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Mordecai gave his adopted daughter the cryptic name Esther, concealing her true nationality with the Persian name for Ishtar. Hebrew readers immediately smile at Mordecai’s pun, for in this Jewish language, it means “I will hide.”[1]  Indeed, many hidden treasures, such as God’s name, divine intervention, Esther’s people, and even Passover, are subtly concealed in plain sight within the scroll.

Although the book is titled Esther, Mordecai emerges as a type of the Messiah, given a crown and elevated to the second position in the kingdom. Let us delve into four mysteries of the Messiah within the scroll and how Mordecai’s life foreshadowed Yeshua’s future mission. As we explore these mysteries, consider the task God has given each of us to accomplish for such a time as this.

I. The Mystery of an Unexpected King

Mordecai is a type of the King Messiah, descended from the line of Saul, the son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin. (Esther 2:5-10) The restoration of a kingly line is but one of the Scroll’s mysteries.  To help us understand the hints within the Scroll to the line of Saul, we must examine a method of Biblical interpretation popular during the Second Temple period, used by early Jewish sages such as Hillel and even Yeshua the Lord. This hermeneutic method connects separate texts of Scripture based upon a shared phrase or sentence.[2]  While the technical name for this is Gezeira Shava, we might think of it as a hyperlink. For instance, Yeshua hyperlinked Deuteronomy 6:5, “And you shall love the Lord God…” to Leviticus 19:18, “And you shall love your neighbor….”, using the connecting phrase, “V’Ahavta” (And you shall love).

The Scroll of Esther repeatedly uses this method to subtly connect King Saul and King Agag of the Amalekites to the drama of Mordecai, Esther, and Haman. One example is the words of Samuel the Prophet to King Saul and the advisors to King Ahasuerus in the Esther Scroll.

“And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you” I Samuel 15:28 ESV

Regarding the removal of Queen Vashti, the advisors say, “And let the king give her royal position to another (neighbor)  who is better than she.” Esther 1:19b ESV

What connects these texts written some five hundred years apart?  King Saul lost his position to David, “his neighbor,” “better than him,” because he left Agag alive and refused to wipe out the Amalekites.  And in the scroll, Vashti saw her royal position given to Esther, her “neighbor” “who is better than she.”  Scholars see this as a reversal and temporary revival of Saul’s royal line. Esther came to the kingdom “for such a time” when Haman, a descendant of Agag and Amalek, sought to destroy all of Israel.[3]

Not only was Esther a descendant of Kish, Mordecai was also of Saul’s royal line! And his refusal to bow to Haman sets the stage for the “dice to be cast” for redemption.

II. The Mystery of Man Who Would not Bow

“And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury”. Esther 3:5 NKJV

Mordecai’s refusal to bow became a catalyst for the conflict and contains a mystery. What was it in Mordecai’s’ refusal that triggered Haman’s attempt at the destruction of the entire Jewish people? (Esther 3:6) And, more so, why exactly did Mordecai refuse?

Jewish commentaries note that the combination of the terms “bowing” and “paying homage,” literally bowing and prostrating oneself, implies an act of worship. To Mordecai, this was idolatry. But Mordecai’s reaction to hearing Haman’s Holocaust decree gives us another hyperlink—this time to the story of Jacob and Esau.

“As soon as Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!” Genesis 27:34 ESV

“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry.” Esther 4:1 ESV

In Hebrew, the phrase “loud and bitter cry” is nearly identical. Thus, early Jewish commentaries from the 3rd to 5th century AD already saw the intertextual connection (Gezeira shava) between Mordecai’s distress and Esau’s.[4]  This gives us more of the backstory of Mordecai’s refusal to bow before Haman, a descendant of Esau.

An Ancient Enmity                        

What connects Esau and Jacob to Haman and Mordecai? We remember that Esau’s grandson, Eliphaz, was the father of Amalek (Gen. 36:12). Amalek is the dynasty from which King Agag and Haman descended. Knowing this we understand why Haman was triggered upon learning Mordecai’s nationality. We also see that this is a spiritual war.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Exodus 17:14-16 ESV

Benjamin Would Not Bow

God is at war with Amalek from generation to generation. Further, we see an interesting parallel, which the rabbis couldn’t help but note.  All of Jacob’s sons bowed down to Esau when Jacob’s family returned from Padan Aram – all except one! (Gen. 33:3-7) Benjamin, from whom both Saul, Mordecai, and Esther are descended, did not bow, having not yet been born.  Could it be that King Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was destined to defeat this enemy?

The Messiah Who Refused to Bow

This mysterious, ancient scroll hints at a deep past but also foreshadows Yeshua, the King Messiah, who would not bow to Satan.  Mordecai’s refusal even points to the book of Revelation, when another “troubler of the Jews” (Tzorer), the antichrist, will demand all people bow down to him. Even now, such demands are being made of the righteous to accept those things which God calls an abomination. We must stand courageous like Mordecai in the strength of Yeshua the Messiah, unwavering and completely trusting God.

Now, we will examine Mordecai’s rescue from a decree of death during Passover and its foreshadowing of the King Messiah.

