reuben (01)	Gad (07)	Joseph (11)	Dan (05)
Simeon (02)	Asher (08)	Benjamin (12)	Naphtali (06)
Levi (03)
Judah (04)
Issachar (09)
Zebulun (10)
[Dinah]

In conclusion to this new drama, 35:27 says, “Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre [mam-ray’] of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned.” Again, the minor details that seem insignificant should be noted. Mamre was a site near Hebron where Abraham had settled (13:18; 14:13; 18:1) and where Isaac also later lived. The land of Kiriath-arba will later be known as Hebron. So, this one chapter (chapter 35) identifies three locations while clarifying their updated/current names, which indicates the time period it was written – the author wrote at a later time and explained what happened in the past. Therefore, GOD brought Israel to Hebron, which connected him with Abraham and Isaac, highlighting the fact that through Israel the continuance of GOD’s ultimate plan will be fulfilled.

However, a minor detail in 35:27 also reveals yet another omittance of Rebekah. An examination of Scripture reveals that Rebekah was omitted in chapter 30 (14 years after Jacob had fled from Esau), and she was omitted in 31:18 (20 years after Jacob had fled from Esau). Moreover, in 35:8, Scripture mentions the death of Rebekah’s nurse (Deborah) and the weeping that happened due to her death, but no mention is made of Rebekah’s death or any weeping that happened due to her death. And finally, 35:27 only mentions Israel’s father, Isaac, but Rebekah is omitted. And because Rebekah was omitted from all accounts, I think it is reasonable to believe that not only had Rebekah died long ago, but Scripture does not honor her for some reason. But what reason would that be? Well, the last bit of information we knew about Rebekah is that she favored Jacob over Esau and convinced Jacob to deceive his father / her husband Isaac in order to steal the blessing that rightfully belonged to her firstborn, Esau. Consequently, Rebekah might have been omitted because she was not honored. However, Scripture is silent on the matter and so that thought must remain as mere conjecture.

In summary, the sons of Israel disrespected and dishonored their earthly father, but Israel desired to revere and honor his Father in Heaven. And despite the dysfunction within Israel’s family, GOD still chose the Israelites to be His chosen people by which He will accomplish His ultimate plan for His creation. This chapter highlights how life here on this earth can seem to be falling apart, while all the divine pieces in the spiritual realm are falling into place. Even though everything seemed to be going wrong, GOD was causing all things to work together for good, for those who love Him, for those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

• In Genesis 35:2, Israel commanded his family to get rid of their idols. Unless we, also, get rid of the idols in our lives, they can divert our focus and ruin our relationship with the Lord. Sadly, many people proclaim belief in GOD while at the same time showcasing loyalty to idols. Many people acknowledge GOD without living rightly for GOD. Is that you? Do you claim GOD while living a life of idolatry? An idol is anything that replaces the One true GOD in priority and position. Idolatry extends beyond the worship of idols and images and false gods. Our modern idols are many and varied. Even for those who do not physically bow before a statue, idolatry is a matter of the heart — pride, self-centeredness, greed, gluttony, a love for possessions and ultimately rebellion against GOD in any act of unfaithfulness. Are you placing anything or anyone above GOD in priority and/or position? Money? Pornography? Drugs? Alcohol? A sports team or player? A singer or musician? A social media platform? Who or what is receiving your devotion at the time when you should be devoted to the Lord and His Word? Are you merely acknowledging GOD but not living for GOD according to His will?
• In 35:10, GOD reminded Israel of his new identity – he is someone who will not let go of the Lord until he is blessed; he is someone who holds onto the Lord while the Lord showcases His power on Israel’s behalf. Although everything seemed to be falling apart, GOD reminds Israel that with the Lord everything will fall into place. This was a reminder that Israel needed to keep his eyes on the Lord and obey His commands despite what things might look like in the flesh while in this physical world. Many people wrongly believe that Christianity should enable a life free from problems while only being blessed. As a negative consequence to this wrong belief, many people become disillusioned and abandon The Way and walk away from the Lord, disheartened and disappointed. Instead, we need to learn from Israel and become determined not to let go of the Lord until we receive the Lord’s blessing. However, we typically do not ever receive the Lord’s blessing until we endure the storms of life and prevail in holding on to the Lord. Problems and difficulties in this life here on this earth are inevitable and unavoidable; therefore, we might as well view them as opportunities for growth. After all, how can we prevail unless we have a problem to prevail over? If GOD says He is El Shaddai – GOD Almighty – and that nothing is too difficult for Him (18:14), do you believe Him or not? Who’s your daddy? Is He a good Father, or not (Psalm 103:13)?

From Grinchmas To Christmas

This is Part 4 of my series on the meaning of Christmas. In Part 1, I showcased how the Christmas that Christians celebrate is not pagan, and it’s not a sin to celebrate Christmas. In Part 2, we learned the depth beyond the surface about the Christmas miracle of the incarnation. In Part 3, we learned the depth beyond the surface of light being part of the Christmas celebration. And for this fourth part, which will conclude my series, we’re going to extract important biblical truths from a beloved Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. So, I recommend that you pause this video right now and either go read or watch that classic, and then return to this message.

Now, assuming you have either read or watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas, let’s extract important biblical truths from that story.

For many people, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration; however, for some people, Christmas is a time of stress, frustration, anxiety, loneliness, sadness, or depression. So, whether you have lost the Christmas joy, have never had Christmas joy, or you merely a need a reminder as to why we need to keep Christmas joy, I want to provide you with The Seven C’s to overcoming Grinchmas, which will help you welcome and celebrate Christmas.

