Beyond the Letters
And the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him out of the Tent of Meeting, saying, Leviticus 1:1 Hebrew World
And the Lord called – Hebrew is a structural language. What I mean is that each of the consonants are like the structural beams of a building. They communicate in more ways than simply phonetically. We are already familiar with the pictographic meanings of paleo-Hebrew but there is even more than this. Some letters in the Torah are enlarged. Some are reduced in size. Each of these variations provides yet another level of meaning. Unfortunately, no translation and even some printed Hebrew texts do not include these variations and therefore rob us of this level of God’s word.[1]
In this verse, the opening word, vayikra, should be spelled 
not 
Do you see the smaller aleph in the first Hebrew word (the aleph does not reach the same height as the letter next to it, the resh) but not in the second? This isn’t a mistake and those reproductions of the text that change the size of the letter (even on some Hebrew web sites) do so without considering the centuries of tradition behind the text itself.
So you will ask, “But who cares? It’s only a letter. The meaning is the same.” Really? Yes, the translated meaning is the same, namely, “and he called,” but look what the rabbis have to say about this deliberately smaller letter. [Click here]
Now does it matter? Does any translation capture this? Does any rendition of the Hebrew text that makes all the letters the same size carry this level of meaning? Makes you wonder if you really can read a structural language in any translation and actually understand all that it contains. And, by the way, this isn’t the only letter oddity in Scripture. If you want to read about some of the enlarged letters, look here.
What do we learn from this little technical introduction? Perhaps we learn that Hebrew communicates God’s character on many different levels in a way that no other language can. Perhaps we realize that God chose Hebrew on purpose. Perhaps that raises another question. Why Greek? Greek doesn’t share any of these structural elements. Greek is a phonetic language like English or Spanish or Afrikaans. Do you think that God can communicate in any language He chooses? Or do you now realize that almost all other languages are not equipped to carry the whole message?
Topical Index: language, Hebrew, letters, Leviticus 1:1
[1] For example, Jay Green’s Hebrew text in The Interlinear Hebrew-Aramaic Old Testament retains the correct letters but A Reader’s Hebrew Bible (Zondervan) does not. Perhaps the Christian publisher didn’t think it was necessary. The JPS Torah commentary correctly notes the diminutive aleph, but the Hebrew World publication does not. One more thing to check on, right?
CALENDAR UPDATE: Coming to the conference in Missouri in May. CLICK HERE to see the updated contact information.
Oh, how I wish I had learned the Hebrew language way, way earlier in life.
It’s like walking past a gold mine only seeing the dark entrance not knowing
the sparkly stuff waiting past the place where your eyes adjust to the dim light.
Once adjusted, my, my, what is there to see!
And to think, this has been here all along while I wasted away in Margaritaville!
Hellow Michael.I agree we have missed out on a lot of teaching.Thankfully its never to late.I love the analogy of the clear glass by the sages.The torah will chase the the person who will deliver it with a clear glass.My glass is still a little fudgy,(to many finger prints)something I need to work on.I think I will have to be more like Moses.(Who am I that you should send me)This comes from a man who was second to Pharaoh.I used to look at this as a negative(scared)but I now see this as a man being humble.The light or torah can only shine through a glass like this,nice and clear.Enter at one end and exit out the outher without being altered by personal smudges.Moses made himself nothing, thus he delivered the torah without altering it.(Boy this so cant be said about the church).
Hi Brian,
Yep. It’s a struggle for me at my age to pick up a new language. But I’m trying. I’ve taken one formal class so far.
It’s a beginning. I’ve become much more aware of the nature of the Hebrew language now that I am just not
satisfied reading one translation and I’m always thinking about what the underlying Hebrew language or Hebrew
thought it. It really changes things giving my understanding so much more depth.
I’ve gathered quite a few resources that I’m attempting to learn how to use. It’s daunting at times, be eventually I
find some golden nuggets of insight and truth that makes it all worth it.
I guess that is why I am so drawn to Skip’s approach. I really eat it all up. But in the end, it’s still all about making it
happen in my life. My glass is pretty cloudy as well. Learning how to step in to a worthiness of Him isn’t a bad thing.