III. The Mystery of Messiah Raised During Passover

“In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.” Esther 3:7 ESV

We don’t often think of the redemptive element of Passover in the Purim Story. The date for the genocide against the Jewish people, the 14^th of the month of Adar, was decided by the casting of lots called Purim. However, the Purim were not cast in the twelfth month, Adar; they were cast in the first month – the month of Nisan. Likewise, the decree of destruction was sent on the 13^th day of the month of Nisan, the day before Passover!  And here lies one of the most powerful hidden truths. Mordecai heard the decree and tore his robes on the eve of Passover, and the providential hand of God turned Israel’s story toward redemption in this same sacred season. As one of Israel’s sages said, “In Nisan, we were redeemed, and in Nisan, we are destined to be redeemed again.”[5]

“Then the king’s scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded….” Esther 3:12 ESV

Rather than mentioning that this is Passover, the Scroll gives us the dates, omitting their significance.  By telling us the date on the calendar without mentioning the feast’s name, the author lightly concealed the shocking fact that Esther called the nation to a fast when they should be feasting on the Passover lamb.  Furthermore, Mordecai will be immersed in a drama he knows nothing about. One in which a despot is plotting to hang Mordecai on a tree, and a king’s sleepless night that reverses the plot – all during Passover week!

A Passover Cry

“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry.” Esther 4:1 ESV

Like Mordecai’s deep, bitter cry just before Passover, Yeshua wept bitterly on our behalf in the Garden of Gethsemane.  And from the cross He cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” (Mt. 27:46, Mk. 15:34)

And as was done to Yeshua, the enemy sought to have Mordecai hung on a tree.  But the night before, the king could not sleep and called for the royal records to be read, revealing Mordecai’s bravery in saving the king. When Haman entered the king’s court to put his plan into action, he was thwarted, humiliated, and forced to dress Mordecai in royal robes, place him on the king’s horse, and walk before him shouting, ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’ Esther 6:9 NKJV

“Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.” Esther 6:12 ESV

This was simply the beginning of the reversal of the enemy’s decree upon the Jewish people. Rather than crucifixion, Mordecai was elevated above his enemies around the 16th and 17th of Nisan. Esther’s banquets finally exposed Haman. He met his end while being hung on the same tree intended for Mordecai during Passover week.

Messiah Victor and Redeemer

Mordecai’s rescue is a powerful type of the Messiah.  To some, it appeared Yeshua had lost. In reality, He won our great redemption.  Three days after his crucifixion, approximately the same day Mordecai was raised above his enemies, Yeshua was raised from the dead!  As David prophesied of the Messiah, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” Psalm 16:10 ESV

Yeshua’s resurrection is the proof of our pardon. And, just as Haman and his sons were humiliated before Mordecai, Satan and the principalities of evil were made a public spectacle by the resurrection of Yeshua, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Colossians 2:14-15)

Finally, let us look at one more mystery of the Messiah hidden within the Scroll—the destruction of Haman’s ten sons and the fall of ten future kings in Revelation.

IV. The Mystery of the One Who Overcomes Ten Kings

“And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day’s edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.” So, the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged.” Esther 9:13-14 ESV

Some see a prophetic element in Esther’s request.  “Let it be granted…again tomorrow according to today’s decree.” (Esther 9:11) Haman’s sons were already dead; why ask for them to be hanged on the following day?   Some believe a future deliverance from ten adversaries is being referenced.[6] Just such a parallel occurred in the 20^th Century with the Nuremberg trials; twelve architects of the Nazi regime were sentenced to hang. One was convicted in absentia, and one committed suicide.  This left ten men to be put to the gallows.  One, Julius Streicher, with his final words, shouted, “Purim-fest 1946!” having realized their historical parallel to Haman’s ten sons.[7]

Ten Kings in the End Times

But I see a more significant parallel to the future.  The drama of Haman the Amalekite and his ten sons will once again play on the world’s stage during the Great Tribulation. Then, the Antichrist and Beast will be given the power to rule through ten kings.  These not only lend their authority to the Beast; with one mind, they will make war with the Lamb (Yeshua).  The Lamb, it says, “will overcome them!”

“And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:12-14 ESV

Messiah, the Great King

I believe Mordecai spoke of Yeshua, the Messiah from the house of David when he told Esther,

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 ESV

Esther’s house was that of King Saul.  Had she failed, her “father’s house” would have been completely lost. But Mordecai spoke of deliverance and a deliverer from another place. What “other place”?  What other royal line existed within Israel?  That of David, the rightful heir to Israel’s throne.  Mordecai was a type of the King Messiah for “such a time” from the house of Saul, but I believe he prophesied of the Great King Messiah who would arise from the house of David.  He is the ultimate deliverer, “Even so, come Lord Yeshua”!

Conclusion

Mordecai emerged as a royal figure arrayed in robes of blue and white with a crown of gold. It says there was “light and gladness, joy and honor” for the Jewish people! And many of the nations were so impacted that they also became Jewish. What a beautiful type of Messiah! Born of a royal house, he did not bow before the enemy and won Israel’s great victory for Israel during the Passover! But it is Yeshua who will ultimately blot Amalek out from remembrance.  And through Him, the true light, gladness, joy, and honor will shine upon God’s people in the millennial reign.  And what about the nations who will come through the tribulation?  They will come up to Jerusalem to worship the Great King each year!

Are we ready for Messiah’s return? The book of Esther tells us that we have a part in God’s redemptive plan. We were created to stand against the enemy’s schemes in such a time, for such a generational battle as this. We can only do that by first joining ourselves to the Messiah. Esther had a choice: stick with Mordecai and follow God’s plan or attempt to save herself but ultimately perish. May we stand with the Lord and see the redemption He will bring.

[1] Mordecai overheard the guards plotting against the king speaking in their language, not suspecting they could be understood. (Esther 2:22-23) Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7 list Mordecai as a returning exile, followed by Balshan (linguist). Tradition reads Balshan as a title instead of a separate name.

[2] Hillel and Rabbi Ishmael both codified this method of Biblical Interpretation called Gezeira Shava.