In Dr Seuss’s 1957 How The Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch is depicted as a grouchy creature, secluded in a cave. The Grinch lives on a cliff overlooking the cheerful, optimistic community of Whoville. The Grinch hates Christmas and the festivities celebrated during the season; he is irritated by the happiness of others and derives pleasure from spoiling other people’s enjoyment. Maybe you are a grinch. Perhaps someone else in your life is a grinch. Either way, joy can be obtained and retained. From the story of the Grinch, I think there are at least seven (7) biblical principles we can learn and apply to our lives:

(1) Comparison

The first thing mentioned in the story of the Grinch is that every Who liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch did not. The Grinch stood on a cliff, looking down on the Whos; his focus was on who they were, what they did, and what they had. Comparison creates the “I can’t” moments. The Grinch compared himself with every Who in Whoville – he compared himself with every Who’s smile, joy, laughter, and celebration. The comparison led him to realize that he did not possess what they had; likewise, they didn’t have the character traits he possessed. But instead of allowing that realization to lead him to repentance, he allowed himself to become miserable. Comparison can produce envy, and envy produces hatred. That hatred will either be directed toward the person being compared or the very person doing the comparison. The Grinch had pride; therefore, his hatred was directed toward every Who in Whoville. (Because the problem couldn’t possibly reside within himself, right?) …Are you comparing your life by others’ blessings? If I can be honest and confess my sin to you (James 5:16; 1John 1:8-10), I am guilty of sometimes envying others. And as a Christian, I know I shouldn’t do that (Exodus 20:17). Listen, it’s just the truth that comparing yourself to others will negatively affect how you view yourself. Consequently, how you view yourself will determine your attitude; inevitably, your attitude will determine your actions. But again, as Christians, we’re not supposed to compare ourselves with others. GOD created you to be unique. Embrace your own blessings and stop concerning yourself with what others have, where others are at in life, and what others are doing. You’re the absolute best at being you and doing what only you can do. No one else in the entire world is able to be you like you. Therefore, do what only you can do to the best of your ability.

(Galatians 6:4-5) -NLT
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”

(Proverbs 14:30) -NIV
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

(Galatians 1:10) -Voice
“Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King.”

So, from these scriptures, GOD is telling us that we should not compare ourselves to others and envy others because we need to keep our focus on being obedient to what GOD has called each one of us to do, with our sole purpose of pleasing the Lord, not people. And as long as we’re doing what GOD is calling us to do, then we’re at the place we should be and we’re doing what we should be doing.

(2) Confinement

The Grinch lived in a cave by himself. He isolated himself. He had confined himself to his loneliness. Is it any wonder why the Who’s joy irritated him so much? The joy of others only revealed and amplified his own misery. The sound of their laughter traveled into his cave and it seemed to be directed toward his insecurities. The Who’s joy called attention to the very thing he was lacking. Understand this: when you isolate yourself, you are an easy target for demonic attack. Evil will invade your isolated and unguarded mind and infiltrate your thoughts. Remember: the lion seeks to attack the unfortunate animal that gets separated from the herd.

(1Peter 5:8) -ESV
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

(Proverbs 18:1) -ESV
“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”

(Proverbs 27:17) -Voice
“In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend.”

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) -NLT
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

So, from these scriptures, GOD is telling us that life is not meant to be lived out alone. It is for this reason that GOD said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” We need others. If we become isolated and separated from the body, then we will become easy targets for the enemy’s attack.

(3) Conviction

Examine the definition of the word, “grinch.”
Grinch: a mean-spirited, unfriendly, or overall unpleasant person who spoils other people’s fun or enjoyment or dampens the pleasure of others.

The creator of The Grinch, Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, explained in the December 1957 edition of Redbook, how he came up with the idea: “I was brushing my teeth on the morning of the 26th of last December when I noticed a very Grinch-ish countenance in the mirror. It was Seuss! So I wrote about my sour friend, the Grinch, to see if I could rediscover something about Christmas that obviously I’d lost.”

Dr. Seuss wrote the Grinch story based on himself due to the conviction he felt and then responded to.

Are you placing your focus on the negative aspects surrounding this Christmas season? Are you placing the focus on yourself and your problems? Is it possible that you need to rediscover something about Christmas you have obviously lost (or never found)? We are all familiar with the Grinch who stole Christmas, but we often neglect to see ourselves as the Grinch. Are you being a grinch without realizing it? The Grinch originated from a moment when Dr. Seuss confronted himself with the truth he saw in the mirror. Are you willing to look at yourself in the mirror? Are you willing to confront yourself with the truth? We often discover truth and enlightenment when we face and conquer our own demons. Are you ready to admit your shortcomings? If you have unrighteousness within you, are you ready to repent? Allow the Holy Spirit within you and He will bring Truth; with Truth comes conviction, and conviction is the reason Truth sets people free (John 8:32; 16:7-15).

(Proverbs 1:7) -ESV
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

(Proverbs 3:11-12) -NLT
“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”

(Proverbs 12:1) -MSG
“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—how shortsighted to refuse correction!”

So, from those scriptures, GOD is telling us that we need to welcome the Holy Spirit to convict us of our wrongdoings, and we need to welcome correction and discipline. It is only because GOD loves us that He desires to correct us. GOD desires for us to grow and mature in righteousness. But conviction comes after being willing to confront the Grinch in the mirror. And so, while refusing to compare ourselves with others, we focus on our relationship with the Lord. However, focusing our relationship on the Lord without comparing ourselves to others does not involve isolating ourselves to a permanent state of solitary confinement. So, while we keep our focus on our relationship with the Lord, we continue to have consistent fellowship with the body; in doing so, we will naturally invite conviction, which will bring us to sincere repentance.

(4) Christ

Sincere repentance and acceptance of Christ as our Lord and Savior is prerequisite for salvation. Repentance leads to Christ, who is the center, the core. We don’t have CHRISTmas without Christ. Jesus came to be the sacrifice who would save us from ourselves. We simply couldn’t live up to the perfect standard of holiness that is required for us to dwell with the perfect and holy GOD, but Jesus came to be the Bridge that would forever reunite us with our Creator. This season is for our Savior. We celebrate the fact that GOD loves us so much that the Word became flesh (John 1:1-4,14) and lived out a perfectly sinless life (2Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26) in order to willingly sacrifice Himself for us (John 10:17-18) — He died so that we may live! We celebrate that Jesus was born into this world from a virgin in order to be the sinless sacrifice who would save us from ourselves. Because we could not reach GOD by our works, GOD came to us out of His grace and mercy.

(Matthew 1:20-21) -NLT
“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ ”

(5) Contentment

Once Jesus is the focus, we will no longer have the focus on others or even ourselves. If we truly realize how bad many people in this world have it in life, it should be easy to be content in any circumstance we find ourselves. This is the opposite side of comparison or envy. And this only happens after you cross the Bridge of Christ. This is how you battle those thoughts of comparing yourself with others. The moment you start to compare yourself with others to see how they might have it better than you, at the same time, you also have an opportunity to see how you have it better than others. There are, in fact, prisoners in the United States who live in greater comfort than those who are considered to be free in third world countries, who are mere skin and bone, starving to death. There are Christians in China, India, and other nations who are being martyred for their faith. The truth is that you are blessed and your life could always be worse than it is right now. The truth is that you are exactly where you need to be right now for GOD to take you to where He wants you to go so that He may bless you there. Our focus is not to be on the world and its ways (Matthew 6:24; John 15:18-21; 17:13-21; James 4:4). In fact, this world is going to come to an abrupt end and we will live in eternity on a new earth under new heavens (Isaiah 65-66; Matthew 24:36-44; 2Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21-22). Neither the Christmas season nor Christmas Day itself is about receiving gifts or possessing anything of monetary value – it is about celebrating salvation through our Savior! To find contentment, you need only to change your perspective. To find contentment, you need only to focus on Christ and what the Holy Spirit is calling you to do.