It’s really a delight moving toward and closer to reflecting his ways rather than mine. Yes, there are plenty of failures but
he is my biggest and most faithful encourager and life giver.
I’ve taken up working with my photographer son joining my daughter in developing a wedding film business in conjunction
with his photography. It’s daunting as well. Learning the right equipment to get and then learning how to use it. You can
have the best equipment (knowledge) but you still have to implement it (do and create) good stuff to make it fulfilling and
profitable.
I’ve compared it to gathering knowledge of Yeshua and actually doing what he says. Knowing something doesn’t translate
until you do it. Same with our filming. Having and knowing about the equipment is a long way from making something of value
with it. Anyone can pick up a camera and take a picture. Artists don’t settle until they create a story, a photograph or a film
as opposed to a picture, a video or a collection of moving scenes.
Just for fun, here is our first collaborate wedding film we made. It’s short, but it has an awful lot of work put in to it.
https://vimeo.com/80941709
I’m still learning how to take the mechanical Hebrew and Greek words and dig out, discover, and cherish the valuable truths and
insights they contain. It’s very strenuous. But in the end, it tastes sooooooooooo good.
And I agree with your ‘about the church’ statement. Unfortunately.
I can empathize with trying to learn Hebrew. I took a class at a local synagogue – it was free except for some books. It really helped, but now I am still stuck in the “I-know-just-enough-Hebrew-to-be-dangerous” stage. I am still getting a feel for exactly where the line is between interpreting deeper meanings and relationships, but not contriving meanings.
I’d like to start committing the Torah to memory, or at least large portions — however, I now I want to commit it to memory in Hebrew! Alas, and I used to be so satisfied with the NKJV. And of course, there is the pesky problem of actually practicing what has been learned. Several times during this past year or two I have thought, “I need to stop reading and pick a few things to actually practice!”. There are actions that would benefit and show love to my family — but my favorite escape has been to hover over my screens and books,… while dinner still needs to be made and while the dishes continue to need washed.
BTW, I watched the wedding video. Excellent work! I’d definitely say the artistic expression is there. I really liked the minister’s words being sprinkled in throughout.
Gabe,
We’ve got to be brothers separated at birth because I’m right there with you in everything you said. That’s me to a “T,” especially the ‘just enough to be dangerous’ part!
Thanks for sharing that and the film complement.
Glad I’m not alone on all this, I hope we can both find our way to some sort of maturity.
There are certain things I am drawn to in Torah – such as wearing tzitzit – but I hesitate to raise the “I-follow-Torah-flag” by wearing them, because I don’t want to be a false witness. I know I’d have to answer a lot of Judiazer accusations, and in some ways it feels like putting the cart before the horse with my all my bad habits.
I guess I should hearken to the general command against fear,…. but I FEAR the situation where I have just advocated Torah, I’m wearing my tzitzit (for example) – and then my unruly tongue strikes out in lashon hara or coarse joking. Arggghhh, one more pretender!
I was given tzitzit from my son and his wife. I love wearing them. Funny how they bring a lasso around your heart and remind you of what should be going on as far as your walk is concerned. This admission of wearing them as a woman can stir up a whole big discussion in itself but to get back to the way I feel when I wear them it is a real reminder, don’t hesitate! I say that and yet I still do especially when I know I am not!, walking in obedience to Sabbath or other times. I won’t put them on. Shame shame on me , we always know when we sin, there is no getting around it.
IMO, tzitzit say, “I am under the banner of Torah,” not “I follow Torah perfectly.” They are a witness to the community who understands their significance, but like most brands, they don’t mean anything at all to those who don’t know what they mean. And in some cases I am sure they cause people to shut off their hearing because, as you say, they bring out the worst of the Judaizer arguments. As always, choice is the real issue, isn’t it?
BEYOND WORDS.
God’s light is beyond words.
But we know it when we “see” it.
God’s love is beyond description.
But we know it when we are embued with it.
God’s truth, however, is not beyond us.
The Scriptures tell us we have the mind of Christ.
That mind is spiritual.
The truth is spiritual, and thus only a spiritual mind can
understand it. Who has that mind?
“to those who believe in His name: who were born,
not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will
of man, but of God.” Jn 1: 12-13
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they
follow me.” Jn 10: 27
God’s voice is heard . . . spiritually. Those who hear . . . follow.