[3] Berger, Yitzhak. “Esther and Benjaminite Royalty: A Study in Inner-Biblical Allusion.” Journal of Biblical Literature 129, no. 4 (Winter 2010): 625–44. doi:10.2307/25765958.

[4] Genesis Rabbah, 67:4

[5] Rabbi Yehoshua, Rosh HaShanah, 11a.2 בְּנִיסָן נִגְאֲלוּ בְּנִיסָן עֲתִידִין לִיגָּאֵל””.

[6]Emmanuel Bloch, “Purimfest 1946: The Nuremberg Trials and the Ten Sons of Haman”, The Torah.com

[7] Ibid

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“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Exodus 17:14-16 ESV

Numbers 21:14 describes a now-lost book, “The Wars of the LORD.”  No doubt, a significant portion would detail the war against Amalek, Israel’s archenemy. If it were found, I’m sure it would be required reading for military strategists worldwide. However, what we do have in the story of Amalek is a textbook of battle strategy in spiritual warfare: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”

Amalek’s story begins in Genesis, woven over a thousand years of text, until finally finding partial resolution in one of the last books of the Hebrew Bible — the Scroll of Esther.  And I emphasize partial, for as we will see, this is a generational battle. Amalek attacked the vulnerable and weakest of Israel at a place called Rephidim.  There, Moses’ hands became heavy, the people weary, and the enemy emerged. No wonder they called that place Rephidim, for it means the “weakening of hands”!  And where Moses’ hands were weak, two anointed warriors lifted them heavenward.  Finally, Joshua’s victory over Amalek is accompanied by a solemn oath of the Almighty and a “hand on the throne,” saying, “I am at war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Who was Amalek?

“Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son; she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.” Genesis 36:12 ESV

Scripture goes out of its way to reveal Timna, a concubine of Eliphaz, as Amalek’s mother! Details like this are given for a reason. To truly understand Amalek, we must also see that his father was Eliphaz, grandson of Esau. Tradition provides clues to Amalek’s hatred of Israel. I won’t go into all of these, but one speaks of Timna’s jealousy of the Patriarchal line of Jacob.[1]  Timna’s name indeed means “she will be prevented.” Did such “causeless hatred” begin at this mother’s feet?

In this article, I will explore the origins of Amalek. Part II of this series will go deeper into the Book of Esther and the war between Mordechai and Haman, which was, in fact, an ancient struggle between Jacob and Esau.

For now, I want to focus on the spiritual battle that God calls us to.  We are commanded, along with Joshua, to blot out the name of Amalek.  What does that mean for us?  And keep in mind, I am not speaking of a genetic people called Amalek.  That ancient nation has long been assimilated by history.  But the spirit of Amalek is very much present.  It is the spirit of antisemitism and, ultimately, the spirit of the Antichrist. We can only blot this enemy out by remembering who he is and what he did, and by lifting our weakened hands in faith, trusting God’s promise to be with us in the fight from generation to generation. What four battle strategies do we need to overcome such an enemy?

I. Remember Who the Enemy Is

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Exodus 17:14 ESV

It must be stated that we are not engaged in a battle between flesh and blood, though the enemy sometimes uses people.  Amalek was a people consumed by a spirit of “causeless hatred.” Unprovoked, they attacked. Not content to engage soldiers in battle, they slaughtered the weakest and slowest on the Exodus journey.  Of course, this is a message to us all to stay in the center of obedience.

But who is this enemy that was unfazed by the countless Egyptian soldiers submerged in the depths of the Red Sea?   An enemy undeterred by the collapse of the Egyptian gods and without fear of Moses or God?

Earlier, I mentioned how Amalek came from the union of the Horite princess Timna, who lowered herself to become the concubine of Eliphaz, grandson of Esau.  The Amalekites emerged as a nation of nomadic tribesmen roaming the southern Negev near Eilat near the mountains of Edom. In fact, the ancient copper mines just north of Eilat today are in “Timna National Park.”  These are the only people of whom God said, “I am at war with them from generation to generation.”  I think it is fair to say they were possessed by evil for them to do what they did.

Had Amalek not heard of God? Did they not know? Of course, they had. Eliphaz was a great-grandson of Abraham. Although distorted, Eliphaz’s words to the suffering Job still contained sparks of truth. Despite this, they did not fear God.

One of the first battle strategies is remembering who the enemy is, but we must go further to recall how this enemy attacks.

II. Remember How the Enemy Attacked

“Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God.”  Deuteronomy 25:17-18 ESV

The Lord calls us to “Remember how he attacked you on the way….” (Deut. 25:18) The enemy attacked those “on the way” when they were most vulnerable.

On the Way

This enemy was motivated by Israel’s forward movement to Sinai and, ultimately, the Promised Land. Don’t be surprised if the enemy attacks your advancement in renewed prayer, Bible reading, and ministry.

Yeshua was also attacked after the high point of His baptism and after forty days of fasting. (Mat. 4:2-4) And the parallels between Yeshua and Israel are quite striking.  Israel also experienced a baptism of sorts in the Red Sea.  And as was done to Yeshua, the enemy attacked during their subsequent hunger and thirst. That should reveal much to us about the enemy. He attacks our moments of vulnerability. However, we should also look at the contrast between Yeshua and Israel, for it reveals our battle strategy for victory.  Where Israel complained and suffered loss, Yeshua overcame with the power of the written Word!

The Vulnerable and Stragglers

And then we see “how” Amalek attacked, from behind, the weak and stragglers at the edges of Israel’s camp.   How often do we hear believers say, “Oh, I’m a follower of Yeshua, but I don’t need to gather with other believers.”  However, this attack was strategically executed when infighting, leadership factions, and accusations were hurled at Moses, Aaron, and the Lord.