(Romans 12:1-2) -Voice
“Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.”

(Philippians 4:8-9, 11-13) -NLT
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you…. For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

So, from those scriptures, GOD tells us that our perspective about our circumstances, our outlook on life, determines our ability to remain content. Essentially, our inner disposition should never be altered by our exterior circumstances; instead, our faith within us should embolden us to walk through any valley of the shadow of death. Why? Because the Lord is with us (Psalm 23). And if GOD is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

(6) Contribution

The Grinch stole all of the Who’s material possessions – everything of monetary value! And as the Grinch stood on the cliff, waiting to hear mourning and crying from Whoville, he heard joyful singing instead. After hours of pondering and self-examination, the Grinch finally realized that material items don’t bring joy; in fact, he discovered that the joy had already been within them. And that’s when the Grinch decided to return to them all of their gifts. In the process of doing so, the Grinch discovered joy in the act of giving. Why? Because to love others is to put them before yourself. So, what can you give? Your time? Love? Financial support? Maybe you’re good at cooking meals and can feed someone? Maybe you’re a gifted musician and you can play music for someone? Maybe you’re an excellent artist and you can draw a picture for someone? Perhaps you can simply be there for someone and provide a listening ear. There is always something you can do; there is always a way to give.

(Acts 20:33-35) -NLT
“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

(1Corinthians 13:4-8) –MSG
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”

So, from these scriptures, GOD tells us that genuine contentment leads to loving contribution. GOD has loved us! Now, how can we love others?

(7) Camaraderie

After giving the [stolen] gifts back to everyone in Whoville, the Grinch joined the Whos for a feast. And so, even though the Grinch had discovered joy in giving, everyone in Whoville gave the Grinch a gift as well: forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35). Understand this: GOD did not design us to do life alone. Our desire for contribution will naturally lead us to camaraderie, which means a mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.

In Acts 2:41-42, after everyone had been filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, it is written, “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

That word “fellowship” is the English translation of the Greek word κοινωνία [G2842] koinōnia (koy-nohn-ee’-ah), which is derived from the root κοινός [G2839] koinos (koy-nahs), which was a prefix in ancient Greek. If you were to add this prefix to words meaning “living,” “owning a purse,” “a dispute,” and “mother,” you would get words meaning “living in community together,” “owning a purse in common,” “a public dispute,” and “having a mother in common.” So, we see that the root of the word, “fellowship,” means “to hold something in common.” The Greek word koinonia was used to describe corporations, labor guilds, partners in a law firm, and the most intimate of marriage relationships. From the usage of the word, we can conclude that fellowship is a word denoting a relationship that is dependent on more than one individual. It is an interdependent relationship. Koinonia is used nineteen times in the New Testament and in addition to being translated as “fellowship” it is also translated by the words, “contribution,” “sharing,” and “participation.” A close study of the usage of this word shows that action is always included in its meaning. Fellowship, you see, is not merely being together in one place, but it’s also doing something together! Fellowship is a relationship of inner unity among believers that expresses itself in outer co-participation with Christ and one another in accomplishing GOD’s will on Earth.

By now, you should realize that you are already blessed. So, who can you bless this Christmas? Blessing others will bring you joy. Do you want to experience true Christmas joy? Then join forces with the body of Christ and then go out and bless others. Remember what Christ told us:

(Matthew 22:37-40) -NLT
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

(Matthew 9:13) -ESV
“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

(Micah 6:8) -MSG
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”

In conclusion, the seven C’s is the pathway we take to leave Grinchmas and arrive at Christmas. I challenge you to go bless others this Christmas and create the joy you seek to attain for yourself. Spread Christmas cheer and do it openly and loudly for all to hear. And if we love with a lasting impression, perhaps those who do not believe will catch a glimpse of Christ that will remain with them until that seed grows into understanding. And when it does, it will be just as it was with the Grinch when his small heart grew three sizes that day. So, go. Create joy. Bless others and praise GOD as you go.

The Meaning Of Christmas: Light Of The World (Hanukkah, Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication)

This is Part 3 in my series about the meaning of Christmas. In Part 1, I addressed the criticism about Christmas being pagan. In Part 2, we learned that GOD tabernacled in a sukkah, a greater and more perfect temple not made by human hands (Matthew 12:6; Hebrews 9:11). Christmas is all about the incarnation, the birth of the Savior, Christ Jesus. However, if the eternal Word entered into time within the world and tabernacled within the divinely designed body of Jesus, what did that mean for the world?

On the last day of Sukkot (Hoshana Rabbah), Jesus publicly declared Himself to be the Living Water and the Messiah, but He didn’t stop there. It is written in John 8:12, “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’ ”

Just as Jesus’s declaration to be the Living Water correlated with Sukkot, Jesus’s bold declaration to be the Light also correlated with the Festival of Tabernacles. Giant golden lampstands were lit in the Temple courtyard, and people carrying torches marched around the Temple, and then they set these lights around the walls of the Temple, indicating that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). According to the Mishnah (Sukkah 5:2-3), at the Temple “there were golden menorahs with golden bowls at the top of each…. There was not a courtyard in Jerusalem that was not lit by the light of the festivities.”