And His Word?
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only
begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jn 1:14
And the Word spoke to man eye-ball to eye-ball. He spoke
spiritually.
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.
The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” Jn 6: 63
Jesus’ spoken words to us are spirit and life. Words that only
spiritual ears can hear.
After His resurrection, Jesus spoke eye-ball to eye-ball to
his disciples. “So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you!
As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He
said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive
the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven
them;if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Jn 20: 21-23
The mind of Christ was the fully formed in them as they received
the Holy Spirit and fully understood His directive to share the gospel
of the forgiveness of sins that only God can provide, as they themselves
had also amply received.
“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mk 4: 23
Skip,
I appreciate the links to the two articles on the diminutive alef. I found Avraham Cohen’s article quiet charming. In our world of egotistical maniacs, its refreshing to be reminded about what made Moshe so so great – his wonderful humility.
Also in this world of ours we find the expression “the devil is in the details”. Then in the Tanakh, we find God showing us things and teaching us even in the size of the Hebrew letters and in the jots and tittles!
Skip, I really enjoy your insights. Question, does your lecture on Money, Sex and Power talk about tithing. If it does, I will order the lectures, if not, please give me your views on tithing
Bob
You ask too much for a blog response. So I’ll be a good rabbi and tell you to go do some research. I have written on tithing many times. Look on the web site. Then, after you have worked a bit, ask a question not covered in the material. And yes, the “money” part of Money, Sex and Power does speak about tithing, but it is not the emphasis of the lecture. The emphasis is on what money means and what it does.
After being introduced to the writings of several rabbi’s, I’ve been drawn in to their thoughts in many ways. For a while I struggled to place them as to authority, validity and worth. So much of the volume is so radically different thought wise, yet it weirdly has a quite familiar feeling in many ways.
I’m struck with the intensity of their logic, thinking and reasoning over the many subjects of their words. Most, if not all, easily dominate most of the usual authors I was comfortable with in regard to the sheer mastering of the subjects. There is a seriousness and focused approach to their writings that certainly lands in a superior position in my mind. Superior in that it is more than simple theology or doctrines, it is a road to and for life down to the smallest of details.
They are not afraid, it seems to me, to blast away in deep study and evoke sound, solid and structured responses to the words of God. It is no mere casual thought or glance at the holy words, rather, intensified magnification and crisp analysis. Rightly or wrongly understood, their answers consistently appear well thought out, thoroughly shaken for all meaning, and fully embraced once conclusions are ascertained.
To date, I have come to revere the many writings of the rabbi’s I’ve come across. Sometimes I have difficulty understanding how they have arrived at a certain conclusion and sometimes I struggle with the path of reasoning they have travelled in their explanation. I eventually “get there” somehow.
The one overriding statement I can make is that I have come to cherish the heart, intensity and love they have for the holy writings demonstrated in the volumes of commentary they’ve written. It is on the same level that I cherish and long to read Skip’s offerings each day. I think I truly understand most of it. But even if I don’t, I have learned from the thought patterns and word mastery Skip has shared. Just reading his stuff and the stuff of these rabbi’s help sharpen my mind, condition my thoughts, and mold my heart toward God. For that I am very grateful and appreciative.
I hope to increase my giving to Skip’s ministry this year over last. If I gave a million dollars, I don’t really think it would equal the value I’ve received thus far.
In concluding, I have come to value both letters and words of the original languages the holy writings come to me in. Opening the doors to understanding both the Greek and especially the Hebrew has consistently boggled my mind of the vastness of depth God has to communicate to us. It’s amazing how dense, rich and full I’m beginning to see the Hebrew language. It is quite easily a miracle language in many ways.
Thanks, Skip, for letting us watch and learn how you unwrap the mysteries of his words. Amazing. Awe-some.
And the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him out of the Tent of Meeting, saying, (Leviticus 1:1)
It was..
the LORD.. (not Lord) NIV
the LORD.. (not Lord) NLT
the LORD.. (not Lord) ESV
the LORD.. (not Lord) NASV
-etc..
This is not “a” lord, this is YHVH or Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel. It was God (not a god) that spoke unto Moses. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is speaking to a man, the man.. -Moses-(from masheh- “to draw,” – Exodus 2.10 – “because I have drawn him out of the water.”)
