Spiritual Assault
O YHWH, You have deceived me and I was deceived; You have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me. Jeremiah 20:7
Overcome – Jeremiah employs extraordinary imagery in his description of God’s claim on his life. This is the man who pleaded with God not to choose him, who rued the day he was born, who begged to be released from God’s service. He saw quite clearly that his role would lead to death. But God would not let him go. If you were under the impression that being a prophet called by God is a blessing, then you haven’t read Scripture. If you are one of those contemporary men or women who believe God has called you to a prophetic role, and you desire it, then you are truly strange. As far as I can tell, no person chosen by God as a prophet ever wanted it – and for very good reasons. Reluctant leaders are biblical. Shattered prophets are too. Notice Jeremiah’s cry in this verse, but don’t read it in English. The English translation has removed the emotional violence against Jeremiah. Let’s look at it in Hebrew: pititani YHWH va’epat hazaktani.
Heschel points out that the two verbs, patah and hazak, are used to describe “wrongfully inducing a women to consent to prenuptial intercourse” (Exodus 22:16, Hosea 2:14, Job 31:9) and “violent forcing of a woman to submit to extranuptial intercourse (Deuteronomy 22:15, Judges 19:25).[1] Heschel translates the verse:
O Lord, Thou hast seduced me, and I am seduced. Thou hast raped me and I am overcome.
The word translated “overcome” in the English NASB above ignores the context of the first verb and its usage in Deuteronomy and Judges. Jeremiah is not conquered or overwhelmed. He feels like he has been raped. The verb hazak expresses his feeling of forcible violation. God has humbled him in the worst possible way. His sense of personal integrity has been violated and destroyed. He sees God as a perpetrator and he is the victim. His sense of morality has been shattered. He has been seduced. He has been forced to submit. How can he have any dignity left when his own God is responsible for such a violation?
Today we encounter people who crave the limelight, even within the religious community. They want the title “Prophet” or “Anointed” or “Chosen.” But their sense of self-worth has not been ravaged. They have not been defiled by holiness and despoiled by God’s call. Every true prophet knows that God lays waste to His servants. Those who desire such a calling are most likely pursuing pride and power, not the humiliation God needs to bring about His purposes. Be careful whom you follow. A man who has not felt God’s destruction is probably not fit to lead broken people.
Topical Index: prophet, rape, patah, hazak, Jeremiah 20:7
[1] Abraham Heschel, The Prophets, Vol. 1, p. 113.
It’s not only God that calls you to a place you would rather not be, there’s also the forces of darkness who try to knock you down and the people in the congregation who attack you, because they all know better: you should teach things their way….
Man, the guy wanting to be teacher really is ignorant!
Even today the prophets are not welcome in the church. They are considered as having a spirit of rebelion, or that they do no walk in the light, since they prophesied that there is a need to repent of serious wrongdoing by church leaders, that refused to listen….The Lord chose me to prophesy; yes I felt after doing what was asked as Jeremiah. I needed even medical help te recover from the spiritual blow that came back. I was not enough prepared, spiritually to cope with it. This is a serious lesson that I learned, lest I don’t overcome a next time.
You too, may “prophecy.” “Yes, you can.” Anyone can do it! And dear ones, anyone includes you. Here is my new book- (lol!)- “Prophecy For Dummies 101” -lol! It should be a best seller no doubt!
The prayer of Moses the intercessor has been answered! (Numbers 11:29) “And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? -would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them!” You (yes, I’m talking to you!) had no idea today you would be “titled” (ha!)- a prophet. Well, dear “prophet,” -That “title” (ooh-prophet!) and four dollars will buy you a small, er.. tall cup of coffee at “Fourbucks.”
“It’s so easy,- a caveman can do it!”- I must however beg the question- “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?” (lol!). Enuf of these “wasted words”-let’s get on with the “how to” shall we? (ooh- now we have a “teacher!” -ok, so I’ll buy you a pastry to go with your grossly overpriced coffee.)