During Christmas season, Christians will often decorate their homes with lights and even use candles. But history reveals that even the faithful ones of ancient Judaism used light in their celebration via a menorah. But what is a menorah? It’s a uniquely designed lampstand. Why did they use it? Well, a lampstand, principally the seven-branched lampstand, was constructed initially for use in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-39) and placed in front of the inner curtain that shielded the ark of the covenant (Exodus 27:21). And so, Scripture informs us that the lampstand, though it has seven branches, was one solid piece of pure gold. Throughout the book of Exodus within the construction instructions, things were often purified (such as the gold for the table of Presence) or in one solid piece (such as the lampstand). Think: is the church of purity and in unity? Is the church one body with many parts functioning toward the same common goal? Is Christ the head and the center stem (1Corinthians 12:12-31; Colossians 1:15-20)? In Exodus 25:37, the seven lamps for the lampstand were to be set so that they would project their light forward. If we are part of the one unified body, are we shining our light forward? Whomever or whatever we reflect will determine our direction and projected path. Proverbs 27:19 says, “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.” For this reason, Jesus said that out from the heart (center/core) of a person will flow his/her true nature (Mark 7:20-23). Also, the menorah has the decorations of an almond tree and, as a tree in the midst of the place where GOD makes His presence known to humans, is to remind Israel of the garden of Eden. Thus, the menorah was to stay lit continually, 24 hours a day, and never allowed to be extinguished (Leviticus 24:1-4). The eternal flame symbolized GOD’s omnipresence. However, in order to keep the menorah lit continually, the priest had to ensure that its oil never ran out.

Eventually, a nine-branched menorah, called a hanukkiyah, became the central symbol of the Jewish festival Hanukkah. So, what is Hanukkah and what is the significance of having nine lamps rather than seven?

Examine John 10:22-30: “²² At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; ²³ it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. ²⁴ The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, ‘How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ ²⁵ Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. ²⁶ But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. ²⁷ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; ²⁸ and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.’ ”

So, the people who wanted Jesus to tell them plainly if He was the Messiah got extremely angry after He told them plainly that He is, and they wanted to stone Him to death (John 10:31). Now, they didn’t desire to stone Him to death because He claimed to be the Messiah, but because He made Himself equal with GOD (John 5:18; 10:33) and also told them, “you do not believe because you are not of My sheep.” So, Jesus rejected them. However, it’s important to understand that His rejection of them was based on their rejection of Him. Now, Jesus spoke those particular words during winter, at the Feast of Dedication, which is also known as Hanukkah. So, what is Hanukkah? Well, the word חֲנֻכָּה [H2598] hanukkah (kha’-noo-kah) simply means, “dedication” or “consecration.” But that leads us to a curious question: what was being dedicated or consecrated? Well, it was the Temple of GOD, but the festival was due to a past event when it had been rededicated and reconsecrated. But that leads us to another curious question: why would the Temple have been reconsecrated and rededicated unless it had been deconsecrated and defiled?

More than a century before the incarnation, there existed a viciously evil Seleucid king of Syria named Antiochus IV. After his expulsion from Egypt, he invaded Jerusalem to extend his power by forcing the Jews to Hellenize (enforce the “superior” Greek culture). Some Jews defected from the purity of Judaism and “adopted” Hellenism, which revolved around humanism that glorified human pleasure and self-centered desires. In short, they compromised, which allowed the enemy to infiltrate, inundate, indoctrinate, and then dominate. Eventually, an ultimatum was given to all the Jews: either the Jewish community must give up its distinctive customs (Shabbat, kosher laws, circumcision, etc.) or die. In fact, history reveals that Antiochus and his soldiers murdered over 80,000 Jews. Further, to prove his point and attempt to assert his superiority, Antiochus desecrated the Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus (whose image coincidentally resembled Antiochus), sacrificing an unclean pig on the altar, pouring the blood on the Scripture scrolls, and even insisting on being called “Epiphanes” (ep-ee’-fan-nace), which means “God manifest”. This blatant blasphemy sparked a major military and social conflict, which exploded into what is now known as the Maccabean Revolt. Pious faithful Jews went to war to protect their essential Judaism against the danger of Hellenizing Jews, whose collaboration with Hellenistic rulers eventually brought about laws against being Jewish, that living out the Torah was illegal. In other words, the government of that day tried to usurp GOD’s authority and override GOD’s Word. Antiochus had conducted a reign of terror for three years until his defeat by the “Maccabees,” which is from an Aramaic word מַקָּבָה [H4717] maqāḇâ (mak-kaw-baw’), meaning “hammer.” A man named Judah/Judas (Y’hudah) – who was a son of the Hasmonean priest Mattathias – was known as the leader of this revolt and was given the nickname of “Maccabeus,” presumably because of his effectiveness in battle. Just as Peter and the other apostles would later say in Acts 5:29, “we must obey God rather than men,” the Maccabees had declared the same. And against all odds, Judah(s) and everyone else who joined him prevailed over Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) in 164 BC and then led the reconsecration and rededication of the Temple on 25^th of their ninth month (Kislev), which is now celebrated as Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication). Therefore, Hanukkah commemorates this awesome victory over an evil tyrant, who was a type of the future Antichrist who is to come (Daniel 9:24-27; 11:31-45; Matthew 24:3-31; Revelation 13). And based on the deuterocanonical account of the cleansing of the Temple in 1-2 Maccabees (esp. 1Macc 4:36-61), Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days beginning at sundown on 25 Kislev, which usually falls in December. For example, this year in 2022, it will begin on December 19^th, and next year in 2023 it will begin on December 8^th. However, in 2024 it will begin on December 26^th, which is only a day apart from December 25^th, which is the date Christians typically celebrate Christmas (and this is perhaps why gift giving eventually became a tradition during Hanukkah).

Now, the traditional reason for the festival lasting eight days is given in the Babylonian Talmud, where the rabbis explain that after the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they desired to light the eternal flame (the symbol of GOD’s presence); however, they found only one day’s worth of undefiled oil. Now, they knew that it would take them about eight days to produce new pure oil; therefore, if they lit the eternal flame, they would run out of their current oil supply before they were able to refill it from their next oil supply. However, they determined that it would be best to light the eternal flame immediately as a symbol of GOD’s victory so that they can praise the Lord. And what followed their faith-filled decision was nothing less than a miracle of GOD, reminiscent of the widow’s oil (2Kings 4:1-7) – the one day’s worth of oil lasted for eight days, ensuring that the eternal flame of GOD’s presence did not go out! Hence, the main observance for this holiday revolves around lighting the hanukkiyah. Jewish families progressively light nightly the special menorah with eight candles, using the center [ninth] candle, known as the shamash, to light all the other ones. The “shamash” means the “attendant” or “servant.” And this is why Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights!