God seeks and speaks to “an adamah,” ( a man). This is not the first time, -neither is it the last. Has God (YHVH) spoken to and with an “adam” before? Yes? No?
When God speaks, -(mildly put)- “life-change occurs.” Elementary, but critical,- How did God create this green planet upon which we now live and breath? Yes, -by speaking. God spoke and -’voila’- and..? “it was good!”
The very same God who once spoke, still speaks..
~ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets..,
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they.
For unto which of the angels said He at any time, You are my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a son?
And again, when He brings in the first-begotten into the world, He says , “and let all the angels of God worship Him.”
And of the angels He says, Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire.
But unto the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom.”
You hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
And, Your, LORD, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Your hands:
They shall perish; but You remain; and they all shall wax old as does a garment; and as a vesture shall You fold them up, and they shall be changed: but You are the same, and your years shall not fail.
But to which of the angels said He at any time, “Sit on My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?”
~ For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things.. ~ Amen.
~ and the Word became flesh.. ~
And the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him out of the Tent of Meeting, saying, (Leviticus 1:1)
It was..
the LORD.. (not Lord) NIV
the LORD.. (not Lord) NLT
the LORD.. (not Lord) ESV
the LORD.. (not Lord) NASV
-etc..
This is not “a” lord, this is YHVH or Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel. It was God (not a god) that spoke unto Moses. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is speaking to a man, the man.. -Moses-(from masheh- “to draw,” – Exodus 2.10 – “because I have drawn him out of the water.”)
God seeks and speaks to “an adamah,” ( a man). This is not the first time, -neither is it the last. Has God (YHVH) spoken to and with an “adam” before? Yes? No?
When God speaks, -(mildly put)- “life-change occurs.” Elementary, but critical,- How did God create this green planet upon which we now live and breath? Yes, -by speaking. God spoke and -’voila’- and..? “it was good!”
The very same God who once spoke, still speaks..
~ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets..,
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they.
For unto which of the angels said He at any time, You are my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a son?
And again, when He brings in the first-begotten into the world, He says , “and let all the angels of God worship Him.”
And of the angels He says, Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire.
But unto the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom.”
You hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
And, Your, LORD, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Your hands:
They shall perish; but You remain; and they all shall wax old as does a garment; and as a vesture shall You fold them up, and they shall be changed: but You are the same, and your years shall not fail.
But to which of the angels said He at any time, “Sit on My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?”
~ For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things.. ~ Amen.
~ and the Word became flesh.. ~
The God Who Speaks
January 9, 2014 at 9:30am
And the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him out of the Tent of Meeting, saying, (Leviticus 1:1)
It was..
the LORD.. (not Lord) NIV
the LORD.. (not Lord) NLT
the LORD.. (not Lord) ESV
the LORD.. (not Lord) NASV
-etc..
This is not “a” lord, this is YHVH or Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel. It was God (not a god) that spoke unto Moses. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is speaking to a man, the man.. -Moses-(from masheh- “to draw,” – Exodus 2.10 – “because I have drawn him out of the water.”)
God seeks and speaks to “an adamah,” ( a man). This is not the first time, -neither is it the last. Has God (YHVH) spoken to and with an “adam” before? Yes? No?
When God speaks, -(mildly put)- “life-change occurs.” Elementary, but critical,- How did God create this green planet upon which we now live and breath? Yes, -by speaking. God spoke and -’voila’- and..? “it was good!”
The very same God who once spoke, still speaks..
~ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets..,
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they.
For unto which of the angels said He at any time, You are my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a son?
And again, when He brings in the first-begotten into the world, He says , “and let all the angels of God worship Him.”
And of the angels He says, Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire.
But unto the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom.”
You hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
And, Your, LORD, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Your hands:
They shall perish; but You remain; and they all shall wax old as does a garment; and as a vesture shall You fold them up, and they shall be changed: but You are the same, and your years shall not fail.
But to which of the angels said He at any time, “Sit on My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?”
~ For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things.. ~ Amen.
~ and the Word became flesh.. ~
Carl, I think your comment was repeated several times. With your permission, I will edit it to one occurrence. If you meant to repeat it, just let me know.
Skip