“And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Exodus 17:7 ESV

Be Filled with Faith

Ephesians 6:10-18 details the necessary armor for all believers. Joshua and the people went to battle physically suited up but spiritually deficient. In their distress, lacking water, they lost their confidence, and we might even say, “their shield of faith.”  Their exact words were, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

Believers are facing a barrage of attacks upon their faith like never before.  We are witnessing a falling away from God in real time through social media.

We will face trying times, but that is the very time we must draw close to God and believe His promises.   That brings us to the necessity of Moses’ hands lifted high.

III. Remember to Fight with Hands Lifted High

“But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:12 ESV

Multiple times, this chapter beautifully wordplays the idea of hands – hands weakened, falling heavy, lifted high, and finally, a hand on the throne. Even their location, Rephidim, is a contraction of the Hebrew Raphu (weakening) and Yadim (hands). On a rock overlooking the battle, Moses’s hands became heavy and fell, and the enemy started to win.  Realizing the spiritual nature of the fight, unlike any faced before, Aaron and Hur lifted Moses’ hands steady, heavenward.  The Hebrew word for “steady” is the root for “faithful.”

Who are the faithful friends you can call on in the battle, to be faithful hands lifting you in your weakness?

Even Yeshua, on the night before the crucifixion, needed others to watch with him through that dark night, saying, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” (Mat. 26:38). How much more do we?

Now, let us examine our final strategy: God’s promise made with the hand of the Almighty upon Heaven’s throne.

IV. Remember God is in the Fight from Generation to Generation

“And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Exodus 17:15-16 ESV

From weakened hands to lifted hands and finally a hand on the throne, the battle turned toward victory.  We began by looking at battle strategies.   The New King James Version says, “Joshua defeated Amalek…” This is much too generous compared with the Hebrew.  The ESV is closer with, “Joshua overwhelmed Amalek…”. The Hebrew means “weakened.”    In other words, Amalek lived to fight another day. God clarified this when he commanded Moses to tell Joshua, “The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Much later, another leader of Israel, King Saul, had the opportunity to eradicate Amalek.  You likely remember how King Saul spared Agag the best of the flocks. And even though Samuel the Prophet finally killed Agag with the sword, the people of Amalek escaped to fight another day.  Ultimately, King Saul, while in the throes of death, having fallen on his sword, was finished off by a wandering Amalekite. (II Samuel 1:1-14) In the following series, we will see how Saul not only lost the kingdom over his disobedience regarding Amalek but how Esther, a great, great-granddaughter, came to the kingdom to defeat this same ancient foe, now manifest in Haman, the Agagite, descendant of Agag, king of Amalek.

If we allow the enemy to keep a foothold in our homes, our children or grandchildren may be the victims.  How can we stop the cycles of divorce, alcoholism, addictions, or abuse that travel down family lines?  Only by knowing who the real enemy is, how he works, and lifting our hands to heaven, trusting the Lord for victory!

Conclusion

What began with heavy hands at Rephidim ended with raised hands for victory and a solemn hand upon the throne.   You are not alone.  Who have you surrounded yourself with in times of distress?  Are they faithful men and women of God who will lift your hands?  And most of all, know that God is with you in the battle, and He is also at war with Amalek, even in our generation.

The spirit behind Amalek is the same spirit of antisemitism that possessed much of Germany and Europe in WWII. That same spirit spurs hatred of Israel and the Jewish people today. And not only against Israel, this is the Spirit of the Antichrist, which is opposed to the Messiah and all things of God. Be encouraged, and remember, God is with you in the battle, fighting for you. Yes, “the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”  And He will be victorious!

[1] Talmud, Sanhedrin 99b

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But it is Ruth’s “oath” to Naomi and the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16) that speaks to me the most. Yet before we examine Ruth, let us look at the other daughter-in-law Orpah. Orpah returned to Moab, fulfilling the very meaning of her name. Oreph, from which Orpah is derived, literally means the back of the neck! In Ruth, however, we see a missionary call. Naomi said to Ruth,

“Look…your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods.” But Ruth pleaded “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you…Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

Her love for Naomi and the God of Israel knew no limits. Many, like Ruth, feel a calling to bless Israel, seeing how God has visited His people with the gift of the “Bread of Life” – Yeshua the Messiah. But there is still a need for Israel’s transformation. Mara’s bitterness was transformed to Naomi’s (pleasant joy) because of this young woman who was willing to follow God’s call! Thank you for being Ruth to Israel. May these prophetic days between Passover to Pentecost usher in the harvest of the Last Days.

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^“But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.” Exodus 1:7 NKJV

As a father of a son and two daughters, one of the books that helped in our childrearing was Dr. James Dobson’s “Bringing up Boys.” It was a welcome arrow in the arsenal of many families raising boys to be Godly men, especially as school and societal structures became less tolerant of the unique nature of boys. In our Torah Portion of the week, Shemot, Exodus 1:1-6:1, we read of an ancient war on boys rooted in the fears of Pharoah. In truth, it wasn’t little boys which Pharoah feared, but the men they would become! And lest we think this is an obsession of some long-forgotten Pharoah, we only need look to today’s advertising, media, and entertainment. Thankfully, Exodus’ story does not end with Pharoah’s edict. Enter two young heroines, Shiphrah and Puah, who feared God more than the king.