In the Jewish publication, Chanukah, a writer said, “Then the light is kindled to give inspiration, for the light of Messiah must burn brightly in our hearts.” So, looking back at John 10:22-30, I find it interesting that those Jews who desired to stone Jesus to death did in fact have a light of some sort burning within them for the Messiah; however, when they encountered the true Messiah, they rejected Him because He did not conform to their expectations, which were formed from religious traditions. They claimed they were children of GOD, and had even hoped for the Messiah, yet Jesus told them they were not true believers and were not His sheep. That is a sobering and scary thought that someone can claim to be a child of GOD and yet still be rejected by the Lord. For this reason, Jesus had warned people quite a few times that in the end, He might tell them that He never knew them (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:1-13; Luke 13:22-30). Why? Because the people to whom He will say this are evildoers, those who did not do the Father’s will (Matthew 23:2-7; John 8:34-37). After all, why would they desire to kill Jesus when He continually healed people? And so, although those particular Jews had a light within them, it was the light from an all-consuming fire of prideful religious hypocrisy that burned genuine relationship to ashes. But that’s not the light children of GOD are supposed to shine.

Now, as with all the biblical holy days, there are spiritual lessons to be learned. A few of the lessons to be learned from Hanukkah include remaining faithful to the Lord, being courageous, and shining the light of the Lord. But perhaps the most vital lesson is seen in its very name. The festival commemorates a time after great tribulation and an abomination of desolation, when the true worship of GOD was restored in Jerusalem, just as it will be in the future (Revelation 21:1-6). Now, that ancient Temple no longer exists today, but there’s a good reason for that: each follower of Jesus is the holy temple where the Spirit dwells (John 14:23,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9-11; 2Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9). But too often, believers endanger the purity of this sacred temple by allowing idolatry into their lives, just as Antiochus did centuries ago. And so, we should take seriously Paul’s exhortation in 1Corinthians 6:19-20, “¹⁹ do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰ For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

In Exodus 37, within the construction instructions for the sanctuary, a theme of purity is evident because we glorify GOD in the holy temple. Holiness is pure and that’s why the Ark of the Covenant, Table of Presence, Lampstand, and Incense Altar needed to possess purity (37:2, 6, 11, 16-17, 22-24, 26, 29).

So, ponder on purity: it is written in Matthew 5:8 that those whose thoughts are pure are blessed and they will see GOD. Purity is commendable. What person commends another for his/her lack of purity? What element is desired to be impure? It should be our goal to remove impurities. Silver (or gold or diamonds for that matter), would not be as valuable or desirable as they are without the process that removes impurities. Why? Purity is beautiful. Isn’t a diamond desired when it meets the four C’s during inspection? The inspector examines the diamond for Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. And those four C’s determine its quality.

It is written in Proverbs 25:4 that if we remove impurities from the silver, the silversmith can craft a fine chalice. Ponder on this: pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals; in fact, pure silver defines conductivity; all other metals are compared to it. This means that the conductivity is reliable. People desire to use pure silver on circuit boards when they need the circuit board to work right the first time and every time. Remove impurities from your life so you can be conducive to GOD’s will for your life and the lives of others. To be as pure as possible, we need only to be in alignment with GOD’s will, which can be discerned by knowing GOD’s Word. The better you are aligned with GOD’s will, the more pure you become in your sanctification process; therefore, your conductivity grows greater and greater. Those who follow GOD’s Word are better equipped to receive GOD’s directions via the Holy Spirit; those who are better equipped to receive GOD’s directions are less likely to get lost.

Paul, speaking to believers in 1Corinthians 15:33-34, said, “³³ Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’ ³⁴ Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”

It is written in Ecclesiastes 10:1 that dead flies in perfume make it stink, and a little foolishness decomposes much wisdom. The moral of the story is clear: the bad contaminates what is good. Think about it: a person desires his/her drinking water to be pure, right? Would you purchase purified water and then pour dirt in it right before you drink it? Would you put moldy bread in with fresh baked bread? Good and bad don’t belong together. Good that is surrounded by bad stands a great chance of becoming bad. Imagine purified water as the good in your life. Now imagine just a single drop of food coloring as something that is bad. If you were to drip food coloring into purified water, that food coloring would spread and soon the water would no longer be clear. The bad contaminates the good, whether that involves your sex life, what you eat, or the impure thoughts you allow within your mind. Is your holy temple infested with mold? What impurities do you need to remove from your life today? Purity does matter, but the implications are spiritual because unholiness affects our relationship with the Lord and others (Leviticus 20:7-8; Ezekiel 44:23; 1Corinthians 6:18-19; 2Corinthians 6: 14-16; 1Thessalonians 4:3-7). However, we must make this distinction: there is a big difference between a prideful-pious purity that’s based on religious works that claims a “holier than thou” status, and a humble-at-heart purity which acknowledges that we’ve only been cleansed because of the blood of Christ Jesus. The former is religion and the latter is relationship. The religious person will claim that his/her tabernacle is holy because of what he/she has done or abstained from doing out from his/her own strength and greatness. However, the one who has a genuine relationship with the Lord will proclaim that his/her tabernacle is holy because of Christ’s finished works and the power of the Spirit who now tabernacles within him/her! And because the temple is holy, idolatry has no place in our lives! For this reason, the Maccabees purged the temple from evil and Jesus later cleansed the temple because of unholy practices within (John 2:13-17). Both cleansings were done due to them having a genuine relationship with GOD and refusing to compromise what would take away from GOD’s holiness.

Examine both the seven-branched menorah and the nine-branched hanukkiyah: the branches shoot out from the center stem. If we don’t extend from the Center (the Source, the Head), we have no light. And of course, Jesus is the Center! Jesus is the Head! Examine what is written in John 15:1-11: “¹ ‘I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. ⁹ Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

In John 8:12, Jesus said that He is the Light of the world. In John 9:5, Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” But Jesus knew He was going to ascend into Heaven and that’s why He told His disciples (and us) that we are now to be the light of the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said, “¹⁴ ‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵ nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

And so, again, examine the nine-branched hanukkiyah: the center (ninth) candle is the one that gives light to the other candles. I believe we can learn a lot if we examine the shamash (the ninth candle). Again, shamash means “attendant” or “servant.” Remember what the Lord said! Jesus taught us that the greatest shall be the servant of all (Matthew 20:25-27; 23:11-12; Mark 10:42-44; Luke 22:25-26)! Also, the servant is not greater than his/her master (John 13:16). Jesus said He came to be the suffering servant as an example that we should do likewise (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Luke 22:27; John 13:5-15). Therefore, Hanukkah symbolizes how the Lord, who served us, gave us light. And because the design of the lampstand is to project light forward and provide light for everyone in darkness so that they will be able to see, Christians are to shine their light for everyone in the darkness so that they may see our good works and glorify GOD. But what kind of good works should those in the darkness be seeing from the light-bearers? In John 13:13-15, Jesus said, “¹³ You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. ¹⁴ If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” So, whether we are ensuring justice is done (Micah 6:8), showing compassion (Luke 10:30-37), forgiving others (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35), feeding the hungry, inviting strangers into our homes, providing clothing to those in need, or visiting people in the hospital or prison (Matthew 25:31-46), we are truly children of GOD if we are not only loving GOD with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, but also loving others as we would love ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). Our light, though it is fire, should not burn others, but provide comfort and warmth. Our light, though it is pure, should not blind others, but provide vision and guide people to the straight and narrow path (Proverbs 4:23-27), which leads to the Door, who is Christ Jesus (John 10:7-9; 14:6).

