On the Flight Deck
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’” Zechariah 8:23 NASB
The garment – I suppose the first thing to ask about this verse is, “When?” When will the nations come to the Jews and grab hold of them, asking to go with them? God tells Zechariah that this will happen, but it’s hard to imagine. Unless, of course, we know something else about this verse. Unless we know what a kanaph is. Kanaph is associated with the “wings” of a garment, the outer edges or corners of a cover. But it is also the word for the wings of a bird, the wings of cherubim and other heavenly beings, and metaphorically, God’s protective covering. Now perhaps we have a bit more insight on Yeshua’s comment about gathering Jerusalem under His wings.
Once we realize that there are significant allusions to heavenly protection in kanaph, we can ask, “What exactly are the ‘wings’ of a garment?” Our English translations simply gloss the word as “garment,” but kanaph is only about a specific part of the garment – that part that is attached to the corners. That means kanaph is tzitzit, the ritual knotted fringe worn on the edges of the tallit, the prayer shawl, that represent the Torah. These are the “corners” that the woman grabbed when she desired healing in the “wings” of Yeshua (Matthew 9). Zechariah’s word from YHWH doesn’t say that the men of the goyim (the Gentile nations) will simply rush to the Jews. YHWH says that the day is coming when the goyim will grasp the Torah and desire to live like righteous Jews. Why will they do this? Because they will see that God is with them.
It is my observation that all over the world men and women are discovering the life of Torah obedience. I do not believe this is an accident, nor do I believe it is being driven by some global movement or organization. I believe that God is gathering – and in the process, those who have been acquainted with His word are looking deeper, asking for more, desiring His presence. They are finding these things in the most unlikely of places, as far as the official “Church” is concerned. They are finding themselves attracted to the Jews, and in particular, to the sense of godliness among those who share an elected history with YHWH. I also believe that until the “Church” recognizes its tragic and idolatrous rejection of the unwavering and essential relationship between YHWH and Israel, it will remain a part of the problem rather than the solution. The Church in its commitment to replacement theology and its perspective on the abolition of the “Law,” does not realize that it needs to return to the God of Israel. Instead of advocating conversion of Jews to Christianity, Christians must become truly grafted into the commonwealth of Israel, not the Judaism of the 21st century but the Jewish faith of the 1st century, the faith of Yeshua HaMashiach.
Then we too will know the protection of His wings.
Topical Index: kanaph, wings, garment, tzitzit, Torah, Zechariah 8:23
Skip – Wow how true and brilliantly written. I have observed the same gathering by YHWH.
‘I believe that God is gathering – and in the process, those who have been acquainted with His word are looking deeper, asking for more, desiring His presence.’
I see the ones and two’s who listen, hear and obey – they want to return to the ancient path. I have referred some to your site because they are hungry and in the UK there is a dearth of places to go and receive ‘good food’. May we be glad and rejoice in what Yah is doing in these days of turmoil in the world. Psalm 134
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”(Matthew 23.37)
“May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (Ruth 2.12)
Yes, it is amazing indeed that the very G-d who is our G-d, the G-d of our salvation, the name which is above all names, the only name of salvation, is the very same G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We have firmly established the fact the we (the goy) are the adopted ones; adopted into the family of G-d and now, today, gladly bear the name: children of the Father, the sons and daughters of Elohim.
We also are heirs, joint-heirs with Christ. We have a family name, and “we have a priceless inheritance–an inheritance that is kept in heaven for us , pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” (1 Peter 1.4) Joint-heirs, ambassodors, priests.. we have quite an inheritance, -not to mention every prophecy and promise of G-d are all ours. All things that pertain unto life and godliness, up to and including- the mind of Christ. How do we know these things are true? “It is written.” Look in the book: “it’s in there!”
We (you and I) are today- “Ruth.” (honestly!). If you are cloudy and confused about your identity in Christ, read the love story found in the wonderful O.T. book of Ruth. Every name, (in true Hebrew fashion) has meaning and depth. For those who find themselves in less than stellar circumstances, read of Ruth’s humble beginnings, then continue to read of how Ruth was “discovered” and redeemed by Boaz, her Kinsman-Redeemer (her Go-el).
We (today) are Ruth. Whether Jew or non, those who are found “in Christ” are Ruth. Redeemed by Boaz is my identity and your identity in Christ. “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5.17) I have, you have, no “claim to fame” other than to be found “in Christ.” And either we is “in” or we is “out.” There are two classes of people on this planet, and it is not Jew or non, it is not male or female, it is “in” or “out.” Either you is a sheep or a goat. Either I is wheat or a tare. Something that looks alot like wheat, but is not the “real deal.” Who can tell the tale of the tares? I’m glad you asked. G-d only, knows.
We need to be worrying, (if there is any worrying that needs to be done) about that mug in the mirror. Do we or do we not “belong to Him?” Have we (I’m asking that guy) been adopted into the family? And how do we “enter in?” How do we begin? Where is the entrance, the door, the threshold we must cross? What was the conversation Yeshua had with Nicodemus? (in true Hebrew fashion- what was the meaning of the name Nicodemus?) Do we remember what Yeshua said unto Nick at night? (John chapter three).
Do they teach this at the synagogues? Is this proclaimed every Saturday? Shall we review these words? “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded/explained/interpreted/made clear unto them in all the Writings the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24.27)
Is this portion of the Writings read and explained? “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9) Who is this man? Who is the ONE who fulfilled this prophecy? Do we (whether Jew or non) know His name? and Who has been given a name which is above every name? Is this taught/proclaimed by the Rabbis (or the preachers) today?
Brother Skip is absolutely right. It is far past time we should start feeding ourselves. Could this be said of us? “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of heaven’s armies.” (Jeremiah 15.16) “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)
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 God! G-d made this sinless man be a sin offering on our behalf, so that in [blood-covenant] union with Him we might fully share in G-d’s righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 5.18-21)
Amen and Amen. Skip
Ron
I’m grateful no organization is spearheading a return to Torah. By setting-apart His calling outside of the church, our Father is kindly showing His children where we need to go to find Him. Some of us were given extra help when asked to leave the Church. For those of us who have left the church behind, it’s comforting to see that Zech 8:23 does NOT read “…‘In those days ten men from all the nations will cleave to the Church, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’
It is amazing to me that once the Word is seen in it’s context, the deception of church teaching loses it’s grip. The freedom found in the Word breaks the bondage of false teachers, whether the doctrines are false through “willful ignorance” or being a blind sheep.
A stubborn goat or a blind sheep…Messiah healed the blind…I don’t recall the healing of stubborn. Remember mercy, Abba.
My sheep hear my voice…..
…and they will not listen to another. Blessed is The Good Shepherd. (and the sheep):))