Shemot means names, and for eternity the names of our two heroines, Shiphrah and Puah, are remembered. Their defiance of Pharoah was rewarded powerfully by the Lord. And when Pharoah called them to account for the boy’s survival, the midwives said Hebrew women give birth lively before they could even arrive. But those Hebrew boys lived because these women feared God!

Advocating for our Boys

American society seeks to destroy our boys’ masculinity through indoctrination and, yes, even chemical castration! Thank God for Shiphrah and Puah, advocates for the boys of ancient Israel. Now, who will advocate for our sons?

Pharoah’s Fear

Pharoah feared a coming generation that would break the bonds of slavery, redeem their families, and walk into their inheritance. Driven by Satan, Pharoah feared the coming redeemer from within Israel. When we think of mighty men, our mind goes to Moses, Samuel, David, and, ultimately, the Messiah. But what about the many nameless, Godly men who led their families in fear of the Lord? These also are redeemers protecting their wives and children. Shiphrah and Puah advocated for them also. The Psalmist well described such when he said:

“Sons born during one’s youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they dispute with enemies at the city gate.” Psalm 27: 4-5 EHV

Advocating for our boys to be strong, Godly men is also an advocacy for our daughters. When physical and metaphorical enemies stand within our gates, as they surely will, may Godly men guard. And let us learn from these two heroines who advocated for boys. For, our Godly boys are destined to become anointed men dispelling fear and contending for the weak at the gates of future generations.

Shavuah Tov,

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“Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the Temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” John 10: 22-25 NKJV

Soon we will celebrate Hanukkah, meaning dedication, to commemorate the restoration of Jerusalem’s Temple by Judah Maccabee. In 167 BC, the Seleucid King Antiochus IV attempted to destroy the Jewish people through assimilation. He forbade circumcision, observing the Sabbath, defiled the Holy Temple, and demanded idol worship. Mattathias Maccabee and his sons revolted against these decrees, miraculously defeated the Greek army, and rededicated the House of God, relighting the Holy Menorah in 164 BC.

However, was the date of future Hanukkah miracles predicted by Haggai, one of the last prophets in the Old Testament, and did he connect that date to the revealing of Messiah and restoration of the Temple?

Before we look into that mystery, however, we must note that the New Testament is one of the earliest references to the observance of Hanukkah outside the intertestamental books of Maccabees and Josephus. In John 10:22-25, Jesus revealed His Messianic mission at the Temple during Hanukkah! Therefore, though Christians are not required to keep Hanukkah, they may do so in solidarity with the Jewish people and as a celebration of Illumination and Dedication to the Father of Lights, and Jesus, His Son.

I. The Feast of Illumination

Hanukkah is commonly called the “Feast of Lights”. After Antiochus’ defeat, the victorious Judah Maccabee restored and purified the Temple. Although tradition says there was only enough consecrated oil to light the seven-branched menorah for one day, miraculously, the oil lasted eight days and nights.

The Hanukkah Menorah

The eight-branched Hanukkah lamp commemorates that miracle and is an adaptation of the seven-branched menorah. A ninth branch often raised above the others, is called the Shamash or servant candle. It descends from on high bringing life and light to the others, and afterward returns to its place above. The Shamash‘s flame is not diminished through sharing its light. One cannot help but see a powerful picture of the Suffering Servant whom Isaiah said would be Salvation and Light for all people. After bringing His Light from above, He has returned to His exalted place with the Father.

“It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'” Isaiah 49:6 NKJV

As we light these lamps, our Shamash is the Christ Candle symbolizing the “True Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” John 1:9 NKJV

But there is an even more ancient name than the Feast of Lights for Hanukkah, one which Jesus and the disciples would have known – the Feast of Dedication. What are the prophetic connections between the Feast of Dedication and Jesus’ Messianic mission?

II. The Feast of Dedication

 “Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid—consider it:“ Haggai 2:18 NKJV

Initially, a date associated with the laying of the Second Temple’s foundations by the returning exiles from Babylon in the late sixth Century BC, Haggai, through the Holy Spirit, saw future fulfillments. Four times, in Haggai 2:10, 15, 18, and 20, he called the reader to mark the 24^th day of the ninth month from that time forward. What other powerful events happened on this day?

The Shaking of the Nations

Several hundred years after Haggai’s prophecy, the Maccabees liberated Jerusalem and the Jewish people from Antiochus’ control. Amazingly, Judah Maccabee entered Jerusalem on the 24^th day of the ninth month (Kislev) and rededicated the Temple on the 25^th day – the very date Haggai predicted for future shakings and restoration. However, even greater miracles than this would come on this date.

The Desire of All Nations

“For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:6-9 NKJV

The “Desire of All Nations” is the Messiah and the Lord. On the same date Haggai predicted, John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus was at the Temple at the Feast of Dedication.

“Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the Temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” John 10: 22-25 NKJV

The “Feast of Dedication” derives its name from the Hebrew word Hanukkah. Almost two hundred years after the events of the Maccabees, and some five hundred years since Haggai’s prophecy, Jesus revealed His messianic mission to the people. The crowd asked Him, “Tell us plainly, are you the Messiah? Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.” John 10:25 NKJV

With His visit, the stage was set for these words to be fulfilled, ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former.”

Shaking in the Heavens

Is there a connection between Hanukkah and the star of Bethlehem?