Find your Bible. (You do own a copy, right?) Wonderful. -Open it to any “random” passage. (It’s very difficult for a “prophet” to say random!). Place your finger next to any verse and say with me- “Thus saith the LORD.” -Congratulations! You did it! I’m so happy for you! You are now an official “prophet.” Feeling all warm and fuzzy yet? Ready for “round two?” (Are we having fun yet?) I am. I’ve been wanting to say these words for the longest time- and today is a “feel-good” day for me.
Okay- we’re almost there. Stay with me now.. steady..steady- need a break? Or are we able to proceed? No hurry here..we have time. Might be an opportune time for a “selah!” -These things must be done “delicately!” lol! (I’m having way too much fun-“simmer down son, -don’t get so “wound up!”)
Open G-d’s word again, -choose another portion of scripture- only this time say, “it is written!” Wow!- you are progressing marvelously! Well done!
“Thus saith the LORD,” – “It is written,” -“G-d’s word says,” -You’ve got it! Keep going,- remember, practice!
When you graduate from this “school,” (actually, we never do!), there is a Staples© “Easy Button” waiting for you. Great coffee today, -isn’t it?
Hey Carl – you forgot to include the “good news” for your graduates… society no longer carries out the death sentence for those “who speak a word presumptuously”… Easy!
true that!- “a man’s got to know his limitations!” “It is written” refers to His words only– not mine!! “What saith the scripture?” – not -“what say I.” Don’t look or listen to me-please! -In the words of the mother of Y’shua- “listen to Him!”
Our Bible is His book of instruction to us. He is the Author. And dear ones, -one thing (among many) I have learned from skipmoen.com is: “the Bible is an absolute gold mine when you learn to dig with a Hebrew shovel!” Yes, “the mind of Christ” is Hebrew! Salvation/deliverance is to the Jew first! (AND also to the Greek..)
Carl – is the Greek Gentile – thought it was only Jew/Gentile – the only two classes of the world?!?!?1
two classes? (from the Brit Chadashah) “It is “written” -For the Messiah’s love has hold of us, because we are convinced that one man died on behalf of all mankind (which implies that all mankind was already dead), and that He died on behalf of all in order that those who live should not live any longer for themselves but for the One who on their behalf died and was raised. So from now on, we do not look at anyone from a worldly viewpoint. Even if we once regarded the Messiah from a worldly viewpoint, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation – the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new! And it is all from G-d, who through the Messiah has reconciled us to Himself and has given us the work of that reconciliation, which is that G-d in the Messiah was reconciling mankind to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors of the Messiah; in effect, G-d is making his appeal through us. What we do is appeal on behalf of the Messiah, “Be reconciled to G-d! G-d made this sinless man be a sin offering on our behalf, so that in union with Him we might fully share in G-d’s righteousness.”
Isaiah 6-
Isaiah experience of the thrice HOLY G-D,
Woe is me!
I believe the only way we can be made whole, is by experiencing the woe of Isaiah, with the HOLY, HOLY, HOLY G-D!
What about the passage in 1 Corinthians where Paul tells us to *eagerly desire* the spiritual gifts, and especially prophecy?
–What about the passage in 1 Corinthians where Paul tells us to *eagerly desire* the spiritual gifts, and especially prophecy?—
right on, but read on Joel,- there is a “more excellent way”- finding it’s zenith in chapter 13- (the “love” chapter). -“love one another with a pure heart -fervently”
*eagerly desire* the spiritual gifts,
”love one another with a pure heart -fervently”
Hi Carl,
I don’t think we would want to oppose these two things in a Pauline dualism would we?
If we were to choose between the two, spirit and heart (flesh), the spirit would prevail in Paul.
Hi Joel,
My first impression is for us not to confuse the GIFT of prophecy with the OFFICE of prophet. Let’s see what others might add to this.
CYndee,
Interesting observation. I think you are on to something.
“the GIFT of prophecy with the OFFICE of prophet”
Hi CYndee,
That’s a funny way of putting it!