Philippians 2:1-8 says, “¹ Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Therefore, in order to shine the light of Christ, we must first and foremost be in Christ and branch out from Christ. Then, after He gives us light, we must shine the light of loving servitude. And in order to shine continually, our oil must never run out (Matthew 25:1-13). The oil is faith and the Holy Spirit continually produces this oil.

And finally, another tradition of Hanukkah that has since developed from the Maccabean Revolt is playing games with a dreidel (a four-sided top). Each face of the dreidel is marked with one of four Hebrew letters: נ nun (nun), ג gimel (gim-el), ה hei (hay), and ש shin (shin), representing the phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (“A great miracle happened there”). However, in Israel, the letter shin is replaced with פ pei (pay) for the Hebrew word meaning “here.”

In conclusion, there is a connection between Judaism and Christianity, and between Hanukkah and Christmas. Hanukkah recalls a military victory for Israel, oil provided for them by GOD, the light of the Lord overcoming the darkness, and true worship being restored. The entire Festival of Lights is a reminder of those who courageously remain faithful to GOD – even in the face of persecution! However, it’s also a reminder of GOD’s miracles and His love for us. If the miracle of Christmas was the birth of Christ, then the miracle of Hanukkah enabled the miracle of Christmas. For without the Jewish people, there would be no Messiah (or Christ) and hence no salvation. But out from GOD’s sovereignty and unfailing love, a Savior was born. And so, this Christmas, may we all remember that the greatest gift we could ever receive was born in a feeding trough for animals beneath temporary shelter (sukkah) outside because the world didn’t have room for Him (Luke 2:7). But what about now? Do you have room for the Savior? He wants to give you the light of life.

The Meaning Of Christmas: A Savior Is Born (Tabernacles, Booths, Sukkot)

In a previous article, I provided some clarification to some confusion that some people have regarding Christmas being a pagan celebration and I answered the big question as to whether or not Christians should celebrate Christmas. And so now we know – the Christmas that Christians celebrate is not pagan. Christians don’t worship trees, nor do they make Santa Claus an idol to be worshiped. But this leads us to a curious question: why do we celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is so commercialized nowadays that the true meaning of Christmas has been lost by many people. Even non-Christians celebrate Christmas, but their celebrations are typically centered around buying obligatory gifts for people, receiving gifts they probably don’t even want, eating food, spending time with family members they might not even like, and simply enjoying their time off work because they hate their jobs. For many people of our secular society, Christmas is merely a paid vacation day that allows them to indulge in either laziness or activities that are centered around pleasure for self. On average, Americans spend approximately $1,000 on Christmas each year. So, while most people get Christmas day as a paid holiday, they also spend a week’s worth of their salary out from obligation just because they feel like that’s what they’re supposed to do around this time of year because consumerism has become an indoctrinated concept within our culture. And because of that, Christmas ends up being extremely stressful and burdensome for many people. But that is the way of secular society, not Christianity.

So, why do Christians celebrate Christmas? What’s it all about? What’s the meaning of Christmas? Well, simply put, it’s all about the birth of Christ Jesus. And this is also known as the incarnation. Now, many people — even non-Christians — know this surface-level truth with head knowledge, but there is always depth beyond the surface. And unfortunately, even many self-proclaimed Christians don’t fully comprehend the awesomeness of this Truth. So let’s investigate the depth and examine our discoveries.

Matthew 2:1-10 says, “¹ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ² ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’ ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” ⁷ Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.’ ⁹ After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

Now, I intentionally stopped reading at verse 10 because I’m going to return to that passage at the end of this message. So, keep that passage in mind.

In Judaism, the חַ֧ג הַסֻּכּ֖וֹת Feast of Booths (a.k.a. Festival of: Booths, Tabernacles, Tents, Ingathering, and סֻכֹּ֔ת [H5521] Sukkot [soo-koht’]) is a week-long celebration where the Jews live in temporary tents or booths (made from natural elements of the earth) in order to remind themselves of their ancestors’ time in the wilderness, after GOD led them out of Egypt, because they had to dwell in temporary shelters on their journey (Nehemiah 8:14-17). This was sometimes also referred to “the festival of the Lord” (Judges 21:19) or simply “the festival” (1Kings 8:65). But this was the third of the three pilgrimage festivals. All Jewish males were required to go to Jerusalem to recall GOD’s providence toward Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the desert while living in tents (Deuteronomy 16:16). This festival started on the 15^th of the seventh month [Tishri] (September/October). For example, this year in 2022, Sukkot was on October 10^th, but next year in 2023 it will be on September 30^th; however, it starts at sundown the previous day. The reason for this is because unlike our western Gregorian solar-based calendar, the Jewish calendar uses both lunar and solar movements. The months are determined by the moon, and the year is determined by the sun. The Jewish day begins at sunset.

So, we know the reason for this festival, but what was the ultimate goal? Well, the name of this holy day tells its purpose. Essentially, it is twofold, with the first being related to the fall harvest. During this week, they also celebrated the fruit harvest. As Leviticus 23:33-43 teaches, Sukkot was to be a time of bringing in the latter harvest. It is widely believed that the Puritan colonists, who were devoted students of the Hebrew Scriptures, based the first American Thanksgiving on Sukkot. A secondary meaning of this holy day is found in the command to dwell in a temporary shelter. This festival can be summarized with the word, “habitation.” We know from the Torah that GOD dwelt with His people in their 40-year wilderness wanderings. And so, the theme is that GOD dwells with His people. Leviticus 23:40 says, “Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.” And so, avoiding all work on the first and last days of the festival, they were to mark the week with sacrifices, celebration, and joy (see also, Numbers 29:12-40). In addition, every seventh year the Law was to be read at this festival (Deuteronomy 31:10-11). Two ceremonies were part of the last day of Sukkot:

1. Giant golden lampstands were lit in the Temple courtyard, and people carrying torches marched around the Temple, and then they set these lights around the walls of the Temple, indicating that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6).
2. And then by the first century A.D. when Jesus had walked the earth, another part of this festival involved the drawing of water for a libation offering (nisukh hamayim) from the Pool of Siloam with great ceremony and joy, which symbolizing that when the Messiah comes, the whole earth will know GOD “as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).