Dr. D James Kennedy and E.W. Bullinger note that a star in the constellation Virgo (the virgin) was associated by the ancients with Bethlehem, and called the “Desired One,” a reference to Haggai’s coming One named the “Desire of All Nations”.[1]

“The first of the three minor constellations in the house of Virgo is called Coma. Coma means “the desired” or “the longed for one.” It is a picture of a woman with a child in her lap. The book of Haggai tells us, “The desire of all nations shall come” (Haggai 2:7). Jesus Christ is the Desire of all nations who was to come. We are told in ancient tradition that the star of Bethlehem was in the constellation Coma.”[2] The Gospel in the Stars, D James Kennedy

Could this have been part of the sign in the Heavens that initially drew the wise men? Interestingly, Haggai gives us a date for the appearance of the Desire of All Nations and the coming glory upon God’s Temple as the 24^th day of the ninth month.

Hanukkah’s Shakings Continue

” And I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:6-9 NKJV

As Hanukkah of 1917 approached, Jewish families in Jerusalem prepared their Menorahs for the impending collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the liberation of Jerusalem. Might this year see open celebrations of Hanukkah within the city? On December 9^th, the 24^th day of the ninth month (Kislev), Jerusalem was surrendered to the British forces. Two days later, the 11th of December, General Allenby led a delegation through Jerusalem’s Jaffa Gate to great fanfare – the second day of Hanukkah.[3] Before entering those ancient gates, however, he descended his horse to walk on foot. He would not enter on a magnificent horse the city which his Lord entered on a donkey! That shaking set the stage for the British Mandate period and eventual restoration of the State of Israel.

But even this does not fulfill the depth of Haggai’s prophecy. Might there yet be a future shaking of restoration for this strategic date?

Conclusion

“…But from this day I will bless you.'” Haggai 2:19

We are again engaged in a cultural war of assimilation. The spirit that compelled Antiochus to call himself a god and demand the Jewish people bow to his cultural idols is at work today. We must not allow our light to be extinguished. For some, we may need to purify our Temple again and rekindle the flame. Tonight, as we light the Hanukkah lamp, I invite you to rededicate yourself to follow Christ, whose true Light dispels all darkness.

[1] E. W. Bullinger, The Witness of the Stars (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1972).

[2] D James Kennedy, “The Gospel in the Stars,” djameskennedy.com, accessed December 17, 2022, https://www.djameskennedy.com/SitePlanner/Timeless%20PDFs/GOSPEL%20IN%20THE%20STARS-THE_DJK18549A%20(1).pdf.

[3] “The First Hanukkah in British Jerusalem, 1917 ” Mosaic,” Mosaic, December 14, 2022, https://mosaicmagazine.com/picks/history-ideas/2022/12/the-first-hanukkah-in-british-jerusalem-1917/.

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NO ORDINARY SHEPHERDS

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8

Bethlehem’s fields are just a few miles south of Jerusalem. Tradition says that in them was a migdal eder (tower of the flock), to guard the very sheep destined for Temple sacrifice. And as Jewish historian, Alfred Edersheim, points out these were manned by no ordinary shepherds!

“That the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, was a settled conviction. Equally so was the belief that He was to be revealed from Migdal Eder, ‘the tower of the flock’…A Passage in the Mishnah leads to the conclusion that the flocks, which pastured there were destined for Temple sacrifices, and accordingly, that the shepherds, who watched over them, were not ordinary Shepherds.” The Life and Times of Jesus, Edersheim, 186-187

Those shepherds, trained to spot the slightest blemish, examined Heaven’s perfect lamb!

NO ORDINARY BABY

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Rather than December, Yeshua may have been born around the Fall month of October and the Feast of Tabernacles. If so, how appropriate that at this time the Word was made Flesh and tabernacled among us! Yeshua however was not like any other baby born. He was born of a virgin, (Luke 1:35-36) the Savior, Messiah, and Lord. No more excellent titles were ever bestowed upon man. But the manger itself revealed the purpose of His coming.

NO ORDINARY MANGER

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger” Luke 2:7

As I stood with my little ones in the cave, the same which Justyn Martyr had identified as early as 150 AD, I looked to the manger now covered in marble and thought, what must it have looked like originally? The first authentic manger, ebus, in Hebrew, that I saw looked nothing like the wooden feeding trough of my childhood nativity scenes. It was made from a cut block of limestone, about two feet long, a foot wide, and deep. Its inside was chiseled all the way around, resembling a large container with a flat bottom. Though it could hold grain, more often these were kept near wells to water the sheep.

WHY STONE?

What was unique about stone as opposed to wood or pottery? According to Jewish law, stone vessels do not convey ritual impurity. For this reason, stone water pots were used at the wedding at Cana, and ritual washing cups made of stone have been found throughout Israel. Perhaps for this reason, it is said that even the Ark of the Covenant was kept on an escarpment of bedrock on the Temple Mount, within the Holy of Holies. While a stone manger may seem humble to us, the shepherds and family would have likely recognized the significance. A crib of gold could not have been greater than the purity of this bed of stone.

A BED OF STONE

But there is a second significance. This manger of stone foreshadowed the Messiah’s death. Mary, who swaddled and laid Yeshua within a stone bed, later witnessed His crucifixion, and looked on as He was wrapped in linen and laid in a rock-hewn tomb!

EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT

No ordinary shepherds examined Mary’s Lamb. His humble form nestled within the manger attested to His spotless birth.

The angels’ cry is your call to “come and see.” Though you can visit the caves of His birth and death, He is no longer there. He is the risen Savior, Messiah, and Lord. This One who cannot be defiled has taken away the sin of all who trust in Him. May you know that transforming message of Messiah’s birth today!

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“The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.” Genesis 25:22 NKJV

Is there a parallel between Rebecca’s womb, the turmoil within our homes, and our divided nation? Jacob and Esau’s fight in the womb carried into adulthood, with one threatening to kill the other. Yeshua warned the spiritual divide in the end times would be so great that brother will betray brother. (Matthew 10:21a) Families and nations are roiling. Are we ready to ask, “Lord, why is this happening?”