I would tend to think there is a big difference between the two “gifts.”
Most of us must experience and enjoy the GIFT of prophecy from time to time.
Those moments of clarity and light that are so infrequent, but so reassuring and uplifting.
But it seems to me that those who hold the OFFICE of prophet experience a very different world.
An experience that comes out of the darkness with an overwhelming sense of fear and dread.
There used to be and old black woman who wore strange African garb and pushed a cart around Milpitas.
She lived outdoors where I walked my dog Max, so I would see her fairly often.
One time she was looking pretty bad so I offered her some money, but she would not accept it.
The next time I saw her she looked a lot better so I asked how she was doing.
She started quoting scripture to me and condemning the government in no uncertain terms.
And her knowledge of scripture was quite profound.
From then on we were sort of “friends.”
I have not seen her for some time now, but I think some of her stuff is still under the bridge.
Where I walk Max every day there is something that looks like a little memorial of her things.
Hashem, Thou hast induced me, and I was induced; Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed; I am a laughingstock all day long, every one mocketh me. (Orthodox Jewish Bible)
induce- cause to happen, encourage
You fooled me, ADONAI; I have been your dupe. You overpowered me, and you have prevailed. All day long I’m a laughingstock; everyone makes fun of me. Whenever I speak, I have to cry out; I shout, “Violence!” and “Destruction!” Thus the word of ADONAI becomes for me the cause of reproach and derision all day! But if I say, “I won’t think about Him, I won’t speak in His name any more,” then it seems as though a fire is burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I wear myself out trying to hold it in, but I just can’t do it. (Online Jewish Bible)
I believe Rabbi Sha’ul felt this “fire” burning in his heart also. He had a passion to preach (or proclaim!)
“Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9.16) He had some good news to share and passionately desired to share the good news everywhere he went. (-usually resulting in either riot or revival!)
2 Kings 7 gives us another glimpse of this inner desire to share good news.. “Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent”.
(I’m not a preacher, neither do I play on tv)- but is there ever a “sermon” in this!- lol!
You have overcome cha·zak·ta·ni
be or grow firm or strong, strengthen
Original Word: חָזַק
Transliteration: chazaq
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-zak’)
Short Definition: aid
Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen
NASB Word Usage
adopted (2), applied (1), became (1), became mighty (1), became powerful (1), became strong (2), became…strong (1), been arrogant (1), captured (1), carried out repairs (12), caught (1), caught fast (1), caught hold (1), collected his strength (1), courageous (3), detained (1), devote (1), display great strength (1), display strength (1), encourage (4), encourage* (1), encouraged (2), encouraged* (3), encouragement (1), encourages (1), established himself securely (1), fasten (1), fastens (1), fierce (1), firm (2), firmly (2), firmly in his grasp (1), forces (1), fortified (1), gain ascendancy (1), gave him strong support (1), grasp (1), gripped (3), grow strong (1), harden (4), hardened (9), held (2), held them fast (1), help* (1), helped (1), hold (4), hold his own (1), hold fast (5), holding (3), holds fast (3), joining (1), laid hold (1), louder (1), made (1), made himself secure (1), made their harder (1), made repairs (12), made stronger (1), maintain (1), make (1), make an effort (1), making himself strong (1), overcome (1), persuaded (1), post a strong (1), prevailed (4), prevailed over (1), put (1), received strength (1), recovered (1), rely (1), repair (12), repaired (14), repairers (1), repairing (1), resist (1), resolutely (2), retain (1), retained (1), seize (4), seized (6), seizes (2), severe (5), show ourselves courageous (2), snaps shut (1), stands firmly (1), strengthen (12), strengthened (19), strengthening (1), strong (31), strong support (1), stronger (6), strongly support (1), support* (1), supported (1), sure (1), sustain (1), take (1), take courage (6), take courage and be courageous (1), take hold (7), taken (2), taken hold (1), takes (1), takes hold (2), tie your securely (1), took (2), took courage (2), took hold (5), upholds (1), urged* (1).