There is so much depth to be discovered beyond the surface of this week-long festival. So, let’s go diving into the depths, investigate, and then examine our discoveries. The Festival of Tabernacles is interesting, but why is all of this important for New Testament Christians? Well, not only did the Israelites erect temporary shelters for themselves to dwell in, but after GOD delivered the Israelites from slavery, the Lord had His people construct a tabernacle so GOD could dwell among them (Exodus 25:8). The word “tabernacle” is a translation of the Hebrew מִשְׁכָּן [H4908] mishkan (mish-kawn’), which means “dwelling-place.” It’s the special dwelling place of GOD. Why is this important? In short, the tabernacle foreshadowed Christ.

John 1:1-4 says, “¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.”

From the beginning of John’s gospel, he references back to the beginning, which echoes Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The Word is not named as such in Genesis, but is immediately seen in action when GOD spoke everything into existence. The word, “Word” is the Greek λόγος [G3056] logos (log’-ahs), which means a word (uttered by a living voice), a saying, or speech, and denotes the expression of thought. The Word was a term used by theologians and philosophers, both Jews and Greeks, in many different ways. In Hebrew Scripture, the Word was an agent of creation (Psalm 33:6), the source of GOD’s message to His people through the prophets (Hosea 4:1), and GOD’s Law, His standard of holiness (Psalm 119:11). In Greek philosophy, the Word was the ‘reason’ behind everything, the principle of reason that governed the world, or the thought still in the mind. In Hebrew thought, the Word was another expression for GOD. Jesus, therefore, is the Creator of the universe and all life (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24), the ultimate revelation of GOD, the living picture of GOD’s holiness (Colossians 1:15), the One who “holds all creation together (Colossians 1:17). The Greek word corresponds to the Aramaic memra, a technical theological term used by rabbis in both the centuries before and after Jesus when speaking of GOD’s expression of Himself. Thus, the Messiah existed before all creation. For this reason, Jesus said in prayer in John 17:5, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” Also, for this reason, Jesus, speaking to the Pharisees in John 8:58, said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Hence, Jesus had made Himself equal with GOD (Exodus 3:14; John 5:18; 10:33) and the eternal Wisdom of Proverbs 8:22-31, which existed before creation and was present during creation.

John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

When it says that the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. The word “dwelt” is a translation of the Greek ἐσκήνωσεν eskēnōsen (es-kay-no-sen), which is the word σκηνόω [G4637] skēnoō (skay-naw’-oh), which means to tabernacle, tent, encamp, or dwell. Therefore, John 1:14 literally says that GOD tabernacled among us. GOD, who is 100% Spirit (John 4:24), tabernacled within the 100% flesh body He created; thus, Jesus is GOD incarnate. Hence, the incarnation. It is for this reason Jesus is known as Ἐμμανουήλ [G1694] Immanuel (Matthew 1:23), which means “God with us.” It is also for this reason that Jesus referred to His body as the Temple (John 2:19-21) and even said He is greater than the physical temple structure (Matthew 12:6). And for this reason, Hebrews 9:11 says that the body of Christ was the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with human hands.

When it says we saw His glory, the word “glory” is the Greek word δόξα [G1391] doxa (dox’-ah), which describes the goodness or value of someone. Hence, this one word attempts to effectively convey the indescribable, infinite, and intrinsic worth of GOD’s essence, His divine quality of magnificence and majesty, which we translate as “glory.”

Therefore, just like GOD dwelt with His people in the Old Testament (Exodus 25:8; 29:45-46; Numbers 35:34; 1Kings 6:13; Ezekiel 43:9; Zechariah 2:1-4), John and Paul both teach that the fullness of GOD tabernacled in Jesus and the Spirit now tabernacles within us (John 14:23,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9-11; 2Corinthians 6:16; Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9).

So, as John sought to describe the Messiah’s first coming, the most obvious picture to portray and explain was Sukkot, the holy day that celebrates the dwelling of GOD via temporary tabernacles!

The Talmud tells of a custom that developed in the Second Temple time period. At that time during this holy day, a priest would take a water pitcher down to the Pool of Siloam, dip it in the water, and carry it back to the Temple. Crowds of people would then form a huge processional behind the priest, dancing, singing, and chanting the Hallel (Psalms 113-118) as they entered the Temple mount. For each of the first six days of Sukkot, the processional would circle the Temple altar one time, and on the seventh day there would be seven processionals to magnify the joy. The highlight of the ceremony came when the priest dramatically poured the water on the altar of the Temple. The response of the multitudes was so immense that the Talmud says whoever has not been in Jerusalem for this ceremony has not experienced real joy. Hence, it became known as Rejoicing of the House of Drawing Water (Hoshana Rabbah). Why? Talmudic rabbis speak of deep truths from Isaiah 12:3 in regard to the ceremony: “Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.” But “salvation” in Hebrew is יְשׁוּעָה [H3444] yeshua (yesh-oo’-aw), the name of the Messiah! And yes—Yeshua means salvation! So, the Rejoicing of the House of Drawing Water was to prophetically illustrate the days of messianic redemption when the water of the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon all Israel. GOD will ultimately build His habitation with His people when the Kingdom is established under the Messiah’s rule. And John 7:37-39 explains the next connection to Sukkot:

John 7:37-39 says, “³⁷ Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” ’ ³⁹ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

So, on the last day of the festival, Hoshana Rabbah, Jesus declared to be the Living Water and the Messiah, just as He did with the woman at the well (John 4:7-26). Imagine the setting: Sukkot was in full swing, and the joy of the first six days was exuberant. On the great final day, the crowds were filled with expectation for the Messiah and the Holy Spirit He would bring. At the very time of the water-drawing ceremony, Jesus (Yeshua) made a bold proclamation: “Do you truly want the living water of the Holy Spirit? Does anyone understand the true significance of this ceremony? If anyone desires what “the place of the water drawing” symbolizes (Beit Hashoavah), let him believe in Me. I am the Messiah who will pour out the Holy Spirit on Israel!”