This week’s Torah portion, Toldeot, begins with Isaac’s answered prayer for his new bride. The opening of the wombs of the Biblical matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel was the prelude to closing their past and an open door for their family’s future. But for Rebecca, her once silent womb was now a war zone.

Two Kinds of Prayer

There are several words for prayer in Hebrew. Two appear in the opening words of our portion. First, Isaac’s prayer in the presence of his wife is described with the word “v’yeater” וַיֶּעְתַּ֨ר meaning to heap up words; some translate it as “pleaded.”

“Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” Genesis 25:21 NKJV

The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, opening her womb, but the result was not what she imagined. Every mother can identify with Rebecca’s fears as she said, “Why is this happening to me?” Perhaps she thought she was miscarrying, or the baby was in distress? There were no ultra-sounds in her day. And so, she privately went to pray!

Have internal tensions ever been so great you cried, “Why is this happening to me?!” Then you can certainly identify with Rebecca. What did she do? Without Isaac, she “inquired” of the Lord. That is a powerful word that God hears you individually. Mom, the Lord hears your private prayers, and will speak to you personally! This brings us to the second Hebrew word for prayer, “lidrosh” לִדְרֹ֥שׁ, meaning to seek, inquire, pursue. Rebecca is the first woman mentioned as praying and was personally given a prophetic word for her family.

“And the Lord said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, Two peoples shall be separated from your body; One people shall be stronger than the other, And the older shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23 NKJV

Just as Mary treasured the words spoken concerning her son Yeshua, so Rebecca guarded this prophecy from the Lord concerning her twin boys.

The parallels between Jacob and Esau, “two nations” and “two peoples,” reverberate today. From her body, they were separated, implying before birth. Thus from her womb, their battle for dominance began. However, Rebecca remembered that the older would serve the younger. In other words, the younger would overcome.

Not So Fraternal Twins

“So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb.” Genesis 25:24 NKJV

The Hebrew calls them twins, but it is written with a defective or unusual Hebrew form without the letter aleph. Is the text hinting at their imperfect match? Esau was ruddy and covered with hair, while Jacob was smooth. Esau was a hunter and outdoorsman, while Jacob was a man of the tents who made a mean soup.

These were fraternal twins and not genetically identical. Each inherited unique markers of DNA from their parents, which they did not share in common. Most significant, however, was the differences in their spirit. Esau craved the lust of his flesh (Hebrews 112:6), while Jacob inclined his heart to serve the Lord. (Genesis 28:10, 35:2)

Jacob I Have Loved, But Esau I Hated

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved; But Esau I have hated.” Malachi 1:2-3 NKJV

How could God either love or hate someone from birth? Because the Lord knew the heart of Esau and Jacob before birth, He preordained that Jacob would prevail over the older. And though Rebecca initially thought she was carrying one child, there were two.

It is human nature to want to see ourselves in Jacob. I hope no one identifies with Esau. But here is the reality, though Jacob loved God, he still carried a bit of Esau’s DNA and actions. And though Esau was wicked, he sometimes wanted to be like Jacob. Spiritually, we all feel this struggle of inherited sin nature. What is the answer? We must be born again, inheriting the nature of Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel.

The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to examine our lives for the sinful traits of Esau.

“Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.  For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” Hebrews 12:16-17 NKJV

Overcoming Esau

Before we examine the divided house of our nation, we should root out the divided loyalties of our own hearts. In truth, there is a bit of Jacob and Esau battling within many. Esau does not savor the things of God. Esau wants to sell short and sell out. Esau harbors resentment. Esau and Jacob CANNOT dwell peacefully together, and sin and righteousness cannot live in the heart of a follower of Messiah. James gives insight into this kind of internal struggle.

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” James 4:1 NKJV

What is the answer? Esau cannot dwell in the Promised Land; he must be driven out! How do you drive him out?

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4: 7-8 NKJV

Nation Against Nation

It is hard not to see parallels between the “two peoples” of Rebecca’s womb and the equally divided U.S. electorate jostling for political power. I am not espousing the virtue of either party. I do believe, however, that, like Jacob and Esau’s conflict, the current divide in America is spiritual.   Individually, a person’s choices will reflect whether the God of Jacob or the cravings of Esau are more predominant.

Revival, humility, and repentance are needed. And it must first begin with the people of God. (I Peter 4:17) Yes, Esau sold his birthright for a pot of lentil soup, but Jacob fed it to him! So, according to James, the first step to overcoming is to resist the devil – stop feeding the appetites of “Esau”.

Conclusion

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

Rebecca asked, “Why is this happening to me?” We might also wonder, why am I experiencing this jostling? Rebecca did not expect an Esau, yet he was birthed alongside Jacob. However, she treasured the prophetic promise that the older (Esau) would become subservient to the younger (Jacob).

In Messiah, you are destined to win. You received a new nature to overcome the old in the new birth. And our families’ restoration is key to our land’s healing. So, if you are facing a struggle, “intreat” the Lord as to why, and believe Him for the victory! Rebecca’s example shows us the way to seek (lidrosh) the Lord.

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“Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ so when He saw then, He said to them, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a LOUD VOICE GLORIFIED GOD, and FELL DOWN ON HIS FACE AT HIS FEET, GIVING THANKS. And he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:12-16)

First of all, I want to admit that I know I am not great at thanking others for all the good things they do to bless us. If you have done something for me or have given me a gift and did not get a proper thank you, please forgive me. I often find myself praying, “Father, please thank so-and-so for me because I can’t thank them as well as You.” Maybe this is not a good prayer…but I do sincerely hope that the Lord will pour out on you all blessings that you cannot contain for all the good that you have done for me and my family.

