March 9, 2007
This is the Purim season, a festival which is celebrated by reading the book of Esther. In the days leading up to this holiday the Spirit has been highlighting a couple of very important points, namely: "wisdom and understanding". Esther obviously possessed these qualities, along with the commensurate conduct. In the construction of the Tabernacle, described in this week's Torah portion, with its articles and clothing; wisdom and understanding also played a very important role. For this work YHVH chose only those whose hearts were stirred to do the work, and then granted them these two precious qualities.
"And Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom YHVH has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that YHVH has commanded" (Exodus 36:1). "And all the women whose heart stirred with wisdom spun yarn of goats' hair" (Exodus 35:26).
Many years later, YHVH bestowed upon David's son this very same anointing: "And Elohim gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore" (1 Kings 4:29). Like others in the past who had a heart to serve the Most High, Solomon was given these wonderful gifts from Elohim. However, the question is, did these attributes come free or did YHVH supply them through the diligent study of the Torah? Because it was required of kings to write, read, and study the Torah, as it is written: "Now it shall come about when he [king] sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this Torah on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the YHVH his Elohim…and that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and not turn aside from the commandment…" (Deuteronomy 17: 18-20).
In Proverbs Solomon points to the Torah as the source of wisdom and understanding. The only written word of Elohim at the time of Solomon was the Torah, Joshua, Judges and possibly the book of Job and his father's Psalms. Thus this reigning king of Israel referred to the Word of Elohim as a source of wisdom and understanding.
James the apostle to the twelve tribes writes: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of Elohim, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). This "wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).
Solomon states that the beginning of wisdom is the fear/reverence of YHVH and His Word (ref. Proverbs 9:10). But how do we obtain this fear or reverence? Let us listen to some wise counsel:
"My son, if you receive My [YHVH's] words, and treasure My commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of YHVH, and find the knowledge of Elohim" (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Where will we find this understanding and knowledge of YHVH's words and commands? As mentioned above, Solomon directs us to the Torah. "My son, do not forget my Torah, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you" (Proverbs 3: 1-2). "Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my Torah" (Proverbs 4:1-2).
If one forsakes Torah or turns a deaf ear to YHVH's instruction, that is YHVH's words for wisdom and understanding, there are some dire consequences in store that should be taken notice of.
"Those who forsake the Torah praise the wicked… "One who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, even his prayer is an abomination" (Proverbs 28: 4; 9).
Therefore, "Trust in YHVH with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear YHVH and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Thus, if we are wise in our own eyes, leaning on our own understanding and do not acknowledge Him, the result will be sickness to our flesh and weakness to our bones.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13).
Ephraim
This is the Purim season, a festival which is celebrated by reading the book of Esther. In the days leading up to this holiday the Spirit has been highlighting a couple of very important points, namely: "wisdom and understanding". Esther obviously possessed these qualities, along with the commensurate conduct. In the construction of the Tabernacle, described in this week's Torah portion, with its articles and clothing; wisdom and understanding also played a very important role. For this work YHVH chose only those whose hearts were stirred to do the work, and then granted them these two precious qualities.
"And Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom YHVH has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that YHVH has commanded" (Exodus 36:1). "And all the women whose heart stirred with wisdom spun yarn of goats' hair" (Exodus 35:26).
Many years later, YHVH bestowed upon David's son this very same anointing: "And Elohim gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore" (1 Kings 4:29). Like others in the past who had a heart to serve the Most High, Solomon was given these wonderful gifts from Elohim. However, the question is, did these attributes come free or did YHVH supply them through the diligent study of the Torah? Because it was required of kings to write, read, and study the Torah, as it is written: "Now it shall come about when he [king] sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this Torah on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the YHVH his Elohim…and that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and not turn aside from the commandment…" (Deuteronomy 17: 18-20).
In Proverbs Solomon points to the Torah as the source of wisdom and understanding. The only written word of Elohim at the time of Solomon was the Torah, Joshua, Judges and possibly the book of Job and his father's Psalms. Thus this reigning king of Israel referred to the Word of Elohim as a source of wisdom and understanding.
James the apostle to the twelve tribes writes: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of Elohim, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). This "wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).
Solomon states that the beginning of wisdom is the fear/reverence of YHVH and His Word (ref. Proverbs 9:10). But how do we obtain this fear or reverence? Let us listen to some wise counsel:
"My son, if you receive My [YHVH's] words, and treasure My commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of YHVH, and find the knowledge of Elohim" (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Where will we find this understanding and knowledge of YHVH's words and commands? As mentioned above, Solomon directs us to the Torah. "My son, do not forget my Torah, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you" (Proverbs 3: 1-2). "Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my Torah" (Proverbs 4:1-2).
If one forsakes Torah or turns a deaf ear to YHVH's instruction, that is YHVH's words for wisdom and understanding, there are some dire consequences in store that should be taken notice of.
"Those who forsake the Torah praise the wicked… "One who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, even his prayer is an abomination" (Proverbs 28: 4; 9).
Therefore, "Trust in YHVH with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear YHVH and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Thus, if we are wise in our own eyes, leaning on our own understanding and do not acknowledge Him, the result will be sickness to our flesh and weakness to our bones.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13).
Ephraim
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