Therefore, with all aspects of Sukkot now pieced together, the Bible provides a few different themes for us to know: GOD’s provision, His dwelling with His people, and the joy of the Holy Spirit. Yet, there is still a future element remaining to be fulfilled by the Festival of Tabernacles. John, in Revelation 21:1-4, shares a vision of final things in that the reality of Sukkot will be obvious to all: “¹ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. ² And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, ⁴ and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.””

Sukkot was always known as the holy day that commemorates GOD dwelling with His people. How fitting for the Kingdom of GOD, when it fully comes to the redeemed earth, to be considered the ultimate fulfillment of this holy day. GOD Himself will finally dwell with His people in all His fullness. The סֻכָּה [H5521] Sukkah [sook-kaw’] (booth/tabernacle) of GOD will be among men when Messiah Yeshua dwells as the ruler of the thousand-year messianic Kingdom! Sukkot is said to be the premier celebration of the Millennium. As the prophet Zechariah predicted in Zechariah 14:16-17: “¹⁶ Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁷ And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain on them.”

The Tabernacles:

• In the Garden (Genesis 3:8)
• In the Messianic believer (Exodus 33:15)
• In the wilderness (Exodus 40:33-35)
• And the Divine Presence (1Kings 8:1-11)
• And the incarnation (Matthew 1:23)
• And the Kingdom to come (Revelation 21:1-6)

Now, ponder on this: the detailed description of the tabernacle and its construction comprise more than one-third of the book of Exodus (25-40), signifying its theological importance to the life of GOD’s people before the forming of the nation-state of Israel. And yet it was all mere material of the earth that GOD allowed to be destroyed due to the sinful rebellion of the Israelites (1Kings 9:8-9; Ezra 5:12; Lamentations). GOD put so much care and concern into what He knew would be destroyed. Does that sound familiar? It should. The true and more perfect Temple not made by human hands, the divinely designed body of Christ Jesus, was greater and had even more care and concern and attention to detail in creation (Matthew 12:6; Hebrews 9:11) and yet GOD knew that the true Temple would be destroyed (John 2:19-21). However, the Father revealed to the Son that in three days the Temple would be rebuilt (Matthew 12:39-40; John 2:22). Jesus would rise again and conquer the grave, taking away the sting of death for all who put their faith in Him (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-13; 1Corinthians 15:54-57).

In conclusion, I shall return to the beginning where this message started. In Matthew 2:1-10, the magi sought and finally found the Messiah. But where did they find the Messiah? Luke 2:7 says, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” The word “manger” is the Greek word φάτνη [G5336] phatnē (faht’-nay), which comes from the word πατέομαι patéomai (pat-ay-ohm-eye), meaning “to eat.” And because Luke 13:15 informs us that this was a location where animals such as oxen and donkeys were kept, we know that Jesus was placed in a feeding trough for animals. Why? Because there was no room for them in the “inn,” which is the Greek word κατάλυμα [G2646] katalyma (kat-al’-oo-mah), which is a lodging place for travelers where they can put down their belongings, take off their traveling gear, and halt for the night. Therefore, because Joseph, Mary, and Jesus weren’t able to stay in the main lodging area, they were discovered in a temporary shelter that can be likened to a sukkah! The body of the Messiah is the Holy Sukkah and He was discovered in a sukkah! Now, is there any wonder why when the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us, that the magi, the caste of wise men, in Matthew 2:11, did what they did? It is written: “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

So, what is Christmas truly about? Truly, it’s about the Christmas tabernacle, the incarnation. The birth of the Savior! And so, in all honesty, we should be celebrating the birth of Christ in the month of Tishri when the festival of tabernacles is celebrated. And that falls anywhere between September and October. But, ‘tis the season for the drudgery of winter where everything is dark, dead, and cold. And as long as we’re bringing light, life, and warmth into the world, we might as well take advantage of the season and share the reason for light, life, and warmth: Christ Jesus. For without Jesus, there is no light and there is no life (John 14:6). But… it could be warm. Really warm. Like, lake of fire warm. But I digress. That’s a message for another day.

So, what is the meaning of Christmas? What’s it all about? Well, Linus told everyone back in 1965 in A Charlie Brown Christmas when he recited Luke 2:8-14: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ ”
And then Linus says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Yeah. That’s what Christmas is all about. So, if you’re going to celebrate Christmas, then celebrate the right reason even if your timing might be a little off. Merry Christmas. May the Lord bless you, and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.

Why Pointless Thorns?

Many people ask me, “Why do you go by Pointless Thorns?” Well, this video/article is my explanation. If you’d prefer to read my explanation rather than watching/listening, the words will be transcribed below the video.

VIDEO:

https://rumble.com/v1tmz52-why-pointless-thorns.html

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After Jesus allowed Himself to get arrested, He was eventually taken before Pilate and questioned (Matt 26:53-56; John 10:17-18). The soldiers mocked Jesus. They twisted together a crown of thorns and shoved it onto His head, tearing the flesh of His scalp (Matt 27:29-30; Mark 15:17-19; John 19:2-5). Now all throughout Scripture, those thorns describe or represent judgment (Gen 3:18; Num 33:55; Josh 23:13; Judg 2:3; Job 5:5; Ps 58:9; Isa 7:23; Mark 4:7; Luke 6:44; Heb 6:8). And so when Jesus took the thorns unto Himself, He received judgment on our behalf. And when Christ was crucified, He died in our place for our sins, just as it is written in Rom 5:8-9, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.“

Now, it is written in Heb 10:10-14, “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.“

And every person who places his/her faith in the finished works of Christ Jesus will be saved and will have eternal life with a new imperishable body in the life to come (John 3:16; Rom 10:9-13; 1Cor 15:35-53; Rev 21-22).

Now, Paul, talking about this new imperishable body, in 1Cor 15:54-57, says, “But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.“

And so when Jesus took the crown of thorns, He took the points of those thorns (which represents our judgment), knowing that He would conquer the grave, resurrect, and overcome death. Jesus took the sting of death for us on our behalf! And so now at best, the adversary can try to afflict us with thorns in the flesh, but those thorns are pointless! They possess no power to harm! In John 10:27-30, Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.“

And so Pointless Thorns is both the sharing of the Gospel and a bold statement of faith over fear, confidently declaring that the enemy has no power over me! And in the great reversal – as GOD always does – I am now a thorn in the side of those who oppose GOD because by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony, I overcome (Rev 12:11)!

And so to all the unbelievers out there who like to cherry-pick my name and call me “pointless”, it doesn’t matter because it’s all Pointless Thorns.