Secondly, I was so impressed when I read that the leper fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him with a loud voice. This sounds a bit “over the top” at first, but then becomes a beautiful picture that we all can appreciate. How many of us say a simple, “Thank You, Jesus” for helping us with a problem or for giving us a blessing, and then go our merry way? Have you ever fallen on your face and screamed out your thanks and glorified God with a loud voice for anything? The Lord is still gracious and loving and merciful whether we thank Him properly or not, but how amazing it is when we literally pour out our hearts in praise and thanksgiving before Him! That is when the Lord can really do a great work in our life, like Jesus did for the leper who returned to thank Him properly.

”So Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?’ And He said to him, ‘Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.’” (Luke 17:19)

On this Thanksgiving Day, may we pour out our hearts in loud thanks to God, giving God the proper glory for all He has done for us!!

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“So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded to Abraham as a possession….” Genesis 23:17-18a NKJV

This week’s Torah portion begins with the news of Sarah’s death at Hebron. While many of Israel’s historic locations are open for debate, the field and burial cave of Abraham have been marked by a magnificent building for almost two thousand years. Machpela means “doubled”, perhaps referring to two portions or tunnel systems within the cave. Their provenance is without question. In contrast to the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs of that time, Abraham and Sarah’s resting place remains undisturbed. Our family’s pilgrimage to this treasured fortress of Herodian stone was quite memorable.

Though Abraham purchased the field at Sarah’s death, we might say it was Sarah’s righteous life that bought it.

“…These were the years of the life of Sarah.” Genesis 23:1 NKJV

In Jewish tradition, a righteous person’s death is spoken of as life. For this reason, cemeteries are often called, “Beit HaChaim”, literally, “house of the living”. What powerful truths can we glean from this ancient field of Sarah?

I. Sarah Considers a Field

“She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.” Proverbs 31:16 NKJV

Proverbs 31 paints the attributes of a virtuous woman. Rather than a single individual, however, some commentaries ascribe each quality to various Hebrew matriarchs in the Bible. What woman of valor considered a field and bought it? Some believe this was Sarah, whose death acquired the field of Hebron.

While Abraham followed his flocks from Bethel to Beer Shevah, Sarah settled in the beautiful land between the two – Hebron. Though he was not with his beloved when she died, Abraham returned to Hebron to negotiate a burial plot setting an example for coming generations. Sarah’s death was necessary to acquire the field, but it took the keenest skills to secure it.

II. Abraham Considers a Field

“And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you.” Genesis 23:8-9 NKJV

As Abraham sat, mourning his dead, he was visited by Hittite neighbors, the Sons of Heth. Here we see Abraham, the “master negotiator”. He who bargained with the Lord from fifty to just ten righteous individuals that the cities of the plain might be spared now negotiated for his family’s future claims to the land. Nothing less than full price would suffice!

Rather than receive a free burial plot among the Hittite tombs, Abraham negotiated for a separate burial plot.

“Then Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you.” Genesis 23:12-13 NKJV

Like the sons of Heth, Ephron also offered the cave and its adjoining field to Abraham without cost.

 “No, my Lord, hear me: I give you the field and the cave that is in it; I give it to you in the presence of the sons of my people. I give it to you. Bury your dead!” Genesis 23: 11 NKJV

Abraham, however, insisted on paying full price!

“If you will give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there. And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, “My Lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What is that between you and me? So bury your dead.” And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out the silver for Ephron which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, the currency of the merchants.” Genesis 23: 13-16 NKJV

Abraham paid 400 shekels of silver, ingots of measured weight and purity, for the cave, field, and surrounding trees. The text clarifies that these ingots were sufficient as currency in the marketplace. Some estimate that in today’s value, the price would be just over 600,000 dollars. Of course, the value exponentially increased after the sale to Abraham, the prince of God. Some see in the word Machpela, a hint that Abraham’s deal doubled many times in value! But this pales when compared to the field the Lord Himself acquired!

III. The LORD considers a Field

When Abraham purchased the field, he acquired all of the trees within. Likewise, the LORD considered the field of this world. Nothing short of full price would suffice. With the death of His beloved Son, Yeshua, God purchased not only the world but all the people in it. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. That includes you!

The parallels between Abraham’s field and the Lord’s purchase are powerful. For God so loved this world, He gave heaven’s great treasure, His only Son, to die upon the tree in the field of Moriah. (John 3:16) Like Abraham’s field, near Calvary was a burial cave. And as it is said of Sarah, “these were the years of the LIFE of Sarah”, we remember that Yeshua LIVES! With His death, He purchased the field. With His resurrection, He secured our hope. However, it remains for us to dwell in that field by believing on the Son of God.

Conclusion

Abraham obtained the deed which no man could challenge, paying only the highest price. He negotiated for a separate burial plot, ensuring his family would not be assimilated by this world. Tradition holds that Sarah loved that field with its beautiful trees. Perhaps she is the exemplar of the woman who “considered a field”. Her death moved the inhabitants to sell to Abraham.

But the LORD has also considered the field in which you live. In weighing your price of salvation, He valued you with the great wealth of heaven. With Yeshua’s death and resurrection, the Lord ensured that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our God. (Revelation 11:15) All that resides in the field of Messiah’s Cross, including the hope of an empty tomb, were purchased with His blood. If you have ever doubted your worth and that you are loved look to Him. Your sin, debt, and ransom have been paid in full! Why not trust in Him today?

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