NAS Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries
Copyright © 1981, 1998 by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved Lockman.org
aid, amend, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain,
A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer — aid, amend, X calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand.
Skip’s final paragraph speaks to the charade parade of self-procaliming prophets of our current day. One of the marks would be the high lifestyle which appears to be quite out of order in view of the prophets of old who lived quite differently. I do not recall any of the OT prophets living like the kings and princes of their day. John the Baptist lived like a wild man and ate wild food. Look at the lives of the prophets and do a comparison then and now.
The office of prophet today is to proclaim that without repentance and holiness, no one will see YHWH. Yeshua waits to bring you into His Presence and the safety of belonging to the One who is merciful and compassionate, however, unless you obey and answer His call, there is no other way to see Him. Gifts are given and taken by YHWH and some prophets have more messages quantitatively speaking.
Who would ask for the burden that is given to the prophet; the pain and difficult circumstances? We do not relate Christianity to this view of life as a totally broken, worn down and lonely man/woman of God. The loneliness comes from realizing God has placed you in this position and ONLY He can lift the burden! JEREMIAH IS WRESTLING WITH GOD. All the true godly prophets wrestled with Him. This seems to be something that is greatly lacking today. We are burdened by our present circumstances, and maybe that is something YHWH places us in to get us where we need to be to become His prophets, proclaiming His message with the authority that comes through HIS authority to call the shots. A prophet/prophetess is not a position that is asked for, it is a commission by appointment. You can choose to accept or decline, but with what consequences?
Mary- this I know and this I will publicly allow- when your speak, I am “comforted.” “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people”- this is my calling (and yours) as well as Isaiah’s.
“The “gifts” and “calling” of G-d are without repentance. He has called us and He will not change His mind. His will “will” be done in our lives. “For it is G-d that “worketh” (24/7) in you, “both” to will and to do of His good pleasure. Our “job” (mission, etc.) is to co-operate with His program and to do His good pleasure- (or that which is pleasing in His sight).
I am typing these words with my left arm (my shaving, writing, throwing hand) in a sling. It is difficult to fly with one wing and difficult to row with one oar. “Productivity” has been slashed dramatically. I did, however, manage to “single-handedly” vacuum the house recently, but still am helpless to tie my shoes. I have been brought into a “low” place. “Hobbled and humbled.” loll!- And Mary, “it is good!” This I “yada.” (This isn’t my first rodeo!-lol!)
My pastor (maybe I am one of the few remaining “dinosaurs” who still attend “church”), said something Sunday morning that “did my heart good.” He said- “Don’t you dare name a building after me or hang my picture in the lobby.” -Wow! “Cool beans!” and “Amen!”
EGO- Edge G-d Out- and how the “spirit” of “Me-ism” runs rampant in this world today. We have to ask- What in the world is going on? Is this “me-ism” the mind of Christ? (“Only” the most “other-minded” adam ever to have lived) Such a “battle” between “Self” and the “Savior.” “He must increase, but I must decrease.” -One must go up, -and one must go down. “I” get to choose (today) which it will be. “Not “I,” but Christ” are foursquare words written by Paul, (whose former name was Saul). We also have been given a “new name.” – “Behold, I make all things new.”
We have been given (new) eyes to see, and ears to hear. G-d is (constantly) working in each of our lives to “conform” (a word of heat and pressure-hello?) us (that would be you and me), to the image of the Son. Is this “aliyah” we have been given an easy path? -“Remember”-His eye is on the sparrow. -“But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66.2) How many of today’s “prophets” qualify? and (lest I forget)- do I?
Brother Carl,
You prophesy here among us. Another definition of prophesy is to proclaim with exuberance! I often hear the ecstasy of His love through your writings. You are blessed with the gift brother, as are all His people who seek Him with all their heart. I hear the heart of our LORD through the voices of the redeemed. Blessing beyond measure!